Margaret More's bedchamber

Margaret placed her hand on top of her farther's hand.

'I am not too sure that she would Farther it's my most precious writing and her name is Viola Lancaster and her family suffered in the cousins war too'

Thomas thought for a moment

Lancaster...I never met this lady. But her family had a big part in two roses's war, the one that put Tudors on the throne. Hope she is not against our King because of her ancestors. Henry has already so many things to deal with...

He said raising his eyes to ceiling

Margaret made a frowning sort of face scrunching up her lips

'I did mention it but we never really went into to much detail as I did not wish to provoke any painful memories. What am I suspose to do

Thomas shook his head

Nothing my love...nothing. These old family memories must remain...forgotten. For the rest of court, at least. I still don't know when I'll leave for Scotland. But I'dlike spending Christmas with you, so you can introduce lady Viola to me. I also...wish to greet Queen Katherine before she Leaves Palace...

He added with a drop of sadness in his voice

Margaret's ears pricked up and she narrowed her eyes to think.

'Why must the Queen leave the palace for this is her home she is not a foreign guest'

Margaret wrapped the rosary beads tighter around her hand.

'Farther you know that their is no other place that I wish to spend Christmas with but, Farther you worry about Harry when he has done all this himself. Unless you worry that his behaviour could mean danger for all. Perhaps you are worried he is self destructing himself. All this must pain his only living daughter Mary to not see her mother so often but at least she does not have to be a witness to it'

Thomas placed his hand on her shoulder. He just nodded after her words

I appreciate that you're concerned about our Queen, darling. But there is nothing we can do. I'll bring her some spiritual comfort. And perhaps, you could bring some comfort to Princess Mary at Ludlow. I allow you to visit her, if you wish...

He said smiling weakly at the end of his sentence

Margaret grew quite at her Farther request.

'How can I bring a Princess who is facing such turmoil in her life bring her comfort when the people she wishes to see the most are those who console with her Mother'

Thomas sighed deeply

I know it's hard for her. But Ambassador Chapuys visits her often, bringing her news from court and about her father. I'm not...allowed to see her. But you can. And you can tell her that I'm praying for her...

He explained caressing softly her dark hairs

Now Margaret was confused

'Can you tell me why you are not allowed'

She asked clearing her throat.

Thomas took another deep breath. He was trying to find the right words to explain such difficult and weird situation

You see...it's not so easy to explain, dear. Mary is forbidden to see no one, except Chapuys and some of her ladies in waiting. The King knows that I'm not at his side in his divorce's matter. He seems to accept that. But...I'm sure that if he would know that I visit Mary, he could get furious. I don't even know if I'll remain Chancellor for long..

He hoped not to have scared her with his words and smiled reassurengly

You and Mary have so much in common. I pray she will be Queen of England, one day. And you could even become one of her favourite ladies. I won't be with you forever, Margaret. I think about your future..

Margaret took all of his words in and absorbed them like a sponge. Suddenly Margaret stood up.

'Farther are you ill or worse dying. I thought Emma More was meant to be a lady in waiting for the Princess! I am not cut out for such life to be a lady in waiting I want to pursue my writing and I can not believe you would use me for secret messages. We all have to live by the kings rules now this is his kingdom if you seek sanctuary why not go to Italy or spain'

Thomas shook his head. He smiled weakly raising an hand and hoping to reassure her

I'm perfectly healthy, my beloved. And I will stay with you until the Lord will allow me. But...death comes for everyone under the sun, as you know from Scriptures. I just want you to be prepared for that moment...

He took her hand and decided to change topic in order not to make her sad

And about Princess Mary, I'm not asking you to be her servant. I know you'll be an excellent famous writer, one day. After all, I decided to give you an instruction. I'm just asking you to be her friend and confident. She has so few people to trust in...

Margaret became even more distressed he was perfectly healthy

'Are you going to do something against the king Farther? Are you going to put your life in the fate of his hands'

Margaret rested her head on his hands completely forgetting what she was going to say her biggest regret was coming back to this court but it was the only way to see her farther.

Thomas kissed softly her hand on his cheek

I would never do something against my King, Margaret. I love him. Even if I'm in disagree with him about his divorce. And he respects my opinions. My dear, I promise you that nothing bad will happen to me or...to you, Alice or someone else in our family. I constantly pray for your happiness...

He smiled caressing her hand on his cheek again

Margaret closed her eye's

'I don't wish to be at court but I wish to be with you Farther and if anything did happen I would save all of your work'

Margaret still feared for her Farther but she was going to watch him like a hawk

'Farther may I accompany you when the Queen has to leave us I won't stand in the way but I would like to be their'

Thomas nodded

Of course, you may accompany me, dear. The Queen will be delighted to see you. She needs our support in this hard moment for her..

He smiled weakly rubbing softly her wrist

'Maybe the king will reunite her with Princess Mary Farther'

Margaret said hopefully very hopeful

'I hear their is a protestant bishop at court am I correct'

Thomas took a deep breath and nodded

Yes...Bishop Thomas Cranmer. He is Cromwe'll new pupil. And he is at court even with...his wife! A married clergyman! The true faith is attacked every day. That's why we need to pray, Margaret..

He said, looking up at her

Margaret was even more shocked by this

'No vicar, priest or bishop would do such a thing in England do we know of his wife. I am beyond shocked Farther is it just me or ever since Cromwell arrived things have changed? You would of made a great clergyman Farther just don't hurt yourself. Is their anything else that I should know off '

Thomas shook his head again

Cromwell is person more close to the King, at the moment. Even closest than me. He has a big influence on Harry. And this...clergyman is just another prove of his heretic thoughts! I can't even burn him...

He added whispering to himself

Margaret thought and tried to recall how this change happened

'You think that the Harry change of favour is because you don't accept lady Anne'

Thomas shrugged after her question, but with an ironic smile on his lips

Well..probably.He knows that I never approved this union. But I 'll never betray him, Margaret. No matter what. And I expect you to do the same. He is our King...

He said fatherly

Margaret gave her Farther a confused look

'By not agreeing to this union is betraying the king it's ok I can pretend I am very good at it'

Thomas shook his head smiling indulgently

Not at all, dear. No need to pretend. The King is not stupid. He knows perfectly what I think about his great matter. But he respects my opinion. I think this is already a great privilege...

He said sweetly, pleased to see her so humble and obedient

Margaret smiled running the rosary beads through her fingers

'Farther would it be ok if I gave these Rosary beads to Mary Tudor as a source of comfort knowing that she has people still backing the truth faith'