Chapter 25
Hey everyone! As you all can see I'm trying to get these chapters up as soon as I can and I hope you all are excited about each new one. There are do many new things coming up very soon. I hope you all love what is to come. There have been some slight changes I've made to make my story more easy to write. For example, the Kingdom of Naples is still a Kingdom in Italy and not ruled by Spain. You will all see why very soon. Also, plots and schemes will be slightly altered, since the characters committing them may be different. Plus, when I kill a character off, I may see who can guess the cause of death and whoever is correct, they will get a personal shout out in the next chapter or a message from me. I want to keep the story fun, since we still have a long way to go. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter 25!
August 1, 1552
La Mota Palace
Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Spain
Princess Isabella, Marquesa de Moya's Bedchamber
Isabella was sitting in her bed, covered in sweat, but had a huge smile on her face. In her arms, she was holding her newborn child: a healthy baby boy.
The midwife smiled at Isabella.
"He's a few weeks early, Marquesa, but he is very healthy." she said.
Isabella had gone into labor during the night and after a few hours, she had given birth to her new son, without any complications, despite her age.
Isabella kissed her son's forehead, as her husband walked in. Andres smiled. Even though he loved his children equally, he was proud to have another son.
Andres kissed Isabella.
"I'm so proud of you. Our son is gorgeous." he said.
Isabella smiled.
"He was much easier to bring in the world. I think he will never bring us much trouble." she said.
Andres looked at his new son. The infant had Isabella's dark auburn hair and Hazel eyes. He truly was a beautiful child.
Andres looked at his wife.
"What shall we call him?" he asked her.
Isabella smiled.
"I want to make him Enrique, the Spanish name of my father and brother. Despite the fact that I shamed my father and my brother and I do not get along, I love them both deeply and our son should be named for them." she said.
Andres smiled.
"Enrique de Cabrera it is, my love." he said.
August 15, 1552
Stockholm Palace
Stockholm, Sweden
Princess Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber
Matilda was looking out the window, watching her husbands younger siblings play. She smiled, since she knew the child she was currently expecting would join them soon enough. She was already five months gone with child and she already felt the child quicken. The only thing people seemed to worried about was the rapid way her stomach had grown, but she didn't care. She just wanted her child to be healthy.
Suddenly, one of her maids walked in. She was golden-haired and blue eyed with nice fair skin. Around her neck was a Ruby necklace, that Matilda knew she couldn't afford.
Matilda walked up to her.
"What is your name?" she asked sternly.
The maid curtsied.
"Eleonora, Your Highness." she said.
Matilda looked at the necklace.
"That is a beautiful necklace. Is it a present from your mother?" she asked.
Eleonora shook her head.
"No, Your Highness." she said.
Matilda took in a deep breath.
"Who is it from?" she asked.
Eleonora blushed red in the face.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. The necklace is from the Prince of Sweden." she said, quietly.
Matilda closed her eyes and turned away from the Eleonora.
"Has he visited your bed?" she asked.
Eleonora sighed.
"Yes, Your Highness. However, it was only one time." she said.
Matilda walked over to her jewelry box and pulled out a vial with a dark red liquid. She walked back over to her husband's mistress and handed it to her.
"You are to drink that everytime my husband sleeps with you and spills his seed in you. It will prevent you from conceiving a bastard child. If you need more, let me now and I will have it delivered to you." she said.
Eleonora looked at Matilda, in shock.
"You...don't mind the Prince sleeping with me?" she said.
Matilda sighed.
"I have no power or will to control him. He is a man and will do what he wants. The only I can do is love him, but also stay a few steps ahead of him. I just want to make sure he had no bastards running all through the country." she said.
Eleonora nodded.
"Yes, Your Highness." she said.
Matilda smiled.
"Don't worry. When he tires of you, I'll make sure you have a good husband." she said.
Eleonora nodded and began to walk away.
Matilda turned towards her.
"Lady Eleonora?" she called.
Eleonora turned around.
Matilda gave her a warning look.
"Do not make me an enemy. I will be very unforgiving , if you cross me. Am I understood?" she asked.
Eleonora nodded her head.
"Yes, Your Highness." she said.
After another curtsy, she left Matilda's presence.
August 17, 1552
Hudson House
Duke Lorenzo of Sicily's Bedchamber
Lorenzo was sitting in his room, quietly eating his meal. He had mainly stayed to himself since his beloved Christina died. Though nearly a year had passed, he still greatly missed her. For the first time in his life, he felt truly alone. He also felt like a foreigner in this land. He was an Italian by birth and now he lost his true love.
Suddenly, his housekeeper walked in.
"Excuse me, Your Grace, but you have a visitor." she said, with a small smile.
A young woman, with dark brown hair and blue eyes walked in, wearing a fancy Italian traveling gown. She looked at Lorenzo, with sadness.
Lorenzo stood up, in shock.
"Bianca? Is it really you?" he asked.
Bianca nodded her head.
"Yes, Father. I'm home." she said.
Lorenzo walked over and hugged his eldest daughter. Since her marriage, she had become well-respected in Italy. She was also the mother of his and Christina's only grandchild, a little boy, who Bianca named Enrico, after her cousin, the English King.
He pulled away.
"When did you arrive?" he asked.
Bianca smiled.
"A few days ago. I went to Court, since I thought that you had returned. The King told me that you had not returned to Court since... Mother's death." she said, trying not to cry at the memory of her late mother.
Lorenzo sighed.
"He's correct. I couldn't bear to leave this house. It's the only way I feel connected to your mother. I miss her so much more everyday. I don't know how I will go on without her." he said.
Bianca took her father's hand.
"One day at a time. I miss her myself. I hate my son will never know his grandmother. However, we shall all be reunited one day. In the meantime, we must live our lives and not give up." she said.
Lorenzo smiled at his daughter. Bianca was only twenty-four years old, but she seemed wise beyond her years.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I think I'll allow myself to heal. However, your mother will always have my love and I am not leaving England, because when I die, I will be buried with her, even if I were to ever get married again." he said.
Bianca smiled.
"Of course, Father. Let's take a walk. I miss the English gardens." she said.
Lorenzo chuckled.
"Let us go then. It seems beautiful outside." he said.
August 20, 1552
Bradley House
Wiltshire, England
Edmund, Duke of Somerset's Parlor
Edmund Tudor was sitting in his sitting room. Bradley House was left to him in his late brother's will and he had decided to make it his family home. Now with the Duke of Suffolk coming to see his daughter, he wanted to make a good impression on his nephew. He wanted his daughter to have a wonderful marriage.
Suddenly, Edmund heard a giggle I'm the room. He knew who it belonged to immediately and went into the direction of it.
He knelt down by one of the cabinets.
"Annie? Would you please come out?" he asked.
Suddenly, he and Catherine's four year old daughter, Lady Anne Tudor of Somerset, affectionately known as Annie, crawled out of the cabinet. She was a truly beautiful child with light brown hair and gray eyes. Since she was so young, she didn't know the significance of this visit.
Edmund picked Annie up and kissed her cheek.
"Why aren't you with your governess, sweetheart?" he asked.
Annie frowned.
"She won't let me see Mary. I want to see Mary." she said.
Edmund chucked. This child was definitely a Tudor.
Suddenly, a tall brown-haired young boy walked in. Edmund smiled.
"John, there you are son. Are you prepared for this visit?" he asked.
John nodded. At sixteen years old, he was the youngest child and son of Edmund's first marriage to the late Anne Boleyn. He was a quiet young boy, who loved to read and sing. He was also very close to his older sister, Mary and younger half-sister, Annie.
Suddenly Catherine and Mary came into the room. At nineteen years old, Lady Mary Tudor of Somerset was very beautiful. She had fair skin, light auburn hair and dark brown eyes. She was a true English beauty. She was constantly told that she strongly resembled her late grandmother, Elizabeth of York.
Edmund walked over and kissed Mary.
"Are you nervous, sweetheart?" he asked.
Mary nodded her head.
"Yes, Father. I've never had a suitor before. I don't know what to expect or how to act." she said.
Suddenly, the housekeeper walked in.
"My Lord, the Duke of Suffolk has arrived." she said.
Charles Brandon walked in. He was wearing his finest and looked at his uncle's family, with kindness and admiration. He could only hope to have a beautiful family like this one day.
Edmund walked up to his late sister's son.
"Charles, welcome to Bradley House." he said.
Charles smiled.
"It's a beautiful home, Uncle. Please introduce me go your equally beautiful family." he said.
Edmund took his wife's hand. Despite the fact that she was forty years old, Catherine was still very beautiful.
Edmund smiled.
"Charles, you remember my wife, Lady Catherine Parr." he said.
Charles kissed Catherine's hand.
"My Lady. You have such a beautiful home." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"Thank you, Your Grace. You are most welcome." she said.
Edmund then brought John forward.
'This is my youngest son, John." he said.
John bowed his head.
"Your Grace." he said.
Charles ruffled John's hair.
"I bet you are a pride and joy to your parents." he said.
John blushed.
"I try to be, Your Grace." he said.
Charles looked at Little Anne, who was in Edmund's arms. He smiled at the little girl.
"And who is this beautiful little cherub?" he asked.
Edmund smiled.
"Our youngest child, Lady Anne." he said.
Charles patted her head.
"Isn't she adorable?" he said.
Anne blushed.
Finally, Charles looked at Mary. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. His blue eyes met her brown eyes and he was instantly drawn to her.
He walked up to her.
"You must be Lady Mary. I am honored to meet you." he said.
Mary smiled.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I am honored to meet you as well." she said.
Charles kissed her hand.
Edmund walked up to them.
"Charles, I hope you are pleased with my daughter as your fiancée." he said.
Charles nodded his head.
"I am. May I walk with her in the Gardens, so that we may become properly acquainted?" he asked.
Edmund nodded his head.
"You may. Make yourself at home, Your Grace." he said.
Charles and Mary left out of the room.
Catherine walked up to Edmund.
"Should we be worried?" she asked him, in a whisper.
Edmund shook his head.
"No. He's a gentleman." he said.
August 24, 1552
Windsor Palace
Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber
Anne and Harry were enjoying their dinner together. Anne was worried about Harry. He had been very quiet the last few weeks and had not really been talking to her. Ever since they received news that Matilda was expecting her first child, Harry hadn't really shown much of anything.
Anne cleared her throat.
"Harry, is everything alright? You have been so distant with me again. Have I done something to displease you?" she asked.
Harry shook his head.
"No, you haven't. I am very happy with you. I am just a little troubled about Matilda." he said.
Anne looked at him.
"Why? She's having her first child and we should be excited." she said.
Harry glared at Anne.
"How can we be excited after what happened to Kitty Howard?" he said.
Anne sighed. She missed her favorite Lady-in-Waiting and friend. Her death in childbirth was a huge shock to Anne.
"Harry, just because Kitty died doesn't mean that Matilda will die as well. We can't have that fear. She's only seventeen years old and will have many children after this one is born. All we can do is pray for her." she said.
Harry nodded.
"I understand that, but she's still my daughter. I will never stop worrying for her." he said.
Anne nodded.
"I know that, my love. However, we will be going through this with Eleanor and Margaret. We need to be strong." she said.
Harry smiled.
"You're right. You've always been so wise. What would I ever do without you?" he asked.
Anne smiled.
"Not much, I'm assuming." she said after taking a sip of her wine.
Harry glared at her and then laughed.
"I guess you have a point, love. You know I love you with all my heart." he said.
Anne smiled. Despite twenty years of marriage, she still had Harry's love.
August 27, 1552
Palace of Segovia
Segovia, Castile, Spain
Elizabeth was sitting in a private room, waiting to meet with a rebel leader. Ever since Queen Juana had joined her troops in France, there was religious turmoil in Granada. According to what happened, a young boy of the Catholic Faith was brutally murdered by a rogue Muslim family that had snuck back into Spain when Queen Juana was in her second year of her reign. Now that Queen Juana was gone, they decided to strike a rival Christian Family.
Suddenly, a man in his early forties walked in and stood next to Elizabeth. He was Francisco Chacon, the grandson of Gonzalo Chacon, one of the late Queen Isabel of Castile and he also assisted Queen Juana in her early reign until his death in 1507. Now, his grandson was devoted to the Crown.
He knelt down next to Elizabeth.
"Alteza, I don't know why you want to reason with these heretics. You should just have their heads roll." he said.
Elizabeth shook her head.
"No. Taking someone's life should be the last solution. We are already at war with another Christian country. Why cause a civil war with this family?" she asked.
Francisco nodded.
"They are a Threat to the Holy Mother Church and not to mention you and the Prince of Asturias." he said.
Suddenly, a man wearing turban walked in, bowed to Elizabeth.
"Princesa, you asked to see me. I have arrived." he said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Thank you for coming, Ahmed. I know you had a long journey, so I will get to the point. Did you murder the boy from Granada?" she asked.
Ahmed smirked.
"The poor boy did die, yes, but it is no matter of mine. He was an infidel." he said.
Francisco glared at him.
"Answer the question, filth." he said bitterly.
Ahmed stood up.
"I WILL NOT BE INSULTED BY AN INFIDEL BASTARD!" he screamed, drawing his sword.
Francisco drew his sword.
"GIVE ME A REASON TO END YOUR LIFE, YOU FUCKING PIG!" he screamed.
Elizabeth stood up, in anger.
"STOP THIS FOOLISHNESS THIS INSTANT!" she screamed.
Both men looked at the young woman, who was glaring at them both.
She sighed.
"Both of you have a seat and put aside your prejudices aside for a few moments. If Jesus can walk with the lepers, I am sure you both can stomach each other's presence." she said, as she took her seat.
Both men sat down.
Elizabeth looked at Ahmed.
"Now that I have seen firsthand your eagerness to draw your sword, especially in front of the Regent of Spain, which happens to be myself, I am going to safely assume that you either killed the boy or had him killed by another's hand. Therefore, I am going to order that your family return to their own domains, where you can safely practice their religion amongst their own people, without fear of the Inquisition. However, you will be imprisoned in the dungeon here, until we either get a confession or the name of the killer. Guards, arrest him." she said.
The guards came forth and grabbed him by both of his arms.
Ahmed smirked at Elizabeth.
"This is fine. I will never talk. Not to an infidel bitch! However, I have a question, Princesa. How is your little daughter?" he asked.
Elizabeth glared at him.
"Take him from my sight." she told the guards.
The guards obeyed their Regent.
Elizabeth turned toward Francisco.
"I want guards constantly watching my daughter. She is to never be left alone. Is that understood?" she said.
Francisco nodded his head.
"Yes, Alteza." he said.
Elizabeth left the room, praying that the inquiry of her daughter was just the empty threat of a crazy man.
A/N Another chapter is finally done. I hope you all are enjoying the plots that are happening. Now, I want to ask your question about the Brandon marriage. Do you think it should be prominent? Should this Charles Brandon be more involved with Court, along with his young wife, Lady Mary? Should they have children and how many? Who should Lady Margaret Brandon marry? If anyone knows the wealthiest families of this time period, you can suggest them. Also, in this chapter Isabella gave birth to her fourth surviving child [even though he's technically her eleventh child]. Isabella is now forty-two years old. Should I let her have another child or should she hit the change of life soon? Also, in the next chapter Princess Matilda will be giving birth. What should the gender of the baby be? After Chapter twenty-six is up, there will be a slight time jump to January 1554. Please Read and Review! Chapter 26 will be coming very,very soon!