Chapter 2
After dressing in the finest gown I had left, (the one with the least wear and tear), my ladies and I head to Richmond. They had taken great care in fixing my long, auburn hair, which, I have been told, was my finest asset. I find myself praying the entire way there that the new king would deem me worthy enough to take as a bride. I tried my best not to show my anxiety and even smiled at the people lining the streets, who were all celebrating the ascension of the new king to the throne. I could not help but feel love for all of them, for even though I was the Infanta of Spain, I had come to think of myself as an English woman.
Arriving at Richmond, I was escorted to the main hall, where His Majesty was accepting his subject with obvious pleasure as they paid him homage. Oh Lord, please don't let this courage fail me. As I looked around me, I noticed that I was under the scrutiny of the courtiers. "It is the Infanta," they whispered as I walked by. I began to shake a little bit out of nervousness.
At last, I reached the King and knelt deeply before him. "Katharine," he exclaimed. I allowed myself to look up at him and managed to say, "Your Majesty," in a shaky voice. I mentally scolded myself for sounding so weak.
"I have come to convey my condolences for the death of your father and to offer my loyalty and most humble blessings for Your Grace." I kept my eyes modestly downcast as I said this. To my surprise, he stepped down off of his throne and lifted me up. I looked up again and saw that he was smiling broadly at me. I relaxed just a little.
"Why Kate, you are more beautiful than I remember," he said with a hearty laugh. I smiled at him and said, "Your Majesty is too kind." I blushed at his compliment. I saw him studying me closely.
"I wish to speak to you later, in private, Kate," he said decisively. Immediately my nerves returned. Could it be?? Would he decide to make me his queen? "Of course, Your Majesty." I said, and with that made a final curtsey and backed away from him. I walked away, my legs threatening to give out on me, and saw Maria de Salinas giving me an encouraging smile. I decided that while I waited on him, I would spend the afternoon praying in the chapel until he summoned me.
A few hours later, my knees were sore from kneeling so long. I was deep in prayer when I heard a gentleman say softly, "Your highness. The King wishes an audience with you." I turned slowly and nodded. So this was it….the moment of truth. I thought of my dearest mother, Isabella, and summoned her courage for what lay ahead of me. Walking briskly after the gentleman, we finally entered the King's privy chamber.
"Majesty," I said again as I sank to the floor. He looked magnificent as he towered over me. He laughed and picked me up again.
"Kate, I have something very important to ask you. I want you to be my bride and my queen." I looked up and couldn't help the big smile that spread across my face.
"Oh, Your Majesty, I could think of no better honor. Of course I will!" I responded, almost weeping with happiness. He grinned broadly and took me in his arms.
"We shall be married as soon as I can get all the preparations together. I want all of London to marvel at the grandness of the ceremony I have planned. And then, we shall set our coronation for a few weeks from now."
"Oh, Majesty, you have made me the happiest woman in all Christendom," I responded with tears in my eyes. With that, he grabbed me and spun me around and around, both of us laughing with joy. My prayers had been answered! No more penury for my ladies and I. Thank you Lord!! I have never felt joy like this. For the first time in 7 years, my heart was overflowing with hopes for the future. I just knew our marriage would be a happy one, and with God's help, I would bear him many sons.