It was the last day of their journey and the shore could be seen from afar. Catherine could feel her heart beating fast and hard against her ribs as she saw her land getting closer and closer. Mary was with Lady de Salinas in her room, asleep, while Thomas and Henry played cards in his room. Under her strict orders, Henry was not allowed to see or even try to communicate with Mary after what Catherine had found out. While he slept, she went to his room to bring him some clean clothes but saw a box with small parchments on his table and her curiosity got the best of her as she picked one up. They were letters. She unfolded one and read carefully it's words. How stupid it would have been for her to believe that everything had been Anne's doing. The words he had written to her explained how he felt, how much he missed her, how he couldn't wait to see her and hold her and take care of their son; he explained that he was only going with her because he was her husband, but nothing could fix what was already dead and almost buried, meaning their marriage. Of course, he had just wanted her to believe that he had understood everything and was willing to become the husband she so wanted for some reason. Anne might be a witch, but Henry certainly hadn't been spelled, he was just a two-face prick. She had folded it and put it back, picking some dry clothes up and taking them to her room. He looked so innocent as he slept in her bed, but in reality, he was just as happy to be beside her as a fish would love to be out of water.

He had lied to her; he had spent his free time writing these stupid letters so they could be sent to England once they reached the mainland. She would be forever in his life, that Anne, that stupid foolish woman. Catherine almost felt sorry for her. She might be being used by Henry just as she once had been, but it always takes two to tango. He had allowed her into his life, he had displayed her in court as if she were a trophy right in front of her, giving her privileges that no other woman in court had except for Catherine herself. She had played the nice lady in the past day, smiling and talking with him as if everything were fine, but she definitely hated him to the point of maybe not even allowing him to leave the ship but that would raise too many questions. She would have to find out what he was planning, why he was doing this before it was too late before he did something that she couldn't fix before he took a step in the wrong direction.

A hand on her shoulder startled her, her head turning from side to side until she saw that it was Thomas.

-That right in front of us is…?

-The northern part of the country: el Principado de Asturias, the kingdom of Galicia… We are heading for Santander.

-Is it pretty?

-It's so green Mr. More. It's small but so very beautiful. The people are very friendly and even though many citizens died during the plague in 1497, my brother Juan included, it's one of the best harbours we've got.

-Are there any churches?

-Obviously. Many, as well as a Cathedral. But the main source of income are the farms.

-You haven't been in years to Spain and you speak of it as if you had never left, as if you walk among your people, as if you were just one of them.

-In a way I am. God made us all equal but allowed some of them to rise and turned a few into the leaders that he thought they needed. I am that leader, but I do not feel superior to them. I'm like their mother. I have to help them, raise them, take care of them and most all, love them.

-But you know that not everything is related to your people.

-I know. There will be other kingdoms that will try to destroy our peace, but I will not allow it. I'm a fair woman but I do not stand for bullying or humiliations.

-You will be a magnificent Queen, your Majesty.

-Better than Henry I'm sure.

-Your Majesty? I thought everything was fine between you since you saved him.

-I thought so as well, but how can you say to a woman that you love her, that everything will be fine, that the only girl in his life will be her when you are writing letters to the other one.

-I don't quite get it, your Majesty.

-henry has been writing to Anne.

-Maybe they are old letters.

-Oh, no. I've read them and he explains everything that has happened in this journey up to yesterday. He thinks he's played his cards well and that he's won, and I will make him believe so because I know he's planning something, and I want to know what.

-Planning something?

-He had everything ready for the divorce, but something changed. Something happened and he stopped all his plans. I know he's after something but I'm not sure what. I think I might have an idea, but I don't want to believe it.

-What idea?

-He wouldn't try to take my kingdoms, would he?

-That's what you think he's planning? You think he's going try to take your lands?

-It would explain why he's been acting like this. I know him and he's not sweet or compassionate and he certainly doesn't care about me or Mary. He's been buttering my ear because he thinks it's going to take him somewhere, and I think that what he wants is to steal my crown.

-He can't, he's just your husband, what could he do?

-Declare me mad like they tried to do with my sister?

-Even so, if you do not allow him, if he is not crowned King, he can't claim anything. Everything will go directly to your daughter.

-Nonsense, he will have power over everything I've ever had because he would be king regent. If something were to happen to me before Mary comes off age, he would have everything.

-That's what you think he wants?

-It's perfect. If I accidentally die, he'll have everything, and Anne will become his Queen. Everything was so clear; how could I have been so blind? Of course, Anne is just a girl, he's the problem. He's the one that is planning to kill me.

-Don't you think that's a bit too much even for Henry?

-With me alive everything will be difficult for him, he'll just be my husband, people won't try to please him or give him presents, everything will come to me. With the Pope by my side and with my great army he will be forgotten. What has he done so far for history? Nothing except mistreat the Irish. He wants all the attention and he will get it one way or another. That's something I've learned from him. He gets what he wants regardless of the methods. If this baby isn't a boy, he'll try to erase me, I'm sure.

-Are you in danger?

-Not yet. He'll wait until the baby is born after that anything could happen. He's been painting himself in the best light possible, blaming Anne for everything. I don't like the girl, she's my husband's mistress but I know that she hasn't chosen this life. Henry is playing with her I'm sure.

-I can't believe he really would be planning something like this.

-You are his friend and can't see him as the horrible man he is. At least not fully. You've spent your life beside him; you just can't see him for what he has turned into, but I don't blame you.

-He might be my friend, but I won't allow him to hurt you.

-Thomas, please, don't do this.

-I'm sorry, but I just don't care. I had a happy life with Alice, but she's been long gone and even she knew how fond I was of you even before you were married, Henry. I was so taken by your strength and how you recovered from the illness that took Arthur that I just couldn't believe what I was feeling. I love you, and I hold you even dearer than my own life. I just can't even think of you getting hurt and much less by the hands of Henry. He chased you, he wanted you since the first minute he laid eyes on you before you married Arthur and he didn't stop until he had you. He loves you; I know it.

-I highly doubt it. He might have loved me once, but what he's doing to me is not something you do to the person you swore to love, cherish, and protect. I love him, I can't help it, and I'm very fond of you Thomas, but you know that we can't do anything.

-I will wait, as I've told you before. I won't pressure you and I most certainly won't do anything you don't want me to do. I will wait and if our moment never comes then it shall be as God says.

-If we are meant to be together God will make it happen Thomas. I have faith that if things do not please God, he will find a way of granting us happiness. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

-Are you giving me hope?

-I'm giving you faith.

-We'll be docking in a few minutes! Back the sails and tie the ropes!

The captain steered the ship as they got closer to shore. Catherine could make out the shapes of the houses, the forests in the back a deep shade of green. In between a church stood proudly, its white walls contrasting with the green colours that were surrounding it. Her heart skipped a bit, a smile on her face as the harbour becoming larger as they approached it. Catherine turned to look at Thomas who was watching the landscape with wide eyes. Is as if he had never seen anything like that before. Small houses made of wood and stone graced the coast, endless fields of green grass at the East and West, the mountains in the background. She had been right, it was beautiful with the waves breaking against the cliffs, the beaches filled with white sand. The sun was rising giving the town a very ethereal look as if it were something out of a fairy-tale. Even the air smelled different! Thomas felt so refreshed as he saw Spain for the first time, and in this moment of happiness decided to take her hand, holding it. She should have pushed his hand away, but his warmth felt comforting. She wouldn't do it, not today.

Henry walked up to the deck to see Catherine pointing at something with one hand, but she was holding hands with Thomas. Maybe it was nothing, maybe she was just showing him around, but he didn't like how close they were. Everything was fine between Catherine and him now and he wouldn't allow for anyone to disturb that. Everything was going according to his plan. If things took too long, he would make some sort of excuse so he could return to England and spend time with Anne and their baby if he had been born in the time he was away. He was sure Catherine would fail in her mission yet again and either give him another girl or miscarry, so the future of his kingdom relayed in Anne's womb. Maybe the physician had been wrong, and Catherine wasn't even pregnant, and she had got her hopes up for nothing. He couldn't deny that Catherine even after four pregnancies was still a very beautiful woman, with curves in the right place and very full and broad attributes, her eyes a very light shade of blue but they would darken if she was angry or sad and her skin pale and soft to the touch. She was exquisite but, in his eyes, Anne was even better. After a few minutes, he decided to break their conversation and approached Catherine from behind, his arms circling her waist. Her first reaction was to jump and then look around. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was that it was Henry and quickly let go of Thomas' hand.

-We are almost there.

-Yes. Almost. – she smiled politely at him before returning her eyesight back to the shore. She could use those masks she was so famous for around court on Henry as well and the idiot believed her.

-Isn't the town rather small?

-It's a farmer's town Henry, and it suffered a great illness many years ago. They don't need it to be big because they live from their animals and the ground. They don't need visitors.

-What do they produce?

-Many things. They produce cereals, vegetables, fruits… They also produce wine, but the best ones come from a bit more to the east of the country. Very close to Navarra. They also produce milk, very good quality milk, and meat, especially cows, trout, and salmon.

-Do they export to the rest of the country?

-Of course. The Cantabrian meat is excellent compared to the Castilian cows. The main products are milk and meat.

-You've been away for a long time, maybe things have changed.

-Not this. When a county produces certain products and they know they work they are not going to risk changing it and losing their steady incomes. They might have introduced other animals but never really give up on what they know will put food on their tables.

-You seem to know more about the finances of Spain than what's going on in England.

-I leave that to you, Henry. It will allow me time to study and see which sectors are working and which ones need help in my country.

-You shouldn't do that, let other people take care of that. We should throw a party.

-No Henry, no parties. We are a wealthy country, but I do not think a party is the best thing right now. Many other things need to be taken care of.

-Really Catherine? You are home, that deserves a celebration.

-I said no Henry. I won't repeat myself twice. – she pushed his arms off her waist and started pacing, her eyes never leaving Thomas figure. - We need to go to Valladolid so the matter of Aragon's letter can be discussed as soon as possible and therefore, fixed. After that, we'll head to Zaragoza and see why they don't accept me as Queen. That is the main issue right now and that's what will fix first, have I made myself clear?

-Yes. Are you okay Catherine? You seem… mad.

-I'm fine, just nervous. There are so many things I have to do, and I just really don't think it's time for festivities.

-You should take things easy your Majesty. Remember that you are expecting and too much stress might not be the best things for you or the child.

-She knows Thomas, and since I'm her husband I will take care of her.

-Of course, your Majesty.

-Will they come to pick us up, Catherine?

-I suppose so, but it was rather sudden, and they might not know about our arrival.

-They do your Majesty. – Ambassador Chapuys walked up the stairs a bit wobbly, his face really pale and a handkerchief in his hand. – I sent a boy on a boat to France so he would get here before we did and inform of our imminent arrival. I suppose he made it. Excuse me.

He ran back to his room as his face turned a really ugly shade of green. As the crew tied the last few ropes they docked in the harbour, the fishermen pointing at them with surprised expressions. After placing the gangway between the ship and the sand path the captain went to shake Henry's hand and kiss Catherine's before walking away. Her heart was pounding so fast and hard against her ribs that a ringing sensation had come to her ears drowning the voices around her. Thomas' hand on her shoulder brought her back, the noises disappearing. Henry was already walking out of the ship, Lady de Salinas waiting for Catherine's nod with Mary asleep in her arms. She took two steps, a deep breath to calm her nerves, and stepped on the wooden gangway. It creaked underneath her weight but stood sturdy enough underneath her, Thomas and Maria following her. She walked slowly, maybe too slowly but the instant she set foot over the sandy path she felt as if she had crossed a door to a new beautiful world. The hurrays' coming from the fishermen in her native language and their claps washed over her entire being, a smile gracing her lips as she took a few more steps towards the main street. She felt as if she was seeing everything for the first time and at the same time, everything felt just like she had known when she was little, undisturbed through time. A procession of men wearing dark clothes led by an elderly cardinal approached them.

-Su Majestad. (Your Majesty) – the group bowed before her, Henry in the background watching everything with a rather annoyed look on his face. – Es un honor volver a verla aunque haya sido tras estos hechos tan entristecedores. Como cardenal me veo en la labor de decirle que la acompaño en el sentimiento y espero que en sus plegarias esté recordando a su familia. (It's an honour to see you again even after such sad incidents. As Cardinal I feel like it's my duty to say, my condolences for your loss, and that I hope that you are remembering your family in your prayers)

-Cardenal Cisneros, es un placer volver a verle. Como buena católica recuerdo a todos mis seres queridos en mis plegarias. (Cardinal Cisneros, it's a pleasure to see you again. As the good catholic I am I remember all my loved ones in my prayers.)

-Las cortes castellanas la esperan. El palacio Testamentario me temo que no está en muy buenas condiciones, pero espero que sea de su agrado. (The Castilian parliament is waiting for you. But I'm afraid the royal Testamentary palace is not in a very good condition, but I hope everything is to your liking.)

- ¿Por qué no está en buenas condiciones? Pensaba que como residencia oficial debería de mantenerse a la altura. Mi hermana Juana no lo hubiera permitido. (Why isn't it in a Good condition? I thought that since it was an official residence it would be maintained due to its standards. My sister Juana would not have allowed this.)

-Casi no se ha usado desde el fallecimiento de su majestad la reina Isabel y los costes de mantenimiento de ciertos edificios se han visto mermados. (It has hardly been used since the passing of her Majesty Queen Isabel and the costs of maintenance of certain buildings have been cut.)

- ¿Por qué Cardenal? Pensaba que tras el descubrimiento de América y el comercio con las colonias el país estaba económicamente en su momento más álgido. (Why Cardinal? I thought that since the discovery of America and the trading with the colonies the economy of the country was at its best.)

-Ha sido simplemente que el dinero se ha destinado a otros propósitos. (It's just that the money has been destined to other purposes.)

-Bueno, a nuestra llegada a Medina del Campo quiero todos los libros de cuentas para saber específicamente a que se está destinando el dinero del pueblo. El día después de nuestra llegada se convocarán cortes, hay ciertos temas que debemos discutir. (Well, upon our arrival at Medina del Campo I want all the ledger so I can know to what specifically the money of the people is going. The day after our arrival I shall summon the parliament, there are certain things that need to be discussed.)

-Por supuesto su Majestad. (Of course your Majesty.)

-Le presento a mi esposo, Enrique VIII, Rey de Inglaterra, Mari de Salinas, supongo que la recuerda. (Let me introduce my husband, Henry VIII, King of England; María de Salinas, who I believe you must remember.)

-Por supuesto su Majestad. Un placer volver verla. (Of course, your Majesty. A pleasure to meet you again.) – he bowed before Henry and kissed Maria's hand carefully as not to disturb little Mary.

-Mi hija María, princesa de Inglaterra y mi canciller temporal Thomas More. (My daughter Mary, princess of England and my temporary chancellor Thomas More.)

-Canciller temporal? Esperaba que esa posición fuera ocupada por un miembro de la corte española. (Temporary chancellor? I hoped that position would be filled by a member of the Spanish court.)

-Confío en Thomas y sé que no dará ningún problema. Si encuentro a alguien más cualificado que él no dudaré en cambiarle, pero hasta el momento él será mi canciller. (I trust Thomas and I know that he won't cause any problems. If I find some with better qualifications, I won't doubt it and will replace him but for the moment he will be my chancellor.)

-Por supuesto su Majestad. Deberíamos irnos ya, tardaremos en llegar entre un día y medio o dos. Si prefiere parar para descansar en algún lugar… (Of course your Majesty. We should get going, it'll be between a day and a half and two days. If you want to stop and rest somewhere…)

-No. Viajaremos directamente hasta Medina del Campo. No podemos perder más tiempo. (No. We shall travel directly to Medina del Campo. We can't lose more time.)

-Si me sigue los llevaremos hasta sus carruajes sus Majestades. (If you follow me, we'll take you to your carriages your Majesties.)

Taking the Cardinals' extended hand Catherine followed him down the street, Henry and Thomas behind them. People came out to the streets screaming and waving happily. Catherine smiled politely and waved back pride making her heart swell. If her parents could see her. In a matter of just a few minutes, the streets found themselves filled with people, flowers flying from windows and the bells from the church ringing. Henry could not believe how loved his wife was even if she hadn't been back in years the people still adored her as much as the English people did. She was just a woman why did they respect her so much? He was jealous but he wouldn't admit it as cheers and screams of "¡Viva la Reina! (Hail the Queen!)", "¡Larga vida a la Reina! (Long live the Queen!)", "¡Viva la Reina Catalina! (Hail Queen Catalina!)" filled his head. She was just a woman why were they doing this? They should be hailing him, not her, he was a man and the King, not her. It was infuriating how she was getting all the attention. The voices had woken Mary up and squeaking happily and moving her arms up and down at the people. Once they reached the carriages Henry and Catherine entered the first one flowed by Lady de Salinas. Catherine wished Thomas would accompany them but Cardinal Cisneros and the ambassador who now looked less green had asked him to join them in their carriage and he couldn't refuse. As they started their last part of their journey the voices of the people slowly became lost and an awkward silence filled the chariot.

-They like you a lot. – Henry spoke after a few minutes, a tone of jealousy in his voice that Catherine noticed and made her even madder at him. He was having an affair and planning on stealing her crown, even if she had no proof of that, and he was the one who spoke to her like that, with that tone of anger and jealousy?

-Yes, since I'm the youngest and my parents were very loved and made this country what it is now, they trust me and since I was a little girl I helped and loved my people.

-I see. They'll be happy that you have returned. Maybe you stay here forever.

-Oh no. We will return to England, but I'll come every once in a while, to make sure I keep an eye on things myself.

-Of course, wouldn't want them to think you prefer them over me or my people.

-What is that supposed to mean?

-Nothing. I just thought that I should be important here as well.

-You are, you are my husband.

-I'm not just your husband Catherine!

-Yes, you are Henry. I don't understand what you are implying.

-I'm the King and should be treated as such! I should be beside you not behind you.

-Really? You are telling me that you are equal to me? This is really childish and foolish Henry.

-We shall see about that.

-What happened Henry? Everything was so… perfect. Are you really going to get mad about something like this? – "Maybe I should write a letter to Anne and explain what happened today and how much it has hurt your ego that the people haven't kissed you and the floor you walk upon." Catherine thought as she took Mary in her arms showing her what was outside the window.

-Maybe you are right. There will be time for me in the future. Forgive me, Catherine.

"Time for me in the future", oh poor Henry he really thought he was going to get away with it Catherine thought as the green woods disappeared and made way for the imponent mountains that surrounded the coastal towns.