Chapter 65
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all are enjoying and staying safe these first few days of 2022. The Holidays made it complicated for writing, but now that they are over we should all be good. I normally do not dedicate Chapters to people IRL, however this Chapter is dedicated to the wonderful and hilarious late actress/animal rights activist Betty White, who sadly passed away on New Years Eve 2021. I was a huge fan of her and I hope that she is resting in everlasting peace. Thank you all for being a friend and Enjoy Chapter 65!
1 January 1563
Holyrood Abbey, Scotland
Francis, King of France and King Consort of Scotland, stood next to the baptismal font at the head of the Abbey, watching his newborn son, Prince Robert, with careful eyes. He and Mary, his wife and Scotland's Queen, had waited for so long to have a child, that he saw Robert as nothing less than a miracle and he wanted to make sure that his son was safe. Normally, this would not have been a problem at a christening, but the priest was elderly, and his hands shook, which gave the young King cause for concern.
Next to Francis, one of his sons' godfathers stood and the proxy for the other. He and Mary had chosen Mary's Uncle, Prince Victor, who could teach Robert Scotland's traditions should something happen to Mary and him. They had also chosen the Pope as the child's other godparent, who was represented by the Bishop of Canterbury. Robert's godmother was Francis' sister, Elisabeth, Princess of Wales, who was represented by one of her ladies from the English court.
The infant prince was dressed in a white gown that Mary herself had worn at her own christening. Francis' mother had sent the French Royal gown to him, but they decided to use the Scottish one instead, as the ceremony was being held in Scotland.
The elderly priest asked, "What name do you give this child?"
Francis replied, "Robert James Henri Valois-Angouleme."
"Will you bring up this child to know God's love and in the faith of the Catholic church?" the old man questioned.
"Yes."
The priest made the sign of the cross on Robert's forehead as a sign that he had been saved by Christ, then briefly told the story of Jesus' own baptism before leading the attendees in prayer. "Do you renounce Satan in the name of this child?"
Everyone answered, "Yes, we do."
The priest dipped his hands in the water, then said "Robert James Henri Valois-Angouleme, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen." He poured water from the font over Prince Robert's head, and the infant prince responded with a shriek when the water touched him.
The priest handed Robert to his father, then turned and lit a candle before praying for the infant once more.
At the end of the service, Francis kissed his son on his head, then handed the boy to his nurse so he could be taken back to his mother, who had not yet been churched. The attendees returned to the throne room of the palace, where a celebration was held for the prince. After an hour, Francis left the party and went to check on his wife and son. Although it was not appropriate for a man to be with his wife before she had been churched after having a baby, Francis saw no harm in breaking the rule long enough to peek in on them.
When he reached the room where Mary had given birth, he opened the door softly and peeked his head in. What he saw amazed him. Sleeping on the bed was the Queen of Scotland, cradling their newborn son in her arms, who was also asleep, resting peacefully next to his mother. The sunlight was shining around them, and Francis was in awe at the perfect scene that was his family.
9 January 1563
Ribiera Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
King João III of Portugal's Bedchamber
King Juan sat by the fireplace in his Chambers, partly naked. The winter in Portugal was not terribly cold, however he always loved a fire roaring in the colder months.
Suddenly, there was movement in his bed and Infanta Maria sat up.
"Juan, you are still up?" she asked
Juan nodded his head.
"Yes. I am having a hard time sleeping." he said.
Maria smirked.
"I guess I did not do my job correctly." she said.
Juan cleared his throat.
"You are satisfactory. However, there is something that is bothering me about you." he said.
Maria stood up and wrapped her dressing gown around her.
"What bothers you?" she asked.
Juan sighed.
"Why do you hate the Queen?" he asked.
Maria glared.
"I do not want to talk about that woman. She has caused me so much pain and there will be no reconciliation." she said.
Juan frowned.
"She is still your Queen and she is my wife. You will respect her." he said.
Maria scoffed.
"Respect her? They hurt me in the worst way possible." she said.
Juan stood up.
"They never did anything to you. Before the plague hit, you were treated very well. You were the one who went against everyone." he said.
Maria frowned.
"My family was taken from me. My loving husband and my precious daughter. They were simply forgotten after the mourning period. After that, everything was about the first new Queen and preparing her. The memory of my family just went away. My grief was set aside for public mourning. I could not even say goodbye." she said, fighting back tears.
Juan came closer.
"It did not happen that way, Maria." he said.
Maria held her hand up.
"I wish to return to my Chambers. I will see you tomorrow." she said, as she bowed and left the room.
Juan sat on his bed and took a deep breath. He could not wait until Catarina was delivered of their child, so he could return to her bed instead of lying with a woman he had come to despise. However, he knew that what he had just learned had to be told to Catalina. Hopefully it would mend the family and reconciliation could take place.
22 January 1563
Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria
Anne of Denmark, Holy Roman Empress' Chambers
Empress Anne sighed, as she paced back and forth. Today she was meeting a new tutor that would be responsible for the education of her eldest son with her husband, the newly six year old Archduke Rupert of Austria Since Emperor Ferdinand was handling business with a German Prince and her eldest stepson, Archduke Ferdinand, known as Andy, and his wife, Archduchess Isabella, were in Bohemia, were they were technically King and Queen, with their children, her husband had left the domestic duties to her.
The forty year old Empress and mother of four turned her head, as she heard a loud knock at her door.
She cleared her throat.
"Enter." she said.
The door opened and one of her ladies came in and bowed.
"Your Majesty, I am sorry to disturb you, but the gentleman you requested to see has arrived." she said.
Empress Anne took a step forward.
"Lord Leopold Bauer?" she asked.
The lady-in-waiting nodded her head.
Empress Anne smiled.
"Send him in." she said.
The lady nodded and stood aside and a well-dressed man walked in and immediately bowed to her.
"Your Majesty, I humble myself at your feet." he said.
Anne smiled.
"You may rise. Thank you for coming to Court." she said.
Lord Bauer nodded.
"How may I assist you, Your Majesty?" he asked.
Empress Anne gestured for him to rise.
"I have read some of your books and teachings. I greatly admire your work. I will not prolong our meeting. I would like for you to teach my children. My eldest son, Archduke Rupert, is ready to start his formal education and since he will no longer be in my household, I will have to trust you. Although he will not be Emperor one day, I want you to greatly educate him and younger siblings when the time comes. My daughters will be educated equally to their brothers. Is that something you are able to do without a trouble to your conscience?" she asked.
Lord Bauer nodded.
"Of course, Your Majesty. It will be an honor to educate the Imperial children." he said.
Empress Anne smiled.
"Excellent. I have provided a syllabus for Archduke Rupert. I want you to start teaching him Latin, French, Greek, mathematics, theology, and writing for now. Next year, we will add more subjects for him to learn. You may start right away. Rupert will be awake in just one hour. Lady Gertrude will show you." she said.
Lord Bauer bowed and departed Anne's Chambers. She smiled and sat down to write a letter to her beloved husband to let him know that a new tutor had been hired and that she missed him and prayed for his safe return.
5 February 1563
Ribiera Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Queen Catarina of Portugal's Bedchamber
"Ugh, my back really hurts right now." Queen Catarina said to her sister.
Infanta Joanna smiled.
"Soon, you will deliver your child and your pain will be gone." she said reassuringly.
Catarina smiled.
"I can not believe that you and I are both with child together again." she said.
Joanna smiled and placed a hand on her stomach. She was currently expecting her second child and was due to give birth in June.
"Manuel was so excited when I told him that I was expecting another child. I honestly did not think it would happen so soon." she said.
Catarina smiled.
"I will say that I love seeing you so happy. I pray you have many children." she said.
Joanna sighed and looked at Catarina.
"Why are you putting up with this affair of Juan and Maria? It's rumored throughout the entire Court." she said.
Catarina sighed.
"Being Queen sometimes requires us to make decisions we would never do. I feel that that girl is up to something and I am going to find out." she said.
Suddenly, Catarina grabbed her stomach.
"Joanna, my time has come." she said.
Joanna stood up.
"I will summon the midwife." she said.
Catarina grabbed her sister.
"There is no time. I've been feeling pain all day, but I dismissed it. The baby is coming quickly." she said.
Joanna helped Catarina to her bed.
"I really think that we should summon the midwife." she said.
Catarina shook her head.
"The baby will arrive before she arrives. Tell my ladies to bring water and cloths. You will have to assist me in childbed." she said.
Before Joanna could protest, Catarina was hit with an intense contraction. Joanna knew she could not argue with her older sister and took a deep breath and prepped Catarina for birth.
Joanna smiled, as she washed her bloody hands in the basin filled with hot water. It had only taken two hours for Catarina to deliver her child and thankfully there were no complications.
She walked over to Catarina, who was holding her sleeping newborn.
"How is the baby, Sister?" she asked.
Catarina smiled.
"He is perfect. I know he's not as strong as Sebastian was, but I adore him. A second son. I know the people of Portugal will be happy." she said.
Joanna nodded.
"He will get stronger. You shall see. We will find him a healthy wet nurse." she said.
Catarina looked down and smiled at her newborn son.
"Tell the entire Court that I have given birth to a healthy Infante." she said.
Joanna nodded.
"What will his name be?" she asked.
Catarina looked at her sister.
"Fernando. After our great-grandfather, Fernando the Catholic." she said.
12 February 1563
Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
The Throne Room
King Luis and Queen Elizabeth sat on their respective Thrones. Today they were bestowing new Titles on members of the Court. They were finally ending their Progress and the very next day they would be departing for Navarre.
Luis smiled at Elizabeth.
"Are you happy to be returning to Pamplona?" he asked.
Elizabeth nodded.
"I am. I miss our children. I know that we have Isabel and Eduardo, but I need my other babies. I am happy that we will be returning to Navarre. I am happy that were able to see most of Spain and the people got to see their King." she said.
Luis smiled.
"They also got to see their beautiful Queen." he said.
Elizabeth blushed and discreetly touched his hand.
"Let us greet the courtiers." she said.
Luis nodded and stood up with Elizabeth and they began to greet several people. Many people loved their King and Queen. It was very different from when the late Emperor Charles V was King. He had to split his time between Spain and his vast Empire. However King Luis and Queen Elizabeth were always available, even if they were in Navarre.
Lord Diego Mendoza, Duke of the infantado and his wife, Princess Giovanna, walked up and bowed to them.
"Your Majesties, we humbly thank you for bestowing on our young son such an honor. We are thoroughly surprised." Diego said.
Luis smiled. Their seven year old son, Lord Alfonso de Mendoza, had just been made Duke of Osuna and he was going to be a companion to Infante Eduardo.
"Your family has been loyal to the Crown for centuries. The Queen also says that since he is the son of a Princess, he definitely deserves his own title." he said.
Diego looked at Elizabeth.
"Thank you so much, Your Majesty." he said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"You are so welcome." she said.
Suddenly, Elizabeth felt a bit dizzy and grabbed Luis by the arm.
He looked at her with concern.
"Elizabeth?" he said.
Before she could say anything, she fell into his arms.
"Oh no, you're seeing a physician right now." he said.
Lord Diego nodded.
"I will find the physician right away, Your Majesty." he said.
Princess Giovanna looked at King Luis.
"I will help the Queen, Your Majesty." she said.
Luis nodded.
"Let us get her to Chambers." he said.
Elizabeth nodded.
"I need to lie down." she said.
Queen Elizabeth of Spain's Bedchamber
Elizabeth took a deep breath. She had been examined by her personal physician. Her dizzy spell had subsided and now she was pacing in her Chambers.
The door opened and Luis walked in.
"Sweetheart, you should be in bed. You nearly fainted at the Banquet." he said.
Elizabeth sighed.
"I know. I feel a bit better. However, we need to cancel the plans to travel back to Navarre." she said.
Luis looked at her, confused.
"Why? So much has been arranged and you were just saying how much you miss the children." he said.
Elizabeth nodded.
"I know. However, in my condition I just do not feel comfortable traveling again." she said.
Luis looked at Elizabeth.
"Condition?" he asked.
Elizabeth nodded.
"I am with child again." she said.
Luis broke into a smile and hugged Elizabeth close.
"Oh, this is wonderful news. I am so happy." he said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"I am due to give birth in September. However, I am not traveling to Navarre right now. The last time I put duty before our family, I lost our poor baby girl. I refuse to let that happen again." she said.
Luis looked at his wife of thirteen years. He knew that the miscarriage they endured seven months ago still weighed heavily on her. Thankfully, they were able to conceive again.
He kissed her.
"I will inform the Council in Navarre about your pregnancy and the delay our return and we will set up Court here." he said.
Elizabeth smiled and kissed and hugged her husband.
"Thank you so much." she said.
27 February 1563
Caserta Palace, Naples, Italy
Princess Lucrezia's Bedchambers
Princess Lucrezia was reading over her father's papers and making sure everything was being done efficiently. Ever since her mother, Queen Adriana's, untimely death in November, her father had been in seclusion and shut away. Due to her elfee brother's unpredictable rages and mental state, she became her father's unofficial secretary and even sat in for him during council meetings.
There was a knock at her door and she looked up.
"Come in." she said.
The door opened and Lucrezia's grandmother, Dowager Queen Catalina, walked in.
Lucrezia smiled.
"Grandmother, what a surprise. What brings you to my Chambers?" she asked.
Catalina sighed.
"Your father will not leave his Chambers. He is troubled with grief. He blames himself for your mother's death." she said.
Lucrezia stood up and placed her hands on her swollen stomach.
"He could not have known that it would happen that way. He is not to blame for her death. We all miss her, Grandmother. However, he must return to his duties. He is a King and a father. Rodrigo and Joanna have not seen him since Mother's funeral." she said.
Catalina nodded.
"I will talk to him. How are you doing? His duties must not be simple for you, especially in your condition." she said.
Lucrezia shook her head.
"No. It is not. I will be taking my confinement very soon. Owen helps when he can, but I need Father to return to his duties as soon as he can." she said.
Catalina nodded her head.
"I agree, dear." she said.
Lucrezia handed her grandmother a document.
"A marriage proposal for my sister, Angela, has arrived. It is from France." she said.
Catalina looked shocked.
"For the little Dauphin? He is just a baby and Angela is nearly sixteen years old. It seems ridiculous." she said, taking the document.
Lucrezia walked from around the desk.
"No, it is for Prince Charles. The younger brother of King Francis. He is thirteen, making him three years younger than Angela. It is a good match for her. He is third in line for the Throne." she said.
Catalina nodded her head.
"You are right. This marriage must go through. I am. I detest the French, but I know diplomacy matters. We will talk to your father, but for now you need to eat your supper. I am ordering you as your grandmother." she said, with a smile.
Lucrezia smiled.
"I will eat now, Grandmother." she said.
Catalina nodded and both women made their way to the private Royal dining hall to eat their supper together, but still without their father and son.
1 March 1563
Holyrood Palace, Scotland
"I see no reason why the Queen and our beloved Prince cannot make the journey back to France," the royal physician said to King Francis. "They are both the picture of health."
"Thank you," Francis replied, handing the man a sack of gold coins, then showed the older man out. Upon his return, he smiled at his wife, who sat on their bed holding the prince. "We can make plans to return to France whenever you are ready."
Mary nodded, looking from her husband to their son. "I see no reason to delay it any longer, though I would much prefer that the next time we return it be in the summer months."
Francis laughed. Scottish winters were not unbearable, but they were colder than the weather in France during the same time of year. Although his wife was Scottish born and raised, the years she spent in France as his fiancée and his wife had changed her toleration for the winter weather. "I will make sure to speak to my advisors about that once we return."
"Francis," she said after a few moments, "I know this is a sore spot between us, but there is something we should probably discuss before we return to France."
"What's that darling?"
"The Crown Matrimonial." Mary said, bluntly.
Francis stood and walked to the window. She was right. It was a sore spot. He had wanted it done long before this, so he was King of both France and Scotland, not just a Scottish consort. He felt it was his duty as her husband, as well as Scotland's King, to make decisions when Mary was not able to, like during the confinement following Robert's birth. He spent more time running between her advisors and her confinement chambers than he had liked, and it would have been so much easier to just make the decisions himself. It wasn't as if he was unable to rule, and it made little sense to him why he couldn't do just that.
"What about it?" he asked.
"I want to grant it to you, as Scotland's Queen and your wife," Mary confessed, "but my advisors won't accept it unless I am also made Queen of France. Since we now have a son, were anything to happen to you, I would rule France as his regent until he came of age, so why isn't it possible to bestow the honor on each other as we know our son will rule both nations one day?"
Francis thought for a moment. He didn't know how his advisors would take to the idea of a Queen Regent of France, as women were not permitted to take the throne there under any circumstances. However, Mary did have a point. Now that Robert was born, she would act as regent regardless of her gender, as his mother. As King, he had to believe he had the power to grant her this, especially since their son sealed the fate of both nations eventually being united by the same monarch, and as he was granted his rule by God, he couldn't believe that the world would be against the idea since Mary was also a Catholic Queen.
"If we do this, it will have to be done here, so that once we were back in France, no one could dare go against it," Francis informed her. "You know how Frenchmen are when it comes to the idea of women ruling in their own right."
Mary nodded. She understood men wanting to be ruled by men instead of women, regardless of what she believed to be right in the eyes of God. "We could plan the ceremony for next Saturday, then sail back to France the week after."
Francis came back and sat on the side of the bed. He reached out and tickled his son's foot while thinking. "Do you think that your advisors can craft the document by then?"
Mary nodded. "I have no doubt that they could but translating them into French would prove difficult."
Francis looked at her for a moment. "That shouldn't be a problem." Mary stared at him blankly. "Between you and I, translating the documents should be easy enough. We both had to do this many times as children, yes?"
Mary nodded, smiling at her husband. "Then I see no reason not to proceed with it."
Francis agreed. They sent for Mary's advisors and her secretary. When the men arrived and the royal couple explained what they wanted to do, the gentlemen were quick to offer their support or objections, but in the end, Mary won, as Queen, and the documents were being prepared as ordered. Mary knew that it would not be easy to get the Scottish people to accept a French King as their sovereign, but she had no doubts that those loyal to the crown would support her and her husband in their efforts to make Robert's transition a smooth one when the time came. This was just the first step to making sure no blood was spilled when her son's time on the throne was imminent.
Later that night, as they lay in bed, Francis held Mary in his arms and smiled. "I know this will not be easy, but I truly believe it's the right thing to do, sweetheart. Robert should know France and Scotland as life-long allies, not the polite hostilities that have come between our nations in the past few years."
Mary agreed with his reasoning, but it didn't stop her worry as a mother, a wife, or a Queen. She knew that there would be objections to the Crown Matrimonial, but she had to do what she felt was right for her nation and her son.
7 March 1563
Holyrood Palace, Scotland
Mary, Queen of Scots, sat on her throne along side her husband, Francis, now King of Scotland in his own right. Hours earlier, she had signed the document making sure that her husband could rule her nation should anything happen to her, and that Scotland would pass into the hands of the Valois family. At the same time, Francis had also signed the Crown Matrimonial, allowing Mary and her descendants to rule France should he meet an untimely end. Now that they had a son, each knew that the ultimate goal would be for Prince Robert to inherit the thrones of both nations eventually. It was a risk, since the young Prince was an infant, but Francis and Mary both felt confident that their son would survive and become a great King.
The celebrations for the event were well underway, despite several of Mary's nobles being opposed to the idea. Many in Scotland feared losing their nation and their culture to the French, and the fear was not entirely unfounded. However, as nobles, they were obligated to support their Queen and to believe that she was doing what was best for Scotland in the long run, and it did ease tensions that Francis had also bestowed the honor on their Queen at the same time, showing the couple's commitment to one another.
It was a rare thing that a political marriage became one where actual love was involved. In most cases, royal couples grew to respect and care for one another, but love was rare. It was obvious that Francis and Mary were one of those rare cases, but there were still doubts when it came to Scotland's freedom. The only noble who had been vocal enough to express his concerns was her cousin, Lord James Stewart, Duke of Albany, and many knew that it was only because of his position.
Lord James, being the son of the late Prince Arthur, had been third in line for the throne of Scotland if something happened to the Queen and the young Prince. With Francis becoming King in his own right, he could pass the crown to one of his brothers if he survived the Queen and their son. James didn't like the uncertainty of the situation or losing his position in the succession. He voiced his opinions in chambers but kept quiet after that. Even he knew better than to interrupt the party.
Mary watched happily as her courtiers danced. She knew that Francis would always do right by her people because he loved her deeply. She kept a watchful eye on her cousin, Lord James, though, knowing that he opposed what had happened. He was talking with two other young noblemen near one of the refreshment tables. She wondered what they were saying, but her thoughts were interrupted by her Lady-in-waiting, Mary Flemming.
"Yes Mary?" the young Queen acknowledged as her lady curtsied.
"Majesty, I know you are set to sail to France next week, but I would like permission to stay here in Scotland even after I've been churched," she said. "My husband feels more at home here, and this is where we want to raise our children." She put her hand on her swollen stomach.
Queen Mary looked at the young women sympathetically. She nodded in understanding of the woman's situation, and although she would hate not having her in France, a wife's duty was to her husband and family, especially when she was a Duchess.
"Of course," the Queen replied graciously. "I will miss you dearly, but I cannot keep you from your own family. Go with my blessing."
Mary curtsied and offered her thanks before returning to her husband. This was her last social function before her confinement began. She wanted to make the most of it, even if she could not join in the dancing.
Queen Mary looked at her husband sitting on the throne next to her. Francis smiled at her, impressed by what she had done. "I know her loss will be a great sacrifice for you, sweetheart," he said.
Mary nodded. "I will find another lady in France once we arrive," she assured him. "I'm sure that there are countless noble women there who can help with my tasks."
Hours later, the festivities concluded without incident from the nobles, and the King and Queen of Scotland and France made their way to their bedchambers. Francis and Mary discussed the voyage back to France, then peacefully fell asleep in each other's arms.
15 March 1563
Scotland
Mary, Queen of Scots and France, and her husband, Francis I, sat in the carriage discussing the voyage they were about to make. It would be a long trip, especially with their infant son, Prince Robert, but neither of them could wait to see their other home after spending so much time in Scotland. They both knew that they would face challenges upon their return since bestowing the Crown Matrimonial upon each other, but they were ready to meet those challenges head on for the sake of the son and their marriage. Mary looked at her husband, who was lost in thought, and smiled.
She couldn't have been more grateful that she was married to this wonderful man, who tried with all that was in him to make life better for the subjects of both their nations. Mary had been the ruling Queen of Scotland since she was an infant, and Francis had come to the throne after the untimely death of his father, shortly after their marriage. She had spent her childhood betrothed to the Prince of Wales, who she had never met in person and had died six months prior to their wedding. Against, all odds, her mother had managed to contract with the French for her to marry the young Dauphin, who had seen one betrothal after another broken for various reasons. Mary knew that God had a hand in their being together, but she didn't know why and probably never would. She just knew that she had to be one of the most fortunate women in the world to have someone like Francis at her side.
Francis caught his wife's smile and returned it. "What's on your mind?" he asked.
"Just how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful person," Mary said, shyly.
Francis nodded and took her hand in his, kissing it gently. "I think I'm the lucky one," he replied.
Just then, one of the guards knocked on the carriage door, telling them it was time to board the ship. Francis stepped out of the carriage first, then turned and helped his wife. A rider approached them swiftly, handing Francis a message from the palace. Mary looked at him questioningly.
Francis looked at her then back to the message. "Apparently one of our spies believes he's located my sister, Joan," he told her. Mary covered her mouth with her hand in surprise. "He says he will be waiting for us when we disembark in France with further news." Mary nodded. Princess Joan had been taken several years ago, and until now, news of her whereabouts was limited. She knew what this would mean to her husband.
"Did he say where she might be?" Mary asked.
Francis nodded. "At the palace in Istanbul," he responded, looking sullen. "She's allegedly under the care of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire."
"Francis! No!" Mary exclaimed.
He took a step away from her, then another back in her direction. "They are Muslim, Mary," he said, looking anxious. "Who knows what she's been exposed to there. Who knows what she's been taught?"
Mary nodded. "The only thing I know about the Ottoman's is that they are ruthless when it comes to conquests." Mary paused for a moment. "Wait, I may have someone who can help." She left his side and went over to one of the guard captains, then returned. Francis looked at her curiously but didn't speak. Finally, a man approached wearing the uniform of one of Mary's palace guards. He bowed to his King and Queen.
"Francis, allow me to introduce Sir John MacLeland," Mary said. "Sir John, my husband has just received word that his sister, the Princess Joan, is possibly under the care of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. We still need to confirm this information, so I order you to keep this to yourself for the time being, but we need to know what the conditions of her confinement there might have been like." Sir John nodded. "I understand that you spent time in Istanbul in the palace several years ago." He nodded again. "What can you tell us?"
"Majesty," the older man began, "the Sultan is a man of honor as far as men go. He treats all of his people well, including the servants. From what I understand of their culture, they are under orders from their god to do this. Captured children from raids and wars usually become servants in the palace or to one of the higher-ranking nobles, but sometimes they are made what we call wards in order to replace a child that was taken from a couple. If the Sultan knew she was royal born, she would have been raised in the palace itself, thus far, and treated as a princess of the empire, regardless of her family, if they even know who she really is, and she would have been raised by the women in the Sultan's harem."
"So, you believe that no harm would have come to her?" Francis asked.
Sir John shook his head. "I doubt it Sire."
"What about the beliefs she would have been raised with? Would they have taught her to believe in their faith or ours?" Francis questioned.
"More than likely, if they knew she was Catholic, they would have found a priest to instruct her in the religion of her homeland," Sir John replied. "If they didn't know, then she would have been taught Islam. Either way, she will have a belief in a higher power, and Islam is not entirely different from the Catholic faith, but that is a long lesson for another time, Majesties, as I believe your ship is ready to make sail."
Mary nodded. "Sir John, what are your circumstances here in Scotland? Are you married? Would it be possible for you to accompany us to France and tell us more about this faith on the voyage there?"
Sir John thought for a moment, then nodded. "I can if you can give me a moment to write a message to my wife explaining what happened," he said. "Our eldest two sons are of age to handle the things needed doing in my absence."
"Of course," Mary answered. She nodded to Mary Beaton, one of her ladies, who produced paper and a quill moments later. While Sir John wrote to his family, Mary Beaton and two guards were sent to the local tailor's, which was across from the pier, to purchase clothing for the man, then returned with the items. Once the message was written, a rider was dispatched, and everyone was sent on board.
Mary looked at Francis. "We will find her, my love," she reassured him. "If this information is anywhere close to accurate, we can send an envoy to Turkey and reason with the Sultan to return Joan to us."
Francis smiled at his wife. Her confidence gave him hope, and with any luck, his sister would be home within the year. He offered Mary his arm, which she took, and together the King and Queen of Scotland and France made their way to the ship, both of them thinking about the future of their nations and their family.
1 April 1563
Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
The Royal Gardens
The air was nice and cool. The previous night's rainstorm had brought about a nice, cool morning. The ladies of Queen Elizabeth of Spain's household were all outside enjoying the morning.
Queen Elizabeth sighed and smiled
"What a beautiful morning. The air feels just right." she said.
Princess Giovanna nodded.
"I agree, Your Majesty. However, my husband has told me that we should enjoy this while it lasts. The summer heat will make it unbearable some days." she said.
Elizabeth smiled and rested her hand on her small swollen stomach.
"I am not looking forward to being big with child during the summer. However, I will bear the pain. I just want this child to be healthy." she said.
Sancha nodded her head.
"We are doing everything we can to make sure if that, Your Majesty." she said.
Lady Jeanne, the Duchess of Lautrec and the former Princess of Navarre, smiled at Elizabeth..
"The Lord will bless you with a healthy child, Your Majesty. I am sure about it." she said.
Elizabeth grabbed Jeanne's hand.
"Thank you for your kind words, Lady Jeanne. I know you will be blessed with a healthy child as well." she said.
Jeanne placed her hand on her stomach. She was expecting her fourth child with her husband, Lord Alex Dumane, a dear friend of King Luis and a trusted advisor of Queen Elizabeth.
"I thank you for your well wishes, Your Majesty." she said.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder and dark skies began to gather in the sky
Elizabeth looked up.
"Ladies, let us return inside. It looks like we are in for a very big storm." she said.
Suddenly, Lady Jeanne groaned and grabbed her stomach.
"Your Majesty, my time has come. I was told that it would be several weeks." she said, worriedly.
Elizabeth looked at her ladies.
"Help Lady Jeanne to her Chambers immediately." she ordered.
The ladies wrapped their arms around Jeanne and began to help her walk to her prepared Chambers.
Several Hours Later...
Queen Elizabeth sat in her Privy Chambers, overlooking her papers. She was also anxiously on news on Lady Jeanne's birth. It had been several hours. Elizabeth also was thinking about the fact that her own birth was approaching in just five months.
Lady Sancha walked in.
Elizabeth stood up.
"Has the child been delivered?" she asked.
Sancha shook her head.
"No, the birth is nearing its end." she said.
Elizabeth sighed.
"I hope that she is delivered swiftly." she said.
Sancha smiled.
"She will be, Your Majesty." she said.
Elizabeth sighed and stood up and walked to her window and watched the storm that still raged outside.
"It stormed just like this when I lost my daughter. I do not wish that for Lady Jeanne." she said.
Before Sancha could say anything, Princess Giovanna walked in, smiling.
"It is a boy, Your Majesty! Lady Jeanne has been delivered of her third son. She and Lord Alex have decided to name their son Louis, after our King." she said.
Elizabeth smiled and made the sign of the Cross.
"Thank you, Lord. They deserve all the happiness in the world. Tell Lady Jeanne that he will have a beautiful christening in three day's time." she said.
Princess Giovanna smiled and left the room.
17 April 1563
France
"I just don't see why you felt the need to grant Mary that power, Francis," Catherine de Medici said, somewhat agitated at her eldest son. "It makes sense that she would give you the status of King of Scotland, not just as its consort, since Prince Robert will one day rule over both nations, but France has never had a ruling Queen."
"Times change, Mother," Francis replied, not looking away from the documents that were in front of him. In his time away from France, his mother had handled most of the day-to-day issues that arose, but there were some situations that the King needed to address upon his return. "We must change with them, or we will be left behind."
Catherine just shook her head. "But why now?" she asked. "You are such a young King. Many of the nobles don't respect your rule yet. Do you honestly think that they will just accept this?"
Francis stopped what he was doing. "Mother, the nobles have no choice but to accept it. It is a legal, binding document. The Pope himself sanctioned it, both ways, in light of the fact that Mary and I have a son that will eventually inherit both crowns."
"Children die, Francis," Catherine reminded him, thinking of her son, Louis. "It is a sad thing when it happens, but it is a fact."
Francis recalled Mary's miscarriage with a sharp pain in his heart. He was well aware that children died for various reasons. He had lost a brother due to an illness, and Mary's older brothers had both died young, though the reason was unknown. Neither of them were strangers to the fact that children didn't always survive. Their own first child met with a tragic end when she fell down the stairs from the shock of his father's death. They both spent her pregnancy with Robert on edge, despite being happy about being parents, due to that unfortunate event, and when the young prince was safely delivered, they were both overjoyed. "I am well aware," he responded, "but Mary and I are both young still. If Robert's fate is to be with God in heaven, then there will be others, I have no doubt." He went back to the papers he was reading but was again interrupted by a knock at his door.
"Enter," the King of France commanded.
The doors swung open. Mary came into his study, bringing with her a man that Francis did not recognize, but her presence brought a smile to his face. Catherine stood and curtsied to her daughter-in-law before sitting back in the chair across from her son.
"Mary," Francis said, "who is this?" He gestured to the man that accompanied his wife.
"Your Majesty, may I present Lord Guillaume Picquet, Comte du la Motte," Mary introduced her companion. "Prior to his marriage, he spent time in Turkey and has some information concerning the situation we discussed on the voyage home."
"Situation?" Catherine asked, looking from Francis to Mary and back to her son.
"Yes, Mother," Francis replied. "While in Scotland, we were given some information regarding the kidnapping of my sister and where she might be."
Catherine was all ears. It had been so long since Joan went missing and any information was welcome in the eyes of the Queen Mother of France.
"Comte, please tell us what you know," Francis said, gesturing to another chair for the man to sit.
"Majesty," the Count said, bowing, then sitting, "if your beloved sister is in the hands of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, then chances are she has come to no harm, so to speak, at least not physically. The Sultan, regardless of his religious beliefs, would never harm a child of any nationality. If he is aware of who she is, then she would indeed have been treated with the utmost respect. The women of his harem would have raised her along side the Sultan's own daughters and granddaughters of the heir, and the Princess would be educated as a royal child in Turkey would."
Francis smiled at this news. The idea of his sister being raised by those of a different faith concerned him, but at least, if the news could be trusted, she was physically safe from harm. "How do you know this?"
"I spent time in the palace in Turkey during a tour of the continent," the Count informed him. "I saw how the Sultan treated those in his immediate care, and although the Empire is vast, and he cannot ensure the safety of everyone personally, those lodged in his homes were treated as members of his family, even the servants that worked there."
Catherine covered her mouth with her hands at the news that her daughter might be safe, if she was actually in Turkey. "Why wouldn't he contact us concerning her whereabouts if he is a man of honor as you claim?"
Picquet shook his head. "I have no idea, Queen Mother," he said, honestly. "It is possible that he knows she is of royal birth but has not been able to determine which royal family she belongs to. It is also possible that he has tried to contact you, but his attempts have failed for one reason or another."
Francis thought about the older man's words. "In your opinion, what should we do, Lord Picquet?"
The man did not speak immediately. "I would send a message to Turkey with all haste, requesting to know if Princess Joan is in their care, describing the circumstances so they know whether or not it is possible that any child brought to them around the time of her disappearance could be her. I would also send a portrait of Princess Victoria to the Sultan, as the twins were identical, and ask whether or not he has seen a child of similar age with similar looks."
Francis nodded. "Thank you for the information and your council, Lord Picquet. Would you be willing to act as a messenger to Turkey for us?"
"It would be an honor, your Majesty," the man said, standing and bowing to his King.
"Please, make what ever arrangements you need for your family and prepare to leave at first light," Francis instructed. "We will have the portrait ready for you, as well as our regards for the Sultan."
The man nodded, then left the room. Francis smiled at Mary, then his mother. "Mary has been making inquiries about Joan since we received the news, Mother. Something she would not have been able to do without the authority that the Crown Matrimonial allowed."
Catherine nodded, the tears flowing silently down her cheek. She looked at her daughter-in-law, gratefully. "Thank you, my dear," she said sincerely.
"Anything I can do to help, Catherine," Mary replied, then she smiled at her husband and also left the room so he and his mother could continue their conversation in private.
"Mother, in case this wasn't clear before, I will make it so now," Francis began. "I love and trust my wife. She will not do anything that would put France in jeopardy, but we ARE co-rulers of this nation and of Scotland. We are equals. That is something that both you AND the nobles of France will have to accept not only because of the Crown Matrimonial, but also because I am King, and these are my wishes for my nation and its future. Do we understand each other?"
Catherine looked at her son with a new understanding. He was King. He was King of both France and Scotland, and in the time he and Mary had been away, he had grown as a father, a husband, a King, but more importantly as a man. She wouldn't dare cross that again.
26 April 1563
Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
The Gardens
King Luis smiled, as he led his pregnant wife and Queen to a special surprise that he had prepared for her. Due to their duties and the fact that Elizabeth had decided to remain in Granada, due to her pregnancy, she had to run her realms via her Council and she held meetings every Monday and every Friday, the couple sometimes did not see each other except at meal times.
Queen Elizabeth sighed.
"Luis, where are we going? You told me to keep my eyes closed, but I am scared that I will hurt myself." she said.
Luis chuckled.
"You are not going to hurt yourself. I am guiding you." he said.
Elizabeth stayed quiet and continued to follow her husband.
Finally, Luis stopped her.
"Open your beautiful green eyes." he said.
Elizabeth opened her eyes and was surprised to see a beautiful small table set up with delicious looking food.
Elizabeth looked around and saw the Palace was a small distance away and there were guards nearby, but she and Luis were still somewhat alone.
Luis walked over and wrapped his arms around her.
"I wanted to have this for us. I wanted to remind you of how it was when we were just the Prince and Princess of Asturias. You were carrying our Isabel and we were just in love. I wanted to remind you that I love you." he said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"I love you too, my sweet husband." she said.
They both sat down and proceeded to eat their meal. Luis enjoyed a goblet of wine and roasted swan, while Elizabeth enjoyed a roasted chicken and fresh vegetables and drink of fresh water from the fountains in the Alhambra.
Luis laughed at his wife.
"Why do you not drink some wine with me, sweetheart?" he asked.
Elizabeth shook her head.
"You know that I do not like wine that much. I had to drink it too much in England. Now, I just love to drink water. she said.
Luis shrugged and held her hand.
"Do you remember when we first met, just days before our wedding?" he asked.
Elizabeth smiled.
"How can I forget? You wanted to spend so much time together." she said.
Luis smiled.
"We are better together than apart. I am happy we are at peace with France. I do not want to be separate from you." he said.
Elizabeth held unshed tears in her eyes. She had been born when her parents marriage was based more on respect than passionate love. Now that she was in her thirteenth year of marriage, she was so thankful that her husband still not only respected her, but loved and desired her above all others.
Suddenly, she felt a slight fluttering in her belly and she smiled and let the tears fall. She hadn't felt this feeling in awhile and it reassured her.
She squeezed Luis on his hand.
"The baby has quickened. I am so happy. I know it will survive. I just know it." she said.
Luis nodded his head and kissed her hand.
"I know, mi amor." he said.
With that, they shared a deep passionate kiss. In these moments, they were just Luis and Elizabeth, two people who were in love and they cherished it.
10 May 1563
St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia, Cyprus
The Gardens
"Phoebe, I do not like it myself, however Father arranged your marriage right before his death." King Janius said.
He turned and looked at his fifteen year old younger sister, Princess Phoebe. She was a beautiful young girl with light brown hair, hazel eyes and a curvy figure.
She sighed.
*Brother, Saxony is so far from home. I would like to still be close to you and our family." she said.
Janius sighed.
"I know, but I cannot go against Father's will. He already arranged marriages for you, Anne and Amadea before he died. You know a King's will is law." he said.
Phoebe nodded.
"I am sorry for complaining, Brother. I am just nervous." she said.
Janius smiled.
"Do not apologize, dear sister. I know marriage is frightening. I was terrified when I married Christina. I love her so much. I do not know much about Philip, Duke of Dresden, however I do not know that he is exactly your age. I cannot promise love for you, but I would try to open your heart and at the very least you can build a good relationship with him." she said.
Phoebe smiled and hugged Janius.
"I hope that you are right, Brother." she said.
Before the siblings could continue, the door opened and their mother, Rebecca, the Queen Mother, walked in.
Phoebe smiled and hugged her mother.
"It is wonderful to see you, Mother." she said.
Dowager Queen Rebecca smiled.
"It is wonderful to see you, darling. Janius, I hope I am not interrupting something important." she said.
Janius shook his head.
"No, Mother. How can I help you?" he asked.
Rebecca cleared her throat.
"Queen Christina has given birth to another son." she said, happily.
Janius and Phoebe both smiled.
"Why was I not told when her pains of childbirth started?" Janius demanded.
Rebecca sighed.
"You need to respect the rules of confinement that are in place. The birthing chamber is no place for a man." she gently said.
Janius, trying to hide his anger and frustration, took a deep breath.
"Just tell me how they are." he said.
The Queen Mother nodded.
"The birth was short and quicker than usual. They both are healthy and the boy is much stronger than poor little Yiorgos was at his birth." she said.
Janius sighed at the mention of his and Christina's second son, who had died three years earlier.
"I want free wine and meat and bread to be given to the people and I want the priests in every Church to thank the Lord for blessing us with our healthy son. His baptism will take place in three days time and he is to be named Raul, after my dear brother, who is a miracle himself. Phoebe, will you be my son's godmother?" he asked.
Phoebe smiled and teared up.
"I would be honored, Brother." she said.
Janius smiled and hugged her. He was thankful for everything that was happy and he was going to share his blessings with the people.
21 May 1563
Sweden
Queen Matilda of Sweden was sleeping peacefully in her chambers when she awoke with a start. Sitting upright in her bed, she let her eyes adjust to the darkness that surrounded her. There was someone in the room with her and it wasn't one of her ladies. She clutched the covers up around her to shield herself from the person's view.
"Who's there?" she whispered after several moments. Her husband, Eric, stepped into her view, and she relaxed a bit. Eric only visited her at night when he wanted her, but usually it was not this late.
"I came to see you," he said. "I wanted to talk."
"Talk?" she asked. He never wanted to talk to her. During the time they were together, Eric only ever yelled, accused, or berated her, unless he wanted another legitimate child.
"Don't act so surprised," he chastised her. "There is more to me than fathering your children."
Matilda stared at him, bewildered. This change in his attitude was not normal. "What do you want to talk about?" she inquired, still somewhat suspicious of his motivations.
"This is not easy for me to admit," he began, "but I want to apologize to you for some of my behaviors. I know that I have not been an easy man to be married to, and I know that I am not the ideal father to our children, but I shouldn't have treated you the way I have over the years." He paused briefly. "I don't know what comes over me sometimes. It's like I am living with three different people inside of my head. The first, the ruler, wants complete control over everything around him, and he demands utter perfection from everyone. Then there's this boyish person that wants to be carefree and have a lot of fun all the time. Then there's me, who watches the other two and is ashamed of what they are doing."
Matilda looked confused. Three people inside of his head. Was her husband insane?
"I don't know how to keep the real Eric in the forefront of the other two," he told her, sitting on the edge of her bed.
She thought for a bit before responding. "You know, when I was a little girl, my grandmother, Queen Katherine, told me about my grandfather's cousin who was once King of England. He was Henry VI, and they say that he was prone to odd behavior at times."
Eric looked at his wife. "I'm not sure what that has to do with what I just told you."
"Don't you see?" Matilda asked softly, hoping not to enrage him. "Henry VI of England was a descendant of the Plantagenet Kings, as was your mother. It's possible that your. . . issues. . . are part of your heritage, and therefore not something you have control over."
Eric thought about what she said. "Do you think our children will suffer because of that like I do?"
Matilda reached out for his hand. "I don't know. I hope not, but only God knows if they are meant to have those issues or not. As their parents, we can only hope for the best."
Eric nodded, then stood up. "I wish I knew how to be the type of husband that you deserve. I honestly do. However, in truth, I don't even know if I will remember this conversation come morning," he said, looking at her with tears in his eyes. "Just know that no matter what I say to you or about you, I do respect you and everything you put up with from me."
Matilda nodded, unsure what to make of the conversation they just had.
Eric walked towards the door to her rooms, turned back once more, then left without another word. Matilda sat in her bed wondering what their life might have been like if the one he referred to as the real Eric was the only personality present in his mind. Finally, she went back to sleep dreaming of a different life.
28 May 1563
Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
The Bridal Chambers
Isabella, Dowager Marquessa of Moya smiled. Today, her sixteen year old daughter, Lady Catalina de Cabrera, was getting married to Lord Jaime LaTorre, Duke of Terranova. The marriage had been arranged by Queen Elizabeth herself, after convincing King Luis to not send her to Cleves.
Isabella smiled, as Catalina's attendants dressed her.
"You are so beautiful. I wish your father was here to see you." she said.
Catalina smiled.
"I do too, Mother. I am happy that I do not have to leave Spain." she said.
Isabella nodded.
"The Queen was kind enough to arrange your marriage to Lord Jaime. He is a nice young man and has wealth. I just hope that you have a happier life than your sister." she said.
Catalina sighed.
"I understand that Maria is widowed and lost her child. However, how she is conducting herself I can not respect her. I love her. She is my only sister, but I will not behave in such a way." she said.
Isabella stood up.
"She is your sister. Please do not talk about her in such a way." she said.
Catalina looked at her mother.
"Mother, I do not want to talk about Maria. Not on my wedding day." she said.
Isabella signed and smiled.
"As you wish, sweetheart. You look very beautiful." she said.
A voice behind them said:
"She sure does."
Isabella and Catalina turned around and found themselves face to face with Queen Elizabeth of Spain.
Catalina and her attendants bowed, but Elizabeth hugged her niece.
"You look wonderful." She said.
Catalina smiled at her.
"Thank you, Aunt Elizabeth." she said.
Isabella cleared her throat.
"Your Majesty." she said, correcting her daughter.
Elizabeth stared at her eldest sister.
"No, she said it right the first time." she said.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Catalina looked at the door.
"Come in." she said.
The door opened and Lord Fernando de Cabrera, Marquess de Moya, Catalina's eighteen year old older brother walked in. He noticed Elizabeth and bowed, but she waved her hand.
Fernando cleared his throat.
" The ceremony is starting, Catalina. Do you still want me to escort you down the aisle?" he asked.
Catalina smiled.
"Of course." she said.
Fernando smiled and held his arm out and Catalina linked arms and they both walked out of the room. Isabella looked at her youngest sister.
"How are you?" she asked.
Elizabeth placed her hand on her swollen stomach. She was five months gone with child for the eighth time.
"The illness has stopped and I am feeling so much better. I feel better than I did last time." she said.
Isabella smiled.
"Good. Should we go to the Chapel?" she asked.
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Yes, we should." she said.
The two sisters departed for the wedding ceremony in the Chapel to see Catalina marry Lord Jaime.
2 June 1563
St. James's Palace, London, England
Queen Lillian of England's Bedchamber
Queen Lillian, Princess Elisabeth and Lady Mary Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk were playing cards and enjoying a quiet afternoon.
Lady Mary looked at Queen Lillian.
"Are you well, Your Majesty?" she asked
Queen Lillian rested her hand on her large belly. She was expecting another child and was due in just three months. She and King Harry were a little surprised that she had managed to conceive so soon after the birth of Prince Charles, who was now a healthy one year old. Her daughter, five year old Princess Mary, was traveling at Court and she would depart for her household at Hatfield in the autumn.
"I am well, Lady Mary. This child is very active." she said.
Princess Elisabeth smiled.
"It is good that you have little Mary." she said.
Queen Lillian took her hand.
"You miss little Lizzie?" she asked.
Princess Elisabeth nodded her head.
"I do. I try my best not to complain, but I miss my daughter. I always wonder how she is doing and if she is being well cared for." she said.
Lady Mary looked at the eighteen year old Princess.
"You were not told that your children would not be raised with you?" she asked.
Elisabeth nodded her head.
"I was, however it is strange to me. I was raised with my parents. There were times we would leave Court, but it was never long and usually my Mother was with us." she said.
Queen Lillian nodded her head.
"Everything will be well. You should see Lizzie more often." she said.
Elisabeth nodded.
"I want to. Worrying about her has made me ill recently. I fainted this morning, because I was very dizzy." she said.
Queen Lillian looked at her stepdaughter in-law, in concern.
"You should not be fainting like that. Lady Mary, please summon my physician. I want him to examine the Princess." she said.
Lady Mary stood, curtsied and left the room.
Elisabeth looked at Queen Lillian.
"I do not need that, Your Majesty. I am sure it is just stress." she said.
Queen Lillian nodded.
"We will see what the physician says." she said, not changing her mind.
Elisabeth sighed.
The physician was washing his hands after examining the young Princess of Wales. He was one of the few doctors in England who knew female health.
Princess Elisabeth sat up.
"Doctor, I am certain that everything is well with me. My young daughter is in the country and I am just sad that I can not see her too often and it makes me a little ill." she said.
The physician nodded.
"Yes, you have mentioned that. Do you have any other discomfort, Your Highness?" he asked.
Elisabeth sat up a bit more.
"The smell of meat makes me want to become ill. I never experienced that before in my life. I love roasted meat." she said.
The physician wrote it down and he also took a needle and took the tall glass bottle that was filled with Elizabeth's urine and dropped the needle into the liquid.
"How are your courses, Your Highness?" he asked.
Elisabeth stood up.
"I have not bled since the first week of March. However, I assumed it would be from my illness." she said.
The physician chuckled.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. However, you are only eighteen years old and you become ill and you never once suspected that you may be with child once more?" he asked.
Elisabeth looked at him.
"I guess I was so concerned with Princess Lizzie I did not consider it. Are you saying I am with child once more?" she asked.
The physician nodded.
"I prefer to wait until your urine reacts with the needle, but with symptoms you are showing and the absence of your monthly courses, I would definitely say that you are indeed with child and you will be brought to childbed in December." he said.
Elisabeth smiled and tried not to cry. She did not think that she would be having second child so soon after her daughter's birth. She was going to be a mother once more.
Queen Lillian walked in. The physician bowed and Elisabeth curtsied.
"How is my daughter-in-law?" she asked.
Princess Elisabeth smiled.
"I am with child, Your Majesty." she said, with pride in her voice.
Queen Lillian smiled and walked up to hug her stepson's wife.
"This is the most wonderful news. We will have to tell Harry and Edward when they are out of their meeting." she said.
Elisabeth nodded her head. She and Edward were growing their family and although she knew that Edward would not mind another daughter, she was going to pray to the Lord that she give birth to a healthy son and heir for her beloved Edward and all of England.
17 June 1563
Sintra Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Infanta Joanna, Princess of Eboli's Bedchamber
Infanta Joanna smiled, as she read her favorite book. The Portuguese had relocated to Sintra Palace for the summer, as they did every year. She was not keen on the journey, but thankfully it was over just in time, since she was due to give birth to her second child soon.
The door opened and Queen Catarina walked in the door and smiled at her younger sister.
"Have you settled in nicely?" she asked.
Joanna nodded her head.
"Yes. How is everything in Court?" she asked.
Catarina sighed.
"There are whispers that Maria is trying to sway our uncle and his family to her cause. Uncle Duarte has assured me that he and his family are loyal to me." she said.
Joanna nodded.
"That should be a relief, should it not?" she asked.
Catarina nodded.
"It is. However, that girl is really burning my blood." she said.
Joanna took her sister's hand.
"Are you still having Juan visit her bed?" she asked.
Catalina shook her head.
"Now that Fernando has been born, he refuses to get close to her that way again. I can not say that I am disappointed. However, she does try to get close to him." she said.
Joanna shook her head.
"Our brother, God rest his soul, must be turning over in his grave. I can not believe that she is conducting herself this way. We are supposed to be a family." she said.
Catarina rolled her eyes.
"Family means nothing to her." she said.
Joanna winced and grabbed her stomach.
"I need my midwife, Catarina." she said.
Catarina nodded and ordered a nearby maid to fetch a midwife, as another maid helped Joanna to her bed.
Joanna smiled, as her second child was placed into her arms. The birth had been long, but uneventful.
Catarina smiled.
"She is beautiful, Joanna." she said.
Joanna smiled.
"She is an angel. I am nervous about what Manuel will say. This is our second daughter." she said.
Catarina shook her head.
"He will not have problem. Little Beatriz is your current heiress and she will inherit in the absence of a son." she said.
Joanna smiled.
"I just want Manuel to also be happy with me as well." she said.
"I shall always be happy with you." a voice said.
Both sisters looked at the door and Joanna's husband, Lord Manuel, Prince of Eboli, was standing there, smiling greatly.
Catarina smiled.
"I shall leave you two alone." she said.
Catarina walked by Manuel. He bowed deeply and walked to Joanna's beside.
"Our daughter is so beautiful and healthy. That is all I can ask for. She is a true rose." he said.
Joanna smiled.
"Rosalia." she said.
Manuel looked at his wife.
"What?" he asked.
Joanna looked at her baby girl.
"With your permission, I would love to call her Rosalia." she said.
Manuel kissed Joanna on her lips and looked at his daughter.
"It is perfect." he said.
25 June 1563
Turkey
Princess Joan of France had spent the past five years of her life in Turkey. She barely remembered her original home or family, but she knew there was a girl her age that looked like her there. She did remember the face of a loving woman who had cared for her greatly, but she couldn't remember if the woman was her mother or someone who just took care of her. Turkey had been her home for so long, she wasn't certain that she remembered France at all, but she would soon be reacquainted with it and the people who were her family according to the Sultan.
The day before, she had been summoned to his presence. He had received a letter from her older brother, Francis, who was now the King of France, confirming that the girl was indeed his sister, the Princess Joan, who had been kidnapped from their palace many years ago. Along with the letter was a portrait of a young girl about her age, who this Francis called Princess Victoria. Victoria was apparently Joan's twin sister, and the Sultan said that her brother claimed that they looked a lot alike when they were younger. Joan knew that they still looked alike, and it was obvious to anyone who saw the portrait and knew the situation that it was indeed her twin.
The Sultan told Joan that they would make the journey to France in October, and she would be reunited with her family finally. Joan was not certain she wanted to be taken so far away from the only home she really knew or the people she had come to think of as her family. The idea unnerved the young princess more than it should have, and she had decided to take a walk to think about what was to come.
The gardens at the palace in Turkey were beautiful and comforting to her. She sat beside one of the fountains, moving her hand back and forth in the water, thinking about her trip to France. Her mind was racing with questions about her family, but she was scared to leave. The seven-year-old was lost in her thoughts when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Murad, the grandson of the Sultan, standing there behind her with a concerned look on his face. She was tense about their meeting at first. It wasn't customary for a young man to see the women of the palace without a chaperone, but when she saw his mother nearby, she relaxed some.
"My grandfather told me about your return to France," he said. "As I will be away with the guards when you leave, I wanted to wish you the best with your family."
Joan nodded at him. He was a lot older than she was, but he was a kind person, and she was glad he took the time to speak to her. "Thank you," she responded softly.
"What troubles you Princess?" he asked.
Joan shook her head at first. She didn't want to upset anyone, but then she started crying. He waited patiently for her to calm down. "I don't want to leave Turkey," she confided in him. "I don't remember France or my family there. What if they are different?"
Murad smiled. "Of course, they will be different," he replied. "They are not us and we are not them. But different doesn't always mean bad."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"They may wear clothing that is not what you are used to here," he began, "but their differences in clothing doesn't mean that they will hurt you on purpose. Do you understand?"
Joan thought about his words and nodded.
"I think what you are trying to say is that you are scared they will not care for you as we do here because you do not understand their ways," he informed her. "They are your family, though, and according to my grandfather, they have been looking for you for many years, since the day you were taken from them."
Joan nodded again. The Sultan told her the same thing.
"People who don't love their family would not have spent that much time to find someone who was lost," Murad pointed out.
Joan considered what he said, then nodded again. "Thank you, Murad," she responded. "You've helped me more than you will know. I will return to France and meet my family with less fear than before."
"Glad to be of service, Princess," Murad said, bowing to her. "I must go now. Enjoy your walk."
Joan nodded, smiled, and turned back to the fountain as the young man left to rejoin his mother. She knew that no matter what happened in France, she had a friend in the young prince in Turkey. She began thinking of her French family in a different way. Instead of fearing them, she wondered what her twin sister was like and if they had any of the same interests, despite not having grown up together. She also wondered what her brother, Francis, the French King was like. Would he be harsh, or would he be kind like the Sultan? Then she realized that for her brother to be King, her father must have died. That was the way it worked in Turkey, at least. She wondered what happened to him and if he ever thought about her. She decided to return to the palace and request a meeting with the Sultan to see if he knew any more about her family. If he had time to talk to her about it, perhaps something he knew might ease more of her fears and she would finally be able to look forward to this new part of her life.
A/N Thank you so much everyone. I hope that your New Year is going well. I hope you all love the new Chapter. Please Read and Review! Chapter 66 is partially done already!
In Loving Memory of:
Betty White
(1922-2021)
Thank You for Being a Friend