Guest Room

"Charles saw Thomas walking in the room. He was just wondering where his son in law was and smiled at him"

Thomas! I'm so glad to see you. Welcome to Suffolk. Please, come in...

"He exclaimed smiling"

Thomas walked into the room and saw his father-in-law who was greeting him. "Your grace! It's been long time since I've seen you! I have a gift for you" said Thomas. His servant entered the room with a barrel of wine. "It's wine from Bordeaux! The best wine in all France!" declared Thomas.

"Charles took the bottle in his hand smiling widely"

That's a very nice gift, Thomas! Thank you...surely Victoria told you that I love good wine. Would you join me for a goblet of this wine? I can't wait to taste it...

"He said motioning his hand towards the sofa"

"Of course! I enjoy having the pleasure to have a talk with your grace... and to have the pleasure to drink good wine too" laughed Thomas and sat on the sofa.

"Charles opened the bottle and poured two goblets of wine. Then he reached Thomas on the sofa"

Thank you for being here, Thomas. I know you were in France. Tell me...is everything alright with your businesses there?

"He took a sip from wine"

Uhm...it's excellent, indeed!

"Everything is going well. In my observations, the french king is willing to accept Anne Boleyn as the new queen." said Thomas and took a sip of the french wine.

"Charles raised an eybrow shrugging a bit"

Well...I'm not surprised, Thomas. He is Henry's cousin. Anne Boleyn will finally get her target. And she is also the reason for why I'm here...

"He replied with annoyed voice and took another sip from wine"

Faith walks slowly walks into the room.

"Charles stood up as he saw his sister entering the room"

Ehm...Thomas, may I introduce you my half sister? Lady Faith LeBeau. Faith, he is Lord Thomas Ward, my son in law...

"He said smiling"

"Your Grace. Brother."

She said with a curtsies.

"It is my pleasure to meet you, my lady" said Thomas and bowed.

"And you your Grace."

She said with a smile.

"You can have a glass of Bordeaux wine with us, my lady. Of course, if his grace doesn't mind" said Thomas and smiled warmly.

"Charles smiled"

Of course I don't mind...

"He said simply. Then poured another goblet of wine and handed it to Faith"

She smiled as she took the glass of wine.

"Thank you."

She said walking to the window looking out at the view.

"The pleasure will be ours" said Thomas and smiled softly to the lady.
"Your grace, you said you were here because of the lady Anne. Has something bad happened?" asked Thomas, approaching the duke.

"Charles sighed before taking a sip from wine"

I tried to convince the King not to marry Anne Boleyn, Thomas. And obviously he didn't appreciate that...

"He replied, shrugging"

"Oh, I am really sorry to hear that you are not allowed to be at court, my lord. Surely the king will change his mind soon enough. After all, you are his Majesty's best subject" said Thomas and took a sip of wine. "You don't like the lady Anne very much, do you?"

"Charles raised his eyebrow and shrugged again"

I don't like Boleyn family, actually. Their target is to get the power, that's why they seduced the King using Anne. But His Majesty is too much in love with her to see that, Thomas...

"He answered, looking at him. After all, everyone at court knew his opinion about Anne Boleyn"

"I have never had the chance to meet any member of this notorious family, therefore I don't know what opinion I shall have for them. Despite the fact that I trust your grace with all my heart I cannot let myself think disrespectfully of the Boleyns at this stage." said Thomas. "Don't get me wrong,my lord. I am a humble man who loves peace and tranquility above all things. I prefer staying away from these kind of arguments" concluded Thomas.

"Charles nodded slowly, looking at him"

Yes...this is the better choice, Thomas. But as you know, I'm King's best friend. So...it's difficult to think to stay away from his...matters. But in spite of everything, I don't regret what I did. The King is also my friend, I was his brother in law once, and it's my duty warning him...

"He replied, holding his glass in his hands"

"Of course, your grace! As his majesty's friend, you must always warn him about others. It's your duty" said Thomas and drank from his cup.

"Charles patted softly his shoulder"

Let's stop talking about myself. Are you happy with my daughter? You must be very proud of your little girls...

"Indeed I am! They are wonderful lovely ladies. I am sure they will be as beautiful and as gracious as their mother. They do love their grandfather very much" said Thomas and smiled.

"Charles smiled"

And I'm very proud of them. I know that you're a busy man. But Victoria knows that you love her. Even if sometimes she complains for your absence...

"He admitted, still keeping his smile"