Eleanor Brandon's bedchamber

"Charles took the glass from her hands and smiled"

Well...I'm used working with him. Don't forget that I helped him to prove that Wolsey was not exactly...an honest man. I just hope not to work with Boleyn. I know he helped me to come back to court...but I still don't like him...

"He shrugged and took a sip from wine"

Eleanor sat back down across from him. "I don't like Thomas Boleyn either, he is a horrible man with one too many hidden agendas. I know I don't have to say this, but I want you to watch your back with him. I don't like his family either, but I will never say anything damaging to myself against them." She reassured him, drinking from her glass.

"Charles nodded with a tender smile"

I know, sister. Well...I don't like Anne Boleyn...this is not a mistery at court. But don't worry about me. I know perfectly how to trat Boleyn's. Rather...I'd like you to meet my children. They are growing up fastly...and Anna is a wonderful mother...

"He said careless, wondering her reaction"

Eleanor smiled, then looked shocked. "Children? You are a father? How many do you have? Who's Anna? Sorry so many questions at once. I knew you would beget children from affairs and such, but never in my wildest dreams did I think you would meet them. I know I have asked a lot, but I have one more question. Have you recognised any of them as yours?" She asked, all from a place of love.

"Charles laughed silently while nodding"

Yes...you have been away, so I understand you don't remember lady Anna Stafford very well. She is the mother of my four children: Charlie, Edward, Catalina and little Jane...I'm sure they will be happy to meet their aunt...

"He said with a wink"

Eleanor noticed him laughing but did not care. "Anna Stafford, isn't she the daughter of the Duke of Buckingham? I can not wait to meet your sons and daughters. I do hope they will like me. What are they like?"

"Charles laughed while nodding"

Yes...she is. Oh...they are very beautiful and clever children. Charlie and Edward are very good in archery, and their teacher says they learn fastly everything. Catalina looks like you, Nora...she is just 12 years old. And little Jane...well. she is just 1 years old. I'm so proud of them...

"He said with a proud smile, looking at her"

Eleanor smiled, happy that he takes pride in his children. "I am so happy they excel at what they do and aren't having a rough time. I can't wait to meet the and further my relationship with all of them. I suppose Charlie and Edward will be great marksmen and an asset to the Royal Army when they are of age to fight. Some time soon I would like for me to speak to Lady Anna, do you think she would be open to it?" She asked, wondering.

"He sighed, before nodding slowly"

Of course...I think she will be happy to meet you. Even if...we're not married, so we're not a traditional family. You know...she is with child again...

"He added, raising an eybrow, and took a sip from wine"

Eleanor smiles and nodded. "I look forward to meeting with her and getting to know her better as well. Not married now, but will be in the future I hope. Another child? Charles, how many more are you going to get from her?" She said, kind of hurt that her brother has children while she is still a maid.

"Charles smiled weakly"

Ehm...I don't think I will marry Anna, in the future. You know...I'm still in love with Nan. Even if we're not so close anymore. Especially...after our little Daniel died...

"He sighed, trying to refrain tears. He thought about his little son Daniel, who Nan gave him. And who died of sweating sickness an year ago"

Eleanor frowned. "I am sorry, I didn't even think about Nan or Daniel. You must forgive me." She said, embracing him.

"Charles hugged her back and caressed her hairs"

Oh...you have no need to apologize, darling. I'm fine...and I'm so happy you're here with me, now...

"He smiled tenderly, hoping to reassure her"

Eleanor placed her right hand on his left cheek. "I know, but I shouldn't have suggested you marry Anna when you still have feelings for Nan. I am happy to be here with you and look forward to being at court for a while. I want to know something, has his Majesty asked to see me? I wish not to keep him waiting." She asked.

"Charles showed her a relaxed smile and nodded"

Yes...he knows you're at court, Nora. And he would like to meet you in these days. You know...even busy, he always have time for his best friend's sister...

"He winked at her"

Eleanor smiled. "I have been curious if he even knew I had arrived. If he wishes to meet with me sometime, I will be very honored to see him." She saw the wink and laughed. "Oh, Charles!"

"Charles laughed after her"

What's going on, sister? I see you're blushing. Well...I have to confirm you that Henry is the same womanizer you met years ago, Nora. It seems he likes pretty ladies like you...

"He added with fake careless, looking around room"

Eleanor shook her head to him. "Nothing is going on, Charles. I did find His Majesty attractive growing up, but knew nothing would come from my feelings for him and I didn't want to ruin your friendship with him." His words hit her and she gets a little nervous. "Charles, what am I to do if His Majesty wishes to take me as a mistress?"

"Charles laughed after her. Then he kept on looking curiously at her after her last sentence"

You...as his...mistress? Well...I never thought about that, Nora. Anyway, I don't think he will, since he is so busy with his divorce. He just look at lady Anne, for now...

"He said, rolling his eyes"

Eleanor relaxed, glad she wouldn't be caught in His Majesty's amours. "That makes ma happy to hear that I will not get unwanted attention from Henry. I fear he may never get his divorce, I dont think the Pope will grant him one. I still dont know how I feel about Lady Anne either. I dont like her, but I dont hate her. Perhaps I need to meet her first before passing any judgement upon her."

"Charles raised an eyebrow and shrugged a bit"

Oh...believe me, sister. I have no doubts about her. She just wants power...she just wants the throne. She even says that she never slept with Henry yet. Of course I don't believe her...

"He rolled his eyes"

Eleanor laughs. "Hasn't given herself to him yet? I do not believe that at all. She obviously has given herself to him, but claims to still be a virgin, no woman can resist His Majesty. I hope she knows what she is getting herself into." She says.

"Charles smiled teasingly and took a sip from wine"

Obviously. But you know...Boleyn's are ambitious people. They would do everything in order to get the power. And...lady Anne is worthy of her family...

"He winked at her"

Eleanor could tell her brother was making fun of her. "Oh, Charles! Are you enjoying yourself at my expense?" She asked, curiously.

"Charles laughed with joy and shook his head"

Oh...not at all, sister! I'm just answering your questions. And I have to say I agree with you completely. You've always been wiser than me, after all...

"He added with a curious glance"