Catalina de Salinas stood on the ship's deck as chilly autumn wind tangled her long auburn hair. They just came to Inglaterra. It was so different from Spain. Instead of the sun and gentle breeze, they were greeted by a grey sky and dark couldn't help but wonder will she spend the rest of her life in this strange country. Catalina was chosen to be one of the ladies who will accompany Maria of Aragon in her new home and continue to serve her there. Her mother and Queen Isabella were good friends and they wanted their daughters to follow their steps. She was placed in the Princess's household when she was a six years old and they became inseparable. Catalina could proudly say that she was Maria's best friend. She was sad to leave her homeland and family, especially her younger brother Ferdinando with whom she was very close, but she understands that she had a duty toward her beloved friend. Her mother urged her to find an advantageous match in England. With her sixteen years, auburn hair, fair skin without any blemishes and crystal blue eyes Catalina was considered one of the most desirable maidens at Spanish Court and her mother was sure that she will be seen as such at English turned when she heard that someone was approaching was Maria followed by the rest of her bobbed a curtsey and gave a small smile to her friend.
"Do you think that the Price will be pleased with me?"Maria asked and Catalina looked at her friend. Princess had silky black hair that cascaded down her slim back in soft curls, fair complexion with a few flecks on the bridge of her nose and hazel eyes. She wasn't a beauty like her younger sister, but she was pleasant to look upon and she was a good person and that was important.
"I am sure that he will be very pleased. Every other Price will be jealous of him for having such gracious and a fair lady as a wife."Catalina replied and gave a bright smile to her friend hoping to reassure her.
"I wish I had your looks." The Princess said.
"Look isn't the most important thing in the world."
"It isn t but it sure helps."Maria chuckled, but her smile fell once she noticed that unknown man was standing on the bowed deeply to Maria "I am duke of Richmond and I am deeply sorry to interrupt Your Highness, but I have orders to escort you to is if you are ready to go."
"I am My Lord," Mara answered in a calm voice, but Catalina knew her enough to see that she was very nervous.

When she saw Maria's betrothed Catalina felt sorry for her dear friend. Arthur Prince of Wales was pale, inconspicuous and drawn. He wasn't the ugly young man, but there wasn't anything special about him. He looked very sickly and Catalina couldn't help but brother, on the other hand, was completely different story. He was a lively boy of ten years with flaming red hair and deep green eyes. He and his best friend Charles Brandon spent most of their time making mischief. People said that he resembled his maternal grandfather, King Edward. Queen Elizabeth was everything that the Queen should be in Catalina s opinion: beautiful, kind, generous and religious. When Maria and her ladies bowed to her and the King she gave them a bright smile that seemed to light her face.
"I hope that your journey was pleasant." The Queen said to her future daughter in law.
"It was. Thank you." Maria answered in her regal voice.
"We hope that you feel welcomed in England." King, who sat on the throne next to his wife said. To Catalina, he looked like a very unpleasant man. Behind him stood his mother Lady Margaret Beaufort. There were stories that it was her who actually ruled the country and Catalina thought that she sure looked like she could handle it.
"I do, England is a beautiful country and I am proud to call it my new home."
"I am pleased to hear that,"King replied, but he seemed uninterested to continue talking with future wife of his son.

Ten days later Maria of Aragon became Mary Princess of Wales. The wedding was a very grand affair and people from all parts of England came to see their new Princess. Catalina thought that her friend truly looked like the Queen she will be one she and Prince Arthur wore a cloth of gold which made Maria look enchanting and Arthur even more sickly. During the wedding reception, she noticed Duke of York sulking in the corner. She could see that the boy was jealous of his older brother. He reminded her of her younger brother Fernando who was always jealous of their older brother. Catalina decided to approach the boy and make him feel better. She pretended to stumble near him and as she assumed he rushed to help her.
"Thank you, Your Highness, you saved me if it wasn't you I would surely fall and hurt myself." She said and deeply bowed to young Prince. A proud smile formed on boy's face.
"You don't have to thank me, fair lady, it's knight's duty to help maidens in distress, but I would be very thankful to know your name." He replied and Catalina could see that he will be charmer once he grows up.
"I am Catalina de Salinas a lady to Princess of Wales." She responded to his question and averted her eyes to the floor like a good maiden should before Prince, even if the said Prince was ten years old.
"You are Spanish then?" He asked with an interest.
I am Your Highness."
"I am glad to meet you, Catalina. Would you like to dance?"
"I would be honored to dance with you."
Catalina was happy that she lifted boy's mood and that he wasn't sulking anymore. Despite his young age, he was a good dancer.
Henry felt pride as he danced with beautiful Spanish lady. His brother's bride was pretty, but she wasn't as gorgeous as Catalina. What he liked the most about her was that she talked to him like to a grown man. He hated that the half of Court treated him as a baby and the other part didn't even notice him because he was only the second son. This was very welcome change. He vowed to himself that one day he will marry a woman like Catalina, or perhaps he will even marry her.

Catalina spent a month at the Court before finally going to Wales. During that time, Duke of York sought out her a few times. He loved when she talked to him about Spain and their customs. Henry even asked her to teach him a few words and phrases. The boy was a fast learner and had a gift for languages. One time he brought his sisters with him. Princess Margaret was a lovely girl of twelve years. She was a bit arrogant because she will become Queen of Scotland soon, but Catalina suspected that the girl covered her fear and uncertainty that other sister was Princess Mary Tudor who was lively five-year-old. She quickly became Catalina's shadow and followed her everywhere.

****
"My dear friend, you managed to make quite an impression at the Court," Maria said teasingly one evening "I don't know what you are talking about," Catalina replied confused.
"Don't tell me that you don't notice the looks that gentlemen give you?"
"I don't I am not interested in that."
"You are not interested in marrying and having children? Don't lie to me, Catalina."
"I am interested in that, but they don't want that and you know it and I won't be anybody's mistress."
"Arthur says that Harry is enchanted by you."
"He is a sweet child and that is just a young boy's crush. Soon enough he will forget about me."
"If you say so. I have news, Catalina." Maria said and smiled "Tell me."
"I think that I might be with a child."
"Truly?"
"I am not sure yet."
"There were the rumors that your marriage wasn't consummated, I wanted to ask. But..."
"But, you are too modest and shy."
"Yeah. I will pray to Virgin Mary for you."
"Thank you, Catalina; you are such a good friend."

AN: I hope that you liked the first chapter and my portray of Catalina. Review please.