Little Path

"Charles rode his horse until a little path in the forest. He needed to stay alone after his loss. Everthing at Palace reminded him Margaret. Corridors, great hall, gardens...everything. He stopped his horse and dismounted slowly from it. It was so peaceful and silent around him. He took a deep breath and sat under a tall tree, trying to relax for a while. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply fresh air..."

I walk down a little pathway humming a lullaby. I carefully pluck a small daisy from the glossy grass and tuck it behind my ear-I look more like a nymph than a countess.

I admire the surrounding and sigh happily feeling utterly content...

I walk out in the morning with an aching head after my drunken exploits the night before. I breathe in the fresh air and glance up to find little Elizabeth Craven now spouted into a beautiful woman. I sigh as if I am admiring a beautiful painting-a perfect work of art.

I pad silently behind her and take a gentle hold of her slender waist...

Lizzie Craven-what are you doing here?

I ask playfully.

A warm touch on my waist snaps me out of my thoughts like the crack of a whip. I gasp and spin round-my dress swirling round me like a silky cloud of pale grey and my hair tumbling around like a cluster of golden star dust falling down from my head to my waist.

The familiar face immediately strikes me. The straight line of the nose and high cheek bones that are slightly browned and freckled from the sun. The cropped dark hair and lustrous lashes that veil the deepest of eyes that look into mine. Henry Bedford.

I laugh and slap his shoulder playfully and flinch a little at the heat and strength. I then smile,"What are you doing here Henry? The last I heard you were in Paris."

My roar of laughter travels through the little garden and I sweep her into my arm like an indulgent brother and set her back down on her little feet after twirling her around like a little doll. I tap her nose and offer her my arm as I start to walk down the path...

Paris, Milan, Rome, Spain...Jerusalem-I am a well travelled man and I have returned to my home. And I find you here skipping through the gardens like a fairy

I spot the flower in her hair and laugh softly.

I laugh softly as he spins me round in his arms and I note how carefully he sets me down. I glance into his eyes and smile warmly,"I must confess I envy you...I have always dreamed of what it would be to travel,"I then frown jokingly,"I was not skipping...I was...strolling."

I giggle as he notices the flower in my hair and I remove it carefully and tuck it into his waistcoat,"There,"I say with a pat on his chest.

I grin and reply kindly...

Then you should come with me-I am going to Paris in a few months. I love it there;the wine, the food...the women.

I then laugh as she tucks the delicate flower into m waistcoat,

Thank you

I mumble and kiss her hand

And anyway Lilibet-it is I who should be jealous of you. I hear you have the ear of a prince...and perhaps his heart?

"Well you clearly have not changed one but Henry-you live for pleasure and your own joy,"I then smile as he plants a kiss on my slender hand.

I then stare at him doe eyed-how did he find out?
"Henry! Who spoke of this to you. I swear I had no choice-he is Prince of Scotland...Oh God...have you told Thomas or Edward?"

I am not as pious and pure as you Lilibet...

I reply playfully and tap her chin. She is now a beautiful woman, if she were not my oldest friends sister I would pursue her and not stop till I had her. Though I respect her honour and would give courtly love above a fumbling night of passion. The gentle way she glances at me sends a surge of familiar heat through me.

My eyes then widen as she gaggles about the prince...

I only heard he liked you...what do you mean you had no choice? Lizzie did he...my God!
He took advantage of you-you are barely eighteen and he has deflowlered you. That Scots knave...did he...do against your will?

I am furious-how dare he! The spoilt prince-Elizabeth us the purest of creatures and he has tainted her.

"No-Henry! No he was...kind,"I bury my face in my hands as I feel a flush of colour spread over my cheeks.

"Oh Henry,"I plead,"I beg you don't tell anyone..."

I embrace her in my strong arms...
Sh...Hush...I will not tell them but I will send you to a physician and ensure you don't carry his bastard...God help us if you are...

I nestle my face in the crook of his neck and sigh as he comforts me. As he speaks of the chance I may be with child I begin to sob and wrap my arms around his broad shoulders.

I think of how we must look-like a stable boy and his slut hiding in the shadows for a quick fondle. I uncoil her arms and kiss her hand...
Come. 

I command and lead her back to the castle.