uponsohighatree | IC CONTACT

[He is more than aware that Anne is becoming more...restless as of late, back home. But this...this is not something he expected her to be capable of. He isn't foolish enough to pull away, he knows only too well that will cement him in her heart as a traitor, and he would certainly die. He's not sure which one is worse.

So, he remains still, only his eye moving to look at her.]

Tell me what it is you wish me to do, and I will do it.

You said you knew my brother well. I hope you learned something from him, because for now there is no other to fill his place.

[ Restless is a kind word for it, and one she may accept. Just like she'll accept his plea, for now. Because she has not already forgotten this past month in her blind rage. She has enjoyed his presence. She has thought him remarkably charming, with a sharp wit and a playful sense of humor. His skill with music is enough that Anne wishes to only surround him in instruments, so that he can fill her world with the sound of beauty.

But that is why she must be the most ruthless with him. She knows well and good how rampant betrayal is among the courts, especially the Tudor court. In Exsilium, betrayal had taken on whole new forms, and brought strange new consequences. She doesn't forget.

And knowing this, knowing that she has been forced into a position where all she can feel is resentment and suspicion instead of happiness and tranquility, only adds misery into the mix. But she abruptly releases him and turns before she can let it twist her features, or soften them any. She won't break before anyone, especially not her servant. ]

She was so cruel and shameless with her proclamations... She will not just let this disappear. There will one day be a reckoning, until she is gone or dead, and so you are to be my first weapon. None else here truly understand the gravity of this, nor what is necessary in God's eyes.

[The mention of George brings a dark cloud to his face, for just a moment. Their harsh words before he arrived here are still etched in his mind. The injustice of it all. Still, he sits back, watching her, realising with dawning horror what she expects of him and knowing he could never deny her anything. Even that.]

I swear to you, that I will forever be by your side. Whatever proclamations she makes, I will be certain that everyone will understand that they are nothing but lies, even if I need convince the king himself.

[He bows his head.] I told you that I am yours, and I stand by that. My loyalty will always remain to you, above all others.

[ His words are exactly what she needs to hear, and her vexation seems tempered enough for her to turn back towards him. The dagger is gone again, though there is no table within her reach. She has been taught much, and she will not waste the memories she alone carries, far apart and alien to those from her home.

They have their weapons, the knowledge of her future, but she has her own knowledge of other times, as well. ]

You must not speak to the King on such a matter... It is above you. But there are other things you may do. Other things you will do.

[ She crouches rather suddenly, kneeling before him and reaching for his face in an affection that is almost desperate, contrary to the soft hush of her voice. ]

But nothing against our conscience, hm? Nothing against justice, or the cause of His Majesty. I will ask much of you, Mark, but never could I commit the sin of taking your joy and music away.

You must understand, that you are to become more than a musician, just as I must be more than a queen. We must act as His Majesty's entire court. Do you understand?

[ There are no longer truly rules, or limitations. No longer. ]

[For a moment, he considers questioning where the dagger went, but he thinks better of it. Her change in demeanour is worrying, as is has been back home, but he will remain by her side, no matter what.]

I understand, my queen. I will do all you ask of me, and more, should you ever request it.

[ She still can't help but be suspicious. She doesn't know him. But she is comforted knowing that the King seems to know him, and hasn't been surprised that Anne spends time with him. If there was something to truly be suspicious, might Henry not have given her warning?

With a sigh, she nods and sits back, gathering his hands into hers so that she can lift them and gently kiss his knuckles. Maybe in this, she can trust him, but she isn't sure she can ever be comfortable again. ]

For now, all we must do is praise His Majesty's court, and his cause. There is no shame now in denying the papal authority. To that, we must not only preach, but represent the virtues of the Tudor dynasty, and the great strides England has reached. And, of course, we must be charitable in all things we do. Everyone here will love the King, and his Queen.

[He smiles, inclining his head.]

I will be certain to do so in all the ways I can. The strange world will learn the glory of our court, and learn that our King, and yourself, are truly the rulers they need in their lives.

Queen Anne.

[ She emphasizes this once more. Mark cannot simply say 'the Queen' anymore, not with Jane so boldly contesting her. It's disgusting that she must dirty herself with this contempt and fear so soon already. ]

Though I am now just Lady Anne, you must remind all that he is to be married to and soon crown Queen Anne. Hm?

The celebration will be grand. You must play something beautiful for everyone.

Of course, Queen Anne.

[He smiles, welcoming even the slightest sliver of normalcy between them.]

I will compose the most beautiful piece for you. There will be none like it ever again.

[ It's just what she likes to hear, and her smile is softer as she nods and squeezes his hands again before quickly rising. ]

You are good to me, Mark. What did I do to earn such loyalty?

You have always been yourself, that earned my loyalty tenfold.

[ It only makes her frown, ever suspicious. ]

Speak not as a courtier, Mark, but as my friend.

[Okay, he takes a moment, and his smile turns softer.]

You have become that rarest of things, a person I can speak to, who is willing to listen to my trifles, even as high as you are. I attempt to return the favour, as best I can. I believe I would be rather lost without you.

[ It's a careful answer, but still more sincere in delivery. It seems to soothe her somewhat, though it's still so difficult for her to remember that she can trust people. She is simply...aware of too much, now. She can never unsee, or stop knowing. ]

Do you have trifles, Mark? You must. Your love for me is not enough; it should not be, after all you have lost.

I do not remember our time at court. What did you love most? What do you miss?

[George springs to mind in an instant, and Mark finds his heart aches a little. He knows there is nothing for him there, not since George wed, he has made that painfully clear. The risk is no longer worth it. He is no longer worth the risk. And yet, he does miss him, dreadfully.]

My trifles tend to be the sort one does not discuss, they could get me in a rather lot of trouble.

[This was easier when she knew him, he never really had to explain this to her before.]

But aside from that, I am glad I may still have music in this strange land. A life without music...well, I do not think that would be a life worth living at all.

Trouble?

[ He says much, but that's the one thing Anne clues in on. It could mean a few things, but that is to consider if it's trouble for the Tudor court, for Henry specifically, or for life here in Teleios.

She would have none of that, really. Nothing that would hurt her cause. Nothing that would hurt the most loyal messenger. ]

What trouble? My sweetest friend, I would keep you far from trouble. You should know this.

[ ooc; so sorry this is late bb! feel free to handwave if you prefer. ]

Oh, I know, and I truly think it is by your grace that I have been kept safe from burning back home as it is.

[[ooc: Never late for meeee, I am queen of late things right now]]

...Surely it is not such a foul crime as to burn for. I would not believe it. All need only know you for a moment to see the beautiful spirit you carry. Nothing ugly could come of it.

Unfortunately, the law does not see it in such a way. [Still, he smiles lightly.] I thank you, all the same. I wish it were that easy.

[ While she understands the need for discretion, it's important for her to be certain of what it is he fears, especially with the King now in Teleios. But as he is not currently in the palace, she urges Mark onward. ]

Would it be a crime here?

I- [He falters.] Without his Majesty in full command? I do not know, I have not been bold enough to ask.

[In case, you know, they burn him.]

[ Jeez Louise. ]

You may speak with an agent... Before, I had an audience with Athena, but I do not think she is still about. Regardless, someone will allow you to see the list of your...debts.

[ She hates saying crimes, because fuck them. ]

I will be sure to do that. I admit, it is a strange thought, that these people seem above even the King himself.

And so they may continue to think, if we wish to learn anything of our matters. Even His Majesty understands we must humor their fancies to a certain amount.

Still, you ought not to bother announcing them as honored guests should they arrive. It is to be a masquerade I think, so I imagine they might enjoy blending in.

Will you have a costume?

Edited 2014-12-16 10:42 (UTC)

I am certain they would enjoy the anonymity of it all, even if it is for just one night.

But of course, your Majesty.

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