[A/N: I'm baaaaack! :D Sorry this took so long, my faithful readers~:D Hope you enjoy this chapter~*]

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I walked slowly down the bank of the river, listening to the birds chirp and the swans float by on the river. It was a beautiful day…until Charles Brandon arrived out of no where as I walked by a tree, making me jump back slightly, a hand at my chest. Yes, I admit he did scare me. That pig.

"Mr. Brandon." When I spoke my voice cracked but then I cleared my throat, picking up my dress slightly in order not to trip, walking past him "It's very rude to frighten a lady like that."

He was hot on my heels, already catching up beside me now, I walked a little faster and he kept on coming. He was getting rather annoying quite quickly. If he wasn't the King's best friend I would have backhanded him right into the river. Making sure he was held down till the bubbles stopped coming up. He was getting to close for comfort now, I tried to run but he grabbed me, an arm wrapping around my waist roughly, dragging me back, over to a tree. Then he just sat down on the ground, at the foot of the tree and dragged me down onto his lap, his arm still around my waist. He chuckled as if this were so amusing. It was not however, not one little bit.

"Let me go, you pig!" I screamed at him but he just took a hand, making me turn my head, forcing me to look at him now. He was smiling wide, ear-to-ear. Th—That man!

Sadly, today I had worn my shoulder less gown, the one with the flowers imprinted on the front, sewn in delicately and the color of lilacs and white. Beautiful. But wearing it in Brandon's embrace, it made me feel absolutely dirty. Filthy. And to add on, my hair was hanging at my shoulders, in curls, luscious brown.

"Why do you hate me, Lady Marie?" He asked suddenly, looking at the river then back at me, awaiting an answer. I glared at him, getting more annoyed by the minute. Then as if this day couldn't get any worse, his lips were on mines within seconds. I squealed at first but then, I don't know what came over me…I—I was kissing him back now. His hand was playing with my hair and then I remembered who I was and what was happening. I pulled back, his hand still in the air and he stared at me with a smile. I slapped him across the face and somehow managed to squirm out of his embrace. I stood up, collecting my balance for once and glared at him, he still remained sitting on the ground like before.

"You, Charles Brandon, are a pig!" I screamed at him, my voice scratching a little but I didn't care "A pig!" I stormed off, looking back once to see Brandon laughing. Laughing! Like this was some joke or something! How dare he?!

I quickened my pace, walking back into court, the castle and walking down the long hallway there. Wiping off the smudges of dirt that was on my dress, all thanks to Charles Brandon. Oh, and I really did like this dress. I looked back up then, making sure I did not bump into anyone. I then was dragged by my arm over to a shadowed are by someone. I was about to yell but then I saw it was my niece, Cassandra.

"My dear, what are you doing out here?" I asked looking down at her; she was a strong little girl. But my Mother was suppose be taking care of her, I picked her up in my arms then, walking down the hallway with her. Some staring, others not minding.

"I couldn't find Mama." She told me in her soft voice, whispering this into my ear, I smiled at her gently.

"Sweetheart, you know your Mother is not here at court." I told her. Truth be told, I was actually glad her mother was not here. She was a viper. Not worthy of being mother to two wonderful little girls. I carried her only so far as I saw the King coming, with guards near by him, walking along side him.

I moved to the side, to let him pass me but instead he stopped, as did his guards. He had his hands behind his back and he smiled, looking from Little Cassandra to me. I made sure to curtsy, still holding Cassandra in my arms.

"And who is this lovely little one in your arms, Lady Marie?" Cassandra looked away, hiding her face in the crook my neck, giggling; this amused the King I could see, because he started to laugh and smile.

"This is my niece, your majesty. Cassandra." I told him, his eyes flickered back to me, gentle and kind.

"You have a very beautiful niece. She looks just like you." He told me, looking at Cassandra for a moment before turning to Thomas More who was beside him.

"Thomas, don't you think two beautiful girls deserve beautiful gifts along side their beauties?" He asked, still amused and Thomas More looked from me back to the King.

"If your majesty would think so, I would, of course, agree as well." He had said the right answer because The king patted him on the shoulder, laughing a little.

"Give them both a chest full of the finest jewels you can find." He spoke to Thomas More, whose eyes widen a little.

"Your majesty?" Thomas croaked out, shocked somewhat and worried I could tell. The King looked at him, still smiling.

"You heard me. Get to it, Thomas." He told him, a certain edge at the end of the sentence, then he looked back at me and Cassandra, Thomas More hurried off then, obeying the King's order right away like a good servant. A smart man.

"I am speechless, your majesty, it is an honor but one that is not necessary." I watched my words closely, hoping I did not make a mistake.

"Of course it's necessary." He said, his voice soften, quieter, staring at me for a moment before smiling over atCassandra "And I hope to see this beautiful girl later as well." He looked at me one last time "Good day to you, Lady Marie." With that, he simply turned and walked down the hallway, past me and Cassandra, his guards following close behind. Then he was gone, just like that. The King of England noticed me once again, how dreadful. When you're a youthful pretty girl is noticed by the King…it's usually for bed side matters really. They say though, people here at court…that when King Henry the eighth lays his eyes on a girl, she can hardly look away. Let us hope then that I can. That I am not like other girls here at court.

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