The Balcony

"Charles smiled her back. He hold sweetly her cheek in his hand"

No need to pretend with me, Katie. I know you're not happy about that. But I'm here. And you can show your real feelings with me...

"He said with low voice, looking into her blue, wet eyes"

"Thank you darling" I smile faintly, feeling his warm hand against my cheek "Francis and I have arranged a treaty negotiation with François, so I'll have to prepare and pack."
I lean in and softly kiss his cheek "I promise to write and to visit as much as I can!" Taking his hand in mine, I look at him with more than a twinge of sadness! Trying not to be too upset.
"And I'll send you and Henry a personal note when the baby is born" Smiles cheekily, hoping they can part on good terms.

"Charles looked surprised at her. But then smiled and nodded"

You're going to France, then. Well...I wish you a good travel. Now...you have duties as Queen. But don't forget that you'll be always my little Katie, for me. I'll wait for your letters...

"He leaned on her and kissed her forehead"

"Charles received a message from Prince Philip. It was about his beloved Catalina. So he couldn't avoid to reach him immediately on the balcony. Once arrived, he looked at him with cold eyes"

Your Highness...finally we meet...

"He said without even bowing"

"Charles listened him calmly. But he was trying to control his anger, actually. He just bit nervously his lips"

My daughter is a child, my lord! I think you should have ask my permission to court her. Before marrying her secretely and stealing her innocence! Catalina will go anywhere. Not without my consent, at least...

"He said almost shoulting. Then he took a breath trying to control himself"

"Charles frowned. He had to shook his head to realize what he was saying"

My lord...my daughter was not born for being a royal. She can't bring such burden on her shoulders! She...she is still a child. She will realize soon that you just wanted to bed her! I don't know what you're trying to do. But one thing is certain, my lord: I won't allow you to bring Catalina away from me!

"He saind with angry tone, avoiding to call him with his title"

"Charles took tow steps towards him, still staring angrily at his face"

Consummated...and valid, you say? I can easily get an annullement, given that she is still a child. In the eyes of God and on paper...

"He repeated kidding him"

Probably you forgot who I am...Your Highness. I'm the King's best friend. The most powerful man in this court. And that crown on your head won't prevent me from protecting my daughter...

"Charles was facing him. He was listening silently but smiled ironically at him"

If you really loved her...you would have acted like a gentleman, asking my permission first. You seduced my daughter. You bedded her stealing her innocence and making her pregnant! You just took advantage of her...and should I forgive you for that? If you were a man, you would leave in Bavaria alone, letting her free to live her life...

"He cleared his throath and lowered his voice, before adding"

About the baby...I'll find a solution. She is too young to be a mother...

"Charles frowned. He didn't understand if he was feeling bad or what. He rolled his eyes"

Don't misanderstand me. I have no intention to hurt the baby. I just suggest to give it to someone else, until she'll be adult enough to take care of a baby. Or even...I could even say that the baby is mine...that I had it from one of my mistresses or something like this. I would do everything to save her reputation. So..if you really love her, make the right choice for her...

"He said, waiting for his reaction and looking attentively at his face"

"Charles watched him leaving silently. But while he was talking he almost feard he could fall on the ground suddenly. He ran his hand among his own hairs taking a deep breath. This situation needed to be solved, in a way or another. He turned too walking inside. He had to talk with Catalina immediately"

With a goblet of wine in his hand Clement came outside for the night air Behind him was the sound of the Christmas cheer carrying on. He thought he was completely alone but to the other side of the balcony he noticed a raven hair lady. With a sip of his wine he slowly approached her.

'My lady'

Dorothy was just staring into the distance when she heard a gentleman's voice and turned around. "My lord" she quick curtains "Came here for the quiet too?"

He held up his hand before she curtsied

'No need for that but yes I have come for the quite I think people have courted almost everyone at the Christmas party'

He added with a chuckle

'I am Clement Smyth a knight without the shining armour I am afraid. '

"Pleasure to meet you." she smiles widely "The name is Seymour, Dorothy Seymour" she tucks a strand behind her ear "Not all people here have been courted. I should know, I know people."

Clement smiles widely he loved her spirit she had about her

'No Dorothy the pleasure is mine I have yet to meet a lively lady like yourself'

He admired her beautiful features Dorothy seemed like a sweet and very beautiful lady but I bet she could stand up for herself. He didn't take his eyes of her while she spoke such spirit she had

'You know people? What I meant was the same guy courting different ladies one after the other as if they were like cattle! But you Dorothy you are wise not to fall for devious men'

"That clearly makes sense." she smiles as she looks into his eyes "A man can use his charm if a lady is easy to amuse." she sighs for a moment"I am a woman who isn't absent minded unlike the others who are easily amused and might become a mistress once they are amused" she smiles at his compliment "That is kind of you to say that."

'I think Dorothy and this is a mere guess but I think that once you have found that love you look for you blossom like the flowers do in spring'

Clement kept talking moving his goblet around in one hand while he spoke besotted and enchanted by Dorothy

'And if a man wanted to court you would you accept his offer if he promised to be nothing but the upmost gentleman that you truly deserve'

"Yes." she smiles "A proper woman should have a proper man." she admires him for a moment "The meaning is true when people say one should treat others the same way one would want to be treated."