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Characters & Titles & Descriptions: Hair, Skin, Eyes, Build
Henry Tudor-King Of England_Dark Brown/Auburn, Tan Pale, Dark Hazel, Light/Med Build
Jane Seymour-Queen Of England_Blonde, Pale, Blue, Slim
Catalina Of Aragon-Queen Of Spain and Holy Roman Empress_Black, Pale, Pale Blue, Slim-Curvy
Lady Mary Tudor-Brookfield Resident_Brown, Pale, Hazel, Slim
Lady Elizabeth Tudor-Brookfield Resident_Red, Pale, Brown, Small
Thomas Cromwell-Lord Secretary and Earl Of Essex_Black, Tan Pale, Dark, Light Build
Thomas More-Lord Chancellor _Dark Brown, Tan Pale, Dark, Light/Med Build
Isabella (Tudor) Trastàmara Of Aragon-Princess Of Spain & Holy Roman Princess_Auburn, Olive, Blue, Small
Nicolàs (Tudor) Trastàmara Of Aragon-Prince Of Spain & Holy Roman Prince_Black, Tan Pale, Blue, Small
Alejandro Trastàmara Of Aragon-Prince Of Austria & Holy Roman Prince_Black, Olive, Hazel/Honey, Infant
Alejandro Of Aragon-Prince Consort Of Spain & Holy Roman Emperor Consort_Black, Olive, Hazel/Honey, Med-Large Build
Persèus Troy-Princess Of Monaco_Black, Olive, Green, Slim-Curvy
Thomas Wosley-Cardinal_Black(Graying), Tan Pale, Blue, Light Build
Charles Brandon-Duke Of Suffolk_Dark Brown, Tan Pale, Dark Brown, Med Build
John Seymour- _Brown/Graying, Pale, Dark Brown, Husky
Edward Seymour-Earl of Hertford, Viscount Beauchamp of Hache_Brown, Pale, Brown, Light Build
Thomas Seymour-Lord High Admiral_Black, Tan, Blue, Light Build
Clarence Barquette Sr.-Dux Divine (Latin: Divine Ruler) Of Brookfield, Divine Duke, His Diviness, Protector Of The Land_Brown, Tan Pale, Light Gray, Large Build
Clarence Barquette Jr.-Grand Duke, His Divine Grace & Heir Of Brookfield_Brown, Tan Pale, Light Brown/Hazel, Light-Med Build
Richard Barquette (Second Son Of the Dux Divine)- Grand Duke, His Divine Grace_Blonde, Tan Pale, Light Gray, Small
September 25, 1537
Infanta's Palace
I am having the time of my life. Clarence and I have been planning our wedding. We decided to have our wedding January 7, 1538 next year. In four months time the wedding ceremony will be held at a church that has been named for my mother. Saint Catalina's Cathedral. It will be held that morning at 9, after Mass. The church is very vast, it is almost twice the size of Westminster Abby. It will be a beautiful ceremony. The Dux Divine is nice enough to allow great portraits of my and Clarence's mothers to signify their presence. I will personally make sure that close friends will be invited, Thomas More and his wife will be coming. Of course Maria de Salinas and my most favorite friend Catherine Willoughby will be invited.
The last few days, I was formally introduced to the Divine Family, I met Clarence's friends and is learning how to be a Divine Duchess. Being raised as heiress of England for so long, I knew many things on ruling a kingdom. All my knowledge is not going to waste, though I will most likely never be Queen of England. I shall rule Brookfield, it shall be my new domain.
As I sit in my office thinking over details, a knock on my office door took my attention. I was there alone and got up to see who was on the other side of the door. My servant Gretchen was there and bowed when I opened the door.
"What is it Gretchen?" I asked her as I opened my door entirely. She curtsied and began to speak.
"My Lady, a messenger from Spain asks for entry." she said. My eyes lit up, my mother sent me a message.
"Allow him entry on my invite." I said happily. I was in a simple dress and had no slippers on. I quickly went to my chambers and had a maid help me change in another dress and shoes. By the time I walked into the foyer, the Spanish messenger was here and he bowed to me.
"Princesa Maria, your mother the Empress has sent this messenger to you and a purse of gold." he said in his thick Spanish ascent handing me the letter and the purse. I accepted the purse and told the messenger that I will write my mother the Empress. While doing so, I sat on the sofa in the foyer and had a servant bring me a quill and paper. In writing my letter, I offer the messenger a hot meal and a bath for him and his men. He gladly accepted. He and twelve men where taken care of by the male servants. Once I finished the letter to my mother I went to my office and began to read my mothers letter.
Dearest My Lovely Maria,
As you know, Lady Jane SiVad is Princess Persèus. The people just loves the notion that the Royal Monacans has visited our kingdom. There is more good news, I am pleased to tell you sweetheart that you will have another sibling, soon. I am five months along. By the time this message reaches you, I shall be six months. The child is very strong, it kicks me everyday. Bella and Nicky always rubs my belly and says sweet words to their brother or sister. They are growing up so quickly. The palace I am having built for them will be finished by the time the twins are 5 years of age. They will all reside at their new home in a few years time. Alejo and I decided to name the new palace, Albolote Palace. Your siblings the royal heirs, will be highly educated. Princess Persèus and I consulted about the education of my children and the rest of the children of Spain and in the empire. It will be very rewarding to have their education similar to hers. I also want you to know that I am changing Spain for the better. Honestly I was absolutely astounded at hearing how practically many people do not eat healthy or take care of themselves. I devised a plan that will not only increase my peoples life span but it will also keep them very healthy. I am also writing to tell you that Spain is doing trade with Egypt. I am almost ashamed to say that their medicine is better than Spain and most of Europe. It is a priority to trade with them. In return Spain will trade seed for the crops, wheat, grain, stone, lime powder, nuts, olive oil, and we also will show them ways to drink cleaner water.
Egypt has successfully signed a trading contract and is trading painted pottery, linen, glass vases, scented lotion, perfumes, myrrh, frankincense, ivory, tortoise shell, rhinoceros horn, leopard skins, lion skins, cotton, jaguars cubs, tiger skins, cinnamon, cloves, spices, wine, sesame oil, pearls, scented oils, silk, gold, elephant tusks, silver, amber, Egyptian horses, jewelry and so much more. Egypt is a very beautiful country, Alejo and I are thinking about visiting Egypt in a few years time and we are succeeding in trade with other Mediterranean Coastal countries. Alejo and I plan to bring the children to France also, but in due time. I want all my children to visit other kingdoms, to see different civilizations and how other people live though different cultures.
Tell me mi amor, how are your new surroundings? Brookfield is a very good place to live. I hope you are enjoying it as Alejo and I did when we were living there. My messenger Paulo will be patiently waiting your reply. Remember that I love you my child. Be happy and never forget who you are.
Your Mother, Catalina I, Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Spain
After I finished reading mothers' letter my smile grew. I was delighted that she was changing Spain for the better. Her mother and father, my grandparents, would have been so proud of her. Now she is trading with Egypt. I myself is proud of her. In my reply to her I think she will be happy to hear that I legally changed my name, and about Clarence of course. I think it is time she hear that I am finally happy with Clarence and that my destiny to rule is coming true. Though the land I will one day rule is much smaller than any kingdom in Europe, though much more powerful. I shall also tell her how my father is no longer in my life. Thomas More told me I was fully within my right to renounce my Tudor name. According to a law that has been long standing for many years: 'An illegitimate child or a child that has been illegitimazed under suspicious circumstances is in full right to renounce their mother or fathers' lineage.' Thomas More is a lawyer and had access to the written laws.
After I sealed my reply letter, I went to my foyer and found Paulo and his men full and freshly bathed waiting for me.
"Paulo of Spain, I thank you for coming all this way to deliver a message to me. I have here a letter for Her Imperial Majesty, my mother." he nodded and bowed.
"Of course Princesa Maria." he said. Then I had a guard escort him to the docks. I also supplied his ship with enough food to last him and his crew on their six week long journey. After, I went riding and took Elizabeth with me. We rode for a few hours, she sat in front of me on my saddle with the wind blowing through our hair. After we went riding we returned home. Tonight was special because a ceremonial dinner is being held at Christendom Palace in Clarence and my honor. Once the horse galloped closer to my palace I saw Clarence waiting for me. He had a bouquet of red roses. He smiled and bowed to me.
"My Lady, I have come baring a gift I believe you will enjoy very much." he said helping Elizabeth and I off my horse.
"I shall enjoy any gift you give me." I said as I smiled. We each took Elizabeth's hand and we lift her up and down swinging her. She laughs and giggled as we did. As we enter the palace Clarence kissed me on my cheek as my maids whisks me off to get dress for the dinner at his palace. After I was dressed and went down the stair case carefully not wanting to fall. Clarence was at the bottom of the stair case still holding the roses.
"You look ravishing." he said as he bowed to me. He took my hand and kissed it, then pulled me into his arms for a passionate kiss. I smiled as my cheeks brightened. I was still getting use to being kissed in that way.
"Tonight will be filled with romance and serenity." he said as he twirled me around.
"I can not wait." I said as I kissed his nose. Soon we said goodnight to Elizabeth and left Infanta's Palace. He helped me into a beautiful white carriage that had three white horses pulling it.
When we arrived at Christendom Palace, the people there bowed and curtsied for us. People dressed in beautiful dark silk gowns, coats and breeches. Everyone here is dressed casually and is nicely kept.
"Your Divine Grace, Your Highness." they say as we pass them. Christendom palace is a magnificent palace. It is the biggest I have ever seen, it has 1,100 rooms. Each and every inch of the palace is immaculate. Clarence gracefully escorts me to the divine dinning hall. Before we entered, a herald announced us in.
"His Divine Grace Clarence, and Her Royal Highness Princess Mary." he said just loud enough for everyone to hear clearly. As we entered the guests all rose from their seats and bowed and curtsied to us. Clarence and I nodded for them to rise. We went to our seats at His Diviness's right side. His Diviness, The Divine Duke rose from his seat and all were quiet.
"My son Clarence, will become Clarence II one day. He is a brilliant young man and has finally made a choice in his bride. As you know, God has blessed us with a wonderful choice. My son has chosen a woman with a strong bloodline. This child Maria of Aragon of house Trastàmara is from a long line of strong women. Catherine of Lancaster, Isabella of Castile, Catalina of Aragon, a bloodline full of strong women and that is what we look for in a women here in Brookfield. Brookfield women are strong, wise and confident, and I thank God that my son your heir has chosen a strong, wise and confident woman." he said as the guests around the table clapped in my honor.
"Thank you father," Clarence said leaning to his fathers side when he sat down. The Divine Duke looked to his son and said "No my son, thank you. For bringing this lovely rose into our lives." he said proudly. Soon the chefs and servants placed the food on the table. They served French, Spanish, and Italian delicacies. Wine from grapes that have been grown in different parts of Europe. As we enjoyed ourselves, I sat back and listened to people telling others stories about Clarence's childhood. How his mother doted on him as a child. More stories, jokes, and laughter was passed all around the large dinning table. The cooks served a five course meal and I loved every bit of it. The bottles of wine were passed around the table until they were all empty. It was 10:30 at night before His Diviness stood up again and received the guests undivided attention.
"My subjects, as entertaining as this evening is, we must excuse His Divine Grace and his future bride for the ceremonial baths." he said as he arched his brow to his son. I look to Clarence and he rose from his seat and took me from the divine dinning all.
"I wanted to surprise you." Clarence said softly as we were in a dark corner near large satin red curtains. He kissed me before I could question him. Soon I was led to his chambers. Servants were in and out setting up for the 'bathing ceremony'. He led me to his bath chambers. His marbled gray walls and counter tops glistened as the candle lit bathchamber came into view. As we entered Clarence took my hands to his chest and look deep in my eyes.
"Do you trust me?" he asked me. I looked in his eyes deeply and nodded.
"Yes." I whispered to him. He kissed the top of my head and led me further in his bathchamber.
"For nine generations, the men in my family has unclothed and bathed their betroths. Tonight I ask you, will you allow me to unclothe and bathe you?" he asked me, his voice is very calm as he spoke to me. I looked him deep in his hazel eyes and allowed myself to say "Yes." Clarence walked slowly behind me, and unloosened my dress strings. Slowly my dress slips over my shoulders, breast, stomach and legs. My dress fell around my ankles. Next he untied my corset and let it fall to the ground along with my dress. As Clarence slowly walked in front of me and reached for the strings to my chemise, I grew nervous. I had never been naked in front a man before. He must have picked up my nervousness and softly spoke.
"Shhh. All will be well." he said as he pulled the strings. My chemise opened and he pushed it from my shoulders and down my arms.
"You are so beautiful." he said and he had an eye full of my breast." I looked down to my naked body and watched as my chemise dropped from my hips.
I stood before him completely naked. My private area began to throb as my entire middle warmed. He led me to the large alabaster bathtub. The bath tub is filled with pedals from roses of all colors, scented oils, and rose scented bath salts. As I stepped closer, the scent of the water filled my nostrils.
"I hope it is to your liking." Clarence said as he stood beside me.
"Yes, very much so." I said nodding.
"May I." he asked as his hand held mine.
"Of course." he helped me in his tub, the water swallowed me as I sunk in the tub. The water stopped at my midriff under my breasts. Clarence came to my side and reached for a washcloth from a tray near the tub. He dipped the washcloth in the water and lathered it up with a soft French soap. I tied my hair up and Clarence begun to wash my shoulders, the warm cloth's water caresses my body. He moved down to my arms, my back, belly and sides. Then his washcloth made their way to my breasts. He caressed my nipples and begun to kiss my shoulders. Clarence's hand reached my other breast and his kisses trailed up my neck, his lips pressed against mine. I felt his hand sliding down my stomach. Then my arousal increased as he touched my sacred area. In the pit of my stomach I grew warmer and Clarence massages me with his fingers. I was in a serene place as pleasures me.
Soon the warmth in my belly began to grow hot. Clarence massage turned from soothing to pure pleasure. Soon my lower body began to tingle and small moans escaped my lips. As the rose pedals and suds floated around me, my body experience a small explosion of pleasure. My release was so warm that the water around me seem cooled. Clarence then began to wash my legs and feet. I sat back in the tub weakened by my release. It was my very first release and when Clarence and I are married, I plan on having many more. Clarence began to wash my private areas and then rinsing me off afterwards. Once finish, he wrapped me up in a warm towel and carried me to my bed. He dried me off and put me in a fresh chemise.
"That was wonderful." I breathed still tired from my release.
"This is but a sample of what a wonderful marriage will have." he said and leaned down and kissed me. The kiss was so passionate. Clarence smiled at me and he stood up.
"I must go, after that" he said referring to the release I had "you need your rest." my smile flattened.
"No, please stay." I said softly.
"Are you sure." he asked me.
"Yes, I do not wish to be alone." he nodded, then removed his jacket and breeches, leaving him only in his night shirt. I slid over to the other end of the bed. He slid in and laid beside me. That night, I spent it in his arms.
September 30, 1537
Duchess of Roxburghe
As I sit by the opened window, I embrace the September breeze. I am sewing together a little chemise for my child that rests in my womb. I am currently in my fifth month of pregnancy, the child kicks almost daily. My husband says it is strong, and can not wait for it to be born. I think he is excited about it more than I am. As I think and sit in this comfortable chair, the child kicks again. At that moment my husband came in our bedchambers.
"Sweetheart." he said and he came and placed his arms around me and kissed my cheek.
"Where have you been, I thought I would go to bed alone." I said as I returned his kiss.
"I decided to end my night with my brother and friends early." he said caressing my belly.
"You are too kind." I said as I place the unfinished chemise in a sewing basket on a nearby table. I got up from the chair with his help and made my way to our bed.
"John?" I asked as he took off his doublet and breeches.
"Yes dear." he said as he joined me in the bed.
"The doctor says the child is due in January. Only four months to go." I said as I sat up on my elbow. John came close and put his arm around me.
"Yes, only four months to go and John Ker will have and heir to the dukedom of Roxburghe." he said as he laid on his back with his hands laced behind his head.
"What if...it is not a boy, but a girl?" I asked him. This subject has never come up before and I prayed to God that he was not like my last husband. John looked to me and his hands timidly came from his head.
"It...I know what you went through in your last marriage. I want you to know that it...it may well be a girl first. Or it can be a boy, but do not worry Anne. You are still young, you are only 25. We both have plenty of time." he said as he kissed me. I kissed him back and he gently got on top of me, carefully minding the baby. I gladly opened my legs for him as he lifts my chemise.
"Be careful." I breathed as he slowly entered me. His thrusts were gentle yet demanding as he stretched my insides. After a while his thrust came to a stop.
"Would you like if I get behind you." he asked as he leaned down to kiss me.
"Yes." I practically yelp wanting him to continue, and he did. He entered me from behind and his entire length pushed in me.
"John." I moaned as his hips drilled me. He soon released and he kept us in place filling me with his seed. If I was not already pregnant, I am sure he would have gotten me pregnant now. John fell from me panting, as did I as my body cuddled close to him. After a while my breathing became normal and he put his arm around me.
"You miss her don't you?" he asked and my eyes water at her very mention.
"Yes." I sobbed. I miss my little girl so much. It has been 7 long months.
"I know it hurts. Do not worry sweetheart, she is well cared for in a prestigious community. With her sister no doubt." he said referring to Mary.
"I know, I hear that Mary took Elizabeth from the Baretta's in Dover." I said. John laughed and kissed my head.
"See. Elizabeth has and elder sister who loves her very much. Speaking of Lady Mary, I have heard rumors that the heir of Brookfield has chosen a bride, and guess what her name was?" he said and I turned to him.
"What?" I asked curiously.
"They say her name is Maria Trastàmara." he said as he began to kiss me.
"Trastàmara?" I asked. "Were had I heard that name before." I ask more to myself.
"Catalina I of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire is of the house Trastàmara." before he could finish I flew from my bed.
"Are you sure it's Trastàmara?" I asked. He leaned up from the bed worriedly.
"I am sure I heard Trasta-something. If it is her, Elizabeth and her line is set for life." he said and he came to my side massaging my back. "If it helps, I also hear that the Lord Secretary and Duke of Suffolk frequently visits on the King of England's order, so perhaps this person is who you think she is." he said comforting.
"Is there anyone else from Henry's court that visits Brookfield?" I asked and he thought for a second.
"As a matter of fact, there is. Rumors also states that Maria de Salinas and he daughter Catherine Willoughby visits Brookfield often." my heart beat soared at hearing this.
"Than that proves it. The Willoughby's visited Katherine or the Empress when she was a resident of Brookfield. It is natural that they visit Mary also, and if Mary is Maria Trastàmara then my daughter is being raise by one of the most powerful women in Europe. My Elizabeth will be raised along side with the future heirs of Brookfield." I said as my heart beat quickened.
"Then for you, it will be an honor to be the mother of the future heirs aunt and for me as your husband." John said excited.
"Yes, it is." I said laying back down, I had to relax for the child. The over excitement grew rapidly. My daughter, a respected woman of Brookfield. Her current life is better than the life of the Princess of England.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.
I got a few reviews concerning Anne Boleyn and threw in that last bit. Anne is married to John Ker, Duke Of Roxburghe. The Dukedom of Roxburghe was created by Anne of Great Britain. John Ker was the first holder in 1707. So I borrowed him and placed him in a earlier time line. The Kers to this day, to my knowledge, is still holding the title Duke Of Roxburghe.
I was going to make Anne and her husband Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, after doing a little reading I found that the Duke/Duchess of Rothesay belongs to the heir/heiress of Scotland/ Brittan.
Well thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.
Until next time.
Please review. And God Please America!