Charles Brandon's bedchamber

She looks back at him and goes back to sitting on the sofa, getting relaxed and calm. "How could I ever forget that you're my brother, Charlie? You make sure to remind me at nearly every moment and all of court step around me as if being your sister is somethig to be feared. He is not using me and has told me that of all the women he has had in the past, I am the one who he can't shake from his mind, that I have changed him. What has went on between Francis and I happened with two willing parties."

"Charles took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead"

Oh Nora...how can you believe his words? A man can say everything in order to succed to bed a woman. I know that very well...because I was like him. And whatever happened between you and that man, I'll never allow you to marry him...

"He rolled his eyes and shook his head again"

She sighs and stares at the floor, afraid to make eye contact with him and see his anger. "He is changed, Charlie, I can tell he has. He is softer and not so flirtatious as he was, he is serious with his feelings for me." She clears her throat, slowly looking up at him. "And what if we wish to marry and ask King Henry for approval instead of you?"

"Charles opened his eyes bigger and opened his mouth"

What? Oh God...what that man did to you? Even if the King would approve, you'll never have my approval, Nora. And after all...the King is too busy to think about impenitent womanizer...

"He paused and looked silently at her"

You're my only sister, Nora. I can't allow that man to break your heart and to ruin you. What when he'll start taking mistresses? Because you know he will...

She tries to breathe when he says she would never have his consent. "He has done nothing to me, Charles. We love each other and want to be together. I don't care about anyone's approval, if it interests us to be wedded, we will." She shakes her head as tears fall from her eyes. "He wouldn't take a mistress, he only wants me and no one else. How dare you even say that! My own brother is breaking my heart!"

"Charles tried to calm down seeing tears in her eyes and lowered his voice"

I'm sorry...you know how much I love you, sister. That's why I don't want to see you suffer. You're crying, now. But listen to me: better crying now than later, when it will be too late. Think carefully about my words. Francis Bryan will break your heart and one day you'll catch him with another woman...

"He took a deep breath and looked around room"

You're not a child anymore, Nora. So think carefully before ruining your life...

Eleanor wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffing a little and looks up at him. "I love you too, brother, but it is my life and if anything bad happens it will be no fault of yours, but mine. Francis will not hurt me, I have great feelings he won't." She sighs. "You are right, I'm not a child anymore. So let me make my own decisions."

"Charles looked at her and bit nervously his lips. She had always been stubborn, since their childhood"

Very well...what else can I say? I see you don't accept my suggestions. I'll let you take your decisions, Nora. But don't hope in my blessing. I hoped in someone better for you...you deserve more than Francis Bryan. But it's your life and I'll let you make your mistakes...

"He added and turned his eyes somewhere else"

Eleanor sat there, rubbing her temples, sighing long and deep. "Thank you, brother! Let us put all of this behind us and move on. Now, what was the true reason you called me here?"

"Charles took a breath and looked turned towards her. He rubbed his chin and shrugged"

I...I just wanted to see you. I had no news about you since days, and I was worried about you. Unluckily, it seems I was right...

"He rolled his eyes"

I stand outside; flattening my dress so I look perfect. Twirling my hair around a finger to make it look beautiful, I knock. Hoping to find Charles in...I wait for a response.

"Charles looked at the door as he heard knocking. He took a breath"

Come in, please...

"He answered almost careless. Then he turned to his sister"

My Lady-in-waiting opens the door and announces me: "The Princess Katherine, your Grace" She and I curtsey gracefully and rise.
Smiling "Charles"

"Charles looked towards door again once he heard a lady announcing Katherine. Tension left him slowly and a warm smile came on his lips"

Katherine...please, come. I wasn't expecting you...but you're always welcome. Ehm...do you remember Eleanor?

"He asked glancing at his sister, whom he was arguing with until a minute ago"

I smile, looking at Charles and the woman in his chamber.
"Eleanor...Your sister!"
Smiling brightly, I beam at Charles but sense a tension in the air.
"I hope this isn't a bad time? "

"Charles shook fastly his head"

Oh no...not at all. Wleanor and I just finished talking. But please, dear...have a sit. Would you like something to drink?

"He tried to smile, glancing meaningfully at Eleanor"

I shake my head and smile faintly
"No, thank you... I only came to see how you are? And to ask if you wanted to walk in the gardens with me?" I move over and gently kiss his cheek. Stepping back, I again smile at both of them.
"But if you're busy,  it doesn't matter."

"Charles smiled as she kissed his cheek and looked at her with a tender glance"

You never disturb me, darling. As I told you, Eleanor and I finished talking. Why don't wait for me in the garden? I'll reach you in few minutes...

"He suggested and kissed softly her hand"

I didn't know why...but I couldn't stop myself! I headed straight for Charles' chambers. Alone without any servants to accompany me. I just went. The fear had filled my body, travelling through my body. I reached the door and starred at it, unsure what I should do?
Without another thought I knocked; I had to tell him...I wanted to tell him!

"Charles was reading a book, sat on the window sill. He turned his head curiously towards door as he heard knocking. He wasn't expecting anyone"

Come in, please...

Looking over my shoulder, I opened the door and entered. I close it quickly behind myself. Looking at him I smile faintly "Charles"...Then thinking, I remember my manners and how we had left things before.
Curtseying slightly "Your Grace"

"Charles closed his book and stood up. He was very surprised to see her in his room. He left careless the book on the table and approached her slowly"

Katherine...I admit I'm surprised to see you. Are you alright?

"He asked, trying to catch her eyes"

"Henry is planning to marry me off..." Keeping her eyes down. "...To the prince of Navarre." Finally looking him in the eye, I throw him a pleading look. "If you meant anything you said to me...you ever cared about me..." I stop and think for a split second about what I was saying; how did I put it into words? "You have many women who love you...you have a wife..you said you didn't want me to be far from you, what does that mean?"

"Charles looked confused at her. He cleared his throat and frowned, leaning gently his hands on her shoulders"

Navarre? Why Navarre? I mean...I thought he would have choosed an english nobleman for you...

"He said thoughtfully. Then he took a breath, nodding slowly"

Alright...calm down, darling. I'm here...whatever will happen. So this means...that you will leave England?

"He has chosen the prince because he is heir to his brother's throne...." I look up at him, my eyes wide with fear like a deer seeing a wolf.
"Most probably."