The Balcony

I look at him and hear the word 'Navarre'...was this my future husband? The prince Henry wanted me to meet? I smile at him, more brightly. "You are a long way from home..." I turn my body towards him "I was once told: France is fashionable, Spain is pious and Scotland is wild but England is beautiful!" I giggle and blush.

"It is so far away...I've been to France but never there!" I was unsure if he knew who I was: or even had an idea. I decide to broach the subject...but subtly. "I hear the princess is to be betrothed to the prince of Navarre?"

I look at him. This is the man who Henry plans for me to wed! My betrothed-to-be! I offer a curtsey and rise gracefully. "Your Highness." I smile. "I am honoured to meet you."

I blush, sighing slightly but trying to hide it. "I hope so... I pray that I can give you the heirs and alliances your country need." I smile faintly and twirl my hair. "What gave me away?" I smile more brightly.

"You can always ask Henry...His Majesty could always say yes." Blushing, I look at him: a handsome prince not the monster I was preparing to meet. I laugh gently and smile at him "I'm touched you think they're like that..* I move slightly closer to him "you don't like you're brother's wife? "

Blushing more, I look down. "You're too kind, your Highness."
Once again, I look out over the balcony and up at the silvery moon. My shawl slips down unveiling my shoulders. "You are very handsome too..."

"Thank you." My breathing becomes heavier as he stands behind me; his touch making me blush. "Am I everything you want in a wife, my prince?" I turn around and find myself just inches from him... "Do you desire me?" I whisper softly "My betrothed"

"I know, what do you think I was suggesting? I tease, smiling mischievously. "This is truly better than a formal meeting...no chaperones, no courtiers craning their necks to see...just you and I" I smile warmly and gaze into his eyes.

Blushing, I smile sweetly at him. "Irritating my brother wouldn't be the best way to form an alliance...especially when you will be marrying his sister"
I feel his thumb caress my hands and cast my eyes downward... "Though, I shall look forwards to our formal meeting..." I place my lips on his cheek in a kiss "...For I shall see you again"

"If you wish it" I whisper softly, my breathing deepening at being this close to him.

"Good day, your Highness." I smile faintly, looking up from under my eyelashes at him. The guard nearby stands to attention as I move away from him. Extending my hand for him to kiss, I smile graciously "It has been a privilege..."

Turning I pass through the doors; the guard lowering his head out of respect. My gown flows behind me, my shawl draped around my shoulders. He was not what I had expected...Smiling to myself; I pray for a happy marriage.

Anne stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. It was so warm in the Great Hall in the evenings and her dress clung to her skin uncomfortabley.
She leaned over the balcony, toes barely touching the ground and peered below her.