Thank you all for the lovely updates. I appreciate it very much. You've all made me happy. I also want to warn you that a love scene is in the chapter. Readers discretion advised. Enjoy. And remember, LONG reviews. And if any of you guys want to talk more about Breaking The Cycle, check out my forums in my profile. Enjoy!
Chapter 13. From Heartbreak To Precious Joy
Catalina
The carriage ride took half an hour to St. Gabriel Cathedral. I secretly invited my closest friends. Thomas More and Maria de Salinas came baring gifts. We planned a small wedding and a feast afterwards. We could only tell a few people about the wedding. If the wrong person knew, word would get back to Henry and he would learn of my pregnancy. We entered the Cathedral and married at noon. Thomas and Maria stood as witnesses as we became man and wife."Do you, Alejandro of Aragon take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the bishop said. Alejo looked at me and nodded slightly.
"I do." he said as he gently rubbed my hands with is thumbs.
"And do you Princess Catalina of Aragon, Take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" I took in a breath.
"I do." I said as Alejo smiled at me while he place the wedding band on my finger.
"With this ring I make you my wife." he said as the ring was placed securely on my finger. He looks so handsome in his white jacket and breeches. His design was made to match mine. White fabric and golden embroidery. He also had a sword with a white handle and a white sheath that had gold design. Soon it was my turn to place the ring on his finger.
"With this ring I make you my husband." I said shyly. The feeling of happiness overwhelmed me. Inside I knew this would be forever. Our rings are made of gold and lined in silver. Mine has a diamond at it's top. His has no diamond but looks like mine. We had a gold smith make a male and female set.
"With the blessing of God, I now pronounce you man and wife. Go with God." the bishop said as he made the sign of the cross. Alejo leaned down and kissed me. At first I was nervous about marrying for the third time. But I love Alejo and I can feel the love he has for me. When the wedding was over we went home and enjoyed a feast. Jane decorated the dinning hall in red and yellow, Aragon's stripes. Thomas and Maria also enjoyed themselves. I ate until I was stuffed. I felt like I was eating for five and not two. We all set down in the comfort room and talked and enjoyed our self. My mine was on what was to come tonight. I never slept with anyone but Henry. I could not help but think about it. Would Alejo be gentle with me, I know in Spain women still laid with their husbands during pregnancy. Taking another man inside me was frightening. I suddenly felt like a virgin again. After the feast, we settled Maria and Thomas in their guest rooms. Once we made sure they were comfortable, I returned to my rooms and dressed for my wedding night.
"Are you ready my Lady?" my maid asked taking me out of my thoughts.
"I am ready." I walked through Perseon Manner and stopped in front my new rooms. I had never seen it before and Jane wanted it to be a surprise for both of us. I took a deep breath and twisted the knob. As I entered Alejo bowed to me.
"Your highness." he said proudly standing in front of the fire place. The glow from the fire warmed the room and made Alejo look as if he was a king. He stood there, tall and straight. His nightshirt was made of silk, like my chemise. He was freshly bathed and I blushed at his excitement.
"Husband". I said as I gracefully walked to 'our' bed. The room itself is very spacious. The floor and walls are made of marble. She had the room decorated Spanish styled. Our bed is adorned with silk linen, beautiful embroidery and with big comfortable pillows. Two beautiful his and hers vanities along with two chairs a big sofa and a small table were placed comfortably in the room. We were surrounded by beauty and regalness that is more comfortable than what Henry has every provided for me. Alejo pulled the covers back for me and he helped me into bed. I slid in with ease, my silk chemise slid on the linen. I lain on my side, I am now six months pregnant and I look like I am nine. Alejo placed his hands on my stomach and we kissed.
"My child lies here resting in your womb. I can not wait to hold him or her." he said. I caressed his cheek.
"You are so nice to me Alejo, forgive me for not being used to such quality." I said softly. He smiled and kissed each of my fingers.
"Catalina do not worry about your past with King Henry. I am your husband now and I will love you more than he ever did. No phantom in the night will disturb us." he said as he leaned in for a another kiss. His lips, soft and wet.
"So you do not mind if I am heavy with child." I ask as he played with the ties of my chemise. His fingers brushed over my harden nipples. I felt myself moisten at the slightest gesture.
"You are heavy with our baby, our sweet child. I do not care what size you are, I love you and you are the most beautiful woman in Christendom." I gave him a quick kiss on the tip of his nose.
"Will you be angry if I have a girl?". I asked. He looked at me and smiled lightly.
"It does not matter if it is a boy or a girl. If you have a son, then he will be my handsome boy. And if you have a girl, she will be my Spanish beauty, just like her mother." he said. I was taken aback by his words, such bold words hasn't reach my ears before. I touch his face and he kissed my hand.
"I think it is time to consummate our marriage and enjoy our new family." I said and no sooner Alejo kissed me, his kisses was wet and soft. He planted a trail of wet kisses down my neck. He set up and took off his night shirt revealing his hardened manhood. My breath hitched in my throat as I looked upon the naked man I've seen in my life. I felt self-conscious about myself and became worried about his size.
"I shall be very gentle with you Catalina." he said as his hands trailed up my chemise. He smiled when he did not feel any under linen. We could not consummate with him on top of me. There was only one other way and true to his words he was in fact gentle. He entered me slowly and soon his whole length deepened in me. I was kneeled on our bed and my hands squeezed the pillows as he pleased me. His hands gripped my hips tight but gentle as his penetration grew deeper behind me. After a while I moaned and yelped softly as waves of pleasure washed over me. Alejo's manhood stood still as he spilled his warm seed into me each time he took me. After our consummation we were very tired. He had worn me out, I was out of breath and panting after I climaxed. Alejo laid next to me and put his arm over my stomach protectively. Tonight is the first of many nights I will sleep peacefully next to a man.
Princess Mary
As I walked through my fathers palace I had the unfortunance of seeing Thomas and George Boleyn. They where standing in the corner speaking quietly. As I neared them they turned around and bowed. Their bow was not even low, which meant disrespect. I stopped right in front of them. "I believe the father and brother of the usurper of my mother has disrespected me. You did not bow low enough. Do it again." I ordered with an edge to my voice. I heard one of my maids snicker behind me. I am so angry at them. Just having Anne Boleyn on the throne and my mother gone is enough to make my blood boil.
"The princess of England should not be so disrespectful." Thomas Boleyn said. I arched my eyes. I swear I had to stop an urge to slap him across his face.
"You forget, in less thank two years time I will be crowned the Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Spain. I will be so much more powerful than your whore of a daughter and my father. You disgusted me by whoring your own daughters to my father. However, trust me when I say, once I am crowned, I WILL remember all those who wronged me once I am Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Spain. Now, I believe I said BOW DOWN." I said with force. Their eyes widen and they both quickly bowed down low, very low. "That is more like it. Come ladies." I said as we went to meet my father and his whore in court to celebrate my visit.
Thomas Boleyn
Why haven't I realized it before. Princess Mary could become a threat. I will speak to the king and my daughter the queen. I shall wait until the celebrations for the princess visit is over to speak to them about his daughter. I will tell the king how much I was disrespected by his little brat. He'll make sure his brat will not disrespect me anymore. I shall see to it.
August 23, 1535
The King's office
I could not believe my ears. Thomas Boleyn told me my daughter threatened the crown. My Crown. He was upset and so am I. I shall get to the bottom of this today. "Summons the Princess Mary to my office immediately." I called out, one of my guards ran out quickly on my order. I sat back down in my chair. A few minutes later Anne came in my office. Then Mary came in and bowed to me, she did not acknowledge Anne.
"You have summoned me father?" Mary asked. I swear, that child looks more like her mother everyday.
"Sweetheart, I have been told some disturbing news from the Lord Privy Seal. He said you have threatened the crown upon being crowned Holy Roman Empress." I said to her, her eyes widened just the slightest. "Now tell me Mary, is that true." I asked her calmly.
"I would never threatened your crown father. I will give my life if it means you would live." she said. Truth written all over her face.
"The Lord Privy Seal says that you threatened him by saying you will remember those who wronged you?" I said as I got up and walked near her. "Is this true Mary? Will you do harm to those who you think harmed you?"
"Father forgive me, but what I will do as Empress is my business." she said. Surely she would not harm people on English soil when she becomes empress. "However, you are my father and I will never harm you unprovoked. You have my word father." my thirteen year old daughter has her mothers heart but has my mind and showed my way of thinking. I am looking at my image through my own daughter. Anne clears her throat, which got Mary's and my attention.
"Perhaps princess, if you are a threat to me maybe we should decline your betrothal to the Emperor." Anne seethed.
Princess Mary
I could not believe what this...this whore was saying. She threatened my future position on the Spanish throne. "You have no say in my future. Only my MOTHER and father has that privilege." I seethe right back to her.
"You will not speak to your Queen in that manner Mary." father said. I slipped and showed hurt in my eyes but it was gone in a second.
"Yes father." I said and curtsied deeply he dismissed me to my own leisure. He should only pray I won't become his enemy once I marry Charles V.
Three Months Later...November Brookfield
Dr. Carlos says that any day now I will give birth to my child. I am nine months and ten days pregnant. I feel like I am going to pop. I am very heavy with child. Alejo surprises me by wanting to stay with me during confinement. He wanted me to stay in our room because he said "It is not fair to you if you are confined sweetheart. I want you to be comfortable in our own bed."It is early in the morning and the sun shined through the curtains. It annoyed me that I could not sleep longer, the baby was kicking me most of the night. It was about six in the morning, Alejo came in with the maids to help me bathe. It pleased me that he still wants to be around me, let alone bathe me. It also pleased me that Alejo bedded me throughout my pregnancy. He said sex won't hurt the child, and women shouldn't have to sacrifice lying with their husband because there are pregnant. Henry would have never done that. He would never have touched me after the second month and confined me at seven months pregnant. After I have bathed, I went to the chapel to pray. Alejo accompanied me. He gently helped me get on my knees. I prayed to God that the child within me would be born healthy and strong. I also prayed for my daughter Mary. I continued to pray for another hour. I went back to my chambers and had breakfast. All through my pregnancy I had cravings for pomegranates. I had one each day after two and a half months. It was my symbol of fertility.
After breakfast I read from my bible, and Jane came to visit me. "How are you doing Catalina?" she asked me. She came in my rooms with a bright smile. Her dress was made from rich fabric, yet it was simple. Usually she would wear collars to hide her neck. But today she is showing more skin. She mostly covers herself but today she wore a low cut dress that revealed the tops of her breast and her neck and shoulders was out in the open. I felt a bit self-conscious about myself, seeing this pretty young girl practically prancing in front of me. She sat on the edge and asked if I was well.
"I am fine, but this child is not letting me sleep." I whined and Jane laughed.
"Aww come now Catalina, surely you knew what to expect. Your baby is just letting you know that they are almost ready to come out and meet you." we laughed together.
"We are fine. But I feel as though I am going to burst." I said with a laughter in my voice. As I got up to go to the chair I felt something odd between my legs. I stopped and doubled over on my bed, Jane came quickly to my side. It was a messy green discharge leaving my body. Suddenly, pressure in my back increased quickly. I took a deep breath, then a stream of warm water ran down my legs and unto the floor.
"Catalina!" Jane yelled frightened. I grabbed her hand and she helped me to the bed.
"My child." I said as I held myself. She quickly got a chemise and helped me out of my simple dress. I took a hold of her shoulders as pain engulfed me. Jane wrapped her arms around me and held me until the pain subside. "Get the midwives quickly." I said as a second wave of pain took over me. Jane got me comfortable in bed and left to get the midwives and Dr. Carlos. The pain subsided and picked up again after a few minutes.
Alejo
"Alejo!" Jane came running to me yelling my name. The hairs on my neck rose quickly.
"What is it Jane, is it Catalina!" I said in haste. She was panting and if I was mistaken, I saw fear on her face.
"Catalina has just gone into labor! Get up there now. I will get the physician and midwives!" she said then ran off. I quickly ran to Catalina's side.
Jane
'Oh my God. Catalina is in labor.' I thought as I climbed my horse and left to get the Dr. I arrived at his villa in five long minutes. I informed him of Catalina's labor, he gathered the midwives and we left for Persèon Manor within twenty minutes. Upon entering Catalina's chamber Alejo had to leave. Dr. Carlos allowed me to stay and comfort Catalina.
Catalina
It has been six hours and I was still in labor. Contraction after contraction was slowly weakening me. "A few more pushes your highness." A midwife said. Jane was holding my hand tightly. I felt my child's body move down my own. I continue to push with every ounce of my strength. "One more push princess, one more push and you are done." the mid wife said.
"I can see the head, continue to push." I put all my strength into one big push. The pain went through me as I pushed. Then the child came out of me. I heard a loud cry as I fell against the pillows.
"What...what did I have." I breathed out.
"Your highness has another girl." the mid wife said. I could barely hear her. But I knew I heard 'girl'. "She is healthy and has no signs of illness." she said smiling.
"Praise God." I said. After a few minutes of rest the midwives began to prepare to clean me. I rested myself as they began to take off my chemise. My daughter's wail roars in my eyes. Everything was fine, that is until another sudden impact of pain surged through me. My breath hitched as more pain washed over me. I cried and let out another scream.
"Princess your are having another child! You must gather your strength and push more my Lady." Dr. Carlos said. I only felt pain and continued to push. My screaming daughter's wails ring in my ears. I was drenched in sweat but some how God gave me the strength to push and a screaming child came out of me. Loud cries fill the room. I was so tired as I fell against the pillows again. Everything around me became unfocused. I heard my name being called. I was too weak to keep my eyes open. Blackness engulfed me quickly and I knew nothing else.
Alejo
I could not believe what I heard. Two children were crying. A mid wife came out and I quickly grabbed her. "What of my wife." I said as I held her arm. She jumped in alarm.
"Her highness has given birth to two healthy children." she said startled. I ran to our chambers and saw Catalina passed out on the bed.
"They are healthy and strong." Dr. Carlos said. I went to the cradle and saw two whimpering babies. Their little bodies were swaddled in soft warm blankets. I instantly fell in love with them, I can feel a strong bond forming. Before she gave birth, I did not know if I could be a good father. But know I see. They completely stole my heart. My protective instinct took over. Over the past hour I held them both. I could not wait to see the look on Catalina's face. Once again I had to leave so Catalina can be cleaned by the mid wives. After another hour past Catalina was cleaned and our mattress was replaced. Jane came in and we each held a baby and quietly bickering over who gets to buy what. I decided to stay in the chamber, I wanted to be the first person Catalina sees when she wakes up.
Please review. I know this is a BIG cliff hang but come on, what's a good story without it's cliffhanger. Lol. Please review I want to know if you guys like it. Anyways, So basically compared to England, Brookfield is heaven on earth. People there do not have to worry about the going ons outside the wall. Brookfielders are envied by all of England. There is no illness or poverty, every Brookfielder has millions (Jane being the richest resident). Catalina is living better than she ever has, all because of Jane SiVad (Princess Persèus). You must also remember that money is no object to Brookfielders. It costs around $1 million to buy a villa there. The average Brookfield Villa is one magnificent palace surrounded by 40 acres of gardens, (look up Buckingham Palace and picture it as a 16 century palace in Brookfield) Also keep in mind that our runaway Princess brought 200 1 million crown pieces ($200 million crowns) with her, so she can buy what ever she wanted. Brookfield residents are treated like royalty outside the wall. But fortunately for them, they won't be bothered by the creepy outsiders. Well, just wanted to make sure you remember those important facts. PEACE. Please Review! And also, I like long reviews. Keep that in mind.