King's Dining Room

-Rosalina di Calabria looked at the king as she stood there, She nodded "It will pass, I am sure" Rosalina said to the King but she was wrong indeed, taking a sip from the cup with water in it, she wore her Spanish cloth of a red color with black on it, her growing stomach showing big and she wore a headwear of spanish style on her head as well which was a hooded headwear of spanish black cloth with red lining around it with pearls and jewels laying at her shoulder blades, glancing at the King she looked at him "Your majesty, the child, he's coming" Rosalina said and she is now in labor, calapsing on the floor she pulls herself up trying to breath as she is in need of a midwife and she stays there-

Anthony arrived at the King's quarters, brushing his hands in anticipation down his doublet and ruffling his hand habitually through his hair. It was still bright outside and the sun blazed hot, despite the hours racing fast into the late afternoon. Never the less, what seemed like hundreds of candles were propped up in golden candelabras and the apartments shone.

Certainly, he thought, to be invited to the Kings chambers was flattering enough but to his dining room was an even greater honour...an ostenstaious display of kinship. There was no need to knock, footmen almost pounced on Anthony when he arrived-bidding him to wait while they announced his arrival to the king.

Anthony nodded as the servants opened the door. He daren't admit it but he was eager to please the King, it was the only way to succeed in England now. So he tread lightly into the room, touching his hand to his stomach as he swept a respectful bow, "My King, " he said with a charming smile and rose - discreetly glancing around the room.

Anthony grinned, relieved at such a warm reception from Henry. He was taller than he remembered but then again, he'd only seen him in passing around court.

Anthony took some wine from one of the servants, casting his gaze about the room, "It is an honour, Your Majesty. I assure you the pleasure is entirely mine."

He nodded with a smile, taking a deep breath as he saw the spread laid on the table. He wondered what the King had heard of him curiously.

"Well I hope Your Majesty has only heard good things of me, "he said playfully and added, "Yes. He is a capital man. He displayed exceeding loyalty to Your Majesty...I must also thank you now for allowing me a position on your Privy Council, like Brandon."

Anthony took a sip from the goblet, the wine was one of the finest he tasted. As he took the goblet away from his mouth, a mischievous smirk appeared on his lips - noticing the King's playful expression.

Anthony chuckled and brushed his hand through his hair, pretend to be unfazed by Joan,"She is quite...," he began, "Quite unexpectedly pleasing. But...well, she is young, spirited and that is why I am now here in court and not with her. She has a tempestuous heart."

He took another sip of wine, "But I trust Your Majesty is soon to be content."

Anthony nodded, quite surprised by the King's banter but entirely enjoying their bawdy talk. As he began to eat the soup, he nearly choked with laughter at the King's words.

With a chuckled he replied, "Well indeed. I'm sure there is much she may be taught, Your Majesty," he winked and added, "But she is willing to learn...and...pleasing thus far."

Anthony chuckled, glad to have made such an impression but whether it was an accurate depiction of his character remains to be seen.

"Well thank you and of course, Your Majesty. I sure she would be happy to receive such an honour."

Anthony began to eat the food in front of him, "May I ask after the Marquis? I hope she is well..."

Anthony nodded with bright eyes - the idea of travelling again was almost irresistible, "Of course, Your Majesty - it would be a pleasure to accompany you."

He took a sip of the wine and added playfully, "Perhaps - Your Majesty - it will be something of a honeymoon for yourself and the Lady Anne and for me and Joan."

Anthony nodded and took another sip of wine, "I'm sure my Joan would like that. She is very young Your Majesty - I think it would do her well to have a few companions. My sister is of a similar age to her but she is often busy with her work."

Anthony brushed a hand through his hair, setting his goblet upon the table for a moment,"Tell me, how long do you think to stay in France?"

James smiled, taking a crust of bread from his plate, "Indeed, I imagine - in many ways - it will be a home coming for Anne. The lady must have a great deal many happy memories of France, of course they will be eclipsed by the memories you shall both have of this visit."

Anthony thought of Joan, remembering her discussing Catherine Parr. At least if she was lady for Anne, they would be together - but he forced himself to realise that Joan would happier being a lady - if she had to be a hand-maiden - for a woman of her choosing, "Perhaps, it would certainly be an honour and no doubt a joy for my Joan. Although, she has been offered a place with the Baroness Catherine Parr, perhaps Your Majesty has heard of the woman? I'll admit and I'm sure Your Grace will understand that I am...reluctant, to be parted from her during the early stages of our relationship..."

Anthony nodded thoughtfully, "Well indeed. Perhaps, the baroness would be keen to come to court to remove herself from the pressures of caring for her sickly husband and have someone else care for him. Never the less, I will speak of it to Joan and see what she may say. "

His mind drifted to his sister as they spoke of the poorly baron, "My sister is actually a nurse in court right now, she is an excellent medic...perhaps she could tend to Baron Parr," Anthony said and picked at the food upon his plate. It was clearly the best selection in the land, rich meats and sweet tasting food...and of course the wine.

Anthony smiled proudly. To be sure, he wasn't exactly enthusiastic about his sister being a nurse - how could he when he was so protective of her? He still saw her as an innocent girl and even in moments of clarity he did sometimes wish - for her own safety - that she would be content to sew as much as their mother did. However, she was like him in so many ways and her ambition saw her excel in her chosen profession and so he could not help but beam with pride, "Abigail, Your Majesty," Anthony said.

"She is my littlest sister," he explained and sipped his wine, "So I am sure you may understand how protective I am of her. Nursing I am sure is not for the faint hearted...which Abby certainly is not."