Prompt: Masquerade

[happyfalcon]

((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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[happyfalcon]

"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.

[howlikeyouthis]

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

[happyfalcon]

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!))

[howlikeyouthis]

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 ))

[happyfalcon]

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 :) ))

[howlikeyouthis]

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?"

[happyfalcon]

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.

[howlikeyouthis]

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.

[happyfalcon]

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.

[howlikeyouthis]

"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.)