Alice More's bedchamber

Thomas laughed silently and took a sip from water

After all years spent together, I think I know you enough, Alice. Like...there is anyone in the world who knows me better than you, my love...

He added with a loving glance. Then he rubbed softly her hand with his

Alice smiled, all the love for him lit up within her. "My love, it is easy to know you and to love you.. though we have been together many years I have never lost my temper with you. Oh we have disagreed and I think we always will.. but nothing can destroy the love I have for you, Thomas," she whispered, moving and sitting close to her husband and resting her head on his shoulder.

Thomas caressed softly her hairs as she leaned her head on his shoulder

I know. Your love and my faith are the only things who give me strenght. Especially during such hard times. I couldn't imagine my life without you...

He smiled and kissed softly her forehead, closing his eyes

"And I can't imagine living without you," she whispered in reply, feeling safe and content as he held her. "Are you feeling tired, my love? Shall we lay down?" She glanced up at him.

Thomas nodded and squeezed her hand

Yes...it has been a long day. It's time to rest, I guess...

He waited the servants to bring dinner's dishes away and reached his bed. He took off his hat and extended his hand towards Alice, smiling lovingly

Come and keep me company, my love. Like old times...

She smiled and took his hand as he led her to the room. She removed her hood and unpinned her hair, letting the loose curls fall around her shoulders. "Yes, like old times. I never tire of your warmth, I always sleep better when you're with me, Thomas."

Thomas watched her hairs falling on her shoulders and smiled. He was still amazed by her beauty. Then he lied on bed and invited her to follow him

You're still so beautiful, Alice. I need your warmth too...

He whispered with a tender smile

She flushed, feeling shy as always when he called her beautiful. "I am so glad you are not one of these silly men at court who charm women with pretty words. You save your compliments for me only, and I am thankful to have such a good and faithful husband." She smiled as she climbed into bed beside him, stretching out and making herself comfortable as she put her head on his chest, hearing the dull thudding of his heartbeat. "Sometimes I feel so bad, my love, that I could never give you children of our own." she admitted.

Thomas wrapped his arm around her and kissed softly her hairs. He frowned

Why do you say so, my love? You should know you have nothing to fear. Our children are safe...

He said with concerned voice

She looked at him, smiling to reassure him. "I know, my love. It's just that... it's just idle thinking I suppose." She sighed.

Thomas smiled and rubbed softly her head

Oh...don't even think about that, my dear. We love and support each other. So anyone can hurt our family...

He showed her a reassuring smile and kissed softly her forehead

"You're right," she said as she gave a deep sigh. "We have strength in numbers, and we have God's blessings on us, so we are indeed safe.." She began to drift off into sleep.

Thomas smiled softly and kissed her head again. Then he wrapped his arm around her tightly and closed his eyes, ready to fall asleep

Thomas woke up very early in the morning. He had to meet the King. So he decided to pray before meeting him. Alice was still sleeping. He sat at the table and crossed himself

Ave Maria, gràtia plena,
Dòminus tècum, benedìcta tu in mulièribus,
et benedìctus fructus vèntris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatòribus,
nunc et in hora mortis nòstrae.
Amen

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

She awoke, and heard the soft murmuring of her husband at prayer. She lay very still as if to hold onto those words, which were so dear and that voice that she so loved. She closed her eyes not in sleepiness but to savor this moment and let Thomas have some privacy. She knew what he prayed over, his heart was not as secret as her own, and she prayed along with him, her lips moving with the beautiful, familiar Latin...

Thomas finished his prayers and crossed again. He looked at the bed and saw Alice with opened eyes

Oh...I'm sorry, dear. I made you wake up...

He said apologetically, standing up from his desk

She rose from the bed and put on her white shawl. "Hardly, my love. The sound of your prayers is a great thing to wake up to." She took his hands and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

Thomas sat on bed next to her and smiled

I'll meet the King, today. I was praying for him...and for all of us. And you, my love? Have you slept well?

He kissed deeply her hand

She smiled a bit dreamily. It was rare to have her husband sleep over, and when he did she slept better, more peacefully. "I did sleep very well, thank you beloved." She looked at him curiously. "What business have you with the king today?"

Thomas sighed and caressed slowly her brown curls

I think he wants to discuss with me about clergymen. And...about abuses of Roman Church. But he knows very well my opinion about that...

He answered, trying to look relaxed

"His Majesty has never taken such a keen interest in such matters before, then again he had Cardinal Wolsey to cover for him. Perhaps he truly is trying to reform for the better, but I also happen to think he may be trying to bend the rules to suit his own personal circumstances." She raised her eyebrows, insinuating it was a widely-circulated thought, but she was glad to be able to voice her opinion anyway.

Thomas looked at her with a curious smile on his face

You always talk openly, Alice. I like that. And I admit you maybe are right. But as Chancellor, it's my duty to avoid that the King uses religion for his own interest. Even if I'll serve him loyalty, as always. Don't worry, I know how to face such matters with him...

He smiled and caressed softly her arm

"If anyone can lead the king from abusing his power, it's you Thomas." She smiled lovingly at him. "God bless you and watch over you this day, and always." She gently touched his face.

Thomas smiled and kissed her hand on his face

Thank you. God bless you too, my love. Now sleep again, if you wish. I'll come back to you soon...

He leaned on her and kissed softly her lips. Then he stood up and left the room

She could not sleep after hearing this news, she was always worried for Thomas when he went to see the king over some matters. She dressed into a modest gown of burgundy and knelt before her prie-dieu, reciting her own prayers over her husband, the king, the country and of course her own little family.