"Be yourself, because everyone else is taken..." Mark Twain

I cannot believe it has been almost 8 years since I had started this story. And to be quite honest, I would not be here without the continual support and encouragement by my reviewers (my fans). My writing has evolved since the first chapter was uploaded. And I cannot wait to share with you all the growth and development of these characters. Although I have struggled with writer's block for a while now and I do get lazy sometimes. I am fully committed to this story 100%!

Thank you for being here! I love you all with all my heart. Please enjoy!

Chapter 51: The Eye of Isis

"Whenever I play chess, it always reminds me of a tiny war and each piece is having their own small battle. Wouldn't you agree, your highness?"

"Who could deny such a clever analogy, my lord? You have obviously seen many battles, then?."

"Why yes….I can see you are an expert."

"As you know I was a survivor of one that threaten my country."

"I am aware...your highness."

"And I can assume that I am in the middle of one as we speak."

"Your grace is very observant. You remind me of my daughter," he chuckled.

"My lord, all of this is a just a strategic move to disarm my defenses. It's obvious your family is threatened by me, and as you have your spies...I have mine," she advised.

"Touche."

"What is it you want from me?"

"I admire you. You have a mind of a survivor and you would make a great Queen. But you will never be Queen. The people will never accept a foreigner...let alone a pagan. And parliament would tear you to bits."

"The advice is welcomed, yet you have much to learn. The people loved Catherine, despite that she is a Spaniard. What makes you think they will accept a commoner with no royal blood? You think parliament would do harm to me? They will murder your name to the ground. Sure, you will have some power, but your followers will disintegrate. And if your daughter fails to give a male heir, I hate to imagine what that will be like for you."

"You are still a pagan. And last time I checked, his majesty burns pagans." Salome flinched.

"Well, since we are in a religious uproar, who cares about a pagan, when many are unsure of their own beliefs." She sighed. "I don't wish to be Queen here. But I can assure you, your daughter won't last long. She won't be able to hold the station you are trying to give her."

"How so?"

"Being queen isn't easy, those not born to it have a hard time to adjust than those who are."

"Hmm...you mustn't think I am an easy man to persuade."

"Of course not, your grace. Checkmate…,"Lord Boleyn looked down at the board and scoffed.

"What do you want then?" He sneered

"I want a husband, my lord. Can you find me one?" She smiled.

Sir Thomas was confounded. He was not expecting a clever woman like herself would tangent so easily to a subject he was dying to know. Besides his family's suspicions, he was convinced that her closeness to the King was for her own benefit alone. A husband, indeed was known. Who would be the contender is the question. Sir Thomas hesitated for a moment. He wanted to think his response through, in case he could find a way to use her words against her. He did not want to believe that this woman would be this naive. He hoped it would take so digging and he did not mind getting his hands dirty for the security and succession of his family's inevitable dominion. Time was of the essence and everything was in the palm of his hand. He did not want to entertain this child's request. However, the opportunity could not be so easily dismissed.

Salome watched how his grace's eyes danced in her presence, but her intuition knew he was distracted by her win and moreover her question. Surely, it was known that she was searching for a husband. A husband or great estate and title. She knew that this rumor would solidify her status here at court and perhaps her station with the King. In doing so, she would become a valid English woman and this would indefinitely keep her here at court. She had sent Lord Parry on a mission to find someone worthy, someone she could control. She felt the vibrations run through her spine and through her entire body as she allowed a breath to escape from her lips. This moment was the one she had been waiting for.

Sir Thomas began, "Forgive me, your highness. I find it confusing that you should seek my help in a matter as delicate as this." He smiled, as he reset the chessboard. "Besides, I hear that you receive good counsel from others, including Lord Parry. An excellent man, well-learned, precise, diligent, and most importantly loyal to His Majesty. Surely his talents are warranted to your highness' command.

"I assure you, your grace that Lord Parry is all of those things and more. But between you and me, I feel that marriage is a department that he lacks in experience," she joked.

"May I ask, why your highness would endeavor me for such a task?" He inquired. Out of curiosity he wanted the reason. And he hoped his stalling her would help him formulate a plan. He did not dislike Princess Salome, but he could never trust a woman like this. She was everything he wanted his daughter to become. Which excited him and frightened him at the same time. He knew, as well as others what power could do to a person and in the wrong hands can be deadly. This woman, was up to no good. The best thing he could do for her is find her someone that would lead her far away from court and perhaps tame her in some sense.

"To be frank, in the past we have not been able to coexist peacefully. There has been several misconception between our households. I wish to be the person to bury the scepter and hope we can strive for a truce."

"A truce?" He questioned.

"Yes. A truce. Hopefully we have no need for blood or money in exchange for a mutual agreement," she smiled gracefully.

"Go on." He gestured with his hands and gave Salome a questioning look.

"Someone has to make the first move toward peace. I have seen enough terror and bloodshed in my life, your grace. A woman, like myself, should never be exposed to such things. And yet, as your people say, God will it to be so. Besides my brother, I am the only living heir to the throne. A throne in which I may never rule upon. I am content with that."

"Why?" He asked.

"If I was not born a princess, I would not wish that account on anyone. It is easier to have nothing, than to have everything," she claimed. "I know the station you wish your daughter to occupy. It is not an easy task for anyone to hold. But I understand. And I confess that I should have been the first to clarify my intentions. However, we are here now. Our duty is to serve the realm and His Majesty with every fiber and breath left in us. And we can do it together," she confessed with fervor and vitality.

"Thus, I can assume you support the marriage between my daughter and His Majesty?"

"There is no doubt in my mind that your daughter and His Majesty were made for each other. After all, one can only hope that His Majesty's Great Matter will be settled once and for all."

"What an interesting surprise you are?" He gave her a sudden look. "Your offer is tempting. One would be a complete fool not to say yes. But some would say that I am not being as cautious as I should. Behind every beautiful woman, is a clever plan. I feel as though your offer is too good to be true. How can my family and I trust you? How am I assured that you won't spread malicious lies and rumors to the King? How do I know that this is not a farce that you are able to take advantage of?"

"The moment I arrived in this country the men are either shocked or skeptical by my appearance. I suppose you English aren't used to this. I would never presume that a man with such esteem as yourself, your grace, could handle a delicate matter so easily. All I know is that I am but a foreign woman in a country that I love and cherish as my own. What would be my purpose to lie to you now? What would a woman like me gain?"

"What is your purpose for being honest, as you say at all?" He retorted.

"I want to show to you and your family that I am not your enemy. It is true to say that I am very affectionate towards His Majesty. After all, without his generosity I would not be alive let alone sitting here you, my lord. When I first returned to England, no one was here to guide me in and nurture me in the ways of Court. If at any time I offended you, my sincere apologies. Our worlds are very distinct and different. However, I do not believe that there is any harm in recognizing one's faults and acknowledging them." She took a moment. "Your grace, I do not expect anything from you. All I ask is that if it may be possible for us to coexist peacefully."

"You only seek peace?" He doubted. "Nothing more…"

"That is my wish."

"I have never encountered any person with a mind like yours. Strange, as your only desire is peace between our houses. I would be a fool not to ask if you did not have another request."

"Who could ever pull the wool over your head, your grace?" They shared a laugh. "Yes, I do have another request. I am certain that you will ask of my support for the marriage between your daughter, the Lady Anne and His Majesty. In hopes that he will solidify his own reign in England, separate from the Church of Rome. As well as his annulment to Catherine of Aragon."

"Ah? You are well-versed in state matters. Only a foreign woman, your highness?" He cajoled.

"I have many talents, your grace. When one has finished there sewing and reading, there is plenty of time to think. And my mind is an endless fountain of ideas."

"Sure enough as you have stated. Have you any advice for me in our mutual goal?"

"I implore you not to trust the Duke of Suffolk," she said confidently.

"Brandon? Why he is the King's brother…"

"Precisely. One that you rather not have as an ally. He's very fickle when it comes to decisions such as these. And as important as it may seem, he could destroy it all with one word."

"Brandon, a traitor? I cannot see it. He's immature, irresponsible, but not a traitor," he said as he shook his head.

"Shall I entreat you with proof? Perhaps it may give my loyalty that is in question some weight," she added on. She watched as his eyes never left her face. She knew he was cornered, his only response would be yes.

"Yes. If you present proof, irrefutable proof, I will give you my answer."

"Until we meet again, my Lord." She stood from her seat and walk with her ladies.