Margaret Wyatt's bedchamber

Margaret smiled him back "Of course, I still have it. I read it every night before sleeping. This is...the only thing who brings me consolation in these days.." She sighed deeply and lowered her blue eyes

Margaret listened him with attention and smiled once he finished his sentence. She shook smiling her head "I have never lost my faith, my lord. I'll contiue to be a good christian and...I'll leave in chastity, since I'm not married anymore.." She blushed and added "I was so jealous of my virtue before marriage. I gave my innocence to...to him.." She said, unable to mention Cesare's name "And I did it for nothing. For nothing. I just lost faith in men, Francis, not in God.." She smiled sweetly to him

I hope you do not lose faith in me, I know I have not always treated you with respect, and I apologized for it. I sighed. Perhaps you know I had quite a reputation for jumping into bed with women, but that's changed now. I'm in love, with Guinevere Le Fay. So you see, a man can change, and we are not all as bad as your former husband.

Margaret felt surprised by his words. She just nodded slowly "Oh..I didn't know that. I...I wish you to be happy with this lady, even if I don't know her. But I'm sure she is worthy of your love.." She sighed and looked around room "Unluckily, I can't fall in love again. I'll never love another man as I loved Cesare. Even if.." She paused and turned to him again "Even if, I have the feeling that he is trying to turn people against me. Even Alfonsina. I don't know why.." She said suddenly, thinking at his strange behavior

Thank you very much, Margaret.. but what makes you think Cesare would turn people against you? If he is done with you as you say, he has no reason to be cruel like that. I looked at her with concern.

Margaret raised her eyes to ceiling "Ah..he is more than cruel, believe me. Anyway...I don't know. It's just a feeling. Please, forget it. I'm so upset in these days..I don't even know what I'm saying.." She said blushing, smiling weakly at him

You've been very traumatized by Cesare's foolish actions. What you need is to forget about him for awhile. If I could get away from court I would take you as far east as possible, where women wear silks of jewel colors, and there is a scent of spices in the air.. I looked at her and brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. Do not be sad, you've friends galore.

Francis's words made her smile brightly "Oh...and where is this country, my lord? I would like to visit it.." She said like a child who is listening a fairtale. She sighed and looked into his eyes

Perhaps the New World, where there are undiscovered lands and more adventures to be had I said, smiling at her attentiveness.

Margaret smiled, amused by his words "I'd like to. But it's just a dream. And very rarely dreams come true, Francis.." She said with a deep sigh

I took her hand and stroked it, knowing what she said was very true. Then we must make our reality very beautiful, I suggested

Margaret looked at him with surprised eyes "How?" She asked with a weak, innocent smile

I shrugged smiling. Well, you have to make your life what you want it to be. If you think about everything you want and you envision it within your mind, you will get it. It may not be exactly what you were hoping for, but it will happen..

Margaret listened him carefully. Suddenly a thankful smile appeared on her lips "I hope so, Francis. But I'm still so heartbroken, that I can't see a future, for me. I feel just so lucky having you at my side.." She sighed and reached his hand again

You feel that way now, but you won't always. I took her hand and placed a light kiss upon it.

Margaret smiled weakly and sighed "Yes..one day it will happen, maybe. But it's still too early.." She gulped and turned her eyes around room

I was in need of a good stiff drink. Fancy a nice brandy, Lady Margaret? I don't know about you but I need one badly.

Margaret smiled kindly and shook her head "I don't drink alchool, my lord. But I'd love a fruit juice, yes.." She smiled again and she looked at him with grateful eyes

I smiled at her and poured her some juice and a brandy from a flask for myself. Here you are, my lady. I handed her the goblet. Do you have any news of your brother? I'd always admired his work.

Margaret took the glass from his hands gently and nodded with a smile "He is at Allington Castle, working at something new, I think. I'm planning to reach him. You know..I miss my family home, and I need to leave court for a while.." She sighed and stared at her glass, like it was a little mirror in her white hands

I know this sounds highly unreasonable, but perhaps, since we are both unhappy.. I couldn't believe how shy I felt asking this- We could spend the night together, it would ease the loneliness, and I know you have felt desire for me before.

Margaret was smiling, but she suddenly looked at him in astonishment. She left the glass on the table and shook her head "How...how can you ask me such thing, my lord? I...I am not ready for this, yet. And I won't ease my loneliness sleeping with another man. I already commited a mistake, once. I won't commit it again.." She said meaning George. She stood up and reached windowside "It seems that every men at court feel desire for me. Except...the one I'm in love with.." She admitted, avoiding to mention Cesare's name. She looked at Francis "I'm sorry, but I have to ask you to leave. Please.." She said trying to refrain tears and she looked elsewhere

I nodded somberly as I knew all she said was true. Forgive me, it is the only comfort I can give, I guess, is to sin the pain away. I'll leave you be. I put my cup down and left.

Margaret took a deep breath once Frances left. She hoped not having hurted him, but she had no choice. She took her lugguage and started packing. She needed to spend some time at Allington Castle, far from court's rumors