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

I afear sometimes that my beloved daughter is somewhat jealous of her cousins looks, fecundity and all around attractiveness to the male sex. They seem to be quite competitve with each other and I am sure it will eventually bring one or both of them some grief.

Your daughter has nothing to be jealous of and neither does Marie, though sometimes I think she is in some ways. Elizabeth is attractive in her own right. They are both beautiful, intelligent women, I have often found it sad that they should be so competitive. There is no end to the amount of greatness they could accomplish by working together and not against each other.

Lately they have being doing well in working for a common good. It pleases me to see them getting along

So true I am sure for her part Mary must envy Elizabeth's power, independence and acumen. Although they do seem to be making an effort. Oh well the path of true love never did run smooth!

That is very true indeed.

My Lord! Anne Boleyn hath complimented me! *Falls dead*!

*Mutters from death* I wish my court were not so popular, 'tis most difficult to follow what everyoen is saying. *Dies again*.

Anne has been kind regarding you lately ... her apothecary has concocted some magic potion for her *grins*

*stands up at once*

Marie, it is nice to finally meet you.

Yes marie, darling, I was quite concerned about your absence and I am so relieved that you have returned apparently unharmed to our bosom!

Does anyone think we should call a doctor or the undertaker for Marie?

*Raises from the dead*. Hello, your Imperial highness, Charles speaks most highly of you.

*Is very alarmed that Nicky has not hugged me nor said one of his loving nicknames and fears the worst, Anne*

Dearest Marie thou hast nothing to fear from me, I have changed my ways. Of course I consider Sir Nicholas a friend but nothing more. Just like Charles V.

Marie my dearest *kisses her hand*

*whispers* I have missed you so

I most heartily wish to dance; that is if you would like to my dear. *turns to Charles*
La Volta perhaps?

Twould be a rare pleasure to see you two dance! *claps hands* Please do!

I suppose these old bones have a volta left in them. Or two, perhaps- as long as they are with you my dear!

This will be a pleasure indeed!

*calls in the muscians*

Well look at them trip and go! They certainly can step lively! I bet you two were the Continental Volta Champs of 1525!

It seems that my lady love has stepped away again .... Anne, wuldst you like to dance?

Well I am quite flattered but I am loathe to make Marie jealous, I just got my head reattached and I'd like it to stay there. Do you think she would mind?

Tis just a dance and she really hath no reason to be jealous. But perhaps you are wise.

Just sems a shame we shud have to sit out on the fun *laughs*

You should see us do a galliard!
Madame empress? *bows, holding out hand*

Boy you two sure can cut a rug!

Husband, *smiles in delight before taking Charle's hand*

Ooh, I am here! However, no-one hath taught me to do the Volta! I shall play the lute while I watch you! *Hold's Nicholas' hand for a moment long when he grabs it to kiss her, and looks into his eyes with love*.