Alice More's bedchamber

Thomas came back in Alice's chambers after talking with Henry. He removed his hat from his head and looked around

Alice...are you here, darling?

She had been reading by the light of the candle upon the desk and heard her husband come in. She shut the book and welcomed him warmly, a loving smile on her face. "I'm here. Welcome home my love. Do tell, how did was your meeting with the king?"

Thomas smiled once he saw Alice and took a deep breath

Well...it seems he wants to get rid of cathoilc clergy, dear. And even worse...he has intention to appoint himself Supreme Head of the Church...

He rubbed his chin after this words, still not believing them

Alice's mouth was agape. "How...how can he do such? He really has no power to do that...does he?" She held Thomas's hands in hers.

Thomas took a deep breath while holding her hands

Unluckily he has. The Parliament declared his supremacy on the Church and the submission of clergy to him. We're on the edge of hell...

He added worriedly, looking outside window

Alice seemed confused by these words, letting the information sink in and attempt to make sense. "This is madness...how could anyone accept these terms? Surely there were some who were against it..." She looked to her husband with hopeful eyes.

Thomas nodded in agreement

Indeed. Fisher talked against this proposal, because anyone can be Head of Church at Pope's place. But Wareham suggested a votation. Henry will be appointed Supreme Head of Church, until Christ's law allows it...

He explained, feeling a bit warm. Probably because of agitation, rather than because of warm weather

She noticed Thomas looked very uncomfortable, and she worried for him. "Come, sit down. I shall bring you some cool water." She poured some into a goblet from a pitcher and handed it to him, standing behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Surely this has all been too much for you, you should resign."

Thomas sat down and drank a sip from water. He shook his head after her sentence

I was thinking the same thing, Alice. But not now. The King needs me more than ever...

He answered thoughtfully, ataring at his glass

She snorted at his remark. "It seems he doesn't need anyone at all! If he can make up his mind, and name himself such grand things on a whim!" She stood with her hands on her hips, inflamed over the king's self-righteousness.

Thomas looked at her and shook his head. He caressed softly her elbow

He just thinks he is doing the right thing for the Kingdom. He can't realize he is just destroying it. Just trust me and everything will be fine, my love. You'll see...

He said while smiling weakly

She gave a long deep sigh, knowing she had to be calm and trust her husband's words. Though the thought of the king slowly but surely turning into a tyrant still niggled at the back of her mind, she allowed herself to relax. "You know I wouldn't be so upset over it if you weren't caught in the politics of it all. Oh, I wish we could give all this up and move out to the country, and live simply with few worries."

Thomas took her hand and leaned brought it unril his lips to kiss it softly

It would be simpler, yes. But I have duties here. I'm sure God gave me this mission. And I can't give up, my love. Not now...

He replied looking lovingly at her worried face

She shook her head, tears blurring her eyes. "I hate it...I hate it! But I shall persist, because it is the right thing to do.." She sighed and took a seat, feeling as old as she was.

Thomas hugged her as she sat next to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. He caressed her cheek drying her tears

Don't cry, my love. Nothing bad will happen. I'm here...and I'll always protect you and our family. Trust me, my love. Trust me...

He whispered and kissed deeply her forehead. He sighed and looked around room, still holding her tightly

She let herself be comforted by him, and leaned her head against him. Her tears were drying and she felt tired, the energy sapped straight out of her. "I suppose I need a new hobby, something to take my mind of such affairs." She managed a smile at her husband.

Thomas kissed her head and smiled curiously after her words

A new hobby? Uhm...like what, my love?

He asked surprised, trying to catch her eyes

She looked up at him and grinned playfully. "Oh perhaps I can take up an interest in fashionable gowns, the latest dances, and all the gossip that goes on around court." She smiled. "Truthfully, all that would bore me to death. I think I would like to write.." she added on a whim.

Thomas laughed silently after her words and looked smiling at her still beautiful face

Writing, you say? Oh...you know I have nothing to complain about women having an instruction. I think one day it will be considered normal for a woman even studying at University. But...

He stopped and smiled playfully

But maybe you would be more good in gossip things, my dear wife. After all, this court doesn't lack of gossip...

He rolled his eyes and smiled again

"Oh is that so?" she laughed. "Perhaps I do know more gossip than most women, but I like to keep up with what is going on at court, it is merely a little pastime." She sat closer to him and stroked his cheek.

Thomas laughed after her and sighed

Of course, I know. I was just joking, darling. If only I had more free time, you wouldn't be alone all day...

He said apologetically and held her cheek in his hand

"Sir Thomas More has a sense of humor! Now that is news to me!" she replied also in jest. She smiled lovingly at him. "So, have you seen Margaret? I've heard she has returned to court. I should like to visit with her, she is always so companionable."

Thomas nodded while smiling

Yes, she is back at court and I talked with her. You should see her. She is so grown...and she kept on writing too. I'm sure you both will have so much things to talk about...

He said caressing gently her cheek

"A writer! Well in that case I should doubly love to visit with her! I know from the last time we spoke she was eager to wed... is the Roper boy still available?" She smiled as Thomas caressed her cheek.

Thomas shrugged a bit and sighed

I think he is, my love. I have no news about Roper's family since weeks. Hope they didn't change their mind. Oh but in this case...the young William or his father would have told me. Don't you think?

He asked frowning looking down at Alice