Chapter 40

(This chapter is full of short scenes that happened during the coronation ball of Elizabeth I of Navarre. If anyone ends up confused, just remember that these things are all happening more or less at the same time, or over the course of the ball itself. They have been arranged as close to chronologically as possible when mixing characters within the same scene. As always, thank you all for reading and continuing to support the story!)

1 August 1554
The Coronation Ball of Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre
Pamplona, Navarre

Elizabeth and Luis joined their guests on the dance floor to lead the opening dance of the ball. If they were not impressed with their Queen yet, they would be after this. Elizabeth's mother, the late Queen Katherine, had ensured that all of her daughters knew the customary court dances to perfection. It was a skill that Elizabeth hated when she was younger, but was now grateful that her mother had insisted that she practice each one until they were all properly mastered. Following suit, the nobles of Navarre paired with their spouses or betrothed, and joined the Queen and King.

Seeing what was going on with the Queen and King, other guests began to join them on the floor, pairing up as appropriate. King Henri II of France asked his wife to dance, which would have been unusual in itself, were they at French Court, but here, it was expected. Charles asked his mother to accompany him, and Queen Juana accepted despite her age. She wanted to show this younger generation how it was done. Crown Prince Eric of Sweden and his wife, Crown Princess Matilda joined the others, as did the Scottish Princes with their wives.

King Henry IX of England looked around nervously. He had not danced with another woman since he married Queen Anne and was not quite certain what to do. However, seeing how uneasy her brother looked, Isabella slowly approached him and whispered, "Shall we little brother?" Harry was about to reject her, given his feelings towards her, but for this one night, he decided to put those feelings aside. "Certainly," he replied and the two joined the other guests on the dance floor, after all, no one would dare spread a rumor about the King of England dancing with his widowed sister.

The Infanta Catarina was talking with Lady Sancha near the throne when Juan's eyes fell on his wife. He knew she wouldn't dance, being with child, but he wanted so much to hold her in his arms, or at least be able to speak to her. He was about to walk towards her when his mother-in-law, Queen Mary of Portugal stopped him. "As my husband could not accompany me here, Juan, would you do me the honor, seeing as how my daughter would not risk your child for a dance?" Juan was pulled from his thoughts as he turned towards the older woman and bowed. "The honor would be mine, your Grace," he replied, hoping Catarina wouldn't mind this pairing.

From the corner of her eye, Catarina saw her husband move towards the dance floor with a beautiful woman on his arm and she felt discouraged. Once again, he had forsaken her with someone else. "Catarina," Lady Sancha began, "who is that woman on your husband's arm?" Catarina sighed at the question and was about to answer that she didn't know, when Juan spun his partner around waiting for the dance to begin. She half-laughed at her previous thoughts when she saw that the beautiful woman was her own mother. There was no harm in the dance. Her mother was thinking of her best interests and a man dancing with his mother-in-law was no cause for gossip, especially when his wife was with child.

Archduke Ferdinand, who was widowed, sat in a chair near an open window. He had never been one for court activities. That was his late wife's area. He was watching the couples pair up when a woman approached him. "Your Grace," she said, dipping into a curtsy, "Would you mind if I joined you?" He looked at the unfamiliar face and nodded, waving his arm towards one of the other chairs. "I am Princess Anna of Denmark. I hope you forgive my boldness, but I am not one for dancing and simply did not want to sit alone while this was going on." Ferdinand thought for a moment and then nodded. He was not familiar with the House of Oldenburg, at least not this part of it, for Princess Anna was the daughter of King Christian, the current monarch, who had overthrown his sister's husband. He sighed and wondered when it would be polite to excuse himself from the party.

Prince Edward, Duke of York, looked around the room. There were young noble girls all around him, but he was not interested in them. His eyes fell on the young girl that he now knew to be the Princess Elisabeth Valois of France. She was very young, but her beauty was astounding. He saw her parents on the floor, waiting for the dance to begin and took his chances as he approached her. "Your highness," he began, "I am Prince Edward Tudor of England. Would you honor me with this dance?" Elisabeth couldn't believe that he was asking her. She knew she would probably not be asked because she was so much younger than the other girls at the ball, but not only was she being asked to dance, it was the most handsome prince there who was asking her. She caught her mother's eye, who nodded. "It would be my pleasure, Prince Edward." He held out his hand and she rose from her chair, and the two joined the others on the dance floor.

Once everyone was in place, Queen Elizabeth signaled for the musicians to begin and the dance started. The couples whirled around the room in synchronization to the music, and the room became a fluster of activity. At the end of the dance, the room applauded, and Elizabeth and Luis bowed to their guests, as was customary, before returning to their thrones. The others broke apart from their partners and the socializing began.


Matilda was dancing the next dance with her father, leaving Crown Prince Eric on his own for a time. Eric spotted the woman who had caught his eye earlier in the receiving room. She was standing along by a table filled with fruits from all over Europe. It was a known fact that Queen Juana had spared no expense for the coronation ball of her niece, including hiring an entourage of chefs from all over the continent. He walked over to the woman and introduced himself. "My lady," he began, "I am Eric Vasa, Crown Prince of Sweden, and your beauty has me stunned. I had to introduce myself." He bowed to her, kissing her hand.

She curtsied to the Prince and then spoke, "I am Queen Catherine de Medici of France, your highness." She paused to await his reaction when he realized who she was.

"Your Grace, forgive me," Eric said, not wanting to insult her. "I was not aware that the Queen of France was so young or beautiful."

"Thank you," Catherine replied, "but youth is something I have left behind me."

"Not from where I stand, your Grace," Eric stated, slyly.

Catherine knew the lines too well. Her husband, King Henri, often used them when he wanted something, mostly, another heir. However, this young man who claimed he did not know who she was made her feel alive again, even if his remarks were inappropriate for a married Queen.

"What brings you to Navarre, your highness?" Catherine asked, wondering where Henri was at that moment.

"My wife is the niece of Queen Elizabeth," Eric informed her. "I thought seeing her Aunt would do her some good, as she has been feeling homesick lately." He wanted to impress this woman with his consideration of his wife, seeing as how it was rumored that King Henri of France was known to prefer his mistress to his wife.

"I see," Catherine responded. "How considerate of you." She took a sip of wine from her goblet and smiled at the young man.

"She is dancing with her father at the moment, and rather than interrupt, I thought I would introduce myself to you, seeing as how you have also been abandoned," Eric said.

"My husband seems to have found his own entertainment among those gentlemen," Catherine said with a nod in Henri's direction. Eric's eyes followed her nod to find the man who had accompanied her before engaged in conversation with the Scottish Princes, who were also relatives of his wife.

"Ah, the Scots will keep him busy for quite some time, I am afraid," Eric informed her. "They are known to be excellent conversationalists."

"I am well aware," Catherine replied. "Their sister-in-law, the Dowager Queen, Marie de Guise, was once in my household and she writes to me often concerning their conversational abilities." Catherine scoffed at the later part of her words.

"Perhaps, if your Grace has a mind to," Eric began, "we could keep each other company while our spouses are otherwise engaged?" He smiled at Catherine.

Catherine de Medici knew what this young man was after and it appalled her. She would never cheat on her husband. It would be treason and could ruin her eldest son, Francis' chance at the throne once his father was gone. However, this was a game of politics, so she returned the Crown Prince's smile and simply said, "Perhaps."


"What troubles you, my daughter?" King Henry IX of England asked, holding Matilda in his arms. He knew his daughter well enough to know that she was not happy, despite her efforts to make him believe otherwise.

"It's nothing, father," she replied, looking down as he led her across the dance floor.

"Matilda, I know I am the King of England, but I promise not to start a war over anything you tell me," he laughed.

She smiled a genuine smile at the man who had loved her all her life. Perhaps she could tell him part of what was wrong. He would join her in her sadness, but it was nothing that would become an international affair. "I had a daughter not to long ago. You had another grandchild," she began. Harry knew what the outcome would be, since no birth had been announced.

"What happened, sweetheart?"

"She died before she was born, father. I lost my little girl," Matilda said, tears forming in her eyes.

Harry hugged his daughter as close as the dance would permit, making a mental note to comfort her afterwards. "I am so sorry sweetheart," he said. "You know, your grandmother, my mother, had several children who God called home in a similar way, both before and after I was born."

"Yes," Matilda replied. "I know that it's part of life and God is in control, but I was so looking forward to having another child in the nursery."

"I know it probably doesn't help, but I'm sure there will be more children. The grief you feel will never completely go away, sweetheart, but if God wills it, it could be accompanied by joy with your twins and any future children you have," Harry said, not knowing how to help his daughter. Then, he had a thought. "Why don't you and Eric come to England before you return to Sweden? Seeing your mother might lift your spirits, as well as your other siblings."

"I don't know father," Matilda replied. "I would have to speak to Eric about it. I know he has duties to attend to back home."

"Do that darling," Harry encouraged. "The worst he can do is say no, right?"

"Right," Matilda replied, and began to think about seeing her mother again, which led to her wondering how best to approach her husband with the request.


Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon was sitting down, enjoying a goblet of wine. This was the first time that she was able to have a moment to herself in a long time. This war with France had drained and for the first time, she felt her age.

Suddenly, Juana's youngest child, Dowager Queen Catherine or Catalina in her family. walked up to her mother.
"Madre, I have missed you." she said, as she hugged Juana.

Juana returned the hug.

"Oh, My Catalina. How are you, Hija? How are things in Naples?" she asked.

Catherine smiled.

"It's lovely. My son is a wonderful King. My days as Dowager Queen are mainly spent taking care of my youngest daughter, Princess Christina." she said.

Juana smiled. Despite having numerous grandchildren, she loved them all dearly, even if she had never met them.

Catherine looked at her mother.

"Madre, have you heard about my daughter marrying Lord Diego Mendoza?" she asked.

Juana nodded her head.

"Yes. It will be a wonderful match for her. Your niece was very happy." she said.

Catherine sighed.

"Madre, Giovanna was married for eight years. She never conceived." she gently reminded her.

Juana nodded her head.

"Yes, but Lord Mendoza has a son already, who's expecting his first child. Giovanna will just live a comfortable life as a Spanish Duchess. Also, I will look after her." she said, touching her daughter's hand.

Catherine smiled.

"Thank you so much, Madre." she said.


King Henri Valois of France was engaged with Prince Arthur, Duke of Albany, and Prince Victor, Duke of Montrose, in a conversation concerning marriage alliances when he saw a young man talking with his wife, Queen Catherine, nearby. He wondered who the young man was and was about to ask, when another young man approached their group, and bowed to the King.

"Your Grace," the young man began, "I am Prince Edward Tudor, Duke of York. It is an honor to make your acquaintance."

"The honor is mine, your highness," King Henri replied. "We heard about your incident with that Grey fellow a while back. How are you fairing?"

"With God's help I was able to fully recover from my injuries, sir," Prince Edward replied.

"Of course," Henri said, looking the young man over. "You may be the second son of a King, my young Prince, but God has given us all our roles to play, hasn't he?"

"Yes, your Grace," Prince Edward said. "That is why I wanted to meet you, sire."

"Pardon?" Henri questioned.

"I know that I was once betrothed to your daughter, Princess Elisabeth," Prince Edward began, "and I would like to ask you to consider reinstating that betrothal, sir."

"And why would I do that? My daughter should be a queen, not a duchess."

"For three reasons, your Grace," Edward stated. "First, during my incident with Lord Grey, I was determined that I would not marry unless God himself willed it. I was certain that such a match would never happen, but when I saw your daughter in the receiving room earlier, there was a light about her that could only have been sent from God. I believe he was showing me my future; the woman I was to marry."

"My daughter is no woman yet, young man," Henri said, protectively.

"Yes sir, I am well aware of that, and I am also willing to wait for her until you say she is ready to become my wife," Edward replied calmly, showing Elisabeth all of the respect he could muster. "Secondly, I can promise you that I will commit myself to no other and I will never break my marriage vows with her. God would not be pleased if I did and would surely punish me, but beyond that, though I have little knowledge of your daughter, I can assure you that she already has a place in my heart, and for something like that to have happened so quickly, I believe that it can only have come from God."

Henri thought about this young man's words, but before going too far in his own thoughts, he asked, "And the third?"

"The third, sire?"

5h ago"You said there were three reasons that I should reconsider the match between you and my Elisabeth? What is the third reason, young man?" Henri said.

"Oh, yes," Prince Edward replied. "With all due respect, your Grace, were you not, yourself, a second son, made King?"

Henri paused for a moment, and smiled at the young man before him. Prince Edward certainly had courage in coming to him like this to ask after the Princess' hand.

"How does your father feel about your inquiries into my daughter's hand?" Henri asked.

"My father and I have an understanding, sire," Prince Edward informed him. "He will not force me to marry anyone and should I choose to remain single and in the service of God, then he will never force the issue. However, if I am shown another path to the marriage altar, he will support that. I believe God has blessed me with the chance to come here, not only to see my Aunt crowned, but because He knew that the Princess would be here, and I would be shown His path for my life. I ask you to consider what I have said, sire, and to pray about it. I believe that if this is truly the path God has chosen for me, then He will give you the desire to make it so, as you already have the power to do." Prince Edward bowed to the King of France and took his leave, leaving the man with a lot to think about.

Henri once again turned to the side of the room where his Queen was standing with that same young man. The young man looked to be flirting with his wife and Henri silently laughed to himself at the thought of anyone wanting her, but then he saw Catherine smile. She was enjoying his attentions! Henri put aside the thoughts of Prince Edward's request and turned his attention towards his Queen. She was his, and even if he didn't want her most of the time, no one would take her from him. He would put an end to this flirtation and reclaim what was his, ball or no ball.


Prince Edward refused to let the fear inside him consume him as he walked away from the King of France. He knew that God had a reason for his accompanying his father to Navarre instead of William, the Prince of Wales. He now knew that Elisabeth was the reason. He felt certain that she was the one who God had chosen for him, and he was determined to help God's plan fall into place. He knew very little about the young girl, but he already felt protective of her and despite her youth, he knew that if she was not to become his wife, he would never marry. Anxiously, he glanced around the room, looking for his Aunt. He was drawn to the idea that she might be able to help him with this endeavor. When he found her, she was talking with her husband, which made her easy to approach.

Edward bowed to his Aunt and Uncle when he reached the spot they were standing and waited to be acknowledged, as was custom.

"Edward, my darling nephew," Elizabeth said, smiling at the young man, who was closer to her age than her brother. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, your majesty," Edward replied. "I was hoping that I might be able to enlist your help in a personal matter."

Elizabeth was intrigued by this request. "What matter is that?"

"I'm sure you have been told of my situation when it comes to marriage and my recent thoughts on the matter, given the situation with Lady Jane?" Edward asked.

"Yes, your mother wrote to me," Elizabeth replied.

"I believe that God is the reason I was sent here with my father instead of Prince William," Edward told her, knowing how pious she was, "and I now believe the reason for that was so I could make the acquaintance of Princess Elisabeth of France."

"Edward," Queen Elizabeth began, "the princess is a nine-year old girl. She cannot possibly marry you for quite some time. Why do you believe that God would want you to wait that long to settle down and start a family?"

"I don't know His reasons, your majesty, but I do know that when I first saw the princess, she was enveloped in a halo of light that could have only come from our Heavenly Father," Edward answered, honestly. "I believe it was his way of showing me that she was the one intended to be my wife."

Elizabeth thought about his statement for a few moments. Stranger things had happened to her, like the dream of her mother, who had told her this day, her coronation, was coming, though the details had been vague. Suddenly, she saw a vision of her mother standing by the throne of Navarre. Katherine did not speak, but simply nodded at her daughter and then faded from her sight.

Elizabeth was stunned for a moment, but only a moment, before looking at Edward and replying, "Of course I will help you. I do not know when or how, but I will do whatever I can to make certain that your marriage to the Princess of France comes to pass."

"Thank you, your Majesty," Prince Edward replied, and bowed, before leaving her and Luis to continue their conversation.


Infante Juan had just danced finished a dance and was craving a goblet of wine. He walked over to a servant and grabbed a drink. He searched the room for his wife and came face to face with her. She was sitting, talking to her cousin, Lady Sancha de Mendoza. Since both women were pregnant, they could not dance and risk injuring themselves or their unborn children. Juan really wanted to dance with his wife.

Suddenly, Queen Mary of Portugal was next to him.

It's a beautiful night. Perhaps Catarina would love a walk on the Gardens." she suggested.

Juan nodded at his mother-in-law and walked over to Catarina, who was now alone.

He cleared his throat.

"Would you like to get some air, sweetheart?" he asked.

Catarina glared at her husband. She didn't know why he was trying to act as if there was no problems between them. She did not like not being able to voice how angry she was at him. However, she was rather bored and wanted to get fresh air.
She rose and took her husband's hand without saying a word to him.

When they were outside, they both marveled and couldn't help but smile at the fireworks in the distance from peasants celebrating their new Queen, Elizabeth I.

Juan turned toward Catarina.

"I'm glad we are alone. I've wanted to talk to you. I've never properly thanked you for dropping everything and coming to me when I was near death. I know now that I can trust you with everything. It's nice to know that my wife actually cares for me." he said, as he attempted to kiss her.

However, Catarina moved and refused his advance.

"My Lord, I was simply doing what any true Christian wife would do for their husband. I am simply following our wedding vows before God." she said coldly.

Juan sighed.

"What can I do to earn your forgiveness? I do not want you returning to Sada Palace without me. I am sorry that I laid with that woman, but she and no other woman means nothing to me. No matter who is in my bed, you will always be my heart, my love, my everything." he said.

Catarina turned towards him, her blue eyes blazing with anger.

"You say you love me, but you cannot ignore you carnal lust. My forgiveness is the least you should worry about. I am with child. I am facing the greatest danger in my life. However, if the Lord decides to summon me to his side, I know I will make it there. Can you say the same, husband?" she said.

Juan shook his head.

"No, but I am already living without your love and Hell would not be worse. Being without my Catarina is more painful than the Lake of Fire." he said.

Catarina felt tears come to her eyes. Why was she about to cry?

"Excuse me, Husband." she said, as she picked up her dress and began to walk to the Palace, leaving her husband bewildered.


"Greetings, wife," King Henri of France said as he approached his wife, who was still talking with the Crown Prince of Sweden.

Catherine looked at him. "Husband," she acknowledged. "May I introduce you to Eric Vasa, Crown Prince of Sweden?" She gestured to the young man standing beside her.

Eric bowed, "Your majesty."

"Your Highness," Henri replied, and turned back to his wife. "I saw you engaged in what looked like a very amusing conversation and had to see what the fuss was about."

"The Crown Prince was entertaining me while I waited for you to finish with the Scots," Catherine said.

"Ah, I see," Henri replied. "Well, if your highness will excuse us, I need to discuss something with my wife concerning our daughter."

"Of course, your majesty," Eric said, "Queen Catherine, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He kissed her hand and bowed to them both before turning to make his way to the refreshment tables.

Catherine turned to Henri, obviously annoyed that he had interrupted the conversation she was having with the Crown Prince. Catherine knew she was not as young as some in the room, but she had enjoyed the Prince's attention, however short it may have been. "Is Elisabeth okay?" she asked, looking around the room for her daughter.

"Yes, she is fine. Prince Edward, Duke of York, approached me about reinstating his betrothal to our daughter, Catherine. He made some interesting points, though I do not know if I like the idea of Elisabeth becoming a mere Duchess," Henri informed her. "I wanted your thoughts on the matter before I started considering it."

"And what did Prince Edward say that has you willing to consider such a request?" Catherine asked.

"That he believed that God had a hand in this. You know the rumors of what happened during his recovery?" Henri questioned. Catherine nodded. Even in France they had heard that the Prince was visited by angels in his dreams while he lay at death's door. "He said that William was going to accompany King Henry here to Navarre, but that for some reason, plans were changed at the last minute. Edward firmly believes it was so he could see our daughter face to face. He claims that when he first saw her in the reception room earlier, she was enveloped in a halo of light, and that he is certain that God did this to show him his path to the marriage altar."

"I had heard that the young Prince had been given some input into his marriage arrangements after he spoke to his father once he had woke from his injuries," Catherine said. "Perhaps it is all true. You know, as well as I do, that God can and does work in mysterious ways when it comes to these things."

"He also reminded me that I, too, was once a second son and now I am King," Henri said. Catherine gasped at his words.

"My, the young Prince is bold," she said, but was somewhat lost in her own thoughts. Few had the nerve to speak to her husband like that and remind him he was not meant to be King. Perhaps God had sent young Prince Edward a message concerning their daughter.

"Yes," Henri replied. "He asked me to pray about the matter and said that if it was indeed God's plan for his life, that God would show me a way to desire the outcome of their marriage as he does."

"Well, I do know that Elisabeth was taken with the Prince when she saw him," Catherine said. "She was even wise enough to comment that there are not enough nations in the world, let alone Europe, to make even Princess a Queen. Perhaps, she would be settled with being a Royal Duchess instead of a Queen? What do you think about the situation?"

Henri thought about his wife's words. "I think it is time that I danced with my daughter." Henri left to find Elisabeth as Catherine's jaw dropped to the floor. Maybe God's hand was in the middle of all of this, if Henri was willing to consider their daughter's feelings on the matter.


He stood in the corner of the room, unnoticed by most of the people at the ball. He was dressed in his finest and did not stand out from the other guests. He made no attempt to call attention to himself. He knew that the others would find him when they were ready. As he waited, he watched her carefully. She was beautiful and graceful; she was born to be a Queen. But not the Queen of Navarre. Princess Jeanne was the heir to the throne, not the granddaughter of Ferdinand, who had stolen the throne in 1514 when he conquered the nation. Fortunately, Ferdinand had neglected his duties, allowing the d'Albret's to seize power without any trouble. No, this new Queen wouldn't do for those loyal to the true queen, Jeanne.

His cohorts joined him. "Is it ready then?" the older man asked.

"Almost," he replied. "They need three days to finish the preparations."

"It was supposed to be ready by tonight so that usurper wouldn't have even one day to rule our beloved nation," the other man said.

"Unfortunately, they were delayed by the guards the Spanish witch set up around the city walls," he informed them. "If the guards had seen what was going on in the forest, then it would be the end of us all."

The other two men nodded. They had been so careful in planning the actions that were coming. Nothing could mess up their chance to put Princess Jeanne in her rightful place on the throne, instead of the Tudor Princess that had been crowned earlier that very day. The two other men looked around the room and decided that their conversation needed to end, as they risked being overheard. The three agreed to meet in the hunting lodge a mile out of the city the next morning, then went about the party as if the conversation had not taken place.

He was left alone again; alone to imagine the rightful Queen on the throne and the rewards she would bestow upon them once it was done.


Lady Elizabeth Brandon was a young woman and was in marvel at all that was around her. She was the daughter of the late Duke of Suffolk, Charles Brandon and the late Princess Margaret of Aragon, daughter of Ferdinand and half-sister of Queen Juana. She was a lovely young woman with dark hair, pale skin and beautiful eyes. However, by the time she was six years old and her brother, James was ten, both their parents were dead and they finished growing up in the Court of Queen Juana. Now that her brother was a Duke in Navarre, she hoped she could get a position with her cousin, the Queen or with little Princess Isabel.

Suddenly, Prince Eric of Sweden walked up to her and smiled.

"It is a beautiful night, isn't it?" he asked.

Lady Elizabeth bowed and nodded.

"It is, Your Highness." she said.

Eric smiled slyly.

"However, I think you are more beautiful than Aphrodite herself." he said.

Elizabeth blushed, but moved away from him slightly.

"Thank you, Your Highness. However, I do not think it's proper to be in the company of a man without my brother." she said.

Eric laughed.

"It is no harm. We can have quite a wonderful evening. We will dance here and then we shall go to my private chambers. How does that sound?" he asked.

Lady Elizabeth gasped. No man had ever made a sexual advance to her.

"My Lord, I beg you to return to your wife. I am not well," she said, becoming frightened.

Eric smiled.

"Darling, I crave you. Let me have you." he said.

Suddenly, a sword was placed to Eric's back and he froze in place.

"If you come any closer to my sister, I shall run you through with this sword so far, it will be buried with you." a voice said.

Eric turned and was face to face with James Brandon, Elizabeth's eighteen year old older brother.

Eric smiled.

"What will you do with that toy, little boy?" he asked.

James placed the sword to Eric's neck.

"One more step towards my sister and Queen Elizabeth will not have to have your head, because it will belong to me," he said.

Eric glared at the young man and walked away from the two teenagers.

James hugged his sister.

"Are you alright, Lizzie?" he asked.

Lady Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes, clutched her older brother.

"I want to go to bed. Please escort me to my room." she said.

With that, James led his sister to the safety of her room and kissed her goodnight.


Inside the palace, the musicians were playing the final notes of the latest dance and as they finished the attendees applauded. King Henri stood with his daughter on the dance floor, but offered her his arm to escort her back to a window seat where she could cool down, as her mother always liked to do after a dance.

"Your mother tells me that you would not be opposed to marrying Prince Edward of England, daughter. Is this right?" he asked the girl.

"I see nothing wrong with becoming the wife of a Duke, your Majesty," Princess Elisabeth responded. "As I told mother, no matter how many princesses there are in Europe, not all of us can become Queens. There simply aren't enough countries for that."

King Henri almost laughed that at nine-years old his daughter was wise enough to understand that, and she was right. There were not enough nations for all of the Princesses of Europe to have crowns on their heads. Perhaps he should try and speak with King Henry IX of England and see if a new betrothal could be arranged for their children. If his Elisabeth could not be a Queen, she should at least have the husband she prefers. Perhaps their union would be more loving than his with her mother had been, especially if Prince Edward was true to his word to remain faithful.


Queen Elizabeth of Navarre glanced around the room slowly. The ball was going well and there had been no outbursts of anger, despite their being so many rulers in one place. She saw her sisters, Queen Mary of Portugal and Princess Isabella, Dowager Marchioness of Moya together in the corner of the room, talking. She smiled at the sight, as she had once heard that the two sisters were at bitter odds with each other over the throne of Portugal. She walked over to where they were sitting.

"Mind if I join the conversation, sisters?" Elizabeth asked. Despite being a Queen herself, she still felt as though they both outranked her, as her older sisters, though she knew logically that the thought was ridiculous.

"Not at all," Mary replied, while Isabella nodded. Elizabeth pulled up a chair and sat, glad to finally be off her feet for a while. "We were just discussing history. I was telling Isabella the story of how mother stood up to father's mistress, Marina, when it came to her trying to influence you."

"I remember her, barely," Elizabeth replied.
"It's a wonder you remember her at all," Mary said. "You were so young when all of that happened."

"Yes, but I remember mother speaking to her in hushed tones in the garden, after she had told me about my brother in her womb."

A male voice came from behind Elizabeth, "Mind if I join in?" The three women looked up to see their brother, King Henry, standing there with his arms crossed, looking perplexed.

"Why not?" Elizabeth teased. "Might as well make it a family reunion."

Harry sat on the edge of an unused table, which was not like a King, but more like the brother they had grown up around. The three women laughed at his actions.

"Trying not to be a King tonight, Harry?" Isabella chided, in the hopes that he would take it well, remembering old times.

Harry looked at his older sister, who he had been at odds with for years after she had disgraced the family with her marriage to the late King of Portugal, Diego, without the blessing of the Pope. He wasn't sure how to react to her chiding, but he was in a good mood and decided that this family reunion could either help that or hurt it; he would see how the night progressed. He smiled at his sister.

"It's not my court or my kingdom. It's Elizabeth's. I have chosen to behave as a slightly intoxicated guest," he replied, taking another drink from his cup. The action was followed by more laughter from the ladies.

"We were discussing our father's last mistress," Mary informed him.

Harry scoffed. "She was disgusting, wasn't she? Everyone at court knew that she was only with our father for the crown."

"Mother always knew how to handle her, didn't she?" Mary said.

"Yes, but it broke mother's heart to see father with her," Harry replied. "Although, I have to give credit where credit is due. She is one of the reasons I have never strayed from Anne. Watching mother go through that. . . well, I could never do that to my wife. However, Marina served another purpose as well. Our half-sister, Lady Rose, is an absolute beauty, or so I've been told."

"You haven't seen her? She isn't at court?" Isabella asked.

"Not recently," Harry answered. "She's still in the country with her tutors and from what I am told, is extremely pious in her mannerisms. The head of her household tells me she is debating joining the church when she is older."

"A nun?" Mary questioned. "A daughter of Henry VIII . . . a nun?"

Isabella rolled her eyes at the thought, and Harry chuckled. It was Elizabeth who stood up for the idea. "Don't forget, I wanted to join the church as well, before I met and married Luis."

"Yes, but you wanted to become a nun because of what you had seen father do to mother," Isabella said. "She hasn't had that type of influence, most likely. She was raised in the country, away from court."

The four siblings sat silently for a moment, before Harry spoke up. "You'll have to excuse me, dear sisters. I believe the King of France is trying to get my attention."

All three women looked into the room to see King Henri of France staring at their brother. As Harry stood to leave their reunion, for some reason, the three Tudor sisters giggled at the thought of the brother, the King of England, summoned by anyone. There was a single thought going through all three minds; Henry VIII he was not.


King Henri watched as King Henry IX of England walked towards him. He dreaded the conversation that was coming, but he knew it had to happen at some point, and now was as good of a time as any.

"Your Majesty," King Henri said as the English King approached. They were both Kings of nations by blood so royal bows were not necessary, but out of respect, Henri nodded his head.

Harry returned the gesture and replied, "Your Majesty, what can I do for you?"

"It has been brought to my attention by both your son, Prince Edward, and my daughter, Princess Elisabeth, that after meeting, they would like us to reconsider their betrothal," Henri informed him.

Harry looked around for his son, who was indeed talking to Princess Elisabeth of France, with her mother not far away, keeping an eye on the two. Prince Edward looked up and caught his father's eye, seeing he was talking with King Henri of France, nodded at his father, then continued the conversation with the young Princess.

"Forgive me, your Majesty," Harry said. "I was under the impressed that Prince Edward did not wish to marry, but rather would devote his life to the service of God."

"I had heard rumors to that effect myself," Henri said. "In fact, I was rather shocked when the Prince came to me and asked me to reconsider the betrothal personally.

"And what did my son tell you?" Harry asked.

"That although it had been his intention to devote his life to God, even as a Duke, that he believed that God sent him a sign when he first saw my daughter in the reception room. He claimed that she was enveloped in a halo of light, and he believes that it was a sign from God that she is the one that our Lord wants him to marry."

"He said this?"

"Yes. He also said that he understands that Elisabeth is only nine and assured me that if we reinstate their betrothal, that he will faithfully wait for her until I say she is old enough to become his wife," Henri said.

Harry thought about the French King's words. They sounded like Edward, and if Edward believed that Elisabeth was sent by God to be his wife, then Harry would make good on the promise he made to his son and allow the marriage.

"I see," Harry said. "I have no objections to the match, your Majesty. I never have. But one thing troubles me. You did. You didn't want Princess Elisabeth being the wife of a second son. What changed your mind?"

"My daughter changed my mind, your highness," Henri replied. "Even at nine, she seems to understand that not every princess in Europe can become a queen, and she also seems content at the idea of being Edward's wife and a duchess. However, it was your Edward who really convinced me to rethink the idea. He was bold enough to remind me that I was also the second son, but was made King when my brother died. It reminded me that what God wants, God makes happen, regardless of what 'should have been.'"

Harry thought about this, realizing that Edward would have been bold enough to say it. Unlike Prince William, his eldest son and heir to the throne, Edward got what he wanted through logic and reason, sometimes acting beyond his years.

"I will send our ambassador to you upon my return home," Harry informed Henri. "They can settle the terms of the betrothal and obtain the necessary papers from the Pope, since Elisabeth is not yet twelve and of age to agree to the match herself."

"I look forward to it," Henri replied. He nodded once more to Harry, "Your Majesty."

Harry returned the sign of respect and walked towards his son to see if what he had been told by the French King were true. He hoped it was. The matter would settle easier in his mind than Edward remaining alone, even if it was in the service of God.


Eric rushed back into the palace, furious at how he was insulted by Lord James Brandon. He was the future King of Sweden and he could bed any woman he wanted. He walkes back into the ballroom and was met by his wife, Princess Matilda.

Matilda looked away from him, as he kissed her hand..

Eric looked up.

"How is my lovely wife this evening?" he asked.

Matilda nodded.

"I'm well. It feels wonderful seeing my father and brother again. I wish I didn't have to say goodbye to them again." she said honestly.

Eric nodded.

"Well, soon we will be reunited with our children." he said, as they began to walk to their chambers.

Matilda sighed.

"Not all of them." she said.

Eric stayed silent. When it came to the subject of their late daughter, he knew he would never win the argument. It was his fault that Matilda lost her and he secretly hated himself.

Matilda stopped in her tracks and turned to her husband.

"I've been thinking of something all night. Something my Father suggested we do." she said.

Eric cocked his eyebrow.

"What is this request?" he asked.

Matilda sighed. To Eric's surprise, she fell to her knees and looked up.

"Husband, I beseech you to let us return to my homeland to visit my family. The death of our poor daughter has ripped a hole in my heart and I know that seeing my mother again will help me heal." she said.

Eric was torn. His stepmother, Queen Catherine of Sweden, was with child and he wanted to be by his elderly father's side. However, he wanted to stay on Matilda's good side, since his actions indirectly caused her to lose their child.

He knelt down.

"I can't wait to see England, my love." he said.

Matilda looked at him, with shock and surprise. She hugged Eric closely.

"Thank you, Eric. Thank you so much."


"The English bitch must die. There's no doubt about it," Antonio said to the men standing around him. "There's no way she will be allowed to rule here. Princess Jeanne may be a girl, but she is one of us. She was raised here with our customs and our ways. She won't be trying to change the way we do things, not like this Elizabeth will."

The men nodded at him, but the question remained as to how they would carry out the deed. Elizabeth was guarded day and night. It was nearly impossible to get to her, and they all knew it.

Antonio looked at their surroundings. The palace gardens were grand and he enjoyed working with the various plants that were growing at different times of the year. 'Perhaps, when we had put Princess Jeanne on the throne, she will give me a raise,' Antonio thought. He wasn't doing this for a position in the court. He didn't want that life, but a raise would be nice.

"Guards! Guards!" The men turned as they heard a woman shouting for the guards. Dozens of armed men came rushing from the palace to her side, almost immediately. She was looking directly at Antonio. "Arrest that men and his companions. They were plotting to murder our new Queen."

The guards jumped over the hedges with ease, and before the men knew what was happening, they were on the ground with a foot on each of their backs.

Antonio just shook his head at the woman, who he now recognized as the aged Queen of Spain, Juana of Castile. This was just not his night. As he and his men were being led away to the prison, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary of Portugal, and Princess Isabella came out of the palace and joined Juana where she stood, finally recomposed.

"Your Majesty," Elizabeth questioned, "What happened."

"Not now, my dear," Queen Juana answered her. "It can be dealt with later. Enjoy the rest of the night, knowing that those men are in your prison." Juana would tell Elizabeth everything in the morning, but she did not want this event to ruin the young Queen's night of glory.


The guests were leaving slowly, but they were heading to their rooms finally. Elizabeth let out a small sigh of relief. Although she was more than willing to do her duties as Queen of Navarre, and this ball had been one of those duties, she was glad this day was over. Perhaps her life would return to normal, or as normal as possible for a reigning Queen. She sat on the steps of the dais looking out at the remaining guests, willing them to leave so she could join her husband in their shared bedroom, when a woman approached her

"Your Majesty," she said, bowing to the newly anointed Queen of Navarre. "I am Queen Catherine of France. I won't keep you long, but I would like a moment of your time, if I may?"

"Of course, your Grace," Elizabeth replied, motioning to the free space to her right. Catherine sat and looked the young Queen up and down for a moment. "How can I help you?"

"This war between France and Spain has become a nightmare of never ending battles, deaths, and frankly, has been a drain on our treasury. This is not the world I want to leave to my son, where neighbors are fighting neighbors for years on end." Elizabeth nodded at Catherine's words. She understood the loneliness all too well. "I want to put an end to this war, and I would like you to help me do it."

"What can I do?" Elizabeth responded. "I am a Queen, but newly anointed. It is highly unlikely that Queen Juana will listen to me. She spent so many years of her life on the battlefield and I have only heard what my father and brother have said throughout the years concerning matters of war."

"That may be true, and yes, you are new to the throne, but I think you have more of your mother in you than that, my dear," Catherine said. Elizabeth looked at her through new eyes, wondering if this Queen's message came from a higher source, or at least through her mother's spirit. "We leave for France the day after tomorrow. I'd like, if I may, request a meeting with your Majesty tomorrow, say for a luncheon, to discuss some of the ideas I have that might bring an end to this bloodshed."

"Of course, Queen Catherine," Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "I look forward to hearing what you have to say on the matter."

Catherine rose from the dais and curtsied to the Queen of Navarre, then left the room, with Elizabeth watching her. As Elizabeth stood, she felt eyes on her and turned to see King Henri of France, Catherine's husband, looking at her curiously. She smiled and walked towards her brother, grateful for the familiar face.


It was late. Queen Elizabeth sat at her dressing table in her nightclothes, brushing her long hair. She couldn't help but recall the events of the day and how smoothly everything seemed to have gone. She was pleased and had a smile on her face when her husband, Luis, entered the room.

"Elizabeth," he began, "my great-grandmother just informed me that the men she had arrested in the gardens had been plotting a coup to overthrow you and put Jeanne on the throne instead. They are in prison, but I fear for your safety and Isabel's."

Elizabeth sighed. She knew this was part of being a Queen, but didn't expect it to happen quite so soon. "What should I do Luis? I cannot live in these rooms and neither can our daughter."

"For the time being love, we will increase security whenever you go out from the palace grounds. I believe you are safe enough here, but a few extra guards couldn't hurt when you are not," Luis replied. He watched his wife's reaction to his proposal.

"Of course," she replied a few moments later. "There is nothing wrong with extra guards, for a time anyways."

Luis walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Why don't we both go to bed and try to sleep. We've had a long day."

"Sleep?" she replied. She was hoping there would be more between them than resting. She stood up and slipped off her robe, revealing her intentions through the gown she had chosen for the night. Luis eyed his wife and got the hint. "I think we should renegotiate your plan to sleep, husband."

And with that, she led him silently to their bed

A/N I hope you all enjoyed this Chapter 😊 It was based entirely on Queen Elizabeth. I hope you app liked the events. There will be more to come please Read and Review! Chapter 41 is in the works!