The Balcony

Seeing the man and hearing my name, I rack my brain for him...he was familiar!
The name formed in my mouth and I heard myself say it before I could be certain.
"Charles?...Charles Brandon As I look at him more I recognise him...It was Charles! I smile brightly as I remember him!
"My God! How are you?"

"Charles laughed and came closer to hug her"

Katherine...my little, sweet Katherine. Oh God...last time I saw you...you were just a child. And now you're a beautiful young woman. I didn't know you were at court...

"He said, still a bit confused"

I embrace him. Charles had been a constant in my childhood and as much as a brother as Henry was! "Forgive me...I should have sent word! But I wished to see my family...it was time to end our separation!""
I smile brightly at him; beaming with joy to see him!
"How are you...Forgive me; Your Grace" Smiling I curtsy.

"Charles smiled and hold her cheek in his hand"

No need formalities between us, Katherine. We know each other since our childhood. Just...I still can't believe you're here! I'm fine...I'm married for the second time and I have children. And what about you, little Katie?

"He asked, calling her as he used to do when they were children"

I smile, blushing at my childhood nickname..it felt amazing to be called "Katie" again!
"Congratulations! Who is the new Duchess?" I can't help but beam at him...Charles was practically family!
"I'm really here!...Its a shock isn't it?"

"Charles giggled while nodding"

Yes...it really is. I'm still trying to understand if this is a dream sequence. My...new wife is lady Catherine Willoughby. She is spanish and...she was my pupil. I would like you to meet her...

"He smiled looking at her beautiful face"

"I would love to meet her!"
I smiled and looked at him..."I'm really here...I'm Henry's sister; I should be here!"

"Charles squeezed softly her cheek"

I'm sure you'll love her. But you haven't answered my question, yet...little Katie. What about you? Do you think the King will arrange a marriage for you soon?

"He asked, still smiling"

I look down "I don't know Charles. Perhaps?...I am Henry's to marry off and give to whom ever he wishes" I giggle as he squeezes my cheek.
"But I am so pleased for you! How many children?"

"Charles smiled and cleared his throat before answering"

Ehm...I have 6 children. But not from Catherine. The Duchess of Buckingham, lady Anna Stafford, gave me five children, two boys and three daughters. I also have an eldest daughter, Victoria... from a previous relationship. She is married and I'm also grandfather to a beautiful baby girl...

"He explained, hoping not to have shocked her with his complicated private life"

Looks at him..."Good Lord, Charles...you have been busy since we last met!" I smile at him, unshaken by his private life...it was nothing on the 'Normal' family life she had experienced.
"You will always be that mischievous boy I knew as a girl" I giggled "No matter how many children you have! I imagine you're a wonderful father."
I turned and looked once more over the balcony; breathing in the fresh air.
"Charles, Who is this Anne Boleyn I have heard so much about...Mary has told me of her but I need to know the whole tale..." I look at my old friend; hoping he will tell me everything I need to know.

"Charles took a deep breath and caressed her blonde hairs. He turned his eyes towards landscape around them"

Well...it's a long story. Your brother fell in love with lady Anne Boleyn. She is not noble, but her family is raising and getting power at court every day. The King wants to divorce from Queen Katherine, darling. And he is fighting with the Pope because of that. But as you can imagine...the Pope denied his consent...

"He paused and turned towards her eyes again"

And your brother the King, broke with Rome and declared himself Supreme Head of Church...

"Holy Mother of God!" I cross myself, Horrified. Turning to face him, I can imagine my look of confusion and disgust. "He has broken from Rome?...Charles has he gone mad? Henry is a devout Catholic!"
My breathing becomes heavier as I come to terms with the shock. "This Lady Anne...Should I meet her? Is she truly worth all this?" I breath in and out to calm myself
"Charles....What has Henry done?"

"Charles realized how much upset she was and leaned his hands on her shoulders"

Calm down, darling...there is nothing we can do. I don't like Boleyn's at all. And I consider Anne Boleyn a whore who witched the King. But as his best friend I'm always at his side. And...I tried and I'll try again to make him change his mind. You know how stubborn he is. Everything will be alright...

"He added whispering, hoping to make her calm down"

Taking some deep breaths, I try to contain myself. Confused and bewildered, I look at him.
"Henry always was stubborn." Taking another deep breath "Charles, would you present this "Lady Anne" to me? I want to see the woman who is trying to depose my Sister-in-law!"
Once again, I look out over the balcony. This cannot be happening! Sighing, I put my head in my hands and under my breath:
"Oh, Henry...What have you done?"

"Charles sighed, caressing slowly and softly her blonde hairs"

Lady Anne and I are not exactly...good friends, darling. But she already acts like a Queen. So it will be no difficult for you meeting her around Palace. Henry even granted her ladies in waiting and a Reception Room...

"He rolled his eyes and sighed deeply"

I sigh, closing my eyes as I process all these things.
"Then I shall go and 'Present' myself to this woman...soon" I look at him and smile. It was wonderful to see him and had made my arrival easier.
"I truly am pleased to see you Charles!"

"Charles smiled and leaned on her. He kissed deeply her forehead"

I'm happy to see you too, darling. Don't be worried for the King's matter. Everything will be fixed. I just want to see your beautiful smile. If you were not...almost a sister to me, I could even dare to court you...

"He giggled, trying to change topic"

I close my eyes as he kisses my forehead and smile faintly. Charles was a dear friend to my family and meant a great deal to me.
Giggling, I smile at him!
"Now, now Charles...What would my father have said to that?! Not to mention Henry and your wife!!" I laughed.

"Charles shrugged while smiling"

What should he say? He knows I always get what I want. Have you forgot that he banished me from court when I married my poor Margaret? But he forgave us...

"He answered, still playing with her hairs"

I look down at the mention of my eldest sister....Under my breath "Poor Margaret." She had always come to visit me; bought me gifts and showed me the affection our father couldn't. She was like a mother to me.
I look up at him and smile faintly "Eventually! You know Henry would be furious!" I giggle sweetly and continue to look at him. "Isn't one Tudor princess enough?"

"Charles giggled after her"

Yes...I think it is. My status as King's brother in law was not important for me. I just wanted to make your sister happy. But...I have been an awful husband for her. I have been not...faithful. So, I just hope being a better husband for Catherine...

"He admitted, loking around"

"I'm sure you will be" I smile warmly. "I'm sure you and she shall be very happy!"

"Charles nodded again"

Thank you, dear. But now tell me...what have you done while you were away? Do you still like riding?

"He asked smiling, remembering his childhood days with her"

Smiling, I nod.
"Still love to ride...It's the freedom of it!" Sighing, I look at him "Unfortunately not alot! Being a good Niece to my Aunt Catherine...but then after she died; I was sent to a Nunnery to complete my education"