Audience with King Henry

[Carlotta]

The Summons



C E Basinstoke: The day had been quite actively filled, with all the tedious
procedures which accompanied the impending move to Buckingham and all who
had appeared through out the day. Hard at the task at hand of gathering,
sorting and seeing to the proper packing of important papers and ledgers. Clerks
scurried about under the direction of her demands to place these items once
finished in a proper order. One thing she would see to, that the move
wouldn't disrupt matters of the court too much, at least where the High Chancellor and Barristers were concerned. Several tables burdened with stacks of parchment upon them, in the crook of an arm rested another to which she was writing upon. Feather quill danced with the motion of hand as she continued the
documentation as to what was found, how it was being filed and the order of
it's delivery. Not having yet visited the palace of Buckingham, she couldn't
yet state exactly to where these items were to be delivered, nor had the High Chancellor sent word. Upon the bridge of her nose rested a pair of silver spectacles. Eyes would shift from that to which she wrote, to the table she now stood before. Adorned still in those colors of mourning, as was to be socially expected, the velvet material did at least compliment form. Long ebon mane drawn back to a coiled bun rested within the spider web like net at the nape of skull's base.

Raucous Remedial: Titus was a man that always had his affairs well in order and upon receiving the missive from his King he had acted quickly and without thought on the matter. The first place he'd gone was the alehouse and when asked to stay for a drink by a few of his socialites he turned them down to their dire amazement. "Business." This was all he said as he promptly turned around and left the alehouse in favor of the castle and the second place that he had a feeling the bookish Barrister of the King would be. Now this letter she'd sent had been days ago and Buckingham, having other things that he was presently seeing to, had likely forgotten. Though we can't blame him because he was the current escort and entrepreneur of the young lady Elizabeth Cromwell. So it had fallen to Titus to get the job done entrusted to him by
King Henry and of course he was a diehard when it came to pleasing his long
time friend and King. Boots thudded across the main hall floor as he headed
straight for the library, a man in foreign dress tried to stop him and Titus
held up his hand speaking quickly. "See out Rocheport or Moore, I'm quite
busy at the moment." Usually he was not so brisk nor reproachful but when it
came to Henry all else fell to shadow except what the man wanted and right
then. As he stepped through the library door he looked around quickly and of
course knew within a moment from previous spotting that this was indeed the
Lady Carlotta Basinstoke, Barrister. Wasting no time at all he approached
her, cleared his throat, executed a quick bow of respect for her position and
then spoke. "My lady... Carlotta Basinstoke?" Just to be sure he decided it best to clear name first. (d)

C E Basinstoke: Finishing what she was writing, her head rose and turned slightly as she peered over the top of those spectacles upon hearing her name uttered. Upon seeing who it was, she'd turn as her head lifted more. "Yes? How might I assist you MiLord?" She knew of the man more by sight and rumor than actually so. Quite a name he had for himself amongst many of the
courtiers, especially the women. A polite smile to appear as the items in
hands were lowered to set upon the table she stood before. Several clerks approached at the same time as her greeting, and a glance spared their way when questions began to sound. One hand lifted, fingers stained by the ink of pen. "Take the papers boxed over against the west wall and deliver them to where the rest are placed to be shipped." Nothing more than boys were the clerks who busied themselves with such tasks. Sons of Lords, those seeking the prestige and
power that came with the very position to which the Irish woman laid claim. Focus to return to Titus with a bit of an apologetic smile. "My pardons, Your Grace for the interruption." It was now she faced him fully to await the reasoning for his approach of her.

Raucous Remedial: "Quite alright my lady, it seems we are all in a bit of a rush to get things prepared to move onward to Buckingham for the winter. However, I have come to put a bit of a delay on your preparations. You are being summoned to attend King Henry, I believe you requested an audience with him a few weeks past and he regrets that it has taken so long for him to comply with your wishes. He has sent me to escort you to his chambers forthwith." He waited for her to either deny or accept his request. Yes, it was likely she'd heard much about Titus Jasper. The Duke of Cornwall was no doubt one of the most prominent members of Henry's court as he was indeed spoken of
amongst the women. But the man did have a business side to him and it was this side she'd see at the moment. Regardless of his playboy nature, he was the King's man, his servant as well as his friend. "So if you will be so kind my lady, I shall see to it that we are on our way. The King will be leaving for
Buckingham tomorrow evening as well as myself and hopefully you among others.
I'm sure he wants to see you before then." (d)

C E Basinstoke: Parched! Suddenly she felt so very dry and her heart skipped a beat. Yes, she had requested the audience, and lately she had been wondering if she did the right thing. Many times she had considered on simply withdrawing from the present path of direction she took. Then again, the very nature of the business was something that could not be ignored. Few would
dare to tread upon the Hallowed grounds she was about to breach, those who
did would hold* an ulterior motive, personal gain and benefit to be
that which fueled the ambition to forge forward. In a sense, such was also
the basis of her own actions. A woman to dare what she has thus far was quite
unspoken of as it was but for one to take on such a task would perhaps be
considered unthinkable. Suddenly quite aware of her appearance, hands moved to
smooth the material of gown, then to pluck those spectacles from the bridge
of nose and set aside. "A delay it shall have to be, for the King should not be kept waiting." She was always of a business nature, it consumed every waking
moment of her life. "I am at the service of your Grace and his Majesty."
Turning then to give orders to a nearby clerk of what she expected to be accomplished in her absence, she'd turn again to the Duke of Cornwall. "By your leave, your Grace." Preparing to follow the man to where he leads and praying this wouldn't be a death march for herself.

Raucous Remedial: As she gave the word she'd accompany him, which of course he'd had no doubt of seeing as how her missive had seemed quite urgent, he offered an arm to her as she finished giving orders. Leading her out and into the hall he spoke again. "I am sure that his majesty will be quite glad to get this matter taken care of. He does send his apologies for the late
compliance." Steps echoed down the hall and toward the chambers of his
Majesty, King Henry. Other than those simple words Titus kept a closed lip policy and only nodded to those that passed them by. A few looks were shot their way as though wondering how the Barrister had come to be in his arm, though when he looked back they quickly turned away. She was a lovely woman but Titus was not one to mix business with pleasure unless he had a reason to gain information on behalf of the King. However, he knew that this woman was about to give
information to the King directly, therefore his usual tactics were not needed. As they came to the door, the guards looked at them with skepticism and a
servant came forth with a tray as a few others were waiting in line to be
seen. "Would you care for some water or wine while you wait my lady?" (d)

C E Basinstoke: "An apology that's unnecessary. A busy man he is with his tasks." Not having given the King any information upon which to mull, just the urgency of her words, she didn't expect him to call upon her immediately. In all honesty she half expected that the information she held be given to the High Chancellor to be presented. Any passing glances were unseen as her mind toiled over what she was about to say. Having hoped to have her notes present when she stood before the King, this would not be possible at the moment, for they were well hidden within the confines of her home. When they
approached the area where several stood in wait, his inquire had that
troubled gaze shift from them to rest upon the Duke who's arm she was upon. "Water would be greatly appreciated...." To help quell the parched feeling she had, although she knew it would be a moot point. She knew well of the Duke's loyalty to the King and it would be because of this that she even dared to pose the question which would be softly uttered, meant for his ears alone. "Your Grace, would you happen to know if the Cardinal will be in attendance?" She had to know, it was of dire consequence to her own well being.

Raucous Remedial: Waving the servant toward then he took a chalice of water and handed it off to the Lady Basinstoke. Her question caught him off guard as he was about to settle in and wait. Arms came to stance just before him with hands clasped at his waist and he glanced her way. "I'm not sure my lady though usually the Cardinal is present at all the King's audiences. Did
you have intentions of speaking to the King alone?" One brow lifted as he was
suddenly interested in what kind of information she could possibly be
disclosing in which she'd not want Wolsey to be a part. Waiting for her
answer he kept a rather suspicious eye on her and suddenly the door opened to
allow one of the men in front of them to enter. (d)

C E Basinstoke: How exactly was she to state this? An ebbing fear within at the thought of presenting what she would before the Cardinal. He had to be removed somehow and far enough that his ears could not hear. A forced smile in thanks as the chalice of water was gained and held. Lifted to drink from, it was with great restraint she didn't gulp or finish the contents all at
once. When it lowered, her gaze rose to meet those of the Duke's, a slight
nod of her head and finally she'd just say what she must. "It's imperative he is
not present for that which I am about to state. A matter that's not only
imperative for our Sovereign, but the welfare of our Majesty." If the King
even considered remotely anything she was to present before him, it could very well endanger his life too, for it meant the unseating of quite a few powerful and influential individuals upon England’s soil.

Raucous Remedial: "I see, well my lady you will have to make that known to the King. I am sure he will listen to reason but not so sure he'll dismiss him at your request. Let's hope he does." Only then did he fall out of
sequence with his decorum as he gave her a wink as much to settle her nerves as
anything else. His duty here was almost done as he'd wait until she was
called then likely be on his way. He was sure that Henry would not wish him
to stick around for it was not important for him to... or was it? For the moment he was content, though he did take a few quick glances at a few of the Queen's ladies as they passed. Trying to make it seem as nonchalant as possible he could not deny being a man that greatly appreciated those of the fairer sex but of course his true heart did lie but with one. (d)

C E Basinstoke: It wasn't like she kept the presence of Royalty, or even higher nobles on such a basis she could state for a fact what was considered allowable or not. "Would it be considered improper if I was to whisper such? in his ear?" His wink did gain her a bit of ease, though it was hard to let go of the apprehension that mounted within. As loyal as she was to the man who ruled these lands, she also feared him greatly and the thought of
possibly raising his ire. Didn't want to piss the man off before stating her case. She needed neutral ground to stand before her, an open ear and mind, and most of all; she needed to speak to him without the company of Wolsey. The man gave her the heebie-jeebies as it was, but this was far beyond that in the
graveness of it's nature.

Raucous Remedial: "Lady Basinstoke... tell me something?" He paused a moment as another of the ladies waltzed by and then continued on. "How badly do you wish to gain the King's respect?" It was a fair question and he intended for her to answer it before he'd give her insight as to why and just what he had planned. Yet another was allowed entry as the one before moved out and glancing toward the door he could see that Wolsey was indeed present within
the chambers. Shaking his head slightly he turned his attention back upon the
Barrister and fixed her with that shiftless blue gaze. (d)

C E Basinstoke: His question did set her back a bit and with a slow blink she'd look up at him. "It's all I've ever truly wished for, your Grace." Honest was her response, as that was the only thing she wanted from anyone. Respect for the position she gained by hard work, diligence and loyalty. Not many women of position could lay claim to such, their own rise in power ultimately forged behind the doors of private chambers.

Raucous Remedial: A nod then he turned toward her, his entire body facing hers and still that gaze never wavered. "Then I shall tell you this, my lady. When it comes time to see Henry, the best thing you can do is walk in there with your head high. Look him straight in the eye and do not look away and state aloud and within Wolsey's hearing that you request to speak to him completely alone and without the Cardinal in the room. That you will allow either myself or Buckingham or even both but what you have to say is not for anyone else's ears. Trust me when I say that Henry will look upon such with respect. The King is a straight shot man, not one to beat around the bush and the more honest, forthright and unafraid you are the more you will gain the lion's respect." Titus was right, of course. He'd known the man all his life
practically and he knew that he was the kind of man that could appreciate,
even in women... above all else... strength of character. (d)

C E Basinstoke: A bold statement that would be indeed, but the one who offered the advice was one who kept company with his Majesty quite often. Sound advice she considered it and she even managed a meager smile to form. "Thank you, your Grace. Advice to which I shall heed." A slow intake of breath as she glanced towards the door she was to be walking through soon. The chalice then lifted and the water it contained finished off, then handed off to the passing servant. She'd turn to face the door of the King's chamber with a set of shoulders and head poised proudly. Had to get herself into that mindset.
How she often practiced being the one who stood before a Magistrate to plead
her cause, or to present the facts to be offered before him. That is about
the same as what she was doing today, offering facts; hard cold facts. Those
that could very well impact every individual who resided beneath the King's
rule.

[Carlotta]

Meeting with King Henry

C E Basinstoke: It seemed like it was taking forever for those before her to
be called upon, then even longer for them to exit before she would be the
lone person standing before the door of the chamber to await his audience.
Her mind swirling over the information she intended to present. How she wished she had her notes with her, to ensure she made no mistakes. Though that was not a luxury she was afforded, and thus she had to rely on memory alone. The wait
this time seemed to be nearly a life time, as she tried to maintain calm
demeanor. Hard enough to do knowing the volatile nature of the man she was
about to speak to. Her words could cause so many actions and reactions, and
if he was in a prissy mood, her head might be lost before she could get part way
through her presentation. One thing she oft heard from others, be sure not to
stand too close to the silver platters weighted with food. What was only a
matter of about an hour, which seemed liked days, the door to the chamber
opened. It was now her turn to enter into the Lion's Den. A glance towards
Titus who had accompanied her to this point, then to the door as she was lead
to it. There was still time to run, she could simply apologize and make excuses.
Though too late as the thresh hold was crossed and into the private chambers
of the King of England she stepped. This being her first time within, she
couldn't help but to glance over her surroundings. It was then chestnut pools
would rest upon the man himself and instantly she'd lower in that respectful
curtsy before him, with head bowed. "Your Majesty ... my King." Greeting him
as was proper. Soon enough she'd learn what her fate would be.

Age Of Tyranny: Resting in quiet repose in a stance that would be seen many
times in the years to come Henry was settled in his chair upon the slightly
raised dais at the center of the room. Off slightly behind and on either side
were two more, to his right, the Cardinal Wolsey and to his left Andrew
Wallace, Duke of Buckingham. As Titus escorted her in Henry raised his hand
to dismiss him knowing he likely had other things to attend to. "Thank you
Cornwall, I see I can at least count on one to do my bidding." This was set as a
small sting to Andrew as it had been his duty first to see to it that the
Baroness Basinstoke was brought to him. There was a subtle shift of Andrew's
demeanor though he spoke not a words as the King addressed he lady. "Baroness
Basinstoke... first I would like to commend you on the fine job you did with
the arrest of Otto Kessler... I have received that full report and I'm sure
you have received my reply as well as the coin for services rendered?" He'd pause a moment giving her a chance to speak before going on. (d)

C E Basinstoke: Slowly she'd rise to stand before him, and seeing the
presence of the Cardinal her heart sank and her stomach felt as if it was
sitting at the base of her throat. She hoped the fear that welled within did
not outwardly register as she now stood before the King with that regal lift of her chin. "You have honored me greatly, Majesty. I am but your humbled servant
and vowed to ensure the laws you have written are followed explicitly." Head
to bow slightly. "I have received your offer and thank you graciously for it."
Slowly her head lifted, a glance towards the Cardinal before attention was
upon the King in full. "I beg forgiveness for my forward nature, Majesty, but
I ask if I might be permitted your audience alone. The nature of that which I
have to share with you should not be heard by other's until you decide it's
value and importance and with whom it might be trusted." A bold statement to
be made, which would surely have the Cardinal turning red in the face. The man
made her stomach churn the way he had a habit of looking her way when
passing. She always felt dirty, defiled in some manner. In a sense, she'd
find great pleasure in seeing the man done away with, although that was far from the intent and purpose for which she had requested this audience. Her total
action was to help him to achieve his dream and solidify his power upon all
of England.

Age Of Tyranny: It would seem she'd caught Henry in a good mood today, and
so with a motion he spoke to both Andrew and the Cardinal. "The Baroness
wishes a private audience. You are both dismissed." (d)

Powerlnprayer: Now it would not be so very easy as Wolsey would suddenly launch his displeasure as sure as his outrage at being dismissed though he did so in the subtle way and with the smile of pure vindictiveness that he seemed to perfect. "Beg forgiveness your Majesty but I do not think it wise to..." (d)

Age Of Tyranny: He was cut off with a raise of hand and Henry
closed his eyes for a moment as though trying hard to keep his temper.
"Wolsey... I did not ask for a debate, I said you were dismissed. I see no
harm in being left alone with the Baroness as I am sure she means me no harm." (d)

Powerlnprayer: Again Wolsey interjected and it looked as though he were trying to cause the man's ire to rise significantly. "But your Majesty, as your advisor... is it not important that I remain to document and hear..." (d)

Age Of Tyranny: Again he was cut off. "I SAID, you are dismissed. Anything of great importance that needs to come to your attention pertaining to this meeting I will see to it that you become privy to. Now leave me." Andrew had already been wise enough to do as asked. (d)

Powerlnprayer: Seeing that he'd been defeated Wolsey did the same though a sour look was given to the Baroness as he all but crept like a whipped dog from the King's chambers. (d)

Age Of Tyranny: One last look given at the door and he was thankfully gone. That steel gray gaze rested again upon the Baroness and he gave a smile as a slight huff of laughter left him. "Forgive me that small scene my lady... please, do continue to speak freely." (d)

C E Basinstoke: When the Cardinal gazed upon her with that look of malice,
her own would be a look of indifference, business like manner. Yes, she
feared the man, but not the man himself. It was the power he could wield
this was as dangerous as that of the King’s. When Henry spoke that apology, she knew it was simply a matter of formality. She'd await a moment before speaking, to ensure no ears would be close. Her opening statement would be made to simply
grab his attention and see his reaction before she'd delve even
further. "Your Majesty, I wish to begin by saying, all I have researched and
the information I have obtained as been done in your favor..." A pause to
collect her thoughts to word this correctly. "... to assist you in finding a
solution to your situation between yourself and the Church. What I have to
say is quite impactual and could place me as an enemy of the Church for even
speaking such to you. All I ask, is that I be permitted to offer all information
completely and then I shall face what ever consequence you may deem
necessary once you're heard me out." Now her neck was upon the block
figuratively, and it could be the King, or even Wolsey to bring the axe swinging down upon her. She'd await his permission before daring to continue forth.

Age Of Tyranny: Her words definitely caught his attention and the further
she went the more she obtained it until he was actually leaning forward in
his chair to view her closely as though he found her some odd object he could
hardly begin to explain. After she paused in her speech he nodded slowly and
riddled a question to her. "I have given you permission to speak freely, what
does this truly have to do with me... other than the church that is? If you
speak of the annulment I seek which has been brought to light and fully
known, then tell me that is what you're here for." He could see she was under
duress, though it did not stop him from lording himself over her. His fingers
were entwined and elbows now rested upon both knees as he studied her closely.
"As you are well aware, the church is exactly what is keeping me from having
my fondest wish. My marriage to Katherine I have come to see as an
abomination. I should never have married my brother's wife... it was wrong and now I pay for it in such ways as can only be imagined.. I have no male heir... " This caused his features to change abruptly from a look of intent to sadness and
then he volleyed onward. "I believe that God is punishing me for my wrongs...
so if you know of a way to end this... I'd have you speak it to me." (d)

C E Basinstoke: His frankness with her was quite refreshing, and in a sense
did calm her somewhat in what she had to offer. A deep breath taken and she'd
meet his steely gaze fully, it would be slowly released as she'd begin
presenting information. "Charles is not just Emperor of the holy roman world. He is King of Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia. Charles
took the crown, when he took the duty of caring for his loving mother. With
that crown came all.. Spanish... possessions in the new world. It is a mere
formality that he does not hold it in legal binding, he has to wait for his
mother to die to do that. It is even rumored that there is a wedding
approaching between him and his cousin, Isabella of Portugal. Possibly to come in the spring of next year. With her comes yet more Spanish ties...in fact, any children they had would be in direct line for the throne of Spain, and further more would they connection back to the Holy Roman Empire, you could almost draw a conclusion that Spain and Rome are slowly rebuilding a Roman empire that in
days gone by, conquered these lands. Add, also, the fact of the Queen's ties
to all of this of her own, this will afford her quite a political backing
with Church and State. This in one of two ways, will have one of two men
being the most powerful man in the world, Charles, or the Pope. Since it's
more than likely, that all lands held under either control will be bound by the
laws of the Roman Catholic Church. No matter which man reigns supreme, he'll
have the other as a solid point of support through a natural formation of
allies. Allies that will both not be sated over that which they control, forever
seeking to expand their boundaries of control. If I may be so bold as to
point out, your crown is also being held captive within the hands of the
Church, no matter whom set’s upon the throne of the Pope, their way will
always rule above yours. This will leave you with one of three options. To
pledge your allegiance to these higher powers, denounce the Roman Catholic
Church and induct that of the Protestant to be that which the lands now
follow and your crown pledges allegiance, or to do the second, but reign
supreme in your own right. There is a way that could be done..." Here she
would pause a moment, to permit the time needed to absorb all she's spoken of. She had offered a chance at a solution and she'd await his bidding to see if he
wished to hear more.

Age Of Tyranny: This was the reason his anger was never ending. Charles had
come into his realm to promote a peace treaty that had been offered by him
and they'd both signed it. The man affectionately calling him 'uncle' as it
was his wife that was his aunt and in the treaty it had betrothed him to their
daughter Mary.. a pact the man had broken without thought or even care. Ever
since he'd wanted to get back at him in some way, though it was not through
his divorce of Katherine in which he'd wished to do so. Did this woman
truly realize what it was she proposed? Henry sank back into his chair and
eyed her for a long moment. It would be a long process it would take time,
ingenuity and perhaps her hand to deal in such matters and of course... there was that one obstacle that stood in both their ways... Wolsey. "So you are saying... if I denounce the Roman Catholic Church.. create my own Church of England and propose full reign upon my land that I would be free to do as I wish in regards.. to... all things?" She'd done well in the explaining and she'd
likely realize that as he was quick to take it all in, process it and begin
to think on it boldly. Yes.. a good call she'd made in not having Wolsey present
for if he'd been here there would have been a war the likes of none ever
seen. What was not know was that he did have eyes... and ears everywhere and
at this very moment somewhere within these compartments they were listening..
and watching. (d)

C E Basinstoke: "I have researched extensively on this and found a loop hole
in which would benefit you greatly, and no matter which path chosen, war is
unavoidable. The first step to follow is to denounce the Roman Catholic Pope,
and claim the lands as Protestant. Which means you'll still
have to answer to a higher power, unless you sit as the ultimate power on
your own. Start a new church, one in which you as the King sits as the Pope
does, declare it as the Church of England in which you would write the laws by
which all are to abide. Your law will be supreme in the matter of Church and
State. In this, you can also solve your own situation, by making divorce a
legal stature, though stipulate it must still be overseen by a magistrate
and litigated. This would be to keep it from being a common place event, we'd
not want an influx of residents who come here just to seek something
considered easy to gain, and thus tarnish the good you can offer. Once all is
in place, the laws set upon the land, you can then petition the church,
through the over seeing Bishop or Cardinal you place into such a position, to
legally annul your wedding vows on the grounds you have set forth......" Here
she would pause, for what she had to say next would perhaps be the most
impactual of all. A decision he'd have to make that could indeed illicit
war, but had to be said. "If anything were to happen to you, the Queen would rule in your stead, the scepter then handed down to the Princess. With the ties held, England would surely be easily added to growth of the Catholic empire through blood ties, The Spaniards and Rome would rule supreme. And lastly, and
forgiveness is before hand to be asked for the bluntness of my words. But, if
you so chose to proceed with any of this, both Queen Katherine, and the
Princess should be exiled. As long as they remain, loyalties will
also rest at their hand, and offer freely information to those who would
oppose you. Meant or not, loyalties presently held, could be lost with any
anger or sense of revenge to be placed against you in retaliation for you choices if both were to remain, as their own loyalties would shift to that of the Queen's favor, and allies within your own court she would have." Such words
she knew could have the very charge of treason placed upon her head, but they were facts and the ugly truth. One thing that could always be said about the
Barrister, she did her homework and researched fully. No corner was left
uninspected, nothing to be left to speculation or question. They were facts, just like those that would be presented within a court of law against an offender. "And I'm sorry for bringing this up, Majesty, but she's already been implicated once in possibly plotting against you. If such charges were true, she'd make no mistake of having the likes of Mister Otto involved the next time. I'm sure she's learned her lesson well."

Age Of Tyranny: Now within the tyrannical mind of Henry as he was coming
upon realizing his true power she was only feeding him, fueling him with
information that sounded better and better by every syllable her lips
uttered. Did she know she was throwing raw meat to a blood thirsty man? War was not something Henry feared, though of course he did not like the idea of exiling
either Katherine or his daughter but most of all Mary... she was his world..
his pearl. His lips twisted downward for a moment as the realization of it all
sunk in. "And of the legalities? Would you be willing to take on the
responsibility of it if I appointed you fully as my Barrister?" He was
gaining trust in her, she'd already done so much to keep not only him but Anne safe as well. He clearly had much to think on however, and was not at all sure if he could bring himself to do it just yet. Though.. food for thought.. raw and
bloody though it may be he still liked the idea of being his own supreme ruler
with none able to rule him in turn. First actions would be to exile Katherine
and Mary.. this was the only thing that kept him at bay for the moment.
Katherine.. he was so angered still at her for all she'd caused regarding Otto
Kessler that she'd not be so much as missed even remotely... though his
Mary... the only child he had so far, being the little Henry Fitzroy was no
longer alive. Raising his gaze to her again he waited for her to answer him before he'd continue on. (d)

C E Basinstoke: Instead of losing her head, she was gaining a promotion?
This took her back for a moment, even rendered her speechless for a woman who
made her livelihood by the utilization of words. Composure quickly recovered
and her head bowed forward in that humbling manner. "I would be honored, your
Majesty. I am but your humbled servant who wishes to protect her King, by any
means possible." Head to slowly rise as her gaze met his. "There will be
nothing left to question or speculate. Like an iron grip you'll hold in your
power. None know how formable you are my King, though I do." Such conviction
in those words spoken.

Age Of Tyranny: If it was mere flattery he allowed it to hit the mark she
wished anyway. Her words brought a smile to his lips and those eyes seemed to
flame for a moment. His head dipped in a nod and he spoke again. "Then
consider yourself my Barrister... Baroness and I shall keep in touch. I trust you will guide me faithfully through the process should I decide to go with the
full acquisition?" He'd think on this a few days at least if not longer and
when the time came of course he'd be in touch once again. (d)

C E Basinstoke: To this she'd simply nod. "I will. If you'd like, I have all
the information which I used and can make it available to you. I have kept it
hidden for a good reason as I'm sure you understand. If someone was to catch
word of this, it could create great problems for us both. You are the only
other I have even spoken of this to. No one knows what I've been working on,
not even the High Chancellor. I was unsure of whom I could trust with the
nature of this information, fearful that I would have been stopped before
coming to see you. I hope you understand now why I wished to offer this to
you alone. If such got back to the Emperor that you may even be pondering
this, only the Lord knows what he or the church would do in return to stop you."
Yes, she was bringing to light that his own life might be in danger.
Assassins cared little for the position of a target, and there were those who
would be more than over joyed at taking out a royal figure like Henry.

Age Of Tyranny: "I shall definitely think on the matter Baroness and I will
be in touch, in the mean time speak not of this to anyone save your most
loyal.. if you have an assistant. In the meantime just be mindful of to whom
you speak and wait for my word." He was dismissing her, it could be detected in his tone as he did have a lot to think about. Standing he began to move down the
dais with the intent to leave the chambers and prepare for bed. Though
pausing just at the door that would lead him to his private quarters he turned.
"And Baroness... bring those papers by tomorrow... I'd greatly like to read
them in my spare time." With that he was gone. (d)

C E Basinstoke: She could tell she was being dismissed and lowered into that
courtly curtsy. "You are my only confidant my King." Letting him know that at
present, it was only he she would ever speak a word of this to. "As you wish.
I bade you a good night’s rest Majesty." Slowly she'd rise to watch him
disappear into his chambers, and it took all within her to not turn and run
out the chamber doors. She was as elated as she was fearful, so many things
could happen.