"Milady please awake," you begged, shaking the sheet that covered her.

You continued the movement until the woman in the bed stirred, turning towards you, uncertain as to why you woke her when the moon was still high in the sky. A flickering candle was in your hand to assist the moonlight so that you would be able to see your way through the castle.

"Is there an emergency?" She questioned, rubbing her eyes.

"You could say that milady," you said with a weak smile. "You must leave the castle now, if you ever wish to see your love again."

"Thomas?" She asked. "What of him? I am to wed the King."

Since her second husband had died, Catherine had met Thomas Seymour and fallen deeply in love with him. Sadly, shortly after King Henry VIII had decided that she would be a perfect sixth wife and Catherine had no way of saying no. Although she had sent word to Thomas that she couldn't be with him, you as her ladies maid, had stayed in contact with him and formulated a plan to let her have her happily ever after with the man she truly loved. You knew she would marry Henry without complaint and allow her heart to continue to long for Thomas, but you wanted to allow her to be happy for once.

"Not if you move quickly milady," you smiled softly. "The King's carriage arrived to take you to London at first light. There is a different route you can take that will stop you from having to marry him."

"I do not understand," she frowned.

"I have been in contact with Thomas. He is currently sailing to France where he plans to meet you. A wagon is by the stables to take us to the dock. We do not have long to leave though as the guards will be passing through the corridor and catch us."

She blinked at you, slightly confused by being given an option for happiness along with being awoken in the middle of the night.

"You want me to commit treason?"

You nodded your head. Legally it was treason but once you got her to the mainland it would be practically impossible for Henry to prosecute her, and he'd likely be distracted by the next beautiful woman to pass him.

She slipped out of the bed, grabbing her cloak to cover her night gown.

"You promise me that you have sought safe passage to France?" She asked.

"I promise you milady. Once we are off British land, you will soon be reunited with your true love."

"Then we ought to hurry," she smiled.

With that you lead her from her chambers out to the carriage so that you could help her finally find true love.

~*~

Written by Charlotte.