Chapter 42

Chapter 42 is here! I am hoping that you are all enjoying the story. I know that this story is getting long and it will get longer. However, I am going to keep writing and I am brainstorming for more Tudor stories. This is the beginning of the year 1555 and there is so much going on this year, particularly with the pregnant women from last year. What do you think you all will happen? What will everyone will have? Will anyone lose their baby? There are so many questions and I hope you all get excited. 1555 will be an amazing and kind of sad year, but we will all get through it. Don't forget to Read and Review! Enjoy Chapter 42!

January 7, 1555

Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden

Crown Princess Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber

Matilda was lying down on her bed, with her head spinning. For a few days now, she had felt unwell. She was supposed to have lunch with the Queen, but she felt terrible. She hoped she didn't appear rude. She knew that she had to get out of bed and get ready.

She sat up and looked at one of her maids.

"Please fetch me a goblet of wine and send my apologies to Queen Catherine." she said.

Before the maid could respond, another maid walked in.

"Your Highness, Queen Katherine is here." she said.

Matilda stood up from bed and nodded her head.

"Show Her Majesty in." she said.

Queen Catherine walked in and Matilda bowed, ignoring the dizzy spell that overcame her.

Queen Catherine smiled. Matilda and the Queen were the same age and had developed a nice friendship. Matilda felt sorry for the young Queen, because she was only nineteen years old and was married to a man nearly forty years her senior. She seemed to be dealing with it well and a few months ago had given birth to her own child with King Gustav, Princess Kristina.

"Matilda, are you well? You look very pale." she said.

Eleanor nodded and kissed her mother's hand, knowing she needed to take her advice.

Matilda nodded her head, but she swooned and her maid caught her.

Queen Catherine ordered them to sit her down.

"Matilda, you are ill." she said.

Matilda nodded her head.

Queen Catherine looked at her stepdaughter-in-law and all of a sudden, she thought of it.

"Matilda, I believe you are with child." she said frankly.

Matilda looked at her husband's stepmother and began to think. She and Eric had been intimate more since their return to Sweden. They were in a better place and she was happier now. However, if she was with child, less than a year after her stillborn, she didn't know what to do, but be filled with fear.

Matilda looked up at her maids.

"Fetch a midwife for me." she said.


Several moments later...

Matilda was looking at her midwife and wondering what was going on. The midwife looked at Matilda and smiled.

"Your Highness, you are indeed with child. I would say you are nearly three months along and you are due in July." she said.

Matilda smiled and placed her hand on her midsection. She couldn't believe that she had managed to get with child again. She was nervous, but she was also very happy. She was just praying that she carried this child to term and that the child was healthy.

Matilda stood up and handed her a bag of coins.

"Thank you so much and your silence will be much appreciated on this matter." she said.

The midwife nodded her head and left the room.


January 10, 1555

Pamplona ,Navarre

Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre's Privy Chamber

Elizabeth was reading important papers ffrom her Council. She Lately she had been very busy and really missed her relaxing days. She had traveled from palace, addressed the Council many times and with her pregnancy advancing, she was more exhausted, but she wouldn't let anyone see her weak. She was going to be the best Queen she could be, with God's help.

Suddenly, Lady Jeanne d'albret walked in the room. The young woman bowed to Queen Elizabeth.

"You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?" she asked.

Elizabeth nodded. She put her papers aside and stood up.

"Thank you for coming, Lady Jeanne. I am glad that we can finally talk. How is your new marriage?" she asked.

Jeanne cleared her throat.

"It is nice. My husband is very good to me." she said.

Elizabeth smiled.

"Wonderful. I wanted to meet with you privately, so you can know that your safety is important to me. I want you to get all of your emotions out. I want you to tell me how you feel about all that has happened in the last six months." she said.

Jeanne began to tear up. She hadn't really had a chance to mourn her father after his execution and she was forbidden to contact her mother, while Spain and France were still at war. She couldn't say she was unhappy. Her new husband was a kind and patient man and her virginity remained intact, but she was hoping to consummate her marriage soon. She knew that the best way fro her to survive was to find comfort with her new life.

Lady Jeanne sighed.

"I just don't understand why my father had to be executed. He wasn't a bad man. He wasn't a bad King. Was it really his fault that he took the Throne?" she asked.

Elizabeth sighed.

"Your father, may God have his soul, usurped the Throne after my late grandfather's death. I did not want your father to die, but I am the Queen now. I cannot relieve the pain that your father's death caused, but I will try to make your life easier." she said.

Lady Jeanne nodded her head.

"I know that the Viscountess of Narbonne is still in seclusion after the birth of her son. If it pleases your Majesty, I will act as your Chief Lady-in-Waiting." she said.

Elizabeth smiled, but she was also uneasy. Growing up in her father's Court, she knew that some courtiers could very well plot against her. She hoped that the birth of her child, if it was a boy, would protect her position as Queen, as everyone wanted a male heir, including herself.

Elizabeth nodded.

"You may assist me starting tomorrow." she said.


January 19, 1555

Sada Palace, Aragon, Spain

Infanta Catarina of Portugal, Duchess of Franco's Bedchamber

Catarina was sitting in a chair, reading one of her favorite books. Her hand rested on her large stomach, which held her unborn child, which was due any day now. She was excited to be a mother and was happy to know that soon she'll have her own child to love. Despite being nearly eighteen years old, she was looking forward to the impending birth and just hoped that she lived through the birth.

Suddenly, her door opened and Juan walked in. He looked at his heavily pregnant wife, lovingly.

"How are you?" he asked.

Catarina looked at him and didn't answer him. Ever since they returned from Navarre, she had been distant from him and didn't even share a bedchamber with him. She also instructed all of her ladies to sleep in the room with her and firmly locked her door at night to prevent anyone entering, including her husband.

Juan sighed. He had done eveything to get back into his wife's good graces, but to no avail. He handed her a letter.

"This a letter from the your mother, the Queen of Portugal." he said.

Catarina closed her book and took the letter from her husband. She opened it and began to read it. Suddenly, a smile broke across her face.

"It appears my mother is with child. I am going to have another brother or sister." she said.

Juan nodded and kind of glared at her.

"I am glad something makes you smile, even though it isn't me." he said.

Catarina looked at her husband, in confusion and anger.

"Should i not be happy that my mother is providing another heir for Portugal?" she asked.

Juan turned away from her.

"You have been nothing but cold to me. I had an affair and I am sorry. You will be having our child soon. We need to be on better terms." he said.

Catarina stood to her feet.

"How dare you? HOW DARE YOU! YOU TELL ME HOW TO FEEL, WHEN YOU WERE WRONG! I KEPT OUR MARRIAGE VOWS, YOU HAVE NOT! I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE UPSET!" she said.

Suddenly, Catarina felt wetness dripping down her legs and she realized her water had broken.

"Get a midwife." she said quietly, as she turned from Juan.

Juan glared at her.

"What?" he asked, angrily.

She turned towards him again.

"GET A MIDWIFE! MY TIME HAS COME!" she shouted.

Juan ran out of the room and Catarina grabbed her stomach, as a contraction hit her.


Early the next morning-January 20, 1555

Catarina was pushing hard as she could to expel the child. She had been in labor all night and she was very tired and she just wanted the pain to end.

The midwife was urging her to push harder.

"Push, Senora. You are nearly there.

Catarina gave a very hard push and felt the child slide from between her legs and let out a loud cry.

Catarina laid back against her pillow and tried to catch her breath.

"What is it?" she asked, the midwife, as she began to clean off the wailing infant.

The midwife smiled.

"It is a boy, Senora. A perfect, healthy baby boy." she said.

Catarina smiled. She had a son. her little boy.

"Let me hold him, please." she said.

The midwife swaddled the baby and handed him to his mother, as they began to clean her and make sure the birth was uncomplicated.

Catarina looked at her new son and a tear of happiness fell from her eye. She was a mother. This precious little boy was hers.

Suddenly, Juan walked up and looked at his wife.

"We have a son? Is it true?" he asked.

Catarina nodded and handed Juan their son.

"This is our son." she said.

Juan looked at the newborn baby boy. He was a healthy boy with light brown hair and Juan hoped that the boy had Catarina's piercing blue eyes.

Juan smiled.

"Our son arrived on the Feast Day of St. Sebastian of all days." he said, with a chuckle.

Catarina looked at Juan.

"That will be his name." she said.

Juan looked at his wife, with confusion.

"Sebastian? It is a little unusual." he admitted.

Catarina took her son in her arms.

"He will be a unique man. Therefore, he will have a unique name." she said.

At that moment, little Sebastian opened his eyes and they indeed matched his mother's.

Juan smiled.

"Sebastian it is, then." he said, as he left the room,so the maids could finish cleaning Catarina.


January 24, 1555

Convent of Santa Clara, Tordesillas, Castile, Spain

Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon's Private Rooms

Queen Juana was sitting in a chair feeling very weak. For the last few months, everyone couldn't deny that the Spanish Queen was not well. She was more tired and they knew that journeying to Segovia would further exhaust her. She had also stoped wearing her fancy gowns and was wearing a nun's habit mostly.

There was a knock at her door.

Juana looked up.

"Come in." she softly said.

Charles walked in ans looked at his mother.

"Mother. are you well?" he asked, as she sat next to her.

Juana nodded.

"Yes, I am just tired." she said.

Charles nodded and cleared his throat.

"Do you think that you will want to continue on to Segovia? We have been in this convent for four months now." he said.

Juana shook her head.

"No. I am at peace here." she said.

Charles sat down next to his mother.

"Mother, everyone is worried about your behavior a few weeks ago. You claimed that you saw your mother and father..." he began

Juana silenced him.

"I did see them. I am not, Loca." she said.

Charles nodded.

"I know you are not. However, your father has been dead nearly forty years and your mother even longer than that." he said.

Juana glared at her son.

"You do not need to remind me how long my parents have been in the arms of our Lord and Savior." she said.

Charles looked at his mother.

"Mother..."

Juana looked at him in anger and was shocked to see what was in front of her. She was looking at her son, but he was a child. He couldn't have been no more than ten years old. He looked at her, in confusion.

"What is wrong mother?" he asked, in a child's voice.

Juana became angry.

"You have talked back to me enough! I am the Queen of Castile! Obey me!" she screamed.

Charles stood up.

"Mother. Look at me." he said.

Juana looked at him and was shocked to see Charles at his normal age.

Juana sat down, taking deep breaths.

"Leave me, Charles. Leave me." she said.

Charles was going to protest, but he decided not to and left the room. As he shut his mother's door, he heard a woman's voice.

"Uncle Charles." she said.

Charles turned around and saw his niece, Princess Giovanna of Naples, the new Duchess of the Infantando. She was the eldest child of his sister,Dowager Queen Catalina of Naples. The thirty year old woman was very beautiful and pious and was enjoying her new marriage, since she played as a mother figure to the Duke of Infantado's youngest daughter, who was only five years old.

Charles smiled at his niece.

"Sweet Giovanna, how are you?" he asked.

Giovanna smiled.

"I am well. I have just seeing to my daughter. Even though i did not give birth to her, I greatly love her. I was just seeing if my grandmother, the Queen, was well." she said.

Charles sighed.

"I do not know. She seems strong, but it's like she has aged." he said.

Giovanna frowned.

"I think being here will help her. I will write a letter to Aunt Eleanor and we will make a household here for her and do whatever it takes to make her comfortable. I will start the preparations now." she said.

Charles smiled. Maybe this would help his mother bounce back to her normal self. While he did miss his late daughter, his niece made a wonderful Duchess.


February 6, 1555

Evora Palace, Evora, Portugal

Queen Maria of Portugal's Bedchamber

Queen Mary was sewing a prayer cloth and smiling. She paused and rested her hand on her growing stomach. She could feel the little movements that she thought she would never feel again. In just two weeks, she would be thirty-nine years old and she was carrying her seventh child. Because of her last pregnancy, Mary ordered a midwife to examine her every week, just to be on the safe side. She was going to do whatever it took to carry this child to term and give birth to a healthy child.

Suddenly, King Carlos walked in, smiling.

"Maria, are you well?" he asked.

Mary nodded.

"I am. I am just making a new prayer cloth. I ma so glad my mother taught me to sew. It can relax me." she said.

Carlos smiled and held up a letter.

"I have a letter from Aragon." he said.

Mary stopped her sewing and placed it aside.

"Is it Catarina? Is she well?" she asked.

Carlos put his hand up.

"It's a boy. A healthy little boy born on the feast day of St. Sebastian." he said.

Mary put her hand up to her mouth and smiled. She was a grandmother.

"Is Catarina well? No illness?" she asked.

Carlos nodded his head.

"Yes, she is well. The letter is in her own hand. She writes that she will be churched on the first day in March." he said.

Mary smiled. Her daughter made it through childbirth.

"What is our grandson's name?" she asked.

Carlos looked up.

"His name is Sebastian. She named him after the Saint." he said.

Even though Mary thought the name was unusual, she was happy for her daughter and hoped to meet her new grandson one day.


February 11, 1555

Hampton Court

King Henry XI of England's Bedchamber

King Harry was taking a rare moment for himself. His mood had not been well lately. It was now known that Queen Anne was in poor health. Harry was very worried for her. She seemed to be ill, then she would be fine and then the cycle would repeat its self.

He sighed. He hated not being next to his wife, however he wanted her to get better.

Suddenly, there was a knock at his door.

Harry looked up.

"Come in." he 's uncle, Prince Edmund, Duke of Somerset walked.

"How are you, Your Majesty?" he asked, as he bowed.

King Harry smiled, as he stood to greet his only surviving uncle.

"Uncle Edmund, it is great to see you. How is the family?" he asked.

Edmund smiled.

"Everyone is doing well. Little Anne is excited that John is back for awhile, before he sails back out. I thank you for bringing home the Navy. I t worried me about my son being out there in the bitter cold." he confessed.

Harry nodded.

"I am not a monster." he chuckled.

Edmund shook his head.

"That you are not. So, tell me how does it feel to be forty years old?" he asked.

Harry laughed. He had just turned forty the previous September.

"I feel no different than last year." he said.

Edmund lightly smiled and then gave a somber look.

"How is Queen Anne?" he asked.

Harry sighed.

"She's ill. No one knows what it is. I just hope she fights it." he said.

Edmund nodded.

"She will." he said.

Suddenly, a messenger came in the door, holding a letter.

"Your Majesty, i have a letter from the Lady Rose Fitzroy." he said.

Harry looked at his messenger, in shock. Lady Rose was his illegitimate half-sister that he hadn't seen since his father's death over eight years ago and she was only nine years old then.

Harry looked at his uncle.

"I am honestly shocked to be receiving a letter from her. From what I heard, she is going to take the veil next year upon her eighteenth birthday." he said.

Edmund nodded his head.

"That is true. It is a shame though. She is quite beautiful. She would have made someone a wonderful wife." he said.

Harry nodded his head.

"It is her decision. In her letter, she is asking my permission and that is quite admirable of her. I am glad she doesn't seem like her mother." he said.

Edmund nodded.

"She has the virtues of your late mother." he said.

Harry smiled. For the first few years of her life, Lady Rose was taught by the late Queen Catherine. Then she became a ward of Catherine Parr and now she was going to dedicate her life to God. However, Harry also felt guilty. His illegitimate brother lived well as the Duke of Richmond. He wished it was something he could do to make his half-sister's life better with prestige.


February 19, 1555

Pembroke Castle, Pembrokshire, Wales

Lady Catherine Grey-Stokes' Bedchamber

Lady Catherine Grey was standing by her window, watching the light snow fall and was resting her hand on her large stomach. Her unborn child was due in just a little over a month and she was really excited, however she was nervous, as she hadn't given birth in ten whole years. She really enjoyed her new marriage. Her husband was more kind than her last one and she had never known more happiness in her life.

Suddenly, her husband, Lord Adrian Stokes, walked in. He looked a little upset.

Catherine looked at her husband.

"Sweetheart, what is wrong?" she asked.

Adrian looked at her.

"No one in this household respects me. They probably all still look at me as your Master of the Horse." he said.

Catherine shook her head.

"I will talk to them. However, you are the Master of this House. No one can take that from you." she said.

Adrian smiled.

"How is our little one?" he asked, caressing her large stomach.

Catherine smiled.

"He's very active." she said,

Adrian smiled.

"He. Are you so sure it is a boy?" he asked.

Catherine nodded.

"I truly love my girls, but I really would love a son." she said.

Adrian smiled.

"Well if it is a girl, then we can try for a boy next time." he said.

Catherine laughed.

"Adrian, I will be forty this year. Do you honestly think there will be a next time?" she asked.

Adrian smirked.

"Whether there is or not, I will not stop trying, until your courses stop and even when they do, I will still enjoy you." he said.

Catherine laughed and turned red. She was happy to have a husband who truly enjoyed her as his wife. She just hoped that this happiness lasted for her.


February 25, 1555

Convent of Santa Clara, Tordesillas, Castile Spain

Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon's Private Rooms

Queen Juana laid in her bed, deep in thought. She refused to see many people, but her ladies-in-waiting and her daughter and granddaughter. She couldn't ignore her bad condition. Ever since her conquering Navarre, her physical condition had declined. She was always tired now and did't understand why.

Suddenly, Queen Juana's eldest child, Dowager Queen Eleanor of Portugal and France, walked into the room and smiled at her mother.

"Madre,,how are you? Can get you anything?" she asked, as she sat next to her.

Juana shook her head.

"No, just sit here with me." she said.

Eleanor nodded.

Juana took several breaths.

"Hija, do you resent me?" she asked.

Eleanor looked at her mother, in confusion.

"Why would I?" she asked.

Juana sighed.

"Because of your life, Hija. I know it wasn't good." she said.

Eleanor frowned. In her youth, she was a very beautiful young woman. She also was the Queen of two separate countries. her first marriage, was to King Alfonso of Portugal in 1518, when she was nearly twenty years old and he was nearly fifty. Despite her initial unhappiness at this marriage, she made best of the situation and even managed to produce two children, a son who died as an infant and her only surviving child, Infanta Maria, Duchess of Viseu. However, King Alfonso died when little Maria was only six months old, leaving Eleanor as a queen dowager at only twenty-three years old and she resided with her young daughter in her stepson, Manuel's Court. However, She was called back to Spain in 1526 and had to leave her daughter behind, who wasn't even five years old. She was married to the French King Francis, but unfortunately the marriage was unhappy and they had no children, except a miscarriage in 1532. When King Francis died in 1547, Eleanor was in her late forties and was not worth much politically, so she returned to Brussels and helped her sister, Mary govern the Netherlands, in her, brother Charles' name. Now, she was nearly fifty-seven and was still acting on her brother's behalf.

Eleanor shook her head.

"No, Madre. I have not had the best life, but I put no fault in you. As Queen, you did what was best. You could not fortell if Francis would treat me wrong. For seventeen years, I was a prisoner with a Crown. I wish I had a child with Francis, that way I wouldn't have felt alone. However, now i just want my child. She has a beautiful family. I hope i can be apart of it." she said.

Juana nodded her head.

"Make your amends. Do it, before it is too late." she said.

Eleanor nodded and smiled.

She knew that her mother was right and that she should heed her advice.


February 28, 1555

Pamplona, Navarre

Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre's Bedchamber

Queen Elizabeth was reading with her sister, Isabella's, eldest surviving child. Infanta Maria was now fifteen years old and was preparing for marriage to the Crown Prince of Portugal. However, she had grown up in Spain most of her life and hadn't had proper training. Her sister, the Queen of Portugal, was well respected and did not tolerate indecency or anything that was not of God. Her daughter, ladies and even herself were to be seen as modest, pious women of God. Elizabeth wanted to prepare young Maria for what was expected of her. She knew her child was coming in just a little over a month, but she didn't have time to rest. She wished it could be simple like her pregnancy was with her daughter, but she was now Queen and it was her job to rule.

Maria looked at her aunt.

"Do I really need to know other languages? I thought my job as Queen was simply to be by my husband's side and to produce heirs." she said.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"That is an important job. However, you cannot foresee what will happen when you are Queen. Your husband could fall ill, go to war, anything. You, as his consort, will be expected to be there for the people. I will have you know that I ruled Spain for a year and a half as regent and i was only the Princess of Asturias. Also, my mother, your own grandmother, led an army against Scotland, while my father was in France." she said proudly.

Maria smiled.

"My mother never told me about them. She rarely speaks about her mother and never speaks on her father." she said.

Elizabeth sighed.

"It is not my place to talk to you about your mother's relationships with our parents, but it wasn't smooth. However, they both loved her and they were good people in their own way." she said.

Maria looked up.

"Is Queen Juana a good person?" she asked.

Elizabeth nodded and had a look of shock on her face.

"Of course. Why would you even ask that question?" she asked.

Maria sighed.

"For my entire life , it seems we were just hostages of hers. Stepfather would leave for Court and we were never invited. My mother is her niece and she just hid us away like we were vermin in the walls. She is not a a great Queen. She is a coward." she said.

Before Elizabeth could say anything, Isabella walked in, glaring at her daughter.

"Maria! I never want to hear you speaking ill of Queen Juana. If it weren't for her, we wouldn't have had the comforts that we do have and i wouldn't have married you beloved late stepfather and had your sister and brothers. Do not ever let me hear you being that ungrateful again. Do you understand me?" she said.

Maria nodded.

Elizabeth cleared her throat.

"Maria, why don't you go study your French in your room for the rest of the day? Tomorrow, we wil pick up on your Greek lessons." she said.

Maria bowed and left the room, walking past her furious mother.

Isabella looked at her younger sister and sighed.

"I am sorry that she was like that. She knows better.' she said.

Elizabeth stood up. resting her hand on her large stomach.

"She is a young girl. I can understand her resentment, although I do not agree." she said, as she walked over to the desk and sat her lesson book down.

Isabella walked over to her sister.

"Elizabeth, you need to rest. You're almost due to take your confinement.' she said.

Elizabeth frowned.

"I really don't want to do that. I just became Queen six months ago and now they want to shut me away from the world." she said.

Isabella walked closer.

"It what is expected of us as women. Even Queens." she said.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. She was a devout Christian woman, but she did not want to be shut in a room, without her family, especially when there was a chance she would never come out again.


March 1, 1555

Sada Palace, Aragon, Spain

Infanta Catarina, Duchess of Franco's Bedchamber

Catarina was sitting in her favorite chair, rocking her son, Infante Sebastian. She had fallen completely in love with her little boy. He was just so perfect to her. He was her angel. Catarina showed a soft spot that no one really saw with her son.

Suddenly, Juan walked in and smiled at his wife and son.

"He is really perfect, isn't he?" he asked.

Catarina looked at Juan and nodded. She handed Sebastian to his nurse and she walked out of the room.

Juan followed close behind her.

"Catarina, will you please speak to me?" he pleaded.

Catarina stopped.

"What would you have me say, husband? I have done my duty. We have a son and heir. Now, you can live your life how you see fit. You can take a mistress and i will focus on our son and his upbringing." she said.

Juan shook his head.

"That is not what I want. I want to be a family. Be a husband and wife in all things, not just in name." he said.

Catarina sighed.

"Juan, I do not know how long it will take me to forgive you, but eventually I will. All I ask is for you to please give me time to do so." she said.

Juan nodded.

"Take how ever much time you need." he said.

Catarina nodded her head.

"Thank you, Husband. You may join me for dinner tonight as well." she said.


March 1, 1555

Royal Palace of Caserta, Naples, Italy

Queen Adriana of Naples' Bedchamber

Queen Adriana was sewing a blanket for her youngest child. She was very happy with her life in Naples. She knew she was initially unpopular because of her Spanish heritage, but she did her best to live as an Italian Queen. She was also very happy to be with a loving husband. She had been married to King Alfonso of Naples for seventeen years and they had six children. She was very happy in her marriage and with her family and was happy to stay out of politics.

Suddenly, there was a knock at her door.

Adriana looked up.

"Come in." she said.

The door opened and her eldest daughter, Princess Lucrezia walked in. Just like her namesake, Lucrezia Borgia, she was extremely beautiful. She was tall, with reddish-brown hair, blue-gray eyes, a nice complexion and a graceful walk to her. She was very pious, kind, sweet and gentle. Despite being only fourteen years old, she was very charitable as well.

Adriana smiled.

"What brings you by, sweetheart?" she asked.

Lucrezia sighed.

"I had a question, Mother." she said.

Adriana walked closer to her child.

"What was it about?" she asked.

Lucrezia turned red in the face.

"It's about...marital relations." she asked.

Adriana nodded. Lucrezia was about two years away from marrying Prince Owen of England and surely she had questions.

"What do you need to know, dear daughter?" she asked.

Lucrezia sat down.

"My dear friend, Carlotta, was recently married and when she returned to my household, she told me that the consummation hurt her. Will it hurt me as well?" she asked.

Adriana cleared her throat.

"I will not lie, but yes it will. If you are a true maid, without touch of a man, that pain proves you are a wholesome woman." she said.

Lucrezia smiled.

"I wonder what Prince Owen will be like? I a so happy that I will not have to leave Naples. I love my home, Mother. Honestly, if i had to leave, i would have taken the veil." she said.

Adriana smiled.

"No need, my dove. You will be here, but you must visit England with your husband at times. They must be acquainted with their Duchess." she said.

Lucrezia nodded her head.

"I will, Mother." she said.

Before Adriana could say another word, King Alfonso walked in and smiled at Lucrezia.

"Sweet daughter, I have a letter from England for you. Go to your rooms and read it." he said.

Lucrezia took the letter, bowed and left her parents presence.

Alfonso kissed his wife.

"How are you darling?" he asked.

Adriana smiled.

"I am well. Why did you send our daughter out?" she asked, in confusion.

Alfonso sighed.

"We have a problem. It's Giovanni." he asked.

Adriana looked at her husband, in confusion.

"What about him? Is he ill?" she asked.

Alfonso shook his ahead.

"No. He has done something that worries me. This morning, his dog was barking and barking, because it saw a bird outside and he woke up and took his sword and stabbed the poor beast three times, until it was dead." he said.

Adriana looked at her husband in horror. Her son was only sixteen years old and he did something so vicious.

Alfonso sat down.

"I am scared that he is...mad." he said.

Adriana shook her head.

"No. Giovanni is fine. He just lost his temper." she said.

Alfonso looked at his wife.

"Lost his temper? When he is King, he can't just kill people when he is mad. I think it;s best if we put little Alfonso as my heir." he said.

Adriana shook her head.

"No, it will cause a succession crisis. Giovanni is the heir and with his betrothal to Princess Eleanor of England, he will have the King of England at his disposal. Please don't do this husband. Talk to him. Ease his anger. Maybe he should go on pilgrimage." hse suggested.

Alfonso began to think. He knew that she was right. Giovanni was his heir and with his upcoming marriage, he would have foreign in allies with King Henry of England. No matter what, Giovanni would succeed him.


March 2, 1555

Pembroke Castle, Pembrokshire, Wales

Lady Catherine Grey-Stokes Bedchamber

Lady Catherine was walking around her palace, resting her hand on her large stomach. She was happy, because her eldest daughter, Lady Jane Grey, was visiting with her new husband, Lord Duncan, from Scotland. Jane was currently four months with child and wanted to be with her mother for her confinement. Catherine was happy. Her children were all under the same roof again, she was happily married and expecting another child.

Suddenly, Lady Jane walked up to her mother and linked her arm with hers.

Catherine smiled.

"How are you, darling?" she asked.

Jane smiled.

"I am well. The Scots have been very kind to me, especially Duncan. Mother...I think I may love him." she said.

Catherine kissed her daughter's hand.

"I want that for all of you girls. For all of you to have loving husbands. How do you feel about becoming a mother?" she asked.

Jane smiled.

"I am excited. I love the though of having a son for Duncan. We even talk about names." she said.

Catherine chuckled.

"Adrian and I have talked as well. If this child is a boy, we will name him Henry." she said.

Jane smiled.

"That's good. I imagine it is to honor our cousin, the King." she said.

Catherine nodded her head.

"Yes and if the child is a girl, we will call her Elizabeth, after my late mother." she said.

Jane nodded, in understanding. She had never gotten to know her late grandmother, Princess Elizabeth Tudor, Dowager Queen of France, but she knew that her mother was very close to her.

Catherine stopped walking and began taking several breaths. Jane also stopped and looked at her mother, in concern.

Catherine looked at her eldest daughter.

"My time is nearing. I need to get to my room." she said.

Jane nodded and began to help her mother to her bedchamber


Thirteen Hours later...

Lady Jane sat by her mother's bedside, as her labor progressed. However, Because she herself was also pregnant, she wasn't allowed to take an active role during the delivery, as the stress could affect her child. However, she wasn't needed, as her mother seemed to be handling the labor quite well, despite her age. After several hours, she was finally, starting to push. Jane held her rosary in her hands, praying for the life of her mother and her unborn sibling.

Catherine looked at Jane and smiled through the pain.

"Don't worry, darling. This is will be over soon." she said, as another contraction ripped through her body and she pushed along with it.

Finally, Catherine felt the child being pulled from her body and let out a loud cry.

Catherine and Jane looked at the midwife, as she cut the cord and began to clean the wailing infant.

The midwife smiled.

"It's a healthy baby girl, My Lady." she said.

Catherine smiled. Although, she really wanted a son, but the fact that she had four beautiful daughters, she was still blessed and maybe she could have another child, despite being nearly forty.

The midwife handed the newly washed infant to Lady Jane, as they cleaned Catherine and changed her bedding. Jane smiled at her new sister. The baby girl had very light brown hair and piercing blue eyes. She was the spitting image of their mother.

Finally, Adrian Stokes walked in and smiled at his stepdaughter.

"Is this her?" he asked.

Jane smiled and nodded, before handing her little half sister to her stepfather. Adrian took his newborn daughter into his arms and smiled down at her. As a man in his mid-thirties, he had never had a family of his own and now he had a wife, her three older daughters and now he has this beautiful daughter, that was of his own blood. He was extremely happy.

He looked at his wife, who smiled weakly at him.

"Cate...thank you so much. She is so beautiful." he said.

Catherine smiled.

"It was my pleasure. Can we still call her Elizabeth, after my mother?" she asked.

Adrian looked at his new daughter.

"Lady Elizabeth Stokes, welcome to the world and this loving family." he said.

Lady Jane stood up and walked outside and saw her husband, Lord Duncan. He smiled and hugged her.

"I hear it is a girl." he said.

Jane smiled.

"She is beautiful." she said.

Duncan smiled.

"I bet. In a few months our own child will be here. Also, you are still your mother's heiress." he said.

Jane looked at her husband, in confusion.

"What?" she asked.

Duncan cleared his throat.

"You are your mother's eldest daughter. One day Pembroke and the title will be yours." he said.

Jane smiled and held his hand.

"Ours. I love you, Duncan." she said.

Duncan smiled.

"I love you too, Janet." he said, using the Scottish version of her name.


March 6, 1555

Convent of Santa Clara

Tordesillas, Castile, Spain

Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon's Bedchamber

Queen Juana was sitting in her chair, quietly praying. She had been staying in her rooms now. She had to admit that her daughter and granddaughter had done a wonderful job at turning the convent into somewhat of a good residence for her. The seventy-five year old Queen knew something wasn't right with her. The last few months she hadn't felt well. This was the first time she truly felt her age.

Suddenly, her granddaughter, Princess Giovanna, the Duchess of the Infantando, walked in with Emperor Charles. Charles, now aged fifty-five, was now walking on a walking stick, as he had been stricken with gout for some time. Princess Giovanna was beautiful as always and had really earned the respect of the Spanish Court, not just because she was Queen Juana's granddaughter, but she was a sweet and gentle woman.

Charles kissed his mother's cheek and Giovanna bowed.

"Mother, I am sorry to disturb your rest, but we have correspondence from France. It seems that King Henri wants to meet with you." he said.

Giovanna frowned.

"Uncle Charles, Grandmother can't travel to France. It won't be safe and her condition isn't better." she said.

Juana put her hand up.

"I am willing to meet with Henri. I think it is time we end this war. Charles, we are not young anymore and haven't been young in a very long time. I am tired. I just want to rest." she said.

Charles sighed.

"I get it, but i refuse to cede power to that French bastard, Henri." he said.

Juana slammed her hand on the arm of her chair, to silence her eldest son.

"I will hear no more of it. I want to meet Henri here at the Convent. Hopefully, he will have respect for a house for the Brides of Christ." she said.

Before anyone could say anything, Juana grabbed her chest and was struggling to breath.

Charles rushed to his mother's side and looked at his niece.

"Giovanna, get the physician." he said.

Giovanna rushed out of the room, while Charles was trying to get his mother to breath.


Later that evening...

Charles, his sister Eleanor, the Dowager Queen of Portugal and France and Princess Giovanna were sitting near Juana, as she rested. The physician was able to calm the aging Queen and she had been resting most of the day.

Giovanna, despite being a Royal, poured a goblet of for her aunt and uncle.

Eleanor looked at her aging mother as she slept.

"I can't ever remember when she was ever ill." she said.

Before anyone could say anything, Queen Juana woke up and looked around her.

Charles took his mother's hand.

"Are you well, Mother?" he asked.

Juana nodded, as Giovanna gave her a sip of wine.

"Charles, I need to speak to you alone." she said.

Eleanor and Giovanna walked out of the room.

Charles looked at his mother.

"Mother, what is it?" he asked.

Juana had tears develop in her eyes, as she took his hand.

"Charles...I'm dying." she said.

Charles shook his head, but Juana held her hand up.

"Yes, Charles. My time is coming at an end. However, i refuse to let Providence take me, until i know my realms are secure. We need Elizabeth to have a boy. Once i know that her child can unite our lands, once and for all, I can rest in peace. I love our little Isabel, but we know that whoever she marries would try and usurp her. She needs a brother." she said.

Charles nodded.

"Don't worry. But if the child is a girl, and God does decide to call you to his side, Mother, can you not rest in peace knowing that I live on to serve Spain, and Luis, who is still so young, after I am gone?" Charles asked with a tone of anxiety behind his words.

Juana smiled. She wanted nothing more than for Spain to be secure, and the child resting in Elizabeth's womb, if it was a boy, would give them all of the security they needed. All they had to do was wait. In this moment, however, Charles was doubting his mother's faith in him, and it Luis, and the aged Queen recognized that he needed her reassurances. Juana looked at her son and raised her hand to his cheek. "My beloved son, of course I know that you and Luis will be great Kings and do right by the nation that you were born to serve." Juana took a deep breath before speaking again. "But give an old woman her dreams of a glorious empire and the allowance that she might see not two, but three future Kings of that empire before she closes her eyes for the last time."


March 12, 1555

Pamplona, Navarre

The Royal Council Room

Queen Elizabeth sighed. Today was one of her major council meetings and she was not looking forward to it. She knew that she was supposed to be in her confinement, however there were matters that needed to be discussed and she was the only one to do it.

She walked into the room and all the gentlemen stood up, including Luis. He winked at her and smiled at her, without drawing attention to himself.

Finally, Elizabeth reached the head of the council table and sat down.

"My fellow nobles, it is an honor to meet with you all today. I understand that there are things that must be settled with our lands and we will do that today. I will now hear your concerns and the updates that i may not know." she said.

Lord Gaston Vela, Count of Candale, cleared his throat.

"Your Majesty, are we absolutely sure that we are safe from the French? We must assume that they are not happy losing this prize to the Spanish, let alone to a woman." he said.

Lady Sancha de Mendoza, who was seated next to Luis, spoke up.

"Lord Vela, the French are more preoccupied with Queen Juana. Surely they can't hold a grievance with our Queen." he said.

Luis nodded in agreement.

"I agree with the Viscountess of Narbonne. However, I think that we should acquire more Spanish troops, just to be on the safe side." he said, looking at his wife, the Queen.

Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Lord Anthony Foix, Count of Foix, objected.

"No! We do not need more Spaniards here. How will that look to the people?" he asked.

Luis looked at Lord Foix, with anger in his face.

"Lord Foix, this land is Spanish now. The heir that the people so desperately want will be Spanish, so you all must get used to the idea. You think of us as barbarians, when we protected you all during this terrible war. The Queen's sister lost her husband during this war, so open your mind. Let's also not forget that you are the one here, who was born and raised in France. Where do your loyalties lie, my Lord?" he asked.

All eyes were on Lord Foix. Everyone knew that the only reason he and Lord Vela were still alive with their titles, was because they both swore their loyalty to Elizabeth, before she was even crowned as Navarre's Queen.

Lord Foix cleared his throat.

"With our Queen Elizabeth, of course. I would gladly give my life for Her Majesty." he said.

Elizabeth smiled at Lord Foix.

"That is not necessary. I trust you. No one on this council is to doubt one another. It does not make a good council to be divided. Lord Beaumont, where are we on out tax collection?"she asked.

Lord John Oldenburg, the former Crown Prince of Denmark, cleared his throat.

"They are not well. the city of Villafranca refuses to pay." he said.

Lord Gaston Vela chuckled.

"They always give troubles. The late usurper King never got them to pay their taxes to the Crown." he said.

Elizabeth shook her head.

"I refuse to have anyone default in payments to the Crown. Send a message to them that they have sixty days to make payments, without penalty." she instructed Lord Oldenburg, who nodded.

Suddenly, Elizabeth felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. She winced, which made Luis hold her hand and Lady Sancha rush to her side.

"Your Majesty, are you well?" she asked.

Before Elizabeth could answer, she felt warm liquid fall between her legs and she was filled with fear.

She looked up at Sancha, with fear in her eyes.

"The baby is coming. It's too soon." she said.

Lady Sancha helped Elizabeth to her feet and Luis stood to address the Council.

"This meeting is over." he said, before Elizabeth turned towards everyone.

"Do not let womanly matters stop this running of these lands. I am entering into childbed and in my absence, King Luis, my consort and the Duke of Najera, will act on my behalf. Good day, my Lords." she said, as a contraction ran through her abdomen.


Fifteen hours later

Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre's Bedchamber

Elizabeth groaned in pain, as another contraction hit her. Lady Sancha was doing her best to soothe the Queen. For fifteen hours, Elizabeth had groaned in pain, but she refused to scream.

Lady Sanch looked at Elizabeth.

"You must push, Elizabeth. The baby is stubborn. Yell, curse, do what you must." she pleaded.

Elizabeth shook her head.

"I will die, but I will not scream. No one will ever see me suffer." she said.

Lady Sancha went and grabbed a silk handkerchief and covered Elizabeth's face.

"No one will see you now, but please push, Elizabeth." she said.

Elizabeth screamed as another contraction hit her. She was scared. Her child wasn't due for another month and she was scared the child wouldn't make it.

"Where's my sister. I need Isabella. Bring her to me." she said.

Several moments later, Isabella walked and looked at the scene, in shock. She saw her younger sister, with a veil over he face.

Isabella moved forward and removed the cloth from Elizabeth's face.

Elizabeth shook her head.

"No, Bella, but it back. I don't want them to see me suffer.' she cried, as another contraction hit her.

Isabella grabbed her hand.

"Lizzie, look at me. The cloth will smother you. You need to focus on pushing this baby out. It is the only thing that will end your suffering. Just look at me and push." she said, trying to comfort her youngest sister.

Elizabeth looked at Isabella and she pushed through her next contraction, until she couldn't anymore and began to cry.

Isabella nodded her head.

"That's it look at me and just push." she said.

Elizabeth began to breath and on her nect few contractions, she pushed with all her might and didn't care who heard her anymore.

Finally, she felt the child slide out of from between her legs. She fell back against the pillow, completely exhausted.

Isabella smiled and looked at the midwife, who was trying to alert the baby.

Elizabeth sat up.

"What is it?" she asked.

The midwife looked at the Queen.

"It is a boy, Your Majesty. A Prince." she said.

Elizabeth smiled, in triumph. She had done it. Less than a year after becoming Queen, she gave birth to Spain's next King.

Suddenly, she realized how quiet it was.

"Why isn't he crying? Make him cry now. He needs to breath.' she said.

The midwife shook her head.

"I can't your Majesty. He's..."

Elizabeth shook her head.

"NO! Give him to my sister. Isabella, help him." she begged, as tears fell down her face.

Isabella takes the quiet baby boy from the midwife, She remembered her own losses many years ago. She gently turns the newborn over and gently rubs his back, trying to get him to breath. She notices that he moves a little bit and his chest starts to strain. She began to clear his mouth from the mucous that was there.

Suddenly, the baby let out a cough and began to cry loudly. Isabella smiled and grabbed a blanket from a nearby maid to wrap him in.

Elizabeth began to cry. She had a son. She was the mother of a Prince.

Isabella smiled and handed the newborn boy to his mother. Elizabeth took her son and looked down at him. He was a little small, but he seemed healthy. He was a beautiful boy, with very light brown hair. After holding her son for awhile, he opened his eyes and she smiled when she saw that his eyes were a dark blue.

Suddenly, Luis walked in and smiled.

"I heard we have a son. How is he?" he asked.

Elizabeth smiled.

"He is perfect." she said.

Elizabeth looked up at her eldest sister.

"Bella, you saved my son's life. I will be eternally grateful. Thank you so much. Thank you from my soul." she said, as tears fell down her face.

Isabella smiled.

"I would do it again." she said.

Luis walked up to her and kissed her hand.

"Thank you so much. You saved not only our son, but you saved our dynasty." he said.

Elizabeth cleared her throat.

"I want free food and wine to be given to the people. Also, after am churched, my sister, the Dowager Marquessa of Moya, will be given the title Duchess of Navarre, for heroic efforts in saving our new Prince." she said.

Isabella put her hands up to her mouth and bowed, saying a silent thank you.

Luis sat down, next to Elizabeth.

"As Queen, I want you to name our son." he said.

Elizabeth looked at her son. He didn't look like a Henry or a Charles or even a Luis. However, she had the perfect name.

"We shall call him Eduardo, after my great ancestor, King Edward I of England." she said.


12 March 1555

Santa Clara Convent

Tordesillas, Castile, Spain

The two monarchs sat on opposing sides of the long table. Each had stacks of papers on either side of them. The negotiations were not going well to say the least. Queen Juana, Queen of Castile and Aragon, would not budge from her demands and neither would King Henri II of France. The problem is that their demands clashed, and the past three days had taught them that neither would give an inch.

Charles, Holy Roman Emperor and Juana's son, walked in the doors without knocking or being announced. Juana turned to her son with a glare, then softened her demeanor as she knew Charles would not barge in like that without reason. "What is it, Charles?" the aged Queen asked.

Charles bowed to his mother, then to King Henri. "Mother, I want to inform you that the new Queen of Navarre, our beloved Elizabeth, has gone into labor just a few hours ago."

Juana looked surprised, then worried. "She isn't due for another month."

"No, and the doctors fear for the child and the Queen," Charles said. "I will keep you informed of whatever I hear in the coming hours."

"Of course," Juana said, the tone in her voice resounded the fear she felt in her heart. With that, Charles turned and walked out the doors, closing them behind him.

The two monarchs sat in silence for several moments before Henri spoke. "Your Majesty, if you would like to take a break from these negotiations to pray for your niece and her child, I will be more than willing to accommodate that, and in fact, if you would allow it, I will join you in pray for them both. I know what it means to lose a child," Henri said softly, thinking of his own wife, who was also with child at the moment, and the son they had lost years before.

Juana looked at Henri, confused. She had heard of his cruelty towards his wife and the mistress that controlled his court. She was surprised that he would feel anything towards a child that his lawful wife had carried, since it was rumored that he was in love with his mistress and only kept Catherine around because she was a Medici and had more money than most could spend in two lifetimes.

"Thank you, your Grace," Juana said, regaining her composure, "I appreciate the gesture, but I would prefer to finish these negotiations as soon as possible so I can join my family at the palace in Pamplona."

Henri nodded and replied, "As you wish."

Juana began rereading the documents in front of her to see if there was any concession she could offer the French King. "I'll be blunt. I simply don't see any way we will come to terms on this unless someone gives in on some things, which is the very definition of a negotiation, but I have to tell you, this will not be easy. There is very little we have that we can offer you and there is very little you have that interests us."

Henri thought in silence for a moment. "What if we simply agreed to a five year cease fire? No one gains, but no one loses. In five years, we see how the political front has changed and if agreeable to both nations at that point, we will readdress terms?"

Juana couldn't believe what she was hearing! Henri Valois, King of France, was asking for nothing in order to withdraw his troops from the Spanish borders. Her first instinct was to not trust the man or his motives. Her second was to end the suffering that their soldiers had come to know as their lives with this arrangement and readdress the issue later. However, the strategist in Juana told her that leaving an important matter like this to the future would not be the best course of action. What if she died between now and 1560, when the matter would come up again? What if Henri died? What if the leaders of their respective nations couldn't come up with terms in the future either?

But then, she thought on her soldiers in the field. What if the war lasted for another five years? Could Spain afford to hold out that long? Could France? Would younger and younger men be pulled from their families until there were no more soldiers left in Spain? Would they be recruiting children to ensure a victory by then? No, Juana had to do what was best for the men in their army and that was not allow this war to continue. Spain had what it most wanted already; Navarre, even if Elizabeth was its Queen, Juana knew she was loyal to the House of Trastamara and would do whatever it took to protect her mother's family.

"Send the proposal to my advisors by day's end and I will sign," Queen Juana said firmly. "It's time that our troops be allowed to return to their families and a five year cease fire will do that."

"And if we cannot come to terms within those years?" Henri questioned, not understanding that the thought had already passed through Juana's head.

"Then a whole new generation of soldiers will be old enough to return to the battlefields and resume our struggles," Juana responded. "Once this is on paper, we will end this war for now and bide our time to see how things play out, Henri, but for now, we will have peace."

King Henri of France looked at the aged Queen of Spain and nodded. She exited the room, and he followed to consult with his advisors and have the papers drawn up. Before the sun had set on the European continent that night, France and Spain would be locked in an understanding that would give both nations the time to regroup before, if ever, returning to the battlefields to continue the war. Henri wondered if it was the right move, but he knew that regardless of that something big was about to happen; he could feel it and it would not let him rest.


March 15, 1555

Alcazar of Segovia

Segovia, Castile, Spain

Infanta Liliana of Spain was taking a walk in the gardens and sighing deeply. She truly missed her family. It seems everyone was gone at this point. Her father and grandmother were in Tordesillas and she would be joining them soon, her brother was in Aragon, and Luis and Elizabeth were in Navarre. She was happy though, because she was finally betrothed. Her future husband was named Gabriel de la Cueva and he was the Duke of Alberqurque. He was a handsome man and they were due to marry after the Spanish-French war was to end, since he was a main fighter. Liliana couldn't lie and say she didn't fantasize about her new life. She was finally seeing marriage and children as a reality. She hoped her father and grandmother could settle with France, so she could finally have her love.

Suddenly, one of her maids walked up to her and bowed.

"Alteza, excuse me for interrupting your walk, but a letter has come for you and the Emperor is here as well, but he insists you read the letter first." she said.

Liliana smiled and began to read her letter. It was from her father, which she found confusing. What she was reading horrified her. She folded her letter, picked up her dress and walked back into the castle and looked for her father.

Emperor Charles was waiting in the Throne Room for his youngest daughter. Liliana walked in and looked at her father, with horror.

She had silent tears falling down her face.

"Padre, please tell me it isn't true. Please tell me that Gabriel isn't missing." she said.

Charles sighed.

"Hija, I can't." he said. sadly.

Liliana turned from her father, to hide the amount of tears falling down her face.

"What happened?" she asked.

Charles walked forward, while leaning on his cane.

"The company that he is in control of were ambushed and taken hostage. From what we heard, they are being held in the Alcazar of Burgos." he said.

Liliana turned.

"So he's still alive? That's fine. We will send troops there to rescue him." she said.

Charles V looked at his youngest daughter. She was almost twenty-two years old and by this age, all of his daughters were married. He wanted her to find a husband, since he was getting older and wanted her to be secure in her life, after he was gone.

He kissed her hand.

"We will do everything to get those men back. I promise you will be married before my dying day." he said.

Liliana nodded. She never questioned her father in her years and she completely trusted him, but for the first time in her life, she doubted what he said. The French had shown that they are ruthless and this war had taken a toll on everyone and she knew the only one who could possibly help her future husband is the Lord himself.


18 March 1555
France

Queen Catherine of France had entered her confinement period in early February due to her deep desire to be away from her husband AND his mistress, but this had also kept her from her children, who needed their mother. She could not wait for this baby to be born so she could get back to keeping an eye on her sons and daughters. The less Diane de Poitiers could influence them, the better off they were in Catherine's eyes.

She was propped up on her pillows, reading to the child in her stomach when a knock on the door occurred. "Enter," she commanded. Catherine had not expected the face that she saw. "What do you want?" Queen Catherine demanded of her husband's mistress.

"Catherine. . ." Diane began, using her motherly tone; the one she reserved for the King. Catherine interrupted her, "Your majesty, or Your Grace." Diane was taken aback at the tone but said nothing and corrected herself. "Your Majesty, I am here to inform you that your husband, the King, has commanded that if this child is a son, he be named Hercule, after the strongest man in history."

Catherine looked flabbergasted at the statement. "Hercule?" she questioned.

"Yes, that's right, Hercule," Diane repeated.

Catherine knew that it was possible that the name came from Henri, as he had a deep love for historical figures. "If that is what the King has commanded, then I would prefer that he tell me himself rather than sending someone else. This is, after all, the name of our child we are speaking of and it is possible that the name was wrongly heard."

Diane said nothing and curtsied to the Queen before leaving the room. Catherine stared at the door for a few moments and then returned to her reading.

Sometime later, Henri barged into her confinement chambers furious and awoke the sleeping Queen from a peaceful dream that left her startled for a few moments. "How dare you question my choice in name for my son? Who do you think you are?" He shouted at a half-awake Catherine, who simply stared at him for a few moments. "Answer me woman!"

Catherine was about to open her mouth when pain ripped through her like nothing she had ever felt before and she raised the covers of her bed, feeling a warm liquid escape from her. "Get the midwife, Henri," she said calmly, but firmly.

"You cannot order me around, Catherine. I am the . . . " he said, then stopped when it registered what she was doing. "The midwife?"

"Yes, the midwife," she confirmed. "It seems that your son has decided he does not like your yelling and wants to have a screaming match with you when he is born."

Henry stared at her and then walked from the room to do as she had asked. Diane was waiting for him in the hallway outside of the Queen's chambers.

"You will just let her order out of her rooms like that?" Diane questioned, apparently only hearing part of what was going on.

"She ordered me to get the midwife Diane," Henri said, firmly. "I would suggest you go await the news in your chambers." Diane bowed to the King and left as Henri set off in the other direction to bring the midwife to the Queen.

(Hours later outside the Queen's chambers)

Henri could hear the cries of his wife as she continued her efforts to bring their child into the world. He was pacing like a nervous, new father would have been, except this child was not their first, but their eighth. He thought about their other children and their births, sitting on the bench outside of Catherine's rooms. First came Francis, their miracle child, the one they had waited ten years for and as Catherine had promised throughout her pregnancy, he was a boy. He was not as strong as Henri would have liked in the beginning, but he was now eleven and had rarely been sick as a child, once his first birthday had passed. Then were the girls, Elisabeth and Claude; beauties beyond what their mother had given them and both talented in music and art. After the two princesses, there was little Prince Louis, who lived for about eight months and succumbed to an illness following his christening. He was the only child they had to die so far, which was quite unusual for the times they lived in, and Henri considered himself lucky for that fact. Following Prince Louis was Prince Charles, then Prince Alexandre, and Princess Margaret was just a little less than two now. Catherine had succeeded in providing heirs for France, even though Henri had taunted her in the early years of their marriage when she failed to become pregnant.

He must have fallen asleep thinking about his children, as he noted when the darkness from the windows came through replacing the light of the sun from earlier when he sat down. From within her chambers, Henri heard another scream from his wife. He'd never heard her like this before, and although she was not the love of his life, he did respect her for doing her duty to his country and a fear overtook him that she might not survive this birth. Henri glanced around the hall and saw no one coming, so he stood from the bench and dropped to his knees, asking God to spare his Queen and forgive him if he had caused this agony for her to be worse than with their other children. He only looked up from his prayers when he heard the doorway to Catherine's chamber open.

The midwife came out of the doorway holding a little bundle wrapped up in blankets. She walked over to the King and gave a shallow curtsey before handing the baby to him. "Congratulations, your Majesty. You have a healthy son." Henri looked at the baby and then the older woman, then back to the baby in his arms.

"A son," he said. "I have a son." The midwife turned to walk back into the Queen's chambers when Henri remembered himself and stopped her. "My wife," he began, "how is the Queen doing?"

"She's lost a lot of blood, your Majesty," the older woman informed him. "She should pull through, God willing, but she will be weak for quite some time." Henri nodded and the woman went back inside the Queen's chambers as Henri looked at his son in awe.


March 20, 1555

Athelhampton Hall

Dorset, England

A beautiful young woman was sitting in her bedchamber, sewing with a few of her ladies. She was very beautiful, with brown hair, that had a reddish-hue to it, piercing blue yes and a light complexion, but she wasn't pale. If she were to stand up, it would be noticed she had a nice height to her, at about five foot nine inches tall. She was wearing a simple black dress, with a cross around her neck. Her ladies were surprised at her simplicity, because she was Lady Rose Fitzroy, the illegitimate daughter of the late King Henry VIII and the half-sister of the current King.

One of the maids looked up from her sewing.

"My Lady, why are we sewing for the orphans? We can sew fancier gowns for all of us." she said. excitedly.

Lady Rose shook her head.

"There is nothing wrong with the gowns that we currently have. The orphans in the village have absolutely nothing. My heart breaks for them." she said.

One of the older maids spoke up.

"My Lady, we are also going without. You are the sister of the King. You should have better prestige than this." she said.

Lady Rose sighed. She was used to her ladies complaining. They wanted fancy gowns and big feasts, while she was grateful to have good food and a roof over her head.

"King Henry does not owe me anything, despite the fact that I am his half sister. My very existence is just a reminder of the debauchery of our late father." she said.

Suddenly, the housekeeper walked in.

"Lady Fitzroy, the Duke of Somorset is here to see you. It is urgent." she said.

Lady Rose nodded stood up and placed her sewing down and walked out of her rooms and headed fro the Great Hall to meet her uncle.


Edmund was waiting on his illegitimate niece. He had fondness for the girl, since his wife basically raised the girl. When she left, it was like one of his daughters had left the family. He loved her like his own and was excited to see her again.

The doors to the Great Hall opened and Lady Rose walked in and smiled at Edmund.

"Uncle Edmund, what a pleasant surprise." she said,as she hugged him.

Edmund kissed her cheek.

"How are you, Rose?" he asked her.

Lady Rose smiled.

"I am much better. I love Athelhampton, but it does get drafty here in the winter." she admitted.

Edmund frowned.

"I don't like that. You could become ill." he said.

Rose shook her head.

"Thankfully, no one did. What brings you here, Uncle Edmund?" she asked.

Edmund cleared this throat.

"The King would love to have you visit Court. You are his only sister here in England." he said.

Lady Rose sighed.

"I have no desire to be apart of the Court. I love my life here. Besides, i have made it my intention to join the Order next year. I hope my ladies can find a new mistress who will make them happier." she said.

Edmund sighed.

"The King is your brother. I believe he wants to know you better." he said.

Lady Rose smiled.

"I will always welcome visits at the convent. However, I would prefer to stay here. It is starting to rain, uncle Edmund. I will have rooms prepared for you." she said, as she walked out of the room to find her housekeeper.

Edmund smiled. Lady Rose was may have been pious and very demure, but she had the stubborn streak like any Tudor.


March 22, 1555

Palazzo Firrao, Naples, Italy

Dowager Queen Catherine of Naples Private Chamber

Catherine, or Catalina as she was known by her family, was reading her letters. She was very content with her life in Naples. She had arrived to marry her late husband, when she was only sixteen years old and they had nine children together, however only five of them, King Alfonso of Naples, Princess Giovanna-Duchess of the Infantado, Princess Beatrice-Princess of Andorra, Prince Frederico and Princess Christina. Dowager Queen Catherine was getting older in age and she really wished she could return to Spain, but she had been in Naples for over thirty years and her youngest daughter was only sixteen years old and she loved the fact that she was able to raise her children. The late King Frederico was a good husband to her, despite the few times he had a mistress.

Suddenly, one of her messengers came in and bowed to her.

"Your Majesty, I have a letter from Princess Giovanna." he said.

She smiled. Princess Giovanna was her eldest daughter and was married to the Duke of the Infantado in Spain.

Catherine smiled and took the letter and began to read the letter:

My dearest mother,

I have been wanting to write for some time, but now i have the time. I hope this letter finds you in good health. I greatly miss being home, but I will admit that i love it here in Spain. My husband is very kind and I love his youngest daughter. She is five years old and I love having her with me. My husband has two older children who are both married and he just had a grandson. Mother, I really care for my husband. However, it has been months since I have been married and we do share a bedchamber and I still haven't conceived. I know my husband has a son and heir, but i know that he desires more children, since he only has one son. I am still young. I have prayed and prayed, but it seems the dark cloud that loomed over my first marriage is appearing again. I love my life and i am scared that my husband will send me to a nunnery and remarry someone else. I do not think i can survive that. I will make a pilgrimage. Also, Mother, I have distressing news. Your mother, my beloved grandmother, Queen Juana, is ill. She's been ill for sometime. She has requested that you return to Spain as she wishes to see you again. I would love to see you again.

Your loving daughter,

Princess Giovanna, Duchess of the Infantado

Catherine had tears in her eyes. She was sad to hear that her mother was not doing well. She had always know her mother to be a force so strong. Catherine also wanted her daughter to finally conceive and bear children. She was not getting any younger. Giovanna was already thirty years old and when she herself was thirty years old, Catherine had been pregnant seven times. Catherine knew the Duke was a kind man, but she knew that he, like most men, wanted more sons, to be secure in his fortune. The Mendoza family had never had problems with their succession and now there was a shortage of males. She hoped that Giovanna would not be humiliated in this second marriage.

Catherine stood up when her door opened and her youngest daughter walked in. Princess Christina was a beautiful girl with brown hair, blue eyes and fair skin. She really inherited most of her looks from her Trastamara blood ties.

Catherine smiled as she hugged her youngest child.

"How are you, my dear?" she asked.

Princess Christina smiled.

"I am well, Mother. Are you well?" she asked.

Catherine nodded.

"I am. I just received a letter from your sister, Giovanna." she said.

Christina smiled.

"Is she well?" she asked.

Catherine nodded.

"She is. However, I will have to travel to Spain soon." she said.

Christina nodded her head.

"I will be fine, Mother." she said.

Catherine smiled. She was loved all of her children dearly and they all had special places in her heart. She was waiting on the day that Christina would marry, but was happy that she was still with her. There was talk that she would marry the Duke of Finland, but Catherine was opposed to that match, because the Duke was a Lutheran. She was trying to convince her son, King Alfonso, to find a Catholic for her. She hoped that he listened. Her skin crawled at the thought of any of her children being married to a heretic.


March 25, 1555

Ribeira Palace, Lisbon, Portugal

Queen Maria of Portugal's Bedchamber

Mary was walking in her new chambers and admiring them. She had her hand on her growing belly, as she felt her unborn child kick restlessly in her womb. She was still shocked that she was pregnant so late in life, especially since her courses had been sporadic since her stillbirth three years prayed for this child and she knew that God would see her through this time.

Suddenly, Carlos came up behind her and smiled.

"Are your chambers to your liking?" he asked.

Mary nodded.

"Yes, they are. I am fine here. I know you prefer this palace than Evora." she said.

Carlos smiled.

"I do love it here. I am sure the baby will as well.' he said.

Mary smiled.

"Is there any news on a marriage for Juana?" she asked.

Carlos sighed. Infanta Juana of Portugal was their third child and second eldest daughter. However, the only Prince in Christendom that was her age was the Dauphin Francis of France and Carlos didn't know if he wanted an alliance with them, but he was tempted to see his daughter as the Queen of France.

"I am thinking of France." he said.

Mary looked at him with a shocking look. She wouldn't mind it, but she herself had been betrothed to the elder late brother of the current King, whose name was also Francis. If he had lived, Mary would be the Queen of France now.

Mary sighed.

"I don't like what i hear about the French now. I don't know if she could tolerate the debauchery and disgusting behavior of the French King.' she said.

Carlos sighed.

"We can't protect our daughters forever. We have to think about Portugal. We have a growing empire now. We need as many alliances as we can get." he said.

Mary knew he was right. Portugal wasn't as powerful as Spain or France.

"I still want her home until she is sixteen or even seventeen. I want to make sure she is fully mature to handle the pressures of marriage." she said.

Carlos nodded.

"I agree. I want your opinion on little Cristina. Where should we look for her? Maybe we could see if she could marry into England or Scotland." he said.

Mary shook her head.

"No. Forgive me, but I do not think she would survive a winter in either place." she said.

Carlos nodded. At just five years old, little Cristina was prone to fevers. Mary was known to keep her with them during the winters.

"I honestly think Cristina is best suited to be a nun. I am not sure she will be able to marry and produce children. I think it would kill her." she said.

Carlos touched Mary's arm, in reassurance.

"She will get stronger. Do not worry about her. God will see her through." he said.

Mary smiled and nodded. She knew that the decision was actually Carlos' decision. She loved that he talked to her about it, but she knew that it was just an opinion and not a final decision on her part. She trusted that whatever Charles decided for their children would be best and she would do her best to live with it.

Suddenly, there was a knock at her door.

Mary turned toward the direction of the door.

"Come in.' she said.

One of their courts messengers came in and bowed to both Carlos and Mary.

"Your Majesties, I have news from Navarre." he said.

Mary nodded her head.

"What is the news?" she asked.

The Messenger cleared his throat.

"Your sister, Queen Elizabeth, has been delivered of a healthy son." he said.

Mary smiled.

"That's wonderful. A future King to unite all of Spain." she said.

The messenger nodded.

"However, your Majesty, that's not all. The entire Court is talking about you other sister, the Dowager Queen. She is being hailed as a hero." he said.

Mary looked at the younger man, in surprise.

"Isabella a hero? Why?" she asked.

The man looked at his Queen.

"When the Infante, who they have called Eduardo, was born a month early and he wasn't breathing upon his birth. The Dowager Queen got him to breath and cry. From what I hear, he is very healthy." he said.

Mary smiled. Even though she and Isabella may not be as close ever again, she was proud that Spain had it's heir and it was thanks to both of her sisters and Almighty God.


Convent of Santa Clara

Tordesillas, Castile, Spain

Queen Juana I of Spain's Bedchamber

Queen Juana was sitting in her chambers. She was at ease. There was a temporary peace with France and more importantly, Elizabeth had given birth to a healthy son, less than a year of becoming Queen of Navarre. that little boy, Prince Eduardo, would unite all of Spain. Juana had lived to see four generations of her family.

There was a knock at her door and Charles walked in, smiling.

"Mother, there are two people here to see you." he said.

Juana slowly stood up.

"Show them in." she said.

Charles smiled and stood aside, as his two sisters, Mary, Dowager Queen of Hungary and Catherine, Dowager Queen of Naples, walked in and bowed to their mother.

Juana smiled and embraced both of her daughters.

"Hijas. I am so glad you are home. Thank you for coming. I needed to see you both, before it was too late." she said.

Mary shook her head.

"It wouldn't be too late, Mother. I have spoken with Charles. I am returning to Spain for good. Eleanor and I have decided to live together here for the rest of our lives. I loved it here when i had to raise Isabella's children in Madrid." she said

Juana smiled.

"I know you loved them. Will you visit John in Navarre?" she asked.

Mary nodded.

"I would love to. God rest my sister's soul, but he is like a son to me. I would love to see his family. Especially since his wife is Eleanor's daughter and i would really love to reconcile them." she said.

Juana turned to Catherine.

"Hija, how are things in Naples? Is my grandson a good King?" she asked.

Catherine nodded her head.

"He is. You would be proud." she asked.

Juana smiled, but all of a sudden, she start to feel faint and short of breath.

"I think I need a physician." she said, before falling into Mary's arms, unconscious.


Several hours later...

Charles, Mary, Eleanor and Catherine were sitting outside their mother's Bedchamber. She was ill again and they were all worried.

Catherine was frowning at Charles.

"Charles, why didn't you tell us Mother was this ill?" she asked.

Charles looked at his youngest sister.

"Mother wanted to tell you all herself. I respected her wishes." she said.

Mary noddded. Out of Juana's children, Charles and Mary were always close. Mary was a natural peacemaker in her family and Charles doted on her. She was a wise woman, since she herself educated the three children of their late sister, Isabella, Queen of Denmark and finished raising them, even though she was a young woman of barley twenty at the time of their sister's death.

"Catherine, it doesn't matter how we found out. The issue is Mother is ill and we must pray for her recovery." she said.

Eleanor nodded.

"Mary is right. Spain needs it's Queen. We just settled peace with France." she said.

Charles nodded. Despite her loyalty with her mother, she was also the Dowager Queen of France and King Henri was her stepson.

The Physician walked out and closed the door.

All four of Juana's children looked at him.

Charles spoke first.

"How is the Queen?" he asked.

The Physician sighed.

"She's resting." he said.

Charles nodded.

"Good. When will she get better?" he asked.

The physician looked scared at the Emperor and the three former Queens. he knew what he was about to say was treason, but he couldn't lie either, as that was also treason.

"Majestad, I am sorry, but La Reina, will not get better. There is nothing more I can do for her. God will have the final say with her now." he said.

Charles closed his eyes, not wanting to look at his three sisters, who he was sure had tears in their eyes. Their mother, the mighty Queen Juana, was dying. How could she be dying?


April 1, 1555

Pamplona, Navarre, Spain

Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre's Bedchamber

Elizabeth was sitting in her chair and was smiling down at her son, as he slept. She was finally the mother of a son and heir. Her son would one day be King. She loved keeping her son with him. She also was very happy that he was gaining weight, since he was a month premature. The first days of his life were critical, but he was doing much better and Elizabeth had no complications herself.

Suddenly, Lady Sancha de Mendoza walked in and bowed to Elizabeth.

"Here are some papers that need your signature, Your Majesty." she said.

Elizabeth sighed and took them. Since she was still in confinement for another few weeks, she had to remain closed away from the world, but she ordered that all matters of state be brought to her directly by Lady Sancha, since men were prohibited from her confinement chamber.

Elizabeth looked at Sancha.

"Was there any concerns today that I should be aware of?" she asked.

Sancha nodded.

"King Luis and Lord Dumane are very concerned about the French." she said.

Elizabeth sighed.

"There is no need to be. Queen Juana and King Henri have declared a five year truce. Nothing can be done for 5 years and I will not attack without justification." she said.

Sancha nodded her head.

"I agree, Your Majesty. They are also speaking of a betrothal for Prince Eduardo." she said.

Elizabeth looked up and firmly shook her head.

"Absolutely not. Eduardo is not even three weeks old and they are discussing marriages? Who's the candidate?" she asked.

Lady Sancha handed her a list and Elizabeth began to read it.

"Why would they suggest Princess Margaret of France? From what I hear, she is betrothed to the young Prince Johan of Sweden, my grandnephew." she said.

Sancha shrugged.

"I told them that you would disagree." she said.

Elizabeth stood to her feet.

"My son will have a wife one day, but no today. I want him to enjoy being a child. I am ordering no marriage talk, until I say different." she said.

Lady Sancha nodded her head and rose to leave to give Elizabeth's order.

Elizabeth sat back down and smiled at little Eduardo, as he still peacefully slept. Despite how little he was now, she knew that one day, he would be a great King over a magnanimous Empire.

Chapter 42 is now complete! So much is going on in this chapter, i really hope you all have a lot to say and give your opinion on. I hope you all were not disappointed. 1555 and onwards will be interesting years. We saw four births in this chapters and there will be more surprises in store for our favorite people. Please read and Review and Chapter 43 is currently in the works!