The Christmas Banquet

I look at Gustav as we are dancing. It sounds amazing and I would love to see it. I can't wait to see it there. I will talk to Henry again.

I smile at Mary as we continue to dance.

"I know you will love it and I just hope that your brother lets you come with me to Sweden.

I shall look forward to dancing with you father

I smile as I watch my father dancing with my mother and wish that it was always thus.

I am surprised at King Henry's request of a dance with myself and Princess Mary. Perhaps he will not betray God and his holiness the Pope anymore. The nobles are slowly asking permission to leave for the night so Mary.and myself prepare to leave too. Henry will not want to stay with no audience to gaze upon him.

I am glad that Henry and I danced. I wondered if he enjoyed the dance, we usually love to. After the celebration I believe that all were ready for Henry to give us leave and so far he seems quite calm and happy. I hope that he will be in that frame of mind

I love to dance with my father, the king, and it's good to see him being chivalrous towards my mother and enjoying the festivities.

I wonder if he will find happiness and comfort again in his marriage to the queen.

I walk over to my aunt Mary Will you dance with me Aunt?

Of course Mary I will dance with you. You need not ask. I saw you dancing with your father and it warmed my heart you are a wonderful dancer.. I smiled at her and began to dance.

I prepare myself to retire for thy night.

I see Catherine leave the room. Catherine why are you leaving are you tired now.? Well if you are going to bed I wish you a good night and sleep well. I give Catherine a hug and a kiss on the cheek

I see my mother leaving and I go to my father, fearing that his eye will start to wander and the court ladies will start to pay inappropriate attention to him.

It was a lovely night father, will you also retire to bed soon?

I look towards my daughter as she approached.

"It was indeed a wonderful night Mary and yes soon I shall retire too.

I bid goodnight to my father and hope that he will visit my mother's bedchamber tonight instead of having one of her ladies-in-waiting brought to his bed.

I look towards my aunt Mary and we step onto the dance floor. Mary is still a great beauty and she deserves some happiness with her Gustav when she gets married soon.

You look quite radiant aunty, I expect it has something to do with a certain Swedish king? I tease her as we start the dance and all the other couples follow us.

I smiled at my sister.

"Of course we may go back to England sister. You danced really well tonight and I have decided to allow you to marry Gustav too.

I look at Henry smiling You still dance like I remember you. Mary dances will, she is happy for me and Gustav being married and I am glad that we will go home soon. Thank you for letting me escort Gustav to his homeland as his wife.

 Dear brother I am so glad to hear that. I want to speak to Gustav before we decide on a day that will be special for all of us. Once again thank you very much brother    (I give Henry a hug)

I wait for his grace Henry to say his farewells before I retire for thy night.

I smile at my sister and hug her back.

"Of course sister I understand please do come to me when you have both made a decision on the day.

I wait silently while Henry buds goodnight to his sister.

I smile at my sister then we head over to Catherine.

"Thank you dear sister it has been a wonderful evening and you were amazing on the dancefloor tonight.