Disclaimer: If I did I would be Goddess Supreme. I do however ow the plot and my OCs.
Many thanks to Mimi Dubois and my beta reader VelocityGirl1980 both of whom without I would not have continued and have helped me greatly with the plot. And also thank yous to those of you who continue to review. ;) Mimi thanks for all her help and support really go check out her fic "Faith For Duty" and I also insist to go check out Velocity's "Power and Passion" they are two of the best fics in town and if you ever need an advice or two, they are the people you want to go for. Thanks guys.
And now as the Chicago ladies would say, on with the show:
Chapter 50: To Rule You Must First Follow
"For several reasons, therefore, Charles V was glad to have his son once more under his direct scrutiny, and he had labored to improve his manners, his understanding of politic and his knowledge of the Low Countries … This time it would seem that everyone was favorably impressed."
~Philip II of Spain by Geoffrey Parker (p.21)
1571
Madrid, Spain
Aranjuez Palace:
Philip now took it upon himself to train his grandson in the art of music, dancing, and politics. He took the twelve-year-old boy everywhere. Mainly it had to who his parents were and that madness ran high in their family. He had seen it in his grandmother, Juana, in his son, Ligo's father, Carlos.
He did not want to be the cause of more animosity between his son and his own son but he had to face the facts. Carlos was not the son he desired. He was not fit to rule any kingdom and if he became King his wife would be the real power behind the throne with her own mother behind the curtain dictating instructions –like Nero's mother. The last thing Philip wanted was have Mary ruling over his dominions.
No, God had spoken. He delivered him Felipe Diego for a reason and that reason had to be for Philip to make him King of Spain, Duke of Milan, King of Naples, after he was gone.
He drafted up a new will the following day he had taken his grandson before the Cortes so he could see government in action. In the will he stated:
Off all the heirs of my firstborn son, Don Carlos and his wife, Catalina Tudor-Wittelsbach body, only their firstborn son, Felipe Diego who by this day forth in the year of our Lord, 1571, shall be known as the Prince of Asturias, will become my heir and first in line to the Crown of Spain, Naples and Dukedom of Milan. His male heirs and their male heirs will follow. In the absence of any offspring the Crown will then be passed to Fernando and his heirs. In the absence of any offspring the crown will fall unto Juan …
He had to battle the Cortes, the Council of Castile for approval but in the end he got what he want like he always did with the help of the Church who agreed that a mad King would benefit no one.
Carlos and his younger sons were the last to be included in the will. Philip prepared himself mentally for when his son came however, he was surprised to find Carlos not only appeared affable but indifferent. Such attitude worried Philip. He did not trust his son. He knew him well enough to know he had a secret scheme up his sleeve. No doubt, all thanks to that pretty wife of his.
Yet Philip was not going to back down from his decision. It was the wisest course, the Duke of Alba told him so.
"Now Ligo I will entrust you the safety of your household, this palace. You will be responsible and I will appoint you my personal secretary and you will oversee what happens in the Netherlands with your uncle's personal secretary and keep close contact with the Prince of Eboli."
Ligo's eyes went wide. Finally, he found his voice.
"Your Majesty this is an honor"
"Now, now Ligo we are not in public you are free to call me what you want My Prince" He said in pure jest.
Ligo laughed "Grandfather why not my uncle Juan, the Duke, Ruy, why not anyone with more experience, why me?"
Philip walked to his grandson and rested his hand on his shoulder, "Because you are my heir and future King… Prince of Asturias"
Ligo's large sapphire eyes met his grandfather's, equally sapphire. "Wh-what?"
Philip understood and quickly assured him, "I was going to tell you sooner but I wanted to hear your father's reaction." Ligo nodded his eyes darkening. He knew his father would never allow it, however Philip added to his relief: "Your father showed no opposition" Ligo's eyes instantly brightened. "But that does not mean that your mother will not have anything to say on the subject. Catalina is her contact here. Come Ligo don't deny it, you know it well enough as I do. I know you love her, I see it in your eyes, so do I, but your sister is blinded by your father and whatever she says you must remember that me and Annie love you most of all."
"I will never betray you grandfather." He told him, wishing to add the word 'dare'.
"And I shall not disappoint you. I will oversee all the consultas and papers as your secretary."
"And you shall put in your own recommendation. I remember what my father said Ligo, he said do not accept flattery and that is exactly what I do not want, why I am entrusting you with this big task. I want you to be wise and I want your honest opinion."
Ligo perfectly understood. Philip wanted a strong man who would have no qualms in crushing the rebellions in Aragon and combat heresy. Out of all of Philip's heirs, Ligo was the one who possessed the characteristics that made a strong monarch. He possessed strong, firm character and he never backed down from a fight unless he saw logic in the other party's argument.
Fernando for all his physical attributes was weak and indecisive like his father. He spent too much of his time debating whether he should do something instead of acting.
"I will strive to meet your expectations and I will give you my answer when you seek it or when it needs to be." Ligo swore standing erect like a man.
"Honest of you my grandson but also very wise answer. I can see great things in story for you already."
"You won't grandfather" Ligo said seriously, his sky blue eyes boring into Philip's sky blue eyes.
"Good boy, good boy" Philip said caressing his grandson's chin. He saw himself as a young and inexperienced man, so young at the time when he'd been plunged by his own father to arrange for his mother's funeral and handle minor acts of governments. He had always resented his father for that but now with Ligo he saw the wisdom in Charles' actions.
It was sink or swim. There would be no room for failure. He had full confidence in Ligo. He was of his blood. He would do an excellent job.
1572
Fernando felt sometimes envious. Ligo was turning out to be everything his father wanted in a son and heir, his mind added. They even had the same interests! Philip had asked Ligo what new plants should be in his gardens and as always his answer satisfied Philip.
He went daily to his chaplain and the priest told him to do penance for his sins, but he could not help it.
Why could he not be the first in his will? His father had never loved his older brother anyway. Why not make him the Prince of Asturias then, it would be a further slight to Carlos. He did not think it made sense and he was not the only one.
Catalina tried to do her best, following her mother's orders at her father's behest. Yet Ligo was completely smitten by the Queen of Spain and bought their grandfather's act that he loved him.
Philip II loved no one, not even himself. It was absurd that he put Ligo first in the line of succession before their father. He was not even included!
Catalina voiced her concerns to him. But they fell on deaf ears.
She paced back and forth in her rooms. She knew that the King was spying on her and that Ligo as well. Like grandfather like grandson, she thought with contempt.
It was funny. She hated her grandfather for what she was doing but like Fernando she could not help but like, really like, Ligo for to them he represented all the good in the world.
He was lively in private but serious and discreet in public, he embodied all the noble virtues of a Spanish Prince and of the new religious revival. He was the example of prudence and humility. More than anyone he stressed over the importance of reforming the monasteries and the nunneries, especially the nunneries and convent that in his view where vital for unifying the country. Years ago there had been rumors of a Lutheran sect near the town of Avila, whether they were true or not it had sparked a tremor of fear and paranoia in the Christian population. The Inquisition became more ruthless. Although their grandfather did an effort not to encourage them, he was also fearful. For where there was one, there surely were others. Ligo, his heir and their pride, was different. He did not oppose but neither encouraged their methods but did much to help great many of the people persecuted (large numbers of them with converso background). Nevertheless, his grandfather had the final word and Ligo was wise enough not to stretch beyond the means their grandfather had given him.
She sank back in her chair and threw the dice. She got very lonely here, at least when she was with her parents she had her father or María to play with. Here she had no one. Diana was too old to play now and Juana was constantly sick along with her twin brother Juan, and Isabel spend more time with Fernando and Ligo.
Wondering who it could be, she did not bother to ask one of her ladies, she went herself and opened the door. She came face to face with the Queen.
"Your Majesty" They curtsied and cast their eyes down in obeisance for their Queen.
"Doña Catalina, can we speak in private?"
Catalina nodded. She dismissed her women and closed the door behind them. She saw no reason why not. Nothing she could say could make her change her mind.
"How are you Catalina? May I call you Catalina?" She nodded.
Annie sat down and invited Catalina to sit next to her. She did so. Annie breathed a deep sigh and rested her cane on the small table in front of the sofa.
"You know you and I have not had enough time to reconnect. Philip and I have tried so hard to make you feel comfortable but I see you still are afraid. May I ask why?"
She had never bothered to answer her question, why should she now? Yet something in the back of her head screamed at her and she answered, "I am fine Your Majesty and 'tis not your fault, not yours specifically, it is just … it is just …" She struggled to say the words. They were there in her mind but she could not say them.
"Just what?" Annie asked showing no impatience.
She looked up and her green-blue eyes met the Queen's bright gray. Her sight was breathtaking. Her black gown with golden embroidery of tiny flowers and vines, with its high neckline, pearl buttons, V-waist and a golden chain around it, accentuated that.
Beautiful as she was, Catalina was not overtaken by her beauty and decided to speak the truth.
"I miss my family Your Majesty. I have not seen my mother in two years."
"You have seen her on several occasions at court."
"That is not the same. You and His Majesty do not allow me to talk with her or my father." She could not decide anymore whom she missed the most. "Please Your Majesty, I appeal to your conscience, let me see them." It was not her to beg but she missed her family terribly.
Annie recognized longing in her eyes. You are doing the same thing your mother did to you when she denied you your father. Her mind screamed at her. But that was different, she argued, my mother was a jealous and sad woman who wanted to punish me for her own folly. In the end she stayed with her father thanks to her Aunt Bess.
Yet, her mind said to her: Is that any different?
She looked at Catalina. The tears were filling up her eyes. She recognized that expression, it was the same begging expression she wore when she appealed to her own mother before her father , her stepfather, and Aunt Bess to let her go.
It's where she belongs.
With a painful nod and grasping Catalina's hand, giving a gentle squeeze, she said: "I will see what I can do"
She fulfilled her promise that very same night alone with Philip in their bed in each other's arms. She had her head resting on his pale chest.
"Catalina needs her mother and father Philip."
Philip sighed. He thought they were past this by now. "Annie I risked everything bringing her here" For you, he wished to say but there was too much potential hurt, so instead he said: "I did not agree at first and it is too late now even if I wanted, for her to go back."
Annie looked up. "You love her"
"I do" Philip said with a chuckle. He was still in denial, besides Ligo he never believed he could love another one of his son's offspring but Catalina was like her brother, special. He gazed down at his wife, "That is why I can't have her influenced by Carlos or your sister. I know she has been keeping correspondence and that her Dueña is responsible for this. I could take the woman away if I wished to but I know Catalina would fear us more."
"Philip" She made a long pause "Remember your mother … my father. We can't afford another broken heart."
"She has everything he needs" Philip said imperiously getting annoyed with Annie. Seeing his wife frown for he rarely talked so to her, he recovered and bent down to kiss her. She always challenged him and he loved that, for that meant she would make it up to him later in very exquisite ways.
"Promise me you will think on it Philip" Annie urged once their lips parted. They were swollen by the many kisses he had given earlier during their lovemaking. There were still teeth marks on her body from the last one.
"I will think about it" Philip said for his wife's sake. He lifted her to his eye level. He didn't care that she was taller than him or that her leg was an impediment, he loved her nonetheless.
He sank his lips in her own, they opened wider to let his tongue roamed her mouth. Her legs parted ready to feel his seed inside her but he was careful when he pushed his man-root into her thighs and deep inside her clitoris, pushing it back and forth until it made all the way to her womb. He felt the warmth of his seed fill her and her release followed. Philip was invaded with a sense of ecstasy.
He withdrew from her.
"Oh Philip" God, she prayed, please fill my empty womb. She could feel him still inside her. She wanted his seed to flourish.
Recognizing the look in her eyes, he cautioned her.
"I am too old querida and I am content with the children you have given me."
"I want more" She insisted. "We have had sons and daughters but I want more. Imagine another brother for Juan and Fernando to play with."
Philip did not want to hear it but Annie was very insistent.
"We could raise these babies together. The whole country would celebrate you as Zeus and me as your Hera."
"I thought they did that already."
"Oh Philip do not be paranoid about this. We could prolong this dynasty. Imagine what they would say."
Philip used to not anymore. People could say whatever they wanted, he only cared for her safety and that was why he did not want to bring another child into this world.
"Annie" He cupped her face with his hands. "I want another child but why must you question the good things the Lord gave us my love? We had sons, we had daughters and you gave me an extra daughter in Diana."
"But she will soon be married to that child the Duke of Savoy." She countered.
Philip chuckled. Ah so that was it. Annie was afraid of getting old so she needed to feel wanted again.
"My love she will not be married in a year from now and things may change even then, who knows? I may decide to marry her to the Duke of Navarre…"
"But I thought you said you would never marry her to a heretic."
He roared with laughter. "Never but the Duke of Navarre ambitions for the Crown of France and since the Dowager Queen of France can't seem to keep her sons from dying, it seems the odds are in his favor. Our Diana would be the future Queen of France."
"I do not want her gone Philip."
"It is not a goodbye; you will always be a part of her." He said as he had told Diana when she voiced him her fears of getting married. "We knew this day would come Annie. Let her live her life and let the cycle continue … If we have another child it must be because it is something we both want."
"I want it Philip, even if Diana would not leave I still want it."
"Annie you say you do but think of your health. I nearly lost you with Juan and Juana"
Her husband, who was not used to speaking his mind or showing his feelings, came clean.
"I come from a strong stock."
"You do but even strong men and above all women are not without their weaknesses."
They fell asleep. Philip hoped that Annie could put an end to this madness. He loved his wife and he did not want things to change.
Philip summoned Catalina to come along with his own son Fernando. It was time to put an end to these disputes.
"Your Majesty" They formally greeted. Until he dismissed all members of the Junta save for Ligo, they were able to speak freely.
"Why you summoned us here father?"
"Is something wrong?" Catalina then asked, her eyes constantly shifting from her brother to her grandfather with great uncertainty.
He shook his head and beckoned them to sit. Fernando was the first one with that impulsive nature of his he inherited from his Welsh ancestors, followed by Catalina whose manners were more predictable and formal.
"Nothing is wrong." Philip said, "But, I am concerned that things have not progressed with our relations. We are family, our rise and our fall depends on our unity." His gaze fell on his son, "I know you have been sulking and falling back on your studies and don't tell me no for your tutors send me daily reports."
Fernando cast his gaze down, ashamed.
He moved to Catalina, "Your mother's letters carry one recurring theme to subdue your brother. I have noticed that you have expressed anger at your mother and not tried to turn Ligo around. Why not?"
"I made a vow to stay loyal to my family and by my family I mean the head of my family and that is you grandfather."
At least she calls me grandfather.
"You have a good and loyal heart. But I suspect it is not loyalty why you not offered your brother like Judas, you love him and you love this life."
"I love my father and mother, my heart is with them."
"I know but you love this family as well. Do not deny it Catalina. I can let you go but I won't."
She swallowed hard.
"May I have permission to leave this room then?"
"Not yet Catalina but I want you to stay here for what I have to say to your uncle for I think it is important that you both put an end to rivalry and mistrust."
They stayed silent as Philip voiced his concerns to his son Fernando. By the end Fernando still speechless, could only stutter "I-I do not envy Ligo father but …"
"You want me to include you in government, in the juntas, in the Cortés." Fernando held his tongue knowing better than to contradict what was a certain truth. He nodded. "I could but Ligo is my heir if something should happen you would have the experience of your nephew. Right my Prince?"
"Right grandfather" Ligo said smiling to whom he considered his brother, if not in blood, in spirit. He wanted to tell Fernando that there was no cause for envy, that he would rather spend a quiet life in the country. The duties of a Prince were exhausting but he had to. He was convinced God brought him to this world to continue his grandfather's great work. He was not about to surrender, even if to make his brother feel great.
Fernando lifted his gaze to his father and then to Ligo, Ligo had the kindliest gaze, he immediately felt at ease, and found his voice: "I am sorry if I caused you both trouble but … I can't help it sometimes I can't help it, and you can't blame me for that. Ambition runs high in our family."
Philip smiled and went to his son and patted his back gently, and brought him to his feet and pulled him into a powerful hug. "I know, I know my son but you will get your chance. You are my son and that is nothing to be ashamed. You will get your turn next year but I warn you, you will have to work just as hard as Ligo but never Fernando do it to usurp your nephew's place. Competition also runs high in our family, it can be good but do not let it rule you." He warned.
Fernando nodded and they stayed in each other arms. Philip parted, his son sniffed. He was strong as his father and Ligo not to cry. Philip then moved to Catalina. Catalina bowed, "No, no don't bow" he said. "Look at me. You have not come to me as a granddaughter should."
Catalina raised her eyes and met her grandfather's. His eyes were cold but his embrace was not and Philip was satisfied with this progress that at least she had not pulled away from the embrace.
Scotland, Lilingthgow
Lilingthgow Palace:
Petra looked around. There were many men in black cloaks. They were all busy praying for her younger brother's soul. When one of the Baptist preachers saw her, he told her the same thing as her mother's Catholic chaplain had, "Go pray child, and be safe from evil."
She sighed. She searched her mother in her chambers but she refused to see her. She could hear her sobs and the tapping of her rosary beads against the fine wood of her table. She is praying again. One of the many Marys in her mother's service, Mary Seaton, came forward and gently pushed her back, "When there is a change in your brother's condition you will be the first to know" she said and closed the door in front of her.
Petra picked up her velvet skirts embroidered with tiny silver leaves and ran to her father and rung on his door twice but there was no answer. She knocked some more until the door opened to reveal her uncle Anthony. So many questions raced the mind of the ten year old. Why was her uncle not with his wife? Why was he not in England? Why was their Ambassador not present instead? Furthermore, why had he come alone?
Nonetheless, she went straight to the point. "Can I see my father?" She asked.
Anthony shook his head and looked at his niece with pity.
George was a lucky man, Anthony thought, married to that woman. There was no Queen in Christendom more beautiful and delicate than Mary Queen of Scots was. She was a true rose petal.
Would that he could take his brother's wife but he dared not to. Mary was faithful and her reputation went side to side with her beauty and intelligence. His wife was neither beautiful nor intelligent. Blond, sallow, pale face, she would never be anything more to him than a brood mare –or would be if only she did not spend half the time he visited her in prayer.
"Please?" His niece's pleas brought him back to the present. Her pleas reminded her of George. But she is more beautiful. Even in that, George was lucky. He had beautiful daughters, strong –with the exception of Robbie- sons. Anthony had neither.
One useless daughter, sallow faced and plain like her mother, and no sons.
"Your Highness I am not allowed into your brother's rooms at this moment, but I promise you once I have news-"
She interrupted him, stomping her foot on the ground, she said: "I want to know now!"
Her uncle never called her by her title in private. "Why are you so formal uncle? What is going on? I want to know, maybe I can help!"
Anthony caressed his cheek, "Oh dear niece I wish you could have come sooner." Her brow furrowed in confusion, he decided to explain: "Your touch would have stopped the inevitable. I am sorry."
"No!" She screamed and removed his hand from her cheek. "My brother is not dead! He is alive, I dreamt of him, I dreamt of him!" She insisted. "He said he was fine in my dream. Please take me to him, there is still time."
"Petri the physicians tried their best-"
"Don't baby me call me Petra, that is my name, Petra! And I know my brother is alive, I felt it in my dreams."
"Maybe the dream is a sign" He said. He was at a loss what to say. He'd never been particularly close to his own child or Annie's. He knelt to her but she refused to be touched. She stood her ground.
"I want my brother! I want my brother!"
"Petri-I mean Petra … I am so sorry."
"No you are lying"
She could not believe him. However, she saw it in his eyes, the truth, when they darkened.
He tried to grab her again but she ran to her brother's chambers pushing through the crowd of Catholic and Evangelical priests and preachers and finding her father kneeling at her brother's bed, clutching his hand.
Robbie's hand as the rest of his body was cold and his skin was pale, his eyes had been closed previously, she guessed, by the priests performing the last rites.
"Dad" she decided to make her presence known. Her father did not respond, he refused to leave his youngest son.
Petra could hear a sob escape his lips as he began to sing him a lullaby. She knelt next to him and put her arms around him. George finally turned his head around. "Petra what are you doing here?" He managed to say, chocking on his sobs as he looked back to his son. What had gone wrong?
They had been so careful! Why? Why his son? Robbie was so small, he was so … he broke in tears and embraced his oldest daughter, Petra.
"I am sorry" Petra could find no other words to say, she remained in her father's arms refusing to cry but when she saw the physicians push the blanket on her brother's face, she could not help the flow of tears that fell down her cheeks and tasted their saltiness in her mouth.