Chapter 37
Chapter 37 has arrived as promised! I hope you all will be able to follow everything in the chapter. The year of 1554 has a lot of events that will take place. As you all saw in the previous chapter, the war with Spain and France is starting to wrap up, at least with Navarre is concerned. You all will be able to see what will become of Navarre and it may surprise you all. Please Read and Review! Enjoy Chapter 37!
May 28, 1554
Pembroke Castle
Lady Catherine Grey, Marchioness of Pembroke's Bedchamber
Catherine Grey and Adrian Stokes were lying in her bed. She couldn't deny that she had feelings for him and she knew what she was doing what was a sin, but it felt wonderful to have a loving caring man, who also catered to her body and soul.
Catherine kissed Adrian's chest.
"You are truly amazing. Do you think we are drawing attention? You haven't been in the servant's quarters that much over the last several weeks." she said.
Adrian shook his head.
"Everyone is always asleep when I join you. I just wish we didn't have to sneak like this." he admitted.
Catherine nodded her head.
"I don't like I either, darling. However you know the kind of scandal it would cause. I already was married to an executed traitor. What would happen if everyone knew that I was sharing my bed with my Master of the Horse?" she asked.
Adrian nodded his head.
"I understand. What will we do if you become with child?" he asked.
Catherine laughed.
"At my age?" That will never happen." she said.
Adrian shrugged.
"It happened to Queen Katherine with Princess Elizabeth." he stated.
Catherine caressed Adrian's face.
"Sweet Adrian, I have not had a pregnancy in almost a decade. It will never happen again." she said.
Suddenly, there was a knock on her door.
Catherine sat up in bed.
"Who is there?" she asked.
The voice answered.
"It's Kate, Mother." she said.
Catherine moaned softly, when Adrian began to kiss her breast.
"Sweetheart, can it wait until morning?" she asked, as innocently as she could.
"No, Mother. Please open the door." She asked.
Catherine sighed. She looked at Adrian.
" Hide. Quickly." she said.
Adrian ran out of bed naked and hid in Catherine's Wardrobe.
Catherine put on her dressing gown.
"Come in, darling." she said.
Fourteen year old Lady Katherine "Kate" Grey walked into her mother's room and sat on her bed. She was the eldest Grey sister at home now and she was being presented to the Court tomorrow and she was very excited.
"Mother, I am so excited. I can't wait to go to Court. Will there be a feast and lots of dancing and singing and...men?" she asked, as she blushed.
Katherine smiled at her daughter and namesake.
"Yes, darling. But please go and sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us." she said.
Kate smiled and hugged her mother.
"Goodnight, Mother." she said, as she left her mother's chambers.
Catherine looked at the wardrobe and the doors slowly opened and Adrian's naked, muscular frame stepped out. Catherine couldn't believe that this man was hers tonight. She signaled him to come closer and he pounced on her and they made love into the night.
1 June 1554
French Court of Henri II
King Henri II of France was in his private study, pacing, which was something he often did when he was trying to scheme a way around a legal situation. He had just received word that the situation is Navarre was desperate and his generals could not figure out a way to get supplies into the palace at Pamplona in order to relieve the lack of food there so King Henry of Navarre could ride out the rest of the war.
'Those damned Spanish soldiers,' he thought to himself as a knock at the door alerted him to someone waiting outside to speak with him.
"Enter," he commanded.
The double doors to his study opened to reveal his wife, Queen Catherine. He really did not need her annoying presence at the moment, but she was his Queen.
"Henri," she began, "I just heard about the situation in Navarre and I have an idea that might be of some use to you."
"Continue," he commanded. Catherine may not have been choice of companion, but she did understand the art of war better than most women of the age and in the past some of her ideas had saved their royal necks when situations called for it.
"There is a small church located on the Navarre border where the priests are extremely loyal. They have tunnels that connect their church to an abandoned guard tower in Navarre. If we could get supplies to that church and a message to the Priest in Pamplona, we could send the supplies through those tunnels into the abandoned tower, and from there, the church officials in Navarre could smuggle it into the palace to King Henry," Catherine suggested.
"How do you know of these tunnels Catherine?" Henri asked, curious. To his knowledge, his wife had never been to Navarre.
"One of my ladies is from the town where this church sits on our side of the border. She and her brothers played there as children and the nuns introduced them to the tunnels as a hiding spot when last Navarre had turned its swords in our direction for their protection, being the children of nobles," she informed him. "The nuns had told them not to venture far into the tunnels for fear of being lost, but the lady said that one day, she and her eldest brother had followed the main tunnel for miles and ended up in a guard tower that was overgrown with vines and leaves. When they stepped out of the tower, she said they walked for maybe half of a day and found themselves in Pamplona, where one of the merchants gave them a ride back to their home."
King Henri thought for a moment. This might work. "Go and bring the lady to me, Catherine. I want details so I can elaborate on this plan of yours and see if there is any merit to it."
Catherine bowed and turned to leave the room.
"Catherine," Henri said, catching her attention, "if this works, there will be a new sapphire necklace for you."
Catherine smiled, knowing that her plan had caught her husband's attention thoroughly. Henri only offered rewards like this in desperate situations, and she knew that if Navarre fell, France would lose the war. The French Queen knew better than to speak that out loud, so she held her tongue as she went to find the lady as her husband commanded
4 June 1554
Pamplona, Navarre
Citadel of Pamplona
Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon, and her sons, Charles V and Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, as well as the Infante Luis, Prince of Asturias, and a dozen guards waited impatiently in the war room of the palace for King Henry of Navarre to arrive. He was late, and Juana despised that, as it showed disrespect to the person being kept waiting, or in this case, a party of people.
"His Royal Highness, King Henry the second of Navarre!" the court herald exclaimed, and Juana couldn't help but chuckle under her breathe 'Not for long.'
The doors swung open and Henry walked in with six of his advisors. He bowed to Queen Juana and then to her sons, who returned the politeness of court politics, regardless of the reason that they were gathered.
"Your Majesty," King Henry said.
"Your Grace," Queen Juana began, "we have discussed the terms of your surrender, which was outlined to us in our last face-to-face meeting. We accept your terms with a few minor concessions. We agree that the current Queen will be escorted to France to live out the remainder of her days in exile from Navarre. She will be escorted by a party of your guards and mine to the French border and from there will proceed to the French court under the protection of King Henri II of France with your guards alone. She will be allowed to take with her most of her personal possessions and will be allowed to keep two pieces of the Royal jewels of Navarre as a token of the surrender agreement between us. She will be permitted to use the title Lady of Navarre, for the remainder of her days, provided she swears an oath of allegiance to us, acting by proxy for the new Queen of Navarre, until she is chosen. The current Queen will sign a decree, also swearing her allegiance to the new Queen, who's name will be omitted from the document until she is chosen, and then you will witness the addition of the new Queen's name to said document before your death, to ensure that the terms are met."
King Henry nodded in agreement to these concessions and Juana continued.
"Your daughter, Princess Jeanne, will not be accompanying her mother to France however," Juana began.
"Your Majesty," Henry interrupted her, but was cut off.
"Let me finish," Queen Juana commanded. "Princess Jeanne will remain in our camp as our guest until the coronation of the new Queen, at which time, she will be betrothed to a newly created Duke of our choice and will remain in Navarre with her new husband, as a Duchess, provided she swears the same oath as the current Queen. This will provide a future for your daughter which is certain, and you can have a small say in the man chosen for her husband, though the final decision will rest with my great-grandson, Luis, Prince of Asturias."
King Henry was speechless. He didn't know how to respond to this gesture. On one hand, his beloved daughter would be separated from her mother, but on the other, he would have a say in her future before he died.
"Furthermore, we accept the terms you have demanded concerning the new Queen, but we will need time to contemplate who our choice would be, as there is a long list of candidates given your terms on who she should be."
King Henry nodded. This he was expecting.
"We will convene a council in the morning and will begin to narrow down the list of candidates. You will have our recommendation and the reasons behind it no later than the end of this month," Juana informed him.
"Thank you, your Majesty," King Henry replied.
"The French soldiers who are here with you will be allowed to return to France with the current Queen, with the exception of the leading Generals. They will be executed along with yourself and leading members of your council, yet to be determined, once the terms of the surrender have been signed by all parties. That is the best we are willing to do under the current circumstances. As to the manner of execution, we do not want it said that we are not merciful. Your request for the executions to be beheadings has been granted unconditionally."
King Henry nodded again, showing that he understood.
"As to our own concessions concerning this surrender, we demand that the account ledgers of the crown be turned over to us immediately, that the letters of nobility currently in existence here in Navarre be turned over to us, and that the estates of your nobles be guarded until we have decided what is to be done with them. Some of your nobles will be allowed to retain their property, once they have signed oaths to our new Queen, but some will undoubtedly be replaced by lords of noble blood who have proven their loyalty to us already," the aged Queen informed the room.
There was a slight gasp from the nobles in the room, who feared their property and titles would be taken, but King Henry was expecting as much and nodded once more.
"I will have the royal accountants bring the books to you before the end of the day. The letters of nobility will take some time to account for, as well as the list of their holdings. I am certain that any of my surviving nobles will eagerly sign oaths to the new Queen, once she is named," King Henry assured her, or tried to, hoping that some of his nobles would indeed survive.
Queen Juana was perceptive to his message and understood that it was expected that some of the nobility of Navarre would have to survive in order to show stability of the realm, but she also knew that it would be a task to replace them with those loyal to her. This was a task that could be managed later in some of the areas where minor concern was present, but both monarchs knew that those nobles who aided the cause directly would have to be replaced immediately, whether through execution, marriage or a new division of property to take away the power of their current holder.
"Unless you have something to add to these terms, Your Majesty, we will take our leave of you and begin preparations," Queen Juana concluded.
"No," King Henry replied. "Thank you for accepting our terms and laying out the conditions of your acceptance so quickly."
Queen Juana nodded and she and her party left the room, the doors closing behind them. There was a soft murmur behind him from the nobles on his council, wondering what would become of them. King Henry rose, and turned to face them. "We did all we could gentlemen. Our fate is in her hands now, and in the hands of God. I suggest you say your prayers and confess your sins to God Almighty. That is the only thing left to do." With that, King Henry of Navarre left the room knowing that his judgement day was swiftly approaching and he wanted nothing more than to spend his remaining time with his wife and daughter.
June 5, 1554
Hampton Court
Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber
Anne was being examined by her physician, once more. She felt so much better. She had more energy and was able to eat more. She felt very well.
The physician smiled.
"It seems that the tonics are working, Your Majesty." he said.
Anne nodded her head.
"I feel much better. I know that I still need to regain my strength after being so ill for so many months. However, this is a great start." she said.
The physician nodded his head.
"I would say you are getting much better, Your Majesty. However, please continue to use the tonic. It will help you regain your strength." he said.
Anne sighed in relief.
"I am glad. I was worried for a moment. I thought I would die." she said.
The physician shook his head.
"No, you have many years ahead of you, my Queen." he said.
Anne smiled.
"I am relieved to hear that. Please, excuse me. I must write to my sister." she is close to welcoming her third grandchild into this world. I must send her my congratulations." she said.
The physician nodded his head, bowed and left Anne alone.
6 June 1554
Camp of the Spanish army, just outside of Pamplona
Queen Juana had convened her council to discuss who should be the new Queen of Navarre. She was waiting for the council to enter the tent, when her son Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, entered with a paper in his hand.
"Mother, we have received a message from King Henry of Navarre. He has requested that his wife be allowed to leave for France at first light, along with a messenger to the French Court, informing their King of Navarre's surrender," he said, giving his mother the paper he carried.
Queen Juana thought for a moment and nodded in reply. "Tell King Henry that is acceptable and tell him to include a copy of the terms of their surrender, so France is aware of the entire situation developing here. Prepare two companies of men to escort the former Queen to the French border. Make it fast Charles. We have to settle this matter as well."
Charles bowed to his mother and left to carry out her instructions with all haste.
Moments later the council she had summoned began to file into the tent and take their places at the table in front of her. There wasn't a silent voice in the room, each member of the council already voicing their opinions on who should rule Navarre. Juana shook her head and raised her hand to the men before her.
"Gentlemen," she began, "hold your tongues until my sons arrive. They are to be included in this, as many of the women who are being considered are their daughters and granddaughters."
The council looked put out with this, but followed their Queen's command. The flaps to the tent opened once again and Luis, the Prince of Asturias entered, bowing to his great-grandmother before taking his place at the table. Luis was uncertain why he was being included in this meeting. He was not a female and could not fulfill the demands made by the King of Navarre concerning a female monarch. As he was considering why he was required to be here, his grandfather, Charles and his uncle Ferdinand entered the tent and sat after bowing to their mother.
"Gentlemen," Queen Juana began again, "we have an enormous task set before us. We must choose the new Queen of Navarre. In the terms of the agreement with Navarre, she must be a woman because they are expecting their next monarch to be female. It is in the best interest of the stability of the realm to continue this expectation. The woman chosen must be a direct descendant of my late father, King Ferdinand II of Aragon, must be both married and of an age of majority, which is eighteen in Navarre law, so that I would not be required to serve as regent should her husband become incapacitated, and they would prefer she was still of childbearing years and would be expected, reasonably, to live quite a while, so the stability would not be affected so soon into the new reign."
"Your Majesty," one of her council members said, "these people are surrendering to us. Why would we make any concessions where they are concerned? Would it not be better for Navarre to have a male ruler whose decisions would not be questioned at all?"
"Your Grace, surrender is not unconditionally in favor of the winning side. We are talking about a peaceful takeover of this realm, not one met with bloodshed," the queen wisely said. "Had we fought this out, yes, we would have put whoever we saw fit on their throne, but many more lives would have been lost in the process. Peaceful surrender requires some concessions be made to their cooperation. Putting a Queen instead of a King on the throne is a small concession in the long run."
The council murmured but remained largely silent at this explanation of her actions.
"Besides, my lords, has not a Queen not only successfully ruled Castile and Aragon for many decades without a husband at her side? Has not a Queen been the commander of this army while at war with France?"
The room fell silent at Juana's last statement. They knew she had won this argument, in addition to the surrender of Navarre. Luis couldn't help but smile as he realized that the nobles knew his grandmother had won.
"The only question remaining," Queen Juana continued, "is which of my late father's female descendants will grace the throne of Navarre."
Some minor discussion resulted in a variety of names being thrown into the air as candidates.
"What about one of the Princesses of Naples?" one lord suggested.
"What do they know about ruling? Besides none of them are married or of majority age," said another.
"The Duchess of Cleves would qualify," said the ambassador to Cleves.
"Yes, she would but she is ruling Cleves with her husband and would not be able to reside in Navarre," Charles said, plainly.
Soon, everyone was speaking at once, suggesting this woman or that one, and no one could hear half of the suggestions, much less the objections as each name was mentioned. After a few short moments, Queen Juana had had enough.
"Gentlemen," she said loudly to gain their attention, "enough of this bickering. My sons and I will go through the list and bring ten names to you within a week for further consideration, and this next meeting will be more civilized, or I will choose the next Queen myself."
Queen Juana stood up and walked out of the tent before her council could even rise, frustrated at some of the remarks that she had heard concerning her family. Upon entering her private tent, she sat at her table and pulled out paper and ink. She began to make a list of the names of all of the female descendants of her father and had finished it by the time Charles and Ferdinand walked in.
"Mother?" Charles questioned when he saw what she was writing.
"There are sixty-one potential female candidates to become the Queen of Navarre, based on the female gender alone. We must eliminate some and narrow it down to ten by the end of the week. Sit my sons, we have a long road ahead of us."
June 8, 1554
Edinburgh Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland
Lady Jane Grey's Private Rooms
Lady Jane was being prepared for her wedding. She was highly nervous. Her entire life, she thought she would marry and remain in England. She was wrong. However, Duncan seemed nice enough to her. She was prepared to live her life in Scotland. She just hoped that her sisters were able to find nice husbands as well. She hated what her father had done and now her, Katherine and Mary had to pay for his deeds.
Suddenly, there was a knock on her door.
She turned around.
"You may come in." she said.
The door opened and her uncle, Charles Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk walked in. He smiled at his oldest niece.
"Are you almost ready?" he asked.
She nodded. Charles had always been her favorite of her mother's brothers. He always visited her and her sisters and gave them presents, as they were the only nieces he had.
"I am ready, Uncle Charles. I know you have to depart very soon. I am so glad that you are here, but I do wish my mother and my sisters were here." she said.
Charles took his niece's hand.
"England is not that far. You can take a litter and visit your mother and sisters. I promise that your mother and sisters will be looked after." he said.
Jane smiled.
"Thank you. When you return, please give my love to Aunt Mary and little Hal. I also want to know when your second child is born. I pray Aunt Mary is delivered of a healthy child." she said.
Charles kissed his niece on her forehead, as they heard the wedding begin.
He looked at her.
"Are you ready to become the future Duchess of Ross?" he asked.
Jane took a deep sigh and took her uncle's arm.
"I am ready." she said.
Later that evening
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
Lady Jane Grey-Stuart's Bedchamber
Lady Jane Grey was now a Stuart. Her wedding had indeed been beautiful and was attended by all of the Scottish Nobility and even some memebers of the Royal Family, including her husband's cousin, The young Queen Mary. A beautiful banquet followed her wedding and she and Duncan shared a wonderful dance. Although, the Scots were rumored to be barbaric and rude, they had been nothing but kind to her, even the Dowager Queen Margaret was growing fond of her, since she was the oldest granddaughter of her late sister, Elizabeth Tudor, Dowager Queen of France and the Duchess of Suffolk.
Suddenly, Lord Duncan walked in, wearing his robe. He looked like he wasn't wearing a shirt. He smiled at his new wife, who returned the smile shyly.
Duncan walked over to her.
"Are you well, Jane?" he asked.
She nodded.
"I am. Everything was so beautiful and I enjoyed the dancing and everyone has been so kind to me. I didn't expect it, after what my father did." she said.
Duncan caressed Jane's face.
"I am not married to your late father. I only care about your deeds.' he said.
After that, he gently kissed Jane on her lips. Jane returned the kiss and wrapped her arms around him, as he lowered her onto their marriage bed and within moments, they were making love, sealing their marriage forever.
Hours later, Jane was laying on Duncan's bare chest, listening to him as he breathed in his sleep. It was in that moment, she knew she would do whatever to be a good wife to this kind man.
10 June 1554
French court of King Henri II
The trumpets sounded the arrival of a Royal visitor. This was entirely unexpected and servants, as well as the members of King Henri's court, were scrambling to figure out what exactly was going on.
Henri and Catherine, as well as Henri's life-long mistress, Diane de Poitiers, were in the throne room, awaiting the announcement of who had come to their court without prior notice, when a messenger approached the room and was announced.
"Sir Barton Aldra, your Majesties," the court herald announced, and the man was shown into the room. He bowed to Henri and Catherine and waited for permission to rise.
King Henri motioned for him to approach the thrones. "What brings you to France Sir Aldra? And who is the royal visitor that accompanied you?"
"Your majesty," the man said, unsure of how to proceed, as the King was sharp with his words, "I bring news of Navarre and a document from King Henry of that realm. His Queen has accompanied me and it is she who awaits an audience with your Majesties."
King Henri was stunned at the idea that Navarre's Queen would be with a messenger and not a royal contingent, as was the custom. He took the document from Sir Barton Aldra with trepidation, and began to read what was written, all the while, his face becoming red and his look more and more agitated.
"That idiot!" King Henri exclaimed after he had finished the document, throwing it onto the ground.
"Henri?" Catherine question.
"Do you know what he did?" he shouted, looking from his wife to Diane and back. "King Henry of Navarre has surrendered to Queen Juana. . . a full and unconditional surrender. He's sent his Queen here for security for her life and requests, no, expects us to take care of her."
"What of his daughter, Princess Jeanne?" Catherine asked, curiously.
"Jeanne has been left in Navarre as a guest of the Spanish Queen, with all due protections. She is apparently to be married to a newly created Duke of Navarre once the matter has been settled," Henri answered, once again scanning the document.
Catherine could not help but be relieved that Jeanne was safe. If she indeed had the protection of the Spanish Queen, then Jeanne would be safe, for Catherine knew that Queen Juana was ruthless, but she was honest. No one in all of Europe could say the aged Queen had ever spoken a lie or went back on a contract, though her sons had. However, Catherine also knew that any praise of the Spanish Queen would be met with disdain from her husband, so she kept her thoughts to herself.
"Her Majesty, Queen Marguerite of Navarre!" The herald exclaimed. King Henri, Queen Catherine, Diane, and the messenger all turned to greet the former Queen of Navarre.
"Marguerite, you poor dear," Catherine said, rushing to her friend.
"Catherine," the former Queen of Navarre was in tears and nearly fell into the French Queen's arms with exhaustion. "We travelled all night this last night, not daring to stop. My husband, he ordered me to leave Navarre and Jeanne. . ." she began to weep uncontrollably at the thought of her daughter being a captive of Queen Juana. "They said she will be protected and married to a Duke once the new government is established, but . . . we have never trusted . . ."
"Of course, you worry for your child," Catherine responded. As a mother, she knew the worry well. "Come, let us get you settled and some rest, then you can speak to Henri and myself in private." Catherine looked at her husband, who wasn't without sympathy for the woman. Henri nodded, and with that, Catherine took her old friend out of the room to take care of her.
Henri turned to the thrones of France behind him and stood there for a moment before nodding to Diane and they went to his private chambers, after telling the messenger to go to the kitchen for food while he figured out what to do.
Diane was waiting for him in his study and he promptly slammed the door behind him as he walked in. "What in the world was that buffoon thinking, surrendering to the old relic of a Queen? Why weren't his soldiers able to put an end to her miserable life? Of all of the incompetent idiots. No one should rule a nation if they cannot properly defend themselves against an old, decrepit relic like that. She may be the daughter of the Catholics monarchs, but she is not immortal" Henri said, nearly shouting his anger so the whole castle could hear.
Diane simply waited until Henri was finished ranting before daring to speak. She had been with him most of his life at this point. She knew that his temper was fierce. She also knew of the importance of Navarre to his crown, despite there being a history of potential usurpations from that country. They protected one part of France's border with Spain. Without that, the entire French border would have to fall under heavier guard and that would cost the French crown more money, which was never something Henri liked to spend money on. He preferred jewels, wines, and parties to protecting the borders and wished, more often than not, that France was an island.
"Henri, my love," Diane began in the tone she knew would be most likely to sooth him, "perhaps this surrender is not as misfortunate as it seems?"
"How can you possibly say that? Do you know what increased security along the Navarre borders will cost us?" He was obviously still furious.
"I'm sure I do not, but with a new Queen of the Spanish line on the throne of Navarre, would it not pose a more secure world for our beloved Prince Francis and his future children?" Diane questioned in a submissive tone.
Henri opened his mouth in reply, but then thought for a moment and shut it again. She was right. It would eliminate the threat that Navarre would pose to Francis and to his line in the future that was indeed one positive that had come of this situation. Perhaps, if the right person was placed on the throne of Navarre, it would give Francis the opportunity to not only rule in peace, but to become the King Consort of Navarre.
"I see I have put an idea in your head, darling," Diane said, as she stood to leave. She curtsied to her King and continued, "I will leave you to your thoughts and plans." With that, she closed the doors behind her and left him to his thoughts.
12 June 1554
Camp of the Spanish army, just outside of Pamplona
They had been up all night going over the list that the Queen had made concerning candidates for the new Queen of Navarre. Juana's parents, the late and much beloved King Ferdinand II of Aragon and the late Queen Isabella of Castile, had taught her from an early age that when a task was to be done, and done properly, the best place to start was the beginning. If the question was which of the descendants of her late father would ascend the throne of Navarre, the answer lay within the list of his female descendants.
"Charles, Ferdinand," she addressed her sons, "we have gotten nowhere with this list, and in my current frustration, I will take the advice of my mother, given so long ago, and start at the beginning. Their first demand is that she is both married and of majority age, who would not require a regent of any type to rule in her stead. In Navarre, the age of majority is eighteen, and I will assume that widows of that age are to be included. Let's begin with eliminating the women on this list who are not both."
Charles and Ferdinand both nodded in unison. It was Ferdinand who spoke first. "Although the Infanta Maria, currently married to the former Prince of Denmark, still qualifies, her daughters do not because they are neither of majority age, nor married. This would also disqualify the Infanta Isabel, Luis and Elizabeth's daughter."
Juana nodded and crossed the four names off her list. "With that being said," Juana added, "the Princesses of both Naples and Poland are excluded."
Ferdinand watched as his mother crossed those names off her list. "Mother, I can tell you now, that my daughters, for whom I speak as their father, will not become the Queen of Navarre, regardless of their age or marital status," he added. "I do not want their futures to be so insecure with an overturned monarchy beneath their feet."
Juana looked at her son in disbelief, but thought for a moment before nodding. Although she had not thought of the Archduchesses directly, he was within his right as their father to say such a thing and withdraw their candidacies. She crossed their names off the list. "Princess Christina of Naples, daughter of Dowager Queen Catherine, is also excluded, due to her age and martial status, though she will be married soon. We have until the end of the month and neither will change before that time."
Charles looked at the remaining names on the list. "Mother, who are these other women?"
"What other women, my son?"
"Lady Rosaria, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, Lady Maria de Lenastre, and the others on the second page of this list?"
"Charles, you must remember," Queen Juana said, gently, "I am not the only child of my late parents who had heirs. Those women are the children, grandchildren and the like, of my sisters, Maria and Katherine. Isabella's only son died young, and my brother Juan never had a living child, but Maria and Katherine did and their heirs are to be included as well."
Charles nodded, remembering that he did have cousins that would also fall in line for this candidacy. He paused before saying anything, but noticed that Luis' wife Elizabeth was not on this list.
"Mother, would not Elizabeth, our Princess of Asturias, also be included. She is Aunt Katherine's daughter, married, and of majority age?"
Juana took the list from her son and looked at the position Katherine's heirs held on the list. She couldn't believe that she had overlooked Elizabeth, but she had indeed missed it, as she thought of the Princess as another great-grandchild. Juana quickly wrote Elizabeth's name on the bottom of the list for consideration.
"The Portuguese Infantas, other than Catarina, do not meet the requirements, and neither do Henry's younger daughters. Also, Princess Astrid of Sweden is just a babe. Oh, and the daughter of my youngest sister, the late Dowager Duchess of Suffolk, is also not eligible," she said, as she crossed those names off as well.
Juana thought for a moment as she looked over the remaining twenty-five candidates. "Lady Sancha is married, but not of age, so she would require a regent should her husband become incapacitated."
Twenty-four women remained.
"Let's take a break for a moment and enjoy the sunrise," Juana said, standing up and going to the flaps of her tent before stepping outside. Charles and Ferdinand followed her.
She took in a deep breath and sighed. This task was daunting. Her daughters were all educated to rule, just as her sons had been, but how could she eliminate more of the women from her late father's line. As the sun rose higher in the sky, a revelation hit her. Her daughters had been educated, but some of their daughters were noble ladies, not the daughters of Queens.
"Charles, Ferdinand, come, we have more to do."
They returned to the tent and the Queen picked up the list, taking another look at the remaining women.
"Your sisters were raised and educated to rule, but some of their daughters were not. We cannot put this task to those who were not educated for it," she stated and began crossing off more names from her list of the remaining twenty-four candidates.
"Mother?" Ferdinand asked, wondering where she was going with this line of thought.
The names I have just removed are those who have not been educated to rule. They were brought up in the grace and fashion of noble ladies, but not as monarchs in the making," Juana explained. "It did not remove many more, only four to be exact, but this realm and new government will be better served with a young woman who knows something about ruling a nation on her own."
Charles and Ferdinand looked at one another and smiled. They had no reason to argue with their mother's logic. Reforming a government would be difficult, but the tensions could be eased with the knowledge that a woman who was educated in the ways of government, even a little, was at the helm. This narrowed the list to twenty candidates. The trio had ten more they needed to remove before presenting the list to the council for further discussion. It was not done, but it was a far cry from the sixty-one candidates that they began with days ago.
"Mother," Charles said, "the former King of Navarre made a point in his demands that I think we must also consider. He said that to have a newly established Queen die would cause panic, if not total anarchy. Would it not be better to eliminate those who are older from the list?"
"Possibly Charles, but where would we draw that line? I am, myself, seventy-four years old and have reigned since I was a young woman. None of us can predict the lifespan of another. We could put an eighteen-year-old woman on the throne at the end of this month and she could die in childbirth next year," the aged queen stated.
"Yes, she could, but wouldn't it be more likely to stabilize the realm if the new Queen had a young family of her own, perhaps? Someone who could carry on should the worst happen? Also, if her husband is still living, he could act as regent for the child who would become the next Monarch," Charles argued.
Juana thought about her son's words in this moment. "I suppose we could eliminate those who are beyond child bearing years, so that the new monarchy we establish here would have a young family the people could watch grow, or at least grow up." Juana crossed off her daughter, Eleanor, the Dowager Queen of France, being that Eleanor was in her fifties and a widow. She also removed her youngest daughters, the Dowager Queen of Naples and the Dowager Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, for the same reasons.
As if not to be left out of the decision, Ferdinand put his thoughts into words. "If stability is to be of the utmost importance, Mother, then we should also eliminate those women who are Queens or Queen consorts in their current nations. They would never agree to move to Navarre to rule and that would leave the monarchy without their rulers if such a woman was chosen."
"Yes, that will help, not to mention the fact that it would show a tremendous amount of support for the people of Navarre to know that they have the attention of their new Queen," Charles chimed in.
Queen Juana looked at her list. She removed her recently married great-granddaughter, Luis' sister, Juana, the new Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst; her granddaughters, Queen Consort Adriana of Naples; and Queen Consort Dorothea of Poland. Along with these names, she eliminated Queen Consort Mary of Portugal who was the daughter of her late sister, Queen Katherine.
With the removal of those women and a few more for various reasons, Juana looked at her sons and smiled. "We've done it," she said. "We have narrowed the list to nine candidates for the council to consider when next we meet."
Charles and Ferdinand looked at the names that were left. They were solid candidates. "Now, I will prepare the list of requirements so that the council has those to consider, along with the remaining names," Juana declared.
"No, mother," Charles demanded. "You will rest. Ferdinand and I will instruct our secretaries, who have had a full night's sleep, to copy these lists for the council and I will have Luis distribute them himself."
Though she was Queen, Juana knew this was one argument she would not win. She nodded, grateful for their assistance, and retired to her bed, where the aged Queen fell into a peaceful sleep for the first time since the war began.
13 June 1554
Tent of the Spanish council near Pamplona, Navarre
The council members awaited the arrival of their Queen in silence. From the Queen's reaction to their behavior a week ago, they knew better than to cause such a problem again. They knew who the had made the cut and who had not, and had the requirements from the former King of Navarre, so the council knew who they were going to suggest to further removed and why.
Queen Juana entered the tent with her son's behind her, carrying a folded piece of paper. Everyone rose and bowed to their Queen as she entered and sat down at the table.
"Gentlemen," she began, "we have gathered here to further narrow down this list. We must present three candidates to Navarre by the end of the month, and we have work to do. With that being said, I am not here to discuss who was eliminated. We used the demands of the former king of Navarre, along with educational status, and stability of the realm we are recreating to remove certain people from this list."
There were some murmurs from the council, but not many, as they did not want to anger their Queen again.
"Your Majesty," said Lord de Mendoza said, asking to be acknowledged.
"Lord de Mendoza?" Queen Juana replied.
"If stability of the realm is one of the deciding factors here, then should the Princess Isabella, Dowager Marquessa de Moya remain on this list?" he questioned. "Her instability in the past and her temper have caused several scandals and there are rumors that even now, she refuses to honor the terms of her daughter's marriage contract with Portugal."
Nods of agreement were seen up and down the table, but no one else spoke a word on the subject. "Very well," Queen Juana said. "Your point is well received, Lord de Mendoza. Princess Isabella is eliminated." Juana crossed her niece off the list, and silently chastised herself for leaving Isabella there in the first place. As for the rumors of this marriage contract and her refusal to comply, she will address that matter once this meeting was over.
The Ambassador from Austria stood and cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, your Grace," the man said, addressing both Queen Juana and the Archduke Ferdinand, "I mean no offense, but as the Infanta Isabelle is the wife of Archduke Ferdinand II and slated to become Holy Roman Empress in the future, would her husband's interests not better be served by her being removed, so that the interests of Navarre can be foremost in the mind of the new Queen?"
Ferdinand looked at his mother and nodded. "Yes, ambassador, it would be," Ferdinand said as his mother crossed Isabelle off the list. Juana smiled slightly. Her council had taken her words to heart and had come prepared for this meeting. Rather than supporting their own agendas here, they were now thinking more like councilmen and making reasonable suggestions. Perhaps Charles had been correct in assuming that the men were simply overwhelmed before with the original list of sixty-one names.
"Your Majesty?" It was Charles who spoke now. "I believe we made an oversight with the list."
"What's that Charles?" Juana replied, looking at her copy, which was now down to seven names.
"As much as I love my daughter, the Infanta Lilianna, and although she is of age, she is not married. She should have been removed in our deliberations."
Queen Juana looked at the list again, searching for Lilianna's name. She was indeed still considered a candidate.
"Thank you, Charles," Juana said, crossing Lilianna's name off. "I must have been tired and simply overlooked that fact." Charles responded with a nod.
"Majesty," the bishop of Pamplona, who had been invited to this meeting as a mere courtesy spoke up, "although I am a guest at this meeting, I was wondering if I might add an objection to one of the ladies listed?"
"We will take your objection into consideration, Bishop," Juana said plainly.
"The Princess Matilda, Crown Princess of Sweden," the man said. "Although the Princess is recognized as a descendant of his late Majesty, King Ferdinand II of Aragon, and despite the fact that the Princess is indeed a devout Catholic, her husband's family is not. The people of Navarre may indeed have an objection to being ruled by a dynasty that is not devoted to the Catholic Faith and religious unrest is not something that would promote stability here in Navarre."
Queen Juana looked at the man for a moment and then to her sons, who both nodded their agreement. "Very well," the aged Queen conceded, and she crossed Matilda off the list of remaining candidates. She looked over the remaining five women and sighed. She found another oversight. "Unfortunately, I have found another mistake on my list gentlemen. Although the Infanta Catarina is married to the Duke of Franco, and is a descendant of my late father, she is not of age and if anything happened to the Infante Juan, she would require a regent, so she is eliminated as well." Juana paused then continued, "We need to remove one more woman from this list, gentlemen."
The men looked at their own lists, many having crossed off names as the Queen had so their information was current. There was utter silence in the room for more than fifteen minutes as Juana and her sons looked at the gentlemen of the council. The four remaining women were all of age and were married, or had been, which Juana assumed would be acceptable. She thought to herself, 'Which of these women stands out from the others with some issue that might pose a problem to Navarre?' Suddenly, she had the answer.
"Gentlemen, I am going to remove Princess Giovanna of Naples from this candidacy," Queen Juana announced.
The ambassador to Naples looked at the Queen with a look of shock on his face. His Princess was a model of goodness and virtue for other royal ladies of the court. He did not understand why she was being removed and asked as much.
"It is simple, my dear ambassador," Juana began to explain. "In looking at the four women who remain, Princess Giovanna is indeed as virtuous, gentle, and kind as the others. She is every bit as educated as the others, and she is of age and has been married, which we are assuming would qualify her to rule without a regent. However, in the eight years that my beloved granddaughter was married, she failed to produce an heir for her husband, or any child at all. There were never even rumors that she was with child during that time. Navarre needs a Queen who can fulfil her duties as a mother and who can provide the realm with a stable future, into the next generation. The Infanta Maria, my beloved granddaughter and the Infanta Isabel, beloved descendant of my sister, Queen Maria of Portugal, and the Infanta Elizabeth, Princess of Asturias, have all done just that; proven themselves capable of bearing children. Unfortunately, Princess Giovanna has not."
Juana crossed the Princess's name off the list and blew on the paper to dry the ink. "Gentlemen, we have our three candidates for further consideration. I have every intention of discussing them with the former King of Navarre before making a final decision, as he knows the minds of his people better than I currently do. I thank you for your service here today, and your input into this matter."
Queen Juana stood from her place at the table and exited the tent. She hated having to remove her children and grandchildren from a legacy of their own, as rulers, but this was not about her pride. It was about the stability of Navarre and what was best for it's people. Thinking over the three names remaining on her list, the Queen of Castile and Aragon knew what outcome she wanted, but the former King of Navarre knew his people. She wanted. . . no, she needed his opinion to ensure that the people of Navarre would accept the outcome. Tonight, Juana would sleep. Tomorrow, she would start over with the major nobles of Navarre and determine their fates, but not before praying for guidance in this matter. She may have been a seventy-four-year-old Queen who had led battles, sanctioned executions, and all other matters appointed by her station, but in this moment, she felt as though she was playing God, moreso than she had the right to, and for that, she felt guilty.
June 15, 1554
Hampton Court
Royal Throne Room
King Harry and Queen Anne were sitting upon their Thrones, watching their courtiers. Anne even did a dance with her ladies, except Lady Mary Brandon, who was starting to swell, since she was five months gone with child.
Harry looked at Anne.
"Do you think the Austrian Ambassador will want to speak to us soon?" he asked.
The reason for the banquet was to betroth his and Anne's youngest daughter, Princess Margaret of England, to little Archduke Phillip of Austria. He was only two years older that Margaret and Harry was anxious to make an alliance with Austria and maybe little Margaret could be Holy Roman Empress one day.
Anne smiled.
"Everything is so grand. I am sure that Margaret will be betrothed today." she said, confidently.
Suddenly the Ambassador to the Austrian Court, Ernest von Neumann, walked up and bowed to Harry and Anne.
"Your Majesties, I bid you greetings from the Austrian Court. I am here on your offer of marriage. I have a list of terms from my Master, but we will hear you." he said.
Harry nodded and stood from his Throne.
"We offer you our youngest daughter, Princess Margaret. She is four years old, which is two years younger than your Archduke Phillip. She can depart when she reaches an age of agreement." he said.
Ernest von Neumann nodded.
"Those are simple terms and I am sure it will be accepted. As for her dowry, as she is just the youngest daughter, the Archduke requires a dowry of at least one hundred thousand pounds and for her to be sent to Austria upon her eighteenth year, as he wants her to be fully mature. Archduke Phillip's parents weren't married until their twentieth year." he said.
Harry nodded. An inexpensive dowry and he got to keep Margaret for another fourteen years. He knew this was a perfect match.
"Very well. Let us all celebrate the fact that Princess Margaret will become an Archduchess of Austria." he said, as the music started up again and everyone started to dance.
Across the room, Lady Mary Brandon was standing with her sister, Lady Charlotte Howard, the Duchess of Norfolk.
Charlotte smiled.
"Our little Princess will have a grand marriage. I am sure our cousin is thrilled." she said.
Mary nodded.
'I agree. Where's Father? I am surprised to not see him here?" she asked.
Suddenly, Prince Edmund, Duke of Somerset walked up to his daughters.
"I am here, darling. I was visiting your brother, Mark's rooms, where your nephew is. How are my girls?" he asked, as he kissed both of them on their cheeks.
Charlotte smiled.
"I am well, Father. However, I wish you would visit Arundel Castle. I would love for you to see your grandchildren." she said.
Edmund smiled.
"I will make a special trip just for them." he said.
Mary smiled.
"How's our beloved stepmother and precious little sister?" she asked.
Edmund smiled.
"They are both well. Anne is growing by the day." he said , speaking of his five year old daughter.
Charlotte cleared her throat and glared in another direction.
"It looks like our younger brother has found something to entertain himself with." she said.
Edmund and Mary looked over and saw eighteen year old John Tudor kissing a noblewoman's daughter.
Edmund closed his eyes, in frustration. Now that he was fifty-six years old, he was trying his best not to let his young son's promiscuity get to him, or it would affect his health.
Mary looked at her father.
"He's young, Father. He will grow up. Just give him time." she said.
Edmund took a goblet of wine, as John and the woman disappeared down a hall.
"I sure hope he does." he said.
17 June 1554
Emperor Charles V's tent, Spanish Camp near Pamplona in Navarre
Charles tore yet another piece of paper in half. Speech writing was never his forte, even when it was his own speech. Writing the speech for a former King, soon to be a dead King, to give to his people concerning their nation being surrendered was proving even more of a difficult task than he'd faced in quite some time.
He was thinking about what a man would say to his people on the evening before his death when the flaps to his tent opened and his grandson, Luis, walked in. "You wanted to see me grandfather?" Luis questioned, bowing to the Emperor.
"Yes, how is your Uncle Juan fairing today?" Charles asked, concerned about his youngest son.
Luis chuckled to himself and then answered, "He is recovering slowly from his latest injuries, but is in fine spirits." Luis looked away, not wanting to tell his grandfather about that woman.
"Found someone to entertain him, has he?" Charles wondered out loud. Luis just stood there in silence, not wanting to betray his Uncle, but not wanting to lie to his grandfather. "It's a shame that boy doesn't understand the concept of love or loyalty. Heaven knows I have never understood his reasoning when it comes to women. I just hope his young wife doesn't find out about this. It could devastate her."
Luis nodded in agreement. He couldn't imagine the look on his own wife's face if he had to admit that he had cheated. Elizabeth would likely never trust him again, but it was of no matter, since he had no intention of ever betraying her.
"Was that all you wanted, your Majesty?" Luis questioned.
"No, Luis, there is more," Charles replied. "Please take a seat." Luis did as he was asked.
"As you know, your great-grandmother, your great-Uncle Ferdinand, and I, along with the council members who are here with us, have been attempting to select the new Queen of Navarre. We have narrowed that choice down to three women and Queen Juana wanted me to discuss that with you," Charles said.
"Why me?" Luis asked. "I am neither a woman nor part of the council. I don't know why my opinion on the issue would matter."
"Because your wife is one of the three remaining candidates," Charles informed him.
"Elizabeth? But how could SHE become Queen of Navarre?"
"You'll remember, she is the daughter of Aunt Katherine, who is your great-grandmother's sister. Elizabeth is also a descendant of the late King Ferdinand, which is one of the requirements outlined by the former King of Navarre. She is a woman of age to rule on her own, and she is marred. She also is not currently tied to a foreign throne, which would allow her to live in Navarre and rule," Charles explained.
Luis thought about what he had been told. If she took the throne, he would become the King Consort of Navarre and would more or less be on equal terms with his grandfather without having to lose the kind older man. But his Elizabeth, as a true reigning Queen? Could she handle the job? In the time they had been married, she certainly had proven her strength and courage to him. Although the idea was strange to him now, he could definitely see her ruling a nation on her own. Luis shook his head at his own thoughts! He'd better be able to see her ruling a nation; she would be his Queen once he was King of Castile and Aragon, even if she didn't take the throne of Navarre.
"Elizabeth would make a fine choice for Queen of Navarre, grandfather," Luis said with all confidence. "Although, I must admit, I am probably somewhat biased, she has all of the qualities of a great ruler. She is intelligent, logical when she needs to be and sympathetic when the situation calls for it. She understands the difference between the two as well, which is a rare quality."
Charles nodded in agreement, "It is in someone these days, I agree."
"She was also educated by her mother, and we all know that Aunt Katherine raised her daughters to be as educated as men. She knows how governments work, and she knows how greedy people can be in their pursuit of so-called justice," Luis said. "I think she would make a just ruler because of that, not to mention the fact that she can charm the banana from a monkey's hands."
Charles laughed heartily at this description of the young Infanta. He knew from firsthand knowledge that Elizabeth was a very charming young woman. He thought about how she handled her sister, Princess Isabella, when they visited her to inform the later of her husband's death. He had expected a tirade, but got a grieved gentlewoman. Elizabeth definitely had a gift for calming people.
"What about you, Luis?" Charles asked.
"What about me?"
"How would you feel about your wife becoming a Queen in her own right when you expected her to be just your consort?"
"I don't feel one way or another about it, grandfather," Luis said, honestly. "If Elizabeth is chosen, I will stand beside her in all things, just as she would and will stand beside me. Although the laws say she will be my consort, in my mind, she will be my Queen; my equal."
Charles nodded. He understood that view point for it was his. He had passed this on to Philip, Luis' father, before he died, and Luis must have picked it up come somewhere. "Satisfy an old man's curiosity and tell me where you learned that view from, of a woman being equal to her husband?"
Luis looked baffled at the question, but thought for a moment and replied, "I believe it was from Grandmother's book of hours grandfather. I seem to recall her saying that regardless of the time you lived in, that you always treated her as not just your wife, but your equal."
Charles gasped as he remembered the book that his late wife would often write in. He had wondered what happened to it when she died, because he could not find it among her possessions. Now he knew. It somehow fell into the hands of her grandson, who apparently cherished it, if he could quote it that accurately. He smiled at Luis.
"She would have been very proud of you Luis," Charles said.
"I hope so," Luis replied, and with that, he exited his grandfather's tent with a hint of tears forming in his eyes. As he wiped one away, he thought to himself, 'I hope so.'
June 18, 1554
Campground , just outside of Pamplona, Navarre
Infante Juan of Spain, Duke of Franco's Tent
Juan's fever had gone down, but he wasn't out of the woods. The physician had been tending to him around the clock. Also, his former mistress would not leave him alone and it was aggravating him.
Suddenly, his tent opened and to his surprise, Catarina walked in. She was wearing traveling clothes.
He sat up in his bed.
"Catarina? What are you doing here?" he asked, weakly.
Catarina walked over to him and hugged him gently.
"When I heard that that you were ill, I had to come to you. How are you?" she asked, as she caressed his face gently.
He smiled.
"I feel that I can see an angel and I haven't even died yet." he said.
Catarina shook her head.
"You are going to live. You will not die. I will make sure of that. I will tell your servants to ready a bed for me. I will not leave this campground, until you are on your feet again." she said.
Suddenly, the tent opened again and Maria de Esperanza walked in. She was wearing a very revealing gown and stopped dead in her tracks, when she saw Catarina. She smirked.
"So, is this the Duchess of Franco? She looks like she doesn't please you like me, Juan." she said.
Catarina stood up and looked at Maria and then at Juan, who couldn't face his wife. Catarina was fuming red in her face and her icy blue eyes were like daggers at the both of them.
Catarina looked at Maria.
"I do not know who you are or where you came from, but this is my husband. You job is done. He got what he wanted form you. There is nothing left for you in this tent and if you think he loves you, you are more foolish than that dress you are wearing. As much as this hurts to here, find yourself out of this tent and go to another tent or a convent, as they will be the only ones to accept you. If I see you anywhere near my husband's tent again, I will write to Queen Juana, as her new granddaughter-in-law and have you shipped off to the Canaries. The choice is yours." she said, glaring at her husband's mistress.
Maria looked fearfully at Catarina. She bowed to both her and Juan and left the tent, in a hurry.
Catarina looked at her husband, who still couldn't look at her.
She faced away from him.
"I now know my place in this marriage and I will make sure I stick to it. I just hope that our child doesn't see me unhappy." she said.
Juan looked up at her.
"Child?" he asked.
Catarina turned toward him.
"Yes. I found out when I also found out you were hurt and sick. I took a litter to come care for you. I will do that and once you are better, I will return to Sada Palace and pray for your safety." she said, as she left the tent.
After seeing his wife leave, Juan began to cry silent tears and he hoped he could make this mistake right and see the happiness in his wife's eyes again.
25 June 1554
Pamplona, Navarre
Queen Juana sat, once again, in the war room of Navarre's castle waiting for the former King to arrive. The month had flown by with all the preparations that were needed, and she had finally come to discuss the terms of the surrender, the remaining three candidates for the new Queen of Navarre, and to let King Henry know which of his nobles and generals would forfeit their lives along with his. She had promised that the executions would be beheadings, though traitors deserved to be drawn and quartered, so at least their deaths would be swift. The executions had been set by the Spanish council for the twenty-ninth of June. She glanced behind her to her son, Charles, who came more out of concern for her health than her safety, as the doors opened, and King Henry walked in.
"Your Majesty," King Henry of Navarre bowed. "I assume you have come to discuss the finalization of the surrender and . . . other relative matters."
"Yes," Juana replied. "The sooner everything is settled, the better for all concerned."
"We are in agreement, at least on that matter."
"Then shall we begin?" Queen Juana asked, to which Henry nodded. She noted the lack of his nobles at this meeting, and was about to ask when he answered her question without the words being spoken.
"The council of Navarre and I agreed that this meeting should be between you and I, as none of them really want to hear if they will live or die just yet."
Juana nodded and opened the documents in front of her.
"We have three candidates for the new Queen of Navarre that I would like to discuss with you," she said.
"Discuss with me?" King Henry questioned. He was truly shocked at the gesture.
"Yes. I feel that since you know your people better than I do, for the stability of the realm, we should discuss them and then I will take your recommendations under consideration before coming to the conclusion," Juana said, frankly. Henry could appreciate this sentiment. Perhaps his people would not be ignored, as he once thought they might should this scenario come about. He nodded in reply.
Juana continued, "We have narrowed the choices down to the Infanta Maria, who currently resides in Portugal with her husband, John Oldenburg, former Prince of Denmark; the Infanta Isabel de Aviz, Duchess of Coimbria, who also resides in Portugal with her husband and young children; and the Infanta Elizabeth, Princess of Asturias, who is the wife of my great-grandson Luis, Prince of Asturias. They currently reside in Castile with their young daughter, Infanta Isabel."
King Henry thought for a moment about what he knew about each of these young women. "Your majesty, we demanded that the woman chosen be a descendant of your late father, King Ferdinand of Aragon, not the wife of a descendant."
Juana smiled. It did not surprise her that he was objecting to Elizabeth based on that. She explained, "Infanta Elizabeth is a direct descendant of my late father, your Grace. She may be the wife of my great-grandson, but she is also the daughter of my late sister, Queen Katherine of England." King Henry nodded again, understanding why the young Infanta was also included. Katherine of Aragon had a legacy of being a strong and able Queen, despite the turmoil that her marriage to the late King of England had wielded upon her.
"Then their children would be doubly descended from your late father?" Henry questioned.
"Yes," Juana replied, "I suppose that they would."
King Henry thought a few moments longer, then said, "Then I think we have our Queen in Elizabeth, Princess of Asturias, Your Majesty."
Juana was already in agreement with him, but wanted reasons that the other two ladies should not become Queen. "Explain, your Grace."
"I am certain that the other two ladies would fair well if named our Queen, but," he paused. "The Infanta Maria is married to a displaced Prince who might, in his own interests, seek to take the throne from her, and that would cause more unrest in Navarre, which the people definitely do not need. Besides, she is older and although she has children to succeed her, she could die relatively soon. The same objection applies to the Infanta Isabel de Aviz, but her husband is not heir to a throne of his own, as your great-grandson is. Infante Luis is less likely to object to his wife's rule or to become jealous of her raise in station. With that said, the fact that their children are descendants of your late father on both sides would promote more loyalty to the Aragonese claim to the throne of Navarre and provide more stability, rather than less, within this realm."
Queen Juana nodded slowly. "Then it is settled, if Elizabeth agrees, and she will become the new Queen of Navarre, in her own right."
"It appears so," King Henry replied.
"It will take a few weeks for Elizabeth to arrive here. In the meantime, her husband Luis can act on her behalf, as he will become King Consort of Navarre," Juana stated, and Henry nodded his agreement to the terms.
"I don't see why that would be a problem for my people," Henry said.
Now that the question of the new Queen is settled," Juana began again, "we will be restructuring the system of nobility here. Frankly, your current system leans heavily on the side of birth and leaves no room, and by extension, no hope or reason for the people to remain loyal to the crown, as they cannot see a way to advance their current position. In Spain . . . "
"Majesty," Henry interrupted her, "this is not Spain. The people understand that things are the way they are here."
"Tradition is all well and good, and we will not totally diminish that, but we do want the people to understand that good deeds towards the crown here will be rewarded," Juana explained. "In addition to your established nobility, we will include the creation of minor noble, Barons and the like, that will advance through merit."
Henry thought for a moment before answering. Perhaps that would be an added benefit. He had never before considered the idea because the way their government worked was understood, but perhaps giving the people hope of a new life would be just as good.
"As for the gruesome part of this task, the Duke of Najera, along with the Counts of Viguera and Bigorre, and the Viscount of Bearn will forfeit their lives, as we have hard evidence that they have spies loyal to them who have relayed information to the French Crown on your behalf."
Henry nodded once again. This was not unexpected.
"The Counts of Carcassone and Benauges are to be exiled to France, or any other realm, and have their titles stripped from them, but will forfeit their lives if found in Navarre after the new Queen is crowned, along with the Viscount of Narbonne. However, we have found no reason to punish the Count of Foix, being my late step-mother was of that family, or his lordship, Gaston Vela, Count of Candale, provided they swear an oath to Queen Elizabeth," Juana informed him, reading her notes.
Henry took a moment to write down these conditions, so he could pass them on to his nobles later in his chambers.
"What of my daughter, Princess Jeanne?" Henry asked, her future being secured was of the utmost importance to him.
"Lady Jeanne," Juana corrected, "will be married to our newly created Duke of Lautrec. The gentleman we have in mind for this honored position is a widowed foreigner with a sound mind and reputation, and treated his late wife with the utmost respect. As long as Jeanne gives him no cause to be suspicious of her actions, she will be safe and well treated. Perhaps, she may even fall in love with him, in time."
"Who is he?"
"His name is Lord Alexandre Dumane. If I am not mistaken, he was born around the same time as Lady Jeanne, and he has no children by his former wife. He has been informed of the match and will arrive here with the Infanta Elizabeth for her coronation," Juana said.
"How much do you know about him? Is he an honorable man?"
"Henry, as a parent, you know that I will never be able to ease your fears for your daughter and her future just with mere words, but if it will help, I will tell you this," Juana replied, "Lord Alexandre, or Alex as he is called, was born in France, which should give Jeanne some small comfort. His father was lost at sea on an expedition about ten years ago, while in service to the Crown of Castile. His mother died in childbirth mere months before his father left and he was entrusted to the care of my daughter, Eleanor, who raised him as her own until he married. He is a devout Catholic, which may not please your daughter, as he will require her to convert, but he will help her with her new faith and he will be kind and generous to her. As for his honor, I trust him with the Princess of Asturias, even without her ladies present, as he would never do anything that would go against his conscience."
Henry sighed with relief at hearing her words. "At least my daughter will have the chance to be happy and will be protected."
"She will be protected by the Crown. That much I can assure you. If I ever feel she is in danger, I will make certain she is brought to me personally in Castile," Juana promised. "Should Jeanne prove herself to be an honorable wife to him, he will give her every freedom accorded to a Christian woman, who is a wife and, hopefully, in time, a mother."
"Thank you, your Majesty," Henry replied. "Although I am still worried for my daughter, I do feel some better knowing that the man she will marry is someone of position who will treat her properly."
Queen Juana nodded and handed the papers to her son, who, in turn, took them to the former King of Navarre for his signature.
Henry read the documents and sighed. He picked up his quill to sign, but paused. "May I ask when we are to die?"
Juana looked at the man with some sympathy at this point. That could not have been an easy question for him to ask. "The date is set for the twenty-ninth of June. You have four days. Tomorrow night, you will address your people and explain the situation, as well as give them the news of Elizabeth becoming their Queen. My son, Charles, has written your address and has it for your review."
Henry thought for a moment. 'Four days. In four days I will be dead and these worries will no longer matter.' "May I spend that time with my daughter, or will I be held prisoner in our dungeons?"
"By all means, as long as you do not try to run from this sentence, you are free to spend your time with your child within the confines of your palace. We will not take this place from you while you still draw breath," Juana replied.
Henry sighed once more and signed the documents in front of him, placing Navarre's future, and his daughter's, into the hands of his enemy, who now, seemed more like a friend.
26 June 1554
Queen Juana's tents, Spanish Camp, near Pamplona, Navarre
Queen Juana sat at her table with the paper and ink in front of her, preparing to write the letter that would change her great-granddaughter's life. This was one of the most joyous, yet one of the most complicated letters she had ever been tasked with writing. She picked up her quill, looked at the paper, and began. . .
To her most serene highness, Regent of Castile and Aragon, the Infanta Elizabeth, Princess of Asturias,
Dearest Great-granddaughter,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. The war is going well for us. Navarre has surrendered without much bloodshed during these latest battles. Luis, your husband, is fine and misses you greatly, as do I.
With the surrender of Navarre, comes the appointment of a new monarch for their empty throne. The former King of this realm has demanded that the new monarch be a Queen, not a King, as the people expected his daughter to inherit the throne and he wishes to shake their future as little as possible. After much deliberation of the women capable of such a role, our decision, including the opinion of the former King of Navarre, is that you are to be their next Queen regent. Luis, will become your Consort here, and for the time, Isabel will be the heir to their throne as Princess of Viana, until what time, you deliver a son.
Your immediate presence is required, as we have a coronation to plan, as well as a new government to set up and put into place. Elizabeth, I am certain this is not the future you expected when you married my great-grandson, but you are the daughter of my beloved sister, the late Queen Katherine of England, and the granddaughter of the great Catholic monarchs. It is your destiny, your birthright, and your duty. Be strong and bear this with all the grace I know you possess.
With much affection and love,
Juana, Queen of Castile and Argon
As she signed the letter and dried the ink, the flaps to her tent opened and Luis approached her, bowing to his great-grandmother. "You wanted to see me, your Majesty?"
"Luis," Queen Juana began, "I have just completed my letter to your wife and summoned you as I felt it best that you take it to her immediately."
"Me?"
Juana smiled at the young man before her. "Yes, Luis, pack some of your things. You are going to Castile to see your wife and tell her that she will soon be the Queen of Navarre."
Luis forgot himself and rushed out of the tent. He was going to see his wife after so long away from her. It was then he remembered and reentered his great-grandmother's tent.
"My apologies, your Majesty," he said, bowing.
"None are needed," Queen Juana smiled and laughed. "Your actions are completely understandable. Now, go."
Luis bowed again and exited the tent once more. He ran to gather his things. The sooner he was packed, the sooner he would see his wife. He couldn't wait.
29 June 1554
Prison courtyard of Pamplona
The scaffolds were erected. The guards for the day had been hired. They were Spanish, of course. The merchants had set up their tables with food stuffs. Ale and wine were being served. The people gathered at dawn to witness the executions of the nobles of Navarre, but more importantly, their King. Queen Juana was not present that day. The Spanish council thought it best, but the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles, was there in her stead, acting on her behalf and in the interests of the newly named Queen of Navarre, Elizabeth, Princess of Asturias.
The morning had been uneventful as one by one, the nobles of Navarre were led from the prison to their deaths. The executioner chosen for the event was strong and had good aim. He had easily taken the heads of the nobles in a single blow, making the executions seem merciful compared to other forms of death that the Spanish could have used. Their wives and children had been warned to either stay away or not cause a scene, and most had chosen the former. The rest had behaved themselves, despite their grief. There was only one left now. He would die too, but he would die last. Their former King still had a job to do, and he knew he must do this before his eternal rest could come.
The former King of Navarre was led from the prison to the scaffold like the others before him, only his hands were not tied as a criminal would be bound; like his nobles had been. He looked at his people as he walked, grateful not to see his daughter among them. Jeanne was his world and though he was not the perfect father, he had always tried to protect her from gruesome details that her husband would see to when she was Queen. However, that was not to be. Elizabeth would be the next Queen of Navarre because he had chosen to surrender rather than let his daughter starve in the palace. Jeanne was shown every kindness possible by the Spanish and she would be married to a Duke soon after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. She would be under the protection of the crown. She would live, and she would have the status of a noble woman to support her. Henry contented himself with this as he climbed the stairs to the scaffold and stood before the people of Navarre.
His people grew quiet as he stood there for a moment, looking out at them. There were mixed feelings among them, as some adored their King and his family and others despised them. Henry closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began his speech.
"My dear people of Navarre, I have come here, as you know, to die. The reasons for my death could be argued, but I, in truth, am reconciled to the fact that I will die here today and will soon meet our God to face my judgement. I may not have been a perfect King in my time here on earth, but I have tried to do as I saw best for all of us. For what mistakes I have made, I ask now for your forgiveness and for the Lord's.
I urge each and every one of you to sign the oath of allegiance to your new Queen. She has been chosen with much deliberation between Queen Juana, the Holy Roman Emperor, Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, and myself. She will be here within the month, and I also ask that you show her every respect, as the loyal subjects I know you capable of being. She may be young, but she is the granddaughter of your rightful King, from whom my family usurped the throne many years ago, the late King Ferdinand II of Aragon. By the grace of God, the late King won this nation before his untimely death, and his heirs should have been sitting on the throne, in my stead, all this time. For that," he said, looking at Charles, "I ask your forgiveness." Henry paused, waiting for a response.
Charles nodded at the condemned man and said, "On behalf of the descendants of the late King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Castile, you are forgiven. May you meet your maker with a clear conscience on that matter."
As the people in the courtyard cheered, Henry responded with a nod and his thanks before continuing. "I ask you not to judge the Spanish or the new Queen harshly, until what time, if ever, they are proven to be foul. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves, regardless of the past. I beg you to give them the chance to rule you, but also to serve you as monarchs. It is not only God's will, but my dying wish that you continue long into the future, with as much peace and prosperity as God sees fit to grant you." Henry paused and looked at the crowd, which was listening to his words in utter silence. "It is my will that my daughter, Lady Jeanne, be given everything of mine that is personal in nature and does not belong to the crown of Navarre, with the sole exception of this," he took off a ring that he wore, which was not his signet ring as the King. "This is a ring belonging to my family heir. I do hereby today freely give this ring to Queen Elizabeth, through her grandfather, the Holy Roman Emperor. Although she became Queen of this nation by an act of surrender, she is, upon my command today, accepted as part of my family, freely and truly." Henry held out the ring for Charles to take. This was not part of the speech Charles had written for the man, so he was shocked, and it showed to the people that this gesture was not preplanned. Charles stepped forward to receive the gift.
"On behalf of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, I accept this token and thank you for your generosity of spirit in including her as part of your family," Charles said, taking the ring and holding it in his hand.
"Lastly, I ask that you pray for my soul, and those of the men who also died here today. Pray that we will find mercy at the feet of our Lord and that our sins are forgiven. It is thus that I will now take my leave of you and this world. May God bless each and every one of you," Henry concluded. He then knelt on the scaffold, which still held the blood of his nobles in its boards, said a prayer, and then laid his head on the block. After one final breath, he stretched out his arms and Charles nodded to the executioner, who raised his axe and swung hard. It was then that Henry's world went dark.
A/N I know, I know this chapter is very long lol I hope you all enjoyed reading it. Also, I know this chapter pretty much focused Spain and it's battle, but it was pretty much necessary. Its events are very important, so I hope you all don't mind it. I hope you all like the storyline and the plot twists, because it isn't over lol. Please Read and Review! I love reading your reactions and Chapter 38 will be out shortly!
