The Prince of Wales sat in negotiations with the Emperor for two days thus far. Over the years, Charles has learned not to take anything personally. He used to let negotiations get under his skin, but once he saw them for what they were, opportunities, he became more objective regarding them. It's all about knowing what you want and can live without.
One of the most significant parts of negotiating is communication. Communication is the language of good leadership. You rise or fall based on the ability to communicate. Without it, everything falls apart, and a big part of this is listening.
Instead of listening to reply, good communication should be listening to understand. It's hard to listen to someone when you're talking, trying to interrupt, or thinking of a response. The thing about listening is it requires something that most people hate—- silence. In fact, the word listen has the same letters as the word silent. Does Charles think that's a coincidence? He thinks not.
Mary asked him a good question during the Wednesday afternoon siesta. She looked at the Prince with her big blue eyes and effervescent smile and wondered, "What does the Emperor want exactly?"
That's a good question. What does the man want? "Well, he wants several things. Foremost, he doesn't trust your father. Over the years, Henry has reneged on his end of deals or what have you. Then with the treatment of your mother and yourself, that trust between the two further weakened. I've been sent to repair the relationship, so to speak."
He raked a hand through his brown locks. Looking at his wife, he asked, "Do you know how difficult it is to repair a strained relationship?"
This made Mary giggle. "Umm... My Prince, I do have some understanding of the subject. I, myself, just repaired the relationship with my father." Charles's eyes grew as big as the sun. It's clear he let that slip in his mind. So, the Princess took it upon herself to say, "If anyone can help my father mend fences, it's you. You were the one who pushed me to speak freely to him after years of mistreatment. Obviously, the Emperor trusts you, and that's a good thing."
Yes, it's too good of a thing. That creates a different problem because the Emperor wants to deal with him personally, not the King. It's borderline treasonous. So Charles has to be very careful in what he agrees to.
But besides not trusting the King, "The Emperor wants to establish trade with Wales and Suffolk as I've already told you. He feels our regions are more stable than the rest of the country. Plus, with trade going through me personally, he believes the money will be handled better. I can't disagree with him on the money aspect because your father—-"
"Mishandles it," Mary interrupted. She's heard the small folk's laments from all around the country. People always write to her and Charles begging for something to be done. The people have seen the good works she and the Prince have accomplished in their regions and want that same opportunity.
Unfortunately, there's nothing she and Charles can do for them. Charles tries to reason with the King, but her father is so stubborn and set in his ways. He refuses to see reason, and he keeps spending and spending like he has a money tree growing in the palace's gardens. Does her father need another ship, carriage, or stupid castle? The answer is no, but he doesn't care, just like it doesn't bother him to host feast after feast every month.
"My Court expects it of me," he says with his haughty voice. In some ways, they do. He has conditioned the nobility to want those things like the spoiled adults they are. Most of them have no idea how to do without. Truthfully, she wouldn't know how to live with less had her father not put her off in Ludlow, having stripped most of her income away.
But really, it's a matter of principle. If the King pairs down and doesn't overindulge the Court, they will learn to live without lavishness and pomposity. It can be done. He chooses not to do it, though.
These thoughts led Mary back to the Emperor, another pompous man. "So he doesn't trust my father and doesn't want to do business with him either. But he will work with you, trading with our territories, not England as a whole. What else does he want?"
Charles sighed as he sank further into the couch's cushions. He wore a bland expression. "Well, he wants to only deal with me for future endeavors. The Emperor also wants an equal partnership that England would come to the aid of Spain if ever an issue arose. This means he wants backing against any wars with France, which I foresee on the horizon. He also desires any one of our future children we may have to be betrothed to one of his future grandchildren."
Mary laid a gentle hand on her husband's arm. "None of that is unreasonable, except maybe future wars with France and the marriage of our prospective children." Does she really want to marry a child to their cousin? Not particularly, but then she doesn't want to slight the Emperor either. So, she told Charles, "I know you'll make the right decisions. I have faith in you and trust your judgment."
He put down his wine goblet and opened his arms. A look of admiration and something passionate came over his face. "Come here," he stated with that seductive, playful tone of his.
She willingly went and slid into his embrace with ease. Her head rested on his shoulder. She turned and tenderly kissed his neck. It's just what he needs to get him through an afternoon session of negotiating.
As his hand stroked her back, he asked, "What are you doing after the siesta?"
He could feel her smile before she began to talk. "Paisley and I are going into town. We want to visit some of the stores. Infanta Maria told us there are some magnificent tailor and pottery shops in the marketplace. You know how I have a penchant for pottery."
She does. The Prince's wife loves pottery, especially dishes. Most of the women he used to know enjoyed jewelry or some kind of shiny bauble, but not Mary. She loves earthenware and bath products. Stroking her back, this led Charles to say, "Darling, I want you to indulge yourself. I know you'll disagree with me, but I want you to. You do so much for me, the children, and our Duchy residents, that sometimes you put yourself last. So on this trip, I want you to give yourself some attention. While most of England cannot afford to do so, we can because we are wise and blessed."
Even though it makes her cringe to think of spending more than she ought, Mary didn't refuse him. He asked her so sweetly and then gave her a kiss to seal the deal. So, after the siesta ended, she and Paisley loaded into the carriage and were whisked away into downtown Madrid.
The first place on their stop was the tailor shop that Maria told them about. It's called La Costurera Elegante, or simply The Fancy Seamstress. Both ladies became overwhelmed with brocade when they stepped into the store. Wall-to-wall brocade fabric is everywhere and in every color imaginable. The duo perused row after row of material, choosing some bolts they thought would make for pretty dresses. Mary also chose fabrics to fashion for Charles a few new doublets.
The Princess came across many muted brocades in gold, bronze, copper, and cream. She scooped them up and placed them at the counter for keeping. But then, she found a sparkle embellished brocade in a different section. These are more her personal style, so Mary picked those up too and added them to her already large pile of fabrics.
Once Paisley finished selecting her own materials, the two girls discussed dresses and doublets with the seamstress. Señora Anita, the seamstress, took measurements and wrote down different ideas. They conferred about fabrics and buttons and what would look good paired together. When Mary and Paisley left the shop, Señora Anita told them the dresses and doublets would be delivered to the palace by mid-next week.
After the tailor shop, the two ladies visited one of the Infanta-recommended bakeries. The minute the pair entered Old Town Sweets, the smell of freshly baked loaves of bread hit their noses. It smells heavenly! On the menu for the day are freshly made casadielles (a pastry roll filled with walnut), roscos fritos (a type of circular fried dessert), napolitana de chocolate (a roll filled with chocolate ganache), piononos (a syrupy sponge cake filled with cream and cinnamon), and coca (a bread topped with fruit, marzipan, cream, and pine nuts).
When Mary saw the coca, she had to get a loaf. She loves anything similar to fruit cake. On top of that, she and Paisley bought a dozen of the casadielles and napolitana de chocolate. However, the baker insisted they try samples of panellets (bite-size cookies made with almonds and sugar, coated in cocoa powder, coconut flakes, and candied cherries) and Yemas de Santa Teresa (which are candied egg yolks). The girls had mixed reactions. Mary preferred the panellets, while Paisley enjoyed the Yemas de Santa Teresa. They bought a bag full of each to enjoy on their walk downtown, which the Princess devoured.
After the bakery, the ladies strolled over to the pottery store. Mary may have gone a little wild with shelves and tables of authentic Spanish pottery. Many pieces remind her of some her mother had lying about as decoration. Once when she asked her mother about the colorful pottery, Mama explained all about the ceramics of Spain.
The Queen said in her teaching voice, "Ceramics play an essential part in the old country's structural, decorative, and hygienic functions. The Spanish tiles are commonly assimilated by Christian kingdoms and are everywhere now. In my Aragon, the influence on tile and pottery, use green and black ceramic on a white background. The colors are different for different places, as is the design." She brought out a decorative bowl to show as an example and Mary committed it to memory.
This particular pottery shop honored the colorful ceramic-inspired tile design. The store sold everything from artistically tiled dishwares to tea towels, tablecloths, and tiled cushion covers. Mary purchased several trays with green and black craftwork in honor of her mother's state of Aragon. Then she spoke with the artisan to create a few more ceramic trays with the Prince of Wales's heraldic insignia. She also purchased tile aesthetic dish towels and cushion covers for decorative pillows.
Then the ladies went to a more upscale pottery store. This store is different from the tiled pottery. Instead, it features Spanish ceramics and porcelains without the tile design. The pottery here is sleeker. Mary purchased sets of white ceramic glasses with gold rims at the top. She also bought a collection of vases that matched, three rustic stoneware planters in turquoise and yellow, six sets of watercolor porcelain tableware, an oversized textured watercolor bowl, and some porcelain earrings for herself, Paisley, Dot, and Joan.
Before the two friends left the shop, Mary saw a sign that captured her creative spirit. It advertises pottery lessons. She inquired about the lessons. The artist, Mariana, told her, "I offer the option of taking an initiation level ceramics class. In the course, you have the opportunity to learn how to make ceramic pairs. You can choose between the pairs- a breakfast cup and saucer, a bowl and plate, or a set of deep and flat plates. It lasts three hours in the morning time."
The Princess told Mariana that she wanted to take the class. Then she asked Paisley if she wanted to join her, which she did. But all of a sudden, an idea hit Mary like an arrow hitting the bullseye.
Pulling Paisley aside, she shared her idea. "I thought, what if I registered all of the ladies in our party? Do you think they might be interested in doing this with us?"
Paisley smiled and remarked, "I think it's a great idea! I say sign them up, and anyone who doesn't want to attend can stay at the palace. Besides, what else are we going to do? We're here in Spain for almost two months."
So Her Highness registered each lady for the pottery class. The class she chose would be this Friday morning. She'd let them know upon return this afternoon. Mariana thanked the Princess and began wrapping the purchased pottery to be delivered to the palace.
The two friends then moved to also browse a jewelry store, where Mary bought a charming necklace that looked like vines of the Forget Me Not flower. The necklace is a hand-patinaed bronze with freshwater pearls and cast glass. It's pretty and feminine looking, something Her Highness admires in jewelry. Paisley chose stacks of bangle bracelets and more Spanish-inspired earrings.
On the way out of the jewelers, Mary's eyes wandered to a jewelry case by the door. How she missed this when they entered, she'll never know. Almost immediately, she gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Paisley asked if she were alright, but Mary didn't hear her because she had already wandered over to the case. Staring back at her is an exact copy of one of her mother's favorite necklaces.
It's the golden tiger's eye, ruby, and pearl chain. The one with the large golden filigree centerpiece. In the center of the necklace and on each corner is five round rubies in a golden setting. Four oval-shaped pearl cabochons are coming off the center stone, and the edges are lined with smaller pearls.
A golden tiger's eye bead and an elongated teardrop pearl dangle from the pendant. The necklace's chain is made by alternating pearls and tiger's eye beads. Queen Catherine treasured this necklace because her mother had it made specifically for her months before leaving for England.
The Princess's eyes moistened at the sight of it. "This is just like my Mama's," Mary whispered. She wiped at her eyes with her fingers.
The jeweler, Marco, saw the Princess staring at the necklace. He came over to the ladies. "You like?" he asked.
Mary nodded and explained. "This necklace is similar to the one my mother, Queen Catherine of Aragon, would wear. When she passed away, she left me a lot of her jewelry, but this is one I didn't have. Could you please tell me what inspired you to make this necklace?" Paisley held her hand for support.
Marco opened the glass case and told the noble lady, "Your Highness, your mother inspired me. In the Palace of Alcalá de Henares, there is a painting of Queen Catherine. She is wearing this necklace. Being an artist, my eyes were drawn to it. I wanted to recreate it because it's beautiful. I had to ask Royal permission to replicate it, which was granted."
He took the necklace out and laid it on a cloth of blue velvet on top of the glass case. Motioning to Mary, he remarked, "I know it is not the original one, but I hope this does it justice. I think you were meant to come into my shop today. This necklace should belong to you."
Mary stared at it and lifted a hand to touch it. Her finger traced the pendant in the middle with a few unshed tears in her eyes. Turning to Marco, she commented, "I think you're right. I want this necklace. You did a superb job of crafting it."
With a broad smile, the jeweler took the showy piece and began to wrap it up. Her Highness followed him and asked how much the elegant necklace costs. But Marco surprised her, for he said, "It costs nothing. My gift to you. What was once the mothers is now the daughters. It's my honor to have you own and wear it, Princess." He handed her the necklace wrapped in silk lying in a velvet pouch.
Mary couldn't believe this man would just give it to her. "You must let me pay you something for it," she declared.
He shook his head no. "You have already bought other items. This is meant for you. So it is yours. May it bring you joy and fond remembrance of your mother." He bowed, and Mary thanked him.
Paisley asked if she wanted to look in some more stores, but Mary told her no. Thoughts of her mother are in her head, and she wants to be in peace with them. The quiet ride back to the palace in the carriage allowed the Princess time to think about memories of her mother's jewelry.
Every piece of jewelry tells a story because it's not just a jewel. It's a part of the person. Jewelry is also emotional. It has ties to special events and rites of passage in a person's life. It likewise denotes specific dates and times. Jewelry is a very personal thing because it keeps memories alive.
As Mary clutched the replica of her mother's treasured necklace, she thought about all the times she saw Mama wear it. She even thought about another necklace her mother loved, a gold cross decorated with rubies and diamonds.
Mary's father had given that one to her mother. The Queen had told her, "This is special because your father had it commissioned just for me. He knows how much I value the cross, and of course, red jewels are part of the House of Tudor."
Her father can be kind and generous when he wants to be. He loved her mother once, and it still breaks her heart to know how he mistreated her in the end. They have yet to discuss her mother together, but maybe one day they'll get around to it. As Mary thought about this, she wiped stray tears.
When the carriage stopped, the footmen helped the two ladies out. Servants carried their packages, but Mary did not part with the necklace. She kept that in her hands. Paisley spied a few of the English ladies sitting around the palace's interior. She hugged her friend and left to join them, knowing the Princess wanted to be alone in her thoughts.
Holding the blue velvet pouch, Mary walked up the stairs and down the hall to the guest suite. She wasn't expecting Charles to be there, thinking his meeting would run long, but he was standing by the window. He turned around and caught her eyes.
As he walked to her, he spoke. "Darling, I hope you had a pleasant outing. Please tell me you indulged yourself a little. What unique items did you find?" He noticed her face seemed tense and downcast but not in sadness. So, he waited for her to speak by caressing her jaw with his knuckles. He also placed a piece of hair behind her left ear and kissed her forehead.
She leaned into his kiss and reciprocated by giving her husband a peck. Then taking the necklace out of the pouch, she held it up and showed him. "I found my mother," she stated. Because she had, she found a piece of her mother that had been lost.
The two moved to sit on the sofa, and Charles stared at it. "I remember that necklace. Catherine wore it with pride. How did a merchant in Madrid come about having it? And how do you feel about this?" Anything to do with her mother is still a sore subject because Mary loved her dearly.
The Princess explained how the necklace is a replica reproduced with Royal permission. Then she told him about the jeweler's kindness, which surprised Charles. "I'm very thankful to have this. It's one of her main pieces of jewelry that I wanted but never could find. Having it made me remember other things about my mother, which lead me to make a decision."
Her husband fixed his eyes on her. Whatever she says will be a big deal. Mary took his hand and shared, "I want to meet my Aunt, Joanna of Castile. I want to know my mother's favorite older sister."
Charles pursed his lips and reached for his wife to bring her to his side. Once there, he wrapped his arms around her as she did the same to him. They soaked in each other's embrace. With a soft voice he agreed, "I think that's a great idea. Could I go with you?"
She nodded. "Of course. There's no one else I'd rather have with me because everything is better when you're by my side." She let go of Charles to drape the necklace on his thigh. Her head rested on his chest, and her right index finger retraced the pendant.
Meeting her mother's sister is the right thing to do. But the problem lies with her cousin, the Emperor. Would he allow her to visit his mother? After all, Joanna of Castile is confined at Tordesillas under the guise of being "mad."