Library

"Charles nodded"

Yes...I have a wife and many children that I love deeply. But...about lady Nan, we're not together anymore. We're friends...and she can always count on me. For ever...

"He said with a weak smile"

Anthony sighed, "You're an honourable man, I hope you can take comfort in that."

"Charles smiled again"

Thank you...you're an honorable man as well, sir Denny. You're young, but also very wise...

"He patted softly his shoulder"

Anthony chuckled and joked, "Careful, you shall inflate my ego so large that I won't fit out that door!"

"Speaking of which I had best be going..."

"Charles laughed"

Oh...and I forgot telling that I'm even grandfather. My eldest daughter Victoria has two beautiful little girls...

"He said proudly"

Anthony grinned, "No wonder you forget! You have a very large family."

Anthony thought that the King might envy Charles' sons and daughters. He then said mischievously, "How you remember their names is a wonder to me."

"Charles laughed again"

Oh...well, it's not so complicated, actually. I have six daughters and three sons. Of course I can't see them all together...so I can manage it...

Anthony continued mischievously, "Did you have to extend your properties to accommodate such a large family? You must live in a palace greater than this now!"

Anthony then added with sincerity, "Yet...I think you worthy of these blessings. You are a loyal servant to the crown, have raised yourself to a Duke and have gone through hardships. It seems God -quite rightly- is trying to make up for the loss of your son."

"Charles nodded"

Yes...I feel blessed, indeed. I love my family. At least I won't be alone when I'll get older...

"He smiled"

Anthony sighed, "That is a great comfort and security."

Anthony then straighter up and ran a hand through his hair, "Anyway, I had better be leaving. It has been very nice to meet you."

Anthony took a step away and then patted Charles on the shoulder. With a relaxed smile he added, "Do know that you shall have a friend in me Brandon...if you need it."

"Charles smiled his back while nodding"

Of course...thank you for that, sir Anthony. It has been a pleasure to meet you as well. You may visit me whenever you wish...

"He replied kindly"

Anthony nodded with grin and dipped his head respectfully before leaving the library.

"Charles bowed with his head and watched him leaving. Then sighed and opened his book again"

Clement had secretly arranged to meet with his beloved far from the prying eye's of her family. Knowing that her brothers were only caring for their own status rather than as a family. Clement had to be sure that Dorothy truly wants to be his wife before he would propose anything. Picking a book at random he opened barely reading it as he awaited his sweetheart.

It was perfectly quiet and only a few people were at the library when Dorothy entered. "You requested to see me, my handsome gentleman?"

Clement blushed when he heard Dorothy's words, it seemed she was flirting with him.

"Indeed I did first of all are you armed? I wouldn't like a recurrence like the night I came to surprise you. "

Dorothy felt utterly guilty the day the incident happened "No, I am not." She said hoping that he can forgive her.

"It's good to see you again Dorothy I was not sure if you did want to see me again."

It was hard for Clement to understand precisely what it was Dorothy wanted.

"Of course I want to see you again." Dorothy says with a smile "I was thinking the same thing."

"Great minds think alike."

Clement wasn't so sure how to be himself in front of her. There seemed to be a wall surrounding young Dorothy and what it was she really wanted.

"Have you had a chance to attend any of the court festivities."

"Yes. I have." Dorothy smiles "I attended the fall festivities yesteryear. I was hoping you were there."

"I got caught up with some work, forgive my absence."

He pushed back a strand of her hair from her face as they stood opposite one another.

"I'm surprised that you missed me Dorothy."

As he pushes a strand of hair out of her face, a little smile forms. "I must confess that since the day you came into my thoughts now and then, I look forward to see you at court festivities"

It had been a quiet, sluggish morning for Catherine who, despite her age and seemingly tranquil character, had never quite grown out of her habitual wandering. She needed to familiarise herself with the palace before her anxieties would get the best of her.

The room she entered - large and full of most beautiful books - seemed empty and silent. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply through her nose and let the still air fill her chest. She stepped away from the fireplace toward the center of the room as she crept closer to the table with a small stack of books on the corner. She slipped a book from the stack, leaned it toward her and blew the dust from its cover. As the cloud of dust cleared, Catherine attempted to read the faded title from the antiqued-leather cover, and the book itself.

Niklaus entered the Library to look for a book about his country, Russia. He wanted to give it to his daughter Esther as a gift. So she could learn more about her family's origins. As he stepped in, the room looked silent and quiet to him. He thought to be alone. But suddenly he noticed a young lady who was looking at shelves with a book in her hands. He approached her with slow steps "My lady?..May I help you?" He asked lowering his voice and hoping not to scare her