Bedroom

Anne suprised. She looked at the door.

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She took a deep breath and left

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Having received an invitation to meet his majesty Mary was very nervous but she tried desperately to hide it as she dressed in her best dress then nervously went to his chambers. Standing at his door she bowed her head to the King's servants and whispered, "His majesty is expecting me."

Mary stepped into the king's room quietly but with wide eyes. She had never thought to be here, this is where the King of England sleeps.  Not speaking but looking around she watched his servant leave shutting the door behind him then gazed at the King.  He looked just as he had been described, a handsome young man but were the rumors of him true?  Mary knew that she did not believe the ones about Francis but she had yet to learn about the King.

Dropping down into a curtsy in front of him Mary remained there quietly with her head bowed in respect waiting to be given permission to speak.

"Your majesty." She spoke softly as she gracefully stood up then turned her eyes on him. "I am here to serve my cousin, Lady Anne so I shall be at court as long as you wish." She gave him a smile but nervously twisted her hands in front of her. "You were waiting for me? How can I serve my King?"

Mary nodded to him still nervous as she walked over to sit on the sofa he pointed to, "I am her cousin but my Uncle speaks more of Anne and Mary,his daughters when he talks of such matters. He does not know me very well and I would say I am the shy one of the group. I have been in the country till I joined this court." She found herself talking very fast but when she looked up she saw the King's face and it made her cheeks burn red. She was so close to him that she might touch him if she wished but instead she rambled on, "I have heard many rumors about you, and I so wanted to meet you. I was advised to do so as the rumors do not do you any justice."

Mary took the wine from him carefully trying to hide her nervousness better. "There are many who say that you are overstepping yourself and that you are just going to end up replacing my cousin with another when you are tired of her." She whispered, "but I do not believe such people, I think your Majesty knows what he is doing. I have learned that many rumors are just idle talk." She thought of Francis and without thinking a large smile played on her face.

"I think they are all wrong, all my cousin says is loving things about you and I know one of your gentlemen who speaks very highly of you." Mary cringed as the King was obviously angry and she did not have a clue how to calm him.

With her head down she whispered to him, "I am not married your majesty, my family has not arranged any marriage for me. I am just here to serve my cousin, my Queen."

Mary nodded to him while Francis was in the back of her mind but would not have dared to mention his name in front of the King so she just sipped her wine as she looked around the room. "I have been told of the great things that your Majesty has done too, I choose only to listen to those things."

Mary felt his eyes on her and she fought her nerves as she spoke, "I have read many things your majesty has written and some of the songs you have composed are my favorite. That is a great talent and then you are taking charge of your country." Her voice grew softer as she continued, "you need to make sure you have a son and heir."

Mary saw the King smile and breathed in a sigh of relief that he was no longer angry. "I love to play chess your Majesty. Shall we play now?"

Taking her wine with her Mary walked over to the chessboard and sat down by the white pieces. "I do not think I will be much of a challenge for someone as talented as you your Majesty but I shall try."

Mary laughed softly, she was enjoying his company and she sat down pondering for a moment before she picked up one of her pieces moving it slowly then looking up at the King. "So what else does your majesty like to do to relax?"

"I think you will find that my cousin is quite skilled as a rider. She has always been good at many things." Mary studied the board then hesitantly made her next move.