Thanks again for the reviews! They're so encouraging. Here is the 6th chapter!

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Chapter 6

Charles spent the day hunting with the King and then the rest of the time with members of the council discussing many affairs. The main topic was how to handle Sir Thomas More refusal of the oath. It was obvious the King and the vast majority of the Council including Charles, did not want to put a good and honorable man to death. However, the law was law and the King was doing his best to make up an excuse to delay the inevitable. His affections for Sir Thomas More were clearly conflicting him. Presently More sat in the tower and though he received the best treatment, it was certainly a place a humanist should never be found in. The second matter was proposed by Cromwell, the dissolution of the monasteries on the basis that they are corrupt and they are work a lot of money. Charles was indifferent regarding that matter but he knew Mary would be dead against it. Then finally was a marriage proposal to offer to the French but the matter could easily be complicated. It was not secret that the French prefer listened quietly and it was an uncomfortable discussion for Charles to sit through and it made him feel guilty. Reminded him that because of their marriage that he denied her ruling over kingdoms and the status of Queen.

The Boleyns and Duke of Norfolk were in uproar. They saw it was insulting that the French would want the King's bastard clearly all of Europe still refuse to accept the New Queen or the marriage as legitimate. Charles was concerned that they will see Mary a danger to the throne and will want to get rid of her. Now that the French had clearly overlooked Elizabeth and asked for Mary the "King's Bastard "as everyone at court now refer to her. This would be the best time to reveal the truth about their marriage to ensure that they are married and therefore Mary will be a threat to no one. However, a part of him told him to hold out longer that things are about to get worse before they are good.

Charles hurriedly walked into his apartment; he had made sure no servants were allowed to enter as to not expose Mary. As soon as he entered he heard laughter, one belonging to a man and the other was Mary's. Confused he quickly continued down the foyer into the salon and slightly opened the door. Mary and Lord Chapuys were sitting at the table playing cards chatting away in Spanish.

"My Lord Chapuys" Charles greeted him and Chapuys stood from his chair and bowed.

"Your Grace" He responded.

"I had a feeling you would be coming by." Charles as he bent over to kiss Mary on her cheek. "Since you failed to mention my wife will be arriving in court."

Chapuys watched as Mary looked down at her cards timidly. "Forgive me, his majesty did not give me any time to tell you as I had to leave immediately."

Charles grinned and nodded understanding.

Chapuys watched the exchanged and noticed they were more comfortable around each other. Of course the last time he had seen them together was the wedding and he had been visiting Mary alone at the manor since whenever he could. It was still obvious to him she was not quite in amour with him but he certainly did not miss how the Duke of Suffolk looked at her. If he had to guess, he's say he had developed feelings towards her but Mary as expected from her inexperience seemed to have kept him in a platonic light. However her closeness and warm affection towards the Duke showed how important and precious he has become. It is probably for the best for now considering her husband's reputation for womanizing ways.

"Well your lovely wife is a wonderful hostess and has kept me well entertained. I came here to speak to you about a private matter."

Mary took this as her cue to leave and stood up. "Senor, mucho gusto de verlo porque siempre tengo un buen tiempo con usted. Eres un amado amigo y si dios me déjà volver a casa porfavor vistarme.

Chapuy took her hand and kissed it. "Que Dios te bendiga senora."

" Igualmente." She told him affectionately feeling overwhelmed of her love for the older gentlemen.

"Your graces." Mary bowed before leaving the room. She looked back at them for a moment and saw Charles was staring at her with a soft expression.

Mary sat on Charles's settle chair reading well she was trying to read but her mind kept wondering what they were speaking about in the other room. She wondered if Charles would tell her. She told herself she will not pry into his business until he wanted to inform her. Then after quite some time she finally dozed off.

She opened her eyes when she heard the door open and saw Charles walk in.

Mary quickly stood up from the chair. "Is everything alright?"

Charles stared at her debating to tell her but he had no energy left

"Yes, we had some business to discuss. I invited him to dinner here tomorrow so be sure to make the proper arrangements. "He told her

Mary resisted the urge to ask him about what they spoke about.

"Will you eat?" She asked changing the topic.

"No. I am not hungry."

"I see." Mary tried to think what else she could do for him but thought it was best to leave him alone. "Well then you should retire to your bedchambers. You look exhausted"

"Yes." Charles turned to leave and suddenly stopped when he realized she was not behind him. "Are you not coming?"

"Oh no...I-I mean-" She said as Charles gave her a strange look. "Do you want me to come?" Mary asked hesitantly

"Of course I do." Charles approached her hand taking her hand.

As soon as they entered Charles collapsed on the bed on his back and rubbed his eyes. Mary suppressed a giggle from escape at his boyish mannerisms.

She sat beside him and stared at him for a moment thinking of what to say. She hated how timid she had become around him as of late.

"How was your day?" He asked knowing it was probably uneventful.

"It went well. I'm sure yours was more interesting."

"It was interesting, the King of France has proposed a marriage between you and the Dauphin. Naturally Boleyn and Norfolk had a field day over it. Other than that regular state affairs and hunting in the morning. "

"Oh." She wanted to press him for more details but kept her mouth shut. "So the Dauphin is still without wife?"

"Yes, however you are not available." He gritted somewhat possessively.

"Then I shall wait until you die." Mary said hoping to lighten the mood.

Charles gaped at her in shock and then laughed. "Which shan't be long. I am an old man."

Mary giggled. "Hardly my lord. Have you not seen a mirror?"

He smirked and raised his brows in amusement. "Are you saying I'm handsome?"

"No" She corrected, " I find you pretty. Very pretty. The prettiest in all of England"

"Pretty? That does not sound very manly." Charles shot back pretending to be wounded at her words.

"How is the King?"

"Well there are many complications and he's in a lot of pressure."

"Yes I know. Chapuys was just informing me today. "

Charles wanted to change the topic, he was tired of talking about the king or state. He scooted closer to Mary and rested his head on her lap. He saw the surprised expression on her face but then she quickly relaxed shifted herself to a more comfortable position.

"I saw the Princess; she has grown since I last saw her."

Mary smiled thinking of Elizabeth. "She is precious. Despite the circumstances I can never hold anything against an innocent child; I do not have it in me. It is not her fault. "

Charles couldn't help but smile at her response further appreciating her compassion once more.

"How is Hatfield?"

"Very agreeable." Mary lied not wanting to bother him with the truth.

Charles looked up at her sceptically. "Is it?"

She blinked at his doubt, was she not convincing enough? "Yes."

"You and I both know that is not true."

Mary was speechless.

"Thomas Boleyn likes to run his mouth. And I may or may not have someone there." He admitted sheepishly.

"You are spying on me?' She was stunned at Charles. He actually had hired someone to observe her every move?

Charles sat up from her lap feeling guilty. "I had to make sure you were well taken care of."

"I see."

He touched her cheek. "You are upset."

"No, no not at all. Very surprised and –"Mary stopped. "So you must know everything then."

"Yes."

Mary was mortified that he knew how she was bullied and their horrible treatment of her. She did not want him to see her so pathetic.

Charles could not tell what she was thinking. He knew it was very scrupulous of him but it would drive him mad that he had no information about her. Before he left Hatfield he spoke to the butler about the matter and offered a generous amount for his services.

"You look disappointed." He remarked taking his hand back.

"I am embarrassed."

Charles snapped his head at her. "Don't be."

"It is all so juvenile." She sighed getting up from the bed. "And embarrassing that I have to subject to it. We are ladies and such behavior is ridiculous."

"Come home with me. We can go as soon as I am finished with my duties here. I can speak to the king." He told her.

Mary hesitated for a moment and then looked away "No."

Charles was taken aback by her response. "No?" He asked standing up from the bed.

Mary shook her head. "I can't."

"Why?" Charles raised his voice; he could not help but be upset with Mary. He thought she wanted to come home with him to Henry. Was her life at the manor so terrible she rather subject herself to humiliation at Hatfield?

"I." She stopped trying to gather her words. "I feel I should stay. I've been praying and -"

"You can't be serious." Suddenly he was desperate, did she not know what her absence was doing to him?

Mary stared at him in surprise.

"I just have this terrible feeling something will happen and I should be near the baby for the fall out. "

"She has other ladies an-"

"The Queen miscarried." She cut him off. "Did she not?"

Charles said nothing knowing the purpose of the tournament and banquet was a distraction for the King who was already taking mistresses. He knows since he was arranging these liaisons for him. Things between Henry and the harlot were going bad quickly.

Mary took his silence as his answer. "The ladies at Hatfield are frivolous little girls with half a brain and often wonder off gossiping leaving the baby alone. The Lady Bryan seems to enjoy her title as Governess of the Princess of Wales then putting in the work and - "

"You do not want to leave her. She is your sister." Charles stated finally understanding Mary. Though selfishly he was still upset that won't return home but another part of him was happy at the kind of woman his wife was.

Mary let out deep breath and feeling relived he understood.

"Things between your father and the Lady Anne are still uncertain but it is only one miscarriage. It is still too early to tell." Charles sighed frustrated. "However, how long do you plan to stay there? Years?"

"No of course not, I am married."

Charles leaned against the bed post crossing his arms. At least she remembered.

"Are you angry with me?"

"No how can I be angry?"

"But I frustrate you." Mary said approaching him slowly,

"A little." He admitted looking away. "Yes. But all wives frustrate their husbands."

Mary wrapped her slender arms around his waist taking Charles by surprised. She pressed against him resting her head against his chest. She was surprised by the firmness.

"Thank you." She managed to say.

Charles smiled softly and returned her embrace. "So what will you so about those wretched witches you live with. "

"Endure."

"Even if they throw water on you?" Charles felt her stiffen. She looked up at him shamefacedly.

"You know?"

"Oh yes. And I know about the hair pulling, knocking things out of your hands and blame you when they neglect their duties. "

Mary cringed. "We sound like brats."

"They are brats." He corrected her.

"It is fine. I pity them."

Charles looked at her as if she was crazy. "Why?"

Mary looked away timidly "I apparently have something they want."

"What?"

"Do you know they often speak about you? As if you are the reason the sun lights up."

Charles gave a light chuckle understanding what she was trying to say.

"And this pleases you?"

Mary gave him a shy smile and nodded sheepishly.

Charles looked up from his paperwork and stole a glance Mary who was seated in front of him quietly reading another book. She must have already been through 4 since she came nearly a week ago. And Charles could see she was tired of staying in the apartment and he felt sorry for her because she had to spend the day inside while he took care of business. But when he finished he always hurried back to his apartment where they'd spend the time playing cards, talking and discussing some topic she read about. Something she shared with Henry. Her father would attempt to discuss literature with him but he was never one to care about intellectual philosophies or classical studies. He was always the athlete and soldier. However, for Mary he'd try to make an effort and facilitate a good discussion.

"Is there something the matter?" She asked looking up from her book.

"No." He shook his head. "I was just admiring."

She sank deeper into her book, ignoring him.

Charles continued his paperwork for another hour and then he felt her eyes on him. He put his pen down and met her stare. "What's wrong?"

"Are you not bored with me?"

Charles chuckled at her. "No. Are you bored with me?"

"No." Mary looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "How can you be boring? I'm boring."

"On the contrary." Charles replied. "I use to be more fun when I was younger."

Mary rolled her eyes at his melodramatic comment. "You speak as if it was so long ago."

She then looked at him intently for a moment.

Charles watched her amused.

"I can hardly believe." Mary stopped trying to get the right words. "A man like you could find pleasure in someone like me. "

"I always enjoy spending time with you. But what is this really about?" He questioned.

"I feel like a child at times and you are so experienced it can be intimidating. I noticed other ladies seem to know how to entertain gentlemen."

"They do many things." He said giving her a vague answer knowing she would not like the real truth..

"Such as?"

"Well, they entertain teasing their sex and through sexual favors." He told her not missing how she flinched by his words. Charles got up from the table and walked towards her. "It becomes dull and nothing worth of value ultimately." Charles was now awkward that he practically flaunted his philandering with women in front of his wife.

Mary was embarrassed, the topic of sex always made her blush. But at the same time she was annoyed at his last comment. It reminded her of Charles womanizing nature and the as well as the fact of she still is a virgin when she has been married for several months it was not natural.

"I understand."

Charles furrowed his dark brows in confusion at her sudden reaction. Mary wanted to say something more but was interrupted by his servant.

"Thomas Boleyn." They heard Charles greet them from behind the door. Charles and Mary looked at each other in alarm . He pushed Mary under the clothed covered round table by the settle chair.

"Stay here." He whispered.

Mary nodded as her heartbeat wildly in fear.

Thomas Boleyn entered his study room with an obvious fake smile plastered across his face.

"Your grace." He greeted Charles as if they were old good friends. Charles wanted to cringe as soon as he entered, there was no one more he despised at the moment.

"My Lord" Charles acknowledged curtly studying him with distrust. "Please sit."

Thomas raised his hand "No thank you. I won't take much of your time." He said as his smile grew larger but it was as if he was in pain than anything.

Charles crossed his arms and waited for him to continue.

"It would give me great pleasure to invite you to dinner."

Charles cocked his brow at him sceptically. "Not as much pleasure as it gives me to refuse your invitation my Lord."

Sir Thomas face fell into a look of disdain. "Well then I shall get right to it. There are rumors..." He began.

Charles grew annoyed; any phrase that started with the word rumors put him in a foul mood.

"That your grace secretly supports Katherine and was against the King in his great matter. Yet for so long you took immense pride in being completely indifferent to the imagination of politics of this world. So what happened to you?"

"I grew up." Charles told him firmly.

Sir Thomas glared at Charles harshly and then opened his mouth. "Or perhaps it is that Spanish wench you married that you keep tucked away in your mansion that fills your head with poison. "

Charles stayed silent trying to preserve his anger. He clenched his fists trying to refrain from injuring the older man.

"I will pretend I did not hear that last part." He whispered dangerously as he approached him.

Thomas smiled slyly. "You thought I wouldn't now?"

Charles stayed silent.

"Oh you didn't?"

"Leave."

Sir Thomas scoffed "As you wish your grace." He replied smugly. "I would tread carefully from now on Brandon; the King has signed the execution papers for Thomas More. Even the King's love for him cannot save him."

As soon as he left Charles sat back on his chair and punched the table a few times with his hand imagining it was Boleyn's smirking face. After he was done he let out a frustrated breath.

"I am sorry." He said in a low tone then stared at the door Boleyn had exited threw himself back on his seat in deep thought.

Suddenly a pale small hand covered his injured one and Mary leaned over his shoulder to look at him.

"Do not apologize, he's a snake and not worth your frustrations." She gently squeezed his hand to comfort him. "His time will come." Mary whispered into his ear.

Charles closed his eyes against her touch. "I should have hit him for calling you a Spanish wench."

She let out a sympathetic smile. "I have been called worse. Although I must say that is a new one."

He looked at her from the corner of his eye and then he pulled her into his lap. "I hate the names they call you at court."

"Pay no mind to what they call me." Mary examined his hand shook her head. "You shouldn't behave so recklessly." She looked at him disapprovingly.

"I only regret that it was not his face I crushed." He said watching Mary massage it.

"Still, do not injure yourself on my account." Without thinking she placed a small kiss on his hand, Mary stiffened for a moment and then looked at Charles shyly realizing what she did. "Henry usually felt better when I do that."

Charles swallowed feeling his heart beat wildly when she did. He had no idea she could make a sweet gesture so luring. "Ah right. Thank you." He finally managed to say and then cursed his unrefined comment.

"So is it true? Sir Thomas More shall be put to death?" She questioned not wanting to believe it. Recalling the many times he had come to visit her family with his children. He was a very sweet man, strong in his faith and a great intellectual. Mary had the greatest respect for him in every way a man could be.

Charles didn't answer Mary.

She turned to face him. "How can he kill him when he loves him like a brother?"

"He is breaking the law." Charles admitted. "And your father's vanity is too great." He told her gently pushing her hair back.

She shrank away from him slightly "How can he put a good man like Sir Thomas to death? All for that her. "

"No one is safe, it is a dangerous time."

"And what about his family? What will happen to them?"

Charles shook his head at a lost. "I do not know."

"We should help them." Mary remarked. "Surely they must be suffering."

He furrowed his dark brows together and looked at her wearily. "Help them how?"

Mary shrugged "I do not know. But I can't just sit here and do nothing. It was not that long ago when I was in a similar circumstance at Ludelow."

Charles expression softened.

"Sir Thomas." She continued. "He always wrote me beautiful letters of encouragement. To keep strong in our faith, pray persistently and do not be bitter as God's plan is perfect. "

"Was it that horrible?"

She looked at him and gave him a sad smile. "I wasn't alone. And I've never felt so closed to God."

He smiled back, she seemed to echo her mothers sentiments.

"Promise me that you will not meet the same not do anything that will compromise your standing with the King. Keep your head and stay focused on your duty. Do not succumb into that Boleyn vermin and use them for all they have. When the opportunity presents itself destroy them." Mary icy gaze reached Charles deep blue ones. A feeling of protectiveness of Charles overwhelmed her suddenly. The thought that he could easily be in Sir Thomas position gripped at her chest to her stomach with fear. She couldn't bear the thought of any harm done to him.

"I promise."

Charles walked into the dark corridor after having an audience with the King abouts More.

Walking lost in his thoughts he finally noticed something stop in front of him. It was Mary Stafford who gave him a suggestive smirk.

"Your grace." She curtsied and Charles couldn't help but notice she was wearing a particular low neckline.

"Lady Stafford." He acknowledged and then tried to move around her but she blocked him.

" You have been avoiding me." She whispered as she pressed herself against him.

Charles gently pushed her aside. "I am not but if you would please excuse me I have somewhere to be."

Mary's hand shot out to stop him. "I am leaving court tonight." She pulled him close until they were inches apart, he could feel her touching his cock.

He stared down at her for a moment and then her lips. They were full and moist. Another time he would have not resisted such a forward encounter but this time was different. "I will have to decline."

Mary laughed as if it was the most ridiculous thing she has ever heard. "Should I be worried about another woman?"

Charles smirked and said nothing answering her question.

"You think that will stop me?" She pressed unable to help the jealousy overwhelm her.

Charles sighed and pulled away from her. "Goodnight my Lady."

"Your grace." She bowed and watched him walk away with smile of shock at his rejection.

Before he could open the door into his bed chambers Mary appeared and pulled him in. "Charles." She greeted him. He saw that she was already packing.

"I hear you were to leave." He commented wearing the disappointment across his face.

"We are leaving earlier than expected." She told him as she folded some of her garments. "I just received word from Chapuys and I will be leaving within the hour before the Princess's party leaves."

Mary struggled to close her chest and then looked to Charles to help her. "Please?" She asked him.

Charles came to her aid and forced the chest closed. "You are missing a few things."

Mary looked around in surprised. "How can that be I packed everything?"

"Look into the other closet" He told her as she raised her eyebrow sceptically.

"What have you done now?"

"Why must you think I have done something?"

"Because you have that look about you."

Charles looked at her in amazement. "What look?" Feeling as if he was a child caught in mischief.

"It is amazing what one can learn about someone in a few weeks." She replied.

Her pale eyes studied him harm for a moment and then she approached the closet. She turned around and pointed her finger at him "Would you like to confess?"

Charles shook his head.

"Very well." She opened the closet and saw four new dresses. Mary immediately closed the closet.

"How am I supposed to manage to fit those dresses?"

Charles was was expecting her to run into his arms and to thank him.

"Maybe I should leave them."

"Why? You do realize I have a chest you may take with you. In fact I have many. "

Mary blushed realizing how stupid she must have sounded like. Then she looked at the dresses again, they were beautiful and she noted the dark colors. Seems he has been paying attention to her preferences.

"Thank you." She told him "But it would be a waste; it will only be a matter of time until someone spills their wine on me or worse fall into the pond."

"I will just buy new ones."

Mary shook her head. "You spend so hastily."

"I do not." He said pulling out an empty chest as Mary carefully began to fold them.

When they finished they stood and stared at each other not sure what to say.

Mary finally took out a parcel. "I made these shirts for you and Henry. He must have grown so much ...I wasn't sure how big..." She hesitated feeling her voice grow coarse with emotion.

Charles held her shoulders comfortingly. "I am sure they will fit him." He told her reassuringly.

Mary nodded "I wrote him a letter, its inside. I know he can't read it well as he is so young but will you read it to him? For me?"

"Of course."

She fingered her mother's rosemary in her hand and then looked down at it for a moment before handing it to Charles. "I want to give you this. I am aware wives normally give husbands a picture but I do not have one."

"It's your mother's. I cannot accept it." He protested.

Mary shook her head. "Then I do not know what better hands to entrust it than my husband."

Charles relented and took it from her "I will cherish it." He promised her taking her hands.

They heard a servant call from the door. "Excuse me your grace but the Spanish Ambassador is outside the hall."

"I suppose it is time." Mary said sadly.

Charles swallowed and said nothing as he led her by the hand to Chapuys.

They found Chapuys out in the hall with his back towards them seemingly distracted in deep thought.

Mary opened her mouth to greet him but instead found herself pulled back roughly into Charles. Suddenly could she felt his warm lips firmly brush against hers, his hands going through her dark hair and in the same moment he let go of her. Mary stared at Charles bewildered who gazed back at her with an intense expression.

Mary watched him open his mouth. "My Lord." He called out turning around to face Chapuys.

"Your Grace, my Lady." Chapuys responded smiling at them. "Everything is set."

"Good." Charles said and then looked out her to Mary. " I believe we must say goodbye."

Mary shook herself from her bewilderment and nodded. "Y-yes." She said awkwardly. "Goodbye."

Charles took her hand and kissed it. "Goodbye, my lady."

He nodded at Chapuys who led Mary away into the darkness. He turned his heel and headed to back to the apartment with his mind reeling from the kiss.

There was a lot of Charles and Mary in this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.

Please review and tell me your thoughts! Good or bad. I can take it. I'm a big girl.