Little Lake

"After Trial's audience, in the afternoon, Charles reached lakeside. He stopped and admired the silent water. Many thoughts were running in his mind. He smiled amused, remembering when Nan fell down in the water. But proudly, he threw himself in the water too and came after her. It was when she was just a 16 years old lady in waiting. How many things changed since then...He took a deep breth and kept on waiting for Nan, hoping she got his message in time..."

"Charles was lost in his thoughts, watching at the silent water. As he heard Nan's voice he turned his head immediately. He smiled, seeing her standing in front of him, beautiful as always"

Nan...I'm glad you accepted to come. I hoped you could receive my message in time. How are you? I...I even didn't know you were back at court...

"He said hesitantly, a bit nervous because of her probably reaction"

"Charles stared at her while she was talking. He missed her voice. After her last sentence, he shook slowly his head"

She is...not very well, really. Margaret...she is seriously ill, Nan. That's why I asked you to come here...

"He tried to explain. Then he gulped and lowered his eyes. A light wind was raising, but he could see Nan's hairs moved by fresh air"

"Charles raised his eyes to hers and shook his head again, shrugging a bit"

I...I don't know, exactly. The physician said that it could be...consumption. I found blood on her pillow, recently. I said nothing to the King, yet. I...I fear for her life...

"He added, taking a deep breath while turning his eyes elsewhere"

"Charles turned to Nan's eyes again and nodded"

Yes...she knows that. That's why she thinks that she could have...few time. I even brought her In Suffolk for a while, hoping that county air could be healthy for her. But...there are no improvements...

"He paused for a while, before adding"

Nan...she wants talking with you...

"He finally said, grabbing suddenly her wrist. And waiting for her reaction"

"Charles took a deep breath"

Nan...she hadn't told me what she needs talking you about. But...it's no difficult to imagine. What if she really had few time? Please, give her an opportunity...

"He said firmly, staring into her deep eyes"

"Charles left her wrist go slowly"

This is not her intention, Nan! I think she just wants...ask you to be at my side after...

"He couldn't continue his sentence and stopped. Then he took a breath and touched softly her chin"

I know how do you feel, Nan. But probably...she feels worse than you. I'm sure that she has no intention to offend you...

"He finally managed to say, figuring out such reaction from her"

"He raised softly her chin"

Nan...you have nothing to lose. Will you do that for me?

"He asked whispering, staring at her soft lips"

"Charles raised his eyes towards sky, sighing deeply"

I didn't mean that, Nan. I just meant...that she is not your enemy anymore. Just listen what she needs telling to you. And then you'll decide what to do. That's all...

"He added, turning his eyes towards her hers. Even angry, she looked even more beautiful than usual at his glance"

"Charles smiled weakly and took a deep breath after her approval"

Well...she wants me to bring you into her chambers tomorrow. Are you...busy?

"He asked curiously, trying to catch her eyes"

"Charles sighed again and took a step towards her"

I know its not easy for you, Nan. But...try to understand. She feels herself at the end of her life. Maybe...it's really important...

"He paused and turned his eyes around lake too"

By the way...thank you, Nan. It means a lot to me...

"He whispered thoughtfully"

"Charles came closer and reached her with slow steps"

You know...I was watching at this lake while waiting for your arrival. This place...reminds me many things...

"He said with warm voice, looking around lake. But glancing secretely at her face's expression. He was wondering what she was thinking about..."