((April 1500, Bordeaux))
Anna arrived in Bordeaux. It was a nice change from the cold Oslo. She were invited by Mathias and hoped that she could get his support in the potential trials, and perhaps gain some political influence. It was beautiful here, and after riding through countless vineyards she finally came to the little house Mathias had. It was not big or luxurious, but it was charming in it’s own way. Anna were received by Mathias outside his house, and she had to admit he were a good looking fellow.
Anna: “Hello Mathias I got your letter and invitation. Forgive me but I am tired from the long trip and recent events, could you show me my bedchamber?”
Mathias: “Of course my lady. This way.”
They walked upstairs. “So, how did the trip go?”
Anna: “Oh you know, I was at the sea. It were little space on the ship and it made me sick and I had no access to.. decent food. It could have been better. How have things been in Bordeaux?”
Mathias: “Things are going well here. Weather has been very nice and trade has been going well. I really like this place, even though half of the population speaks French. Maybe I should learn it?”
Anna: “Bah! Why would you learn such a language? To mingle with the peasants? But again, you seem like a young and smart man, perhaps you can use it to your advantage”.
Entering the room. “Oh so this is it.. Well very well. Now do you have any plans for the future?”
Mathias: “I think I’m going to continue with trading. But I want to get some more important work from the Crown eventually.”
Anna: “You seem to have a knack for more political and diplomatic works. The Queen recognized your proposals in the Assembly after all. My sources tell me the Queen need new judges for her courts, perhaps a career in the law could be something for you? Alas, I need to rest and unpack my things. Can I meet you in the living room later?”
Mathias: “Of course. I will make us something to eat.”
Anna: “Good then, I will meet you later”.
Later that day Anna had dressed herself in her finest dress and the necklace from Mathias to impress, and conceal, and were ready for more talk in the too small house. “The meal look lovely Mathias, now have you thought more about my question?”
Mathias: “About that I could become judge? Actually yes. It could be interesting career, but is it for me?”
Anna: “Well, I can’t answer that. However you seem to have a sharp mind getting recognition from the Queen herself for your policies, improving the trade here in these lands. And you seem to be able to learn new languages. Perhaps becoming a Judge would give you political prestige you perhaps long after?”
Mathias: “Okey, I will ask Queen herself for Judge career. Maybe I will get some real power in the politics. But how the food tastes?”
Anna: “The chicken were lovely, thank you for the meal. It is good that you will consider that, perhaps you can go away from this inferior land and back to splendid London. Now let us finish the meal!”
After the dinner was eaten Mathias brought some wine. “My lady want any?”
Anna: “Sure thank you very much, but only some. Mmm it taste good,much better than the last vintage! Now let me ask you Mathias, why did you invite me here? I think you know why I sent you the letter, now why did you want me here? Don’t misunderstand, I am glad for your invitation.”
Mathias: “Well, after seeing how you called me ‘friend’ and even asked for support I thought it would have bee good time to meet each other.”
Anna: “Hmm good point”.
Anna looked in her wine. “Now, do you consider me a friend, and what do you think of what happened?”
Mathias: “Well, I do consider you as my friend.”
Mathias smiled and continued “And about the assassination of Pope. He deserved to die. He was so corrupt! Maybe even bribed our Chancellor...”
Anna: “It is good that someone share my views, although the assassination were only committed by my husband. I hope I will have your support in case of any trials against my name?”
Anna paused, and looked deep into Mathias. “It’s been hard to no longer have any by my side. Are you married?”
Mathias was shocked. Did she just ask was he married? “I’m not married… Why you ask?”
Only now Mathias saw how attractive Anna was. They looked at each other. Very deep in each other's’ eyes…
Anna: “Oh, I was only interested in your life. Pardon me for being so forward. But I was just interested in hearing if you were married, or had someone on your mind. Now, why do you look so intently on me?”
Mathias: “Oh… I'm sorry!”
Mathias was deep in his thoughts.
Anna: “No, don’t be sorry. Now young Mathias, do you think I am attractive? Of course you do. What would you say to marry into a noble house?”
Mathias: “Marry into noble house? You mean… we get married?”
Mathias didn’t understand why Anna would want to marry poor courtier.
Anna: “Why not? It would been an honor for you, and you seem to be a rising star in England. Of course it need to be secret if you want to become a Judge. Especially if you will have me in your trial. Think of what we could achieve together, if you became a master of the coin or a high judge!”
Mathias: “We could achieve many things… I’m just confused why would noble like you marry poor courtier. I mean, even if I become judge, I’m would still be just normal commoner.”
Anna: “Well, I have already been married to a noble and still have connections to them through my two children. Now your family have some history revolving around your father. Being a prominent figure in the Canterburian confession and in Anglica. Also if you pursue your merchant and judge career, you will be more than worthy to marry me. And of course, we both know that you attracted to me. So what do you have to lose?”
Mathias blushed. Usually it was man who tried to charm woman. Not other way around.
Mathias: “I won’t lose anything… And don’t get me wrong! I would love to marry you.”
Mathias cannot believe it. Did he just say that?
Anna: “Very well”.
Anna leaned over and kissed Mathias. “It is settled, we will marry in secrecy, and you will apply for being a Judge, and perhaps even Master of the Coin in the future. When all of these accusations against me are over we can marry in public. Now I am tired, can you follow me.. to my room?”
Mathias nodded as he understood the hint. The two spend the next night in the bedroom. Just together… Anna stayed in Bordeaux for couple of days, before going back to Oslo.
((
@delpiero1234 , is it possible to ask for Judge position, in 1500?))