Wolsey's reception room

While lady Elizabeth leaves the room, Wolsey sits down again and rubs his eyebrows. He hears some noise at the door but a familiair voice makes him look up in surprise.
A warm smile appears on his face and he makes his way quickly to the new arrived lady, his arms open in an inviting gesture.

'Well, well, Your Majesty, Queen of Alderia! Welcome, how good to see you again, please enter, the lady was just leaving.'

He takes one of her hands and kisses it softly, then let her sit down and gestures a servant to put a chair next to hers instead of taking his place at the other side of the desk.

'Have you just arrived, Queen White? But before we start talking, can I offer you something to drink?'

She smiles when Thomas invites her to come in, walks towards him and hugs him tightely 'Your eminence' she says and sits down in Cardinal's place 'Oh, thankyou. Yes I've arrived this afternoon, I wanted to see my friends, specially you and your lovely Joan , and Anne Boleyn ofcourse' she smiles friendly 'I've missed you all so much, then I accepted the invitation to come to England...somthing to drink? A glass of ed wine would be perfect' she talks while she accommodates her long blonde hair
'And please your eminence, call me White' smiling warmly

´Wine for you... White.´ he smiles warmly while the servant serves the wine.
He hands her the glass but shakes his head as the servant wants to pour wine in his glass, too.
'No, fruit juice for me, please... I don't drink wine when I am in my reception room.' he tells White.

'So... you have just arrived, Joan will be excited and happy to see you again, perhaps we can have dinner together, tonight?' he smiles but then his face darkens.

'I'm afraid you came in a tumultuous time, dear White... the trial between the king and queen is about to begin and that's the reason you will not find lady Anne at court, she is back to Hever for the time being, awaiting the outcome. And I must excuse myself, I don't have much time either, but Joan will be very pleased with your company... she will be alone for most of the time.'

'Oh thankyou' She smiles at him and also at the servant, she smells and tastes the red wine 'English wine is so good, frenchs have to know that' and then giggles. When he talsk her he doesn't drink wine in his reception room she nods and smiles 'A reasonable choice my dear Wolsey'.

'Yes I'd love to have dinner tonight with you both...If you can ofcourse...I'm also so happy to see your wife, I've brought some presents for her, and for uyou too my darling, but more for her, you know , women's things' she smiles warmly 'dresses, shoes, perfumes...

'Oh, then I can understand it is a tumultous time my dearest friend' sips wine and closes her eyes, keeps them closed for a moment and then opens them and looks into your eyes tenderly 'thankyou my darling, then I'll visit my dearest friend Anne there, I also miss her...and don't forget to tell your beloved Joan that I'll have tea with her soon' smiles at him and rubs his hands in affection

He smiles a little and raises an eyebrow at her words about English wine.
'Well, I must admit you are drinking a French wine right now... to be honest, English wine is not the best in my opinion. My good friend king Francis sends me wine on regular basis, he knows I enjoy a good French wine.'

When she speaks about the presents she brought with her, he smiles happily.
'You always surprise us, White, you are a true friend and I am certain Joan will be very happy, she loves presents, though she loves your company more! Please, come tonight, tomorrow the trial starts and I am not sure if I will be in time for dinner, then, but tonight I am at home.'

He feels a little uncomfortable though he knows she is a spontaneous and affectuous lady and when she rubs his hands, he taps her hand friendly and then pulls back his hand, still smiling.
'Of course, I will tell Joan, but when you come tonight, you can tell her yourself. But please, tell me about Alderia, is everything fine in your country?'

when he talks about wine she surprises and chuckles 'Oh really? That silly Francis told me he would send me wine too but he didn't. I'll write a letter scolding him' she laughs and sips more wine.

'Ofcourse I will have dinner with you both tonight, is a pleasure for me having such wonderful friends. Your wonderful wife really loves you, your love is so beautiful my dearest Wolsey'

She doesn't notices he was feeling uncomfortable. When he asks her about Alderia she starts to talk quickly and smiling 'Luckily everything is fine my dearest friend! The help King Henry sends us is so good for our security. And now I also have my husband's kingdom security. Oh my friend I'm so happy to have him, he's so wonderful' she talks smiling and her eyes bright like a little girl's eyes 'Now I'm here because he's helping his brother with a treatment he has to do between his kingdom and another one, but he promised me to giv me a heir to our trone' she talks happily

He smiles indulgent.
'Ahh... well, sometimes our friend Francis could use a reminder, indeed...'

When she speaks about Joan and him he blushes slightly, no one ever speaks to him about Joan and he feels warm inside because he knows she is a true friend to her.
'We are still very happy together, dear White, and we are grateful for each day we love eachother...'

He listens to her with attention and smiles as she mentions king Henry's help.
'King Henry supports every country who deserves his help, like yours. You have done a great job on your own and I am so happy for you that you found love as well, though Joan and I still regret we were not able to attend on your wedding day.'

'Oh don't worry, I'll write to that crazy king' She giggles and shakes her head 'he's a good friend'.

'I know you both are happy my dearest friend, you both deserve happiness more than anyone in this world, and I can't wait for tonight, your wife is the best cook in the Earth' she talks rubbing her belly and sipping the red wine 'I think I'm hungry now' she jokes.
'Oh Henry helps us because he's a good friend too, I hope he can get married with my sweet Anne and have lots of red hair children'.
'And don't worry my dear Thomas, I know you'd like to come to my wedding, I also wanted to share my happiness with you both, but don't worry, you can come to see me and my Legolan when this mess will end'

'O yes, Francis is a good friend indeed and I am certain he will send you his favorite wines, too!' He smiles.

'And my Joan is the best cook ever, though normally when we receive visitors our personal cook prepares the dinner, I want Joan to enjoy company instead of tiring herself in the kitchen. But I will ask her to bake you one of her great pies, she will make it with pleasure.'

He smiles weakly at her words about Henry and Anne and their red-haired children.
'Well... let us hope he will finally get his desired heir to the throne...'

Smiling brightly he nods approvingly when she invites them to her country.
'I would love to visit your country and meet your Legolan... as well as Joan, who has never been abroad at all.'

'I hope he send me it' *She jokes like angry and sips the rest of the wine in her glass

'Oh yes, I understand, but I'm sure she's always doing some house chores, and you can't stop her to cook for you or clean somethin' she giggles 'that woman is a completely example of life' rubs her belly again 'mmm one of Joans's pies, please I want one ' giggles again.

'Listen to me my dearest friend, I'm sure she will give me the best heir a king can wish, their love will bring England a wonderful ruler' she smiles softly

'Well, my kingdom is not too far away, you know is next to England and is very small but we'd love to recieve you both at home, it would be the ebst reception ever, I promise'

He looks at her while she drinks the wine, he'd love to have one too but instead he drinks his orange juice.
'Ooo he will, or I will remind him myself... and I will give you some of my own stock, to begin with, dear White!'

He smiles indulgent at her words about Joan.
'Well.... you know her, she likes to work instead of just waiting for me.' he chuckles and adds seriously.
'She makes our own quarters like a heaven on earth, so when I stop working and go to our private rooms, I can relax. Our servants know that when we are together, we don't need them around and they stay away and give us our needed privacy, even though they are always in the neighbourhood if necessary... '

Raising an eyebrow he answers her seriously.
'I hope so, my friend, I really hope so... Henry deserves the best heir to his throne! '

He shrugs and sigh a little.
'I know it's not that far, but my last travel was to France just a year ago. Henry needs me here, even after the trial I suppose, but if possible, we will visit you and look forward to it! '

'Oh don't worry for the wine my dear Wolsey' she smiles like saying thanks

'Yes , I know my dearest friend, your wife is so wonderful' she smiles thinking about her dearest friend Joan, and then also thinks if she would have friends at court, ladies to talk and laugh with, but she knows Joan is happy with her husband and doesn't need false ladies trying to act like friends, however Joan deserves true friendship and she really loves and admires her.

'Dobn't worry my dearest Wolsey, you can visit us after all this mess had finish, when Henry and Anne will be happily married and we will be really happy to ahve you in Alderia' smiles sincerely

'Just consider it done, lady White.' he smiles radiantly.

'She is indeed... and I can't live without her.' he summarizes simply, thinking how natural it feels to talk about Joan to their friend. If only Joan had a friend like her in her neighbourhood... her life should be filled with laughter and pleasure, with lots of nice friends around her, instead of only him. He sigh and shakes his head. He has stopped to argue with Joan about this, it is the one point of disagreement between them and she will not listen because the only solution to this would be leaving him again and nor Joan nor he wants that ever to happen again. He smiles weakly and rubs his chin.

'I am sure the moment will come for Joan and me to visit you, my dear White... but for now, I look forward to our dinner tonight, I can't wait to inform Joan that you have arrived, she will be thrilled!'

'Oh, then go to tell her my dearest friend, I'll go to take a bath and then to visit my dearest friend Anne' she stands up and smooths her dress' skirt with her hands, shakes her hand with his and smiles warmly

'Please send a servant to my chambers to tell me when you both will be ready for dinner my friend, then he can help me with Joan's presents and yours too...your bless you eminence' she bows

´I will, White´ He stands up too and as she shakes his hand, he brings her hand to his lips and kisses it gently.
He walks with her to the door and opens it himself.
´Untill tonight, then, and bless you too, dear friend.´ As she leaves, he whispers some words to a servant and he also leaves the room.

´Untill tonight my wonderful friend' she leaves the room and two of her maids joins her outside the room, while she walks towards her host chambers

The gentle pad of The Princess Mary's footsteps on the cold wooden floor were muffled by the noise of courtiers gossiping and the pluck of strings ,among other instruments, drift from The Great Hall.

She avoided all courtiers and anyone who may be associated with her household. As she navigated her way through the draughty castle her stomach tightened into a knot and her delicate hands which clutched her skirts became lined with a layer of sweat.

She knew what she done was impetuous and dangerous-without any doubt she will be chided by Her governess…perhaps even The Cardinal himself but never the less she was a child. A child who ached to see Her father and speak with him-regardless of titles and tradition.

As she approached The Cardinal's rooms she noticed the guards at the door exchange a surprised glance-forgetting that they should bow. Eventually as she came closer they bowed their heads.

The Princess looked at them expectantly and they soon scuttled into the room-whispering desperately to one another. The door gave a satisfying thud behind them. Mary tugged on her tight stomacher and adjusted the heavy hood on her head which concealed her long hair-she felt so constrained.

Meanwhile in The Cardinal's rooms after much deliberation between the pair, one guard had said he would announce The Princess for the price of two sovereigns. The other obliged knowing that The Cardinal could have an…unfortunate reaction and the messenger would be punished.

"Your Eminence…Her Royal Highness…The Princess Mary. She has come…"one spoke nervously, his eyes firmly on the ground.

Wolsey sat behind his desk, which was filled with papers and parchments. He read while waiting for visitors, even though Henry wanted him only to be occupied with his `great matter´, he continued his daily tasks as much as possible. He looked up in surprise as one of the guards entered and nervously announced the Princess Mary and stood up at once.

´Well.... don´t let her wait, show her in!´ He held his breath while she entered, even though he was her Godfather and had a great hand in her education, he did not meet her that often.
Last time he saw her was at the New Year´s Celebration, he remembered she had made a good and gracious impression then to everyone, the king himself included.

He approached her, smiling warmly and bowed deeply.
´Your Higness, such an honor you come to visit me! Please, have a seat, can I offer you a drink, I have some fine orange juice...´ While he talked to her he blinked his eyes, noticing she was all alone.
´Your Highness.... my child, are you here by yourself? Where is your governess?'

As the doors opened light flooded down on Mary, the white light poured down on her face and illuminated the porcelain skin which rarely saw daylight. The only time she really saw the rays of the sun was from her room-through the draughty glass window.

A flush of colour rushed to her cheeks-so rare on the young face which was more used to the pale alabaster tone. Finally The Princess Mary entered the room, her little heels clinked on the cold floor,"Your Eminence,"she breathed as she curtsied. She decided to kneel for fear of falling over or loosing her balance-she still could not curtsey as graceful as the older ladies in court.

As he remarks on how she is without a companion or chaperone, she hastily whispers"Lady Bryan is in my chambers-I will shortly return to my studies,"she tried to lighten her tone. Regardless of how bright and intelligent she was, Mary felt suppressed and the endless studying was no longer a pleasure. She added quickly,"Which I thank my tutor and my father, His Gracious Majesty for providing me everyday. I know I receive the education of a prince...far beyond my deserving."

As she still kneeled she replied,"No thank you, Your Eminence. I come only to ask Your Eminences learned opinion...which I trust and value..."

He looks in surprise at her bowed head and takes gently her hand to make her rise.
'I know you study hard, your highness, you deserve to get the best education possible!'

He tries not to frown at her words and smiles warmly at her, wondering what she wants from him. It has to be of high importance to her, she even escaped the attention of lady Bryan in order to come here. He smiles at himself for so much boldness, though he also feels concerned about the risks she has taken to come here all by herself and the reasons for her arrival.

'So.... lady Bryan doesn't know where you are right now, am I wrong?" He wants to add that she knows very well that she is not allowed to go anywhere on her own, but he stops himself as he notices her unnatural pale face underneath the blushes of tension and he just nods.

'Well.... since you are here now, please, sit down, and tell me what I can do for you.'

Mary nervously took The Cardinal's hand but continued to look down-feeling more nervous than before. As she glanced up she noticed the expression on his face-she knew she should not have come now. That look he gave her was a familiar one-the look of shock, worry and disapproval. This same expression her tutor, household and the Lady Bryan wore every day.

When she excelled in music and Latin-her tutor gave her the same shocked look. When she danced around her room and skipped down the great winding stairs in court-her household gave her the same worried look. When she dared to utter a word the Lady Bryan scowled at her,"Princesses should remain silent,"she would say,"Before they are married they have no opinions and when they are married they have their husbands to have opinions for them." Mary squirmed remembering her words...

"The Lady Bryan left me in gardens with Mistress Cordelia..."Mary tried to recall her last name but she did not remember,"I ask your forgiveness for coming alone and without an adult. It was wrong of me and inconsiderate but there is something that bothers me. Your Eminence I hoped you may be able to aid."

She curtsied a little as he offered her a seat. She climbed onto the seat, her small feet dangled from the chair...
"Your Eminence-earlier today I was permitted to walk in the gardens. Upon my arrival I saw a young girl who I began to converse with. She said some peculiar things,"Mary paused not wanting to speak to frankly,"Mistress Cordelia told me that my mother-Her Gracious Majesty The Queen-wrote her...often, cared for her and invited her to court. She spoke of being...my family. I....Your Eminence I was troubled by her words-they made me not at ease. I hoped Your Eminence may be so kind and in your ever goodness tell me what she meant."

His eyes still on her pale face while she talked, he gestured a servant to come closer and whispered in his ear.
´Send a message to the Lady Brian that her pupil is visiting me, her Godfather...´ he looked him in the eyes to make sure he understood. '.... on my demand and that I personally take care of her safe return!´
He waited untill the servant had left the room and smiled faintly.
'... you should not have come by yourself, you are aware of that! However you will not have problems, because the Lady Bryan will think I called you here. Promise me though that you never go anywhere on your own again!'

While he listened at her his smile froze on his face and he had to make every effort to keep smiling reassuringly. Cordelia! Of course she would meet the young Mary once and not act modest... he sighed inaudible. Sooner or later Mary would find out about her, but not like this!

He stared at her while she climbed the seat and ordened his mind. It was not for him to tell her about her father's liaisons.... but obviously no one else told her anything. He bited his lips, then smiled again.

'Your Highness, you are right, she is kind of... family indeed. But perhaps you'd better ask your mother about her, in view of the fact she cared for her, as you just told me.'

Mary looked down, her dainty fingers tugged on her stomacher-her maid had tied it too tight...again. It was always the same in the mornings after breakfast her maids would scuttle around her, tugging and pulling on the ties of her pretty dresses of damask and satin. Her meals would sit in her throat as a result and only by the afternoon would she be able to move without discomfort.

As she struggled for a breath she glanced up at The Cardinal as he addressed her,"I know this and pray Your Eminence may forgive me,"as he assured her that he would vouch for her she smiled weakly-greatful for his kind gesture,"I thank Your Eminence-your actions are too kind and I feel unworthy."


Mary noticed The Cardinal Wolsey's change in expression when she spoke of Cordelia. She suppressed a smile-she too wore this expression when she thought of Cordelia. She was pleasant enough though strange. She sighed heavily when he said she should speak to her mother.

"I understand, Your Eminence...I only thought you may know why. Is Mistress Cordelia a cousin...perhaps an aunt?"

He smiled widely when he noticed a weak smile on her too serious face.
´Your Highness, we are here on earth to help eachother, aren´t we? And a Princess, especially the Princess of Wales is never unworthy!'

As she insisted her question about Cordelia he shook his head slowly.
'No, not a cousin and no, not an aunt, too!' He poured fruit juice into a glass himself and offered her one.

'Please, just taste a little of this delicious juice, it is said to be very good for the health!'
He sat down himself and observed her for a little while, his fingertips together.

'Now tell me, my child, how is life at court for you? Are you glad to be back or would you prefer to stay at your own recidence at Ludlow Castle?'

She nodded,"Thank You, Your Eminence. As your goddaughter I am always at your service...ready and willing to do your bidding,"she sighed quietly, her gentles breath was barely audible-she had learned to be silent. Though she was bestowed with many fine gifts; pretty dresses and fabrics which were all in fashion, sought after jewels and new fantastical books and inventions her mother and fathers love were all she cared for. Her mother visited her often-even when she was ill and had to take to her bed she would wait upon her as if she were a nurse or a simple country woman caring for her children. Although these occasions were rare and the fact that Cordelia said that this was a regular occurrence for her made her jealous...who was this woman who received such love and care from The Queen of England-her mother!

She frowned as he did not answer her question but she persisted,"Your Eminence then...I beg you tell me who this girl is. Who deserves such love and affection from my mother-Her Majesty The Queen of England,"Mary paused and whispered,"Forgive me for speaking so frankly Cardinal though she smirked at me-as if she knew something about me which was of great importance."

Mary took the large silver gilded goblet and took a sip of the juice. It was delicious-a wondrous mixture between sweet and a rich musky taste,"This is delicious, Your Eminence...what is it made of?"

Mary sipped the juice again-enjoying the sweet taste, as the cardinal spoke of Ludlow castle she frowned. Ludlow Castle was grand and her large household kept her in comfort but she was a child and as a child wanted to be near as possible to her mother,"Your Eminence,"she spoke,"I very much appreciate and wish to thank Your Eminence for your efforts and my father His Majesty's kindness to provide such a place for me to reside... although coming to court once more is a pleasant change."

She nodded to herself-she did not lie although she did not say exactly how much she enjoyed no longer being miles from her parents.