Thomas More's bedchamber

His kiss was gentle, and Alice forgot all else but the warm embrace of her husband. She held him close to her, glad to be in this moment where only the two of them existed. She didn't want to ruin anything with any more words though she had so many to say.

Thomas wrapped tenderly his arms around her and kissed her again. He looked into her eyes

You'll see...I'll be at your side until my dying day, my love...

He whispered with soft, warm voice

She looked deep into his eyes and smiled; those were the words she needed to hear. "I know you will, my love." She blushed as she remembered the first such promises they made when they were younger. "And you know that I am by your side in everything."

Thomas smiled and caressed softly her cheek

I hope our daughter will have an happy marriage like ours, my love. You know...other mens in court are used having mistresses. But I never wanted having someone else but you, Alice. Because you're everything I need...

He said with tenderness in his voice. Then sighed and kissed her lips again

"If our daughter could have even half as good a marriage as we do, she will be very blessed indeed." She smiled when he said he never wanted other women. "I am most humbled that I was all you needed. Indeed, no one else could ever turn my head. I look at you and I still feel the way I felt when we first met, when we fell so hopelessly in love." She kissed him back with so much feeling she thought she would burst.

Thomas kissed her with tenderness and wrapped his arms around her. He sighed

I'm going to interrogate an heretic. And I need you to stay at my side to give a right judgement about him. Will you stay with me, tonight?

He asked almost whispering, looking into her eyes

She nodded, her eyes bright with sentiment for her dear husband. "Of course I will stay tonight. I am so touched, so honored that you want my opinion on this man." She smiled, knowing she would have spoken her mind anyway.

Thomas smiled and nodded after her words

You know how important is your opinion to me, darling. But let's think at much more enjoyable things. I was going to have dinner. Will you keep me company?

He shook a little bell next to bed, and servants entered with dinner for them. They left plates and glasses on the table and left. Thomas stood up with a smile, holding her hand

Hope you're hungry...

She felt flushed and content when he said her opinion mattered to him. "Dinner? Of course I will stay, I would stay even if you were fasting, darling," she chuckled. She watched the servants set the table and smiled at Thomas. "I am indeed very hungry!"

Thomas prepared a chair for her, and after that he sat in front of her. He crossed, mumbled a silent prayer and turned smiling to her

I heard that the King will start to celebrate Autimn Party tomorrow. It seems that he will announce his sister's wedding and Princess Cordelia's birthday during it...

He smiled and poured her some water

Alice looked up after the prayer and smiled at the idea of a party. "That sounds delightful! It would be good to celebrate something, and I am excited to hear of the princess' engagement. And dear little Cordelia.. I've spoken with her, and she seems a very bright girl though she is also lonely. I pray she will have a wonderful time on her birthday," she took a sip of water, tasting its fresh coldness.

Thomas smiled her back and started eating his soup

Would you like to join the party with me, dear? I don't like parties so much...but the King surely expects from me to join. And...I'd like dancing with you like old times...

He added with a smile

Alice beamed and could not hide her smile. "I would be honored to join you, love. And I'd be even more honored to have a few dances with you." She really missed the part of him that was not always about the king's business. She missed the husband she had, and she was glad to see she was having him returned to her. "My love, I am glad to see you are not so caught up in business as you were. It will do you good to take some time to enjoy life, you'll see. I want to take away all the stress and grievances you have over your life."

Thomas smiled after her words

Oh...maybe I have a good position at court, Alice. But I'm just a man, after all. And I need my family's warmth around me like everyone else...

He replied looking at her. Then he poured water for himself

She looked at him with such tenderness in her eyes, this man she has loved all these years, and this love had never wavered. Even now with as he was Lord Chancellor, she saw him only as her loving husband. "You will always have your family around you, no matter the circumstances." She reached across the table and touched her hand to his. "Without you, we would not be complete."

Thomas sighed and looked at her with love

I know...it's the same for me, my dear. If all women were virtuous and careful like you, this court would be a better place...

He added with a weak smile, meaning Anne Boleyn

She smiled a little, knowing what was on his mind as he spoke of the lack of virtuous women at court. "So, how are things between you and the Boleyns?" she asked with a light tone in her voice.

Thomas sighed and looked around room

Oh...I prefer to avoid them, sincerely. That family is thirsty of power! And I can't understand why Harry doesn't realize that. I fear lust has made him blind completely...

He answered, turning his eyes to her

She took his hand and stroked it reassuringly. "Perhaps the king is simply blinded by his lust as you say. I've no doubts Anne ha bewitched the king." She spoke plainly. "It looks not as though this infatuation will pass either. I continue to pray for His Majesty."

Thomas shrugged a bit and finished his soup

Oh...I pray all time for His Majesty, believe me. But he is so stubborn. And we can do nothing but praying. Tomorrow we'll have to greet kindly lady Anne at Autumn Party, Alice. We can't disappoint him, in spite of all this...

He took a sip from water and noticed she finished her meal too

Do you want more, my love? Some other bread...or maybe some wine?

She nodded, acknowledging they were indeed powerless apart from prayer. "The king is so used to having whatever he wants, and no one has ever said no to him before; no one ever dared to." She looked up as he asked if she wanted more food. "No thank you my love," she delicately wiped her mouth with a napkin. "This meal was delicious, and I was glad to be able to dine with you again. We should make a habit of it," she looked at him and smiled tenderly, her eyes warm with love.

Thomas nodded and stood up. He leaned his hand until hers

It's enough for me too, indeed. Now, I'm rather tired. Tomorrow...will be a very long day. Shall we go to sleep, my love?

He suggested smiling, helping her to stand up while holding gently her hand

She nodded as she took his hand. "Yes my love, we will need our strength for the party!"

Thomas smiled and reached the next room. After few minutes, he came back to her, wearing his nightgown. Feeling more comfortable, he lay on his bed and looked at Alice smiling, waiting for her to reach him in bed

You must be tired, my love...

She wore a beautiful but simple nightgown, edged in lace at the wrists and hem. She climbed into bed next to her husband. smiling. "I am indeed, I've had a wonderful meal and interesting conversation with my love, and now I am to be spending the night in his arms." She smiled as she gave him a kiss.