Chapter 39
Well, this was hard work, but here it is. I hope you all enjoy the next chapter and will review. I love when you guys message me and tell me what you think about the story. I don't want to babble, but we will see a young woman become Queen of a nation she is still learning about, a highborn woman will marry someone lower in rank than herself and we will see most of the Royal Family. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter 39!
July 31, 1554
Hampton Court
Lady Catherine Grey, Marchioness of Pembroke's Bedchamber
Catherine was lying in bed with Adrian Stokes, her Master of the Horse. He had snuck up to her rooms and after a round of passionate lovemaking, they were cuddling. Catherine has been a widow now for almost a year and she was very happy again. She had been a widow for nearly a year and though she was a religious woman, she couldn't resist Adrian's touch and needed his carnal love when she could.
Adrian looked towards the window.
"Dawn is approaching now, I must return to the servant's quarters." he said.
Catherine sighed.
"I hate that we are sneaking like this. I love you so and I wish I could show you more." she said.
Adrian smiled.
"My love, your place is in the palace. Mine isn't. It's how you were born." he said.
Catherine nodded.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Catherine looked up, frantically.
"Who is there?" she asked, in a pretend sleepy voice.
Her brother, Charles Brandon, answered.
"It's Charles. May I see you, sister?" he asked.
Catherine looked at Adrian for him to hide, so Adrian hid behind the curtains, while Catherine put her nightgown back on and put her robe rover that.
"Come in, Charles." she said.
Charles walked in.
"I am sorry to disturb you sister, but we need to talk about my son." he said.
Catherine looked concerned.
"Is little Henry alright?" she asked.
Charles nodded his head.
"He is fine. In fact, he may have a new betrothal." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"Excellent, I'll pour us some wine. Tell me about the potential bride." she said.
Charles smiled.
"She is Princess Karolina, the youngest daughter of the King of Poland." he said.
Catherine turned, in shock.
"A royal Princess for little Hal? He will have more prestige than the Duke of Norfolk." she laughed.
Charles nodded.
"It was the King's idea. Karolina is the youngest daughter. An English Duke would suit her well." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"I pray I live long enough to see that wedding. I know our Father wishes he did, God rest his soul." she said.
Charles nodded.
"Also, Mary's pregnancy is progressing well." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"I am glad, brother. Two years of marriage and she will be giving birth to your second child." she said.
Charles sighed.
"This may sound weird, but I crave a daughter who looks just like her beautiful mother." he said.
Catherine nodded.
"In time, but another son would do you good." she said.
Charles looked at his older sister.
"I will take whatever God gives me and Mary." he said.
He looked at his sister and despite her age, she was rather attractive, she was wealthy and she had more land than some of the nobles.
Charles smiled.
"Sister, maybe you should think about getting married again." he said.
Catherine looked at her brother, as if he were crazy.
"Charles, I will be thirty-nine years old in two months time. What use am I to any man?" she asked.
Charles looked at her, with sadness. Catherine had suffered the most out of the Brandon children and now she was in a point in life where she could make her own choices, but she was denying her self-worth.
"I will make inquiries within the Court for you sister. Goodnight." he said, as he kissed her cheek.
Catherine sighed. The one man she wanted, she couldn't have.
Adrian sat next to her.
"You're wrong, you know." he said.
Catherine looked at him, in confusion.
"What about?" she asked.
He kissed her.
"I want you. If I could marry you, I would." he said.
Catherine smiled. She had given twenty years to a man who didn't deserve her. Didn't she deserve to be happy on her own?
Prince Edward, Duke of York's Bedchamber
Edward was praying at the altar. He loved being back at Court, but was looking forward to returning to his estate in York. Now nearly seventeen years old, he was truly a handsome young man. He didn't wish to marry anyone, but he was well-loved in York for his acts of charity. He was well loved all through England. He was called the "Golden Prince", since the people saw him more and loved him.
Suddenly, there was a knock at his door.
Edward looked up.
"Come in." he said.
Suddenly, his brother, Prince Owen and sister Princess Eleanor walked in.
Eleanor hugged her older brother and Owen patted him on the back gently. At fifteen and eleven respectively, Owen and Eleanor were the closest to Edward, now that Matilda was in Sweden, William was holding Court in Wales and little Margaret was still in the nursery.
Edward smiled at them.
"I am happy to see you both. How are your Italian lessons going?" he asked.
Eleanor smiled.
"My lessons are wonderful." she said.
Owen frowned.
"I hate my lessons. I wish Princess Lucrezia could just learn English. I bet she isn't even beautiful." he said.
Edward shook his head.
"I wouldn't say that. She's only thirteen years old, but I have hard that hardly can rival her beauty in all of Italy." he said.
Owen rolled his eyes.
"Please. I am only marrying her, because Father said I had to. The only good thing that I guess will come out of it is that Eleanor will be in Naples with me." he said.
Edward sighed.
"Naples is a very important Kingdom and is backed by Spain. This marriage isn't anything to scoff at." he said.
Eleanor nodded.
"Besides, the King and Queen of Naples are distant cousins of Father's. I am sure they will be kind to us.' she said.
Owen rolled his eyes.
"That doesn't mean we will be happy. How do I know Princess Lucrezia isn't a hunchback or look like a dwarf?" he asked.
Edward shook his head.
"I am sure she is beautiful, but you mustn't dwell on that. Her beauty may fade with age and children and you must at least be kind to her." he said.
Eleanor nodded.
"Eddie is right. Look at Mother and Father. He still loves her." she said.
Owen looked at his younger sister.
"You can't talk. What if Prince Giovanni looks like a leper?" he asked.
Eleanor frowned.
"I will be kind to him. It's my duty as the future Queen of Naples. I am not unkind like you." she said.
Edward stopped them from arguing.
"Both of you stop. You are focused on how the Prince and Princess will look, but you aren't wondering about their piety or their generosity or their intellect." he said, slightly disappointed in his younger siblings.
Eleanor, who hated seeing her siblings upset, touched Edward's arm.
"I am sorry, Eddie. I hope Owen and I didn't upset you." she said.
Edward shook his head.
'Of course not. I know you both will be happy in your marriages." he said.
Owen approached his brother.
"Edward, Princess Lucrezia has sisters. Why don't you marry one of them and all three of us will be in Italy together. I believer she has a sister named Maria, who is about nine years old. You won't have to wait long." he said.
Edward shook his head.
"No, dear brother. I want to live a chaste life. No wife or children for me. I want to spend my life serving God." he said.
Owen and Eleanor nodded their heads. They knew what their life was going to be, but they weren't guaranteed happiness, but they hope their sweet brother was going to be happy, even if they weren't.
Royal Palace of Caserta, Naples, Italy
Queen Adriana of Naples' Private Chambers
Adriana was in her study, sewing, while watching her children, with pride. As a Queen Consort, she couldn't play much part in politics, but all of Naples knew that it was her marriage to the King that kept them safe. As a daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor and a granddaughter of the Queen, Adriana was needed , or France would invade and the Royal Family could be overthrown.
Adriana looked at her children and smiled. The eldest, Prince Giovanni, was now fifteen years old and was becoming very handsome, despite his terrible temper. He prayed daily, but Adriana worried about his horrific anger spells. They were sporadic, but not often. Other than his anger, Giovanni was a true Renaissance Prince. He was fluent in several languages, loved to look nice and Since he would have his own Court soon, he loved to have fun. He had a very close relationship with his mother and with his younger siblings, especially Princess Lucrezia.
Princess Lucrezia was the beauty in her family. She had a natural true grace to her. Her long brown hair had tints of red in it, her complexion was light in color and her figure was beginning to blossom. Despite her beauty, she was also pious. She was also excited about her marriage to Prince Owen Tudor and that she would never have to leave Italy. At thirteen years of age, she was also very wise. Many knew that she would be one of the few female advisors to her brother, the future King.
The third Princess of Naples, Princess Maria, was only nine years old, but her personality was very profound. She was pious, kind, placid and very religious. She was in contract to be betrothed and Adriana was hoping to have her marry close to Italy as well. With her brown hair and blue eyes, Maria would be beautiful herself, but she was destined to be a Royal Duchess or a Queen.
Little Princess of Angela of Naples was another child that was showing signs of a bad temper, but more mild than her elder brother. Adriana felt that this particular daughter was better suited for a religious life. While she was sweet, she was also prone to anger. Her hair matched her personality, being a light brown but looking more red. Her lovely hazel eyes were her true beauty and could rival that of a lioness.
The second Prince Alfonso was a prize to his parent after the birth of three consecutive daughters. He was sweet and placid and loving. He was the apple of his mother's eye and he clung to her and his sisters. His light brown hair and light colored eyes made him very handsome, even at just four years old.
The youngest in the family, little Princess Isabella, was barley two years old, but she was proving to be very pretty. Now walking and beginning to talk, she was the apple of her father's eye, just like her sister Lucrezia. Her light brown hair and blue eyes made her identical to her mother.
Giovanni rolled his eyes.
"Mother, why can't we go to the Country? I prefer the smaller houses." he said.
Before Adriana could answer, Lucrezia spoke up.
"Brother, we have to remain at Court. Spain is at war still." she said.
Adriana smiled at her eldest daughter.
"Your sister is right, Giovanni. The Palace is where we are safe. God forbid that we are invaded, I will take you all into sanctuary. You all must be patient." she said.
Suddenly, King Alfonso and his mother, Dowager Queen Catherine, walked in and embraced everyone.
Alfonso smiled at his wife.
"Sweetheart, I am so happy. I just have to wait for my sister to arrive. It is regarding her." she said.
Suddenly, one of Alfonso's younger siblings, Princess Giovanna, walked in. Princess Giovanna was a very beautiful woman and was very intelligent and pious. At twenty-nine years old, she was already a widow with no children. After 8 years of marriage in her marriage, she never bore any children and was never pregnant, despite having regular courses. She had long, thick brown hair and hazel green eyes and was always modestly dressed. Since her husband's death, she had resided with her mother and her younger sister, Princess Christina, who was only fifteen years old.
Giovanna hugged her mother and bowed to Alfonso.
"You wanted to see me, Brother?" she asked.
Alfonso smiled and nodded.
"Yes I did. How would you feel if I told you that I may have found you a new husband?" he asked.
Giovanna looked at her brother and then turned away, with tears in her eyes.
"Brother, why do you wish to humiliate me? You know I cannot bear children. I prayed all through my marriage and made pilgrimages and I never even suspected I was with child. Every month i hoped to be with child and it never happened. What man would want me?" she asked.
Adriana looked at her husband. She was fond of all of Alfonso's siblings and Giovanna had been by her side by all of her children's births and she knew it was her dear desire to provide an heir for her husband, before his unfortunate death.
"Alfonso, who is this man you speak of? Is he in the Court?" she asked.
Alfonso shook his head.
"No. His name is Diego de Mendoza and he is the Duke of the Infantado." he said.
Adriana looked at her husband, in shock.
"My niece's widower? My niece hasn't even been dead a year yet." she said, getting very defensive.
Alfonso held up his hands.
"Sweetheart, Maria died nine months ago. Besides he already has an heir and he also has a young daughter, who really needs a mother. Plus, Giovanna will have wealth, prestige and a place in the Spanish Court." he said.
Before Adriana could say anything, Giovanna turned around to them.
"How old is the little girl?" she said.
Alfonso looked at his sister.
"I believe she is about five years old." he said.
Dowager Queen Catherine looked at her daughter.
"Sweetheart, are you actually considering this marriage? You may not bear any children again." she said.
Giovanna nodded her head.
"That is true I believe I am barren. However, that little girl in Spain needs a mother. Alfonso, if the Duke will have me, I will be honored to be his wife, but I only ask that he complete his year of mourning first." she said.
Alfonso smiled.
"I am sure he won't mind. Your dowry will consist of fifty thousand crown and an equal amount in jewels. We are wealthy and that amount hasn't even put a dent in the treasury. i want to make sure Spain knows that a Princess of Naples has her own wealth." he said.
Giovanna smiled at her older brother. Their father, the late King Frederico of Naples, was more frugal and didn't spend much n his daughter's dowries. Their younger sister, Beatrice, Princess of Andorra, only had a dowry of three thousand crowns. If it wasn't for the fact that she was beautiful and the new Prince needed an heir, she never would have married him.
"Thank you, Alfonso. I will do my best to represent Naples in the Spanish Court. Also, it will be great to finally meet our grandmother, Queen Juana." she said.
Alfonso smiled. Ever since they were children, his sister had always tried to live up to the reputation of their grandmother, Queen Juana and their great-grandmother, Queen Isabella of Castile. He hoped this marriage would bring her happiness and maybe even have children this time around.
Stafford Castle, Stafford, England
Lady Margaret Brandon, Countess of Stafford's Bedchamber
Lady Margaret Brandon, now Marlowe, was lying in her bed, watching her new husband sleep. John was everything she had hoped for. Even though they had only been married for two weeks, he was her dream. She was relieved that finally, at age twenty-six, she finally had her husband and was a Countess.
Suddenly, John stirred and awoke to find his young auburn-haired wife looking at him and he smiled.
"Dear Margaret, why have you not called your ladies to dress you?" he asked.
She smiled slyly.
"Because of her activities last night, I do no want to dress. I want to lie here naked with my husband." she said, as she kissed his cheek.
John smiled.
"Is that what the nobility do? If it is, I do not mind." he said, with a chuckle.
Suddenly, Margaret began to kiss him passionately and John climbed on top of her and the two began to make love and Margaret began to moan. Before they could lose themselves in their lovemaking, there was a loud knocking on their door.
Margaret scratched John's back, as he continued. She moaned louder.
The knocking continued.
Margaret rolled her eyes.
"What is it?" She asked.
The housekeeper spoke.
"I am so sorry to disturb you, My Lady. However, your sister, Lady Grey is here to see you." she said.
Margaret sighed and looked at John.
"I'm sorry, darling. I have to see her. I won't be long.' she said, with a kiss to his lips.
Margaret put on her nightgown and her robe and quickly descended down the stairs to see her sister. Catherine was pacing back and forth and Margaret knew that something was wrong.
'Sister, what is wrong? I didn't want to be disturbed. Not this soon after my marriage." she said, as she offered her sister a seat.
Catherine sighed.
"Maggie I know, but had to talk to someone. Preferably a woman." she said.
Margaret looked at her sister.
"What is the matter?" she asked.
Catherine sighed and looked at her younger sister.
"For several months now, I have been laying with my Master of the Horse." she said.
Margaret looked at her eldest sister, in shock.
"Catherine, have you gone mad? You have completely lost your mind." she said.
Catherine smiled.
"No. I have fallen in love. Adrian is the most kindest man I have ever known. Oh, I love him, Maggie. I really do. I have to marry him." she said.
Margaret shook her head.
"Cate, this is an infatuation. Give me one good reason you should marry him." she said.
Catherine sighed and placed her right on on her stomach. Margaret looked at her eldest sister, in shock.
"You aren't" she said.
Catherine sighed.
"I missed my monthly bleeding. I won't say anything until I miss another." she said.
Margaret nodded her head.
"Consult the King. We don't need another scandal." she said simply.
Catherine nodded, hugged her sister and left her sister's home.
1 August 1554
Pamplona, Navarre
The church was nearly silent as the people of Navarre waited for the arrival of their new Queen, Elizabeth I, who was being officially crowned. Those who were personally invited by the crown were in the front of the cathedral, followed by members of the nobility of Navarre, then nobles from other nations that were joining them. After the nobles, the merchant class citizens of Navarre were seated, and finally, the others who have gathered to witness the event. Everyone was dressed in their finest clothes, including the children, and many were eagerly awaiting the parties that would follow the coronation ceremony. There would be a coronation ball held at the palace for the upper classes of society, but in the villages around the nation, other gatherings would occur. The streets of Pamplona would be full of festivities for three days following the ceremony, with food and beer and wine, along with trinkets for the children. Navarre had never seen such a wonder of celebrations before in its history, and it was all in honor of the young, new Queen.
Elizabeth sat in the room that was assigned for her preparation. Although such things were usually accomplished at the palace, with the recent events and the way she ascended to the throne, the guards thought it best that she not parade through the streets in order to ensure her safety. Though most of the people of Navarre were indifferent to who their Queen was, some were still loyal to the d'Albret family and revolution was not unheard of to try and restore the old regime to the throne. Elizabeth was well aware that her life, and that of her husband and daughter, was in danger, but she was the daughter of Katherine of Aragon and she was determined to see her duty as Queen come to pass, regardless of her personal safety. It was expected, and it was her mother who taught her that her own comforts and security were of little matter when it came to ruling a nation. As these thoughts passed through her head, she clutched the rosary that her mother had given her when she left England to become Luis' wife and the Princess of Asturias.
She was pulled out of her thoughts of her mother by a knock at the door.
"Enter," she commanded.
Queen Juana walked into the room with Queen Mary of Portugal and Isabella in tow. Elizabeth embraced the three women and smiled. There was little need for formality, as they were secluded from prying eyes and these women were her family.
"Luis and Isabel are seated in the viewing room," Queen Juana informed her, "and they said to tell you that it will be fine. Luis wanted me to remind you to breathe." The older woman chuckled at the idea that a Queen would forget something that important, but she said it despite her thoughts as it was a message from her great-grandson to his wife.
"As if I would forget that," Elizabeth said, laughing. It made her feel better though, knowing that Luis would be in the room, despite the fact that he would be hidden from her.
Mary took her younger sister's hands in hers and kissed them. "You will be fine," she assured Elizabeth. "I remember my own coronation as Queen of Portugal. I was a nervous wreck. But I got through it and so will you." Elizabeth smiled at her sister and nodded.
"I have something for you, Elizabeth," Isabella said calmly. "Our mother gave me this on the day I left England for Portugal all those years ago and I think she would want you to have it now." Isabella produced a handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to Elizabeth, who looked at the object in wonder. "She told me that it once belonged to her mother, Isabella, and that she had this with her on the battlefield at Granada."
Juana looked at the handkerchief and smiled. "She did. She had this made when she announced her pregnancy with my beloved little sister, your mother, and carried it with her throughout her pregnancy, as it was blessed by the Pope."
Elizabeth kissed it and tucked it into her own sleeve. It made it feel closer to her mother to have this with her. "Thank you, Isabella," Elizabeth said, kissing her sister on both cheeks. "It means a lot to have this part of Mother with me today, and our Grandmother."
Another knock at the door interrupted their conversation. "Enter," Elizabeth commanded again.
One of the bishops walked into the room and announced that it was time for the ceremony to begin. Elizabeth nodded, and the man left, closing the door behind him.
"We will take our places in the Cathedral," Queen Juana announced, and with a final round of affection, the three older women left while Elizabeth gathered her thoughts, straightened her robes, and prayed. Then she rose and walked to the door, knowing that once she stepped through it, her life would change forever.
Everyone in the Cathedral rose to await the entrance of the Queen. Three sharp and loud taps announced the beginning of the coronation.
"Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the First, Princess of Asturias, daughter of the late King Henry the Eighth of England and Queen Katherine, granddaughter of the late King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile, and rightful ruler of the Kingdom of Navarre," the herald announced.
The large doors opened and revealed their new Queen, dressed in her coronation robes of gold and red. The attendees marveled at how splendid she looked as Elizabeth began the long, silent walk to the throne that awaited her. As she arrived at the steps leading up to her throne, she knelt, and the Archbishop of Pamplona prayed for her long life, wisdom in her rule, and that she would be the just and kind ruler that the people of Navarre deserved.
After the prayer was concluded, the Archbishop took her hand and led her to her throne, where Elizabeth sat, according to how they had practiced. He anointed her as Queen of Navarre with the holy oils, then waited for the people to say "Amen". The crown of Navarre was placed on her head. It was quite heavy, as she had been warned, but it was not unexpected. He then handed her the scepter and orb and stood to the side, waiting for her signal to proceed. Elizabeth closed her eyes and then gave a slight nod.
"Rulers of Europe, my lords and ladies, and good people of the kingdom of Navarre," the Archbishop began, "I present to you, your Queen, Elizabeth the First, Queen of Navarre and Princess of Asturias, anointed by the grace of God to rule this nation. Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!" the people exclaimed.
Elizabeth sat on her throne and waited for the nobles of Navarre to come and swear their allegiance to her. One by one they knelt in front of her, took her hand, and swore to be faithful and obedient subjects to her for as long as she reigned. After the nobles had all sworn their oath to her, it was time for Lady Jeanne to do so as well. Elizabeth wasn't sure why, but this made her nervous.
Jeanne stepped up to the throne where Elizabeth sat and knelt. She swore to be a dutiful and faithful subject to Elizabeth, and thanked Elizabeth for sparing her life after the rebellion, asking for her forgiveness in any previous wrongdoing. Elizabeth freely forgave the young woman and declared that any atrocities that were committed by Jeanne previously were forgiven. It was here that Elizabeth stood and addressed her people for the first time as their anointed Queen.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Navarre," she began in a clear tone, "this young woman, Lady Jeanne d'Albret, has come and asked for, and has been granted, our pardon for the sins of the past. From this day forward, she is to be considered a noblewoman of Navarre. In a month, she will be married to Lord Alexandre Dumane, the Duke of Lautrec, and will be given all accordances due a woman of her status. She will NOT be harmed by anyone in this realm."
The people of Navarre applauded loudly at this announcement. Many of them, though loyal to their new Queen, did not want their former Princess to be harmed, despite her reduction of status. However, there were a few who scoffed at the announcement silently, thinking that Jeanne should be on the throne and not this usurper, Elizabeth. The new Queen was unaware of their thoughts and the plans that were in the works to restore Jeanne to the throne. To Elizabeth, the applause was a small victory.
Elizabeth bid Jeanne to rise and embraced her. Once the formalities were over, Elizabeth began her walk down the aisle, where only hours before, she had entered the cathedral as their Queen, but now, she was there anointed Queen and it was official. The House of Trastamara once again was on the throne of Navarre, and there it was certain it would stay . . . or at least they hoped.
1 August 1554
Pamplona, Navarre
The ball room of the palace had been splendidly decorated with flowers and garlands. The servants had worked endlessly for days getting the room just right for the coronation ball. The tables were placed just right, and the food was almost ready when the guests started to arrive. The question on everyone's mind was whether or not any wars would start with the mixture of guests that had received invitations to the grand event.
Elizabeth had played with her daughter, Princess Isabel, for a while before she began to get ready for the ball. Her gown was red and gold, as her coronation robes had been, and she would be wearing the rubies that Luis had given her when she had Isabel. They were set in gold, so they would be a perfect match for her gown. She was wearing a smaller crown than the one she had placed on her head at her coronation earlier that day, and despite the fact that they were not new, the shoes she had chosen were the most comfortable pair she owned. This had been decided on purpose because she knew she would be obligated to dance with anyone who asked this night.
Her lady's maid had brought her a light snack of fruits and cheeses to tide her over until the feast was served at the ball, but she had to admit that the idea of food was not appetizing at this point. She knew the day had been a little much already, and her stomach had not settled down. She must have been more nervous than she realized.
A knock on her bedroom doors brought her out of her anxiety and back to what she was doing. "Enter," she commanded. She was getting used to saying that, especially today.
Luis walked in, holding a box. "Hello my love," he said, kissing her cheek.
"Luis," Elizabeth said with a smile. "Aren't you supposed to be dressing for tonight as well?"
"Yes," he replied, "but I have a gift for the new Queen of Navarre and wanted to give it to her in private."
"Oh," Elizabeth said, "did you now?" She flirted with her husband slightly.
This made him return her smile and he sat the box on her dressing table, taking her in his arms and kissing her deeply. Elizabeth broke free from the kiss after a few moments and giggled.
"Should an anointed Queen giggle like that?" Luis teased.
"As an anointed Queen," Elizabeth began, "I suppose I can giggle when and how I like."
"I suppose so."
"Now, what is this gift you have brought me?" She asked.
"It's in the box," Luis replied, nodding at the parcel he left on her table. "I hope you will consider wearing them tonight."
Elizabeth opened the box and found a bracelet of rubies, matching her necklace, as well as a ring that held the crest of the Trastamara family in its center.
"Oh Luis!" she exclaimed. "How beautiful!"
"Do you like them?"
"Of course I do. The bracelet matches the necklace you gave me when I had our daughter, and the ring, where did you get this? I know it's not new by the markings," Elizabeth said.
"Great-grandmother Juana gave it to me just moments ago," he told her. "It just arrived from the palace in Castile. She had it pulled from her personal jewels. It was her father's. She said he was wearing it the day that they captured Navarre and she thought it was appropriate that it return here now."
"My grandfather's ring," Elizabeth said softly, putting it on her index finger. It fit her perfectly, as if it had been made for her. "He must have worn this as a pinky ring," she mused.
"I think he did, on his right hand," Luis replied.
"Mother never spoke about him much," Elizabeth informed him. "She talked about Grandmother Isabella quite often, but her father was just there. He was never really mentioned."
"You'd have to ask Great-grandmother Juana about that," Luis said. "There was some history between them. I don't know exactly what the problem was but it had something to do with your mother's dowry for her marriage to your father."
"I see," Elizabeth replied.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Enter," Elizabeth commanded.
Her page opened the door and informed them that the guests were starting to arrive, and then he left. That was their signal to finish dressing for the ball, so Luis returned to his tasks, while Elizabeth slipped into her gown and summoned her ladies to do her hair.
The nobles of Navarre had gathered in the ball room. They were awaiting the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and King Luis. Other guests were being ushered into the receiving room, where they would be announced by the herald of Navarre, before being presented to the Queen and her family. Heads of state, their families, and their ambassadors were gathering and talking amongst themselves, some in hushed tones, which led to gossip.
King Henry IX of England stood by a settee with his son, Prince Edward, Duke of York. They were talking about whether or not Mary, Queen of Scots would be in attendance in person, or if her over-protective grandmother, Dowager Queen Margaret, would have sent an entourage instead. Harry would have liked to catch a glimpse of his future daughter-in-law, but he realized with the entrance of Prince Arthur and Prince Victor that the young Scottish Queen was not here. He swallowed his disappointment and went to greet his cousins.
"Prince Arthur, Prince Victor," Harry said, approaching the two gentlemen and their party. "It is an honor to see you both again."
Both of the Scottish Princes bowed to the English King. "Your Majesty," Prince Arthur said, "the honor is all ours."
"How fairs my Aunt, the Dowager Queen? And my future daughter-in-law, her highness, Queen Mary?" Harry asked.
"They are both well in health and spirit, Your Grace," Arthur replied. "Who is this fine looking young man with you?"
"My son, Prince Edward, Duke of York," Harry responded, presenting his son to their cousins.
Prince Edward bowed to Prince Arthur, who responded in kind, then Prince Victor bowed to Edward, as was the custom. Edward and Arthur were both second sons, making them equal in status at events like these, but Arthur was the elder of the two, so he received the courtesy first. Victor was the third son, so Edward outranked him, despite his younger age. Edward was about to return the gesture when his attention wandered to a young girl who entered the room with her parents, he presumed. It was only at Harry's nudging that he remembered himself, and returned the bow with his apologies.
"Forgive me Prince Victor," Edward stated, "it was not a lack of respect that caused a delay in my responding, but the beauty of that young maiden who just entered the room."
Both Arthur and Victor turned to see the girl that Edward was infatuated with, recognizing her immediately. "It is a wonder that her parents were invited to the coronation and ball considering recent events," Arthur said to Harry.
"Who is she?" King Harry asked, inquisitively, wanting to know the identity of the girl who captured Edward's eye after he swore he would devote his life to God and not marry unless God gave him a sign that he should. Perhaps this girl would be seen as the sign Edward was waiting for and he would indeed find happiness if Harry could arrange it.
"That is Princess Elisabeth of France, daughter of King Henri II and Queen Catherine," Victor said.
Edward was shocked. That was his former betrothed? That was the girl whose father broke off their engagement because he wanted to see her marry better than the second son? Edward's face immediately fell in disappointment. She would never be his. Her father wouldn't permit it. He would always be just the second son of a King, and he would never be good enough for Princess Elisabeth Valois of France.
Princess Elisabeth Valois of France walked behind her parents into the receiving room. She was only nine, but her father wanted to show her off to the rest of Europe at this event, hoping for a match with some nation who would make her a Queen. She felt like a prize horse being auctioned off, but this was the way things were in Europe, and daughters, even Princesses, could not choose their own husbands. It just wasn't done.
Her father was conversing with some head of state and her mother was looking around the room. Elisabeth followed her mother's example until her eyes fell on a young man who had reddish-blonde hair and was quite handsome, talking with some older gentlemen. Catherine turned to say something to her eldest daughter, but stopped when she noticed Elisabeth's gaze. She stepped back to the young girl and corrected her behavior in hushed tones.
"Elisabeth, it is not polite or fitting for a girl of your station to stare at a young gentleman," Queen Catherine said, gently, knowing her words would embarrass her daughter.
"Who is he mother?"
"I don't know for certain, but since the man dressed in gold trim is wearing England's colors, I would guess that the older man is King Henry Tudor of England, and the gentleman dressed in green is Prince Arthur, Duke of Albany, that the boy you have your eye on is one of the three Princes of England. Since King Henry is here, I doubt that is Prince William, who was more than likely left regent with his mother. He looks too old to be Prince Owen, so I would dare to say that is Prince Edward, Duke of York," her mother reasoned.
"Was I not betrothed to him once?" Elisabeth asked.
"Yes, you were," Catherine replied. "Your father decided that the second son of England was not good enough for his first born Princess. He wanted a King for your husband, not a Duke."
Elisabeth rolled her eyes at her mother. Even at nine, she understood that not every Princess could marry a King. There were not enough nations in the world for that, much less in Europe.
Queen Mary of Portugal; Princess Isabella, Marchioness of Moya; and Queen Juana of Castile were discussing how wonderfully the coronation ceremony went amongst themselves and were unaware of the other guests who had entered the room since their conversation began. Queen Mary stiffened when she felt large, masculine hands cover her eyes, and Martim, her personal guard, stepped forward to protect his Queen, until Queen Juana motioned him away, obviously recognizing the man. Isabella stifled a giggle, seeing who it was.
"I'll give you three chances to guess who I am," the man said firmly, "then I will throw you in the river with a bouquet of roses, both red and white."
Queen Mary relaxed. She would know that voice and the threat that accompanied it anywhere.
"Harry, you little devil!" Mary exclaimed at the sound of her older brother and then spun out of his grasp and turned to face him, curtseying politely, as Harry was a reigning monarch by birth and she held the status of a consort. He bid her rise and then took her hand and kissed it.
Isabella followed suit with her younger sister, giving her baby brother the respect that was due him. Harry's first reaction was to ignore her, but this was not the time or place for personal issues to be displayed. "Princess Isabella," he acknowledged his older sister, bidding her to rise also and kissing her hand. Harry turned to the older woman and bowed, "Queen Juana," he said.
The aged Queen looked at her nephew and smiled. She had never seen the man before her and this was their first meeting. "Your Majesty," Queen Juana said, "it is an honor to finally meet you, nephew."
King Harry responded, "The honor is mine, Your Grace," before kissing both of his Aunt's cheeks and whispering, "Aunt Juana." The older woman smiled. She understood court protocol, but she relished in family, and this man before her was the only surviving son of her beloved little sister, the late Queen Katherine of England, Catalina of Aragon. "And who is this?" Queen Juana questioned, noticing the young man standing behind her nephew.
"Your majesty, allow me to present my son, Prince Edward, Duke of York," Harry said, gesturing for Edward to step forward. The young man did so and bowed to the two queens in his presence, then kissed Princess Isabella's hand.
"No!" Mary exclaimed. "Edward can't be this grown up can he?"
"Apparently, he can," Harry said, chuckling at his sister's remark. "As can Catarina, who is married now, I believe?"
Mary smiled at the thought of her oldest daughter and then shuttered at the turn of recent events. "Yes, she is, to Queen Juana's grandson, the Duke of Franco. What about your children? We heard that Matilda was married and had twins. How are they fairing?"
"In all honesty, I am uncertain," Harry replied. "It's been some time since we heard from Matilda."
The conversation was interrupted by more guests arriving, and King Harry's eyes filled with tears, that he quickly hid, when he saw who it was that had entered the room.
Crown Princess Matilda of Sweden walked with her head held high, barely touching her husband's arm. Recent events in Sweden had left her slightly depressed about her husband's infidelity and the loss of their daughter. Crown Prince Eric Vasa was not the ideal husband, but he was next in line to the throne and therefore, she must play her part as a dutiful wife and accompany him on royal visits like this one, especially to welcome her Aunt Elizabeth to the throne as a new monarch. She was not looking forward to the event.
Eric had brought his wife with him, as instructed by his father, and promised to be on his best behavior while they were in Navarre. He knew Matilda was still grieving the loss of their daughter, but he had hoped that bringing her with him would cheer her some, especially when he learned that her father would be attending.
Although Matilda was present she was unaware of the fact that her father had noticed her. She was also still unaware that he was in the room himself, until he approached his daughter and placed a kind hand on her shoulder.
"Matilda," he said, softly.
"Yes?" She looked up at the voice that had called her name so informally. Tears swelled up in her eyes at the sight of her father and brother, and though she had been trained from a young age to never let her emotions show, a single tear fell as she felt his arms around her. It felt like forever since she had seen him, instead of just the three years since she left England for Sweden.
Eric watched as his wife embraced her father and felt a pain of jealousy rise up. He had seen his step-mother display such affection for his father, but Matilda had never displayed that type of emotion with him. Then again, he'd never given her any real reason to trust that he would not betray her. He began to contemplate what their life together would become if he could earn the trust that her father held.
"Father," Matilda said, after pulling from his embrace, "may I present my husband, Crown Prince Eric Vasa of Sweden."
Eric bowed to his father-in-law, respectfully, and was then presented to her brother, the Duke of York, who shook his hand and called him brother. He could see where Matilda got her love of family from almost immediately.
"Your highness," Harry began, addressing his son-in-law, "if you don't mind, I would like to steal my daughter back from you for a while. We have much to catch up on, and I would like to hear more about my grandchildren."
"By all means, Your Grace," Eric said, motioning for Matilda to go with her father and brother. Although it was not customary for a wife to leave her husband's side at events like these, he knew that her reputation was safe. No one would dare question her being in the company of her family.
As he watched her walk to one side of the room with her father, a woman caught his attention. She was older, and standing with a gentleman and younger girl. Their eyes met and she looked him over, then smiled. Eric made a mental note of her, but as he was about to introduce himself to the man he presumed to be her husband, the court herald announced that the presentations were about to begin.
The guests gathered their gifts for the new Queen of Navarre and waited for their individual summons to enter the ball room.
Queen Elizabeth of Navarre was seated on her throne with her husband beside her. Their daughter, Princess Isabel, was accompanied by her governess. The woman would take Isabel, along with the other children and their nannies, to the nursery once the presentations were made. Elizabeth knew there were many guests waiting to be received and motioned the herald to begin the announcements.
The staff tapped three times and he called, "Presenting her Royal Majesty, Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon." Queen Juana walked into the ballroom and towards the throne. In most cases, Elizabeth would be expected to offer a curtsey first, but this was her coronation ball and her kingdom, so it was Juana who did so first. "Your Majesty," the aged Queen said, curtseying to the newly anointed Queen of Navarre.
"Your Grace," Elizabeth acknowledged her quickly, bidding her to rise. "May I present my husband, King Luis of Navarre, and our daughter, Princess Isabel."
Juana gave a quick curtsey to her great-grandson and great-great granddaughter, and stepped aside to allow the next announcement after presenting her gift to Elizabeth, which was placed on the table by her page.
The staff tapped again and the herald announced, "Presenting his Imperial Highness, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and co-regent of Castile and Aragon."
Charles bowed to Elizabeth. She presented her family to him. Then her grandfather-in-law handed her page his gift, then joined his mother in the crowd of guests.
"Presenting his Royal Highness, the Infante Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria," the herald said. Ferdinand entered and followed suit with his mother and brother.
The herald went through the list of announcements that he had been given, with the order of presentation, including such guests as Dowager Queen Catherine of Naples, the King and Queen of France and their daughter, Prince Arthur and Prince Victor of Scotland and their wives, the Prince and Princess of Crete, the Prince and Princess of Andorra, the Duke and Duchess of Cleves, and the ambassadors from Poland, Hungary, Saxony, and Denmark. Elizabeth was beginning to wonder where her sister, Queen Mary was, when the herald began another announcement.
The herald tapped his staff three times. "Presenting their highnesses, Queen Mary of Portugal, King Henry IX of England, and Princess Isabella, Marchioness de Moya, accompanied by the Infante Juan and Infanta Catarina, Duke and Duchess of Franco, Prince Edward, Duke of York, and Crown Prince Eric and Crown Princess Matilda of Sweden." Juana had instructed the herald to save these announcements for last and to do them as a group. This was the first time in years that the children of the late King Henry VIII of England and Queen Katherine had been in the same place at the same time, and arranging it had been nothing short of a miracle for Juana. However, the aged queen was pleased when Harry informed her that he would personally attend, for Elizabeth's sake.
The room was silent as Elizabeth's family walked into the room and made their way to the throne, where their youngest sibling now sat as Queen of Navarre. Elizabeth was nearly in tears. She knew Mary and Isabella would be in attendance, but never dreamed that her only brother would be able to come. The group bowed and curtsied to the Queen, as appropriate.
Elizabeth defied protocol and stood from her throne to embrace her family one by one. She hugged Mary and Isabella, having seen them more recently. Then her niece, Catarina and her husband, the Infante Juan. Her nephew, Prince Edward, was next and she hugged him closely. Then she greeted her niece and her husband. "Matilda, how beautiful you've become," Elizabeth said. Matilda blushed and thanked her Aunt, who then hugged Prince Eric and welcomed him to the family. Finally, Elizabeth turned to her older brother and smiled before embracing him into a firm, but gentle hug. "Your Grace," she said.
"Your Majesty," Harry responded before he too broke with protocol and lifted his little sister off the ground to twirl her as he did when she was just a child. They both laughed as he put her back down. Elizabeth turned to the crowd and saw Queen Juana smiling like she had just inherited a new crown. It was then that Elizabeth realized that this was the older queen's doing, this little family reunion, and she was almost happier than she had ever been in her life at that very moment.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, my family," Elizabeth said, gesturing to the people behind her, as the crowd exploded with applause.
A/N I am sorry for the long wait, but I hope you all enjoy the Chapter and the next one to come. It will still take place at Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Ball. Please Read and Review! Chapter 40 is in the works!