Ad Infinitum - You are late!, Phillip oB & Henry Cromwell

[Henry Cromwell]

Actually, Henry thought he would stood still, like a statue but as some servants looked at him frowning with a shook of their heads he recognized that he had started to pace. Grumbling into his non-existing beard he stopped himself and looked with a darkening glance to the great gate of his estate as if it could help that his guests would arrive sooner. Here and then he looked over his shoulder into the entrance hall were a great clock stood. With every minute that had gone by his imaginations, how he would kill Phillip got darker and crueler.

Are you practicing how to walk in the chapel or is this a new wedding dance? Anyway, blue is really your color. It suits you marvelously. I start to envy Lady Jane. Henry knew this voice and he didn't like the teasing tone within it. Without him recognizing it he had started to pace again and when he heard the voice he grumbled once more and stopped doing so in this very moment. In an instant he turned around and approached his friend who seemed to have fun! He smacked his shoulder. Where in the devil's name were you?! Do I have to buy you a clock so you know what time we have?! Or better, I will send an escort for you the next time I need you so you arrive here in time! His voice was loud and really angry. Of course, he was relieved to see his friend here now but at the moment he had to yell at him to get rid of this tension that had started to eat him.

After some seconds he calmed down and then gave Phillip a smile. Did you want to kill me with your late arrival? - I can assure you that I am already about to die... Now, Henry was the old self again, trying to hide his nervousness and excitement although it didn't work since he had betrayed himself already. In terms of your compliment: Thank you, my darling... He said sweetly and girl-like. But you come too late to try to seduce me and win me for yourself. A wide smile broke his tensed expression and he even started to laugh, maybe a bit hysterically...

OK, now that you are here, we have to come to business. My sister Frances keeps Jane in her rooms with every means that are given to her - Hopefully Jane will forgive me for this - so, we both have a bit time to clarify everything for the celebration... He spoke without making a pause until he needed air to not faint. Anyway... where is your beautiful wife and the Queen of England? Do not tell me she had no intentions to come? Well, on the other hand it is plausible; She is the Queen of England and I am just a Baron. She has more important things to do... Hey! Servant! Not there! Bring it to the other side!... Henry screamed over the grounds and whirled with his arms to direct the servant to the right place. If he would go on like that he wouldn't experience his own wedding!

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

Although Phillip had his own wedding, and it was also a secret one, it happened already some years ago, so he didn't remember the bad memories, the nervousness or anything, just how happy he was. So he was prepared to find Henry in an excited state, in a nervous state but he wasn't really prepared for a tirade and even a smack! He took one step back, folded his arms and tried to look sternly, although he knew he didn't manage too well. 'Where in the devil's name were you?! Do I have to buy you a clock so you know what time we have?! Or better, I will send an escort for you the next time I need you so you arrive here in time!' While Henry raged Phillip rolled his eyes. When Henry finally took some breath, Phillip finally could say something.

Henry, for God's sake! Are you finished? Can I say something or will you kill me?

Phillip waited till Henry ordered himself a bit, then went on.

I was on route to you.I was actually riding through meadows and bushes. And please next time make a deal with the weather, a bit of less mud would have been nice. And am I really that late, ore you are just a bit oversensitive?

When Henry finally smiled Phillip exhaled sharply. Thank God, Henry was back. He squeezed his friend's shoulder.

Almost killed you? Half dead? Henry, why are you so nervous?You won't go into a battle, just get married. Some steps in the chapel, and two small words. 'I do. ' that's all.

When Henry finally laughed Phillip joined into then made a shocked face.

Too late?! Damn, that's my bad luck. But I will stand under your window and sing a serenade to you tonight.

It seemed Henry's craziness was contagious as Phillip even rolled his eyelashes. But then he rather listened carefully how he can help.He would do anything in order to calm his friend down, he would even block Jane's door.

All right, Henry. Say what I have to do. And don't worry, Jane will understand, and you will make up to her tonight. He winked. Hey, take breath sometimes! Then he rolled his eyes again at Henry's thoughts about Mary. Henry, for God's sake! Mary is coming! She is in the carriage that I left behind to run to you. And... But then Henry yelled again at a servant. Phillip reached into his inner pocket and took out a small gourd. I think she wouldn't mind even this... He handed the gourd to his friend. It's from that vine. I found another bottle. Take one sip. But just one!

[Henry Cromwell]

'I was on route to you.I was actually riding through meadows and bushes. And please next time make a deal with the weather, a bit of less mud would have been nice. And am I really that late, or you are just a bit oversensitive?' Henry listened him carefully and even though he wasn't angry at him anymore (not that he has been angry at him at all) he was a bit suspicious against him. His eyes scanned him from head to toe before a wide grin spread over his face and he triumphantly crossed his arms over his chest. So, you rode through meadows and bushes, eh? Then you have my respect, for you do not look dirty at all, my friend. He mocked him amused. Henry knew he could only speak to Phillip like that because he was his friend and Phillip knew how he has to take it. If it wouldn't be like that, Henry would have an enemy by now and a very powerful to that too.

In terms of the weather. Well, I will have a talk with God the next time, seeing that I know now, that you can plan your journey right. He couldn't let it rest and had to point it out. At least, it distracted him from his nervousness and stress. Don't know. Tell me, am I a bit oversensitive or are you late? Feeling the squeezing of Phillip's hand on his shoulder Henry was really thankful that he had such a good friend. You really have to forgive me for my temper, Phillip. You know I would never mean it serious. He apologized and hadn't to hope that Phillip would forgive him. He knew he would. Their friendship had survived every highs and lows and never doubted one of them.

'Almost killed you? Half dead? Henry, why are you so nervous?You won't go into a battle, just get married. Some steps in the chapel, and two small words. 'I do. ' that's all.' At this Henry pulled a face.[/b] You can talk! You are already married! But try to put yourself in my position now... I know it is not like a battle and I have nothing to lose; but still it is somehow too much at once. The cheerful Henry disappeared and on his place there was the doubtful Henry now. Of course, he really had nothing to lose and he knew somehow that everything will be fine at the end of the day. But maybe the whole wedding should start finally, so he could calm down. But this uncertainty made him a nervous wreck.

'Too late?! Damn, that's my bad luck. But I will stand under your window and sing a serenade to you tonight.' Now he had something to laugh again and it took him a while until he could answer. Em, Phillip... If you will do so - and I am really flattered - but if you do so, then I cannot guarantee for your safety. He said as serious as he could muster in this moment. Then he had to listen to his friend once more. At Phillip's question, what he has to do, Henry had to think of it first. But then his mind was distracted by the other words his friend spoke. He almost blushed, but only almost. Henry had tried to not think of what will happen at this very night to not get even more headless. And now, his friend came up with simple said words; he may be right, but did Phillip know how hard they had to struggle the last months to not lose control?

Then, Phillip pulled something out of his pocket and for a brief moment, Henry didn't understand anything of the words he said. After seconds he realized and grinned up into Phillip's face. You mean that wine? Oh Phillip... I wonder how you still could find a bottle of it. And what do you mean with "she wouldn't even mind this"? Does Mary still not know that you emptied the whole wine-cellar? He chuckled and wasn't quite sure if he should take a sip from it or not, after all he could still remember which end it has taken when he last drank from this wine. But then, which harm would have a tiny sip? He took the small gourd from Phillip. You have to take sip, too. You know that. He winked and then sipped from it and handed the gourd back to Phillip. The taste was strong and he hadn't thought he would taste it ever again. After some seconds, he felt that the wine had its effect - he really got calmer.

All right. It would be great of you, if you would take care of the servant's doing, for I fear they will kill me if I ever come in their way again. He pulled a face and looked aside without moving his head to some servants that were working on something. And find out if they have already a plan to murder me. He joked.


[[Sorry, had to stop here or I wouldn't have come to an end. ]]

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

While Phillip was listening to Henry he was prepeared to jump away in any second if another tyrade or a smack would arrive. But it seemed that the mere fact that Henry had someone to talk to was helpful enough. He saw how his friend scanned him, and he quickly did the same with himself, and was satisfied with the result. Then at Henry's comment he sighed. His friend seemed to have an answer for everything.

Thank you for the compliment. But one, you should see my coat. I just left it outside. Two, you say I should have risked being dirty and with that also wasting time with changing my shirt? You would chop my head for that. And a headless man leading your bride to the altar wouldn't be too festive I guess. Anyway, do you still want me to lead her?

He was happy to do that of course, just he hoped that Lady Jane's father came to his senses in the meantime. As Henry honestly appologized Philip felt suddenly touched. Behind all the yelling and teasing this was what mattered. Their friendship. Phillip wasn't ashamed to give him a manly hug.It's all right, Henry. But then he couldn't let it without adding. And I'm used to your moods anyway.

As he saw Henry's grimace he grimaced too. You have a short memory, my friend. Yes, I'm married, but I did the whole behind a King's back and even in front of the chapel door I wasn't sure what Mary will say. You know what Jane will say, right? You don't doubt her I hope. And you can blame yourself for this too much at one thing. Was it you who wanted to keep everything in secret or was it you?

He was quite amused as he heard his friend laugh - which now was less histerical than honest -, and as he saw him become emberassed a bit. Oh, dear Henry. Lady Jane will be immensely happy to have a husband like you. Then he grinned at his friend, although while he spoke his face became a bit shadowed. Yes, it's that wine. And not the whole vine cellar was emptied we just drank ths Spaniard vine. And I meant she wouldn't mind if I let a groom before breakdown drink. But anyway I haven't told her yet. In the last weeks this seemed to be a nonsense. He thankfully accepted the gourd as he felt the need for vine to get rid of the memory of past events like Edward, his brother and that Mary became a Queen. The fiery liquid really helped. He let the gourd disappear in his pocket again, then wrinked his brow.

Take care of the servants' doing? Couldn't you be just a tiny bit more precise? They seem to do their job perfectly and everything seems to be in its place.

[Henry Cromwell]

The sip of the wine did well for Henry but somehow the restlessness in his inner didn't want to vanish completely, it only took a pause to eat him alive. His nerves were calmer but not at ease at all. But it was good to have a friend to keep him sane. He had to remind himself to thank God for Phillip; had he already done so? He couldn't remember when he was the last time alone with God and had spoken to him... Shame? Maybe... but a small and forgivable failure. Of course do I want that you lead her along the aisle, Phillip. She has no one to do it, you know. Her father doesn't even know about the marriage. A bit of grief was audible in his voice. Henry would have done everything to persuade William but he also respected Jane's wish to not bother himself with William Dormer ever again. Besides the fact what he had done to his sister - something he would never forget!

Henry's thoughts drifted away to all what had happened and what almost caused a falling-out with his sister or even with Jane. Ok, maybe not with Jane... she could understand him anyway and she was the one who brought him out of his misery and wrath by speaking to him. And he knew she was right as she told him he would regret what he actually wanted to do to his sister. Frances: a bundle of energy on two feet. When would she grew up finally? But did he really want to see her growing up?

Phillip... Phillip... stop talking and don't give me a lecture. That's the last I need now. I know you had a much more complicated time when you wanted to marry Mary, but you have gotten over it... Don't forget it... For me, it is still very actual and still ahead. And I do not doubt Jane, I just am not sure if she forgives me that I haven't spent much time with her and acted so secretly. He sighed and looked into the garden. He felt sorry for Jane, for actually it should be the greatest and happiest day in a life of a woman to get married - provided that she loved the man she was marrying. And what's with Jane? Her mother was gone, her father was a bastard and her grandmother - no clue - she had no other family left. But as he and his sister had stated, she had them now and if she was happy with that why was he still pondering about her well-being?

Are you sure that they are doing their job well? Henry raised an eyebrow and looked at Phillip rather suspicious. If you say so... but I warn you, if there should be something that isn't going well then I will find you and will punish you for your lack of organization. He teased smiling... at least, he hoped he was teasing. What time is it? It started again, he got nervous again!! God help him!

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

Phillip watched Henry's face. His friend seemed to calm down a bit, but his basic nervousness was there. Phillip smiled in himself. It was natural so. And it has to be so. Phillip guessed that without this throat-grabbing nervousness, without the hand trembling it wouldn't be the same. It was necessary to remember this day forever. This was necessary to live this day truly and fully. It was necessary even to the upcoming night. As there all the tension of the day can come out, and you can love your beloved even more passionately. Well, on the other hand ir can also block you, but Phillip was sure that by Henry and Jane this won't be a problem. In order not to see Henry with Jane in his mind Phillip rather concentrated on his nervous friend.

And then he became serious as he heard that the situation had not changed between Henry, Jane and Sir Dormer. Once or twice Phillip pondered about the possibility that if the situation won't change then he will speak with William Dormer in person, but then he rather decided not to, as it could have even worse consequences.

So, nothing changed? I really hoped that he will come to his senses. Have you spoke ever since then? But of course I will stand gladly at Jane's service. And I will tell this even to Jane. Maybe she has no father but he has a brother, or a brother in law, as you are as a brother to me.

This was true. Henry was always more a brother to Phillip than anyone else, more than his own brother. And he could just hope that nothing will stand between them, not even now, when Mary became a Queen. At this thought Phillip unwillingly grimaced as he remembered that his own status was still very uncertain.

Then Phillip put his hand on Henry's shoulder. He wanted to say something to calm him again, and in the meantime he made a mental note not to forget something else.

Henry, She loves you, right? And I guess she would give anything for marrying you. So, do you think when she finally can become your wife would she nag you for anything? I don't really think so.

And then Phillip felt the need again to smack or shake Henry. All right, this was his wedding, but must he be such a perfectionist? He shook his head, sighed then bowed.

Fine, I will look around. And it's elevenish. What time do you want to start? God, I almost forgot! Have you thought of your wow yet? Do you know what you will say?

[Henry Cromwell]

Hearing Phillip's words, Henry got silence once more. He trusted his friend with all his heart but he couldn't tell him what had happened since they have spoken the last time. Not just because of the fact itself but because it was also something personal, something that should remain secret. No, nothing has changed and we haven't spoken to him since he made clear that he does not approve to our love. I don't know what it is with him but this man is just a pain in the ass. Besides this, I promised Jane to not speak to him again, I guess she has broken with him. Henry smiled at Phillips last words but it made it even more worse that he didn't tell him what had happened between Frances and this Dormer or what Henry almost has done as he learned about their doing. Maybe some when, when everything is faded and wouldn't hurt that much anymore.

Now they had much more important things to concentrate on and Henry knew he could fully trust his friend. With him having some eyes on the preparations everything should go well, shouldn't it? "Henry, She loves you, right? And I guess she would give anything for marrying you. So, do you think when she finally can become your wife would she nag you for anything? I don't really think so." He turned to Phillip after he has watched some servants balancing a big vase through the garden. That's the point. I know she loves me and she would forgive me but on the other hand she is a woman and you know that we never will understand them well. He answered and grinned, trying to forget his nervousness and to finally start to see it easy. Nothing will go wrong, absolutely nothing... unless Jane's father would have another outburst and would try to destroy everything without knowing that today was the wedding. But Henry was certain that everything about this day was unknown to those who weren't part of it. But with secrets it was never easy. Someone always started to talk...

"Fine, I will look around. And it's elevenish. What time do you want to start? God, I almost forgot! Have you thought of your wow yet? Do you know what you will say?" Henry pondered for a moment; he hadn't quite thought about the start of the wedding. I think we can start at one o'clock, it's a good time to start a wedding, don't you think? Another grin followed until Phillip's last words ate him. His eyes opened widely and he stared at his friend with open mouth. No, I haven't! Great, really great! Now I get no peace anymore until this all is over! Henry finally said shocked and got lost in his nervousness again. He was almost about to run in circles screaming but then he looked at Phillip. You know what... I won't write this wow and do you know why? Because I was never good in writing down my feelings. I will come up with the right words once the time to do so has come. Yes, that's true. He was never good in planning what to say and what not. For you never know what will come in between. Now let's see what needs our attention and if there isn't anything we have to take care of, we can spend some nice hours together. Unless, there is something else in your mind to make me nervous again. Henry crossed his arms before his chest and looked at his friend rather warningly to not come up with something else...

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

Phillip saw that at hi question about William Dormer Henry's face changed. He couldn't really say the reason to it, but something made Henry raise a wall. Maybe it was just the fact how William talked and thought about his father, grandfather and family in general. And he still was able to overstep this barrier, and he could love Jane truly despite her father's action. But as Phillip looked into his friends eyes, which became dark and mysterious in that moment, as if he would have looked inside, he knew that there was something more. He was curious what it could be, but he won't force him to tell anything if he doesn't want to. Especially not now. Not today, when he needs nothing that can make him angry or anything like that. Maybe another time, he will ask some cautious questions. Maybe beside a good bottle of vine. And as he heard Henry intense words, and that even Jane seemed to be in a non-forgiving state, Phillip knew something must have happened, although he couldn't even imagine what, if they haven't even met.

I'm sorry to hear it, Henry, and I wish I could do something about it. But the least I can do is to help you two through this wedding. And... you know that you can always count on me, if you need an ear to listen to. Or just someone to drink with.

Phillip didn't say more, he knew that Henry will understand. Then he watched the servant balancing a vase, and he prayed in himself to him not to drop it, otherwise the hell would break out. Then he exhaled relieved as the vase and the servant disappeared in the distance. Then come another with some flowers, which according to Phillip had terrible colors, but he didn't say a word. He rather made Henry turn into the other direction. Henry, Jane is simple and clean in the very best sense, so I don't think she will care for the posh surface details.

Then he almost chuckled, as he saw that such a simple thing as the time skipped Henry's attention. Well, this happens if you are lost in the details. Then he nodded. All right, at one then. Although as I look at you now we should start in the next moment. He smiled encouragingly and warmly. Then Henry looked so perplexed and shocked, that Phillip thought he have to sacrifice another sips of vine, but then Henry surprised him again. He could always come to his senses, when it was needed. And this way it will be fair, as Jane won't have a wow either. I remember, Mary almost killed me. Then he laughed. Some nice hours? There are not even two more hours. And do you think you will be able to concentrate on me? Only the wedding will be in your head. But I'm not against anything. What should we do? Take a walk, play chess, go fishing. And you should maybe eat something. To make you nervous again? No... I think there is... Oh. indeed there are some things. Phillip folded his arms and stepped one step back, fearing Henry will smack him. Where are the rings? Maybe they should be by me before you lose them. And... is there order in your room? There will be a special guest there tonight, I guess...he grinned.

[Henry Cromwell]

"I'm sorry to hear it, Henry, and I wish I could do something about it. But the least I can do is to help you two through this wedding. And... you know that you can always count on me, if you need an ear to listen to. Or just someone to drink with." Henry needed some seconds before he could listen to Phillip again and as he did so, he smiled thankfully. I know I can count on you, dear friend. But you know, it's a delicate thing that has happened and there is someone involved that's close to me and I don't want to spread around what had happened. Henry could only hope that William Dormer wouldn't start a new attack and would tell everyone what he has done and would twist the facts and would call Francis a slut or worse - it it was even possible to call her something worse.

"Henry, Jane is simple and clean in the very best sense, so I don't think she will care for the posh surface details." Of course, Phillip was right but a bit doubt should be allowed, especially since even Henry missed her mere and shining presence. He missed to hold her in his arms to have confidential talk or just a lighthearted conversation. Henry sighed a bit but as soon as he thought that this nightmare would have an end this evening he couldn't suppress an excited smile. "And this way it will be fair, as Jane won't have a wow either. I remember, Mary almost killed me." Henry started to laugh and patted his friend's shoulder. Exactly! If I would be prepared till the last detail Jane would have a real reason to emasculate me... And honestly, I can do without her revenge that is so bitter for me. At the mentioning of emasculation Henry pulled a face.

"Some nice hours? There are not even two more hours. And do you think you will be able to concentrate on me? Only the wedding will be in your head. But I'm not against anything. What should we do? Take a walk, play chess, go fishing. And you should maybe eat something. To make you nervous again? No... I think there is... Oh. indeed there are some things." At those words, Henry couldn't avoid to role his eyes and scoff at his friend. Since when did he take everything so serious?! Is losing your humour and getting serious the prize you have to pay when you are married? Would you stop talking like that? This would be a great help! Furthermore, do I look to you as if I could do something that would ruin my outfit? So, fishing is out of question. But what about emm... heck! I don't know! I'm losing my head right now. Henry had no desire anymore and only wished to get over with everything of this damn ceremony! Which idiot had invented this nonsense?

At Phillips last comment that there were things that needed his attention Henry looked as if he would jump on Phillip's throat in one second. But instead he decided to give Phillip another chance, maybe it's something that was really important. "Where are the rings? Maybe they should be by me before you lose them. And... is there order in your room? There will be a special guest there tonight, I guess..." Henry's answer to Phillip's first statement was a cheeky smirk the other, last comment only deserved another punch against Phillip's chest. God in Heaven. Have you always been that annoying or are you like that just now, to drive me insane? Of course, did I think of these things! I'm not THAT forgetful and confused. And if you don't start something better than trying to bring me to the edge of insanity in three seconds I swear to God you will find yourself there in the pond, swimming with the ducks...

It was obvious that Henry was only jesting and what he said were just words, words and nothing more. Or was there some truth behind it?

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

'But you know, it's a delicate thing that has happened and there is someone involved that's close to me and I don't want to spread around what had happened' Philip couldn't help, but for a second he frowned. He wished if Henry wouldn't have said anything more. As any new word about this matter made Phillip just more intrigued and even more worried. He had some ideas what could have happened, but a shiver on his spine told him that reality was much more terrible than anything he could imagine. But there was some part of Henry's words that hurt him a little. Did Henry really thought for a single second that if he would tell him anything on this matter he would tell it to anyone? To anyone? Keeping the secrets that anyone trusted him was always essential to him. And Henry among anyone should know it. But well, this was his day, he won't nag him because of this. But maybe tomorrow he will mention it to him. He turned away for a second, exhaled sharply as if he wanted to get rid of his annoying thoughts, and when he felt he managed it he turned back smiling.

As you wish. This is your day.

It was interesting to watch Henry's face in the next seconds. First there was a dreamy expression, his eyes were smiling, but there was a hint of uncertainty. And then suddenly out of nowhere came a grin as if Henry would be a child how found the the birthday cake in the pantry. Phillip started to laugh and then Henry joined in with his own laugh - When Phillip was able to speak again, he said. I guess it is way better that I didn't know what you were thinking about in the last seconds. But I have to tell, that I haven't thought that Jane can be that dangerous.

Phillip saw that Henry was rolling his eyes again, and he wasn't really sure, if his best friend is joking now, or is in the "going on everyone's nerve" phase again. It was too bad that Phillip didn't want to risk to give him more vine. He folded his arm in a mock way for starter.

Talk like what? No, don't answer. And don't worry, your head is still on your neck. OK, what about a walk then? Around the lake?

He wanted to walk off, hoping that a walk will really help Henry, but then he felt the punch and turned back. What the heck?! Was he behaving like this on his own wedding? Then it was fortunate that no one was around. He turned around then sighed . Henry, would you be so kind to calm down? You asked me to check everything. So I had to ask this too. And I even joked, but you don't even hear it. Then a smirk appeared on his face. Well... if you find me that annoying, and you manage everything so well without me... then I might even go. He walked to the edge of the pond, lifted one of his legs in the air, and did as if he would search for his balance, but he stood steady. You wanted to throw me in here? You know what? I think a swim wouldn't be a bad idea. He smirked like a naughty child.

OOC Don't give ideas to William!

[Henry Cromwell]

'As you wish. This is your day.' Henry could tell by Phillip's answer and by the way he looked away and even turned around he had not given him a satisfying answer. Who could blame him? It wasn't as if Henry had no trust in Phillip - that was far beyond doubts - he just didn't want to bring up the topic now and here. It would have only spoiled everything and it should be a happy day for everyone not only for the bride and the groom. Phillip, I'll tell you what bothers me once this day is over and we all are back in our old or new life. He responded and hoped that Phillip would not think bad of him because of this. Throughout all the years in which he knew Phillip, he was always a good friend and someone in which Henry had much confidence. Something he didn't want to put on risk! And don't fake this smile. I know that you are disappointed or even hurt that I'm not telling you about it right away. You are a bad actor, do you know that? Henry pointed out and at his last sentence he pulled a face but couldn't avoid to smile widely.

'I guess it is way better that I didn't know what you were thinking about in the last seconds. But I have to tell, that I haven't thought that Jane can be that dangerous.' Henry couldn't remain serious at Phillip's face and laugher and joined him. By God, was it already time to talk nonsense? Well, they never needed a time to be like that, they were like that all the time when they spent time together. Believe me. You DON'T want to know what I was thinking. But you forget that Jane is a woman and women always have strange ways to make their point clear. Henry said and wiped away a tear due to his laughing. It was good to forget about all the trouble he has faced the last weeks and days and he was endlessly happy that his friend was by his side.

'Talk like what? No, don't answer. And don't worry, your head is still on your neck. OK, what about a walk then? Around the lake?' Seeing in which manner Phillip stood in front of him made it hard for Henry not to laugh. Really, Phillip lacked of authority when he was with Henry but it was also the other way around too, Henry knew that. Fighting down the urge to laugh at Phillip, Henry looked his friend straight into the eye without even blinking. Oh, did I offended the great Prince of England? Forgive me, Your Highness. The mocking tone was audible but that was Henry's intention. Although, for a brief moment he really feared that Phillip took everything too personal. Now, he could only hope that Phillip didn't take the mocking personal or it could have consequences for him.

'Henry, would you be so kind to calm down? You asked me to check everything. So I had to ask this too. And I even joked, but you don't even hear it. Then a smirk appeared on his face. Well... if you find me that annoying, and you manage everything so well without me... then I might even go.' Good God now Phillip was beyond ridiculous. Jesus Christ, Phillip. Now you sound like an old woman. Did I infect you with my foolish behaviour and nervousness? For I cannot understand why you are that serious right now. And again, I am soooo sorry, that I may have hurt you with my push against your chest. Henry bowed deeply in front of him and luckily he wasn't that old and could find his straight posture again.

Then he watched his friend walking off and to the pond, tilting his head he looked after him for some seconds before he followed him, curious of what Phillip had in mind. 'You wanted to throw me in here? You know what? I think a swim wouldn't be a bad idea.' Actually, Henry was about to grab after Phillip's fabric as it seemed he was about to fall into the water, but then he just looked at him, with a wide grin. Did you really think you could fool me that easily? After all, I guess you can swim so why should I have saved you? Besides this... You want to swim? Well, that can be arranged but don't think you get the chance to get rid of your cloths... Henry took some steps closer to Phillip, indicating to push him into the pond. That will be nice sight: The groomsman wet from head to toe. He started to laugh unstoppable at the imagination of Phillip standing next to him in front of the altar, water running down his whole body and gathering on the ground around his feet.



[[LoL Sorry, I've noticed it myself after I've posted it LoL Bad, bad Henry ]]

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

Another sharp exhale and a surprised expression on Phillip's face. Was he this readable or in the time since they haven't met Henry learned how to read minds? Phillip cleared his throat. Well, he wanted to skip the topic, but now it was Henry who insisted on talking about that. For a while Phillip stood from one leg to the other, then cleared his throat again, then grinned like a caught child. Uhm... Henry, don't get me wrong. I didn't expect from you that you tell everything here and now. As this could be risky, considering that a servant could walk here any minute. And we can wait till the tenth or twentieth day of your new life - as it will be definitely a new one - In the first days you won't have energy to talk, I guess. A weak grin. No, Henry, my problem wasn't that you won't say it now. But that it seemed that you think I could spread anything that I get know. I thought you know me better than this. But could we forget it? Then he asked mock-serious: I would be a that bad actor? You know that you crashed my hopes now? And then gave up and the sad-serious face disappeared and gave place to smiling. And Phillip was happy that the shadow of William Dormer left them.

They laughed full heartedly and Phillip caught that second, when Henry even wiped a tear away. He couldn't leave the opportunity to mock him further. Don't cry, Henry! I know you will miss me, but... well, this is the order of life... you have to marry to continue the line of the great Cromwells. He grimaced and frowned. God, I sounded like my uncle, it is terrible even as a joke.

When Henry called him Prince of England, Phillip already new that Henry was joking. But did he know that he touched a weak point? Well, after they survived the Dormer problem, Phillip didn't want to let their mood drop again. So, while he spoke, he made it sure that from his voice or facial expressions Henry knew that although it was an existing problem, today he looked at the bright side. Uhm, did I miss something? My wife gave me a new title? Actually, you know that my German titles mean nothing in England. So, it's an honour for me to lead the bride of such an important baron to the altar. Now he was bowing and grinning.

When he was already by the lake for a second even he was scared as he indeed lost his balance but then found it again. Mary would have killed him after she arrives here. If before or after Jane, that was another question. Then he made a shocked face. Of course, I won't get rid of my clothes, what do you think?! But do you wish me to soak the whole chapel where you worked for months?
Then he frowned and looked in the distance. Is it possible that I saw Jane in a window? And seriously, Henry, tell me what we should do, or lets start the whole thing rather, before we both go insane.

[Henry Cromwell]

"No, Henry, my problem wasn't that you won't say it now. But that it seemed that you think I could spread anything that I get know. I thought you know me better than this. But could we forget it?" Oh, that wasn't his problem? Henry tilted his head with a frown on his face, listening what was Phillip's true issue. A wry grin appeared on his after hearing those words and he shook his head. Phillip, you should know me by now and you shouldn't doubt our friendship as I do not doubt it. Just because I told you to not speak about the problem did not mean that I thought that low of you. But I agree we have other things that need our attention. He patted his friends shoulder and led him along the pond, keeping Phillip far away from the water not wanting to risk that Phillip would change his mind.

You shouldn't think that high of me, Phillip. I'm not that high and stop bowing for God's sake. You are the Queen's husband and if someone sees you like that it could cause odd rumors. He grinned and at Phillip's words that he believed to have seen Jane behind the window Henry's head turned to the house in an instant, searching for the window of Jane's rooms, hoping to see her too. But his eyes got disappointed. Are you sure you have seen Jane? He asked Phillip without taking his eyes off the window. Jesus, hopefully she doesn't suspect anything. Then everything would have been in vain. Yes, Henry was really anxious that Jane has looked through all of that and knew what lies ahead. Jane was a clever woman and he actually expected her to get an idea that there was something coming, he just didn't want that she knew that it would be their wedding.

You know, I expected her to get a suspicion over all this, and I already thought of something Frances could tell her to explain all the colorful strings and flowers and guests. If Jane should ask why all this was happening and why she should wear a wonderful gown, then Frances would tell her that there was a feast to honor the spring. Don't know if it will work but it sounded good. What do you think? Henry talked and talked and talked and at the end of his explanation he needed to take a deep breath. He heard the clock ringing and knew it was time... Hopefully all guests were already there. Come lets go to the chapel and let us wait that Frances gets Jane there without any obstacle in her way. With that he led him to the chapel, praying to God that his sister had as much success as he had during all the months he had worked on everything.

The End