Charles Brandon's bedchamber

"Charles took a deep breath. He knew that this moment would have arrived, now or later. He thought of being prepared, but he didn't expect such King's choice"

Everything will be alright. I'm sure your brother choosed carefully your future husband. And you...will be more happy than you think. Have you...already met him?

"He asked hesitantly"

"No not yet..." I smile faintly "Charles, you are my dear friend and I would like you to meet him with me." I arrange my hair as I speak, twirling locks around my fingers. "If you can't, I'll understand and ask Lady Anne."

"Charles frowned again and shook his head"

Oh no...there is no need. I promise I'll be with you during the official meeting. The King will surely agree. But rather...tell me: how do you feel about that? I...I understand that you're scared. But this is your marriage, not your execution...

"He added trying to smile, noticing how much she was in tension. Then he pulled her sweetly towards himself"

Come here...

Embracing him, I smile and look up at him. "I have only just been reunited with my family and this marriage would send me away from them...it would break my heart!" I step back: flattening my dress and perfecting my appearance. "..But I shall do my duty!"

"Charles wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Once she stepped back he took a deep breath"

Probably you'll remain in England. If this is a former marriage, your husband will live in Navarre, and you won't be forced to...sleeping with him...

"He added, hoping not to look jealous. But something was making him feel secretely angry and nervous"

Looking slightly confused "I would be his wife....my Maidenhead will be his to take" I look at him to under my eyelashes "But I would give my innocence to any man I loved..."
I gently put my hands on his chest and press my body against his as I embrace Charles again.

"Charles was still confused but he returned her embrace and smiled"

You can fall in love with him, one day. Little by little, you'll learn to love him...

"He whispered caressing her hairs and frowning at the same time. He understood what she meant but he pretended he didn't"

"I hope I do..." Stepping back once more, I smile at him. "The last time I saw His Majesty, my Father, he told me; that love comes when you least expect it...and whatever happens, you should keep hold of it forever." I laugh slightly, thinking about my father; a man who I barely knew and never really saw. "Wise words from the winter King...How is your wife, Charles?"

"Charles sighed. He nodded after hearing her words"

Your father was a wise man. I still remember him...Well, Catherine is very sweet. She is everything a man could desire. She loves me deeply...in spite of my reputation. And I love her too. I...I'm sure that for you will be the same...

"He added after a short pause"

"I truly hope so" I smile at him warmly "I am sorry to have interrupted you, darling" I deeply want us to remain friends and be as close as we always have been.

"Charles smiled weakly shooking his head"

Oh no...I was just reading a book. Poetry relaxes me. Would you like to have a sit and drink something?

"He asked kindly showing her the sofa"

"Are you're sure I'm not interrupting?" Looks at him with a smile. "I hope that we can still be friends, Charles...even after everything"

"Charles smiled, in spite of he avoided her gaze"

We'll always be friends, Katie. I acted like a fool, not carying about your feelings. But...this won't happen anymore. Especially now...

"He answered and turned his eyes to hers"

"As long as we are friends" I smile warmly but my face becomes sad; my mind still filled with my father. "Charles did my father ever talk about me?...I was always told he couldn't bare to look at me, because I looked like her...The Nuns said it hurt him too much."

"Charles frowned again"

You look like... who, darling?

"My Mother." The sadness grips my heart. Her death at my birth had always defined my place in the Royal family... The youngest daughter and the outcast Princess.
"Did he even care about me?

"Charles looked at her with a tender glance and took a step towards her"

Oh...darling. You're not responsible for your mother's death. And your father never blamed you for that. He...he just couldn't accept this event for many years. But he loved you...

"He sighed and raised up her chin gently"

I look at him and force a smile. "Thank you" I whisper feebly. "I only saw him about five times in my life..."

"Charles caressed softly her cheek"

Don't think about that, now. This is the past. You should rather think about your future...

"He said almost whispering"

"I hope my future is bright." I look up into eyes, smiling as I do. "I pray that I will be happy."

"Charles smiled warmly without stop to caress her"

I'm sure of it. Just trust in your brother. And in myself...

"I always trust you...and always will!" I smile at him, still looking at his eyes. I feel his warm hand against my soft cheek and sigh quietly.

"Charles smiled weakly. She was so tender and innocent that he felt he had to protect her"

Everything will be alright. Don't lose your smile...never. And don't forget who you are...

"He looked directly into her blue eyes"

"I am her Grace, the Princess Katherine of England" I look deeply into to his eyes and smile.
"I promise I never will...and I will always smile for you!"

"Charles smiled her back"

Do you feel more reassured, now? I have the feeling that you won't leave England...

"He said with a slight wink"