Days passed and I heard no word from Charles although I was certain he would call on me. Or at least send a letter. I heard he went to France on official business, but some said he should have arrived back at court by now. I was beginning to think that the shyness I showed him was too much, and he didn't want someone he had to fight for. But as I sat sewing the Kings shirts, a letter arrived for me.

The queen looked at the seal after receiving the letter and noticed who it was addressed to.

"Well, Lady Constance, it appears you have an admirer." She handed me the letter and pointed to the door.

"Read the letter, write one back and come immediately back here. Brandon is a friend of the King and I will not have him say anything to the King about one of my Ladies denying him." She was gentle about it.

Her rich Spanish accent was still strong even after so many years here in England. But I heard the urgency; she needed so badly for the king to care for her now. I knew though, that this would not happen. Anne already had him. The Queen was queen only in title and very few appearances. All other honors went to Anne. I nodded and glanced at Anne, who was smiling from ear to ear just as if she had received the note.

"My dearest Constance,

I know this may be wrong, and you don't want to ruin any reputation you have. I know your innocence. I see it on your face every time I see you. You are a beauty like no other. Not even the Queen matches your beautiful Eyes. I wish for just one night with you. My heart reaches for you even when you're not around. Please be kind to me Lady Shore.

Signed Yours

C.B

"My Lord, I don't believe that I have ever heard of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk writing a maiden before. Maybe I should be taking lessons from you after all my dear friend." Anne whispered. I jumped and turned to look at her.

"Anne what are you doing in here? And reading my letters?" I said. She waved a letter of her own with no mark in the wax that held it together. But neither of us needed a mark to know who it was from. The king although he believed himself to be sneaky wasn't. The Queen even knew it was from him. But as she gracefully let me go to acknowledge my letter, she let Anne go to acknowledge her husbands.

"Very well, what does it say?" I whispered. As she read I imagined the king writing this. He was probably doing it by daylight this morning, before Mass even. I imagined the king in a different light than I see him now. I don't think fondly of him, although to voice that opinion would be treason. But I see his heart in this letter, even if he was just hoping to seduce Anne. I see him as a kinder gentler man. One that would love you until you couldn't handle anymore and then push you just a little further. I imagine that his kiss would be like fire but not burning.

I had been so lost in my daydream of a false King that I didn't realize Anne had stopped reading and was well on her way to writing her letter back.

"Constance, we have to go to Hever Castle. I need some time away and nothing will suit us better. These men are hot on our tails, Brandon has told the King of his affection towards you, and he mentioned it here. We cannot give in now. Write to Charles and tell him that you are not feeling well and that you believe the nice fresh weather at my Father's house will revive your spirits." Anne demanded. She always knew best when it came to men. I took her advice and wrote my letter to Charles.

"My lord Suffolk,

As I am honored by your affections, I had thought I was always kind to you, my lord. If I have offended you in any aspect I am sure you would tell me. I have been feeling a little ill these past few days, Lady Anne tells me she is heading to her family house at Hever, I will accompany her there, and I believe the fresh air will do me good. Think of me softly my lord as I will you. I will hold your letter close to my breast as I sleep this night.

Constance.

"Ok, I am finished." I folded the paper and sealed it with my own wax. I told the carrier to hurry with it. And to make sure that Suffolk received it. He nodded and Anne informed the Queen that we would be leaving shortly, by tomorrow evening the latest. She nodded and let us go to pack our things.

"She knows, you know, that her days are numbered. That I will be her replacement, Henry talks to me about his annulment all the time. She fights him; the best she can while still trying to be polite. She knows. But I see the way she looks at me. As if I am the scum of the earth not even worth for her dogs to lick. That's ok though because her husband feels differently." Anne whispered as we were packing. I couldn't put into words how confident she sounded.

"You haven't given in to him yet have you? I know it's been years since you were kind to Wyatt. But the king has to think of your innocence that's all you have to play Anne." I looked at her. She didn't look back. But I could tell she had done something foolish.

"You don't understand. The King is always hot, and I have to blow him cold so often that if he didn't get something he would think he was getting nothing. He tells me that he will soon send Katherine from court. Then I really will be the best here. The courts convene sometime in summer to discuss their marriage. I am not sure what she will do then. I am in a dangerous place and it's you that keeps me level." She took my hand and kissed it lightly. I smiled and was just as grateful for her friendship as any other.