She walked through what had once been familiar corridors, they were now filled with strange and hostile faces. Despite the general chatter and noise Ava could hear her own heart beating against her ribs, along with her soft footsteps on the stone and the gentle movements of her skirts as she walked. It had been eleven years since she had graced the royal court with her presence; it was an utterly different place. As Ava followed her uncle into the throne room her nerves surfaced, what if the king did not approve, had changed so much that he no longer valued the friend he had once held so dear – was it possible?

"Ava? Is that really you?" Henry said rising slowly, wide eyed from his throne to greet her, she smiled timidly in reply "My goodness, how you have grown into a marvellous young women! And I should correct myself for it is now Lady Ava Berresford! You are most welcome here at court my lady" He smiled bowing over her hand as she dropped a courtesy.

"Thank you your majesty, I confess I am a little nervous at returning after so long"

"Banish your nerves my dear girl. Now do you remember Charles Brandon, the small runt who used to play with us in our youth?" The king demanded.

"Yes of course" Ava acknowledge as the king swept his arm in the direction of a tall, dark haired man; Ava covered a gasp, he had grown into a very handsome man. She had heard of his ill-fated marriage to Henry's sister Margaret, and also of his being forgiven and taken back to court in his place as the king's best friend.

"My Lady Berresford, it has been many years, but I once remember rescuing your kitten from a tree or some such like, please believe that I remain your loyal servant." Charles Brandon stated bowing to kiss her hand. The contact warmed Ava.

"Actually your Grace, it was my dog from a ditch but we shall not quarrel over such minor details." Ava grinned. Henry laughed clapping Charles on the back.

"Come my lady, sit with us at dinner. It will be like old times. Except that we are not children any longer, I am the king of England, Charles is a villain of the highest order and you my dear are a beautiful young lady!" Henry insisted, leading the way to the dining hall.

Henry, Charles and Ava had played together as children, Henry and Ava's fathers had been great friends, while Charles' father had died bearing the old king's standard and so had been brought up alongside the other two. They had been inseparable until Ava's father Lord Berresford had been posted abroad and Ava had travelled with her family until the death of her father several months earlier. Sometime later Ava had joined the dancing, Henry turned to Charles.

"Well what do you think of the beautiful Lady Berresford?"

"I like her very much, she is undeniably beautiful, but she has also grown in intelligence, grace and wit. Yet she has kept her spirit. I like her extremely well Henry." Charles answered honestly. He could tell however that Anne Boleyn did not. She was glaring at the newly arrived female who had been in Henry's company. Charles secretly thanked god that Henry was so besotted with the brunnette, otherwise he may have focused his attentions on their dear friend.

"Indeed. It makes a man think of his age though – she was always several years younger than us; but to see her so grown up...well we don't get any younger do we. I want you to keep a close eye on her Charles."

"Of course – any particular reason?"

"Her Uncle. He is cruel and will no doubt be busy trying to arrange an advantageous marriage for her to further his own aspirations. I don't want to see her unhappy, she is as dear as a sister to me. " Henry finished standing up to ask Lady Anne to dance the next with him. Charles liked his new assignment. He watched as Ava twirled in the dance, her blonde hair floating in the air, her emerald dress complimenting her pale skin, displaying her alluring frame. He caught her attention and the dance finished and requested her to dance the next with him, she gladly agreed.

"Are you more relaxed now?" Charles questioned as they walked away to the side of the room after dancing together twice.

"Indeed, my uncle spent most of the journey here telling me how to behave and warning me not to embarrass him that I got a bit overwhelmed. I am enjoying myself immensely"

"Good. You are among friends again, please never forget that. We are so very pleased to see you back here. "

Several weeks later, Ava had settled into her new life at court, the King had ensured that she had fine apartments and was more than comfortable. She had attended more dances, feasts and celebrations than she thought possible; as well as hunting, riding with the Henry and Charles, and even picnicking with the Lady Anne (although she was not entirely sure that she cared much for her). To Ava's surprise even her Uncle Arthur appeared to be happy and merry with his friends at the palace; unfortunately she knew that it would not last - the plans he had made for her future would never come to fruition. Charles had travelled back to Suffolk to complete some business on his estate and the days spent without his presence left Ava feeling empty and depressed, the dismal weather and the persistent rain did not help matters. She had found herself hoping to come across him every evening during the regular merriments, praying that she would cross his path whilst riding or strolling in the expansive grounds. Ava repeatedly told herself that is was because she enjoyed his company, conversation and humour and nothing more.

The latest Masquerade ball was in progress, colourful dresses and masks were everywhere, wine was flowing and food was plentiful. To Ava's delight Charles had returned earlier that day and had proceeded to spend the evening talking and dancing with her. The Lady Anne had stopped glaring at Ava some weeks earlier having decided that whilst Henry cared for the young woman she posed no threat to her romantic situation and was therefore to be liked and not despised. As Ava left the dancing, having danced an old country dance with the King in search of a glass of wine, a servant approached her, informing her that her uncle wished to see her. Quietly Ava slipped through one of the side doors and travelled along the complicated corridors of the palace; dreading the confrontation that she had been expecting for some time. Finding the appropriate room, she braced herself before entering.

Charles Brandon was happily strolling back towards the great hall after relieving himself, when he heard raised voices; curiosity caused him to stop and listen at the door. He could hear angry rumbling, but the words seemed jumbled together. Charles frowned as he heard a harsh slap followed by a whimper, before he could decide what to do the door flung open and Ava flew out right in front of his eyes. Her face was tear stained and her expression looked fearful and frantic. A calloused hand grabbed at her arm preventing her from fleeing; and a familiar voice growled.

"Don't you dare walk away from me you ungrateful wretch! You deserve a good hiding for you impudence" Arthur Wensell shouted, raising his free hand to strike his blonde niece. Leaping forward Charles prevented the fist from colliding with Ava's face, and his stronger frame forced the older man back into the room, causing him to release his hold on the young lady.

"His Majesty shall hear of this My Lord" Charles spat, before taking Ava's arm and propelling her along the passageway and into the King's own library.

"Did he do that to you?" Charles questioned gently, stroking a finger lightly down her red and bruising cheek. Looking at her hands folded in her lap Ava nodded silently. "Why?"

"You would hate me if I told you"

"I'm sure that hating you is impossible now please, tell me" She looked into his eyes and saw the concern.

"My uncle brought me to court; I assumed he was planning to secure a marriage for me that would benefit him and his family in some way. But once I had become accustomed to my new life here, and was clearly still in good friendship with His Majesty, he announced his true intentions" Ava paused, smoothing the material of her skirts whilst searching for the appropriate words. "He told me that I was to encourage the King to notice me – to encourage his attentions. My uncle wanted me to become the King's mistress. I tried to explain that it was impossible; the King is a dear friend, but he is too deeply in love to look at anyone else, and I would not want him to." Ava was desperate to ensure that Charles understood she was not complicit in the arrangements. "He summonsed me to see him this evening, he had been drinking as he so often does recently; he accused me of..."Ava looked away shamefully "Well he accused me of many things, but mostly of soliciting your affections and attentions instead, he was furious"

Charles was also furious, he did not remember ever being so angry.

"I must speak with the King!" He announced before sweeping from the room.