Chapter 67
Hello again, my fellow readers. Chapter Sixty-Seven has finally arrived. I hope it finds you well and that you all enjoy it. I always say please do not hesitate to message me or to leave a review. I love hearing you ideas and feelings over storylines and the future of the story as well. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter Sixty-Seven!
10 January 1564
France
Sophie, Duchess of Guise, lay in the large bed in her confinement chambers. She was tired. Having a baby was never easy, but at forty-three, it was more difficult than with her older children. She and her husband, Francis, had not intended to have anymore children after the birth of their youngest daughter, Margot, who was now three. Labor had been long and difficult with the child, and Francis knew that his wife might not survive another birth, but these things happen when two people love each other and want to share every part of themselves.
When the two married, she had been a scared Scottish princess who knew little of the world around her. She was sent to France to marry the future Duke of Guise, meeting him for the first time two weeks prior to the wedding ceremony. She did not love him then, but over the years they spent together, love had grown between the couple. Sophie had come to love him more than she ever thought possible, and she knew without doubt that her husband adored her beyond measure.
"Push, your Grace," the midwife commanded. Sophie mustered her strength and did as she was told. "I see the baby's head." The woman began to instruct her attendants in what to do, fetching various things from around the room to make ready for the newborn's arrival. The Duchess of Guise pushed again when told. She felt the child slip from her, laying back on her pillows in exhaustion. She waited a few moments but heard nothing. The child was not crying. This alarmed her, and she sat back up in bed.
The midwife was over near a table where the baby was being bathed. She could see the woman rubbing the child's back. Sophie just shook her head and the tears started to fall. This had happened before when the daughter they lost before little Margot was born had arrived. That child had never taken a breath, despite the midwife's efforts to save her.
Sophie watched closely, waiting for a sign that her baby would live. After several minutes, the midwife shook her head, then wrapped the child's lifeless body in a blanket. She carried the baby over to the Duchess, asking if the mother would like to hold it. Sophie nodded and took her baby into her arms. She peeled back the blanket from its sleeping face, kissing the baby's forehead gently, allowing her tears to fall on her dead child.
She looked at the midwife and choked back her tears long enough to ask the child's sex. "It was a boy, your Grace," the woman replied.
Sophie nodded. "Inform my husband of our loss," she instructed. The midwife turned to one of her attendants and nodded. The other woman left to find the duke. Sophie lay back with her son in her arms and allowed the midwife to finish her tasks. Once she was cleaned, she allowed the other ladies to take her child and change the bedlinens, then help her back into bed. She reached for her son once more, cuddling him as if he was a living child. That was how her husband found her, singing a lullaby to their forever sleeping son.
12 January 1564
France
A week prior, the de Guise household was a bustle of excitement as time grew closer for their mother, the Duchess of Guise, to give birth. The children who were still at home were making playful bets on if they would soon have a brother or sister. The servants were all praying that the Duchess would be safe through her labor, but none were particularly worried about the outcome. When they were told the labor had started, nothing was out of the ordinary for them, except the absence of their elder brother, Henry, who was living with his new wife, Princess Claude of France, at another estate.
When morning came, the de Guise children woke, dressed, and came downstairs for their breakfast as usual, but their sister, Lady Ada, the oldest child still at home, stopped them when she saw the look on their servants' faces. She had seen this look before Margot was born, when their mother had given birth to a stillborn daughter.
Her ten-year old sister, Claudette, looked around for their father. "Ada, where's Papa?" Ada shook her head, warning both Claudette and Margot not to ask questions right now. Their father appeared thirty minutes later, telling them that their mother had given birth to a son, but that the baby did not live. Ada cried for her mother, while Claudette wanted to know why their brother didn't make it, and Margot, who was three, was just confused.
When Ada asked about their mother, their father smiled and told them that she was sad about the baby, but otherwise doing well. It wasn't until yesterday that anyone knew anything was wrong with the Duchess.
The midwife returned to the de Guise estate the morning after the Duchess gave birth to check on her patient. What she saw was not what she had expected to see from a mother who had given birth to a stillborn son. The Duchess was still in bed, of course, but she was extremely pale and burning up. One swift check to make sure the Duchess wasn't bleeding told the midwife that this was childbed fever.
The woman ordered the staff to make broth for the Duchess of Guise and to bring her red wine from the cellar. After getting the Duchess to eat a little broth, she told the duke what was happening and asked him to send for a physician trained in these matters. The duke sent out his best rider, but the best physician was over two hours away. By the time the gentleman returned with the doctor in tow, it was too late. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Sophie of Scotland, Duchess of Guise, was dead.
Her children, including their eldest son and new daughter-in-law, surrounded her for several hours, praying for their mother's soul. Their priest had been summoned and managed to perform last rites just as the Duchess received the final calling from God to join Him at His side. She would be buried in the family graveyard, along with their son, despite the fact that the child had not been baptized or named. There she would rest alone until her husband was also called to God, when he would join her.
As his children prayed for his late wife, Lord Francis looked at them each in turn. He saw bits of her in each of them, but most especially in their eldest daughter, Ada. As his eyes rested on her face, he smiled, knowing that part of Sophie would live on through their children, but mostly through her, and he knew what he would do. He would write to Queen Mary and ask that she help him find a Scottish match for Ada, so that part of Sophie could return to her beloved Scotland, even if she would never see it for herself again. Through their daughter, the future of Scotland would have a bit of their princess in it, and they would come to love her, as they had her mother. It was the last thing he could give his wife, and he would make certain it happened, for Sophie's sake.
21 January 1564
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
King Alfonso II of Naples' Privy Chambers
"YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?!" King Alfonso screamed.
One of his Councilmen cleared his throat.
"We believe that is time for Naples to have a new Queen. Our beloved late Queen Adriana has been gone over a year. We should make an alliance with prominent family or land." he said.
King Alfonso glared at the older man.
"I have eight children and three grandchildren. Their marriages should be more important. I do not need another wife." he said.
The Council began to protest and state their various reasons and opinions for his remarriage. They were getting very loud and Alfonso's temper was raising. He had been married for twenty-four years before Adriana's death and their marriage was an actual love match.
He stood up and everyone stopped talking.
"Gentlemen, that will be all for today." he said, before leaving the room.
King Alfonso began to make his way towards his mother's apartments in the Palace. Dowager Queen Catalina had a large villa in the country that she preferred to take residence with constant visits from her many grandchildren. However, after the death of her niece/daughter-in-law over a year ago, she primarily resided in Court, especially to attend to her young grandchildren.
Alfonso approached his mother's Chambers and nodded to the guards and they moved aside. As he approached he smiled at the sight before him. He saw his nineteen year old daughter and third child, Princess Maria, working on her embroidery with her youngest sister, Princess Joanna. His mother was helping his seven year old son, Prince Rodrigo, with his writing it seemed. He was was warmed by this display of family.
Dowager Queen Catalina looked up and smiled.
"Children, your father is here." she said.
All three of her grandchildren looked up. Little Joanna ran to jer father and he picked her up.
"Papa!" she yelled and kissed his cheek.
Maria smiled.
"Hello, Father." she said.
King Alfonso looked at his youngest son and Mara.
"Hello, children. I am so glad to see you. Unfortunately, our meeting will have to be brief. Mother, may I speak to you in private?" he asked.
Catalina nodded her head and looked at Maria.
"Maria, stay with your brother and sister. Rodrigo is to continue his writing and Joanna with her embroidery." she said.
Maria nodded her head.
"Yes, Grandmother." she said.
Catalina smiled and walked out of the room with her son.
She turned towards him.
"How did the Council meeting go?" she asked.
King Alfonso sighed.
"Those insufferable bastards had the audacity to tell me that I need to remarry. I have eight children, including three boys. What do I need another wife for?" he asked.
Catalina sighed.
"Son, is the matter so distressing?" she asked.
King Alfonso looked at his mother.
"Mother...did you know about this?" he asked
Catalina paused and nodded her head.
"Yes. I am the one suggested the matter, as well as the candidate." she said.
Alfonso turned and glared at his mother.
"Why would you do such a thing? You all are talking about some woman that I am to share a bed with and no one has thought to ask me." he said.
Catalina touched her son's shoulder.
"My sweet boy, I do care about you and your feelings. You should know that." she said.
Alfonso looked at his mother.
"I was fifteen years old when I married Adriana. I remember being so enamored with her. She was beautiful and older than me and I loved her Spanish pride. I stood at the altar and I remember thinking that I was so fortunate that she was all mine. She did everything that was expected of her. We had Giovanni and Lucrezia when I was king at only seventeen. She held my hand and guided me. She is the Queen that has given Naples pride and individuality. The Court has forgotten that and want to replace her." he said, sadness filling his tone.
Catalina affectionately hugged her son.
"I know. I loved Adriana like my own daughter. She will always be missed greatly. However, in our station, sometimes we must put aside our personal feelings. The only reason I suggested another marriage simply for the fact that Rodrigo and little Joanna need a mother in their life. Young Alfonso and Isabella are nearly mature and do not need a mother as much as the little ones." she said.
King Alfonso sighed. He knew his mother was correct in that his two youngest children needed a mother. He knew it was not the responsibility of his two older daughters and his mother to finishing raising them. He also knew he had a duty to serve his people and the Court wanted another Queen.
He sat in a chair and his mother followed.
"You said there is a candidate?" he said.
Catalina nodded.
"Yes. I suggested Lady Eleanor Guerra. She is a distant relative. She is the granddaughter of my late aunt Maria, the Queen of Portugal and the late King, Alfonso. Eleanor has Royal and noble Noble blood. She has respect in Portugal. Her family has incredible influence in several Courts. Her eldest sister is the Grand Duchess of Tuscany and another sister is one of the highest ranked ladies in all of Spain. Her brothers are a Duke and a personal guard to the current Queen of Portugal and this family is a favorite of Queen Catarina." she said.
King Alfonso looked at his Mother.
"How old is the Lady?" he asked.
Catalina smiled softly.
"She is nineteen years old." she said.
Alfonso looked at his mother, in disbelief.
"She is younger than three of my children!" he said.
Catalina nodded.
"Yes, she is. However, that does not make her any less important." she said.
King Alfonso sighed.
"I can not promise to love her the way I loved Adriana." he said.
Catalina nodded.
"I am not asking you to. However, I do wish you treat her with the same respect." she said.
King Alfonso nodded his head.
"Very well. I will look favorably upon the match. We will begin negotiations." he said.
11 February 1564
Portugal
Lady Bianca de Lenastre paced around her bedchambers, waiting for her mother, the Infanta Isabel, Duchess of Coimbra, to arrive. She had sent word that she wanted to speak to her mother several hours ago, but now the twenty-year-old was becoming impatient.
Bianca knew growing up that one day she would leave home to marry a man she barely knew. It was how things were done among those who were high-born, but she hadn't expected to marry a man who lived on the other side of the world.
Several families from Portugal had been sent to colonize Brazil and to secure Portugal's place among the new lands that were found. The de Sousa family was one of those. Eduardo de Sousa had served Bianca's grandfather, the late King Alfonso de Aviz, well and as a reward for that service he was granted several hundred acres of land in Brazil, which lay across the Atlantic Ocean. Now, his grandson and heir was in need of a bride and the family had requested one sent from Portugal of noble birth. As the middle daughter of the family, Bianca had been chosen, and she was willing to go, but she had so many questions and needed her mother.
It was well after noon when her mother arrived.
"You wanted to see me, Bianca?" the Duchess asked, taking a seat on one of the high-backed chairs in Bianca's room.
"Yes," she replied, "but I asked for you several hours ago, Mother."
"I know. I was occupied with your father on a matter concerning the Dowager Princess, Maria," she answered. Bianca thought about that for a moment, then just nodded. "What can I do for you, my darling girl?"
Bianca sat across from her mother. "I know that I am to sail to Brazil and marry this Francisco de Sousa, Mother, but his home is so far away," she said. "What if he does not like me once I am there, or worse, after we are wed? It's not like I can just come home."
Isabel shook her head. "No, you're right, it isn't. However, once you are wed, you are his wife, and the church will make sure you are protected," Isabel assured her. "Besides, what's not to like? You are young, beautiful, intelligent, and were raised properly. Your kindness will win him over eventually, and he will at least come to respect you, if he does not come to love you."
Bianca sighed. "Love was something that I hoped for in my marriage," she admitted.
"Just because you are marrying a man you have never met does not mean that love will not follow," Isabel said. "I did not love your father when we wed, but over time, I grew to respect him, and then slowly, love came. I could not imagine my life without him now."
"I hope I am that lucky, Mother," Bianca responded. "I feel as though I am being punished by having to leave my home and marry someone who may turn out to be a complete tyrant."
"I think all brides of noble birth feel that way at first," her mother said. "I know I did. I also know that your Aunt Beatriz did at first."
"What about Aunt Mary?"
Isabel shook her head. "I'm not sure," she told the younger woman. "Your Uncle Carlos went to England to marry her. No one expected him to take the throne, so he wasn't required to return to Portugal right away. By the time they arrived here, they had children and were already in love with each other."
Bianca thought about that situation for several moments. "Thank you, Mother," she said, finally. "I feel better about the marriage now. I am not entirely resolved to the idea of marrying someone I don't know, but at least I feel more secure in the fact that love could happen."
Isabel nodded and stood. She hugged her daughter closely. "Don't forget Bianca. . . if things are totally bleak there, you can always write home and sail back for a visit. Your father and I will see to that."
Bianca nodded, then saw her mother out. She had more packing to do and wanted to think about her future again. Perhaps there was hope for her as the wife of this Francisco de Sousa, and maybe she could love him eventually.
16 February 1564
Sintra Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
The Dungeons
It was cold, dark and damp. This had been her home for several months now. Maria, Dowager Princess of Portugal, was imprisoned in the lowest dungeon. She was suffering and she was very terrified and angry at her current state. She did not even know what would happen to her.
The door began to be unlocked and a guard walked in.
Maria stood up and began to tremble, in fear.
"Is it time? Am I to die?" She asked.
The guard smirked and stood aside and a servant brought in a chair.
Suddenly, King Juan of Portugal, walked in.
Maria smiled and slightly bowed.
"Juan, you came." she said.
He nodded.
"I did. You may leave us." he said, looking at the guard.
The guard turned and left the room.
Maria tried to walk up and kiss Juan, but he sat down. Maria could tell that he was very angry.
"I did not know you would be willing to see me. I have written you to see you since my imprisonment." she said.
Juan glared at her.
"Well, I am here." he said.
Maria touched his hand.
"My love, are you well? We have to do something to secure my release." she said.
Juan raised an eyebrow.
"How do you think we will do that? Your guilt is undeniable." he said.
Maria shook her head.
"I was thinking that you can convince the Queen and she will release me and I can be your official mistress and I can be in one of your estates. Maybe we can even have children." she said.
Juan chuckled.
"I can not believe this. You tried to murder my child and you want to stay in my bed." he said.
Maria looked at Juan.
"Juan, I want you. We are meant to be." she said.
Juan laughed.
"You tried to murder my daughter and you love me. Catarina was right. Do you honestly think that let you in my bed, because I desired you?" he asked.
Maria glared at him.
"Do not laugh at me. Everything I have done it was for you and our future." she yelled.
Juan frowned.
"You are wretched. I have no love for you and never have and if you thought that murdering my daughter would have won me, you are truly mad. As King of Portugal, I hope our Queen will take your life." he said, as he stood up.
Maria threw a cup at Juan, barely missing him.
Juan glared at her.
"I hope you know that every time I bedded you, I was thinking of nothing but my sweet Catarina." he said, as he left the cell.
Maria threw the chair at the door and began to swear and yell. She was furious and could not believe Juan.
22 February 1564
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk, England
Lady Margaret Marlowe, Countess of Stafford's Chambers
Lady Margaret Marlowe sighed, as she sat down by her window and watched the snow fall. She was smiling, as she rested her hand on her swollen midsection. At thirty-six years old, was currently expecting her fifth child and she was excited to be a mother again, despite her age. She also enjoyed her new household in Framlingham.
Her housekeeper walked in.
"Your Grace, the tapestries you wanted for the nursery have arrived." she said.
Margaret smiled.
"Oh, I am glad. Oh,they are beautiful." she said.
The housekeeper nodded her head.
"They definitely are, Your Grace." she said.
Margaret smiled again.
"I think this child will be very intelligent. Everytime I recite poetry, I just feel these sharp kicks." she said.
The housekeeper smiled.
"I am looking forward to having a bonny baby boy in this new home. It is beautiful here, Your Grace. The King was so gracious to gift you and the Earl this castle." she said.
Margaret nodded.
"Yes and also remodeled it at his own expense. The King has been good to my family." she said.
Suddenly, her husband, Lord John Marlowe, Earl of Stafford, walked in.
"I see you have the tapestries." he said.
Margaret nodded her head.
"Finally, I have been waiting for weeks for them to arrive." she said.
John kissed his wife and the housekeeper looked away, smiling. They had now been married for ten years and had four children and were still very much in love. The Earl did not even take mistresses. The housekeeper had been with Lady Margate since she was a child and was a former lady-in-waiting to Margaret's late mother, Princess Elizabeth, Dowager Queen of France.
Margaret winced and grabbed her stomach.
"Lady Smith, my time has come. I know it's a few weeks early, but I am sure." she said.
The housekeeper nodded.
"Let us get you into bed. The midwife will be here shortly. . My Lord, would you mind alerting her?" she asked.
John ran off, before Lady Rogers had finished her sentence.
Later that night...
Lady Margaret sighed, as her body began to relax. She could hear the loud cries of her newborn child and she could tell that it was a healthy child. She had been warned that her advancing age could make birth hard, but her labor uneventful.
Lady Rogers swaddled the infant and walked over to Margaret.
"It is a boy, Your Grace. A healthy one at that." she said.
Margaret smiled, as she held her second son for the first time.
"He is precious. Thank the Lord that he is here. I know I do not have the pressures that a Queen would have, but I must admit I was slightly concerned that we only had one son. Now, that we have a second son, I am relieved." she said.
Lady Rogers smiled.
"I pray that Your Grace has many children. I enjoy the sounds of children's laughter." she said.
Suddenly, Lord John walked in and smiled.
"Another son, huh? I guess your predictions was correct. You said you had a feeling that it would be a boy." he said.
Margaret nodded.
"I do. Sweetheart, with your permission, I have the perfect name for him." she said.
John smiled, as his baby boy wrapped his tiny hand around his finger.
"What is it?" he asked.
Margaret looked at her son.
"Christopher. I want to name him after St. Christopher." she said.
John looked at his wife.
"Christopher Marlowe it is." he said.
2 March 1564
Sintra Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Queen Catarina of Portugal's Privy Chambers
Queen Catarina sighed, as she signed several dignitary letters. She was filled with anger. Her precious daughter was nearly murdered by the Dowager Princess of Portugal and she was having a horrible time trying to get past it.
Her door opened and Infanta Joanna, Princess of Eboli and Duchess of Pastrana, walked in and handed her a goblet of wine.
"You need to have a drink, Catarina. You have been working very hard." she said.
Catarina sighed and smiled.
"You are an angel, sweet sister." she said.
Joanna smiled.
"Has your anger subsided?" she asked.
Catarina frowned.
"Most definitely not." she said, bitterly.
Joanna sighed.
"The anger and hatred will consume you." she said.
Catarina looked up at her younger sister.
"That witch tried to murder my daughter. I have every right to be angry." she said.
Joanna sighed.
"I understand, sister. However, what about her lodgings? I am hearing that she became ill at least twice since she was imprisoned. She is our brother's widow." she said.
Catarina rolled her eyes.
"We will be most blessed if she does not wake up." she said.
Joanna sighed.
"Sister, you do not mean that." she said.
Catarina glared at her.
"I most certainly do and this proves it." she said, handing her a document.
Joanna began to read it and gasped.
"You are intending to have her executed?!" she said, in disbelief.
Catarina stood up.
"Do not sound surprised. What do you think the punishment for treason is?" she asked.
Joanna shook her head.
"Catarina, you can not do this. She is family. What will happen to her?" she asked, frantically.
Catarina turned back to her sister.
"She will burn and die the death that she so rightfully deserves. I am Queen and everyone will know that if you rise against my family, your blood will belong to me." she said.
The door opened and Mary, the Queen Mother , walked in. She was still dressed in black for her heavy losses.
Catarina smiled.
"Mother, it is wonderful to see you." she said.
Joanna nodded, in agreement and hugged her mother.
Mary looked at her eldest daughter.
"Is it true what I am hearing?. You intend to take Maria's life?" she asked.
Catarina looked at her mother.
"Of course she is going to die. She tried to murder my child, yiur granddaughter. Why should she not die?" she said.
Mary sighed.
"She has her supporters. You must remember your late father's rule was challenged. They are some nobles who would still prefer her to be Queen. You do not want to make enemies and as Queen, you must rule with your mind, not with your heart." she said.
Catarina turned away.
"Then, what should I do, other then let her burn?" she asked.
Mary stepped forward.
"Instead of death, banish her from Portugal and to make sure she follows her sentence, you could marry her off to someone loyal to you. You would solve two problems with one solution: You would have her far from Portugal and she would have a new husband." she said.
Catarina looked at her mother. She knew that her mother had a soft spot for Maria, because she was her brother's wife and the mother of her late niece. She knew Maria's death would pierce her mother's poor heart once more.
She sighed.
"Very well. I will give her the option of a marriage and banishment. However, if she refuses, she will burn." she said
Mary nodded her head. She hoped her former daughter-in-law would see reason and accept the Queen's terms.
15 March 1564
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
King Alfonso II of Naples' Privy Chambers
King Alfonso took a sip of his wine. He was enjoying a quiet evening to himself and that did not happen often. His day had begun stressful, as his Council was unable to find a suitable marriage for his third child, Princess Maria. She was now nineteen years old and was not even betrothed to anyone. He knew she was asked if she wanted to take Holy Orders, but she said that was not a life she wanted to live.
There was a knock at his door.
He looked up.
"Enter." he said.
A messenger walked in and bowed and handed him a letter.
"Thank you." she said.
King Alfonso opened the letter:
Your Majesty,
I am writing to respond to your inquiry on my youngest sister, Eleanor. I will admit that I am surprised that you are interested in making my sister your Queen. I am honored that your Council wrote our family for this marriage match.
I will tell you that we will gladly accept your marriage proposal. We have read over your engagement and we have seen that you have been more than fair. I do want tell you about our family and your new Queen.
The Guerra family are of noble birth and title, surely nowhere as equal as Your Majesty. My late father's family are descended from humble wealthy merchants, who were enobled in the reign of King Eduardo in the year of our Lord fourteen hundred thirty-three. However, my mother is the daughter of the late King Alfonso, the sixth of that name and his second wife and Queen, Maria of Aragon, daughter of the Catholic Monarchs.
My sister, Doña Eleanor, was intending to enter Holy Orders, before we received your proposal. The dowry amount will be paid in full by her arrival. She will be arriving with a small party of ladies and her confessor. I ask that she be allowed to keep her three Portuguese ladies and the rest of her ladies can be Italian. We have also sent a portrait of my sister with this letter. We will arrange for Eleanor to depart Portugal immediately. She will travel to Naples as soon as the waters are safe for her to set sail. A proxy wedding will take place in three day's time in our private chapel in our estate.
May God bless and keep you,
Rodrigo, Duke of Trancoso and Count of Miranda do Corvo
King Alfonso looked at the small portrait and he had to admit that Eleanor looked pleasing to the eye. She seemed to have light brown hair, fair skin and blue eyes. Her dress was in the French fashion and she had beautiful jewels on and she looked blemish free.
Alfonso sighed.
"I guess this is the new Queen of Naples." he said, aloud.
18 March 1564
Sintra Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Dowager Queen Mary, The Queen Mother's Bedchamber
Dowager Queen Mary sighed, as she paced in her Chambers. Her household knew that she was stressed and worried about something.
Suddenly, her door opened and her second daughter, Joanna, walked in.
Mary smiled and hugged and kissed her cheek.
"Sweet Joanna, thank you for paying me a visit." she said.
Joanna smiled.
"Of course, Mother. Why do you seem worried?" she asked.
Mary sighed.
"I already know that Maria will refuse another marriage. I am very fearful that she will burn. Your sister seems very set on taking her life." she said.
Joanna nodded.
"It is true. Catarina does not have much patience with Maria. She is only giving her a short time to answer your
recommendation." she said.
Mary sat down and put her forehead in her head.
"I know she is wrong, but this could have horrible consequences for Catarina. She is the first Queen of Portugal and this could hurt her reign." she said.
Joanna sat down in front of her mother.
"Mother, I agree with you. However, what can we do? She is stubborn as a Spanish bull. She is damning herself. She will not listen to anyone." she said.
Mary looked up.
"I know someone she will listen to. I will send a letter to her mother and have her back to Court. She can talk to her daughter and save her life." she said, as she went to her desk.
Joanna sighed and stood to her feet.
"I hope you know what you are doing, Mother." she said.
8 April 1564
Sintra Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
The Royal Dungeons
The dungeon was still cold and damp. She had fallen ill twice. She had not seen daylight at all. She was not even allowed to leave her cell for Mass. Maria never knew that she would be in these conditions. She knew she had no friend in Court. Her relationship with King Juan had been a farce and she knew that her days were numbered. If disease did not carry her off, she knew that Queen Catarina would sign her death warrant and she would be burned at the stake.
She could hear the door opened and was immediately filled with fear. She did not want to die.
The guard walked in.
"You have a visitor, wretch." he said gruffly.
Maria nodded and struggled to sit up to greet her visitor.
"Who is here to see me?" she asked.
The guard did not say anything and just stood aside. Maria was shocked and years filled her eyes as her mother, Isabella, Dowager Marquessa de Moya.
Maria let her tears fall.
"Mother." She said.
Isabella looked at her eldest surviving child, in disbelief. She could not believe that Queen Catarina would her daughter in these conditions for the last six months.
The door opened and the guard put a chair down for Isabella.
"You have five minutes, My Lady." he said, as he walked out.
Isabella nodded. She walked over and hugged her daughter, despite her uncleanliness.
"My sweet child, what has happened? Why has this happened?" she asked.
Maria began to cry.
"I thought I was going to be Queen. I lost everything when my Duarte and my little Joanna died. Everyone has gone on with their lives and crowned that woman as Queen and her sons and daughters are the jewels of Portugal, but they forgot my innocent angel." she said, as she cried.
Isabella sighed.
"Darling, I know it hurts. However, life must go on. Nobody has forgotten your husband or your child. You can not act the way you are just because you are unhappy. By the terms of the law, Catarina is the Queen of Portugal and her son will be the King one day. Why did you do what you did?" she asked.
Maria looked at her mother.
"I was having relations with King Juan for months. I thought he loved me and wanted me to be happier and even make me Queen. I was a fool. I thought if I... sent his children to the Lord, it would make him help me faster. I am twenty-four years old and I need to have an heir. Catarina already has four children." She said.
Isabella shook her head.
"No, darling. The Queen has only given you two options in the situation you are in." she said.
Maria shook her head.
"Why should she arrange my marriage? She is jealous that I have gone to bed with the King." she said.
Isabella glared at her daughter.
"No, she is angry that you tried to kill her daughter in her cradle. You were wrong. You committed treason and you can burn for that. However, if you agree to banishment and the new marriage, your life will be spared." she said.
Maria sighed.
"What about my brother? Surely he will help me. I can live with you and him." she said.
Isabella shook her head.
"Fernando has said that you are not welcome on the estate. He does not want to be a person implicated in your cause, especially now that he would like to make a good marriage. He also does not want to jeopardize your younger brother, Enrique. He is currently being educated at the Spanish Court and King Luis and Queen Elizabeth are very friendly with the Portuguese Court and they are outraged at your behavior and they refuse to help you and King Luis even said he would have you publicly burned if he were your sovereign." she said.
Maria gasped. She did not know that her own brother would not help her. She had no support. She let a few tears fall.
Isabella knelt to her knees.
"My daughter, I am begging you. Please accept the Queen's terms. I can not lose another child. Do not let death to my children pierce my heart again. I am begging you as your mother. I cannot bear for misfortune to befall my children." she said, with tears in her eyes.
The guard walked in.
"My Lady, you must leave." he said.
Isabella began to sob and hugged her daughter. The guard began to pry the two apart and escorted her out and closed and locked the door behind him. Isabella's cries could still be heard.
Maria began to cry harder, as she realized she was once again alone. She did not want to cause her mother anymore pain. She knew what she had to do and it was for the good of her family.
17 April 1564
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
Lady Eleanor Guerra's Chambers
The Court was alive with excitement. Food and wine were in complete abundance. Earlier that morning the new bride of King Alfonso II of Naples, Lady Eleanor Guerra, arrived in Naples. She had met King Alfonso, his mother and his older children. The meeting had gone well and everyone was shocked that she was fluent in Italian.
Lady Eleanor Guerra took breath, as her ladies dressed her for her welcoming banquet. She had decided to wear a dark purple gown and a simple silver ring.
One of her ladies, Margarida, smiled.
"Oh, My Lady. I can not believe it. You are to be Queen! You will have so much wealth and prestige. You will have more status than your sisters." she said.
Lady Eleanor sighed.
"Do not be frivolous, Margarida. My position as Queen of Naples is following the death of a wife and mother. You must not forget that. I also do not want you to say anything bad about my sisters. They both have made honorable marriages. Sancha is even a Viscountess in her own right in the court of Queen Elizabeth of Navarre and Spain." she said.
Margarida nodded her head.
"Yes, but they have pressure you do not have. They had to have sons. The King of Naples already has three sons from the dead Queen." she said.
Lady Eleanor shook her head.
"I want a true marriage and that includes children that we will have together." she said.
Margarida shook her head.
"It would be shameful if you lost your elegant figure." she said.
Lady Eleanor glared at Margarida.
"Vanity is not becoming of anyone and especially someone in my household." she said.
Margarida decided to stay quiet, recognizing the careful warning that Eleanor had given her.
Another one of Eleanor's ladies-in-waiting, Lady Julia, walked up.
"Margarida, I will finish tending to Her Grace. You may get ready for the Banquet." she said.
After Margarida left, Eleanor smiled.
"Thank you. I am not very fond of her. Why is she in my household?" she asked.
Julia sighed.
"Her father had business with your brother, the Duke. After your official wedding, you can dismiss her and she can daily back to Portugal." she said.
Eleanor nodded.
"I shall do that." she said.
Julia smiled.
"Are you nervous?" she asked.
Eleanor shook her head and smiled.
"No, not really. I am excited at the thought of having a husband and even children of my own. I am excited to be a stepmother to all of the King's children, especially Rodrigo and little Joanna. They are very precious." she said.
Julia smiled.
"I am sure they are, My Lady." she said.
Eleanor sighed and looked at herself in the mirror. She smoothed her gown and let Julia put a silver diadem with a very rare purple ruby in the center of it.
Julia smiled.
"You look very beautiful." she said.
Eleanor took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Let us go now." she said, as she turned to leave the room.
Several hours had passed and everyone was enjoying themselves. Everyone was enchanted with the young woman that was to be their new Queen. She was not rigid or distant, as they expected the nineteen year old to be. Instead, she was warm and friendly and was eager to know everyone.
King Alfonso took a goblet of wine and looked around the room. This was a beautiful party and he was warming up to the idea that he was going to be a married man yet again
Dowager Queen Catalina walked up.
"This banquet is beautiful. Your bride is a natural with our people." She said.
Alfonso nodded his head.
"She is. I do miss Adriana." he admitted.
Catalina nodded her head.
"We all will miss her, but you are not forgetting Adriana. I promise that it will get better and the people will love your new wife." she said.
Alfonso sighed.
"I hope you are right." he said.
Across the room, King Alfonso's two eidest daughters, Princess Lucrezia and Princess Maria, were drinking wine and talking.
Lucrezia smiled.
"Father does look content." she said.
Maria nodded her head.
"He certainly does. Although, do you feel that Eleanor is a little young for Father?" she asked.
Lucrezia shrugged her shoulders.
"She seems kind and gentle. I want Father to be happy. She will be our Queen and we will be respectful to her." she said.
Maria nodded and sighed.
"I hope my wedding is next. You have a wonderful marriage with your two beautiful children, Angela is betrothed to one of the French Princes. I just want to have a husband and children before I am too old for anyone to consider." she said.
Lucrezia took her younger sister's hand.
"Maria, you are only twenty years old. You are very lovely and worthy of any man's affection. Give Father time and I am sure that he will find you a worthy marriage. I am sure of it." she said.
Maria smiled.
"You are right. I will trust him." she said.
Lady Eleanor Guerra smiled, as she finished talking to one of the wives of the Dukes at Court. Although she was a foreigner, she was very social and the people seemed to like that. The late Queen Adriana was still dear to them, although none could relate to her.
She took a sip of her wine and continued to walk around the room. She came to an alcove on one section and decided to take a breath, before she greeted anymore courtiers.
Suddenly, her stepson, Prince Giovanni, Duke of Calabria, walked up to her.
Eleanor smiled.
"Giovanni! You startled me. How are you?" she asked.
He smirked.
"Better now. You are lovely." he said.
Eleanor blushed uncomfortably.
"Your wife is more beautiful than I am. Excuse me." she said, trying to get pass him.
Giovanni out his arm up and blocked her path.
Eleanor glared at him.
"Giovanni, step aside." she said.
Giovanni came close to her.
"I want you in my bed." she said.
Eleanor looked at him, in disbelief.
"I am your father's betrothed and your future Queen and stepmother. I will do no such thing. I am a good Christian woman and I was born from honorable parents." she said, voice trembling in fear.
Giovanni glared at her and grabbed her by the bust of her dress.
"YOU WILL DO AS I SAY, WHORE!" he screamed.
Suddenly, he slapped her and she fell to the ground. Her ladies-in-waiting ran to her side and Dowager Queen Catalina ran up to him, furiously.
"What do you think you are doing, Giovanni?!" she cried out
Giovanni was about to tell at his grandmother, when his father, sisters and brother-in-law ran up as well.
King Alfonso glared at his son.
"Escort the Prince to his Chambers. He is not to let out, untill further notice." he said to a nearby guard.
The guard nodded and grabbed Giovanni and ushered him out of the room, with the twenty-five year old Prince yelling and swearing.
King Alfonso looked around and caught the eyes of Princess Eleanor, Duchess of Calabria. She looked embarrassed and horrified.
He sighed and walked over to her and stopped her when bowed.
"I am so sorry, dear daughter. I want you to retire to your Chambers for the evening. You can even have little Maria with you." he said, with a smile.
She smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." she said, as she left the room.
King Alfonso walked back over to his future bride,who was now standing. He was so embarrassed and horrified at his son's behavior.
He sighed.
"I understand if you want to return to Portugal after this horrific scene." he said, speaking to Eleanor.
Shockingly, Eleanor shook her head.
"No. My place is here now. I am hurt and shocked, but I appreciate you all for coming to help me. I will do my best to become an honorable Queen." she said.
King Alfonso smiled and nodded. He was not on love with Lady Eleanor Guerra and probably woil never love her the way he loved his beloved Adriana, but she definitely had his respect and admiration.
23 April 1564
Palace of the Infantado, Guadalajara, Spain
The Great Hall
"Sancha, I told you that you are staying here." Queen Elizabeth said, as she walked with her best friend.
Sancha sighed, as she rested her hand on her swollen stomach. She was expecting another child and was due in just 2 months.
"I am fine, Elizabeth. This is not my first child." she said.
Elizabeth looked at Sancha.
"Sancha, I can survive you staying here. Do not forget that it was me putting my duties first that caused my daughter's death two years ago. I do not want that to happen to you." she said.
Sancha nodded her head.
"I am only listening because you are my Queen." she said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"I know you hate your confinement, but you will have Carlos with you the entire time. I have ordered that he stay with you." she said.
Sancha smiled. She did not want to stay at the seat of her father-in-law's estate without her husband.
"Very well. I will stay, but the minute I am churched, I will be rejoining the Court. However, you will need someone to take my place in your household." she said.
Suddenly, Princess Giovanna, Duchess of the Infantado, walked up.
"I believe I have a remedy, Your Majesty." she said.
Elizabeth looked at her older friend.
"I am listening." she said.
Giovanna smiled and turned towards the door.
"Come in, darling." she said.
As she said this, a beautiful teenage girl came from around the corner and bowed deeply to Elizabeth. She had fair skin, dark brown hair and clear blue eyes. She was a very beautiful young girl.
"Your Majesty." she said.
Giovanna smiled.
"I am sure you remember my stepdaughter, Lady Anais." she said.
Elizabeth looked at the young girl, in shock.
"Surely this is not little Anais. She is practically a lady. How old are you now?" she asked.
Anais smiled.
"I am sixteen years old, Your Majesty." she said.
Elizabeth looked at her, in amazement.
"You look so much like your dear mother, Maria. May God have her soul." she said.
Anais gave the Queen a sad smile. She barely remembered her biological mother, Infanta Maria of Spain, Duchess of the Infantado, as she had died when she was only four years old. Her stepmother, Giovanna, had been the only mother she knew.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." she said.
Elizabeth looked at Giovanna.
"Why are you presenting her to me, Giovanna?" she asked.
Giovanna looked at Elizabeth.
"My husband and I were wondering if it would be possible if Anais could come to Court as a maid-of-honor to you." she said.
Elizabeth sighed.
"I am not sure. I was not really looking to bring anymore ladies into my household. Does she have any special skills?" she asked.
Giovanna nodded.
"She definitely does. She is gifted in languages. She can speak Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, German, Portuguese, Latin and English. Her embroidery is beautiful and she loves to paint." she said.
Elizabeth smiled. She did not tolerate frivolity among her ladies-in-waiting. They had to be intelligent, humble, pious women. She had a strict protocol that they had to be good in certain skills as well to be welcome into her inner circle.
"I have an idea. I will welcome Anais to Court and she can be a Maid-of-honor to me, until Sancha returns from confinement. However, since Isabel is thirteen now and needs ladies of her own, Anais can join her household after that." she said.
Giovanna smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." she said.
Elizabeth smiled at Anais.
"Welcome to my household, Anais. Your stepmother will introduce you to the other ladies. They will help you with your duties and if you have any issues with anyone,you talk to your stepmother or to me, do you understand?" she asked.
Anais smiled.
"Yes, Your Majesty." she said.
Elizabeth smiled at both of the ladies.
"Giovanna make sure Anais settles in and is prepared to leave. I know you will also be bringing little Juana to court as well, so the children here can have their studies properly done and Sancha can deal with confinement more easily. Anais and Juana can share a Bedchamber close by you and Diego." she said.
Giovanna nodded and she and Anais left the room.
Elizabeth looked at Sancha.
"My household will survive without you for a few months, but I will miss your presence." she said warmly.
Sancha smiled.
"I can rest easily now that I know you will be in good hands. Pray for me." she said.
Elizabeth took her hand.
"I will pray daily for your recovery." she said.
The door opened again and King Luis, Infanta Isabe and Infante Eduardo, Prince of Asturias and Girona walked in.
Elizabeth smiled
"My angels." she said, as she hugged her two eldest children.
Isabel and Eduardo hugged their mother back. The entire Spanish Court was used to this display of affection from their King and Queen. Unlike other Royals, they preferred to be hands on with their children and show them love and care.
Isabel smiled at her mother.
"We are both packed and ready for the journey, Mother." she said.
Elizabeth smiled. Isabel was turning into a beauty in her own right. She was now thirteen years old and was nearly reaching her mother's tall height. Her long brown hair held a jeweled clip in in and her traveling coat was a beautiful shade of green.
"Good. Eduardo, did you give your Lady Ines trouble?" she asked.
Eduardo smirked.
"No, Mother." he said.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrow. Her eldest son and heir was now nine years old and was known for being mischievous, but he also knew when to control himself.
Lady Ines walked up and she was carrying little Infanta Bianca.
Elizabeth smiled and took Bianca and kissed her chubby cheeks.
"My little cherub. How was she this morning?" she asked.
Lady Ines smiled.
"The children were all well behaved." she said.
Elizabeth smiled and kissed Bianca and handed her back to Lady Ines.
She walked up and kissed Luis.
"Is everything ready?" she asked.
Luis held his arm out.
"Everyone is waiting." he said.
Elizabeth took his arm and they made their way out to the courtyard and the children were out into their own litter with their governess. Elizabeth sat in a litter with Princess Giovanna and her four year old daughter, who appeared to be sleepy. When everyone was situated, King Luis nodded his head and the Court began the long journey back to Navarre.
4 May 1564
Brazil
Francisco de Sousa stood at the altar of the church with the priest. He knew that this day would come, but he did not expect it to happen so quickly. It seems like his bride had only arrived in Brazil yesterday. They barely knew each other, and they were now expected to stand before God and promise to remain faithful to each other, to love each other, for the rest of their lives. It seemed like an outlandish promise to make considering how little they really knew about one another, but here he was, ready to honor the commitment that was made to her before she even set sail from Portugal.
Lady Bianca de Lenastre was young, and he had no doubt that she had been raised properly. She would make an excellent wife and mother. She was also pretty, intelligent, and congenial. In truth, she was the definition of a proper Portuguese noble lady, but it was not he did not know that worried him. In the little time they had together prior to this day, he discovered that she liked to read, sew, and paint. She was rather talented with the later and some of the scenes she created reminded him of his grandparents' estate back in Portugal. He did not know if she would tolerate his love of horses, though. Some women didn't; his own mother didn't despite knowing how much his father adored the animals. He could only hope that she would at least allow him some time riding once they were married.
The doors to the church opened and his bride walked through. She was a true vision in her silver and blue dress, with her hair hanging down her back. She glided down the aisle of the church towards him as if her feet weren't touching the ground. When Bianca finally reached the dais, she smiled at him, then handed her flowers to one of the ladies. He offered her his hand, which she took, then kneeled in front of the priest. Francisco did the same and the ceremony began.
Two hours later, they were proclaimed husband and wife, introduced to their guests, then exited the church, making their way to his parents' home where a reception was being held in their honor. After the formal introductions were made, Francisco turned to his wife and asked her for a dance. She nodded, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.
He smiled again. "Are you happy, wife?"
Bianca just nodded. She wasn't sure what she should be feeling exactly, but she knew that her husband was a kind man. She was grateful for that. It could have been a lot worse for her if he wasn't.
He decided that it would be a good time to ask about the horses, but he wasn't sure how to bring up the topic, so he started slowly. "I was wondering if you might like to accompany me on a ride around my parents' estate once we return from our wedding tour?"
Bianca looked at him as if he were speaking a different language at first. Had she heard him correctly? He wanted to continue spending time with her once their married life truly began. "Riding?" she asked.
"Yes, my father breeds horses, some of the best on the continent, and I like to ride around their lands sometimes," he admitted, quietly.
Bianca nodded. "My father also raised horses for a time," she told him. "I haven't been on one in years, but I did enjoy it when I was younger."
Francisco was somewhat surprised by her admission. Had he found a woman that would not only tolerate his love of horses, but also would join him sometimes? "That's wonderful," he said. "Perhaps you will come to enjoy it again."
"I'd like to hope so," she replied, "especially if you like it that much." She blushed at hearing herself say that.
The newlyweds danced several more times that evening, before being put to bed by his father, the priest who married them, and two of her ladies. After consummating their wedding vows, they were left alone, and Francisco made love to his wife again before falling asleep with her in his arms thinking that perhaps this arranged marriage wouldn't be so bad after all.
12 May 1564
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
King Alfonso II of Naples' Privy Chambers
King Alfonso was playing cards with his eidest daughter, Princess Lucrezia. They were having fun. Across the room, Lady Eleanor Guerra was helping little Princess Joanna with her drawing. Alfonso was happy that Eleanor was taking a motherly role with his younger children. However, Eleanor insisted that they have a chaperone, until their official wedding ceremony in June.
Eleanor smiled at Joanna.
"Very good. I think we can do a little bit more on the horse's ears, what do you think?" she asked.
Joanna smiled.
"Yes." she said.
Eleanor smiled greatly and briefly looked at Alfonso and smiled. He nodded at her.
Lucrezia smiled.
"She is wonderful with the children, Father." she said.
Before Alfonso, could answer, the door opened and Catalina, the Queen Mother, walked in.
Joanna smiled and ran to her.
"Grandmother!" she said.
Catalina smiled and hugged the five year old.
"How are you, my child?"
Lady Eleanor Guerra stood up and smiled.
"How are you, Your Majesty." she asked.
Catalina smiled.
"I am fine." she said.
She walked over to her son.
"You wanted to see me?" she asked.
King Alfonso nodded.
Lucrezia cleared her throat.
"Lady Eleanor, let us take Joanna for a walk in the gardens." she said.
The two sisters and their future stepmother walked out of the room.
Catalina took a seat.
"What is it, Son?" she asked.
King Alfonso sighed.
"I am wondering what to do with Giovanni." he said.
Catalina took a deep breath.
"He is definitely out of control. I do not see what we can do." she said.
Alfonso sighed.
"I think I need to assemble the Council and have them declare him incompetent to succeed me." he said.
Catalina looked at her son, I'm horror.
"You would disinherit him?" she asked.
King Alfonso sighed.
"I am not sure. Have some wine, Mother. We will have to discuss this." he said.
Catalina nodded and poured herself a goblet of wine.
30 May 1564
Royal Palace of Olite, Olite, Navarre
Queen Elizabeth of Navarre and Spain's Privy Chambers
"How bad is it in Pamplona?" Queen Elizabeth asked.
Alex Dumane sighed.
"It is not good. The heretics are being incorrigible." he said.
Queen Elizabeth sighed and King Luis held her hand, to comfort her. While she was in confinement and recovering from the birth of Infanta Bianca, the Huguenots made their way to Navarre and were trying to take over and went against Catholic Spain. When her and the Spanish Court arrived in Navarre, they received news that the Huguenots were heading to Pamplona, her capital for Navarre and she arranged for the rest of her children and Navarrese courtiers to escape.
"Has anyone been killed?" she asked.
Alex shook his head.
"No, but they have hurt priests, they have vandalized churches and a few have... defiled nuns." he said.
Elizabeth looked at him, horrified
King Luis shook his head, in disgust.
"They must be burned for this atrocity. They attacked Navarre and therefore have attacked Spain. They should pay with their lives." he said.
Elizabeth shook her head.
"If we respond with the army, they will start to kill our subjects and I will not have that on my conscience. We can repair the Churches and help the Clergy. We can not replace lives if they are lost. I do not want to put our people in danger." she said.
Luis sighed.
Elizabeth bit her knuckle, as she started to think of the best solution, silently praying that God and her beloved mother in Heaven would guide her.
Suddenly, she had an idea.
"We will send aid to Pamplona. Ever Friday, the people will receive fresh food and wine. We will assemble a delegation for us and we will call them The Holy Knights. They will meet with the Huguenot leader and we will come to a term of peace and will see if we can come to a solution. I do not want eyes in the souls of men, but I refuse to have my people jeopardized." she said.
Luis nodded and smiled, proud of his wife's wisdom.
"Very well. We will try that. Are you prepared for a solution if this is not successful?" he asked.
Elizabeth sighed.
"They will have to leave or face my wrath, which will send them to the fire. They can pray to God how they wish in their land and homes, but they will not damage our Kingdom. Arrange everything at once, Alex." she said.
Alex nodded and left the room.
Elizabeth sighed.
"I will have to send a letter to Sancha. I have to tell her that I will not be returning to Guadalajara for her confinement and birth of her child. I will also have to summon Carlos to Court, as I want him to be one on the Holy Knights. I will do it after her birth and recovery are assured." she said.
Luis took her hand and kissed it.
"I am sure she will understand." he said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"I hope so. I want everything to go well." she said.
13 June 1564
Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, Naples, Italy
The Sanctuary
Lady Eleanor Guerra took a deep breath, as she waited for the doors to open. Today was her official wedding day. She would become the wife of of King Alfonso II of Naples and right after her wedding, she would be crowned as Queen. This was going to be a long day. She had decided to wear a beautiful periwinkle blue gown trimmed with cloth of silver.
She took a deep breath, as the cathedral doors opened. She saw many of the courtiers that she had met since she arrived at the Neopolitan Court two months ago. She made her way down the aisle, being escorted by the Portuguese Ambassador. She could see the King and she could not help but notice how handsome and majestic he looked.
Finally, she made it to the high altar and she took King Alfonso's hand.
"You look beautiful." he whispered.
She smiled.
The Archbishop of Naples began the wedding ceremony. The Marriage Rites went along without an issue. Alfonso placed a golden ring on Eleanor's finger. They recited their vows and the Archbishop pronounced them as man and wife.
After the marital kiss, servants carried a chair into the Sanctuary and Eleanor's custom made crown on a velvet pillow. She did not want to use the crown that belonged to the late Queen Adriana out of respect for everyone, especially her children.
King Alfonso took Eleanor by her hand and lead her to the chair. She was given a scepter and an orb. The Archbishop anointed her with oil and said a prayer that the Lord would guide her in her role as Queen of Naples. After that, Eleanor vowed to do everything she could for Naples and that her loyalty would always be with it's people. Finally, her crown was placed on her head and she was proclaimed as the new Queen of Naples.
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
Queen Eleanora of Naples' Bedchamber
Queen Eleanor was being prepared for her wedding night. She was exhausted. It had been a very long day. Her wedding feast was long and everyone was drunk by the end of the night. Now, it was just one final thing to do: She was going to consummate her marriage.
Lady Julia sprinkled her with a little perfume and brushed her long hair.
"The King will be enchanted by you tonight. You are so beautiful." she said.
Eleanor smiled.
"I hope so. I am hoping to bear him a child soon. I am looking forward to being a mother." she said.
Julia chuckled.
"In time, Your Majesty. You have plenty of time for children." she said.
Another lady-in-waiting, Lady Contessina, walked in.
"The King is here, Your Majesty." she said.
Eleanor took a deep breath.
"Send him in and you are excused for the night." she said, as she stood up.
Her ladies nodded and bowed, as King Alfonso walked in, wearing his robe.
Eleanor smiled.
"Hello, Your Majesty." she said.
Alfonso cleared his throat.
"We are married, Eleanor. You can call me Alfonso." he said.
Eleanor smiled.
"Very well, Alfonso." she said.
He came forward and he admired her.
"You are very beautiful." he said.
Before she could answer, Alfonso passionately kissed her. Eleanor moaned into his kiss and she grabbed him. Alfonso let his robe drop and Eleanor looked at his toned body, despite being forty-one years old. She could feel her lust growing and she kissed him deeply, as her nightgown fell off her shoulders and on the floor.
Alfonso stopped and looked at Eleanor's naked body. He was mesmerized. He kissed her again and picked her up and laid her on her bed. Alfonso and Eleanor looked into each other's eyes, as Alfonso pushed himself deep inside her and she cried out and dug her nails into his back. Alfonso began to thrust, as Eleanor's moans got to him and he made love to her vigorously. He had not been with a woman in nearly two years. He kissed between her breasts, as he thrusted harder and he could hear their flesh connect and her bed hie the wall violently
Finally, Alfonso cried out, as he reached his climax and collapsed on top of Eleanor. Alfonso looked at his new bride and caressed her face.
"Are you well?" he asked.
Eleanor nodded her head.
"Yes. I feel complete." she said.
Alfonso moved to his side of the bed and tried to keep his distance, but he found himself cuddling Eleanor, as they both drifted into an exhausted sleep.
18 June 1564
Palace of the Infantado, Guadalajara, Spain
Lady Sancha de Mendoza, Viscountess of Narbonne's Bedchamber
Sancha sighed, as she continued to read her book. She was in her Chambers and in her spare time, she was learning how to manage the finances of the Mendoza estate. She was going to be a gifted Duchess when the time came.
Suddenly, her husband, Carlos, walked in.
She smiled and kissed him when he knelt down.
"Any news, darling?" she asked.
Carlos smiled.
"Your younger sister is now Queen of Naples." he said.
Sancha chuckled.
"I hope she likes the brooch I sent her." she said.
Carlos nodded his head.
"The unrest in Navarre is still terrible." he said.
Sancha nodded.
"I know. I hate that Elizabeth is having to go through that. How could this be happening?" she asked.
Carlos shook his head.
"It is terrible. I have heard that it is getting worse." he said.
Sancha sighed, aa she stood up.
"I hope we can make it back to Court, after the baby is born." she said.
Carlos kissed her cheek.
"We will." he said.
Sancha winced and grabbed the desk.
Carlos looked at her, with concern.
"Sweetheart?" he asked.
Sancha took a deep breath.
"I think my time has come. I just need my midwife." she said.
Suddenly, a wave of pain hit Sancha and she began to scream. She fell against Carlos. She placed her hand between her legs and the front of her dress was stained with warm, crimson blood.
"Oh, my Lord." she said, frighteningly.
Carlos looked towards the door.
"SOMEONE HELP!" he cried out.
Later that evening...
Carlos was pacing outside of his wife's Bedchamber. The midwives had to summon the physician, because Sancha's life was in danger and there was nothing they could do for her.
"Please, God. Do not take them. Spare them, I beg you." he said.
Carlos continued to pace back and forth. He refused wine and food and rest, until he knew what happened happened to his wife and unborn child. He dearly loved Sancha and could not hear to lose her.
Finally, the doors opened and the physician came out, covered in blood.
Carlos looked at him, horrified.
"What the hell happened?!" he asked.
The physician sighed.
"The Viscountess has given birth to a daughter." he said.
Carlos was going to smile, but he caught a glimpse inside the chamber and he saw the midwife wrapping a small body in a tiny white sheet.
He gasped.
"No..." he said.
The physician sighed.
"I am sorry, Your Grace. The child did not survive." he said.
Carlos looked at him, worriedly.
"My wife?" he asked.
The physician nodded.
"She is alive. She should recover. She lost a great deal of blood, due to the placenta ripping away from the womb." he said.
Carlos sighed.
"She will survive?" he asked.
The physician nodded.
Carlos sighed and walked into the room. He smelled the unmistakable scent of blood. He passed the midwife and Sancha's ladies. He went to her bedside, where she was peacefully sleeping. He knelt by her bed and began to pray that she would recover and for God to give her strength to recover from the loss of their daughter.
24 June 1564
France
Princess Joan of France was trying her best to sit still, but at eight years old, it was hard to do that. Her twin sister, Victoria, was smoothing out her gown. They were waiting to be announced to their guests who were in the ballroom where their birthday party was being held. In the months since Joan's return to France, she had learned a great many things from her governesses and her mother concerning deportment. She just worried that she would not remember them all and embarrass the family. Victoria noticed the look on her sister's face and came over to where her younger sister sat.
"What's wrong Joan?" Victoria asked softly.
Joan just shook her head. "I hope I can remember all of the things that Mama has tried to teach me since I returned," she admitted.
"Were court functions not in the same in Turkey?"
"No, we didn't really have court functions that I was permitted to attend there," Joan told her. "The harem where the women lived was guarded and only certain men were allowed inside."
Victoria looked at her sister for a moment. She had heard stories of the Ottoman's from her governesses but nothing like that. "Well, if you have any trouble remembering, just whisper to me and I will help you," she replied, smiling at her sister. Joan returned the smile.
Finally, the doors opened, and their brothers, Prince Charles and Prince Henry, came out to escort the girls inside. As they walked towards the dais where their eldest brother, King Francis, sat with his wife, Queen Mary, the court applauded wildly. It genuinely made them happy to see the twins reunited. The girls both curtsied to the King and Queen, then Francis stood up and raised his hands.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it does me great pleasure to present my sisters, Princess Victoria and Princess Joan, on this most wonderful occasion, their eighth birthday," he said. "As you know, when they were taken from us all those years ago, we were devastated. Victoria's return brought a both joy and relief, but our family was never truly complete without Joan. Our father, the late King Henri II, never stopped searching for her, and the search continued until last year, when our family saw a true miracle happen in her return. We have been blessed to have our beloved sister back with us where she belongs, and this birthday is very special. Not only does it celebrate the day that two intelligent and beautiful young ladies were born, but also because it is their first birthday together in such a long time. Please raise you glasses in a toast to my little sisters, Joan and Victoria, Princesses of France."
"To Joan and Victoria," the crowd echoed. Francis waved his hand, and the court musicians began playing, allowing the guests to start dancing. Francis looked at Mary, who nodded, and he descended from the platform. He waked up to Joan and bowed, then asked her to dance. The little girl nodded and took her older brother's hand. Francis led her to the dance floor and picked her up, as he was much taller than she was, then began to dance with her in his arms, which led her to giggle.
"Are you happy here, Joan?" he asked.
She smiled and nodded. She missed Turkey and the friends she made there, but she knew that she was home. She was even becoming accustomed to her new religion in Catholicism, though some of the masses confused her. "I love being with Victoria and Margaret, and even Hercule has been nice to me most of the time."
Francis smiled widely. "Well, big brothers can't be nice all of the time," he admitted. "It wouldn't be normal if he was, but I will make sure he doesn't do anything too awful."
Joan laughed. "You're nice all of the time," she said.
"Yes, but I am an adult and a father, so I have a better understanding of when it is okay to joke around and when it isn't," he told her.
She just nodded.
"Is there anything you need or want?" Francis asked her.
She thought for a moment. "If it's not too much trouble, could Victoria and I learned to ride horses soon?" she questioned.
Francis looked at his little sister. "I'll have to speak with Mother about that, but I don't see why not. I was a little younger than you when I learned to ride. Did you ride in Turkey?"
She shook her head. "The Sultan was going to start my lessons when I turned eight, but I am no longer in Turkey to do that," she replied.
"I'll see what I can do," he promised.
"Thank you, your Majesty," she responded.
"When it's just us, like it is now," he began, "you can call me Francis. I am your King, but I am also your brother."
She nodded and hugged his neck. "Thank you, Francis," she said. They continued their dance until the music ended, and he put her back on her own two feet. She immediately ran off to Victoria to tell her about the lessons, as Catherine approached her eldest child.
"You certainly seemed to make her happy," she remarked. "What did you promise her?"
"Nothing really," he replied. "She asked if she and Victoria could learn to ride horses. I told her I'd have to speak with you, but I didn't see why that couldn't happen."
Catherine looked over at her daughters, who were talking with two other girls about their age. "I guess they are old enough."
"There's a "but" coming, Mother. . . I can feel it," he told her.
"Not really a but, but I would like extra guards with them, just in case," Catherine admitted, her fears of another kidnapping not totally abated.
Francis nodded. "Of course," he assured her. "I will do everything in my power to keep them safe."
Catherine smiled. "Then they have my blessing."
Francis paused for a moment. "You'll have to excuse me, Mother," he said, smiling at her. "I have another sister that will probably be put out if I don't dance with her today too." He bowed to his mother, then walked over to Victoria.
Catherine watched closely as her children interacted as brothers and sisters should, then glanced at Mary, who was smiling contently as her husband danced with Victoria. When their eyes met, both women nodded at each other, then smiled widely. The day couldn't have been more perfect, and for once, they were totally in agreement.
A/N Thank you all so much for your patience and I hope you all enjoyed reading the first half of the year Fifteen Hundred Sixty-Four! The story is going on and I look forward to reading all your comments and messages. Please Read and Review and Chapter Sixty-Eight is in the works!
