The Court of Their Royal Highnesses Queen Marie and King Nicholas.

She must have been a wonderful person. What was she like? Your mother?

My mother was very beautiful but more than that she was very kind and much loved. She was generous, charming, and very intelligent. It was she who taught me the play piano and also instilled in me my love of poetry.

I envy all of you your non-crazy mothers.

Non-crazy ? I confess I do not know of your Mother Sir. I take it she was less than you wuldst have desired in some way?

My dear mother is Juana, Queen of Castile...la loca.

Ah I see. I do believe we did meet once here at court, she seemed most kind to me on that occasion *smiles genuinely*

*seeing Nicholas enjoying Anne Boleyn's company makes Marie violently angry, but then Marie uses all her training as a French Princess to level her facial expression and keep her voice sweet so no-one notices a thing*.

Dearest Charles, my Mother was fantastic anhd I love her very much. And don't be too envious, your mother was lovely, well-educated, devout and had a fantastic bloodline. That's better than a certain Queen who is always bitvhing about me on this forum can say.

Ah there you are my dearest *smiles fondly at Marie*

Ah, Marie, I never met your mother but her cousins of Lorraine speak most highly of her.

Yes, here I am. *This is said with notes of irony, bitterness and jealousy*. I see that thou hath been passing thine time in good company. By the way, I hath noticed that thee no longer defendeth me against the slurs of the Lady Marquess ...

Yes, my dearest mother Marie was also much loved. Thank god I inherited her beauty as well as her quick mind *Stares angrily at Anne Boleyn*.

*frowns slightly ut wishes not to cause a scene in front of company* The Lady Anne hath said nothing against you in my presence. And I hath only just arrived myself.

She and I both refused King Henry's suit! She was a bright woman.

Thank you. Imagine if either one of you had actually married Henry ...

'Tis most fascinating!

But earlier today! She was speaking about how you deserved better than me ... *Does a mood switch* Don't you love me, Nicky? Do you think you are to good for me? What else do you want from me?

*whispers so as not to create a scene.* It was a meaningless compliment nothing more. You know I know love you Marie. How many wuldst tell you that you are too good for me? It doth not cause me to doubt you.

*Does a mood switch*. I knwo you love me, Nicky. I'm sorry I ever doubted you, please forgive me.

... And just so you know *raises eyebrow* I'm wearing the boots.

Lucky you Marie, he loves you despite your batshit craziness. He is wonderful and kind and loves his mother. He is a treasure beyond words and all yours! Imagine that! Go figure! Listern Marie have you ever considered antidepressants or homone therapy or something to even your wobbly keel a bit?

Charles have you ever thought that like so many reviled women of that time perhaps your mother was the victim of sexism and woefull taken advantage of?

*smiles* There is nothing to forgive love

*adds in a whisper* you really are cruel teaseing me so

*casts Anne a pleading look to take it easy on Marie, though he knows it will do little good*

*smiles*

Anne, but Marie's firey spirit is one of the things I do adore about her.

*a courier direct from her Majesty Elizabeth of England delivers a small parcel to Charles V. Tis a sick bag and says upon it 'in case of Nicholas + Marie use this!*

*is clearly offended but says nothing*

Nicholas, I know. And I shall tease you most enjoyably. *Spills wine on your shirt*. It looks as if you'll have to take your shirt off! What a pity.

*tries to hide his laugh*

*whispers* that is not helping my love, they all think us uncoth and classless, doth it not bother you?