Chapter 33

Thank you all so much. You have been patient with me, endured very long waits and great long chapters. However, I am very happy that we all get to move forward in the story. 1554 will leave some of you very shocked. I assure you. There will be many surprises and plot twists, so sit back and keep on enjoying the story. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter 33!

January 4, 1554

Palace of Lisbon, Lisbon,Portugal

The Royal Throne Room

Carlos and Mary were sitting on their Thrones. Today was wearing heavily on their hearts, because today was the day that their eldest daughter, Infanta Catarina, would be departing for Spain to start a new life. Mary was trying her best to not look sad, but the thought of having her eldest child depart from her was too much.

Carlos took Mary's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Sweetheart, it will be just fine. We knew this day was going to come." he said.

Mary nodded her head.

"I know. But, she is still our little girl." she said.

Carlos lightly chuckled.

'Have you had a good look at her? She is a young woman. This time next year, we could be grandparents." he said.

Mary had a look of shock on her face. She was not even thirty-seven years old and she still had a small child in the Royal Nursery.

Suddenly, the ide doors opened and Infante Duarte and Infantas Juana and Cristina walked in. Carlos and Mary were shocked at how big their children were getting. They were filled with pride. Infante Duarte was nearly fifteen years old and was becoming a handsome young man. His reddish-brown hair was had darkened to a very dark auburn and his face was angelic and pretty to look at. He seemed to inheriting his height from his mother's Tudor ancestry. Mary could see a lot of her late father, King Henry VIII of England, in her only son.

Infanta Juana was nearly eleven years old and was stuill growing into her beauty, but she was the only daughter to resemble her mother the most. She had Mary's auburn hair, sea-blue eyes, but her color was not as fair, but everyone could tell the middle Aviz daughter was going to be of mild beauty.

Little Infanta Cristina had just turned four years old and was still the apple of everyone's eyes. Her hair was a light chestnut brown and her eyes were a mixture of grey and blue. Despite the fact that she was of delicate constitution and health and was prone to developing fevers, she was an active little girl and was very sweet. She could even play the harp, just like her mother.

All three children bowed to their parents.

Carlos stood to his feet and smiled at them.

"My beloved children, your mother and I are pleased to have you here. Remember, this is a joyous occasion. Your sister is going where God has intended her to be. We must rejoice and be glad of His plan." he said.

All three children crossed them selves, as Catarina walked behind them. She was looking very regal for her journey. Even though she was terrified out of her mind and saddened to be leaving her family, she knew she had to remain strong.

Carlos and Mary smiled at their daughter. This was a bitter-sweet moment for both of them. Their daughter was now a woman.

Mary walked up to her daughter and kissed her cheek.

"Sweetheart, remember what I told you: Find your joy in this marriage. Your father and I cannot guarantee that Juan will be a good husband, but you can be a good wife and the Lord will smile on you." she said.

Catarina nodded her head.

Carlos walked up.

"Remember one thing, my beloved daughter: You are an Infanta of Portugal and you will forever be a representative of us. Don't forget to serve God first and foremost." he said.

Catarina nodded her head and smiled at her father.

Duarte walked up to his older sister. He and Catarina had always been very close, as they were the two siblings close in age. Now that she was leaving, he was going to be the oldest child at home. However, he was going to watch all of his sisters leave. Juana and Cristina were still young, but he wasn't looking forward to feeling like an only child once his three sisters were gone.

He looked at Catarina.

"I'm going to miss you, Sister. I will miss your wisdom and guidance. I shall pray for you all the time and I pray that your upcoming marriage is holy and blessed by Almighty God." he said.

Catarina touched her brother's cheek and gave him a hug. She knew that eventually he was going to marry as well. She hoped that after her own marriage, she could advise him on how to treat the Infanta Maria.

Catarina looked at her two younger sisters. Despite being six years older than Juana and thirteen years older that little Cristina, she loved them dearly, especially since it looked like her mother was not going to bear anymore children.

Catarina smiled at the two young girls.

"I love you both. You will grow into beautiful young women. I shall love you always." she said.

Juana smiled, but little Cristina hugged Catarina around her waist and started to cry.

"Don't go." she said softly.

Catarina kneeled down and kissed her youngest sister.

"You be a good girl. I shall see you soon. I love you so much." she said, as she knelt back up and began to walk towards the litter that would carry her all the way to Castile.

Carlos and Mary tried to hold their composure, but Mary had tears in her eyes. She knew she was going to meet her daughter, who was going into an uncertain future in Spain.

January 7, 1554

Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia, Castile, Spain

Infanta Elizabeth, Princess of Asturias and Regent of Spain's Bedchamber

Elizabeth was sitting by her window, watching the rain. She had always loved the storms that used to hit England when she was a child. She was also praying that this war would end. She greatly missed her husband, who she hadn't seen in nearly two years. She kept all of his letters. The death of Andres de Cabrera, her sister's husband and Infanta Maria, Duchess of the Infantado reminded Elizabeth that just one wrong move in battle and she would be a Royal widow and her daughter would become Princess of Asturias and the future Queen of Spain. That's not the future she pictured. Her mother's words kept echoing in her head:

"You are destined for greatness."

Suddenly, she was awaken from her inner thoughts by a loud knock at her door.

She looked in that direction.

"Come in." she said.

Sancha Guerra walked in, still wearing black for the death of her mother-in-law.

"Alteza, I don't mean to disturb you, but Infante Juan has returned." she said.

Elizabeth smiled and stood up and walked past the young girl and began to walk down the hall.

Juan was standing in the Grand Hall, still in his traveling clothes. He had just made it to Castile and was actually happy to be back home. Despite his happiness to not be at war, he was nervous about meeting his new bride when she arrived. Also, he was instructed by his grandmother that he was to remain in Castile with his new wife, until she called him back to the Front.

Suddenly, he heard loud footsteps and felt himself enveloped into a tight hug and was happy to see Lilliana hugging him.

He hugged her back.

"Dear Sister, I am happy to see you." he said.

He was shocked to see his sister. Now nearly twenty-one years old, Liliana had reached full maturity in her beauty. She was dressed in a midnight black gown, as she was still in mourning over the loss of their sister, Maria. Her reddish-brown hair was down her back and she wasn't wearing any jewelry, except her black onyx cross necklace that she inherited from their mother. It was shocking that the older she got, Liliana looked just like the late Empress.

Liliana smiled.

"Brother, I am delighted to see you here and you are healthy. When I heard you were hurt, I was scared. And then Maria died, I was truly alone. I'm so glad Elizabeth was there for me." she said, trying to not tear up.

Juan sighed. Now that he was home, it finally hit him that his eldest sister was dead.

"Please... tell me what happened to our sister." he said.

Liliana sighed. The late Duchess of the Infantado was known to have very difficult pregnancies and childbirths. After the birth of her youngest daughter, Lady Anais, in December 1549, she was advised to never become pregnant again or she risk dying. However, she became pregnant shortly before her husband departed for war.

"Maria's labor pains began to early. I rushed to her room and I held her hand. She was in so much pain and there was so much blood. After a few hours, she had a stillborn son. He was a tiny thing. But Maria continued to bleed and they couldn't stop it. Finally, she asked for a priest. One hour after receiving the final blessing, she gave her soul back to God, as I held her hand." she said, as she had tears roll down her face.

Juan made the sign of the Cross.

"She's with God now." he said, as he hugged her.

Suddenly, Elizabeth walked in and smiled at her cousin.

"Juan, you've returned to us safely. I pray that your journey was peaceful." she said.

Juan nodded.

"It was, but I will need rest. Has the Portuguese Infanta arrived yet?" he asked.

Elizabeth shook her head.

"No. She will be here anyday now. As Queen Juana requested, I'm already making preparations for your wedding. You will be married here in Segovia and the Archbishop of Toledo will officiate." she said.

Juan nodded his head, still feeling not sure of this marriage. He preferred his freedom and not having to be burdened with a wife and children. However, all of his sisters, except Liliana were married with children. He knew that children were a blessing and he did look forward to having a companion, but with the girl's youth, he wasn't sure what to expect.

Liliana touched his shoulder.

"Brother, do not be troubled by your marriage. It will be wonderful for you to have a wife." she said, with a smile.

Before Juan could say anything, Elizabeth spoke first.

"Juan, I have had your bedchambers prepared for you. I am sure that you are exhausted after your journey." she said.

Juan nodded his head.

"I am very tired. Thank you so much." he said.

After Juan went to his room, Liliana looked at Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, do you think Juan and Infanta Catarina will be happy like you and Luis?" she asked.

Elizabeth sighed.

"I cannot say honestly. Liliana, one mustn't say things that are untrue and uncertain. However, Catarina is my niece and I will be there for her, if Juan is unkind to her." she said.

Liliana nodded her head. She knew that even though Juan was her brother, the Portuguese Infanta would need all the support she could get.

January 12, 1554

Hampton Court

Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber

Anne was reading a book in her bed. There was a light snowfall outside her window and she liked that. It reminded her of her childhood in Germany. She loved the winter.

Suddenly, Lady Mary Brandon, who was assisting Anne while she was at Court, walked in.

"Your Majesty, the King is here to see you." she said.

Anne smiled and nodded her head.

"Send him in." she said.

Harry walked in and was wearing only his robe and climbed into bed and kissed Anne passionately.

"I have been craving you all day, sweetheart." he said.

Anne melted into his embrace and she grabbed him and they shared a passionate kiss. Harry let his robe drop to the floor and his toned body and erect member was too appealing for Anne and she let Harry bring her nightgown up to her hips and they began to make love. Harry pulled her night gown by the shoulders to let Anne's breast out and he began to pump her harder.

Anne began to moan loudly.

"HARRY! YES!" she screamed.

Harry began to pant harder. He was enjoying his wife and was not going to stop or ease up on her tonight.

After a few moments, Harry finally had his orgasm and rolled of his wife, leaving her panting in her torn nightgown.

Harry kissed Anne.

"Sweetheart, I needed you. Thank you so much." he said.

Anne touched her husband's face.

"You do not need to thank me for being your wife. Now, let us sleep." she said.

Harry kissed her and rolled on his side of the bed. When she was sure that he was asleep, Anne grabbed her stomach in slight pain. She had been having these pains for awhile. However, they went away and soon she was able to drift off to sleep.

January 13, 1554

Royal Palace of Caserta

Naples, Italy

Queen Adriana of Napless Bedchamber

Adriana was wearing a black dress, playing with her youngest child, Princess Isabella. She was in mourning for her sister and thankfully all of the Court was understanding of their Queen's pain.

Suddenly, King Alfonso walked in his wife's room.

"Darling, are you feeling any better?" he asked.

Adriana nodded her head.

"Yes, sweetheart. I miss my sister, but I know that she is finally free. Has there been any news regarding our children's betrothals? Have there been any offers for Maria and Angela?" she asked.

Alfonso shook his head.

"No, I haven't. However, I have been thinking of offering Maria to the son of the Duke of Ferrara. At least we would have another daughter that was able to stay in Italy." he said.

Adriana nodded her head.

"I'm sure we will find matches for all of our children. There is nothing to worry about." she said.

Alfonso was getting ready to speak, when his mother, Dowager Queen Catherine walked in.

She sighed.

"I am so sorry to disturb you both, but Alfonso, is there anything else we can do for Spain? My mother and brother need as much help as they can get." she said.

Alfonso sighed. His mother was the youngest child of Queen Juana, so surely she felt a need to help Spain.

"Mother, I have already sent troops to Spain. We can do no more." he said.

Adriana nodded.

"Alfonso is right. I would love to help Father and Grandmother with the war, but we have four daughters to give dowries for. Any added expenses could potentially drain the treasury." she said.

Catherine nodded her head and walked out of the room.'

Alfonso sighed.

"This war is really hurting her." he said.

Adriana nodded her head.

"I know, but she must realize that we can not do anymore. Spain will always be our ally, as the Trastamara name still lives on through Naples. My father knows we will help, but he knows we can't." she said.

Alfonso picked little Isabella up from her mother and nodded his head.

"I pray that the war ends. If France conquers Navarre, who knows where they will advance next. They may try to conquer Naples, like they tried to fifty years ago." he said.

Adriana shook her head.

"No. My Father and Grandmother would never let France conquer Naples." she said.

Alfonso sighed.

"I know. However, I am concerned. Which is why if anything happens, I want you to take our children and flee to Spain. I can live with those bloody Frenchmen threatening my life, but not you and our precious angels." he said.

Adriana nodded.

"I promise." she said, with sincerity.

January 14, 1554

Edinburgh Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland

Dowager Queen Margaret of Scotland's Bedchamber

Margaret was sitting in a chair, eating some hot broth. Surprisingly, despite her advanced age, she was on her way to recovery. However, her illness made her aware of her age, so she was happy to have her eldest surviving son, Prince Arthur, assist her with her Regency duties.

There was a knock on her door.

Margaret looked up.

"Come in." she said

Dowager Queen Marie of Guise walked in. Everyone knew that she wanted Margaret to die before young Queen Mary reached the age where she could rule on her own.

Marie gave her mother-in-law a smile, that Margaret could tell was entirely forced.

"My dear mother, I thank God that you have recovered from your illness. It is truly a miracle." she said.

Margaret nodded.

"Yes. The Lord was merciful to let me remain here to finish his divine work to have England and France joined together. Is there something I can help you with, dear daughter?" she asked.

Marie nodded her head.

"Yes. I have come to talk about the Dauphin of France. I'm sure you heard that his betrothal to your grand niece, Princess Eleanor of England, was called off some months ago."

Margaret looked at Marie.

"Yes, I'm aware of that. What does that have to do with me?" she asked.

Marie smiled.

"Well, that works in our favor. I was thinking of Mary marrying Francis. That way Scotland and France will be under one rule. Francis is also closer to Mary's age, unlike Prince William of England, who is ten years older than Mary." she said.

Margaret shook her head.

"Absolutely not. Mary is marrying William and there's nothing you can so. England and Scotland will be joined and will bring peace to two lands, that have fought violently." she said.

Marie glared at her mother-in-law.

"France is important! She will marry him. Look at you, old woman. You're worn out. When you're gone , I'll do whatever it takes to get Mary to marry Francis." she said.

Margaret stood to her feet.

"You can plot and scheme all you wish, madam. But England and Scotland will be joined. It is the will of God and no matter what you do, it will happen. You may think you win, but you won't. Mark my words, Marie of Guise: Stop this plan of Mary marrying a Frenchman or it will be your downfall." she said.

Marie glared at her mother-in-law, in fury. She had done everything Scotland wanted and even more. Mary was her daughter and she deserved a sat in her upbringing and future. She didn't know how she was going to accomplish her goal, but she knew her in-laws were going to stand in her way.

January 15, 1554

Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia, Castile, Spain

The Throne Room

Elizabeth, Juan and Liliana were waiting in the Throne Room. Infanta Catarina of Portugal had finally arrived in Castile and spent her very first night in Spain recovering from her journey. Elizabeth decided that she rest before meeting Juan.

Juan sighed. Despite the fact that he was nearly twenty-four years old, he was nervous meeting his future wife. This young woman he was going to be spending his entire life with.

Liliana touched her brother's shoulder.

"Juan, there is no need to be scared. I'm sure everything will be fine." she said.

Juan nodded. He looked at Elizabeth.

"You met her four years ago. How was she? Is she frivolous? Does she spend alot?" he asked.

Elizabeth gave him an irritated look, but tried her best to keep her composure.

"Juan, me telling you how she was four years ago will not do any good, because she obviously has changed in four years. Just meet her and figure her out for yourself." she said.

Juan rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, the Herald called out:

"THE INFANTA CATARINA OF PORTUGAL!"

Catarina walked in, wearing a jet black dress. Her long dark hair was down, but she wore a jeweled clip in it. On her right hand was a simple silver ring.

She walked up to the Throne that Elizabeth sat on and bowed.

"Altezas." she said.

Elizabeth smiled and stood to her feet.

"My dear niece. Welcome to Segovia." she said, as she hugged Catarina and kissed her cheek.

Catarina smiled.

"Thank you so much. I must say that the Alcazar is impressive." she said.

Liliana smiled at her soon-to-be sister-in-law.

"We are glad you like the Palace. I pray that your journey was peaceful and not difficult. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Infanta Liliana of Spain. I'll be you're sister-in-law and I look forward to knowing you more." she said

Catarina smiled confidently.

"Thank you so much. I look forward to that as well." she said.

Elizabeth walked Catarina over to Juan

"My dear niece, this is your betrothed, Infante Juan, Duke of Franco. Juan, this is my niece, Infanta Catarina of Portugal." she said

Juan was nearly shocked at Catarina's beauty. He was expecting a little girl, but she was truly a woman and had matured very well. The one thing that seemed to hypnotize Juan was the fact that since Catarina was wearing all black, her vibrant blue eyes were more noticeable. He couldn't deny that his future wife was very beautiful. He could feel desire burning in his loins.

He took Catarina's hand and kissed it.

"Alteza." he said.

Catarina dipped into a curtsy and smiled. She had to admit that Juan was very attractive. His complexion was tan and his hair a nice shade of brown. His eyes were a soft hazel brown. He was tall, but not by much. She felt happy to have a handsome husband at least.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, My Lord. I look forward to becoming more acquainted." she said.

Juan almost blushed at his instant attraction to Catarina, but he was also bewildered. He expected a woman of almost seventeen years to be wearing more lively colors and more jewels.

He cleared his throat.

"Forgive me, but why are you dressed in all black?" he asked.

Catarina looked at her dress.

"I'm sorry, but before I departed from Portugal, I was informed of the unfortunate passing of your sister, the Duchess of the Infantado. Even though I didn't know her, I am in mourning with the rest of you, as this is my family as well now." she said.

Elizabeth, Juan and Liliana looked at Catarina. They were shocked that such a kind gesture could come from someone so young. However, Liliana reacted first, by approaching Catarina and hugging her.

"Thank you so much. You come here for your wedding and you share in our grief over my sister. You are a kind woman." she said.

Catarina smiled.

"If it pleases you, I would prefer to wear black, until the wedding." she said.

Elizabeth and Liliana looked at Juan, who nodded his head.

"You may. However, I would like to join you for dinner, with my sister and Infanta Elizabeth present as well, of course." he said, not wanting to observe her beauty.

Catarina smiled.

"I would love that, Alteza." she said.

Juan looked at her and walked closer to her, which made her blush and look at the ground.

Juan lifted her chin, so she was looking at him.

"Call me Juan." he said.

A/N Here's Chapter 33 as promised! I hope you all will excuse the different plot lines going on. Also, I know that every character maybe be hard to keep up with. A family tree will be up soon and hopefully you all will know how people are related. If you are following without the tree, then that's great too 😊. The next chapter will be much longer, because there will be A Royal wedding, a birthday and the beginning of an unconventional love story. Stay tuned for Chapter 34 and Please Read and Review!