Library

I think I shall take you up on that offer, sir Thomas. Their is so much of England I wish to see even if I do have to travel in pretence. I rolled my eyes jokingly noticing how late it was getting. I think I shall retire to my chamber now. I am ever so grateful for my dog. This is the first English present I have received.

Thomas smiled and bowed with his head

It was just a little symbol of our friendship, Katherina. I'm so glad you appreciated it. Take care of it..

He caressed her dog and smiled again at her

I leave you to your duty, now. Surely your husband is waiting for you. Hope to see you soon, my lady..

"Charles was finally back at court after his exile in Suffolk. He couldn't believe he was at Palace again. Very soon he had to attend the Marquess of Pembroke ceremony for Anne Boleyn. It was a King's order. But before this to happen, he decided to have some relax in one of his favourite places, the library. He took a book from shelves and started slowly to browse the pages"

Anthony was perusing the shelves, running his hand along the leather spins of the books. He heard footsteps nearby and glanced up-he then saw a face he did not expect to see, further down the aisle.

"Harry finally let you return?"he whispered teasingly with his mischievous grin, "It's good to see you, Brandon."

"Charles raised his eyes from book as he heard a male voice calling his name. He looked curiously at the man in front of him"

Thank you...yes, it's good being finally at home. Sir...?

"He replied, wondering who he was"

Anthony chuckled, "Forgive me. I don't suppose we've ever been properly introduced."

He outstretched his hand, "Anthony Denny, I'm a member of the privy council. I have seen you in passing around court-although...I suppose a lowly servant of the crown, " he said jokingly, "Will not gain any particular recognition from a Duke...such as your good self."

"Charles grabbed his hand and shook it"

Oh...nice to meet you, Sir Denny. Forgive me, but I never met you at court. I'm part of King's Council myself...so I suppose you have just arrived..

"He smiled"

Anthony shrugged and put his hands in his pockets after shaking his hand, "I've been coming and going for a while."

He leaned casually against the bookcase, "I suppose I must have been officially sworn in during your...absence. Though please be assured-I only heard very favourable accounts of your character, everyone speaks so highly of you."

"Charles smiled while nodding"

Thank you...yes, I can't deny I'm rather...popular at court. After all, I was King's brother in law, once. Now he wants me to attend to an important ceremony for his favourite, Anne Boleyn. She will be created Marchioness of Pembroke in few days...

"He explained, shrugging a bit"

Anthony nodded and replied, "Yes, so I've been told. She's done quite well to rise so high...and I'm sure it will not be the last tiara she gets put on her head."

He then added, "I'm not not exactly sure if I should show my face...although I should imagine it will be a rather public affair. I suspect it's the type of event he'll want people to talk about-to legitimise Anne."

"Charles sighed shrugging again"

I don't see why you shouldn't show your face, my lord. You're a King's man. So...if I show my face after all that happened, so surely you can...

"He winked friendly"

Anthony chuckled, "I hope you do not take offence...but I have heard differing reports on your...holiday."

He scratched his stubbled absent mindedly, "Naturally, Henry has been silent about the whole thing and one learns not to trust court gossip. Might I ask...why did you leave?"

"Charles couldn't help to smile after his words"

Well...I have spoken against Anne Boleyn in King's presence. And even if we're friends since our childhood, he decided to banish me from court for a while. And...may I ask what have you heard about my absence?

"He asked curiously"

Anthony nodded thoughtfully, pausing for a while before replying, "Well stories which corroborate with yours. Although naturally, there is so often now a Boleyn spin on things...and idle gossips too. I heard one rumour that you and she had...well...another that you were conspiring with Katherine."

Anthony then held up his hand, "Please, Your Grace; do not think I seek gossip or believe it. You must understand, greater than most, it is part of my occupation now to be aware of the things courtiers discuss-be Henry's eyes and ears, so to speak."

"Charles closed the book in his hands after hearing his words and frowned"

I and her...what, sir Denny? What have you heard exactly? Because...I assure you that the last woman on this world I could have an affair with...is Anne Boleyn...

"He answered ironically and perplexed at the same time"

Anthony chuckled, "Peace, Your Grace. You needn't be vexed. I - of course - never believed the rumours, nor did anyone who matters. How could any one of competent mind! 'Tis the prattlings of the foolish girls in court who envy anyone you may look at. "

He then added, trying to lighten Charles mood a little, "Besides, I think she is rather...exotic in appearance. I believe the King a lucky man."

"Charles rolled his eyes, wondering who could spread such rumor around court. Then he sighed and nodded"

I admit she is a beautiful woman...yes. But not my kind of woman. She hates me. And the whole court knows that I dislike her family. Also...if such rumor would arrive at King's ears...I could be even beheaded this time...

"He added, raising an eyebrow"

Anthony tilted his head and replied reassuringly, "From what I hear, Henry is exceedingly fond of you, as a brother. I doubt he could ever do such a thing - you are his kin!"

He then fiddled with the ring on his index finger, "Indeed...I have been reliably informed you are happily married once more and you seem like a decent chap. I'm sure the King pays no mind to idle chit chat."

"Charles nodded again"

Indeed...I'm happily married with lady Catherine Willoughby. She also gave me an healthy son, recently. Although, I have eight illegitimate children also. Ehm...it can sound weird, I know. But it's a long story...

"He chuckled a bit"

And...what about you, my lord? Are you married?

Anthony grinned and tapped Charles on the shoulder, "Well congratulations, Your Grace-for all of your children, " He added light heartedly,"Nine...is quite an achievement and a legitimate son too-lucky indeed."

Anthony then sighed deeply and crossed his arms over his strong chest, "Not yet, thank God...but my father has designs on an arranged marriage for me-to a Joan something. He treats me like a child and I think he forgets I am his second eldest. Yet, he is old and generally good-I feel beholden to execute his will."

"Charles smiled, nodding again"

Well...I think your father just cares for you, my lord. My eldest son is seventheen and I barely see him like a man. Now he is starting to ask me advices about girls...you know...

"He chuckled again, before adding"

By the way, consider yourself lucky still having your father at your side, sir Denny. I lost mine years ago on battlefield...

Anthony chuckled and retorted jokingly, "Well I'm sure after siring nine children your advice will be exemplary!"

Anthony then nodded sincerely, "How unfortunate, dreadfully sad that you have lost him. Indeed, my father fought in the war too. I think it scared him for life-he's a frail man now."

"Charles sighed deeply"

He was killed by Richard III in person. People say I should consider it an honour. But...I'm just proud of him for his bravery on battlefield. You surely heard about the battle of Bosworth. It put the Tudors on the throne...

"He explained"

Anthony nodded knowingly and cleared his throat, "Well of course I have-it's etched in history now. I cannot imagine what it must have been like and hope I never have to. My father never talks about it and avoids any time it comes up in conversation but naturally through my studies I learned a great deal about the war."

"Charles smiled looking at him"

Your father was surely a great and wise man. You speak very highly about him. So I'm sure you'll be a good father one day. Family is important. And...I can say I'm very experienced about that...

"He said patting his shoulder and winking"