happyfalcon | Prompt: Masquerade

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Prompt: Masquerade

((ooc: As always, free for anyone to tag, just beware the historical inaccuracies!))

Few things made Anne happier than dressing up. A masquerade ball at her family's castle at Hever before All Hallow's Eve was just what she had needed. Mary and her mother came from France to join the festivities, and George was finishing his own outfit in his room. Anne herself had prepared a fine blue gown and a nicer mask to match. She pinned some of her dark hair back and let it fall in waves down her back.

After she tied the mask behind her head, donned the dress and proper jewels, Anne made her way downstairs. Only a few guests had arrived, all clad in masks and laughing gaily. Anne recognized a few voices, and of course she recognized the goofy gait and teasing of her brother George. But others she didn't recognize.

Still, she enjoyed the atmosphere.

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"He wants you in Henry's bed?"

It was as if Wyatt's horse was as unsettled to hear the news as he was; it kept takings nervous sidesteps and not stopping despite of his efforts. Finally managing to face Anne, he tried to catch her eyes but she was avoiding looking at him. Well, now he knew what he was up against.

"I shouldn't be surprised but... The King is as firmly married as I am." He thought of Mary, the rumours that surrounded her, and he thought of Bessie Blount whom the King had discarded earlier. So now Anne, his Anne, was to be the next.

"Damn him! Damn your father!" he blurted out.

He didn't want to think how far things had already gone during the last few months. Henry didn't have a habit of waiting for women. Though something she said made Wyatt wonder...

"Do you want the King if he's the one to make you happy?"

Edited 2014-08-03 17:41 (UTC)

"He does," Anne nodded slowly, reluctantly. Her father would approve of her shattering the king's marriage, but if he knew of her depth of affection for Thomas, he would have flown into a rage.

Still, Thomas' outburst startled her a bit, demanded her direct attention - so she looked up at him. In a strange way, she was glad for his anger towards her father; to her, it meant that he saw how utterly ridiculous and hypocritical this plan seemed as well. The king had discarded Mary, among countless others, and now she would be lucky to find a mediocre husband, let alone a good one as their father claimed to want for his daughters. Would the same fate befall her? Would the king discard Anne as well, and render her a social pariah whom no man would even consider marrying?

How could her father tolerate such a thing? His lofty ambitions would cost far too much in the end, at least in Anne's opinion.

"It's a null point because he does not make me happy," Anne replied. "The king is coarse, greedy - as a king ought to be, I suppose."

But that was not the way to Anne's heart. Suddenly a memory occurred to her and Anne's mouth twisted in a half-amused smirk.

"He thinks me some common chambermaid, I think. He seems to think that by giving me gifts and fine jewels that I'll melt and fall prey to his advances," Anne snapped. "I sent them back. But still he writes and sends more gifts in their place."

They were fine gifts indeed, there was no doubt of that; and her father had been terribly angry when he learned of her refusal. But Anne had no interest in Henry. The letters he wrote her seemed terribly ideal - clearly he was saying what he thought she wanted to hear. Trying to woo her and seduce her with his pen.

Wyatt would consider marrying her regardless, and he would have told her so had Anne voiced her concerns out loud. In fact, the thought already crossed his mind but out of propriety he kept quiet about it. He wasn't about to say 'when the King is done with you, I'll still want you'.

But then, what could he say? He was pleased to know Anne didn't care for the King, at least not yet, but hearing about the many gifts she had been given wasn't exactly comforting.

"I see... It's not just your father's wish. It's the King's wish as well." The motives of those two men no doubt varied but they seemed to have a mutual agenda.

Trying to seduce a woman with his pen. That wasn't far from true in Wyatt's case, either. The difference was, he couldn't add jewellery to his letters.

His face turned into a frown as he sighed a desperate, "Anne-". Blood rushed through him; he needed to get away. Not from her but from the situation. So Wyatt did what Anne had did when leaving the stables. After giving her a nod to follow, he urged his horse into a fast-paced gallop across the fields.

Riding gave him the much needed rush but with all the wine in his veins, he had to pause quicker than he wanted. Jumping down, and throwing the reins carelessly over a low-hanging tree branches, he stumbled a few steps and stopped to catch his breath.

Edited 2014-08-04 21:16 (UTC)

He had sent her gifts, but Anne had sent them away. That should have been proof enough that Anne wasn't interested in trinkets. Henry could send her the royal treasury but it would not coax her to his bed. There was also a very distinct difference between Thomas' written word and Henry's.

Thomas always wrote in a soft sweetness that she loved. Henry, as she said, was direct and coarse in his phrases.

"They do," she nodded. "But no one bothers to consider my wishes..."

The second part was a soft addition, quiet. There was no subtle hint of bitterness in it either. She was indeed angry. Her father thrust her into this, without regard for her concerns and her desires. His only concern had been for his own fortune.

Damn him, indeed.

Anne looked up to Thomas again and turned her horse to follow as he beckoned her. She kicked her horse's sides, spurring him on after Thomas. Though when he slowed to a stop, she did the same. Anne slid slowly from her saddle, landing gracefully on her feet. She followed his motion, setting her reins on a branch before stepping up to him.

"Thomas?" She tilted her head a bit to get a better look at him, to make sure that he was all right.

Wyatt rubbed his face and pushed his hair off of his forehead. When Anne called for him with such a soft, concerned voice, his mouth formed an uncertain little smile. Then he pulled her against himself, turning her so that they were both facing the same direction. Hands around her middle, Wyatt pressed a cheek to the side of her face and breathed deeply.

"I have always liked this spot right here," he whispered. The landscape was only gently undulating around these parts, but from where they were standing, a fine view of the fields and a river in the distance was given for their eyes to admire.

Wyatt kissed her ear. "I understand why you didn't want to tell me. Why you couldn't tell me. I just wish- I'm sorry you've had to carry such a secret."

He swayed Anne in his arms. "I can't compete with the King. I feel as though... my hands are tied."

He stared at the scenery before them. He would not be able to look at it again without remembering this sadness.

"Do I have to let you go, Anne Boleyn? I love you."

As Thomas grabbed her, Anne let out a small yelp. But it felt so good, so nice to be held in his arms. As his hands slid around her and he spoke, Anne looked up to take in the scenery. It was indeed beautiful, it brought a smile to her face despite their situation.

"Leave it to you to find such a place, Thomas," Anne chuckled, leaning back into his embrace, her back flush against his chest. "I can see how you would draw inspiration for your poems from such a place."

Anne was very, very quiet as he continued. In her mind she replayed that moment when she said that to him, when she had tried to push him away and out of her life for what she had thought was forever. Yet here they stood.

She turned slowly, glancing up to him as she moved to face him. Her eyes glanced up to catch his gaze.

"There's no competition, Thomas," that seemed very plain to her. "He can try all he likes, but as you said: My heart belongs to you."

She paused, drinking in the warmth of the moment, savoring it for as long as she could.

"I...know it is not for me to ask. But Thomas...please, do not let me go. I know not how we might even attempt to make something work but...to do so would be of substantial risk...I could not ask that of you. But, if nothing else, please don't let go..."

"I said that, didn't I? And you almost denied it yesterday," he replied with a soft expression on his face as Anne turned to look at him. She did belong to him. Not in any ownership kind of way but because she wanted to.

Wyatt brushed his finger along her chin and tipped his head down, giving a gentle kiss on her forehead first, then on lips.

"I wasn't thinking of competition so much in your eyes but in the eyes of the world, but thank you for saying that." He gave her another little kiss. "More than that, I was thinking how it is near impossible to find any sort of solution that's in favour of us. If it was anyone else, we could at least pretend we'll have a chance."

He took hold of her shoulders and kept her there. "I don't want to let you go but how can I hold you if the King wants you? Imagine if he knew how well I know you..." He shook his head.

"I don't recall denying it outright. All I said was that you belong to me as I do to you. Do you protest that assessment?" Anne smiled.

His touch was soft and sweet. How sorely she had missed it. Henry would seize her, in fact on one occasion he had taken her by the throat in jealousy. But that just gave proof to Thomas' argument. If Henry did know how well they knew each other, Thomas would likely be a head shorter.

Anne returned each kiss, even bringing her fingers up to gently cup his cheek

"What matters to you more, Thomas: The opinion of the world or my opinion?" Anne could care less what people thought of her if she was happy. What Thomas thought of her mattered much more to Anne than what the world thought of her.

There was sadness in her eyes as he spoke. She could not bear to part with him, the mere thought alone terrified her.

"Then...is there no hope for us, Thomas?"

"Have some mercy on a poor and tired man. I wouldn't dare to protest knowing you are determined to prove me wrong if I do," he teased her. Last night was somewhat muddled in his brain but he could have sworn that Anne had denied the statement. Maybe.

Wyatt closed his eyes to soak up her nearness. He needed a moment to find the right words to her question. He was worried they'd get into another argument over what he was about to say.

"They both matter, in different ways. Your opinion makes my heart sing, the opinion of others makes it fearful. I'm afraid fear can be a more powerful motivator than love. We shouldn't make hasty decisions." He wasn't particularly proud to admit being that cowardly so in order to soften it up, he leaned in for yet another kiss.

"In a day or two we'll be back in London. Will you be brave enough to see me there? If you are, there is hope." He wanted to believe that, against all odds.

"My dear Thomas, any woman would want to prove any man wrong if she knew herself to be right. But really, your gender would be far better off and could save us all substantial grief if you would just admit that we are right to begin with," Anne teased him right back. This was witty reparte that she was hard-pressed to find these days.

She and George did not have the same relationship that they once did. And Anne certainly could not have such dialogue with the king.

Anne was disappointed in his answer, but she did not wish to have another argument. She fought back her feelings of sadness, fought back the urge to show her true feelings. Anne would be the flawless actress that she was; she forced a small smile.

"You're not wrong, Thomas," Anne replied. She was grateful for the kiss.

Because he was right: They would be back in London soon enough. Anne needed to drink in all the contact she could get from Thomas before she was back to suffering through the touch of the king.

And it would indeed be suffering.

"With all that has been said, Thomas, is that really a question you need to ask of me? It seems more to me that you are the one with reservations," Anne spoke slowly and softly, keeping sure that there was no aggression in her tone. She did not wish to argue, but she could feel his hesitation. However, she could also understand the reasons why he might.

After all, why give up security, wealth and social standing for a woman? Such things only occurred in fairy tales, did they not?

Pulling her closer, Wyatt chuckled. "Ah, now I know how to make you call me 'dear'. I only need to let you outwit myself. Luckily that will be very easy for you, my dear."

She ought not to hide her true feelings from him. Honesty was what he asked of her. Without honesty, they could never hope to find a solution to their predicament. However, they also needed to be able to talk calmly and to spare each other of unnecessary grief.

That is why Wyatt didn't point out that Anne had been the one to call off their relationship. No matter what her reasons had been, she hadn't acted brave then.

"That is what I ask. I am reserved because of you. You will lose more than me if our affair becomes public. I am also reserved because this is something I don't want to mess up. We're not given a dozen chances. We're given one, if that. I wish to think this through properly."

His fingers tangled in her long hair, and eyes sought contact with hers. "It is because of my reservations that I need you to be brave. And you must make sure the King is content with as little as you give him."

"You're shameless in your flattery sir, complimenting a lady's wit as you do," Anne couldn't fight the smile that broke across her face then. "Though you at least pose a challenge for me to outwit."

Anne would not have hidden her true feelings, except that she was ashamed for feeling them. In this case, at least. They made her feel weak, vulnerable. It was not something she enjoyed because it meant that she was not in complete control.

She gave a soft sound, almost akin to a purr when she felt his fingers in her hair. After a moment her dark eyes opened, finding his and fixating upon them.

"Must we be so bound by the chains of secrecy? Is it really so much to ask of the world or some divine power to be free?" Anne thought aloud, for these were questions that she'd been asking herself for some time. "I will be brave, Thomas - for I must be so."

Not just for his sake, but for her own. No woman had ever refused the king's advances as she did - nor had any woman so brazenly protested the will of her father as Anne did. For all his tyrannical commands, her father could not force Anne to share a bed with the king.

"What shall you do then, Thomas? While I am refusing the king, giving him the briefest of kisses and touches when I must, what will you do? For that matter, what can we possibly do to see each other in the meantime?" Anne did not want Thomas to put himself at risk; but she was curious to know whether or not they were truly in this together.

"I do try," he grinned, squeezing her lightly. "You're the most accomplished lady I have ever met, Anne. I do not so well remember what you we're like as a young girl but you must have had an inquisitive mind even then." She had gone to Netherlands before Wyatt himself had entered Henry's service. A decade abroad. No one could accuse of her not taking the full advantage of that time.

"It's the same for everyone, and everyone has secrets. If not like ours, then something else. A court life wouldn't thrive without them. As for why we keep them... for fear of revealing our true selves, perhaps."

Anne's request was another proof of her intelligence. Wyatt's expression shifted from a slight surprise to a definite respect. He would have wanted to kiss her soundly at that moment but to do so would have rendered her to a mere object of him.

"You are absolutely right to ask that of me. It is not just you who must make sacrifices or to work for our cause." He shuddered to think of Henry making advances on her.

"I will consult with Cromwell regarding my marriage. Mayhap he knows some way or another to go about the divorce. Though I must be honest with you, I'm not holding out much hope." He was weary of trying it once more, but it was what Anne wanted. He knew that much.

"As I think about it, I am not sure if changing chambers would be wise after all. My current one is small but in a quieter corner of the castle. You should be able to seek me there like you used to. Which option would you prefer?"

Anne gave a soft laugh, her fingers sliding up his chest, gently wrapping around his doublet as her eyes once again found his.

"My memories are not so well-preserved either, however, I am most certain that you were just as cunning and wily then as you are now," Anne replied. "What else was there for me to do? I couldn't very well let you best my wits and charm, at least not without putting a bit of effort into it myself."

Her smile remained when his answer came. Content that he was just as willing to work for their mutual happiness as she was. Anne bit her lower lip - unwilling to think on what would happen if they could not come up with some form of solution before the time came when she could no longer deny the pressures of her father and of the king to join his bed. It was bad enough to think about, let alone discuss.

"Thomas, in a world riddled with deceivers and enemies who weave lies around me to lead me down wrong paths, I know that I can always count upon you to be honest," One hand came up, her fingers brushing against his cheek, along the ends of his curls. "For that I am very grateful, even if you don't always deliver the sweetest news."

As long as he was trying, that was enough for her. What more could she ask of him, after all? He could only do his best, and that's what he seemed to be promising. Anne would be content with that.

"Indeed though, you are right - I would be wary of asking too many favors of Master Cromwell," Anne's tone darkened a bit. Cromwell had his uses, and he seemed close enough with her father for the time being. But something about him...she didn't trust him, not completely at least. "He doesn't seem the type of man to which I would want to owe many debts..."

Still, her dark tone doesn't linger. Her trademark smirk is once again on her lips, contemplating already the different ways she could slip to his chambers after nightfall. Perhaps even wait for him in his bed before he even retired for the night, clad only in the furs he spoke of the night before.

"For now I could be content to seek you there, where your chambers are now," Anne nodded. "If such an idea would please you as well, that is."

"Cunning and wily, you say? My dear sister Margaret claims I was a devious brat as a youth." His smile indicated he took no offence of that; the affection the Wyatt siblings shared for each other was at least as sound as that of the Boleyn siblings. They could stand to tease one another. "I like your definition better," he confessed all the same.

Wyatt took hold of Anne's hand and kissed the soft inside of her wrist. Eyes closing for a brief moment, he breathed in her warmth. "Do not worry that I should ever believe any foul accusations of you. I know you. You have your temper but you're true and faithful. I will do all that I can to bring you the sweetest news. And if I can't, I will help you see the good in a bad situation."

Big words but he was caught in the moment. That Anne was willing to plan a future with him after the months of acting cold, had turned his life suddenly around. However, he was brought back to reality from his daydreams by her subtle doubts about the Earl of Essex.

"You and Tallis are carved from the same tree when it comes to Cromwell. He thinks I should be my own man." Wyatt frowned. "Am I blind to something others see? I do not feel bound or restricted by that man. He is serious, yes, but smart and he's done good things."

Though Wyatt much rather concentrated on Anne than Cromwell now. He had no idea that his offhand comment of being only wrapped up in furs had given her imagination such fodder.

"Does it ever." He had to kiss her now. One hand rising up to hold the back of her head and the other firmly around her waist, Wyatt planted his lips over Anne's.

"Mary says the same of me, it must be a requirement of sisters, to think so of their siblings," Anne pointed out.

She bit her lower lip, watching carefully as Thomas kissed her wrist. The softness of his lips against such sensitive skin, it took quite a bit of self control to keep from moaning at least a little bit. Her gaze softened though, at his words, and she smiled down at him.

"You're too kind to me, Thomas," Anne replied. Her fingers seemed perfectly content to remain along his cheek and in his hair. It was an all too natural reaction, wanting to feel a closeness that she had stupidly denied all this time. It was only then that Anne realized how foolish she had been.

How could she have thought to eliminate him from her life? How could she have denied him and kept him at a distance this long? Anne shook her head softly at her own foolishness. For now she realized just how much she needed him; how his touch and the brush of his lips on her skin set her ablaze with desire and lust.

"I simply think that Cromwell has his own motives, like any other member of the king's court," Anne pointed out. Though they themselves were included in that group, when she thought about it. "Really, if we wanted to secure our safety, we would find out what motivates not only Cromwell, but anyone else who posed a threat to us if we were discovered. That way we could have a little...insurance, if you will."

But Thomas effectively snuffed out all thoughts of Cromwell, Henry and his court when he leaned in to kiss her. Anne's lips parted when she felt his against hers. Her lips seized his lower lip between them, her body leaned into his, influenced by his grip around her head and waist.

How much time had she wasted, denying contact like this? Anne's arms wrapped around his neck as she returned his kiss. Needing him more now than she had ever remembered needing him before.

Wyatt could hardly believe his luck - or was it luck? Whatever it was, he felt damn good to be able to hold Anne again. She had stopped fighting to get rid of him. Her soft touches played on his skin and dark eyes shone for him. He well and truly owed thanks to the Lord above.

With his newfound understanding that her actions had been borne out of fear and helplessness, not cruelty, he didn't feel the need to get even anymore. He would not be reminding her about that day in order to make her feel quilty.

Still kissing her, Wyatt took a few steps and, moving them under an oak tree, gently pressed Anne's back against the trunk. Both of his hand down at her waist now, Wyatt moaned in quiet satisfaction.

"We shall start afresh. No bitterness over what has happened. That I promise," he said, after breaking the kiss. "I will also be careful with any commitments to my betters, including Cromwell, if that makes you more comfortable. I need his help, but I will keep it strictly professional."

It was easy to smile once again.

"Ye know my heart, my lady dear,
That since the time I was your thrall
I have been yours both whole and clear."

Wyatt rubbed their noses together. "I am very much looking forward to seeing you in London."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01p0_VXiHLM
Fitting lyrics / Mumford & Sons: White Blank Page
(all of the lyrics here:
http://www.metrolyrics.com/white-blank-page-lyrics-mumford-sons.html

Edited 2014-08-13 01:38 (UTC)

He wasn't the only one who owed thanks to God - Anne couldn't count her blessings fast enough, that Thomas was so patient and understanding to hear her out. To understand her reasons why, and still be willing to accept her with open arms after what she had done.

Anne would not make the same mistake again.

She was totally enveloped in his kiss, feeling the trunk of the tree at her back didn't bother her in the slightest. It felt natural, just as natural as being held in his arms. Her hands slid down his chest, eyes transfixed on his when he spoke. But she was so overwhelmed with joy and emotion at his words that Anne couldn't stop herself from leaning up and seizing his lips in another quick, but nonetheless passionate kiss.

"I know not what I've done that God has graced me to be so fortunate - really Thomas, you are too kind to me," he could have made her beg his forgiveness. And as desperate as Anne would have been to earn it, she wasn't the begging type - unless it was done in the desire to be playful. "Yes, it will be as it once was, better in fact! And I will not seek to dictate your dealings, that is not for me to say. I simply think you would be wise to be leery of him. If I thought he was leading you astray, I would say more on the matter."

Anne knew Thomas was smart enough to recognize a snake when he saw one. She in turn could act as a second pair of eyes, seeing what he might potentially gloss over.

Her smile tugged at the corners of her lips as their noses touched. Anne tipped her forehead towards his, letting her dark strands of hair mingle with his golden strands.

"As am I," there was allure in the idea of sneaking behind everyone. "Think of it, Thomas: You have the one thing the King of England himself desires...and can't ever possess."

((ooc: Oooh I saw this before!! Oh, his face at her execution...breaks my heart EVERY time!! But this does indeed describe them INCREDIBLY well!))

Another kiss was very welcome, especially a passionate one. It made the grip of his hands tighten around her middle.

"I am kind to you because you allow me to be. That is how this works." She held the keys to his heart in her hands, and that was fine with him. However, his mind was another matter.

"You're incorrigible!" Wyatt lifted her chin up and scolded her in jest. "I do believe you're back to your old self again, finding amusement in a situation that a day ago was all doom and gloom."

He grinned. "He's the King, Anne. The King. And you're planning to play with him so shamelessly." He really couldn't love her more for it. They would have to be careful like no other had ever been before them, but there was something to be said for Anne's daring nature.

Eyes drawn to her smiling mouth again, Wyatt brought his face closer, teasingly, and flicked his tongue across her lips. Though when he tried to kiss her properly his stomach growled. Wyatt laughed against her mouth.

"I missed breakfast," he admitted.

((OOC: When this thread comes to an end, I have some ideas for more :P ))

Anne was indeed back to her old self, and it felt damn good to have her old strength and wit again. She shot her trademark grin at Thomas, keeping her lips close to his.

"He assumes that he holds my heart, and my father presumes that he can give my heart to whomever he pleases. Little does he realize, my heart's already been promised to another...to you..."

Anne parted her lips a bit, allowing her tongue to flick out and meet his. And then his stomach's rumbling gave her pause. She bit her lower lip in an attempt to silence herself, but sge could not fight her laughter.

"And whose fault was that? My father made it a point to prepare a very nice breakfast for his guests." She teased him right back.

((ooc: It seems to be winding down well enough - and believe me I have a few ideas myself! Whenever you're ready to start plotting those :) ))

Wyatt let go of Anne and stepped back, a hand over his provenly empty stomach. "The fault lies within me, undoubtedly. I thought I would be half way home by now. Not that I mind this change of plans." He reached out to lightly tap her nose. "Being hungry is well worth this."

Because honestly, he felt indefinitely better than a mere hour ago. He might have even gone so far as to say that this feeling was more satisfying than having sex with her last night. That moment had been clouded by desperation that it was to be the last time he could hold her in such a profound way.

Now their disagreements had been settled and forgiven. Now he had something to look forward to.

"As much as I hate to say it, I should be going." He walked up to his horse and remembered there was a leather flask hanging from the saddle. A drink would give him the needed refreshment. He popped the cork off, glancing Anne. "I would offer but... it's just ale." He held the bottle toward her just in case.

"I'm going to be staying in Allington for a few days but I should be heading back to London by Wednesday the latest. What about you?"

Anne's need to be ladylike was overshadowed by her need to meet anything she perceived as a challenge. She knew he wasn't trying to challenge her, but still. It wasn't a great many women who could handle the strong taste of ale. Anne stepped forward slowly as he offered the flask, wrapped her slender fingers around it and tipped it to her lips.

She didn't drink much, just a swallow or two. But Anne didn't waste much time handing it back to him. Her smile remained true even as she swallowed the drink.

"I suppose all good things must inevitabley come to an end," Anne sighed. She was sorry to see him go, but it gave her something to look forward to; the whole idea of plotting when and how they could meet again, actually getting to see him again.

Anne paused, pursing her lips, thinking on her schedule, which had little to do with her, when it came down to it.

"I am set to stay at Hever for a few more days, but really I'll have to return to London at my father's pleasure," Anne shrugged. "When last it was discussed, I believe he had planned my return for Tuesday."

Anne bit her lip to keep herself from asking the question that burned her mind: When would she see him again? She wanted to ask, but she did not want to portray herself as desperate or needy.

Eyes sparkling, he watched Anne sip from the flask as if ale was her usual choice of drink. Wyatt himself took a sizeable gulp before securing the flask back to the saddle.

"Aye. There's time for everything, but end is this not, my dear."

He took the reins of Anne's horse and walked the animal to stand by her. Just like at the stables, Wyatt helped her up. He rested a hand on her thigh, wanting the contact while he could.

"Your father's pleasure... whatever that entails." A disturbing thought flashed through his mind. "You don't suppose he's invited Henry over?"

Come to think of it, Thomas Boleyn had probably extended his invitation for the Masquerade to the King as well. That Henry hadn't been present was no doubt due to the fact there were foreign envoys in London and he could not be spared from his duties. But what if he was free now? Would he try to seek Anne's company at Hever?

"I truly hope I am mistaken but if I am not, stay strong. I shall see you soon." He tugged at Anne's arm to encourage her to lean down for a kiss.

"I will tie a small ribbon to my door knob whenever I'm in my chambers. It is going to have to be very inconspicuous so you need to watch for it carefully." Carefully but quickly; she couldn't stop by his door to examine it for long.

He smiled again, and moved to get up on his own horse now.

Anne climbed up into the saddle of her horse when Thomas brought him over to her, with his help of course. She was glad for his lingering touch at her thigh, for all too soon she'd have to endure the time away from him.

At the mention of the king, Anne frowned and gave a slight sigh.

"Father did send an invitation to the king for the masquerade, obviously he had high hopes for that night. But the king declined, though I'm not certain why. In his letters he usually declares any plans to visit, and thus far I've heard nothing."

She paused, looking to catch his gaze.

"But surely you know as well as I that the king does as he pleases," Anne sighed.

There was no question that Henry might very well decide that he wanted to see her and could wait no longer. Her father would be only too thrilled to receive the king at Hever.

But as he explained the plan, Anne nodded and a broad smile broke across her face as she leaned down to kiss him.

"I'll be only thrilled to return to London to find that favor then," Anne giggled. "Really Thomas, is it not the lady who is supposed to give a ribbon to her lover?"

She wasn't worried about getting caught examining the doorknob. Anne was stealthy enough and clever enough to avoid detection.

"So then, I shall next see you in London, I presume?" Anne asked as she turned her horse back towards Hever.

"That he does," he agreed about Henry's whims. "All we can do is to take what is given, to accept what is not." Henry was charismatic and intelligent, and more than a little aware of the fact that he could do just as he pleased.

Wyatt laughed at her snarky remark. "There is no reason why it couldn't be your ribbon, Anne." Though in truth he had been thinking more of a piece of string than a ribbon.

"Yes. It will be a long wait for me." With a final courteous bow, Wyatt reluctantly left Anne's side and made his way to Allington.

((ooc: The End unless you wish to add something. I guess we'll go to London next? Can exchange details over PM. I'm willing to write a starter, too.)

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Prompt: Masquerade

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