Chapter 61

Hey all! I am so sorry about the long hiatus. I had a bad case of writer's block among other things. I can assure you all that this story will NEVER be abandoned. Every story I start I will always complete, so please do not be discouraged if a Chapter hasn't been uploaded in several days/weeks. We are going to try to get through these Chapters much more quickly, as we still have a long way to go and more storylines will be coming along, as well as new characters. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter 61!

4 July 1561
Belem Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Queen Maria of Portugal's Bedchamber

Queen Mary smiled, as she brushed her youngest daughter, Infanta Isabel's, long brown hair. Mary enjoyed these quiet moments that she got to share with her three remaining daughters. Mary knew that she would never bear anymore children. She was now forty-five years old and in the six years since little Isabel's birth, Mary never conceived again, despite her and Carlos' passionate relationship.

Isabel turned to look at her mother.

"Mamae, why do I have to marry Prince Stephen?" she asked.

Mary gave her a small smile. Isabel had recently been betrothed to Prince Stephen, the Crown Prince of Moldavia. He was ten years older than her and their marriage was contracted to take place when Isabel turned sixteen years old.

"You are a Princess, my darling. Your Father thought it would be a good thing for you." she said, gently.

Isabel frowned.

"Joanna got to marry who she wanted and now her belly is really big." she said.

Mary gave a small laugh.

"Your sister is going to be a mother, sweetheart. Catarina's belly was big before she had little Isabella, remember? As a matter of fact, my belly was big before I had you, my little angel." she said.

Isabel giggled.

"What happened when you married Papa, Mamae?" she asked.

Mary smiled, remembering that moment twenty-six years ago. She picked Isabel up and sat down in a nearby chair, holding her six year old daughter close to her, cuddling her close.

"Well, I was about your sister, Joanna's, age when we met. He came to England to your grandfather's Court. Our marriage had been arranged as a secondary alliance between England and Portugal, because my elder sister did not have a son with her husband, King Manuel. Your father arrived to me in a garden and he told me himself that we were to be wed. We decided to form a friendship and that did not take long at all. One day, he ran through a field of flowers, professing his love for me." she said.

Isabel looked up at Mary.

"Papa did that?" she asked.

Mary nodded her head.

"He most certainly did. Your Papa was very silly when he was younger." she said.

Isabel smiled.

Mary kissed her cheek.

"As a Princess, my father arranged that marriage and it was the best thing he ever did for me. Marrying your father also gave me you and your siblings, my true gifts from God. No matter what happens, remember that you are loved, my little one." she said.

Isabel snuggled closer to her mother.

"I love you too, Mamae." she said.


16 July 1561
France

"Enter," Catherine de Medici, Queen Mother of France, commanded. The door opened to reveal her second daughter, Princess Claude. "Claude, my darling, what a pleasant surprise."

Catherine was shocked that her daughter would come visit her, but she was speaking the truth that the visit was welcomed. She got to see her children so little when she was Queen of France, but now that Francis was King, she could relax more and spend more time with them. Her time with Claude was limited though, as the girl was due to marry the following year.

"Mother, I need to speak with you about. . ." her voice trailed off. She was uncertain how to proceed.

"About?" the Queen Mother questioned.

Claude thought a moment, then said, "About my upcoming marriage to Lord Henry de Guise."

"Ah," Catherine replied, "of course. What would you like to talk about?"

"Well, you explained the wedding night to me years ago, so that isn't a problem in theory, but, well, how do I make sure that Lord Henry will love me?" Claude asked.

"What brought this on?"

"Seeing Francis with Mary, mostly," Claude admitted. "Their marriage seems to be truly blessed and one filled with love and mutual respect. I want that with Henry. I just don't know how to make sure it happens."

"Darling, you can't make sure that he falls in love with you, but you can try your best to be a good wife to him," Catherine told her. "What Francis and Mary have is unusual, and it seemed to happen to them, more than their making anything happen. Of course, they got to know each other over time, and it helped that they have common interests, but that's rare for a royal couple to experience. Keep in mind though, Mary was betrothed to the late Prince of Wales for nearly her entire life, while your brother went through several betrothals before they found each other and were wed. Perhaps God had a hand in their marriage, which is why two royals were available for each other years after they were born."

Claude thought for a moment. "If God could have a hand in their marriage, then couldn't He have a hand in all marriages?"

"Possibly," her mother replied, "but God is very busy with everything going on in the world. It would take a long time if He personally were to arrange each and every marriage."

"What about. . . well, I mean. . ." Claude stammered, unsure how to bring up the subject, but she needed to know, "what about you and father? I know your marriage wasn't a happy one. What if Henry and I aren't happy?"

"Your father and I married very young, much younger than you are now," Catherine told her. "He was already in love with Diane by then, and although we were legally married for the sake of politics, we never moved past that with our relationship. There's no reason that you and Henry would necessarily follow in our footsteps, despite the fact that your marriage was arranged. Start with a friendship and be patient. Feelings may come in time."

Claude looked at her mother. "What if they don't?"

Catherine smiled at her daughter. "Then at least you and your husband will be friends. That's something your father and I never really had either. He respected my opinions at times, especially when it came to France needing my money, but he hated having to ask me for a cent. However, that little bit of respect was about all we had, in truth. Henry will respect you because you are a princess, and you out rank him, but the friendship will take work."

"Do you think he will want us to be friends?" Claude asked.

"I would like to think he would," Catherine replied.

Claude thought for a moment, then stood. "Thank you, Lady Mother," she said, curtsying to Catherine.

"I hope I've relieved some of your fears."

"You have," Claude affirmed. "I will see you at dinner."

The princess left the room and shut the door. Catherine walked to her window and stared out of it for a while. It was natural for a young girl to feel those things when she was about to marry a man she barely knew. Now, she could only hope that young Henry de Guise would respect and honor her daughter as a princess should be treated. She also hoped that he was nothing like the late King of France.


27 July 1561
Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden
Queen Matilda of Sweden's Privy Chamber

Matilda took a deep breath, taking in her new surroundings. She was now the Queen Consort of Sweden and had finally moved into her new Chambers. Dowager Queen Katherine had left Court and was residing in one of her private estates and King Eric was nice enough to allow her to take his six year old half-sister, Princess Kristina, with her as well. Now, Matilda was Queen. She could not believe that she was the most important woman in all of Sweden.

Matilda looked up, as there was a knock at her door.

"Come in." she said.

The door opened and Matilda's eldest child and daughter, Princess Astrid, walked in.

Matilda smiled at her nine year old daughter.

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

Astrid sighed.

"I am not happy, Mother." she admitted.

Matilda sat her daughter down and sat next to her, rubbing her long dark red curls.

"Tell me what is wrong." she said.

Astrid sighed.

"Why do you let Father treat you bad? You are Queen now. Is he not supposed to love you? You said that Grandfather loved Grandmother very much." she said.

Matilda nodded her head.

"He did very much. However, you must not expect every man you be like that. As a Princess, there is a higher calling than being anyone else. Marriage can sometimes be a sacrifice that we have to overcome. God may ask that of us to be the wife of a man, who we may not favor, but our actions could reconcile him to God. Also, we are Queens for the people. We are the mothers of not just our children, but our subjects as well. When you are older, you will understand it more." she said, with a smile.

Astrid smiled back at her mother.

"I will do my best, Mother. However, I really hope that Dimitri will be kind to me when I have to depart for Moscow." she said.

Matilda smiled and caressed her daughter's face.

"I am sure he will, darling." she said.


3 August 1561
Scotland

Lady Jane Stewart (nee Grey) had just put her infant daughter, Arabella, to sleep and entered her son, Arthur's room to tuck him in for the night. Arthur was still awake when she walked in.

"Arthur," Jane said softly, "you should be sleeping."

"I'm sorry, Lady Mother," the five-year-old boy replied. "I was hoping to see Father before I slept."

"Your father is a busy man, my son," Jane told him. "He has a lot to do to keep us all fed and clothed."

"I know," Arthur replied. "I just wish sometimes he could play with me more often."

"I'm sure you do," Jane said, pulling the covers up as she sat on the bed next to him. "You should be glad that you have a nice father, though, and that he takes the time to play with you at all. Some children have fathers who don't care about them in the slightest, my darling boy."

Arthur looked surprised. It didn't make sense to him that a father wouldn't care about his children. "Why not?"

"Well, some men believe that their wives should handle the children, so they don't invest any time in them," Jane said. "Other men only spend time with their sons and often ignore their daughters."

"Really?"

"Yes. My father, your grandfather, was like that. Shall I tell you about him?" Jane asked.

Arthur nodded.

"My father was Lord Henry Grey. He believed that sons were more important than daughters, but my mother only had three little girls that lived," Jane began. "I am the oldest, then there is your Aunt Katherine and your Aunt Mary."

"Aunt Katherine is Lady Dudley?" Arthur asked, trying to remember.

"Yes," his mother replied. "Aunt Mary isn't married yet, but she will be soon, I am sure. She is betrothed to the Marquess de Moya, the son of Princess Isabella of England, Dowager Marquessa de Moya."

"So, Aunt Mary will be Lady de Moya when she marries?" he questioned.

"Yes," Jane told him. "Aren't you the smart one?"

Arthur beamed. He learned about royal titles from his governess, and how he should always address his mother as Lady Mother.

"Anyways, my father, your grandfather, was not very nice to my mother because she only gave him three daughters," Jane explained to her young son. "He rarely spent any time with me or my sisters, even less than your father spends with you, and he was not very nice when he did, so we didn't want his attention to fall on us."

"I don't know that I want to meet my Lord Grandfather," Arthur admitted.

"You won't have to, Arthur," Jane said. "My father died several years ago."

"Oh," Arthur paused. "I'm sorry your father died, but I am glad that I won't have to meet him, even if he would have liked me because I'm a boy."

Jane smiled at her son, then stood up. "Now, go to sleep, and I will see you in the morning, little one," Jane said, tussling his hair slightly. She kissed his forehead, then blew out the candle that was near his door. As she closed the door behind her, she allowed a single tear to fall, half for the man her father never had been, and half for the fact that she was grateful that her children would never know him. Although her life had been somewhat traumatic, she was glad that she had a good husband who loved their children and who saw her as more of a partner than someone to rule over. She was blessed.


17 August 1561
Moya Castle, Moya, Spain
Princess Isabella, Dowager Marquessa de Moya's Chambers

Isabella sat near her window, sewing a shirt for her nine year old son. The fifty-one year old widow and mother of four had somewhat grown content with her life. Although well into middle age, she still possessed some of her good looks from her youth, although she no longer wore fancy gowns and exquisite jewelry. She preferred to be dressed in black.

Isabella looked up, as a knock was heard at her door.

"Come in." she said.

The door opened and Isabella's eldest son and the current Marquess de Moya, Lord Fernando de Cabrera, walked in.

He sat near her.

"How are you doing, Mother?" he asked.

Isabella gave her sixteen year old son a small smile.

"I am well. How are your studies coming along?" she asked.

Fernando smiled.

"They are well. They have concluded for the day. I also wanted to bring you this letter from my sister, Maria, in Portugal." he said.

Isabella sighed and took the letter. Her twenty-one year old daughter and eldest surviving child was not doing well in Portugal. Her husband and daughter were both dead and Maria was very unhappy with her In-laws.

"Thank you, darling. Let me read this alone and I will see you and your brother and sister for supper." she said.

Fernando nodded his head and left her room. Isabella broke the seal of the letter and began to read:

"My Dearest Mother,

I hope that this letter finds you in a much better condition than myself. You have been my comfort in these horrid times. I loved my husband and my daughter, but I can not stay here any longer. This Court no longer feels like home to me. I want to return to our family home and be with my true family.

The King has suggested that I marry into a noble family and I will not accept. He has the nerve to try to have dominion over my life. I will not allow him. He is not my father and how they treated me after the tragedy which took my family away invalidates his feeling on the outcome of my life.

I beseech you to allow me to return to your loving embrace, Mother. I do not care if I ever marry again. I need my mother and my siblings, as you all are the only ones who love me.

Your loving daughter,

Maria, Dowager Princess of Portugal

Isabella took a deep breath. She felt terrible for her daughter, but she did not believe that her daughter had been offended as she was making it seem to be. She decided that she was going to reply to her letter.

"My Dearest Daughter,

My heart aches and weeps over your pain. I wish to hold you and comfort you, as the loss of a child and husband I know too well. Providence has not been kind to me and I pray daily that it will bestow kindness upon my children.

However, my duty as your mother must urge you to do as your told. The wayward ways of my youth left you in a precarious situation and I do not want you to make that same mistake. Also, you go not know what the Lord has planned for you.

The King of Portugal is also your uncle and the Queen is my sister and despite our differences, they will not let anything happen to you. After your father died, it was your uncle and my sister that secured the marriage between you and your husband. I also want to remind you that if I had not done what I was asked to do, I would not have married your beloved stepfather.

Your loving mother,

Isabella, Dowager Marquessa de Moya.

Isabella sealed her letter and handed the letter to one of her servants. She hoped that her words would bring her daughter some comfort.


23 August 1561
St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia, Cyprus
The Throne Room

King Janius and Queen Christina were sitting on their Thrones, looking regal, despite their young ages. Queen Christina was excited, as the Ambassadors from Naples were arriving to Court today and she was eager to hear how her family in her homeland was doing, but she masked her excitement with a kind, stoic face, as her loyalties lay with Cyprus now.

Janius took her hand and kneeled over to her ear.

"You know I hate these damn meetings to welcome dignitaries to Court, but I am happy to see you excited to see the Ambassador." he said, with a smile.

Christina nodded her head.

"I am excited. I love it here in Cyprus. I have you, Nicholas and Maria and I am truly happy. However, I do miss my siblings and my mother. I just know that I will get news on how they are all are doing now." she said.

Suddenly, the herald called out:

"HIS GRACE, LORD TOMAS DURANTE! "

The doors opened and a man in his forties walked in to the room, with a few attendants. He had dark hair and olive skin and a growing midsection. Christina recognized this man as one of the friends of her eldest brother and the current King of Naples, Alfonso.

Lord Durante took a deep bow, as he reached the young Royal Couple.

"Your Majesties." he said.

Janius took a small breath. He hated formality.

"Welcome to Court, Ambassador. I trust your journey was not to tedious?" he asked.

The older man nodded his head.

"The ship made it to your beautiful lands very smoothly, Your Majesty." he said.

Janius nodded and turned to Christina.

"I believe that I do not need to introduce you to my wife, Queen Christina." he said, giving her a smile only she could see.

The Ambassador bower to her.

"Your Majesty, your brother, the King and your mother, The Queen Mother, send their love." he said, as he kissed her hand.

Christina gave a small smile.

"I am honored that they send their love and I humbly ask you to return to them, returning greater love from their loving sister and dutiful daughter." she said.

Janius turned towards the Ambassador again.

"What other news come from my dear brother-in-law? I understand he had an inquiry over our son, Crown Prince Nicholas." he said.

The Ambassador nodded his head.

Yes, Your Majesty. As you are well aware, the King and Queen had another daughter, the Princess Joanna. She is now three years old and not that much younger than the Crown Prince. The King of Naples would love to offer his youngest daughter as a bride for your son and heir." he said.

Janius and Christina looked at each other, in deep thought. Their four year old son did need a potential Princess to marry and their weren't too many options. King Bagrat of Imereti had offered his granddaughter, Princess Anneliese, but Janius was more interested in a Catholic bride for his son rather than an Orthodox one.

Janius turned towards the Ambassador.

"How would my son benefit from this marriage?" he asked.

The Ambassador cleared his throat.

"The Princess Joanna would bring more wealth to you. The King promises a rich dowry, as well as a yearly annuity of ten thousand ducatos." he said.

Janius nodded. He did like the terms so far.

"We would still need to obtain a dispensation from His Holiness, as Nicholas and Princess Joanna are cousins. Also, with Naples as a vassal of Spain, is there any reason that King Luis would object?" he asked.

The Ambassador shook his head.

"The King of Spain does not object and the dispensation will not be hard to obtain, Your Majesty." he said.

Janius began to think for a moment.

"We will have time tomorrow to discuss further into this marriage, but I am in support of it. We have had rooms prepared for you, so please rest after your long journey." he said.

The Ambassador nodded and bowed and left the Throne Room.

Janius turned towards Christina.

"Your niece will be our son's bride. How do you feel, darling?" he asked.

Christina smiled.

"It is exciting. I want to be the mother-in-law that your mother is to me. I want to prepare her for how to be a good Queen of Cyprus.

Janius kissed her hand.

"There will never be a Queen better than you." he said.


5 September 1561
Turkey

The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman I, walked alone in the gardens of his enormous palace. His beloved wife, Hurrem, had died only months before, and the aging ruler felt her absence every day. He recalled the first time he saw her, in the line of new slave girls that had been brought from Europe for his pleasure. She smiled at him in a way no one else ever did. It lit up the room, and his heart was instantly hers.

He also recalled the day that she decided to convert to Islam. He had been overjoyed that she wanted to share his life, including his faith, with him. He had freed her from slavery after her conversion, as it would not do to have an Islamic woman held in servitude. Then, he had defied tradition and legally married her under their shared faith. From that point on, there was no one else for him, heart, body, and soul, regardless of how many women joined his harem, which he now only kept for the sake of tradition, but nothing more.

Their son, Selim, found him standing near a fountain that Hurrem had loved. He bowed to his father, then spoke. "This was Mother's favorite, wasn't it?" he asked, looking at the fountain.

Suleiman nodded. "She particularly loved the way it shone in the moonlight," he told their son. "She said that the moon showed through the water, making it shine like a silver rain."

Selim smiled. Remembering his mother in this way was peaceful to him, where his father felt mixed emotions, between missing her and knowing she was in a nicer place than any man could dream of in this life. However, it wasn't his mother that Selim had come to talk about; it was their young charge, who they now knew to be Princess Joan of France.

"Father," he said, "the French Princess still needs to be returned home. I know you have a lot on your mind, but I would like to send new ambassadors to Europe to accomplish this. My wife and I do not mind having the girl in our care, but it is time she was reunited with her family."

Suleiman nodded. "Of course, my son," he replied. "After what happened to our last entourage, I think we need to return her to France more than ever."

"Perhaps we should send soldiers to accompany them?" Selim suggested.

Suleiman shook his head. "I do not want any perceived threats on this diplomatic mission. That will not do," he decided. "Go to our Janissaries and speak with their commander. Seek out two men who are trained in combat, but also possess diplomatic skills. This should both eliminate the possibility of a threat at first glance and provide the services we need to see this through."

Selim bowed to his father and turned to leave but stopped. He turned back to the older man. "Do you think that Mother would have approved of this plan?" he asked.

Suleiman thought for a moment, looking again at Hurrem's fountain. He nodded slowly. "I know your mother wanted the girl to be reunited with her family, and I know she cared for the girl greatly. I think she would consider this a wise plan to accomplish our goals."

Selim smiled, then left to do as he was ordered, hoping that soon, the Princess would be back with her family and that she would be loved.


16 September 1561
Bender Castle, Bender, Moldova
King Stephen of Moldova's Privy Chambers

The sun was setting on the long day and King Stephen of Moldova was on his third goblet of wine. His thirty-three year old wife, Queen Maria Sanguszko, was currently giving birth to their seventh child. The thirty-four year old King was not terribly stressed. They had six children and although two had been stillborn, three of the surviving children were boys and only one was a girl. He loved his children, but he was happy that they had more sons. His line secure, now he just wanted another healthy child.

He looked up as the door and he smiled as his sixteen year old son and heir, Prince Stephen, walked in and poured himself wine.

"How is Mother?" he asked.

The King looked up.

"She is still in the pains of birth. The midwives say it shall be over soon. You can retire for the night, if you are tired." he said.

Prince Stephen shook his head.

"I am well enough, Father. I wanted to talk to you about my betrothal. Do you not believe that she is a bit ... young?" he asked.

King Stephen sighed.

"The Infanta Isabel of Portugal may be only six years old, but she will bring a large dowry to your marriage and she will receive an annuity every year. Her youth will also ensure more sons for you and will form an alliance with a strong Kingdom." he said.

The Prince nodded his head.

"I will marry the Infanta if you so wish. I would never defy you or go against your wishes." he said.

The King smiled.

"I know you won't, son. You are a pride to your Mother and I." he said.

The door opened and an older woman walked and bowed to the King and Prince.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, Your Highness. I have come to tell you that the Queen had been successfully delivered of a healthy Princess." she said.

Prince Stephen smiled and took a deep breath, relieved that his mother was well.

King Stephen smiled at the older woman.

"I shall visit the Queen in a few hours time. I want you to tell the Queen that our new daughter is to be called Osma." he said.

The older women nodded her head, bowed and left the room.

The two Stephens looked at each other and continued drinking their wine, silently celebrating the birth is their new daughter and sister, Princess Osma.


20 September 1561
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
The Royal Nursery

Princess Eleanor smiled, as she looked down at her one year old daughter, Princess Maria. The baby girl was a perfect mixture of her parents and was thriving. Eleanor hoped that a younger brother would soon join her precious baby girl, since women could no longer inherit the Throne in Naples.

The door opened and Queen Adriana walked in behind her daughter-in-law. She felt bad for the eighteen year old.

"How is she?" she gently asked, coming closer.

Eleanor turned and bowed.

"She is doing well. I can not believe she is so beautiful." she said.

Adriana smiled and looked down at the infant.

"She is a true cherub. I hope you don't feel troubled by my son. I know he berates you, due to the fact that you have not given birth to a son as of yet. You are young. A son will come in time." she said.

Eleanor signed.

"Giovanni was so kind to me at first, but he is so mean and he acts so wicked. He shows kindness to Maria. He calls me a whore when he is angry. When I do my duty, it is sometimes nog enjoyable. I think that he is mad." she confessed.

Adriana shushed her and looked around and also walked by the door, looking out, to make sure no one else was outside, except the faithful guards.

She walked back to her daughter-in-law and took a deep breath.

"This is something that I must tell you. Yes, madness does run in the Trastamara family. My grandmother, Queen Juana, was even thought to be mad." she said.

Eleanor looked at her mother-in-law.

"Was she...?" she asked.

Adriana shook her head.

"Not at all. She did have a horrible anger within her, but she had pressure. However, her grandmother, Isabella of Portugal, Queen of Castile, was definitely Mad. After her husband's death, she was said to see the spirit of Don Alvaro de Luna, her husband's principal advisor, who she convinced him to execute. It plagued her for many years. The powerful Isabel of Castile,our ancestor, had her mother in a protected castle, away from Court and the whispers of people." she said.

Eleanor took a look at her infant daughter.

"I believe Giovanni suffers from the same madness as Isabella of Portugal. He will be King one day. What if my sweet Maria is also Mad?" she asked fearfully.

Queen Adriana and hugged the young mother.

"We must pray that the Lord is merciful." she said.


3 October 1561
Belem Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Joanna, Princess of Eboli's Bedchamber

"I feel like a large cow." Joanna said, as she sewed.

Her elder sister, Catarina, Princess of Portugal, was sitting next to her and began to laugh.

"I know how you feel. When you are with child, it does get very uncomfortable in the last month. You will forget it all when you are holding your child in your arms." she said.

Joanna smiled and rubbed her swollen midsection. She was due to give birth to her first child any day now. She had thought that she would never be able to bear any children, due to the fact that she didn't her courses until she was fifteen years old. However, her husband, Lord Manuel de Silva, had managed to get her pregnant within three months of their marriage.

"I just cannot wait to see what the baby is. I absolutely despise calling my child 'It'. Wouldn't you despise being called that?" Joanna asked her eldest sister.

Catarina laid her sewing down.

"I think I would feel much worse if I were a girl and somebody kept calling me a boy." she said.

Joanna nodded her head.

"Cat, how do you feel about being Queen one day?" she asked.

Catarina sighed.

"It is a destiny that the Lord has decided for me. I do not like it, but I will do as I am instructed and be the best Queen that I can possibly be." she said.

Suddenly, Joanna winced and began to breath heavily.

Catarina looked at her eighteen year old younger sister.

"Are you well, Joanna?" she asked.

Joanna sighed.

"I feel pressure. I believe I...have wet myself." she said.

Catarina raised the blanket and looked at her sister.

"Your child is coming. I will get your midwife." she said.

Joanna grabbed her sister.

"Do not leave me. I am frightened." she said.

Catarina sighed and nodded.

"I will stay. I will send one of your ladies for the midwife." she said.

Joanna nodded her head and breathed, as her contractions increased in intensity.


Seven hours later...

The sun had set all over Portugal, but life was just beginning in Princess Joanna's Bedchamber. Her labor had been smooth and difficult-free and she had been delivered of a healthy baby girl.

Catarina smiled, as she wiped Joanna's sweaty forehead.

"You did well, little sister. Your daughter is so beautiful." she said.

Joanna looked at Catarina, exhaustion overcoming her.

"Is she healthy?" she asked.

Suddenly, Joanna's husband, Lord Manuel de Silva,Prince of Eboli and Duke of Pastrana, walked over, holding their newborn daughter.

"She is perfect, darling." he said,as he sat next to his wife.

Joanna smiled.

"You don't mind that she is not a son?" she asked.

Manuel shook his head.

"Nothing is more perfect than her. We will have a son in due time." he said.

Joanna smiled and took her baby daughter into her arms from her husband.

Manuel kisses Joanna.

"I would love to name her Beatriz, after my dear mother." he said.

Joanna smiled at her husband and sister.

"Lady Beatriz de Silva it is." she said.


16 October 1561
Russia

Grand Duke Dmitri, the Tsarevich of Russia, lay in his bed while his mother, Anastasia, sat next to him. It was a nightly ritual they had. She would come to his room right before he went to sleep and read to him. He didn't always get to see her during the day, between his lessons and her duties, but he knew she would always come at night. When the story was finished, she kissed her son's head, then started to leave so he could sleep. However, he stopped her with a question before she could leave.

"When will Princess Astrid come here?" Dmitri asked his mother. He was betrothed to Princess Astrid Vasa of Sweden, and he was excited to meet her.

Anastasia turned back to her son. "When you are both fifteen, she will come to your father's court from Sweden and begin her lessons on Russian culture and court life," she answered him.

"Will she like me?" he asked.

"Yes, my son," Anastasia replied. "She will like you, or at the very least, she will respect you and be kind to you."

"What if she doesn't?"

Anastasia looked at her son and sat back down in the chair next to his bed. "What's with all of these questions? You are only nine. You should be more worried about your mathematics lesson than your future wife."

Dmitri looked at his mother. "I see the way that Papa is with you, but I also see how other men treat their wives at court," he told her. "I want to be a good husband for the Princess, but I don't know how. I don't know which way is the right one."

Anastasia smiled at her only son. "Your papa and I care about each other very much. I respect him as a ruler and as my husband. Astrid will respect you that way too. That's why she's coming here a year before you marry, so she can learn how we do things in Russia," she said, trying to reassure him that everything will be as it should. "Your father has sent a tutor to Sweden to teach her Russian, so she can talk with you before she comes. In a few years, you will be able to write her letters and get to know her that way too."

"I know how to write," Dmitri said. "Can I not write to her now?"

"Not yet. You are far too young to begin such an intimate correspondence with her now."

"Can I not even send her a letter to introduce myself?" he asked.

"Does it worry you that much, little one?"

"Yes."

"Then write her a letter and your father and I will read it to make sure it is appropriate before it is sent," Anastasia decided. "If it is, then she will have it."

"Thank you, mother," he said.

Anastasia stood up and caressed her son's cheek. "Now sleep, or else you will be too tired to write anything tomorrow."

"Yes, mother," he responded. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, my son," she replied, then left the room. As she closed the door behind her, she remembered receiving a letter from her own husband when they were about ten. He had wanted to introduce himself to her too. She smiled, then returned to her chambers, hoping that her son's letter to the Princess Astrid would be as innocent as Ivan's had been at the time. The future was coming all too fast, and she thought it was good that Dmitri was taking it seriously already, but she also hated to see his childhood slipping away. After all, he was her only son, and she wanted to keep him with her as long as possible before the adult world took over, which it inevitably would. Regardless of her feelings as a mother, she knew he would make a wonderful Tsar for the Russian people when the time came, and that fact made her very proud of her little Tsarevich who was sound asleep in his room, dreaming of the future.


25 October 1561
Hampton Court, England
Elisabeth, Princess of Wales' Bedchamber

Princess Elisabeth smiled to herself, as she sewed with her ladies-in-waiting. She and Edward had been married for four months and she loved every moment with him. He was so kind and loving towards her, she felt that their four month old marriage was a love match.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulders and smiled, as she felt Edward start to kiss her.

"Why did you not have yourself announced, sweetheart?" she asked.

Edward smiled.

"It would ruin the surprise. I was also hoping to talk to you in private." he said.

Elisabeth nodded her head and dismissed her ladies-in-waiting. After her ladies left the room, Elisabeth placed her sewing on the table and stood up.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Edward smiled and kissed her passionately.

"I just wanted to know how you are enjoying Hampton Court. Does it compare to the palaces in France?" he asked.

Elisabeth shook her head.

"No, you were not in France with me. So, my life here with you is much more grand." she said.

Edward smiled and kissed her again.

"How has my family been to you?" he asked.

Elisabeth sighed.

"The King is very kind to me. Your sister, Margaret, is so kind. Little Mary is an angel." she said.

Edward noticed a strange look on his young wife's face.

"Is something wrong, Lissy?" he asked.

Elisabeth sighed.

"It is your stepmother, the Queen. I feel that she hates me. She is Spanish and I am French. It is known that the Spanish hate the French. I feel that we will never have a good relationship." she said.

"Is that what you think?" a voice asked.

Edward and Elisabeth turned around and were face-to-face with Edward's stepmother, Queen Lillian.

Both Edward and Elisabeth bowed to her. Queen Lillian walked towards the two, not taking her eyes of her stepdaughter-in-law.

"Elisabeth, what were you saying about the Spanish?" she asked.

Elisabeth looked at her husband's stepmother.

"I was just saying I was afraid that you would not care for me, since I am French. Your father, the late Emperor, held my father and late uncle in Spain, as captives of war." she said.

Lillian sighed.

"I am my father's daughter, but I am not my father. When that was done to your father, I was not even born into this world. I have no problem with you and I even admire you as a wonderful for my stepson. However, let us both not pin the sins of our fathers on each other. Do you agree?" she asked.

Elisabeth smiled and nodded.

"I do agree, Your Majesty." she said.

Lillian smiled and hugged the sixteen year old girl. Edward smiled at his stepmother and his wife embracing. He truly felt that they could now truly be a united family.


30 October 1561
Russia

Grand Duke Dmitri of Russia, the heir to the throne, approached his parents with the timidness of a nine-year-old boy, but the demeanor of a grown man. He had been raised in the court of Russia, strictly brought up to obey his parents in all things, which included his time with them. He was never permitted to call his parents mother and father in public, though his mother allowed it when they were alone. He never made the mistake of thinking he could. Appearances were everything to the Russian royal family and had to be kept up in public.

When his father acknowledged him, he stepped forward, bowed, then turned to his mother and bowed again. In the throne room, she was the essence of everything dignified, even if she did play with him in private.

"Your highness," his father said, allowing him to speak.

"Your Majesties," he replied. "I have brought a letter for your approval, to the Princess Astrid of Sweden. I request that you review it, and if deemed appropriate, that it be sent to the said Princess. It is a letter of introduction, so that she has some knowledge of our nation before she arrives."

The Tsar looked at his son. Dmitri spoke most eloquently when addressing him. It was quite early for his son to be writing to his betrothed, but a letter of introduction couldn't hurt, as long as the wording was proper.

"I will take it under consideration," his father said. "You will have my decision in the morning."

Dmitri bowed. "Thank you." He took the customary three steps backward, then turned in true Russian military style and left the throne room. He hoped his father would allow the letter to be sent. He tried to keep it impersonal, telling the Swedish princess of Russia, the court, and the palace. The only thing in it other than that was telling her of a book he had just read, hoping that she would also read it so they would have something to discuss. He returned to his room and sat down to continue his studies.

Back in the throne room, the Tsar looked at his wife, knowing her hand was in this. He motioned to her to follow him, then rose and left the room. Once they were alone, he asked her about the letter.

"He was concerned that the Princess would not like him or Russia once she arrived if everything was completely foreign to her," Anastasia told her husband, who nodded. "I told him to write it and we would review it before sending it."

Ivan thought for a moment. "I will take a look at it. However, if it's not appropriate, we cannot send it. It might offend the Swedish King."

Anastasia nodded. "We will use it as an exercise. If it is not proper, we will sit down with him and explain why, giving him the chance to correct it until it is. He will be the ruler of Russia one day and must understand the right way to do things. This will teach him some level of proper behavior, if he does not know it already."

Ivan agreed and the couple went back to the throne room. He would look over the letter and decide what to do in the morning.


7 November 1561
Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Queen Elizabeth of Spain's Bedchamber

Elizabeth was sitting on her floor and was smiling, as she played with her seventeen month old son, Infante Juan. The toddler was very active and healthy. The past year had been very stable for Spain and Elizabeth was very happy about that.

Suddenly, King Luis walked up behind his wife. Despite being dressed in a beautiful gown, he loved his wife of eleven years and how much she enjoyed being an active mother to their six children. He knew that his own mother couldn't have an active role in the upbringing of Luis and his younger sister, Juana.

Elizabeth turned and smiled at her husband.

"How long have you been standing there, sweetheart?" she asked.

Luis smiled and walked forward.

"Not long at all. I just love seeing you as a mother. You care about our children very much. I do hope we have more." he said.

Elizabeth smiled. She secretly wanted more children. She had done her duty to Spain and Navarre. Out of her six children, three of them were boys. She had produced an heir she two spares. She never took anything for granted at all.

"We will follow the Lord's will. How are the marriage negotiations for our children going?" she asked.

Luis sighed.

"Everything seems well mostly. I believe that our Isabel should marry Prince Alfonso of Naples. He's only a year older than her." he said.

Elizabeth sighed.

"He is the heir for now, since my niece has not given birth to a son, but Eleanor is only eighteen. Isabel is our eldest daughter and I believe that she deserves to be a Queen. Let's betroth her to Alfonso for now and if Eleanor and Giovanni have a surviving son, we could find another match for her." she said.

Luis nodded his head.

"Eduardo is officially betrothed to Infanta Maria of Portugal, the eldest daughter of Catarina and Juan. She's the eldest daughter of a future Queen. The marriage will take place in 1572, when he is seventeen and she is fifteen years old." he said.

Elizabeth nodded her head, agreeing to the match.

Luis continued.

"Juana is, of course, betrothed to Prince Ludwik of Poland. The marriage will take place in Krakow in 1574, when she is eighteen and the Prince is seventeen. We should do a proxy marriage at some point." he said.

Elizabeth looked at Luis.

"That is true. Our Maria will still be the Queen of Portugal?" she asked.

Luis nodded.

"That is correct. They agreed to the match and the marriage will take place when she is eighteen years old and he is twenty-one. Juan is happy that Portugal will have a double alliance with Spain." he said.

Elizabeth smiled.

"Our Carlos should be dedicated to the Church. I know he's our second son, but I just feel that will be the best place for him." she said.

Luis nodded.

"No marriages have come forward for him, but I did receive an interesting request for our little Juan." he said, as he rubbed his one year old son's head.

Elizabeth looked at him.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Luis stood up.

"Do you remember my niece, Mary of Ascania? The Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst?" he asked.

Elizabeth nodded. The little five year old German Princess was the only child of Luis' sister, Infanta Juana and her late husband, Karl of Ascania, who died in a fire when little Mary was just a baby.

"Of course I do, the poor dear." she said.

Luis nodded.

"Her Council have decided to seek a marriage between Mary and Juan. They don't mind a Spanish Alliance, but they want it to be between a son of ours, who has no chance of inheriting the Throne and their lands would be part of Spain." he said.

Elizabeth looked surprised.

"She is four years older than him. Are they comfortable with waiting until he is old enough to consummate the marriage? I am not sending him to Anhalt, until he is at least sixteen years old." she said.

Luis nodded.

"They just want her married by the time she is twenty-one. They do not want to lose any of her childbearing years. Do you agree to the match?" he asked.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and nodded her head.

"Very well. Juan will marry Mary of Anhalt-Zerbst." she said, as she caressed her son's cheek.


15 November 1561
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
Princess Lucrezia of Naples Bedchamber

Princess Lucrezia was lying in her bed. She had been feeling poorly and was not getting any better. She hoped that her condition would improve soon.

Her husband, Prince Owen, Duke of Buckingham, walked over to her and laid next to her.

"Are you still not feeling well, sweetheart?" he asked

Lucrezia shook her head.

"Not at all. This illness is attacking me severely. . I feel as if I have been spinning." she said.

Owen looked at his wife. He had colds before, but never had he felt like he was spinning.

"Sweetheart, are you sure we do not need to summon a physician?" he asked.

Lucrezia shook her head.

"I am honestly not sure. My ladies were under the impression that I could possibly be with child again and... I agree with them. I feel the same as I did lady year." she said.

Owen smiled. He and Lucrezia had been trying for another child for a year, ever since their unfortunate miscarriage.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

Lucrezia nodded.

"The midwife has not confirmed it, but If I am correct I should give birth in May." she said.

Owen smiled and kissed.

"The Lord is blessing us. We are going to have a child finally, darling." he said.

Lucrezia smiled and rested her hand on her stomach.

"I can not bear to fail again. I want this child to live. I have a strong feeling it will be our son and heir." she said.

Owen kissed her.

"I am sure it will be, my love. We will have a beautiful family. I promise you that." he said.

Lucrezia snuggled closer to him.

"I pray you are right, sweetheart." she said.


23 November 1561
Ribiera Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
The Royal Council Room

King Carlos was sitting with his Royal Council, along with his eldest daughter and heiress, Catarina. In the last year, Catarina had definitely stepped up to her role as Princess of Portugal. She had appeared in public and the people were at ease with their future ruler. Carlos decided that Catarina would have a place in Council. He wanted Catarina to know how to govern.

Carlos cleared his throat and everyone became silent. Carlos looked at his daughter and gave her a smile that only she saw.

"We are here to discuss the success of our largest colony, Brazil, as well as the future of our Dowager Princess, Maria. This meeting will be civilized. I will not tolerate raising of the voices or disgusting language. We have a young lady present, your future Queen, Catarina. You are to show her the upmost respect. Now, I understand we have the records of Brazil. How are the people there? The finances?" he asked one of his advisors.

The elderly man looked at the King.

"Brazil has definitely prospered in the sixty-one years since your father, the late King Alfonso, founded it. The population is increasing and wealth is very well. The funds you receive are definitely wholesome." he said.

Catarina cleared her throat.

"That is well, however I do have a few concerns. While looking over the Viceroy's letters, I've noticed that education has not been established for Brazil's children. Why is that?" she asked.

The older man looked at the twenty-four year old Princess.

"Your Highness, only the high born are being educated. The Natives should only know the Catholic Faith." he said.

Catarina looked at him, in disbelief.

"How do you expect government to be fair and just if the basic person cannot read or even write our language? It does not make any sense to have a colony of people who are illiterate." she said.

Many of the men began to murmur, in agreement.

The older man glared at the Princess.

"Portugal is prospering. That's all that should matter. They are having their souls saved and have been civilized." he said.

Before Catarina could say anything, Carlos banged his fist on the table.

"That's enough. The Princess is correct. We need to educate the Natives and show them that we are not their enemies. I am ending this meeting early. You're dismissed." he said.

The men began to murmur, as they left the room. Catarina took a look at her father. He looked very exhausted and was profusely sweating and looked as if taking a breath was too much effort for him.

She stood up and walked over to him.

"Father, are you well?" she asked.

Carlos shook his head.

"No. I am rather ill and I did not want to collapse I'm front of everyone. Please fetch the physician, but please do not cause a scene. I do not want to alarm your mother or sisters." he said.

Catarina looked at him.

"Father, I... "

Carlos raised his hand.

"Catarina, do as I say." he gently commanded.

Catarina nodded and left the room, praying that whatever was afflicting her Father was not serious.


12 December 1561
Wawel Castle, Krakow, Poland
King Sigismund II of Poland's Private Chambers

King Sigismund winced, as he heard the screams yet again. His wife of over twenty-one years, Queen Dorothea, was giving birth to another child. The last few years had been very well. The King had been worried after all of the the queen's multiple pregnancies, they only ended up with four surviving daughters. He loved his daughters dearly, but he needed a surviving son. Finally, in 1557, after seventeen yearsof prayers and pilgrimages and nearly giving up, Queen Dorothea gave birth to their Prince Ludwik at the age of thirty-seven. He was the pride and joy of his parents and would be officially given the titles reserved for the heir of Poland, once he reached the age of five next year. Two years after his birth, the Polish Court was delighted with the birth of yet another son, Prince Joachim. After twenty years, King Sigismund had finally secured his dynasty and his Throne. He was utterly surprised when the Queen announced that she was once again with child, especially due to her age of forty-one years.

"Lord, protect my Queen. Spare her life. Guide her through this danger." King Sigismund prayed silently.

The door opened and Princess Ludmila, his eldest surviving daughter walked in.

He stood up.

"How is your Mother?" he asked.

The eighteen year smiled at her father.

"The midwife says Mother is strong and the birth is going well, despite her years." she said.

Sigismund took a deep breath and sat back down. This was his Queen Dorothea's twelfth time in the birthing chamber. She managed to fall pregnant within months of their 1540 wedding. Their first child, Princess Helena, was born over a year after the wedding. She was a sweet and healthy child. However, she died after an unexpected fever at six months old. The loss was traumatic. Two years later, Princess Ludmila was born and she was much stronger than her older sister. A few months later after her birth, the Queen was pregnant again and shortly after Princess Ludmila turned one year old, The Queen gave birth to a stillborn son. The loss of the Prince haunted the couple for years. One year later, Princess Olga was born. The Court was disappointed at the birth of another Princess, bit the King and Queen were quietly rejoicing at the birth of another strong child who would love. After a miscarriage In 1547, Princess Stefania arrived in 1549. The King was anxious by now, since he only had three daughters. Another daughter was stillborn in 1551 and Princess Karolina arrived one year later. By the time of her birth, King Sigismund was preparing to name Princess Ludmila as his heiress. Another miscarriage occured two years later and it was another boy. Finally, the two healthy Princes arrived in 1557 and 1559. Now, regardless of this child's sex, he just wanted Dorothea to survive.

After another hour, the door opened again and the midwife walked in and bowed.

King Sigismund stood up, along with his daughter.

"Well?" he asked, almost impatiently.

The midwife smiled as wide as she could.

"The Queen has given birth to another Prince, Your Majesty! They are both doing well." she said, excitedly.

King Sigismund laughed out loud, in relief and he hugged his daughter. A third son and Prince.

He looked at the midwife.

"Tell the Queen I am proud of her and that our son will be named Casimir." he said.

The midwife smiled and left the room.

King Sigismund fell to he knees and looked at the Cross his room.

"Thank you, Lord." he said.


17 December 1561
Hampton Court, England
Queen Lillian of England's Privy Chamber

Queen Lillian was sewing with several of her ladies-in-waiting and watching the snow quietly fall outside. She and her ladies were sewing more blankets and clothes for the orphans

Lady Mary Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk, looked up at the Queen.

"Your Majesty, I really enjoy helping the poor. Do you think we'll be able to be done before Christmas?" she asked.

Lillian smiled and nodded.

"I absolutely do. We have been doing this for years now. I actually look forward to myself. We must remember those who are less fortunate than us. These comforts are a blessing, not a right." she said.

Lillian looked put her sewing down and stood up briefly, but as she stood up, she suddenly felt dizzy and caught her chair, before she hit the floor.

Lady Mary Brandon stood up, immediately and rushed to her Queen.

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

Lillian nodded.

"Yes, Lady Mary no need to make a fuss. Maybe I should lie down for awhile." she said.

Lady Mary nodded her head and helped the young Queen to her bed.

Lady Charlotte Howard stepped forward and looked at the Queen, in concern.

"How are you feeling, Your Majesty?" she asked.

Queen Lillian nodded her head.

"Yes, please don't fret." she said.

Lady Charlotte cleared her throat.

"Your Majesty, when was the last time you bled?" she asked.

Lillian began to think.

"It has been a few months. I know what you are thinking and I thought about it too. You should summon the physician and the King as well." she said.

Lady Charlotte nodded and left the room, as the rest of the household began to tend to the Queen.


Queen Lillian was laying perfectly still, as the physician examined her.

The physician looked up at her.

"You may sit up, Your Majesty. Your ladies were correct in their observation. You are undoubtedly with child once more. You should be brought to childbed in early summer." he said.

Lillian placed a hand on her belly and smiled.

"I am happy, but also surprised, Doctor. After my miscarriage last year, I was sure that the Princess Mary would be my only child." she said.

The physician shook his head.

"Your Majesty, you are only twenty-eight years old. You are in the prime for childbearing. I know you were concerned about not conceiving right away after the unfortunate miscarriage. However, each womb is different. You are not barren and with God's blessing, you shall bring forth many children." he said.

Queen Lillian smiled and paid him. After a few moments, King Harry walked in, wearing a bright smile.

He kissed Lillian passionately.

"Another child? You sure know how to make an old man happy." he said, as he hugged her close.

Lillian chuckled softly.

"You are far from old, Harry." she said.

Harry raised an eyebrow at her.

"I'm forty-seven years old and I am also a grandfather. I am not exactly young anymore." he said.

Lillian caressed his face.

"You are still the man I fell in love with. I do not care about your age and neither will our children." she said.

Harry smiled and kissed her once more. He knew he was blessed to have found love early in his life with his beloved Anne, but now he was equally blessed to spend the remainder of his life with his beloved Lillian and their growing family.


24 December 1561
Portugal

The court was in fine splendor as the Christmas celebrations continued. Despite the heavy losses to the royal family, their mourning period was over, and the nobles of the realm expected celebrations to go on. Queen Mary was watching the festivities from her throne, her husband absent due to his recent illness. The King appeared to be on the mend finally, but he was still too weak to attend the celebrations, though he insisted that they continue with their plans.

Catarina, the new heir to the Portuguese throne, was talking with her husband, Juan, the Duke of Franco. Her younger sister, Joanna, who had delivered her first child, a daughter, in October, had been churched and this was her first public event since the birth of little Beatriz. She and her husband, Manuel, were dancing. The youngest royal Princess, Isabel, who was six-year-old, had said her goodnights to the guests and was tucked into her bed in the royal nursery. Mary smiled, which was rare for the Queen to do these days but knowing that her three daughters were healthy and happy made her feel some relief that the bloodline of her husband would continue through them.

The courtiers turned as the herald tapped his staff. "The Infanta Maria, Dowager Princess of Portugal," the man cried out as he opened the doors. Mary turned to watch her daughter-in-law enter the ballroom of the palace. Maria made her way to the thrones and curtsied before the Queen.

"Maria," Mary acknowledged. The younger woman had been rather temperamental since the death of Queen Mary's son, Duarte, Prince of Portugal, and their only child, a daughter who they named Joana. The Queen was wary of the young woman and what behavior she might display now.

"Your Majesty," Maria responded. "I would like to speak with you at your convenience, your Grace, concerning a private matter."

The Queen nodded and rose from the throne. She led Maria to the study her husband had behind the thrones for such conversations. Once there, she closed the door behind them, then turned to face her daughter-in-law. "What can I do for you?" the Queen asked.

"It's come to my attention that His Majesty and the new heir to the throne are trying to arrange another marriage for me, your Grace," Maria informed her.

"I am aware that they were trying to find a husband of the proper ranking for you, yes," Mary replied.

"I do not want to remarry, your Grace," Maria told her. "I am here to let you know that I will not be treated as my mother was by this family. I will not marry until I am ready, and only I will decide when that is."

Before Mary could respond, the door opened, and Catarina walked into the room. She stood silently as her mother and her sister-in-law stared at her. "No one requested your presence here, your Highness," Maria said, bluntly. "I am speaking to the Queen."

"I understand that Maria," Catarina responded. "However, anything involving your person is of interest to this nation, as you are the Dowager Princess of Portugal, and because of your rank here, my father, the King, is to be informed of anything that occurs. I am here to make sure that happens."

Maria glared at her. "Well, as I was telling your mother, I will not be married to anyone until I am ready for that to happen, and I am not ready for another husband yet, if I will ever be. I loved your brother very much. I cannot and will not lie with another man, regardless of what you and your father think I should do. I am not my mother and I will not be married off to suit this nation, or any nation, before my heart has had time to heal from Duarte's death."

Catarina looked at Maria for a moment, fury building inside of her. "My father is your King, Maria, don't forget that. He rules us all, and one day, far in the future, that task will fall to me," she said, trying to remain civil to this girl, who she now considered ungrateful. "Like the rest of us, you will marry who my father determines is a suitable husband for someone of your rank, and you will do so when he determines the timing is right."

"I am NOT one of his daughters, Princess," Maria reminded her. "I am not the property of Portugal to do with as it sees fit."

"Oh, but you are," Catarina replied. "As my parents and your mother well know, the marriage contact that you signed when you married my brother makes you the property of this nation. Your remarriage is a matter of great importance. That was something that your mother never understood, and that is why you are a bastard instead of a true Princess."

Maria was shocked that her sister-in-law would say that out loud, but then again, she knew that this family had treated her mother horribly after her birth. She would not let it happen again. "Know this, Princess, if you or your father try and force a marriage on me for political reasons, or any reasons, that I do not agree to, I will cause so much of a scene that no one will want your family on the throne of any nation. My mother may have cared too much about her sister to level Portugal to the ground, but I don't. Your family is the most arrogant piece of work I have ever seen before and that includes the royal family of Spain. I will have no issue with toppling your rule if you cross me." Maria looked at the Queen and curtsied. "Happy Christmas your Majesty." She turned and walked out the door, closing it loudly behind her.

Catarina looked at her mother and sighed. Maria was never the easiest person to get along with, but now, she was making things impossible. Princesses knew that their marriages would be arranged in the best interest in the country their were born to, but Maria wasn't raised by the royal family, or any royal family. She was allowed to stay with her mother, who despite being a Princess herself, did not seem to have taught Maria the lessons she needed to learn to be a member of a royal family. This would be a hard road, Catarina predicted, and the sooner Maria was remarried, the less complicated their lives would be.

For now, she would not tell her father what was going on with Duarte's widow. He was too weak to deal with Maria's temper, and all Catarina wanted for her family was a happy holiday that they could remember. She was determined to make that happen, even if that meant putting up with Maria's antics for the time being. Catarina HAD been born a princess, and she would show the younger woman how a real princess behaved. Portugal would not be embarrassed by their heir; not now, not ever.

A/N Another year has been completed! I apologize once again, for the very long pause, but this story will continue and will not be abandoned at all. You all are very loyal and dedicated and I would not leave you all in the dark like that. I promise any story I write will be completed. I hope you all enjoy this long awaited Chapter. Please Reand and Review! Chapter 62 will be ups soon, once the timeline is agreed upon between my writing partner and I.