Chapter 14
Hey everyone, I'm back! I had such a great time on my honeymoon and marriage is good. Thank you all so much for the best wishes and it feels good to be apart of my own family. Well, a promise is a promise and I have returned. Now, many of you liked the last few chapters and it was centered around Elizabeth and Luis. They are key figures in what will come to pass. Also, we saw the serious declining health of Dowager Queen Katherine. Like I have said, I always felt she was the true Queen of England and that's why she had a happier storyline. I'm still going to do an Arthur/Katherine, story, in which Arthur lives and becomes King of England. I would like to do another story for Henry and Katherine as well, but with a little more happiness. I'm also tempted to do a Princess Mary/Charkes Brandon story, in which he marries her to protect her from the Boleyn faction and they fall in love. I've been reading the story Bedroom Murmurs and it has really intrigued my interest. However, I have to say my favorite couple that I am writing about is Elizabeth/Luis and Mary/Carlos, because it is so much love with their marriages. However, there will be hard times for both of them and it will not be infidelity. Now you all can use your imaginations lol. In this chapter it will focus alot on the Spanish Royal Family and little snippets of other families. I'm still taking suggestions on the gender of Elizabeth's and Luis's child. Please leave those as well. Also, King Harry and Queen Anne had their sixth child in the last chapter, Princess Margaret. I have decided that she will be there last child and you all will see as the 1550s continue on. But, no more children will be born to them. Now, please enjoy Chapter 14! Please Read and Review!
June 30, 1550
Alcazar of Seville
Seville, Castile, Spain
Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon's Privy Chambers
Juana was sitting, smiling to herself. She was very proud of Luis and Elizabeth for managing to conceive a new heir so quickly after marriage. She herself didn't get pregnant until two years after marriage. She was also proud that she lived to see her family grow. She considered herself to because successful Queen now. Ruling Castile and Aragon for forty-five and thirty-four years respectively had been tough, but she knew she had done her best. Despite being nearly seventy years old, she had alot of fight left in her. She couldn't wait to hold her great-great grandchild, the new heir to Castile and Aragon.
Suddenly, there was a knock on her door.
Juana looked up.
"Come in." she said.
One of her maids walked in.
"Excuse me, Alteza, but your grandson, Prince John of Denmark is here to see you. He says it's urgent." she said.
Juana stood to her feet and nodded.
"Send him in. You're also excused, until our discussion is over." she said.
Prince John walked in and bowed to his grandmother. He was the eldest and only surviving son of her late daughter, Isabella and her husband, King Christian II of Denmark. However, when John was five years old, his father's Thrones were stolen and the Royal Family was exiled. Queen Juana took them under her protection. John and his two young sisters, Dorothea and Christina, were raised in Castile, by their aunt, Infanta Maria of Castile and Aragon, Dowager Queen of Hungary, after the death of their mother in 1526, when John was only eight years old. Now at thirty-two years old, he was anxious to reclaim the thrones of Denmark, Sweden and Norway for his elderly father, who was still under Juana's protection in Burgos.
He bowed to Juana.
"Grandmother, it's an honor to be in your presence." he said.
Juana smiled.
"Thank you, MI nieto. What can I do for you?" she asked
John developed a serious look on his face.
"I beg you to let me take Spanish troops and fight for right to the Thrones. I deserve to sit on them and all of Christendom knows it. I already have a wife and children, so the Succession will not be an issue." he said.
Juana looked at her grandson.
"In case you have forgotten, your father Is still alive in Burgos. You wish to usurp his Throne a second time. I cannot and will not support that." she said firmly.
John was shocked.
"My father is nearly seventy years old. There's no telling how long he will live. I will inherit the Thrones anyway. My children have your bloodline and you will be proud. The people would love to have me. Besides, your mother, Isabel of Castile, had to fight for the very Throne you inherited." he said.
Juana took a deep sigh.
"Yes, but she did not steal the Throne from her brother. When he died, then she took the Throne, which was rightfully hers. While your father lives, I will not help you usurp him. Either put him on the Throne or you can wait until the Lord calls him to his side. As you said, he is advancing in age." she said coldly.
John walked toward her.
"So what are you saying?" he said.
Juana stood to her feet.
"I will not help you take the Throne, while your Father is alive. However, he is a weak man, who isn't fit to be King. However, he is anointed by God. When he dies, we will correct the injustice that befell him and your mother, May God rest her soul." she said.
John smiled.
"Very well. Thank you very much, Grandmother." he said, as he bowed and began to walk away.
Juana cleared her throat.
"John, if your father dies before his time and under suspicious circumstances, I will make sure that you don't take the Throne as well. You let God decide the fate of Denmark, Norway and Sweden." she said sharply.
John looked surprised, but nodded and left Juana's presence.
Juana sat down. Legitimacy and Succession rights were a big thing to her and everyone knew it. Everyone knew that Juana's first decade on the Throne was a battle between her husband and then her father, Ferdinand of Aragon. She remembered her very first acts as Queen of Castile:
Flashback
November 30, 1504
La Mota Palace
Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Castile, Spain
Juana was sitting on her bed, tears silently falling down her face. She was still grieving the death of her mother, Isabel de Castilla, just four days ago. Her mother's body was on its way to Granada to be buried. As the eldest surviving child, Juana was now officially Queen of Castile now. She had spent the last two years by her parents side, learning government. She even gave birth to her fourth child, little Fernando, while learning. She was determined to be a magnificent Queen, just like her mother. Her husband, Phillip, was currently in Flanders and they had been apart for over a year now. She knew he wanted her rights to the Thrones of Castile and Aragon, but she wasn't going to let that happen. She even had her sister-in-law, Margaret of Austria., send her three oldest children to Castile, which eased her parents spirits., especially her dying mother.
Finally, Juana stood up, wiped her eyes and walked out of her bedchamber. She had her subjects to attend to. She had the Court wearing black, to honor her mother.
The first person she saw, as she excited her room, was her mother's two most faithful friends: Gonzalo Chacon and Beatriz de Bobadilla y Cabrera. She knew they were both seriously affected by her mother's death and wanted to know where that left them.
She gave them a weak smile.
"I'm sorry if I'm worrying you both. I am ready for my duties. The first thing I want done is everything in my mother's last will and testament must be done. I want no excuses on that. Now, has news reached Flanders yet?" she asked.
Chacon shook his head.
"No, but it should any day now. Prince Phillip will be here for your joint coronation as King and Queen of Castile." he said, trying to hide his disapproval.
Juana nodded. It was common knowledge that the people were not fond of the idea of having a foreign King. Juana had come to a solution to this problem.
"There will be no joint coronation. I shall be crowned alone." she said, as she began to walk to the Throne room.
Beatriz tried to catch up.
"Alteza, what do you mean? Are you saying there will be no coronation? You must be crowned Queen of Castile soon." she said, with concern.
Juana nodded.
"And I will be. Phillip will not be crowned. I will be the ruler and he will be the consort. If he doesn't like that, he can return to Flanders, but he will not do that, since I have his children here, especially Charles. He has high hopes for him and our marriage will deal all of those. Charles could be the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Castile, Leon, Aragon, Sicily, Sardinia and Naples, since my father won it from France. When Phillip comes here, I will be Queen of Castile." she said.
Chacon walked up and smiled.
"That's a relief to hear, Alteza. Many people were wondering what would happen, since you had a foreign husband. Many people were nervous about him handling government affairs. Plus after the stunt he pulled with the French, he is not trusted." he said.
Juana nodded her head.
"I know. Therefore, I will not put my subjects at ill-ease. He's my husband before God and we will have children to secure the succession, but that will be as close to government as he will get. Please get everything prepared. God is on our side. I will be crowned in Seville, just like my mother." she said proudly.
Chacon nodded his head.
"What about your children?" Infante Carlos should also be with you as well." he said.
Juana nodded. She knew that her oldest son was of vital importance. He would be the first King of a United Spain. Despite him being only four years old, he was important.
"Have him brought to me. He was born in Ghent and is considered a foreigner. He will grow up here. It is vital. I want Leonor, Isabel and little Fernando to remain where they are. We will travel to Segovia, where o will greet my husband, when he gets here." she said.
Suddenly, Juana's father, King Fernando de Aragon, the only remaining Catholic Monarch, walked up behind his daughter. He was wearing all black and looked as if he had been weeping.
Juana hugged her father.
"Padre, I am so sorry. I know how much Mother meant to you." she said.
Ferdinand nodded.
"Yes, she did. She was so ill for so long, I just hope she is at peace." he said.
Juana nodded. Everyone in Castile knew that ever since her son, daughter and grandson died consecutively, Queen Isabel had been declining in her health for a few years. It was only a miracle that not only was Juana healthy, but she had produced four healthy children, including two sons, one of whom was born in Castile.
Ferdinand smiled at his eldest legitimate daughter.
"What is your first action as Queen of Castile, Mi Hija?" he asked.
Juana cleared her throat.
"To crown myself and name my son as Prince of Asturias. Phillip will not have any say whatever. He is my legitimate husband and that's it. He will never be an anointed King in these realms. I will never leave here again and neither will my children, until they are of age. Now, Padre, the Cortes of Aragon must swear their oath to me as the heiress solely on my own. They refused swear my late sister, Isabel, Queen of Portugal, but I will not let that happen to me. I have four children now. Aragon will have a male here in the future, but not now." she said.
Ferdinand nodded. Although Aragon had Salic Law and wanted a male heir upon his death, the only male heir was only four years old. He was faced with a dilemma of succession of his own: Should he proclaim his twenty-five year old daughter or his four year old grandson? He was in good health and could live awhile longer, but he knew that eventually a decision would need to be made.
Ferdinand took his daughter by the hand.
"Aragon will decide in your favor. Now, Castile does need a King. I suggest we rule together, just like your mother and I did." he said.
Juana shook her head.
"No, Padre. The Nobles do not want you ruling. Mother is gone, so I'm Queen. I will always value your opinion, but you will not rule by my side. For two years now, I have stayed by you and my mother's side, to learn about my duties as a Queen. It's unfortunate that Juan, Isabel and Miguel all died and the losses pierced a hole in my mother's heart that never could be repaired. She died knowing I would do everything I could to continue her legacy. I will do the same with you, but Castile is my realm and I will not have you or my husband to take it away from me." she said.
Ferdinand looked at his daughter, with fury in his brown eyes. His daughter was dictating to him. Yes, she was a Queen, but he was still her father and demanded respect. If she wanted Castile, then he would worry about Aragon's future. Finally, he stormed away not saying a word.
It was at that moment, Queen Juana of Castile would have a tumoltuous relationship with her surviving parent.
Juana's eyes closed at the memory. She remembered her husband arriving soon after her coronation and the drunken night, when he forced himself on her, which resulted in the conception of their daughter, Maria. She remembered hearing her father remarrying and trying to have another son. She was shocked that she survived all of that. God was truly on her side.
Suddenly, there was another knock at her door.
She cleared her throat.
"Come in." she said.
Her son, Charles came in, looking rather sad.
Juana stood to her feet.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" she asked.
Charles handed her a letter. She grabbed it and began to read:
My most beloved sister,
I am writing to you under circumstances that are not good, but I beseech you to not worry yourself over me. Over the past year, my health has waned and I just attributed to age. I'm very content with the condition. My son is now King of England, my daughter is Queen of Portugal and my youngest daughter will one day be Queen of your realm. I am writing to you, my dear Juana, to let you know that my time in this world is coming to an end. Soon, I shall be reunited with our beloved family. Please do not worry about me, dear sister. I am at peace with my departure. However, I come to you for a favor. I would love to see my eldest daughter, Isabella, just one more time. I know you do not trust her, but she is my child and at one time, was heiress to England. Please, find it in your heart to let her return to me, before my eyes close for my heavenly rest. I love you, my dear sister. You have always been my ally and supported me in all things. I am so proud of you. You and our mother are now equals. Continue to spread God's word and do his will. I will wait for you in paradise, at our Lord's side.
Your beloved sister,
Catalina, Reina Viuda de Inglaterra.
Juana began to let tears fall down her face. Her baby sister was sick and dying in England and she couldn't stop it or make her live. She felt powerless.
Charles approached his mother.
"Aunt Catalina is dying, isn't she?" he asked.
Juana nodded her head and turned her head.
"Please have a letter sent to your cousin, Isabella in Medina del Campo. She is to return to England at once. She needs to say goodbye to her mother." she said.
Charles nodded.
"Should we tell Elizabeth about her mother?" he asked.
Juana shook her head.
"No. We must not stress her. She's carrying a Golden Future in her womb and it must be protected." she said.
Charles agreed. With both him and his mother advancing in age, it was likely that Luis and Elizabeth would King and Queen sooner rather than later. The child slumbering in Elizabeth's womb was of vital importance.
July 4, 1550
La Mota Palace
Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Castile, Spain
Isabella was walking in the gardens, enjoying the summer day, as her younger children ran and played. She was recovering from her visions of Manuel and her children were happy and healthy. Fernando was now five years old and Catalina was three and both were thriving. Her oldest daughter, Maria, was ten and was growing into a beautiful and bright young woman and was reading inside. Isabella secretly wanted another child, but thought that her age was against her. She could because grandmother in a few years and was actually wanting to be with child again.
Suddenly, a messenger came up to her. He bowed to her.
"Mi Señora, a message from Queen Juana and Emperor Charles." he said, as he handed her a letter.
Isabella nodded her head and took it and began to read:
Princesa Ysabel,
I am writing to you not only as your aunt, but as Queen. It has come to my attention that your mother, my sister, the Dowager Queen of England, is seriously ill and will be joining our Lord very soon. I am not an unmerciful woman. I was by my mother's side as she ascended to Heaven, so you should be given the same opportunity. You will depart immediately for England and reunite with your dying mother. She deserves some comfort in her last days. Your sister, Infanta Isabel de Inglaterra, Princesa de Asturias, cannot join you for the journey back to your homeland, due to the fact that she is carrying an heir to Castile and Aragon in her womb. You are still under my supervision, so you will be watched while in your homeland. You will act with dignity. For seven years, you have been on your best behavior. If you can conduct yourself like keeping a true daughter of Catalina de Aragon, I will formally welcome you to Court. Prepare for the journey immediately. There is not much time.
You, la Reina.
Isabella had tears in her eyes. Her mother was dying? She had not seen her mother or England in eleven years, since she scandalized herself by marrying a King without the dispensation and was living basically as a whore for several years. She knew she shamed her parents. She didn't know how she could apologize to her mother. Her father died, not knowing she still cared for him deep down in her heart, but she had a chance to make things right with her mother.
She turned to one of the maids.
"Pack some things for me, my husband and my eldest daughter. We are departing for England." she said.
July 7, 1550
Richmond Palace
Dowager Queen Katherine's Bedchamber
Katherine was lying in bed, in pain. She grew more weak and ill as the days went on. The physician did his best to make the ailing woman comfortable, but to no avail. She had already written her will out. She knew that her time was coming to an end. However, she wasn't sad. She was at peace with her fate and did not fear death.
Suddenly, King Harry walked in. He was red eyed from crying. He moved the entire Court to Richmond, so he could be near his mother.
He kissed his mother's cheek.
"How are you feeling, Mother?" he asked.
Katherine smiled weakly at her only son.
"It's not a good day for me physically, but I am much better knowing you are close to me." she said.
Harry smiled.
"I'm glad to be near you as well." he said.
Katherine took several breaths, before she continued to speak.
"How is the Queen? You must be proud and relieved that she was able to bear you six healthy children, especially your sons." she said.
Harry nodded his head.
"Anne is doing better. She's still recovering from her birth of Princess Margaret, but the physician says she is definitely going to recover." he said.
Katherine smiled, with relief.
"I am glad. Will there be anymore children in the Royal Nursery?" she asked.
Harry shook his head.
"No. I refuse to put Anne in danger again. She's almost thirty-five years old. Our eldest daughter will be married next year. Princess Margaret will be our last child. I don't think Anne can survive s seventh pregnancy and birth." he said.
Katherine had to agree. There had been whispers that being pregnant didn't suit the Queen well, especially the most recent one.
"It is most likely for the best. I'm just glad you did your duty as King and secured the Succession. Your father would've been so proud of you." she said.
Harry smiled.
"Thank you, Mother. That means alot. I just hope that I can be a good father to my children and provide them all with good futures. Matilda is leaving within the year and I'm so worried about how Prince Eric will treat her after they are married." he said.
Katherine touched his hand.
"That is ,unfortunately, out of your control. Matilda will be his wife and he will do as he sees fit. All you can do is comfort her, but she will be a Queen and will have to be strong, especially if Prince Eric proves to be an unfaithful husband." she said.
Harry sighed.
"I've never been unfaithful to Anne. People whisper that she has lost her beauty over the years, but the people still love her. How can they love her, but say vicious things about her?" he asked.
Katherine sat up a little.
"They love her because she proved herself to be fertile and secured England's future for another generation. She is also charitable and charismatic. However, she also is just that. While she may not possess outer beauty, she is still a good person and the mother of future Kings. Do you still desire her in a wifely way?" she asked.
Harry stood and turned away from his mother.
"I do love Anne, but I am not blind to her changes in the body. I am not a lustful man or obsessed with intercourse like the French King. Anne is my wife and I will not bed any other as long as we live. I know there are pretty ladies at Court and I am not blind to that, but they aren't my wife. Anne has been my wife nearly twenty years. Why would I hurt her now?" he asked.
Katherine began to cough and Harry gave his mother a sip of ale.
She smiled.
"Thank you."
Harry cleared his throat.
"Would you love to meet your new granddaughter?" he asked.
Katherine's eyes grew in excitement.
"Nothing would please me more." she said.
Moments later, one of the ladies of the Nursery was carrying little Princess Margaret over to her ailing grandmother. Baby Margaret was showing herself to be a beautiful child, despite being a newborn. Her hair was a bright reddish-brown and she had beautiful blue eyes. Out of Harry and Anne's children, she showed her Trastamara features the most. The entire Court doted on the new Princess, including her older siblings. Harry decided that when Anne was churched, Margaret would be sent to Hatfield House along with Matilda, Edward, Owen and Eleanor.
Katherine took her granddaughter in her arms.
"Oh, she is a beautiful child. I wish I could see her grow up. Thank you for letting me see her." she said weakly.
Harry nodded his head.
"You're welcome, Mother." he said.
July 15, 1550
Hunsdon House
Princess Christina's Bedchamber
Christina was sitting in her chair, reading a letter from her eldest daughter. Bianca was now married to the Duke of Mantua, Francesco III Gonzaga. They were married in February 1550. According to the letter, despite the fact that Bianca was twenty-two and Francesco was seventeen, their marriage was a love match and she was already expecting their first child at the end of the year.
Suddenly, Lorenzo walked in.
He kissed his wife's cheek.
"How is our daughter doing in Mantua?" he asked.
Christina smiled.
"She's well. Sge writes that the child in her womb is growing stronger by the day. I'm glad she is married. What news do. You have from Court?" she asked.
Lorenzo sighed.
"The Dowager Queen is growing weaker by the day. Queen Anne is not out confinement yet and people are trying to tempt your nephew with their beautiful young daughters as a potential mistress." he said.
Christina shook her head.
"I will be departing for Court. I want to see Katherine. She has been very dear to my heart for years. I'm also not surprised about the courtiers trying to bait Harry into their daughter's beds. It isn't like how it was when my brother came to the Throne. He was all about Court love and fun and games. Harry is twice the age that his father was and he is a serious young man. I've heard some compare him to my father, king Henry VII, without the miserly personality." she said.
Lorenzo nodded his head.
"One of the worse is your niece's husband, Sir Henry Grey. He has his eldest daughter at Court with him and he tries to make her appear older than her thirteen years." he said.
Christina frowned.
"That's because he is a lowlife snake. Jane is still a child. He should be worrying about her potential marriage to the Duke of York, instead of trying to push her into my nephew''s bed upon maturity. Besides, everyone in the Country knows that Harry and Anne are very much in love." she said.
Lorenzo nodded.
"That may be true, but the King is handsome. The Queen is deformed. Her waist has thickened, her belly has become fuller and her breasts are larger. Many whisper that the only thing that saved her, is the fact that she has successfully given birth to six children, including multiple sons. Even Queen Katherine struggled in that job. Queen Anne may be ugly, but she was fertile enough." he said.
Christina nodded her head.
"I'll admit that the Queen has lost her youthful look, but she is a kind woman and the mother of the future King of England. We must show her some respect." she said.
Lorenzo kissed her.
"I'm just glad we have had a simple life here with our children. Italy and her had been our life and I love it.
Christina took his hand.
"I love it, as well." she responded.
Somerset Castle
The Nursery
Prince Edmund was sitting on the floor, watching his almost two year old daughter, Anne, play with her doll. She was growing into a very beautiful child. Edmund knew that she would be very beautiful.
Without him knowing, his wife came up behind them. Catherine Parr was now thirty-eight years old and was happier than ever. She had a loving husband, a beautiful daughter of her own, in addition to five stepchildren that she adored. She took a look at her husband. Edmund was now fifty-two years old and despite the few gray streaks in his hair, he was still no differ then when they married seven years ago.
Edmund looked up and smiled.
"How long have you been standing there?" he asked.
Catherine walked a little closer to him.
"Long enough to know that the Duke of Somerset has many talents, one of whom is laying on the floor with his two year old daughter, playing dolls." she said, as she picked little Anne up and placed her on her hip.
Edmund smiled.
"I used to do that all the time with Charlotte and Mary, so I figured why not continue the tradition with Annie. Has there been any letters from Court?" he asked.
Catherine nodded.
"Yes. The Dowager Queen isn't doing well at all. She keeps saying she is dying." she said, sadly.
Edmund shook his head. He had known Katherine for nearly fifty years. She was his dearest friend and was always there for him. Losing her would be a blow, but he knew her health was poor.
"I need to see her, before she is reunited with my dear brother." he said.
Catherine nodded. Her mother had worked for many years in Katherine's household until her death in 1533. She was even named after Queen Katherine, who was also her godmother.
"I know. Whenever you want to go to Court, I'll understand. Me and little Anne will be just fine." she said.
Edmund smiled.
"What would I do without you?" he asked.
Catherine kisses him.
"You will never have to find out." she said.
July 22, 1550
Lisbon Palace, Portugal
Queen Maria of Portugal's Bedchamber
Mary was being examined by her personal physician, Dr. Baquis. She was still determined to give birth to more children, particularly another son. However, since she was getting older and Carlos was planning future trips, she was wondering how much time she had left for childbearing.
Dr. Baquis cleared his throat, signaling he was complete.
"You're Majesty, you are still capable of bearing children." he said.
Mary smiled.
"The Lord is good. I shall start trying to conceive as soon as I can. What do I need to do? " she asked.
The physician sighed.
"Your Majesty, you have four healthy children. Please do not let the matter of Succession consume you." he begged.
Mary ignored him.
"I am not letting it consume me. However, my only son is only eleven years old and there is a few years left until he is to be married and produce heirs. If he has a younger brother, I am sure that the country will be secure. My three daughters are expected to marry Princes from other lands. I love my daughters but I know as a Queen I am expected to have as many sons as possible. Since I am getting older, I have to started again. I am thankful for the birth of the Infanta Cristina, but she needs a younger brother, preferably by next year." she said.
The physician sighed.
"Your Majesty, please be careful now. Childbirth at any age is dangerous, but as you get older it's more risky. Portugal does not want to lose its Queen." he said.
Mary knew he was correct. She would be thirty-five years old in the New Year and she had to take her age into consideration. Her mother may have had her last child in her forties, but she also prepared, since death in childbirth was natural and didn't matter if you were a Queen or a farmer's wife.
"I will be cautious." she said.
Suddenly, King Carlos entered his wife's chambers.
Dr. Baquis bowed to him.
"Your Majesty, I was just leaving." he said.
Carlos nodded. After the physician left, Carlos turned to his wife in concern.
"Maria, are you ill?" he asked.
Mary shook her head.
"No. I was just checking my health. I gave birth over six months ago and you know my courses take awhile to get back regular." she said, not revealing her true motives.
Carlos smiled.
"I understand. However, I just wanted to tell you something. It's about Catarina." he said.
Mary looked concerned.
"What about her? Is she alright?" she asked.
Carlos nodded.
"Yes, however I have a thought. Catarina is nearly thirteen years old. She will be married at seventeen. I think she should meet her future husband. She is not the heiress, but I want her and Infante Juan to at least be cordial to one another. Besides, you and I met before we were married." he said.
Mary smiled at the memory. Carlos had come to England to pay formally propose to Mary before their wedding in December 1535. At the time, he was just the Duke of Beja and did not have a good chance of becoming King.
"I think it's a wonderful idea. Maybe you and Catarina can go to Castile on the next year or so. She and Juan can always send letters until then. However, I am concerned about his philandering ways. He may only be twenty years old, but I have heard tales of him. Make sure that Catarina doesn't bring any attractive maids with her. I do not want any Portuguese Ladies deflowered by him." she said.
Carlos nodded.
"I agree. However, it will be a year from now. I also bring terrible news from your brother, The King of England." he said.
Mary looked at her husband.
"What is it?" she asked.
Carlos sighed.
"It seems that your mother, The Queen Dowager, is seriously ill." he said.
Mary put her hand up to her mouth.
"Oh God. She must recover. She must." she said.
Carlos hugged his wife.
July 25, 1550
The Royal Ship
Princess Isabella's Private Chambers
Isabella was looking out of the window, in amazement. She had not seen her homeland in eleven years and was taken aback. Her brother's reign seemed to shine over England and it's beauty seemed to return.
Andres walked in and kissed his wife.
"Your country is beautiful, sweetheart." he said.
Isabella smiled.
"I just hope my family is happy to see me. I haven't really made a good impression on them in the past. I just want to see my mother one last time and then return to Spain to Fernando and Catalina." she said.
Andres nodded. He wasn't comfortable with the idea of leaving their two youngest children behind, but understand that they were too young to make such a journey. Maria was ten years old and could survive it.
"Ysabel, do you think that your mother will approve of me?" he asked.
Isabella touched his face.
"You married me and gave me love and happiness and protected my honor on so many occasions. O know she will approve." she said.
Suddenly, one of the crewman knocked on Isabella's door.
"Excuse me, Your Highness, but we are approaching land. Welcome home, Princess." he said.
Isabella stood to her feet and smiled.
"It's wonderful to be back." she said.
A/N I'm back! I am now a married man and it feels wonderful. Here's the chapter you have been patiently waiting for. Please give me suggestions on Luis and Elizabeth's unborn child. Gender and names are being accepted now. Also a few questions, did I make the right decision for Harry and Anne to not have more children? Should Mary have more children? When should Prince William marry Mary, Queen of Scots? What historical conflict should be included? Also someone mentioned the idea of Isabella having another child. She's forty years old now, what do you all think? Please Review! Chapter 15 coming soon!