Charles Brandon's bedchamber

Anna took a seat on his couch " i walked into my bedroom ,i went to a drink and when i turned around i saw the letter under my door."

She looked up at him "when i opened it and read it i was pretty shocked, the first things that came into my mind was "am i being stalked?" "is someone following me?"

"Charles sat next to her. He touched her arm trying to reassure her"

I don't know personally this man, Anna. But I don't think he is dangerous. Maybe he just wants to know you better. You're...a beautiful woman, after all. Anyway, if you don't trust him I'm here to protect you. Don't worry...

"He smiled rubbing softly her arm"

She smiles " thank you... i've never got to say that. You've been amazing helping our children ,Catalina especaily you were there when she needed you"

She took the latter from him and ripped it up "i'm staying single " she laughs " i've been thinking about this for a while but.... i really do hope you and Catherine have a happily ever after , and yes i do still love you .But theres no point in chasing after you since your in love with her . I'm happy for you...both . Your'll always have a big pease of my heart."

"Charles took a deep breath after listening her words. He looked into her eyes"

Anna...I never asked you to stay single. You can marry whoever you wish. I just want to see you happy, because you deserve it. So...since I have a wife, I find it right if you take an husband. Or...a lover. There was...a big passion between us, Anna. And I love you, because you gave five beautiful children. But please, don't feel forced to stay single because of me...

"He said, staring at her"

Alfonsina was so alone recently. One night , while she was sitting at her bedchamber she decided to see Charles. It has been a long time since they talked last. She saw him with Catherine at Margaret's wedding but they couldn't talk. Then se got dressed and went to his bedchamber. She knew that it was quite late but she was hoping that Charles wouldn't mind. When she came , she knocked the door slowly and whispered.

"Charles , are you there?"

"Charles was still awake. He was so excited for his son'r birth that he couldn't sleep. Catherine was resting, so he was reading pacefully a book. Suddenly he heard knocking. As he recognized Alfonsina's voice, he smiled"

Yes...I'm here. Come in, please...

"A bit surprised, he closed his book and stood up"

She opened the door slowly and smiled when she came in.

"I am really sorry to disturb you Charles. I know it is quiet late. I may leave If you are about to sleep."

She asked warmly.

"Charles smiled shooking his head"

Not at all. You never disturb me, Alfonsina. I was just...reading something. Rather, I'm glad you came. So I can announce you that Catherine gave birth to an healthy boy, today. I'm father again...

"He said happily"

Her smile got wider after she heard the good news. She hugged Charles warmly and kissed his cheek.

"Congratulations , Charles.. I am so happy to hear it."

Then she showed the wine she brought.

"Let's celebrate then! By the way , how is Catherine? Is she well?"

"Charles hugged her back. He smiled when he saw the bottle she brought"

Oh darling...you always bring good news with you. Please, have a sit. I'll pour this delicious wine for us...

"He took the bottle from her hands and walked towards table to open it"

Yes...they're both fine. The baby is tiny...but he is in good health. I named him Henry...

She smiled and sat down.

"I am glad to hear it then. I will visit both of them as soon as possible and we can meet with Catherine too."

She answered him.

"Such a good name.. Henry..."

She murmured with smiling.

"Charles poured two goblet on wine and brought one to her. He sat next to her on the sofa"

I wanted to give him the King's name. Catherine and I are...so very happy. But tell me about you. I heard about your son. It must be...wonderful for you finding him after so long time...

"He added smiling warmly"

She smiled and took a sip from her wine.

"You should be.."

Then she continued.

"Yes it is actually. I still can't believe it. It's like I don't need anyone else apart from my sons. But when Ithink again I have been so lonely recently.. Sometimes I feel like I am going mad."

She took another sip and smiled by looking at her goblet.

"Charles leaned his hand on her arm softly"

I thought that Anthony was at your side. Especially now that your son is back to you. What's happened with him?

"He asked surprised. Then he took a sip from wine"

She smiled and took another sip from her wine nervously.

"I haven't heard from him like for 2 and a half weeks , I guess. I am not surprised or sad of course. I am used to Anthony's these kind of behaviours. "

Then she looked at Charles.

"I guess I miss Edward so much that I can't explain. Sometimes I dream about him. When I do , I wake up so happy for that day."

Then she sighed.

"I will tell you something but don't laugh Charles please..."

She looked at his face with biting her lips.

"Charles was sipping his wine while she was talking. But he stopped after her last sentence. She made him curious. So he smiled wide"

Laugh? Oh no...I won't. What do you want to tell me, dear?

"He asked curiously and rather surprised"

Alfonsina thought a little. Then she started to talk.

"I know i shouldn't say that but you are a very close friend of mine."

She took last sip from her wine. She felt that her cheeks got pink as usual.

"I have been so alone that i feel myself as a virgin. I guess i forgot that thing."

She said by looking and playin with her goblet. She was blushed.

"Charles sighed. His mind went to the night they spent together some time ago. His hand reached hers slowly"

I think...I think it's a normal feeling, darling. After Edward, you have been alone for very long time. Until Anthony came back in your life. I know nothing about your intimate life with him. But...but I know that there is so much passion in you...

"He said, whispering his last words"

She sighed. Then she started to talk by looking at Charles' hand on hers.

"I hate this feeling..I don't know what to do.. I wish I could enjoy my freedom."

She smiled with some tears on her eyes.

"Charles noticed tears into her beautiful eyes. He squeezed tenderly her hand"

All this...won't last forever, Alfonsina. You have Anthony, your children. And you have me...

"He whispered again, trying to catch her glance"

She smiled and put her head on his shoulder.

"I don't think I want Anthony.. I am not sure about that."

Then she laughed a little.

"It means I'll be a nun for a while too."

"Charles caressed her head as she leaned it on his shoulder. He giggled for her words"

A nun? Oh...I don't think so. You're...too much beautiful and passionate to be called sister Alfonsina. I...I know that very well...

"He added reminding their night together"

After his words she remembered that night again. It was a precious moment for Alfonsina. She smiled to him by knowing what he meant.

"I guess , yes.. You know me well.."

She giggled a little.

"Charles nodded and touched her chin softly"

Indeed I do. I never forgot that night, Alfonsina. You're...very precious to me...

"He said finally, still whispering"

When he said that she was precious to him , Alfonsina blinked his eyes and looked at him with blue eyes of hers. They were a little red because of the tears she shed. She smiled softly while still looking at him.

"Am i really? I"ll never forget that night , too Charles. I can really imagine my life here without you and without our wine nights."

She answered with a whisper too.