Anna Stafford's bedchamber

"Charles was looking down. But he raised immediately his eyes to her as she mentioned Nan, surprised"

What? What Nan said to you, Anna? You...you talked with her, then...

"He said thoughtfully, feeling his heart beating faster in his chest"

I notice his reaction at the mention of Nan and my heart sinks. I glare at him as I shake my head.

I said it matters not, Charles!! I do not wish to speak or think of....that wench!

"He frowned and remained silent for a while. It was evident that talking about Nan hurted her. Then nodded and took a deep breath"

Alright...Anna. You...you have no need to worry, neither to leave Palace. You'll give birth an healthy child. And...I'll take care of it. Like all my children. Everything will be fine, Anna...

"He said tenderly, trying to reassure her. He noticed she was trembling and wrapped her shoulders with his strong arm"

i shake lightly, even with his strong arms around me. I fight back tears.

You need not to worry, Charles....I do not wish to burden you any longer. Also, your wife has made it clear to leave you be with Nan.

"Charles shook fastly his head and raised softly her chin"

Anna...listen to me. Don't think about that. Just think to take care of our child. You...and our children are the most precious thing I have. I'll never leave you, Anna. Never...

"He whispered. Then he reached her lips and kissed them softly"

I look at Charles as he softly kisses me. I sigh softly as no matter the hurt or anger I feel, I can never EVER resist him.

If...if you say so, Charles!

i whisper in a low voice.

"Charles smiled weakly and rubbed softly her arm"

Well...it seems that our family is growing. I...I'm sure that our children will be happy having another brother or sister...

"He said finally, still a bit confused"

I frown as I look down.

Charles...do you think tis a good idea to have this child?

"Charles frowned and looked surprised at her"

What do you mean, Anna?

"He asked, trying to understand"

I look up at him, teary eyed as I clasp my clammy hands nervously together.

What....what if the midwife could give me a drink to make it so I am no longer pregnant?

I shake lightly in fear as I cannot believe what I am saying.

"Charles left her slowly after her words and looked astonished at her"

W...What?! Anna! I...I'll never allow you to hurt the baby! To kill my child!

"He shouted, shaked by anger. Then he stood up from bed and walked slowly towards window. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He couldn't believe that such words came out from her mouth"

I suddenly burst in tears as I drop pn my knees, my hand on my mouth in shock.

Charles.....I....I am sorry...I did not mean it. I am scared. Please understand! I am scared and alone.

"Charles breathed deeply and bit his lips to calm down. Then he turned his head towards her and sighed"

You're not alone, Anna. I'm with you and our children. Or...do you think I could abandon you?

"He asked, staring at her wet eyes"

I wipe my eyes as I hiccup through the tears.

No...I do not think that...but I know you are angry with me and that I burden you. This is an accident!

I brush hair from my face as I look down

"Charles shook his head and walked slowly towards her. He sat next to her again and took her hands in his"

Shhh...stop crying, now. I'm not angry with you. I'm just a bit...confused. But I think it's normal...

"Then he sighed and removed slowly her hairs from her face"

I'm happy of being father again, Anna. You have no need of being scared. Come...

"He whispered, leaning her head on his chest slowly"

I calm down as he places my head on his chest. I cuddle in closer, feeling safe with him. I cannot stop thinking of the horrible words spoken to me by Nan and his wife. I then look to him and whisper.

Shall I go to Buckingham so less people know of this? I do not wish to bring you more embarassment than I already have, to make you father of 5 bastard children.....

"Charles glanced down at her, still rubbing softly her arm"

Ehy...my children are not an embarassement for me. I'm proud of them. And of their mother too. You'll stay here at court. No matter what people says...

"He answered, trying to calm her down with his words"

i swallow hard as i frown, nodding myhead softly as I bit my lip.

I know you love your children. and the boys are eager to see you again. They look so much like you Charles. They are the mirrorred imaged of their father!

I say, smiling faintly.

"Charles smiled and nodded"

Yes...I know. I missed them deeply, you know that...

"He paused for a while, before adding"

Anna...there is a thing I'd like to ask you...

I sigh as I look at him, wondering what is on his mind.

What is it, Charles?

"He took a deep breath and hold softly her chin"

If you'll give birth a girl, I'd like to name her...Margaret. It's my wife's last wish. Do you...agree, Anna?

"He asked hesitantly, looking carefully at her face and waiting for her reaction"

I look at Charles , shocked and speechless. I take a deep breath before speaking in a low, soft voice.

Yes....Charles....if it''s what you wish and Margaret's dying wish then yes....I agree.!

"He smiled weakly and nodded slowly"

Thank you, Anna...

"He whispered. Then he leaned on her and kissed softly her forehead, still holding her in his arms"

I nod my head, smiling softly as he hold me close.

I love you, Charles.....never forgetr that!

"He smiled and sighed deeply"

I won't forget it. I love you too, Anna...

"He whispered, looking around room"