King's Dining Room

Anthony smiled - perhaps if the King had a good opinion of Anthony he might shine his favour upon Abby. Anthony wanted the best for Abigail and if he could, he would ensure that she excelled in her chosen occupation. A time may come when Anne Bolyen would require the services of a nurse - after all - she still had to deliver her promise of an heir.

"She is a pretty little thing. I think my parents are ready to get her married and run her own estate - she is of a marriageable age now. I would prefer - for her safety - that she married and settled down but she is happy right now. And...I confess, that she is quite modern and would not submit to her husband’s will readily."

Juana de Borja d'Aragona arrived within the walls of the palace in England, she had been worried often for her cousin but she knew she must see the king about her own matters at hand, Juana entering announced as Princess Juana of Naples curtsies to his majesty "your majesty it is good to see you again it has been sometime now." she told him

Lately her uncle had not been well and her grandfather's health was no better, she had been made immediate heir to the throne of Naples. Looking at his majesty "I have visited her majesty my cousin, she I am afraid had been quite ill I worry for her health your majesty" she spoke worriedly "forgive me your majesty, but while I was there I was met by one of your subjects I found him to be most appalling while among my presence and that of my cousin, he appoached her chambers without a royal seal from your majesty, he even threatened myself as well" she told him "your majesty his grace the duke of Norfolk's behavior concerned me, I am aware our alliance and friendship is a delicate one." she spoke honestly "but is it permitted of him to enter Naples as well and make such threats against me as well" she questioned.

Juana listened to the King of England speak and she nodded and took a seat "yes my journey had been long, I've not eaten yet. Thank you for your kindness" she told him taking a seat at the table with him, when she spoke of the matters at hand of the duke of Norfolk she listened to his words in return, "your majesty he spoke to me of treason, he may have been worried for his niece the lady Anne," she told him and paused for a moment

"Your majesty he came to me demanding I hold my tongue with him, he threatened treason against me when he had no power to do so" she spoke honestly "forgive my bluntness your majesty, but his behavior was offensive as it was within the walls of Naples and as well during my visit with my cousin" she told him but noticed his ignorance of her concerns of her cousin "forgive me your majesty, if mentioning my cousin offends you" she told him and looked down sadly "your majesty , I am aware your affections no longer lie with my cousin, although she does love you very much. I do hope the lady Anne is good to you and makes you happy, your majesties happiness is important after all" she told him honestly.

The young Princess, Juana of Naples looked at the King, hearing his words she sat there "Then I have but one request" she told him and looked over at him

"You once told me of your love for her, I was but a girl then, so young and about to wed my husband. All I ask your majesty is that you permit me to bring her to Naples, in hopes she may have a chance to live, a doctor to care for her, some food and warmth, I would like to see to it she is looked after well" she told him and heard his words on the Duke of Norfolk and nodded

"I am grateful your majesty, that you will speak with him".

The young Princess of Naples looked at the king and nodded understanding why he would reject such a idea. She could see he was worried if her cousin had contact with the pope what could possibly occur and she looked at his majesty once more "then a physician it is, she had been quite unwell, her skin it is often cold and she had been quite ill. Please your majesty if her leave is not permitted then promise me at least she will be well cared for, that a doctor will visit her and her progress improves. I pray for her health and happiness often as would anyone for their family as I wish only that she is doing well" she spoke

The sound of my shoes clicking against the stone floors cut through the silence like a knife. It did little to sooth my nerves, I was heading towards a room that held bad memories for me. My late father had only ever seen me in the King's private dinning room when I visited as a child. A place I came to dread as it would surely mean that my siblings would be lauded with praise and affection while my father would barely look at me and ask only of my education at Poissy. Even the sight of the door, made me, a grown woman, shiver with the fear I felt when I was a child. It took all my courage to raise my fist and knock it against the oak door. Three times my knuckles hit the wood. It was all I could muster as I waited to be admitted. Henry was my brother, and very much unlike my father. He cared for me and now, I would ask for his aid: should I ever need it to support my daughter. Stepping back, I waited and with a silent sigh, I hoped that my brother would be in a good mood.

"The Princess Katherine." The steward announces as he opens the door. Shown in, I move gracefully into the chamber. Casting my eyes around, little had changed since the dinners I had spent with my father and family as a child, memories that I would rather forget but were etched into my mind. I curtsey before my brother, locks of my golden hair tumbling down and sweeping about my face, framing it beautifully. Rising, I gaze at my brother and smile, "Majesty." I sing and quickly casting a glance at the woman that sat with him, my smile is immaculately gracious. "Your Highness." Returning to my eyes to my brother, I take a step closer to him and speak in soft, hushed tone. "Henry, may I speak with you?"

When the princesses visit was interrupted, Juana sat there but soon turned her head towards the Kings sister and smiled "welcome your highness, it is a pleasure to meet you" the young Princess of Naples spoke and looked at the King "surely your majesty would not mind your sister joining us this fine evening" Juana spoke and then looked back at the women in front of them.

As I take a seat, gracefully perching myself upon the chair nearest my brother, my Lady-in-Waiting paraded into the room with my daughter in her arms. "Votre Majeste" Marguerite sings as she places my beloved child into my open arms. Sitting up, Lizzie inspects the room around her; taking in everything from the floor to the chair her uncle held, as she gazes about. "Ce sera tout , je vous remercie Marguerite." I smile. And with a sweeping curtsey, my most trusted friend and confidante left. Left myself and my daughter to the mercy of my brother's whim; all the while praying that I would find Henry agreeable to my request. The already exquistely beautiful toddler in my arms giggled as she gazed upon the man that could aid her and I in the next chapter of our lives; my brother. "My apologies, your Highness, for the interruption....but Henry.... it is of the upmost importance." Casting my gaze downward, I look at the top of Lizzie's head; the full head of hair that covered the ten month old child's head was as mine was; golden. Just like my mother and grandmother's before us. We we're golden haired Yorks, Woodville blondes, very much unlike my Tudor father and siblings. Putting such thoughts of the past from my mind, I focussed upon the future. Lizzie's future. And I would do my upmost to persuade Henry to help assure it.

Lifting Lizzie up my lap, so that we are both comfortable: I flash a grateful smile towards my brother. "Thank you Henry, darling." Sighing quietly "I am truly grateful."

Princess Juana d'Aragona looked at the King and nodded "of course your majesty" she spoke knowing the matters of family was far more important, she soon got up and excused herself soon leaving for Naples.

I arrive at Whitehall hearing that the king wanted to talk with me after a visit from Juana.

I ask the kings servant to inform his majesty of my arrival at his chambers and I ask him to tell the king:
" You wanted to speak to me your Majesty?"

"It is about Lizzie, darling..." Sighing, I gaze at my brother with a sad smile. What I was to ask brought the greatest sorrow to my heart but I had no other choise. For my daughter's sake, I had to make the request. "I am a peeniless widow, Henry, a powerless dowager queen and without suitors, I have no other option but to ask for you help. Though it pains me to say it... to secure and assure Lizzie's future, I would like you to help me to search for a suitable betrothal." As my bottom lip began to tremble, I bit down upon; trying with all my might not to cry. "I know she is young but it is my only option... our only option."

Henry sighed and looked lovingly at her

I care about Lizzie's future too. And about yours, of course. I promise that your daughter will be engaged soon with a suitable future husband. But..what about you, sister? Your previous suitor was not of your liking? I remember you were happy to meet him..

He replied frowning a bit. He really wanted to see Katherine happy just like Mary Rose

[OOC: Thomas Howard, you shouldn't come in my chambers without permission interrupting threads. Please, read rules. Thank you..]

"He never arrived Henry..." I stated, pursing my lips as I cast my eyes away from his gaze. "I must be the laughing stock of Christendom. Portrait after portrait send out across Europe, and still none are interested." I laughed sadly. It must have seemed to almost every ruler across the continent that I was a joke. An embarrassment to my brother and family. I had been widowed after less than a year of marriage and forced to return home, begging my brother's support and charity. It was little wonder I could hear the voice of my father, a man that couldn't bear the sight of me, ringing in my ears. "Perhaps, I am not as beautiful and as eligible as I was when I married Francis... it is more than likely." Taking a deep breath, I return my gaze towards him and muster a gracious smile. After all, he had agreed to aid Lizzie and I, a grateful smile was the least I could. "Thank you though. All I can do now is hope I can give Lizzie a brighter future than her mother's."

I released a laugh from my smiling lips, my hand gently squeezing his back affectionately. "You're my brother, you're supposed to think I'm beautiful." My brother could be many things and was praised and criticized by many for his actions as a man and ruler, but when it came to me; he was always a loving brother. I admit, I had seen him do things that shocked me...but no matter how changeable his temperament could be, deep down I knew I always had his support. "You're very confident Henry. I don't see them lining up outside the audience chamber but I'll take your word for it." I giggled softly. I was not so convinced and had become certain that there would be no more babies for me, but I didn't wish to dampen his mood with such a somber thought. With a smile, I sing "And I am sure you will make me an Aunt again. Many times over."