Edward Seymour's bedchamber

Edward appeared to have the same ambition as me. 'You are excatly the kind of man I always hoped I would marry. Someone I can be proud of. And yes, of course I will meet your father. Do you think he would ever come back to court?'

I felt a little blush in my face as she said I was the type of man she wanted to marry. "I hope that we may be proud of each other. As for my father, I'm not sure if he will come to court. I think he prefers the countryside to the hustle and bustle of court life. But.. let's not talk about that old man anymore.." I put down my wine glass and turned to Anne, kissing her on her sweet lips.

'Well that suits us just fine', I said bringing my face closer to Edward's and then returning his kiss.

I was glad she wanted the kiss as much as I did; Anne was not a shy woman. I brought her close to me, deepening our kiss and tasting the wine on her tongue. My nerves buzzed with excitement.

I could sense that we both desired eachother, I felt that we were now on the same wavelength, I slipped my tongue into his mouth and began to kiss him with more urgency and passion.

I stood up and pulled her to me, molding her body to mine. "I know we are not wed, but will you lay with me this night, Anne?" I asked in a desperate whisper.

I opened my mouth but no words escapred my lips, I was for once speachless, I looked at him and studied him closely, I had a feeling that I could trust him. I nodded slightly and leaned forward for another kiss.

Our lips pressed together once more and I knew this would be the time I could claim Anne for my own. I deepened the kiss, letting my tongue slip inside her mouth as I held her head in between my hands. I desired her more than ever before, and I wanted nothing more than to have her in my bed then and there.

I took his hand in mine and led him to the bed smile seductively as I did so.

My anticipation grew as she led me to the bed, where it seemed everything was made ready for us. The look in Anne's eyes was mesmerizing and I followed her like a sailor to a siren at sea. "My little minx.. show me what you can do for me in the marriage bed, my love." I cupped her cheek before giving her another deep and passionate kiss.

I brought Alfonsina back with me, where the servants had the meal almost ready. I frowned, knowing they shouldn't have slacked off so we wouldn't have to wait to eat, but I maintained a calm appearance and led her to the table, already lit by two candlesticks. "I hope you don't mind the wait.'

She sat down and smiled to Edward. Then she shook her head.

"No.. of course I don't mind."

Then she watched servants a little bit. After that she turned her head to Edward.

"It's been a while since I have dined with someone. It's a little bit different for me right now."

She smiled softly.

"I hope you will enjoy yourself tonight," I said in earnest. I poured a cup of wine for her, only the best that I commanded from France. "I want you to feel at ease while you're with me. In fact it's been quite some time since I've dined with a guest. I suppose you know that most people at court don't like me very well."

She listened his words carefully while taking a sip from her wine.

"Actually I don't agree with these people. You are one of the kindest man I've ever met at this court. The people who don't like you probably can't get what they want. Thatt is the reason.. I still can't understand them. They can be as sweet as a song when they are trying to get what they want. But otherwise they are as sly as a fox."

Then she took another sip and smiled.

"The wine is delicious by the way. But remember me for the next time , i will bring Italian one for you."

No one had ever disagreed to the point that I was disliked, or even misunderstood. I didn't know what to say to this, but luckily the food was brought. "Your words are too kind, my lady. And next time I shall be glad to have you bring the wine. My work often sends me to France, so I have grown to prefer them." The servants brought plates of fresh roast pork, filets of fish, and a plate of bread and cheese. "Please, help yourself."

After servants brought the plates she smiled and took a bit from the roast pork. It was delicious and perfect.

"It is really delicious my lord."

Then she took a sip from the wine. They combined together perfectly.

"I'm glad you appreciate it," I said warmly as I tucked in my napkin. "I'm a firm believer that all things should complement one another, and go well together in harmony. Otherwise, there is discord. I want no discord in my life." I stabbed into a piece of meat with my fork and tasted it, perfectly cooked.

She nodded after his words.

"I agree with you. Like the harmony of wine and meat."

She smiled.

I smiled at her. "You always simplify things like this, it's very refreshing to hear such. Yes, there is great harmony in good wine and good meat. And, good harmony between us, my lady." I clinked my goblet to hers.

She giggled after she heard the voice of clink which came from the goblets.

"You are right my lord. The harmony between us is one of a kind. We should know its value."

Then she took the last sip from wine. She felt that her cheeks were getting pink because of the wine's effect.

I smiled at Alfonsina, seeing her cheeks pink. "Dear lady, is something amusing?" I teased.

She smiled widely and blushed.

"Ah... Just effects of wine my lord. It happens all the time when i drink it."

I smiled. "I understand, I am much the same." In a flash i remembered the night we could not really remember, and I blushed. "You may drink as much as you like, you should know you are quite safe with me."

She smiled as she also remembered the night they spent together but they couldn't remember exactly what happened.

"I know my lord.. Thanks for that."

Then she continued.

"But I don't want you to have any trouble because me being drunk."

She smiled again.

"Then if you cause any trouble I shall have to ask you to leave," I said jokingly with a grin. "Of course you know, I jest. If you feel the wine has gotten to you, you may stay here if you wish. Or if you do not want more news for the gossip mongers then I can escort you back to your chambers."