For those who are history lovers I must tell you that I've modified the birth dates of some of the children of Juana la Loca and a few other characters. I shall leave a guide of birth and death dates down below so you can understand how the story goes.

-Juan de Aragón (1497)

-Isabel de Aragón (1498)

-Juana I de Castilla (1517) married to Felipe el Hermoso (1516)

-Leonor de Austria (1498-1558) Queen of Portugal and France

-Carlos I de España (1507-1558)

-Isabel de Austria (1501-1526) Queen of Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

-Fernando I of the Holy Roman Empire (1503-1564)

-Maria of Hungary (1505-1558) Queen consort of Hungary

-Catalina of Austria (1507-1578) Queen of Portugal.

-Maria of Aragon (1517) Queen of Portugal

-Catalina de Aragón, Queen of England (1485-)

-Maria I (1517-1558) Queen of England

-Fernando II of Aragon (1516)

-Anne Boleyn (1500-)

Putting the brush down on her vanity Catherine looked up to look at her reflection on the mirror, her robe tight around her figure. As she called for her maids to come in, her friend and lady in waiting Maria de Salinas handed her a letter that she saw had come from Portugal, from her sister Maria. Knowing that almost none of her maids could read Spanish, Henry had made sure all the Spanish maids had been dismissed along the years except for Lady de Salinas, she opened it as they went around taking the corset from a drawer and a dress from her wardrobe.

Querida hermana,

Sé que no te escribo desde hace mucho tiempo, pero las cosas aquí han cambiado tras el nacimiento de los niños y me temo que no he encontrado tiempo para escribirte ni una palabra. Desde lo más profundo de mi corazón me veo en la obligación de informarte de que nuestro padre, Fernando, falleció a principios del año pasado. Supongo que el embajador Chapuys ya te lo habrá dicho, pero siento que es mi deber. Otra noticia que me temo también es de gran tristeza es que nuestra hermana Juana ha quedado viuda. Felipe falleció en septiembre, aunque no parecía que le afligiera ningún mal. No sé cuando te llegará esta carta, pero espero que sea antes del comienzo del próximo año para que puedas asistir al entierro y podamos consolar el corazón roto de nuestra hermana ahora que nuestros padres no están y nuestra hermana Isabel está con ellos.

Nuevas más felices son que he dado a luz a un hijo varón de nombre Antonio. Tiene pocos días, y aunque es algo más pequeño que sus otros hermanos los médicos dicen que llegará a ser un joven guapo e inteligente. Yo sin embargo me siento muy débil y lamento que mi vida llegará pronto a su fin. No quiero que al leer estas líneas sientas compasión o tristeza por mí, pues he vivido una vida plena y mis hijos me han dado toda la alegría del mundo, pero si quiero que reces por mi en tus plegarías pues sé que es la manera más divina y bonita en la que me puedes recordar sin llorar.

Debo terminar está carta, pues mi hijo me reclama, pero si antes de que nos veamos otra vez he dejado este mundo terrenal quiero que sepas que siempre te querré, mi querida hermana pequeña.

María de Aragón, Reina de Portugal y tu adorada hermana

(My beloved sister,

I know that I haven't written to you in a long time, but things have changed since the birth of the children and I'm afraid that I haven't found the time to write not even a single word. From the bottom of my heart, I've found myself in the duty of having to tell you that our father, Fernando, passed away at the beginning of last year. I suppose that ambassador Chapuys would have already told you, but I feel like it's my duty. Another piece of mournful news is that our sister Juana has become a widow. Felipe passed in September even though he didn't look as if he suffered from any illness. I don't know when this letter will reach you but I hope it's before the beginning of next year so you can attend his funeral and we can comfort the broken heart of our sister now that our parents are gone and our sister Isabel is with them.

A piece of happier news is that I've given birth to a son whose name is Antonio. He's just a few days old and even though he is smaller than his siblings the physicians believe that he'll grow into a handsome and smart young man. I, on the other hand, feel very weak and I'm afraid that my life will soon end. I don't want you to feel compassion or sadness when you read this lines, for I have lived a full life and my children have brought me all the joy in the world, but I do want you to have me in your prayers for I know that is the most divine and beautiful way you can remember me without crying.

I must finish this letter since my son is asking for me, but if I were to leave this earth before we see each other again I would like you to know that I will always love you, my beloved younger sister.

Maria of Aragon, Queen of Portugal and your adoring sister.)

The words pierced her heart as she read it, Maria's handwriting soft and small, just like she remembered. Carefully, as if she was afraid the words might fade before her, she read the letter again, her chest constricting in a way she had only felt when her mother and children passed as she read the words carefully. One of the maids was about to start on her but she felt as if she couldn't breathe, as if there was no air in the room, so she raised her hand, everyone stopping right where they were. The room fell into a very deep silence as the Queen looked up, tears forming in her eyes, gasping quietly for air.

-What is it, your Majesty? – Lady de Salinas approached her lady; afraid she might feel indisposed.

-Maria wrote to me. – she grabbed Lady de Salinas hand, the touch comforting her very little.

-What did her majesty Queen Maria write in her letter that has upset you so your Majesty?

-Ambassador Chapuys didn't tell me that my father had died last year nor that my brother in law did as well.

-His royal Highness Fernando II of Aragon has died? – the anguish in Maria's voice only made her heartache even more, but she understood how much it upset her, she had been devoted to her parents.

-Yes, Maria, he's left this world, and no one cared to tell me. Just the same way no one told me of the birth of my sister's tenth child, a boy called Antonio. When did this letter arrive?

-This morning your Majesty. The boy that brought it said that it had taken him so long to deliver it because the ship sank and only a few of the letters survived, yours among them your Majesty.

-Where's the ambassador?

-In the hall your Majesty.

-Bring him to me.

With a gentle vow, Lady de Salinas left the room, the rest of the maids still waiting for their Queen to give them any sign as to what she wanted, but Catherine seemed to have forgotten all about them, her full attention on the piece of parchment that she held close to her heart, her eyes looking at the rain and dark clouds that filled the sky through the window. At the sound of the door, she lifted her head, a deep sad expression covering her face.

-You wished to see me, your Majesty.

-When were you going to tell me? – she tried very hard to control her anger as she looked at him, but it proved too difficult so her voice found itself filled with venom as she spoke.

-I don't believe I understand your Majesty.

-When were you going to tell me about my father, my sister, my nephew…

-The Spanish Court didn't wish for you to travel to Spain in your condition, that's why it was kept from you.

-I'm not pregnant anymore, it's been two months and still, you kept it to yourself.

-The Court wanted to sort some things out before… informing you.

-He was my father first and king second. I deserved to know and therefore be at his funeral as well as I was supposed to comfort my sister when she lost her husband, but you didn't tell me.

-I was told not to inform you because certain things needed to be taken care of that involved your Majesty. I was against it from the very beginning, but I was forced to follow orders.

-What things have you kept from me or are you still unable to tell me? – she stood up and walked towards him, anger fuming from every pore in her body.

-Your Majesty, I have news coming from Spain.

-Do tell me ambassador Chapuys before I send you away.

-I hope I don't sound indiscreet, but I would like to know who told you about such grave news if it's not too inconvenient, your Majesty.

-My sister Queen Maria sent me a letter that took several months to reach me. She said that my brother in law Felipe has passed away quite unexpectedly along with my father.

-I'm afraid that in her grief and despair your sister Juana passed away just a few weeks ago as well.

-And when were you going to tell me that?! – she felt betrayed, deprived of such information that involved her beloved family. All of a sudden, she had found herself an orphan, three of her siblings no longer among the living. -What about her children?

-Your sister gave birth to twins nine years ago, the girl who she named after you has been staying with the Marquis of Denis since it happened, but her son, Charles has been sent to Flanders. Leonor is due to marry soon, Isabel got married two years ago and Fernando has been taken to Austria. There are plans for him to learn German.

-Given Fernando's age shouldn't he be in Spain being crowned? – she turned away, walking to the window, some of the anger turning into worry. What would happen to her home, her land now?

-He could claim the crown as well as Leonor, but in Juana's will, it is explained that Carlos is the first in line, regardless of age or sex.

-Why?

-Fernando is supposed to marry the sister of the King of Hungary and create an alliance but he can't be crown king, he was not raised for it.

-But he is the oldest.

-It has already been decided I'm afraid. The Court will not change their plans, your Majesty.

-But Charles is too young, he can't be king, not yet.

-That's why I'm here. The next in line would be your sister Maria and her children since the rest of Juana's children already have a propose, but she has been of poor health lately and refused the crown for herself and her children before she… passed away as well.

-Maria is dead? – she had always been such a great help to her throughout her entire life ever since they had been little and just a few minutes ago she had been reading her letter thinking she was fine and happy in her home only to find out it was a lie, a lie she hadn't know she had created in her mind.

-I just found out about this news. Apparently, her son made her very weak, and shortly after the death of the child, she passed as well. I'm very sorry you have suffered so many losses in such a short time, your Majesty.

-Then that leaves me as the only heir alive? – having been the last to be born she had never been even considered for the crown, she had been prepared to become a wife and Queen to Arthur and after his death, Henry. She had seen how her sisters Isabel and Juana were raised to become great people as well as her brother, but never María and her.

-Yes, your Majesty. If you accept it, you'll be the Queen of Spain.

-And if I don't?

-Then we'll have to search for the descendants of your parents' siblings who know nothing about the crown or royalty until Charles comes off age and hope that they give him the crown when the time comes.

-It is my duty, isn't it? – she was obviously terrified, the thought of being a real Queen scared her to no end, but she had always been proud of being the daughter of Isabel I of Castile and Fernando II of Aragon, the greatest's monarchs to have ever lived, and if they were alive she knew it would be an honour and what was expected from her.

-It's up to you your Majesty. If you accept, you'll be Queen of Spain and Empress of the Holy Roman Empire.

-Empress? – to her knowledge, Felipe, Juana's husband was the heir to the Holy Roman Empire but as far as Henry had allowed her to know since they got married it was a kingdom of its own.

-The Empire belongs now to the Spanish crown because of the marriage between your sister Juana to Felipe. You'll be the most powerful woman on God's green Earth as well as Queen of England. Your daughter Mary will be Queen of England, Spain, and Empress of the Holy Roman Empire if you accept.

-As an Infanta de España, it is my duty to my crown and my parents that I accept and rule over the land that they ruled before me. Tell the Spanish Court that I accept.

-Of course, your Majesty.

-Before you go, - as she turned her head to look back at him from her spot close to the window, she could have sworn she had got a glimpse from her mother in a corner. She blinked but there was no one there, it was probably her mind playing tricks. - never again keep such news to yourself. Never. This is my family and you have kept from me the deaths of every single member of it. People I cherished with all my heart and who will never return. I want you to go and apologise in my behalf to their descendants and spouses, I don't care how long it takes you, just do it. And please, bring me back any belongings that you are allowed to take so I can remember them, now that I know that they are gone.

-I bid you farewell until I have news from Spain. – with a deep vow, he left her private chambers, Maria's letter still in Catalina's hand. She knew this day would come, but she hadn't expected that her entire family would leave her so quickly and so close to each other. She was all that was left from her clan, her history, Spain's history. It terrified her that she would never be able to ask anyone for help, never would see her sisters again, or her father. No one.

She hadn't felt it as she had been too deep in thought, but she was now crying silently, grief overtaking her entire being. Lady de Salinas asked everyone to leave, staying with her long-life friend. There was no need for words, she could see perfectly how much that news had hurt her, how much she would miss them. In normal circumstances, it would not have been allowed, but Catherine needed a friend, a shoulder to cry on, it was well passed that stage with Henry since the death of their three boys so he couldn't ask him for support so María took her back to her vanity. Catherine had no control over her emotions, her cries and wails could be heard down the hall as she clung to Maria's sleeves trying to find some comfort as if something could perhaps numb her, but the pain was too great.

-I'm so sorry your Majesty. I'll be here for as long as you need me. Shhhhh, it'll be alright.

-Me han dejado María, se han marchado. (They left me Maria; they are gone)

-Lo sé, pero el señor los ha llamado, su momento ha llegado su Majestad. (I know, but the Lord has called them, their moment has come your Majesty)

-No, no… No deberían… María, ¿por qué se van? ¿Por qué? (No, no… They shouldn't… María, why do they leave? Why?)

-El señor los ha llamado, no puedo darla una explicación sobre como funciona la divina providencia. (The Lord has called them; I can't explain to you how providence works)

- ¿Como es que nadie me dijo nada, nada…? (How can it be that no one told me anything, anything…?)

A knock on the door disturbed them, a young boy popping his head through the threshold. Catherine didn't let go of María's sleeves but raised her head to look at who dared disturb her in such trying times.

-I'm sorry to disturb you your Majesty, but the King has returned from his early hunt and requests that you have breakfast with him.

-Tell his Majesty that I'm no condition to eat with him. – resting her head against Maria's chest again, her voice came out cold, quiet. -Leave, leave, please.

The boy quickly closed the door, running down all the way to the King's chambers. Catherine on the other hand just couldn't shake the feeling that life was over for her, all alone in the world without anyone to help her if she fell, teach her, guide her, be there, just be there. She just couldn't understand why it hurt so much, it felt as if she couldn't breath as more tears fell, soaking Maria's dress. The sound of strong footsteps filled the hall as the King trotted to Catherine's chambers, anger had filled his body after he had heard the answer the boy had brought him. Didn't even bother to knock on the door, he just burst in ready to yell at her but stopped in his tracks when he saw her sitting on the floor, Catherine having fallen from her vanity chair, still grabbing Maria.

-Catherine? – she didn't answer nor moved, just continued crying in desperation. – Catherine, answer me.

-With all due respect your Majesty, it's best if you don't pressure her.

-Why would I answer to you? Catherine, stand up.

-Go. – her muffled voice reached his ears in between her sobs.

-What did you just say?

-Go. Go. Go! – she stood up, her face tear-stained and her eyes red from crying, hair dishevelled and her robe almost undone as she ran to him, hitting him on the chest over and over again with her fists, the strength of each punch growing weaker and weaker. – Go. Go. Don't go.

Dropping to her knees she covered her face with her hands, Henry staring at her stunned, unable to say a word as he watched his wife. He had never seen her like this, not even when their children had passed. Maria rushed to the Queen, taking her in her arms again as she let her cry. He could have left, he could have turned around and let her cry, but he found himself kneeling before her worried about what could have got her in such a state.

-Catherine, please, tell me what's wrong.

-If I may speak your Majesty, I do believe I'll be able to answer your question. Her Majesty doesn't seem to be ready to talk at all.

-Do tell me Lady de Salinas. What has got my wife in such a state?

-She just received a letter from her sister Maria, the Queen of Portugal, and apparently, ambassador Chapuys has been keeping information from her. Her father, Fernando II of Aragon, passed away at the beginning of last year, but her sister Juana I of Castile and her husband Felipe have also died, a few months ago.

-I knew about her father but I thought she knew. I didn't bring it up in case she was grieving. It did strike me as odd that she didn't go to the funeral, but now I understand. No one ever told her.

-But there's more your Majesty. Her beloved sister Maria passed away a few weeks ago and so did her new-born son.

-So many deaths. Oh, Catherine, if I had known.

-She just talked with the ambassador as to why he didn't tell her, but he said that the Spanish Court had told him not to because they were solving some matters. Her Majesty is the only living heir of the Spanish crown and out of duty towards her homeland, she has accepted it.

-She's the Queen of Spain?

-Queen of Spain, England, and Empress of the Holy Roman Empire.

-I have to go but I'll return in a few hours to see if she's feeling better. Take care of her Lady de Salinas.

-I will your majesty.

Vowing her head, she saw him leaving the Queen's chambers, but her attention soon returned to the woman that cried in her arms. Carefully she managed to take the letter from her hand, thankful that the tears had not smudged the ink, the words still there just as Catherine had found it when she first read it. After around ten or fifteen minutes Catherine's breathing became even, slow, her sobs hardly a sound anymore; Lady de Salinas checked her face to see that she had fallen asleep, her face pale. She didn't want to wake her, so she let her head rest on her thighs as she covered her with a blanket she had taken from the foot of the bed. It might have been a better idea to get her back in bed, but if she woke up, she would start crying again and it was best if she rested.

The rain and thunder didn't wake her for an hour or so but a knock on the door announcing that someone was about to come in did. It was Mary's governess. Catherine sat on the floor slowly, a saddened smile gracing her lips at the sight of her only daughter. Getting up from the bed she walked over to where the governess was and picked Mary up who laid in her arms sleeping peacefully. Lady de Salinas took the opportunity to get up from the floor and rearrange the bed so Catherine could sit there with her baby. When she stood up, she saw the letter and decided to put it inside the Queen's jewellery box next to her favourite pearls before she walked to a corner to wait.

Catherine walked to her bed, sitting on the edge of it without raising her head, looking at her precious daughter with all the love in the world, a little bit of happiness filling her broken heart. The baby stirred in her sleep, waking up slowly, her beautiful blue eyes opening to look up at her mother, smiling a toothless grin. She couldn't help but feel overwhelmed, a new batch of tears forming in her eyes.

-My beautiful Maria. I wonder if someone told your aunt about you. – A few tears escaped from her eyes as she blinked, removing the chemise to free one of her breasts to feed her daughter, carefully resting her back on the pillows. – Maria, I shall stay today in my chambers, please inform everyone that I do not wish to be disturbed.

-Of course, your Majesty.

-But… - she raised her head, noticing for the first time the state Lady de Salinas was in due to her emotional breakdown. – Maria, you look so out of sorts, was it my fault?

-No, your Majesty. Do not concern yourself with my appearance, I shall take care of it.

-About what just happened… I really would like you to come back and stay with me and Mary. I don't want to be alone, but I don't want to be with Henry. You know me better than anyone.

-If it's what you want, then I'll stay your Majesty. I shall go and inform of your wishes.

Vowing softly, she left, heading down the corridor. Henry couldn't understand how his plans to divorce her and marry Anne could have gone so horribly wrong. He had already talked with people and made the documents in bases that their marriage was not fully legal. If he were to leave her and marry Anne, he would have to face the biggest Empire he had ever seen, and England would be crushed to bits so he would have to do this some other way. Maybe if she suffered an accident, he would be king of the biggest empire anyone had ever seen and he would be free to marry Anne, but that would be risky. Very risky. A knock on the door disturbed his train of thought.

-Come in.

-I'm sorry your Majesty, but I have a message from the Queen.

-What Lady de Salinas?

-She will spend the day in her chambers with Princess Mary and wishes for no one to disturb her.

-Does that include me?

-I believe so sir. I will go now; her Majesty has requested my presence.

-Do go, she needs you, but on your way tell Lady Anne that I wish to speak with her. Go.

He turned his back on her before she left. He would have to think of another way of doing it, he wanted Anne as his wife and Queen. Maybe he would be able to persuade Catherine into giving the crown up or giving it to him, God knows how much she loves him, she would do anything for him. Another knock on the door made him turn around to see Anne entering the room, a sultry smile on her face.

-I heard that Catherine has received really upsetting news. Is it true? – for a moment it disgusted him how happy she seemed about his wife's pain and distress, but he quickly shook the idea out of his head.

-We a big problem.

-Problem?

-I can't divorce Catherine.

-What? Why not?

-She's going to become Queen of Spain and Empress of the Holy Roman empire. If I left her, she would destroy England.

-But she hasn't given you a son and I can!

-You will give me a son, I know it, but I don't think you'll be able to become my wife or Queen.

-There has to be a way, I'm sure of it.

-I can't think of any ways, not right now. Catherine will need me, and I will have to be beside her.

-You still love her?

-I'm fond of her, she has given me five children from which only Mary lives, but still, she is a very strong woman, I admire her.

-You haven't answered my question.

-Do I need to? I'm the King and I'll decide what I say.

-I'll be going, I have things to do if you don't mind your Majesty.

-We'll find a way, Anne. I promise.

With a quick vow, Anne left the King's chamber, walking fast, upset, down the hall. She could give him the son he so needed not Catherine, why couldn't he see that she was meant for him, why couldn't he understand that she was all he needed. Catherine needed to disappear, or their plans would never happen, and she couldn't have that, not when she was already with child.

What no one knew, not even Catherine herself was that she was already carrying another child so soon after Mary's birth, but Henry had forced himself on her just a few weeks previous to this fatal day and Catherine had let him do what he wanted with her. As his wife, she didn't have the right to tell him no but now things would change. She was no longer Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's wife, no, she was Catalina I of Castile, Queen of Spain and England and Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, and history was about to change.