Garden

"Charles nodded and patted softly his shoulder again"

Very well...it's a good idea. I'm happy you both are still friends. But now...let's come back to Palace, my friend! I have to prepare myself for an hunt with His Majesty. We will see again there...

"He smiled wide and kept on walking towards Palace's entrance with him"

Alice followed Thomas out to the gardens, still clinging to his arm. Out here the air was fresh and she could breathe a little better, even the illness she felt earlier was starting to abate. "Thank you dear, for bringing me out here. But I am sorry if I reacted so poorly to what you said about.. the execution." She looked up at him, with an apologetic smile.

Thomas made her sit on a large stone and sat next to her. He took her hand in his and smiled

No...you don't have to apologize, my love. It's my fault. I know your opinion about heretics...and I shouldn't have mentioned execution during a party. But believe me...it was necessary. I tried to save him...but he refused to abjure. Please, forgive me...

He said with a sigh, closing his eyes

She smiled softly, seeing that this was a side of his work that Thomas did not enjoy in the least bit. "It's no one's fault. I should know by now that this is part of your work for the king. You could not help what direction the conversation took." She looked up at him with warmth in her eyes. "I know you must have tried your best to save him. I suppose I never really thought about how difficult this part of your work is for you."

Thomas took a deep breath, looking around garden

It's the worse part of my work, Alice. But I can't avoid it. Don't think I don't feel christian pity for their souls. I always try to save them. But when they continue to offend the true faith, without showing regret...I have to do my duty, as Chancellor and as catholic man. I am so sorry that this causes you so much pain. Forgive me, my love...

He added whispering, turning towards her and holding her cheek in his

She sighed, feeling his warmth. His words soothed her though he'd said them a thousand times. "There is nothing to forgive you, my love." She brought her voice down to a whisper. " But, perhaps you could quit your post as Lord Chancellor? If it causes you so much distress?"

Thomas looked surprised at her and smiled weakly. He shook his head

Oh...I don't think it's necessary, Alice. I'm grateful to the King for my new task. And I have intention to use it to defend catholic faith. Also...we have more servants, now. And very soon, even a private apartment at court. So...don't worry about me, darling. I just wish you to be proud of me...

He said tenderly, touching softly her chin

She sighed deeply, knowing that what he said was true. "I know you will only use this post to root out the heretics. I'm still not used to the punishments you have to dole out, I suppose. You know I care nothing for the new status we have, nor the riches or servants. If this is what makes you happy, then I take back what I said earlier." She held onto him, snuggling close.

Thomas smiled weakly and squeezed her hand

I'll try not to involve you in such delicate matters, Alice. I don't want to see you unhappy...

He noticed that her cheeks were rose again and stood up, more relaxed about her conditions

I think we should come back in the Great Hall. So we can greet Ambassadors and lady Margaret before the party ends. After that...we'll have finally rest in my room. I won't leave you alone, tonight...

He smiled and offered her his arm

She made her way to the gardens as , the sweet aroma of the flowers, she knew would help her relax ..She kept on walking as a beautiful rose caught her eye, it was with a pinkish edge, as she leaned down to smell the sweetness of the flower...

Thomas More wrote:

Thomas smiled weakly and squeezed her hand

I'll try not to involve you in such delicate matters, Alice. I don't want to see you unhappy...

He noticed that her cheeks were rose again and stood up, more relaxed about her conditions

I think we should come back in the Great Hall. So we can greet Ambassadors and lady Margaret before the party ends. After that...we'll have finally rest in my room. I won't leave you alone, tonight...

He smiled and offered her his arm

She felt a little foolish for being so squeamish about the worse part of Thomas's work. but she would make no excuses for herself. "Yes dear, we should go back in. I would be more than glad to spend the night with you again." She smiled up at him, already feeling better.

Thomas smiled and walked towards Palace again with Alice on his side

Thomas was invited by Henry to join him during a walk in the garden. He reached the King as he received his message and kept on walking along garden with him, like old times

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Thomas nodded while listening him. He frowned a bit and looked at him

I'll do as Your Majesty command. But I have to warn you that you could find this Parliament not...compliant like the previous ones...

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Thomas sighed deeply and looked at Henry

Although I'm among the ones who call for more tolerance and freedom of speech, I fear that of such freedom granted by Your Majesty, some make an...open abuse. There are many dissenting voices in the Kingdom. Especially about religion. They ask a Reformation...

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Thomas remained silent for a while after his question. He took a breath, before answering

Six. Legitimately, necessarily and rightly...

He answered with proud voice

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Thomas felt surprised by his answer. Henry never had doubts about how to act with heretics. He was used at his wife's doubts abouth that. But not at Henry's ones. He nodded slowly

Yes, Harry...

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Thomas looked at Henry silently for a while. He seemed troubled by something. But he decided not to ask further and kept on walking with him towards Palace with slow steps

Chandra couldn't stay in the room any more so she went outside for some fresh air.She found herself in a garden filled with every color of roses imaginable.She walked over to her roses and gently touched the petals with her fingertips. She closed her eyes and inhaled the exhilarating sweet fragrance.A long slow sigh escaped her.She sat down under a large live oak and leaned back gave herself over to peace for the first time in many days.

Walking around the garden feeling a tad alone as my family are off doing things and am away from my children for the first time. Not seeing William for some time does not help me I find a bench to sit on