Chapter 21
Welcome back again, everyone! I'm glad to still be able to write this story. I hope everyone enjoyed the last chapter of the story. Just to keep things moving, I may end up doing time jumps here and there, but only if I don't have an idea for that time line. This chapter will end up taking place in October 1551, so it's been four months since the last events. I'm still taking suggestions, so please leave all opinions. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter 21!
October 14, 1551
Richmond Palace
Edward, Duke of Richmond's Bedchamber
Edward was sitting at his desk, almost falling asleep. The entire Court had just recently moved to the new Palace, after spending most of the summer at Richmond. Edward liked Richmond Palace. It wasn't as huge as Hampton. Plus, he got to spend more time with his wife and their eldest daughter, twelve year old Elizabeth, was with them at Court. Edward watched her closely, since she inherited her late grandmother, Bessie Blount's beauty. She was growing taller, was sprouting breast and had a hair color that was darkening to auburn as she grew older. But, she was also very kind.
Lost in his thoughts, Edward never heard his wife enter their bedchamber.
Kitty walked up and kissed him.
Edward smiled.
"Hello, my love. How is the Queen?" he asked.
Kitty sighed.
"The King is visiting her bed tonight, so I doubt she will get a good night's rest." she chuckled.
Edward smiled.
"Good for my brother, the King. I hear we are relocating to Windsor by the new Year. We haven't been there in awhile. Are you excited?" he asked.
Kitty sighed.
"I may have to return to our country manor by then. I don't think I'll be able to continue my duties while preparing the nursery." she said.
Edward looked at his wife, in confusion.
"Why does a nursery need to be prepared?" he asked.
Kitty smiled.
Finally, Edward smiled and hugged his wife.
"Another baby. I can't believe it. I'm sure the housekeeper will be excited, since Edmund is starting his studies soon. When are you due?" he asked.
Kitty smiled and placed a hand on her stomach.
"The midwife says our child should arrive in May.
Edmund smiled.
"I'll make sure I get permission from the King to be with you, before you are brought to Childbed. I haven't missed any of our children's births and I will not start now." he said.
Kitty nodded.
"Perfect. After this baby, let's not wait to much longer. I want more children." she said.
Edward smiled. Kitty was only thirty-one, so they could have several more..
"Alright, we will have as many children as you want." he said.
Kitty smiled and hugged her husband.
October 20, 1551
Stockholm Palace
Princess Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber
Matilda was sewing one of Eric's shirts, that she accidentally ripped in the heat of lovemaking. She had to admit that in their five months of marriage, she was falling in love with her husband. He was kind and seemed to respect her Catholic faith, even though she knew he was a devout Protestant in private. It bothered her, but she was able to attend Mass and even had her own confessor.
Eric walked and smiled at Matilda. He couldn't say he was in love with her, but he enjoyed her company and greatly respected her, despite the difference in their religion.
Eric kissed her on the cheek.
"How are you doing, wife?" he asked.
Matilda smiled.
"I'm well. I'm just fixing your shirt." she said.
Eric sat down.
"We have servants for that. You don't have to do that." he said.
Matilda shook her head.
"I don't mind. It gives me something to do. Especially once our children start to arrive." she said.
Eric nodded.
"Speaking of that, when do you think you will conceive? We've been married for months now and we share a bed almost consistently." he said.
Matilda sighed.
"I do not know Eric. If you want, I can be examined by the physician, but my bleedings are regular." she said.
Eric smiled.
"That won't be necessary. We'll have children in God's time. You're a wonderful wife and will make a wonderful mother. Remember, every child we have must be under your care until they are three years old. It's our law." he said.
Matilda nodded.
"I remember." she said.
Eric stood up and held his hand out.
"Come. Let's take a walk outside. Just the two of us." he said.
Matilda smiled and took his hand.
October 26, 1551
Lisbon Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Queen Maria of Portugal's Bedchamber
Mary was lying in bed. She had a false labor scare, even though she was not due to be brought to childbed for another three months. She had to admit that this pregnancy was very hard on her body. However, she was determined to carry this child to term, especially since she felt that it could be the second son that she and Carlos desperately need.
Carlos walked in and sat down on Mary's bed. He was relieved that she didn't go into premature labor, but he hated to see his wife in distress.
"How are you, sweetheart?" he asked her.
Mary rubbed her swollen stomach.
"I'm fine. I think I'll stay in bed, until the baby arrives. I want to make sure he arrives safely." she said.
Carlos closed his eyes and stood up.
"We don't know if it's a boy. Let's just focus on the birth and make sure it is safe for the both of you. I am recalling that Moroccan physician. I want him to monitor the rest of your pregnancy." he said.
Mary nodded.
"I understand. I'll do anything to make you happy." she said.
Carlos smiled.
"I just want you safe." he said.
Mary sighed.
"I just wish I could have a less complicated pregnancy. From the stillbirth, to Cristina being a sickly infant and now this pregnancy. Why is carrying our babies so hard for me?" she asked.
Carlos took her hand to soothe her.
"Don't blame yourself. This baby will be healthy. And any other baby that God will bless us with." he said.
Mary smiled.
"Thank you. I love you so much." she said.
Carlos kissed her.
"I love you very much." she said.
October 31, 1551
Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia, Castile, Spain
Infante Juan of Spain's Bedchambers
"OH, ALTEZA! HARDER! YES!" a woman cried out, as Juan pounded deep inside of her. Her was sweating profusely and was breathing heavily. He flipped the woman on top of him and let her begin to ride him hard, while she is screaming in ecstasy. Juan gripped her hips and kept forcing her down on him, causing her to scream even louder.
Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door.
Juan groaned, in frustration.
"WHAT?!" he screamed.
The loud knocking continued. Finally, Juan threw the girl off him and grabbed his robe and walked to his door.
It was Elizabeth and she was glaring openly at Juan.
Juan smiled.
"Dear cousin, what can I do for you, at this late hour? I am rather occupied at the moment." he said.
Elizabeth closed her eyes, in anger.
"I am not here for you. I am here for my maid, who should be with her own husband and not you." she said, in frustration.
Juan smirked.
"Clearly she wants to be here. We are all adults here." he said.
Elizabeth pushed her way past Juan and looked at her maid, who had covered herself, in shame.
"You should be ashamed of yourself. Your husband shouldn't be coming to my chambers looking for you. I suggest you go see the priest to make confession and return to your husband and if I find any more trouble with you, especially with a member of the Royal Family, you will be dismissed from my service. I am only forgiving you this one time." she said.
The young woman nodded her head.
"Yes, Alteza." she said.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Now, leave. I must speak with Infante Juan." she said.
The young woman wrapped her robe around herself and quickly left the chamber.
Juan glared at Elizabeth.
"How dare you dismiss my company? Who the hell do you think you are?" he asked.
Elizabeth walked up to him.
"If you don't care about your image, that is your problem. However, you will keep your hands off the women in my household. Especially a woman who helps care for my daughter." she said.
Juan looked away.
"Fine. Out of respect for you, I will stay away from your ladies. You can leave now." he said.
Elizabeth nodded and left Juan alone in his chapters.
Juan walked to a small alcove in his rooms and glanced at a portrait of his betrothed, Infanta Catarina of Portugal, Elizabeth's niece. He had to admit, that even though she was only fourteen years old, she was beautiful.
"Can you just hurry up and become seventeen, so I can finally have someone of my own?" he asked aloud, as tears rolled down his eyes.
November 16, 1551
Ludlow Castle, Welsh Marches, Wales
Prince William of Wales' Bedchamber
William was kneeling at his altar, praying. He had a hard day and was thankful to finally know what would happen in his life. He had just received a letter from his father, the King, and was informed that his betrothed, Queen Mary of Scots would arrive in England in 1559, after she turned sixteen years old. He knew that his father's aunt, the Dowager Queen of Scotland was a demanding woman and was controlling little Mary's life. He really wanted to be kind to his wife, especially since she will be marrying an older man, being him.
Suddenly, there was a knock at his door.
William looked up.
"Come in." he said.
A woman walked in. William knew that she was the sister of one of his friends and was known to be promiscuous and didn't have a good reputation. he husband was a soldier in his father's service.
She bowed to him.
"Your Highness." she said.
William nodded.
"Lady Susanna. May I ask why you are in my bedchambers this late hour?" he asked.
Susanna smiled and dropped her nightgown to the floor and was standing completely naked in front of William. William had to admit that she was a perfect, blonde English beauty,
Susanna walked up to William and put his hand on her moistened intimate part and exhaled softly.
"I need you tonight, Your Highness." she said.
William snatched his hand away.
"You may leave. I have no desire to lay with you. You have a husband and I will never share a bed with a whore.' he said, coldly.
Susanna looked at him, in shock. William was known to have a gentle disposition and was not known to use harsh language.
"Your Highness, you will be married one day. You need to understand the touch of a woman." she said.
William looked at her coldly.
"I will learn my wife's touch. I wish to remain chaste until my wedding night, just like my future wife. Now, you can get dressed and leave my Bedchamber." he said.
Susanna put her clothes on and left, with a disappointed look on her face.
November 22, 1551
Hunsdon House
Princess Christina's Bedchamber
Christina was lying in her bed, battling a very high fever. Her breathing was very raspy and was shallow. Her condition was very grave. Lorenzo stayed constant by her side and was constantly praying. The physician had diagnosed her with swamp fever and was doing his best to cure her.
Lorenzo looked at the Physician.
"Is there anything that can be done for her now?" he asked.
The Physician sighed.
"I am afraid not, my Lord. Her condition is too fragile. There is nothing else I can do. I am so sorry, My Lord." he said.
Lorenzo looked at Christina and tried to hold back tears. He couldn't bear to lose his wife.
Christina opened her eyes and looked at her husband.
"Summon the priest. I don't want to leave this Earth without being blessed." she said.
Lorenzo, with tears in his eyes, nodded his head.
Christina received her Last Rites and was content that she wouldn't die unblessed. Her entire Household was praying for her recovery. two of her children, Peter and little Melanie, were by their mother's side, openly weeping. Peter, at seventeen years old was trying to comfort his nine year old sister.
He took his mother's hand.
"Mother. Please fight this pestilence. You are strong." he pleaded.
Christina gripped her son's hand.
"It is up to the Lord, my beloved son. Just know that I love you and your sisters very much. You are all my pride and joy. I will see you in the next life together with our Lord and Savior." she said.
Melanie began to weep harder and Peter took her outside of the room.
Christina looked at Lorenzo.
"My beloved husband. I cannot thank you for everything that you have done for me. You have made me so very happy. After I am gone, I want you to remarry. I don't want you to be alone the rest of your life. Just please leave the children here in England. Be a good father to them and write to Bianca that I love her and our grandchild very much. I love you all so very much." she said.
Lorenzo began to cry, but managed to tell his wife that he loved her.
After several raspy breaths, Christina Tudor, Duchess of Sicily, breathed her last and died, while holding her beloved husband's hand.
A/N Chapter 21 is complete. This chapter saw the death of Princess Christina Tudor. I just wanted to leave a few notes. Swamp Fever is just another term for malaria. Also I am still deciding on if I'll let Isabella conceive again. My next chapter will hold my decision. The next few chapters will also hold two more tragedies, but I will not say what they are. Please read and review! Chapter 22 coming soon!
