Alice More's bedchamber

"I see no reason why they should change their minds. Our family has been raised since your own elevation at court, I should think anyone would be proud to be wed to Margaret, she is a clever and beautiful young woman.." Puzzled, she frowned looking up at her husband.

Thomas nodded and wrapped his arm around her shoulders

Yes...you're right. Maybe I'm just tired, and I worry too much, as always. But thank God I have you...

He said smiling and kissed deeply her cheek

"You should rest my love," she said, smiling as he kissed her cheek.

Thomas nodded and stood up, removing slowly her head from his shoulder

Yes, I think I should, my love. I will retire myself in my chamber, until I'll be well rested again. You deserve a rested husband...

He said jokingly and smiled

She smiled along with him. "Yes, a well-rested Thomas More is an efficient husband, and also a good statesman for the king." She kissed his cheek.

Thomas laughed again

Of course. You could read my Uthopia, in case you missed me. So I'll be always with you...

He leaned on her and kissed softly her cheek

"Then I shall read Utopia for the hundredth time, if only to be close to you in spirit." She smiled as he kissed her cheek. "Good evening my love, and good rest to you," she whispered.

Thomas smiled and caressed softly her brown curls. Then he took his hat from the table and left silently her room, without adding more

Thomas entered in Alice's room with trembling steps. He was coming from dinner with Fisher and it was late in the night. Still pale and upset, he had to sit on a chair

Alice...are you awake?

He called, wiping the sweat from his forehead

Alice put down the book she was reading, her brow furrowed at her husband's tone of voice. "Thomas? I am awake, what...darling what has happened?" Thomas looked very pale and shaken. She bid him to sit down and handed him some water to drink. "My love...what's happened?"

Thomas took a sip from water and took a deep breath

I had dinner with Fisher, tonight. But the soup was...poisoned. Someone tried to kill him. To kill us..

He added, trying hardly to calm down. He didn't want to scare her further, but he felt still upset and he couldn't hide his shock

She sat down next to him, eyes wide with fear at what she was hearing. "What?? Are you sure it was poison?" Her heart lurched when she realized Thomas could have died. "Who would do such a thing? I hope Bishop Fisher was not harmed."

Thomas rubbed his forehead and shook his head

Fisher is fine. He eat a few soup...and I haven't eaten at all. But four men died...

He paused and took another sip from water

We risked our life, tonight. I don't know who poisoned the soup. But one thing is certain: someone wants us dead..

He whispered looking straight into her eyes

Her heart almost stilled with this information. "Four men!" She put her hand on Thomas's, thanking God he was alive, with her now, his skin warm. Four men died... "I don't like you being at court, putting yourself at risk. There are too many who would do you harm."

Thomas shook his head and took her hand in his, trying to make her calm down. She looked even more agitated than himself

I'm fine, my love...I'm fine. God prevented Fisher and I from dying in this way. We should be grateful for that. Just...I need to be more careful in the future. If they failed...they could try again. Oh but...don't worry. You and our children are not in danger...

He added quickly, noticing her shocked expression

She shook her head, still disbelieving it all. "I know, and I thank God you're safe, but when I think how close you came to dying..." She could barely spit the word out. "It's just a big shock, that is all."

Thomas nodded. He took gently her hand and squeezed it softly

I'm alright. I'm sure that Boleyn is involved. But surely the King will deny Boleyn's involvement in all this. And worse...we have no proves to accuse him. But for now, I'm just grateful to God for being still alive...

He said trying to reassure her. But he noticed how upset she was and wondered if it was wise talking to her about the attemped murderer

"Boleyn?" she asked. "Oh, perhaps because of his daughter." It all began to fall into place and Alice could tell the reason behind the poisoning. "Perhaps the king may not see it, but God surely does."

Thomas nodded seriously

Yes...Boleyn. Fisher is the only one who refused to recognize the King as Supreme Heard of Church. The only obstacle for his plans. But the King is too blind, now. He doesn't even realize that his loyal subjects's life is in danger beacause of that. God help us...

He added, raising his eyes to ceiling with a deep sigh

Alice felt helpless. She wondered what would happen next. "I think since he failed this time, he may try again," she whispered, as though the very walls had ears.

Thomas shook his head and tried to smile

Nothing bad will happen, my love. I'll be careful. And you and our children are safe. Go back to bed, now. No need to be worried for me...

He said smiling weakly, hoping to reassure her

She sighed and nodded, consenting to him. "I am glad you told me of this, though I still have worry in my heart." She smiled weakly and gave Thomas a light kiss before going back to her bed.

Thomas nodded but he grabbed her hand before she could standing up

Alice...don't talk with anyone about that. It could be dangerous...

He warned her with firm but tender voice

Her dark eyes went wide as she heard her husband speak. "Of course, husband. Not a word shall pass my lips."

Thomas nodded again

Go to rest, now. I'll reach you in a while, my love...

He kissed her hand trying to show a relaxed and calm face