Garden

Suddenly Ben felt a harsh grip on his shoulder and turned around looking at the Prince with angry eyes "What are you doing, are mad?!" he said looking at his had and pulling away facing him. "Your wife?" He played coy to make it seem like the prince had made a mistake.

"Yes my wife. You know who I speak of! " Anger is building steadily. Does he think me stupid? Stupid I am not. "Katherine told me what you two did so please tell me..." I balk both my fists up, "...why did you kiss her!"

"Ah the Princess Katherine, I remember her and that kiss very well" He said looking at the Prince as he knew if this quarrel was nothing but a jealous husband trying to show loyalty to his wife.

I laugh before suddenly bringing my fist up and punching him square in the face. "Apparently you don't wish to keep your head." I stand there feeling a bit better.

Seeing a fist coming toward his face, Ben went down like a tree. Trying to sit up he felt dizzy, not expecting him to bugler his face. "I suppose I deserved that" He said trying to get back to his feet. He then looked at him "The kiss meant nothing, I thought she an available lady. I sincerely apologize." Ben only backed down because he knew the Prince of Navarre was now in the Kings favour and if his majesty knew of this he could suffer deeply.

He got back up and I punched him again, this time even harder. "Harmless you say? You knew about me yet you pursued her anyways! " I run my fingers through my hair. "I must tell you that you are in more trouble than you think you are. His Majesty already knows."

Ben felt blood running from his nose and mouth and wiped as much as he could with his sleeve. "I'm not the only one at fault here, your beloved wife never turned away she pursued me as much I her!" He said then gulped as he heard that the king already knew of his indiscretions.

Anne had a free moment. She decided to go through to the garden. She took the embroidery, because she wanted to sit on the bench and embroider. She knew that in the garden won't be disturbed ... but she want met with a nice person, because she would want talk with someone. Sometimes she missed the company of other people.

Lady Jane decided to go for a walk alone in the gardens. She needed some time to clear her head. She would be married soon and she was afraid. George was handsome enough, but she did not know if he would love her. She did not know if he was kind. Her heart was beating so fast as she walked out there. She glanced around. It was a little chilly, but her cape, hat, and muffs kept her warm. She was deep in thought. She had no idea someone was there.

Anne sat and focused on embroidery. Today she had a really bad day, because even stitches were not accurate. She heard footsteps and saw Lady Jane. She looked very sad and confused. Anne stood up from the bench and greeted her. "Good afternoon Lady Jane."

Everything was dead when Victoria entered the garden in warm attire on a cold Winter day. But the only thing that thrives in this time of year was her sanity and the bit of lunacy that has returned.

The air was rather fresh but William decided to go outside palace to stay alone and thinking about his new life at court. He was now back, when everyone thought he was dead. Meeting Thomas Boleyn at Party put him in a very bad mood, but he couldn't avoid him. Boleyn was going to kill him, once. He could never forget. And neither his master, Lord Brandon. He was still lost in such thoughts when he saw a young, blonde lady walking alone as well. She must be noble..not just a lady in waiting. Very slowly he stepped closer to assure himself that she was alright

My Lady..I..I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you. But..since it's very cold, I was wondering if you were looking for someone. Ehm..forgive me. My name is William Pennington. I'm at the Duke of Suffolk's service..

He bowed after his last sentence and looked better at her. Her eyes were blue and deep. Her skin was white and maybe very delicate. She looked very young, but at the same time, she looked used at court's life

Victoria looked up when she heard a voice "Oh you must be new in my Father's service. Oh and it's quite alright. I'm just here for a stroll enjoying the frosty air."

William showed a tender smile loweing his eyes for a moment. He couldn't hide his surprise hearing her words. She was Charles Brandon's daughter. He bowed again

Lady Victoria..I beg you to forgive me. I saw you very few times around court. So..I haven't realized who you are. I..I'm at your father's service since very long time, actually. But..I was forced staying away from court. Now I'm back, and I'm very honoured meeting you, my lady. Your father must be very proud of you..

He added staring at her beautiful face. Brandon has many children, he knew that. But he never met Victoria. The one who made him grandfather

"It's fine really" She says with a slight smile. Being the bastard child of the King's good friend, Victoria was quite well known around court. "Yes he is. I never knew you were in his service for that long. I must of been gone from court for some time."

William smiled, a bit embarassed by her words. He tried to catch her eyes for a little while before replying

Or...simply, we both were too busy with our lives. Your father told me that you're married, my lady. And that you have two little daughters..

He dared to say, secretely hoping to learn more about her. Surely, she was beautiful. And he would have reminded her if he met her before

"Yes" Victoria smiles lightly "I am married to a Thomas Ward, Duke of Somerset and I have two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. PaPa must've told how proud he is to be a Grandparent."

William smiled weakly as she spoke about her children and nodded after her words

Indeed..of course he told me, my Lady. You made him very proud, and very happy. You're very young, and already blessed with children. Motherhood is a good thing during young age..

He looked elsewhere before adding something about himself

I would have loved having children as well. But my wife..she left me for another man. And at this point of my life, and at my age..I can't hope having a family. That's..destiny, I guess..

An ironic smile appeared on his face. An ironic and sad smile at the same time. His eyes met hers again as he finished his sentence

Being unmarried with no children can make one feel shame, but Victoria thinks it can be freeing "Yes. It is" She smiles as she is reminded of her daughters "And every mother hopes for a son."

William smiled once more time. He shrugged for a moment and turned his eyes around garden while replying

I'm sure a son is a blessing, Lady Brandon. But much more..an healthy child. Daughter or son..doesn't matter. Health is the most important thing. I'm sure you agree, my lady..

He said after turning his glance towards her beautiful face again

"Yes, I agree" says Victoria "When it comes to child birth, one can hope that both mother and child are well. Can not forget that, can we?" As she says with a grin.

William smiled as he shook slowly his head. Even if he had no children, he couldn't help to agree

Of course...things about children can't be forgotten. I know very few things about you, Lady Brandon. But..I guess you're a very good mother. And this is not a common thing as many people say. There is..a sort of light in you..

He paused for a little while, staring at her

Oh..sorry! I always speak too much. I'm sure I'm boring you..

Victoria smiled at the appreciated comment "Oh no. I don't mind it at all." says she "I find it a bit entertaining for a weather like this.

William glanced up at the sky, noticing it was cloudly and a bit cold. He shrugged and turned his eyes towards her while nodding

Yes...this is true. If...if you allows me, my lady..

He removed his long coat to wrap it around her shoulders with a delicate movement and stepping closer

Forgive my boldness, but..it would be a pity if you'll get a cold. Your father would say that it's my fault..

He added almost whispering. But he smiled jokingly as mentioned Brandon

It wasn't necessary for him to wrap a coat around her since Victoria had a warm layer on, but it was a nice gesture. "Oh I will be alright. He would say that but I wouldn't think so" She said with a small grin