Chapter 71
Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are keeping warm and safe in 2023. I am back and will be picking everything back up as normal. I just wanted to let you all know that i did edit the last Chapter when it comes to one specific Character. I also decided to just use Queen Elizabeth's birth name and the original spelling. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter Seventy-One!
15 January 1566
Madrid, Castile, Spain
Townhome of Lord Jaime de las Torres, Duke of Terra Nova
"Mother, thank you so much for staying with me again. How are my brothers?" Lady Catalina asked.
Isabella, Dowager Marquessa de Moya, smiled.
"Enrique is doing well with his studies. I can not believe that he is fourteen years old. How are you, my dear?" she asked.
Lady Catalina stood up, revealing her large belly. She was currently expecting her second child with her husband. Their first child, Lady Isabel, was only a year old and was thriving.
"I am better, now that I have been through this already. I really want to give Jaime a boy." the nineteen year old said.
Isabella sighed and caressed her daughter's hand.
"You will. However, you know that Jaime adores little Isabel." she said.
Lady Catalina nodded and smiled.
"I know he does, but I know every man wants a son and heir." she said.
Isabella nodded.
"You will give him one. You have many years to do so. I was much older when I finally had your brother, Fernando, and I thank the Lord daily for him." she said.
Lady Catalina sighed.
"You experienced so much loss, Mother. I sometimes look at little Isabel and worry I will lose her." she said.
Isabella shook her head.
"No. God will preserve her. She is a healthy baby and this child will be healthy. I know the Lord took many of my children, but I will have many grandchildren. I am sure of that." she said.
Lady Catalina smiled.
"Will you return to Fernando after the birth? Maybe go to Court?" she asked.
Isabella sighed.
"Court is no place for me. I will stay at your brother's estate. He is also expecting a child." she said.
Lady Catalina nodded.
"I heard. How is it wife? Do you know her well?" she asked.
Isabella shook her head.
"No. Her mother was my first cousin, Lady Catherine Brandon. I do not know her daughters, as I had left England when they were children." she said
Lady Catalina sighed.
"My brother writes me that he is not happy." she said.
Isabella sighed. Her eldest son and his wife, Lady Mary Grey, weren't the best match, but she was with child and she was excited about another grandchild.
Suddenly, Lady Catalina winced and grabbed her belly.
"Mother, help me to bed please. My time has come." she said.
Isabella helped her daughter to her bed and sent one of her maids to fetch a midwife.
Catalina's scream echoed through the home. Isabella held a wet cloth to her daughter's sweaty forehead. The labor had gone on for seven hours now and Catalina was becoming exhausted.
"Darling, you are nearly there. The progression is good. Bear down." Isabella said.
Catalina sighed and continued to push, everytime she had a contraction.
The midwife looked up from between Catalina's legs.
"You are doing well, Mi Señora. Keep pushing." she said.
Catalina cried out, as she began to push, feeling a fire sensation tear through her body.
The midwife nodded.
"The head is coming, Señora. Keep going." she said.
Catalina pushed with everything she had left. Finally, she felt her child slide from her body and the child let out a very loud cry. The midwife cut the umbilical cord and carried the child to the water basin to clean it. Lady Catalina's ladies retrieved the placenta when it was delivered and began to collect the bloody linen and bathe Lady Catalina and place her in her clean bed and fresh nightgown.
Isabella smiled at her daughter.
"You did wonderful, darling. A second healthy child." she said.
The midwife carried the whimpering child over to Catalina, wearing a big smile on her face.
"It is a boy, Mi Señora. A healthy strong boy." she said.
Lady Catalina smiled and tool her newborn son in her arms and held him close to her gently.
"Thank the Lord. Oh, thank you." she said.
Isabella smiled with pride.
"My first grandson." she said.
Lady Catalina nodded.
"His father will be proud of him. Our little Enrique." she said.
Isabella smiled.
"Enrique will be loved by his whole family. Especially by his grandmother. Let me take him and you need to sleep. Two births in twelve months can take a toll on your body." she said, taking little Enrique
Lady Catalina simply nodded and fell into a deep peaceful sleep, as Isabella cooed and kissed her grandson. She knew this was the beginning of the a beautiful legacy. She had a grandson. She lost so many children and finally she was gaining more grandchildren and she felt that her misfortune was waning.
22 January 1566
Aljaferia Palace, Zaragoza, Spain
King Luis of Spain's Privy Chamber
King Luis sighed, as he looked over the documents the Cortes of Aragon wanted him to review. Despite the fact that Castile and Aragon were under one monarch, they still had their own customs and laws. Aragon was usually troublesome to Luis, but he kept his temper most of the time.
Suddenly, his page walked in and bowed.
"Excuse me, Majestad. You have a very important visitor." he said.
King Luis glared at the younger man.
"I told you I was not to be disturbed." he said.
Suddenly, Queen Elizabeth stepped in the room. She was wearing traveling coat and a hat.
"Not even for me?" she asked.
King Luis smiled and stood and hugged his wife.
"Why did you not tell me you were coming? I could have arranged for you to have a grand reception." he asked.
Queen Elizabeth shook her head.
"No, I wanted to surprise you. I am also bringing another surprise." she said, as she rested her hand on her slightly swollen midsection.
King Luis looked at his wife, in almost disbelief.
"You are with child?" he asked.
Queen Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Yes. You left me with this blessing before you came to Aragon." she said.
King Luis sighed, in concern.
"Elizabeth, you just gave birth. Please make sure you are being careful." he said.
Queen Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Of course, my love. How are the Cortes coming along?" she said.
King Luis glared.
"They are infuriating. They are constantly saying that I do not handle Aragonese affairs and I put Castile first." he said.
Queen Elizabeth sighed.
"I think we should set up a Viceroy Council for Aragon. We have been avoiding it for a few years. We will have to go through the Aragonese Nobles to see who we could trust in our absence." she said.
King Luis nodded his head.
"I agree with you. However, we will be in Aragon until you give birth to our child. We have plenty of time to call the Cortes and set up a Viceroy." he said
Queen Elizabeth nodded her head.
"That is true. I have missed you so much." she said.
King Luis smiled and kissed her passionately.
"I have missed you more. I will have the Queen's Chambers prepared for you, however you will be sleeping with me for awhile." he said.
Queen Elizabeth smiled and caressed her husband's face.
"I will not object, Your Majesty." she said.
31 January 1566
Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden
Queen Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber
"Astrid, your Russian is amazing, according to your tutor. I am very proud of you." Queen Matilda said, with a smile.
Fourteen year old Princess Astrid smiled. She was a very lovely young lady. Her hair was a bright red and her skin clear and blemish free.
"Thank you, Mother. I am happy that you are pleased." she said.
Queen Matilda smiled.
"You are a source of pride to your father and I." she said.
Princess Astrid sighed at the mention of her father.
"Mother, can I leave for Russia soon?" she asked.
Queen Matilda looked at her eldest daughter.
"Sweetheart, you will not be departing for Moscow until you are seventeen. I do not want to think about you leaving us just yet." she said.
Princess Astrid shook her head.
"May God forgive me, but I do not want to be close to him. He scares me." she said.
Queen Matilda sighed.
"I know. He is your father, however. You must respect him. He is also the King." she said.
Princess Astrid nodded her head.
"Excuse me, mother. I will hold my feelings about father." she said.
Queen Matilda smiled.
"Publicly, yes. However, I am your mother. You may always confide in me." she said.
Princess Astrid hugged Queen Matilda.
"Thank you so much, mother." she said.
There was a knock at Queen Matilda's door.
"Come in." the Queen said.
The door opened and the French Ambassador walked in and bowed.
Queen Matilda looked at her daughter.
"Leave me for now, sweetheart. I have some things to do." she said.
Princess Astrid bowed and left her mother.
Queen Matilda looked at the French Ambassador.
"Monsieur." she said.
The French ambassador bowed and kissed Queen Matilda's hand.
Your Majesty, I can tell you in secret that King Francis is interested in a marriage of your son and his sister, Princess Margaret." he said.
Queen Matilda sighed.
"Excellent. I want Johan to marry a Catholic Princess. I've heard good things about your Princess." she said.
The French Ambassador nodded.
"What about the King? Will he object?" he asked.
Queen Matilda sighed.
"Let me worry about him." she said.
10 February 1566
Hampton Court, London, England
King Henry IX of England's Privy Chamber
King Henry was looking over important documents. He was in a robe and drinking his goblet of wine. He sighed, as he looked over everything in front of him.
The door to his Bedchamber opened and Queen Lillian walked over to him. She was wearing a robe and placed her hands on her husband's exhausted shoulders.
"You should come to bed, sweetheart." she said.
King Harry nodded and smiled.
"I will darling, I am just looking over the final plans for our children's marriages. Our Mary will marry Lord Thomas Howard when she turns eighteen years old. I want her to be fully ready to bear children before entering into the marriage bed." he said.
Queen Lillian smiled.
"Have you told Matilda about your Succession plans?" she asked.
King Harry shook his head.
"No. I do not know how to tell my daughter that her entire line will be barred from inheriting. I do not want her to hate me." he said.
Queen Lillian sighed.
"Matilda is an intelligent woman. You are Defender of the Faith, just like your father. I am sure she will understand. However, I do have a better idea, if you are willing to hear me." she said.
King Harry nodded.
"Of course, darling." he said.
Queen Lillian sat next to her husband.
"Do not exclude any of her descendants that will be Catholic. I know that you have five living children with the late Queen Anne and we have four children together and you have several grandchildren. However, I have seen Providence be unkind to Kings. Do not exclude any descendants who follow our faith." she said.
King Harry nodded his head, hearing the wisdom in his wife's words. He did have three surviving sons, the youngest one being four years old and several grandchildren. However, he knew that he could not predict what would happen after he was gone.
"I will follow your advice, darling. You are very wise." he said.
Queen Lillian kissed her husband.
"Please come to bed. I am cold." she said.
King Harry smirked and blew out the candle, and followed his wife into his Bedchamber, both dropping their robes as the door closed behind them.
18 February 1566
Sintra Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
The Ballroom
Queen Catarina and her husband, King Juan, sat around and smiled at the festivities. Today was her mother, Mary, the Queen Mother's, fiftieth birthday and Queen Catarina had decided to throw her a large banquet.
The Queen Mother was wearing a silver and white gown, trimmed with ermine fur and wearing a diamond necklace. It had been four years since the death of her husband, yet the Queen Mother managed to find joy again in her three daughters and her eight grandchildren.
King Juan leaned over to his wife.
"Your mother seems very happy." he said.
Queen Catarina nodded her head.
"Yes, I want her happy. I know it has been a hard four years for her. I am happy to see her smile again." she said.
King Juan nodded.
"She has not been at Court in awhile. I hope that changes. She is loved." he said.
Queen Catarina sighed.
"I always tell her that. However, I think she prefers her country estate with my sister, Isabel." she said.
Infanta Joanna, Princess of Eboli, walked up.
"Mother is really happy. I am honestly surprised she even came to Court." she said.
Queen Catarina nodded.
"I had to request her presence." she said.
Infanta Joanna smiled and gave a small laugh.
"I figured that was the case." she said.
Queen Catarina stood up and walked over to her mother.
"Happy birthday, Mother." she said, with a smile.
Dowager Queen Mary smiled.
"Thank you so much, dear. I have not been so happy in so long." she said.
Queen Catarina smiled.
"Will you honor us with your presence at Court more often?" she asked.
Dowager Queen Mary nodded her head.
"Yes, I know your father would want me to be happy again. However, I ask that I bd allowed to travel and leave Portugal." she said.
Queen Catarina looked at her mother.
"Of course. Where are you trying to go?" she asked.
Dowager Queen Mary smiled.
"England. I know you are seeking am alliance with my brother. I can help with that." she said.
Queen Catarina was shocked, but nodded.
"Of course, Mother. I trust you with that. Are you sure you can handle it?" she asked.
Dowager Queen Mary nodded.
"Trust me. I will not fail Portugal ever." she said.
25 February 1566
St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia, Cyprus
Queen Christina of Cyprus' Bedchamber
"Toula, please throw another log on the fire." Queen Christina of Cyprus said to one of her maids.
Lady Toula nodded her head.
"Yes, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Christina winced and grabbed her swollen belly, as she walked over to the fireplace to warm herself. She was due to give birth to her fourth child any day now.
Another lady, Lady Piccarda, walked over to her Queen and covered her shoulders with a shawl.
"Keep warm, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Christina smiled.
"Thank you, Piccarda." she said.
There was a knock at the door and Queen Christina looked up.
"Come in." she said.
The door opened and Dowager Queen Rebecca walked in. The older woman bowed to her daughter-in-law.
"Your Majesty, are you well?" she asked.
Queen Christina nodded her head.
"Yes, I am well. How are things in the Court?" she asked.
The Queen Mother cleared her throat.
"I do not want to trouble you. However, everyone is talking about your homeland and the outbursts of your brother's heir." she said.
Queen Christina sighed.
"I feel sorry for my brother. My mother has written to me about everything happening in Naples." she said.
Dowager Queen Rebecca nodded her head.
"You are supported here at Court. No one has whispered about the children." she said.
Queen Christina sighed, in relief and tested her hand in her swollen stomach.
"I worry about their prospects in the future. My nephew mad, however our children are perfectly natural." she said.
Dowager Queen Rebecca shook her head.
"My grandchildren will have grand marriages. Your nephew has nothing to do with them. Everything will be well, with God's help." she said.
Queen Christina opened her mouth to speak, but she winced and grabbed her stomach and began to breath hard.
"Oh, my time has come." she said.
Dowager Queen Rebecca instantly stood up and looked at Queen Christina's household
"The Queen is in labor. You all know what to do. Lady Piccarda, help me with the Queen." she said.
The two women helped the twenty-seven year old Queen to her bed.
Several hours later...
Queen Christina smiled, as she was dressed in a new gown and her dark auburn hair was brushed, as she heard her newborn child crying loudly.
Lady Piccarda smiled.
"You did wonderful, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Christina smiled and looked over at the water basin.
"I want my baby." she said, weakly.
The midwife swaddled the baby and brought the bundle over to Queen Christina.
"It is a girl, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Christina smiled, as she took her newborn daughter and held her close to her.
"Is she healthy?" she asked, without looking away from her second daughter.
The midwife nodded her head.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Princess has no deformities or illness." she said.
Queen Christina smiled.
"Thank God." she said.
The door opened and King Janius II of Cyprus walked in and smiled at his wife of ten years.
"I was out hunting, sweetheart. I am so sorry that I was not here for you." he said.
Queen Christina smiled and kissed her husband.
"I am not mad, my love." she said.
King Janius smiled and looked at his newborn.
"Let me say hello to our daughter." he said, taking the baby from his wife.
He kisses his newborn daughter and gently bounces her. He looks back at his Queen Christina.
"I want to name her Christina, after her beautiful mother." he said.
Queen Christina smiled and developed tears in her brown eyes.
"Thank you, sweetheart. Thank you so much." she said.
9 March 1566
Caserta Palace, Naples, Kingdom of Naples
Eleanora of Portugal, Queen of Naples' Bedchamber
Queen Eleanora was enjoying her embroidery and looking out the window. It was nearly spring, but the weather was cold and rainy. She was due to give birth to her first child with her husband, King Alfonso of Naples, in just two months.
One of her constant companions was her stepdaughter, Princess Lucrezia, who also expecting another child with her husband, Prince Owen, Duke of Buckingham , but she was due in six months.
Princess Lucrezia smiled at her younger stepmother.
"How are you feeling, my Lady Stepmother?" she asked.
Queen Eleanora sighed.
"I feel uncomfortable, however I am worried about your father. The Council is blocking his Succession plans and the rebellion last month to help free Prince Giovanni." he said.
Princess Lucrezia nodded.
"They are fools. My brother is clearly unfit to rule. My younger brother is already sixteen years old and he is in a foreign Court to be safe. What do they think will happen?" she asked.
Queen Eleanora placed her hand on her swollen stomach.
"I hope that Prince Alfonso will return home soon. I know your father misses him greatly." she said.
Princess Lucrezia took the young Queen's hand.
"He will come home. However, we should think about his potential marriage and talk to father." she said.
Queen Eleanora nodded her head.
"What do you think?" she asked.
Princess Lucrezia smiled.
"Whenever he writes, he constantly writes about the Infanta Isabel of Spain. They seem to have grown close as friends." she said.
Queen Eleanora looked at her stepdaughter.
"You think we should have an alliance between us and Spain?" she asked.
Princess Lucrezia nodded.
"Absolutely. Especially if he loves her. I do not want another marriage like Giovanni and Eleanor." she said.
Queen Eleanora nodded.
"That is true. I feel sorry for that poor girl." she said.
The door opened and the Dowager Queen of Naples, Catalina. The fifty-nine year old bowed to her daughter-in-law.
"Your Majesty, are you well?" she asked.
Queen Eleanora nodded her head.
"I am. Thank you for showing care, Lady Mother." she said.
Dowager Queen Catalina smiled.
"I have someone here that deserves that title more." she said.
Queen Eleanora looked at her mother-in-law, in confusion.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Dowager Queen Catalina cleared her throat and stepped outside, as the door was opened and an older woman, dressed in magnificent traveling clothes and possessing auburn hair that was graying.
Queen Eleanora had tears develop in her eyes.
"Mother!" she said.
The older woman, Infanta Joanna of Portugal, Dowager Duchess of Trancoso and Dowager Countess of Miranda do Corvo, smiled and nodded her head.
"Yes, my sweet girl. I decided that you need me here. The King has allowed me to reside here in Naples with you." she said.
Queen Eleanora stood up and hugged her mother. Princess Lucrezia smiled and walked over to her grandmother, the Dowager Queen and they left the young Queen alone with her mother.
18 March 1566
Château de Fontainebleau, Paris, France
Queen Mary of Scotland and France's Privy Chambers
Queen Mary sighed, as she read a letter from her uncle Joseph in Scotland. He was on the Regency Council and she was going to have to make an important decision soon.
Her ladies-in-waiting were reading or sewing, as she did her governing work for Scotland. Queen Mary's household grew and she now had twenty-five ladies-in-waiting, after it was insisted most of her ladies be French.
One of her ladies, Lady Isabeau Touchet, walked over and bowed.
"Your Majesty, is there any way I can speak to you privately?" she asked.
Queen Mary nodded her head.
"Of course. Let us step into my Bedchamber." she said.
Queen Mary and the young woman walked into the Bedchamber. Queen Mary looked at Lady Isabeau.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked.
Lady Isabeau nodded her head.
"Your Majesty, you instructed us to inform you of any bad behavior within your household." she said.
Queen Mary nodded her head.
"That is correct." she said.
Lady Isabeau sighed.
"One of your ladies is having an affair with the Duke of Orleans." she said.
Queen Mary looked at the lady, in shock. Prince Charles, Duke of Orleans was her husband, King Francis', sixteen year old younger brother.
"Who is the woman?" she asked.
Lady Isabeau sighed.
"I am sorry, Your Majesty. His mistress is my sister, Lady Marie Touchet. She's one of your maids-of-honor." she said.
Queen Mary glared. The seventeen year old young lady was one of her least attendants.
"Do not worry. I will handle it. Would you summon the Queen Mother?" she asked.
Lady Isabeau nodded and left the room.
Several moments later, Dowager Queen Catherine de Medici walked in and bowed to Queen Mary.
"You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?" she asked.
Queen Mary nodded her head.
"Yes. Are you aware that Charles is bedding a woman in my household?" she asked.
Dowager Queen Catherine nodded her head.
"Yes. It is no concern. He is growing into a man and that is what men do." she said.
Queen Mary shook her head.
"Not all men do that and he certainly will not do it in my household. We are at war with Naples and the last thing we need is for Charles to start producing an army of bastards." she said.
Dowager Queen Catherine sighed.
"What can we do? He appreciates what the girl does." she said.
Queen Mary smiled.
"I think the best thing to do is to settle Charles down and put an end to this war." she said.
Dowager Queen Catherine looked at her daughter-in-law.
"How so?" she asked.
Queen Mary cleared her throat.
"i think Charles should marry Princess Maria of Naples." she said.
Dowager Queen Catherine shook her head.
"I am not willing to agree with that. She's five years older than my son and she was tied to that scandal." she said.
Queen Mary sighed, but then looked up.
"How about Princess Angela, her younger sister? She's only three years older than Charles and I have heard positive things about her." she said.
Dowager Queen Catherine thought about the match. She knew that she wanted one of her children to have a marriage from the Italian Peninsula. Princess Angela was also of Royal birth and it could potentially end the conflict between France and Naples.
"I agree. We should talk to my son, the King." she said.
Queen Mary nodded.
"I will do that, do not worry." she said, confidently.
25 March 1566
Pitti Palace, Florence, Tuscany
Cosimo I de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany Privy Chambers
Cosimo sighed, as he read a letter from one of his ambassadors to Spain. He has received news that King Luis and Queen Elizabeth has rejected the marriage betrothal between his son, Prince Giovanni and their daughter, Infanta Bianca. He really wanted a high-born Lady or even a Princess for his youngest son.
The door opened and his wife, Rosaria of Portugal, Grand Duchess of Tuscany , walked in and put her hands on her husband's shoulders.
"Darling, I wish you would rest more. You look so pale and tired." she said.
Cosimo sighed.
"I am sorry, my love. I am just a little upset that Spain turned the proposal down." he said.
Rosaria sighed.
"I am not surprised. It seems that they want to be the grandparents of all of Christendom. It is a good strategy. They do have a large family. I have heard that Queen Elizabeth is expecting another child this summer." she said.
Cosimo nodded his head.
"She is, according to our ambassador. I do want to inform you that our ambassador in France have written to me that the Duke of Guise. He has agreed to the marriage between him and our Maria." he said.
Rosaria sighed and nodded.
"I still feel that he is too old for her." she asked.
Cosimo nodded. Their daughter Maria was only sixteen years old and Francis, Duke of Guise was forty-seven years old and already had four surviving children, two of whom were six and four years older than her respectively and the third was the exact same age as her. The youngest was only five years old, however Maria was too young to be a mother to a child that could be her sister.
"Maria's fertility is a factor. His late wife was a princess of Scotland and she bore eight children, however they lost half of them. His son is married with two children, however Francis wants more sons as he has one son and one young grandson." he said.
Rosaria nodded.
"I trust your judgement. When will she depart for France?" she asked her.
Cosimo smiled.
"We have her until November. The proxy marriage will take place in August and Maria then can be addressed as the Duchess of Guise and Lorraine." he said.
Rosaria smiled.
"I am happy she does not have to leave us so soon. I am sure Lord Francis will care for her." she said.
Cosimo kissed her hand.
"I promise I would never do anything to endanger our daughter. She will be a wealthy and well-connected Duchess and will be in the French Court." he said.
Rosaria nodded her head.
"I trust you, sweetheart." she said.
12 April 1566
Aljaferia Palace, Zaragoza, Spain
Queen Elizabeth of Spain's Private Chapel
Queen Elizabeth was on her knees, clutching her rosary and was deep in her daily prayers, with her ladies-in-waiting. All of her ladies were deep in their devotions as well. The chapel was quiet, aside from the whispers of the ladies, as they prayed in Latin.
Suddenly, a slight giggle was heard. Queen Elizabeth and her ladies all turned and realized it was Lady Anais de Mendoza. The young lady instantly knew everyone was looking at her and her cheeks turned red from embarrassment.
Queen Elizabeth turned back towards the altar, made the Sign of the Cross and began to stand up. Princess Giovanna, Duchess of the Infantado rushed to help her stand, as the Queen was currently seven months gone with child.
"Lady Anais, I would like to speak to you." Queen Elizabeth said.
Queen Elizabeth smiled at her ladies to retire to her Privy Chamber, but she held Princess Giovanna and Lady Sancha, who was also with child again, back.
She walked towards the young lady and smiled.
"I do not remember prayer bringing you such joy, Lady Anais. What has you glowing like the summer sun?" she asked.
Lady Anais smiled again.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I was thinking about a letter that Lord Luca Davila sent me." she said.
Lady Sancha smiled.
"That is not surprising. They have grown quite close over the last year. He is seen here quite often, Your Majesty." she said.
Princess Giovanna looked at her youngest stepdaughter, disapprovingly.
"Anais, you should not be thinking about that boy, while we are in devotion... "
Queen Elizabeth held her hand up.
"Giovanna, do not be hard on her. We all have been young and in love once." she said.
Princess Giovanna smiled and nodded.
"They are deeply in love, Your Majesty. He even asked my husband for Anais' hand in marriage." she said.
Queen Elizabeth looked at her young lady.
"Is that so?" she asked.
Lady Anais nodded her head.
"We would not make a decision without your permission, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Elizabeth looked at Lady Anais, with a smile. The seventeen year old was a beautiful young lady with fair skin, brown hair and blue eyes and was nearly the spitting image of her late mother, Infanta Maria of Austria.
Queen Elizabeth chuckled.
"I assume this is your way of asking?" she said.
Lady Anais shyly nodded her head.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We really love each other." she said.
Queen Elizabeth took Lady Anais by the hand.
"Of course I give my permission. However, you two must wait one year. I believe he should turn seventeen years old And we will be in Madrid by next year and your wedding can be celebrated at Court." she said.
Lady Anais smiled and curtsied.
"Thank you so much, Your Majesty!" she said excitedly.
Princess Giovanna smiled and kissed her stepdaughter.
"I am happy for you, darling. I will talk to your father at supper tonight." she said.
Lady Anais smiled and nodded. She has fallen in love with Lord Luca Davila, when he had saved Queen Elizabeth and her ladies-in-waiting from the Huguenots. She was excited to be able to have him for the rest of her life.
18 April 1566
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk, England
Lady Margaret Marlowe, Countess of Stafford's Bedchamber
Lady Margaret Marlowe was working on her embroidery. The thirty-eight year old wealthy Countess was content in the countryside with her five children and her loving husband, Lord John Marlowe, Earl of Stafford. She was also currently expecting her sixth child, much to her surprise. She actually laughed when she discovered she was with child, as she was told not to expect to carry another child.
Lady Margaret's oldest daughter, thirteen year year old Lady Mary Marlowe, sighed.
Lady Margaret looked at her daughter.
"Is something wrong, Mary?" she asked.
Lady Mary looked at her mother.
"I just hope that father will let me attend Court. I am scared that I will not be married. You were at Court younger than I am." she said.
Lady Margaret nodded.
"That is true. However, you know that I have never been fond of Court and your father grew up with modest means. We wanted to raise our family in the country. We only attend Court if my cousin, the King, requires it" she said.
Lady Mary sighed.
"It would be wonderful to be in service to the Queen. Do you think she would take me on as a lady-in-waiting?" she asked.
Lady Margaret smiled and nodded.
"I am sure she will. However, you will remain at home until you are sixteen. It is your father's wishes." she said.
Suddenly, Lord John Marlowe walked in and smiled.
"Your mother is right. We love our family life here. You will be sent to Court when the time is right." he said.
Lady Margaret grabbed her stomach and began to breath hard.
"John, my time has come. Mary, go to your room." she said.
Mary nodded, as Lady Margaret's ladies helped her to bed and Lord John went to summon the midwife.
Later that night...
A loud piercing filled Lady Margaret's Bedchamber. The crying infant was carried over to the water basin to be washed and swaddled.
Lady Margaret was out of breath and was being washed and praised by her ladies. Her red hair was darkened with sweat, as her labor had been over twelve hours.
The midwife walked over with the swaddled baby and smiled at Lady Margaret, as she handed the infant over.
"It is a girl, Your Grace." she said.
Lady Margaret took her newborn daughter and kissed her.
"Hello, little darling." she said.
The baby girl opened her eyes a little to look at her mother, before closing them again and cooing.
Lord John walked in and smiled at his wife.
"Oh, she is beautiful." he said.
Lady Margaret nodded.
"She is so calm and I am happy about that." she said.
Lord John chuckled and took the baby from his wife.
Lady Margaret looked at her husband.
"What is funny?" she asked.
Lord John looked at her.
"Do you remember the story in the Bible of Abraham and Sarah?" he asked.
Lady Margaret nodded her head.
"Of course I do." she said.
Lord John smirked.
"Since you laughed when we were told that you were with child, just like Sarah did, I believe we should name her Sarah." he said.
Lady Margaret looked at her newborn daughter and smiled.
"I think it is perfect for our little Sarah." she said.
29 April 1566
Archbishop's Palace, Naples, Kingdom of Naples
Princess Eleanora, Duchess of Calabria's Bedchamber
Princess Eleanor sighed, as she paced in her Chambers at the Palace of the Archbishop. She has been in the care of the Archbishop, due to her husband's erratic behavior. Her request for an annulment of her marriage had been denied, but she did ask humbly to live apart from Prince Giovanni.
Suddenly, the door opened and Maria Carafa, the new Archbishop of Naples, walked in.
Princess Eleanor curtsied.
"Your Eminence." she said.
Archbishop Carafa bowed to the Princess.
"Your Highness, I was just checking to see if your accommodations were suitable." he said.
Princess Eleanor nodded.
"Yes, thank you. I have not been this content in a long time. Is my daughter asleep?" she asked.
He nodded.
"Yes and will be cared for by my personal servants. I shall leave you to rest." he said.
Princess Eleanor nodded, as the Archbishop left her. She sat down on her bed and took a deep breath.
Suddenly, a door opened and a young man of twenty-five entered her Chambers. He was Lord Lorenzo Carafa, the nephew of the Archbishop.
"Has my uncle gone?" he whispered.
Princess Eleanor nodded and smiled, as she stood to her feet.
"Yes, we are alone." she said.
The young man ran to her and they passionately kissed. They had been involved in a secret relationship for months now and had fallen deeply in love, despite Princess Eleanor still being married.
Lorenzo broke the kiss.
"I have missed you." he said.
Princess Eleanor smiled.
"You just saw me this morning when you left my bed." she said.
Lorenzo smirked.
"That was not an easy decision to make." he said.
Princess Eleanor smiled.
"I know it was not. However, we must be discreet. I wish I was free to marry you. You will find a noble woman soon enough." she said.
Lorenzo caressed her face.
"I only want you. You were given to that monster. I will save you. I will not have any other woman. My uncle is adjusting to his role as Archbishop. He is not concerned about what I doing. My brother is married with an heir. I just want to love you, even if we cannot marry." he said.
Princess Eleanor kissed him and they began to undress and they fell on her bed, giving in to passion under the moonlight that was shining in Princess Eleanor's Bedchamber.
11 May 1566
St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia, Kingdom of Cyprus
King Janius II of Cyprus' Privy Chambers
"Sweetheart, you know I hate these meetings." King Janius said.
Queen Christina smiled and touched her husband on his hand.
"Darling, you are the sovereign. You must do this. It is for Charlotte's future." she said.
King Janius nodded his head, listening to his beloved wife. His youngest sister, Princess Charlotte, was now eleven years old and King Janius was arranging the marriage between her and the Crown Prince of Denmark and Norway.
King Janius smiled. He and Queen Christina had been married now for ten years and now had four surviving children. Despite her five pregnancies, Queen Christina was still a very beautiful woman, with a beautiful figure and her long auburn hair and her kind nature made her very popular with their subjects.
Suddenly, King Janius' page walked in and bowed.
"Your Majesty, the Danish Ambassador, Lord Peder Munk of Estvadgård, has arrived." he said.
King Janius nodded and he and Queen Christina stood to their feet.
Lord Estvadgård bowed to the young twenty-six year old King.
"Your Majesty, I am pleased and humble to be in your presence, as well as your beautiful Queen." he said.
King Janius nodded his head.
"You are most welcome here at Court. I pray that th marriage between my beloved sister and the Crown Prince will start a loving link between our realms." he said.
Lord Estvadgārd smiled.
"My King will be very pleased." he said.
King Janius nodded at his secretary.
The young man opened up the documents:
"King Janius is offering the hand of his sister, the fair and beautiful Princess Charlotte. She is currently eleven years of age. A proxy marriage will take place when the Princess is fifteen years old and then she will depart for Denmark upon her sixteenth birthday and her dowry will be one hundred thousand pounds, as well as jewels and plate. The Princess will be allowed to keep a dozen of her Cypriot and Venetian ladies-in-waiting, as well as a dozen of her new ladies from the most noble families of her choosing from the Danish nobles. She will be allowed to keep her Catholic confessor and not be forced to convert her Faith." he said.
Lord Estvadgārd nodded his head.
"The King is favorable to these terms. However, he does want the Princess to arrive when she is fifteen years old, not sixteen years old." he said.
King Janius looked at the Ambassador.
"I want my sister to be fully mature before she is to take on the duties of a wife and future Queen." he said.
Lord Estvadgārd sighed.
"The King is adamant about the Princess being there soon. The Princess would be in the care of Dowager Queen Maria of Naples for one year." she said.
King Janius nodded his head and took a hold of Queen Christina's hand.
"Very well. The terms are accepted. My sister will be the Queen of Denmark and Norway." he said.
16 May 1566
Caserta Palace, Naples, Kingdom of Naples
Queen Eleanora of Naples' Bedchamber
"Mother, I do not understand how you did this so many times." Queen Eleanora said, as she rise from her chair. She was due to give birth soon to her first child and her husband's ninth child.
Infanta Joanna, Dowager Duchess of Trancoso and Countess of Miranda do Corvo, chuckled.
"It is our duty, my darling. You are also a Queen and it is your duty to bear the King heirs" she said.
Queen Eleanora sighed.
"I hope that this child will not be like Giovanni. His behavior has caused my husband great grief." she said.
Infanta Joanna nodded her head.
"I have only been here for two months and it is damning how your stepson is. Is the Succession really this unstable? Are the nobles really considering having a mad King?" she asked.
Queen Eleanora rested her hand on her swollen stomach.
"Some Nobles believe that it is the will of God and we should accept who will be King." she said.
Infanta Joanna shook her head.
"They are fools who do not deserve their rank." she said.
Queen Eleanora smiled.
"Mother what made you come to Naples? I am happy, however I just want to know." she asked.
Infanta Joanna smiled.
"I feel that you needed me. Your brothers , Rodrigo and Martim, are both favored by your cousin, the Queen of Portugal. Your sisters, Rosaria and Sancha, are doing well in their respective Courts. I wanted to be with you in this hard time." she said.
Queen Eleanora smiled and touched her mother's hand.
"Thank you so much, Mother." she said.
Queen Eleanora made her way to her bed, to prepare for her night, when she felt sharp pains in her lower back and she winced.
Infanta Joanna walked over to her daughter and looked at her, with concern.
"Darling, are you well?" she asked.
Before Queen Eleanora could respond, she was hit with intense pain and fell against her mother, making her ladies-in-waiting spring up, in concern.
Infanta Joanna nodded at her daughter's household.
"The Queen is in labor. You all know what to do." she said sternly.
The ladies went to their duties to prepare for the birth and Infanta Joanna helped her twenty-one year old daughter to her bed to give birth.
Later that night...
"Eleanora, you are doing well. Keep pushing, my darling." Infanta Joanna said.
Queen Eleanora pushed harder. She was sweaty and had a white sheet covering her legs, where a midwife was helping the young Queen bring her first child into the world.
Infanta Joanna wiped sweat from her daughters forehead and grabbed her hand. She looked at the midwife who nodded her head.
"You are almost there. Bear down, darling." she said.
Queen Eleanora cried out and felt a burning sensation and heard a loud piercing cry fill her Bedchamber.
Her mother smiled at her, proudly.
"My sweet girl. You did it. You are a mother." she said, with tears in her eyes.
Queen Eleanora smiled, despite being out of breath.
"My child? I want my baby." she said.
Infanta Joanna walked over to the midwife and took her newborn grandchild and walked over to her daughter.
She smiled and handed the baby to Queen Eleanora.
"It is a boy, darling. A healthy baby boy." she said.
Queen Eleanora smiled and kissed her newborn son.
"Oh, my boy. Your father will be pleased with you." she said.
Infanta Joanna smiled at her youngest daughter and newborn grandson. She was overcome with joy and also a sense of pride, due to this grandchild actually being a Prince.
"I know the King is not here, but did he discuss with you about names in his absence?" she asked.
Queen Eleanora nodded her head.
"Yes. He will be called Carlo." she said.
Infanta touched her grandson's cheek gently.
"It definitely suits him well." she said.
29 May 1566
Cabral Villa, Rio de Janeiro, Colony of Brazil
Lady Maria, Duchess of La Paz's Bedchamber
Lady Maria smiled, as she looked down at her newborn daughter, Lady Gabriela de Cabral. Lady Maria had given birth nearly one year after her arrival and despite initial disappointment, the baby girl was celebrated and Lady Maria was excited to be a mother again.
She smiled at the sleeping infant.
"You are worth everything. I promise I will not let harm come to you. You are loved my sweet girl." she said.
The door opened and her mother-in-law, Lady Carlotta Enriquez de Cabral, walked in and smiled.
"How is my granddaughter?" she asked.
Lady Maria smiled.
"She is thriving. She is such a joy to me." she said.
Lady Carlotta nodded her head.
"She needs a brother." she said bluntly.
Lady Maria cleared her throat.
"I just gave birth." she said.
Lady Carlotta nodded.
"Yes. However, your first child died. You need a son. How often does my son share your bed?" she asked.
Lady Maria blushed.
"It did not take me long to conceive after our wedding." she said.
Lady Carlotta nodded her head.
"Excellent. I believe you two should share a Bedchamber from now on. The more children we have in this family, the better." she said.
Lady Maria looked at her mother-in-law, in surprise.
"You do not share a chamber with your husband. Why must I?" she asked.
Lady Carlotta chuckled.
"My dear, I do love my husband. However, there is no reason for us to share a bed like that any longer." she said.
Lady Maria signed.
"I do know that an heir is needed. However, Pedro has said that Gabriela is enough as well and she would be a Duchess if she had no brothers." she said.
Lady Carlotta sighed.
"A boy is more important. Yes, we have no say in the Lord's plans, however you need to try harder." she said.
Lady Maria nodded her head. She knew better than to argue with her formidable mother-in-law. She just hoped that her next child would be a boy.
13 June 1566
Palace of the Infantado, Madrid, Spain
Lady Sancha de Mendoza, Viscountess of Narbonne's Chambers
"We really should look for a new tutor for the children. I am not satisfied with Enrique's Latin." Lady Sancha Mendoza said to her husband, Lord Carlos.
Lord Carlos nodded his head.
"You are right. Do you have any suggestions?" he said.
Sancha nodded her head.
"The Queen has offered for him to to be educated with Infante Eduardo and your younger brother, Alfonso. They have a wonderful tutor." she said.
Lord Carlos smiled and placed his hand on her swollen stomach.
"How are you feeling? The journey from Aragon was longer than usual." he said.
Sancha smiled. She was due to give birth to their seventh child together in just two months. They had been married now for thirteen years They had six surviving children and only lost a daughter at birth and they had high hopes for their growing family.
"Do not fret. I am well. I will be here for the birth and then I will return to Court before Christmas. I will be fine. However, please take Enrique with you. He is twelve years old and needs to know Court life and to be educated with Infante Eduardo could secure our family in his future reign, may it be many years from now." she said.
Lord Carlos nodded.
"Let us go see our children." he said.
The young couple made their way to the Nursery Chambers of their estate. Lord Carlos' father, Lord Diego de Mendoza, Duke of the Infantado, had a special wing built for the many Mendoza heirs, since Carlos and Sancha chose to keep their family in his ancestral home.
As they made their way to the nursery, they heard the sounds of children and laughter. They slowly opened the door and observed their children.
Their oldest son and heir, Lord Enrique, was now twelve years old and was reading, trying to improve his studies. He was growing into a handsome boy, although he was rather lanky and his brown eyes always gave him a fatigued look.
The oldest daughter, Lady Eleanora, was now ten years old and was extremely intelligent and beautiful for her age. She had light brown hair, blue eyes and clear skin and at her young age she was already fluent in several languages and she was a close companion and friend to the third Royal child, Infanta Juana. She was currently reading to her grandfather, Lord Diego Mendoza, Duke of the Infantado.
Seven year old Lady Catalina was on the floor and was playing with one of the dogs the family owned. She had brown hair and brown eyes and had an infectious smile. Her primary education had begun and there was a rumor her marriage would be with the Holy Roman Empire. She
Six year old Lord Diego was the second son and was named for his grandfather. He was an active and kind child. He was near and dear to his mother's heart and also adored his step grandmother, Princess Giovanna, Duchess of the Infantado. He also possessed the lighter hair of the Portuguese Royal Family.
Finally, little four year old Lady Beatriz was playing with her dolls. She was the second youngest child of Carlos and Sancha. Shs had brown curly hair and was a happy child
Lord Carlos smiled and opened the door wider. Everyone looked up and the children began to talk to their parents.
Lord Carlos held his hand up.
"Quiet, now. Do not excite your mother." he said.
One of the governesses walked over to the cradle , where the infant Lord Carlos, nicknamed Carlito, was sleeping. She touched the infant. She looked down at him, in shocked.
She cleared her throat.
"Children, please leave your parents. They have important things to do." she said.
The five children left the room and Lady Sancha looked at the older woman, in anger.
"How dare you... "
The Governess let tears fall down her face.
"My Lady, it is the baby." she said.
Lady Sancha looked at her and pushed past her and slowly walked to her infant son's cradle. She touched her baby son and found him stiff.
Sancha had tears develop in her eyes.
"NO! WHY DID NO ONE CHECK MY BOY! HE IS DEAD! MY BOY IS DEAD!" she screamed.
Lord Carlos ran forward and caught Sancha, as she fell to her knees and began to sob. Carlos also had tears fall from his eyes and the couple continued to grieve, not noticing Lord Diego order the servants to cover the infant's lifeless body.
20 June 1566
Richmond Palace, London, England
The Queen's Closet
"Annie, you are so beautiful." Lady Mary Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk said to her younger sister.
Lady Anne Tudor smiled. The eighteen year old was getting married today to Lord Francis Talbot, the eldest son and heir of Lord George Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury and Waterford. The marriage was a great success for the young girl and after her marriage, she would become a maid of honor to Queen Lillian and would be known as Lady Talbot, due to the fact that her father-in-law was still alive.
"Thank you for helping me get ready. Do you or Lottie have any advice? You two have been married for a long time." she said shyly.
Lady Charlotte Howard, Duchess of Arundel smirked.
"Well, your husband is nice looking, so expect tonight to be without sleep." she said.
Lady Mary looked at her older sister, in disgust.
"Lottie, be serious. This is our sister and she is going to be a wife. We should prepare her for a lifetime, not just one night." she said.
Lady Charlotte shrugged and continued to dress Anne.
Lady Mary smiled at her younger sister.
"Lord Francis is a good man and comes from a good family. He seems to genuinely care for you and you know father would not betroth you to a horrible man. You are very lovely and you will be a good wife and, in God's time, a loving mother." she said.
Lady Anne smiled at her older half-sister.
"Thank you, Mary. Lottie, am I ready?" she asked.
Lady Charlotte nodded.
"The dress is beautiful." she said.
Lady Mary smiled.
"It really is." she said.
Lady Anne smoothed her dress. It was a dress of a deep crimson red color lined with cloth of gold. Her chestnut wavy hair was down her back and she wore a simple diadem on her hair, as she was the daughter of a Prince.
The door opened and Prince Edmund Tudor, Duke of Somerset, walked in. The last surviving child of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York was now sixty-eight years old and although in reasonable health, he was getting older. He was happy and considered himself blessed that he was getting to see all of his children marry into prominent families.
Lady Anne smiled.
"Father." she said.
Prince Edmund smiled, with unshed tears in his eyes.
"My dear girl. You look so beautiful." he said.
A woman in her early fifties walked behind Prince Edmund. Lady Catherine Tudor née Parr, Duchess of Somerset walked in and smiled at her only biological child.
"Oh, Annie. I have waited for this day." she said proudly.
Lady Anne smiled.
"I will make you and father proud in my marriage. I promise I will not fail you." she said.
Prince Edmund touched his youngest daughter on her cheek.
"The only way you will fail me is if you are unhappy. I want you happy and in love, the same way I am with your mother." he said.
Lady Anne sighed and took her father's hand they preceded to walk into Queen Lillian's Private Chapel. Ladies Mary and Charlotte and their stepmother, Duchess Catherine walked ahead and took their seats for the last wedding in their immediate family.
25 June 1566
Aljaferia Palace, Zaragoza, Spain
Queen Elizabeth of Spain's Bedchamber
"Giovanna, how is Sancha? I can not describe the pain that I feel for her?" Queen Elizabeth asked, worried about her best friend.
Princess Giovanna, Duchess of the Infantado, sighed and shook her head.
"She was inconsolable at little Carlos' death. It was very sudden. We knew he had a cold, but he was getting well." she said.
Queen Elizabeth shook her head.
"I pray daily for her. She is with child and I do not want her new child to be compromised or lost , due to her grief." she said.
Princess Giovanna nodded her head.
"I agree, Your Majesty. She is in seclusion, only attended by her ladies. How are you feeling, Your Majesty? The Court physician said you have had pain." she said.
Queen Elizabeth nodded her head.
"I did, however I am well. The child is due in six weeks, according to the Court physician. How are your husband's grandchildren?" she asked.
Princess Giovanna smiled.
"They are well. However, Sancha and her husband are worried about their eldest son. They fear his Latin is not satisfactory." she said.
Queen Elizabeth nodded.
"He can share a tutor with Eduardo. Now, you can go to the feast. I will be resting. I am going to be going to bed." she said.
Princess Giovanna looked at Queen Elizabeth.
"Your Majesty, I do not feel comfortable leaving you alone. The child is due soon." she said.
Queen Elizabeth smiled.
"We have several weeks. I am going to bed and I want you to take your little Juana and enjoy everything tonight." she said.
Princess Giovanna sighed.
"Are you sure you will be well? In your condition... "
Queen Elizabeth looked at her friend.
"Giovanna, I have been Queen for twelve years now. I do not believe several hours alone will do me any harm. Please go send enjoy the feast and that is an order." she said.
Princess Giovanna curtsied and smiled and departed the room.
Queen Elizabeth sighed and picked up one of her favorite books and began to read. She was enjoying her time alone, as she was usually not permitted to be alone, due to her rank.
Suddenly, Queen Elizabeth felt a pain in her belly and she winced. She put her hand between her legs and she felt her waters breaking, however when she looked at her hand, she saw crimson blood.
Queen Elizabeth gasped, in horror.
"Oh no. It is too early." she asked
As she tried to ride from her bed, she was hit with intense contractions and she was unable to move.
Queen Elizabeth had tears develop in her eyes.
"Oh God. Not again." she said.
Several Hours Later...
The Royal Banquet
The courtiers of the Spanish court were enjoying a brilliant feast and dancing. King Luis had organized the Banquet to come to peace with the Aragonese Nobles and so far it was a success and everyone was enjoying themselves.
Lady Anais de Mendoza was smiling and dancing without her fiancée, Lord Luca Davila. The two were very happy that they were allowed to marry, as they were deeply in love.
Lord Luca smiled and kissed her hand.
"You are the most beautiful woman here and I thank the Lord everyday that you will be my wife." he said.
Lady Anais blushed
"I am equally blessed." she said.
She took a goblet of wine and looked around at the room. She saw her stepmother, Princess Giovanna, Duchess of the Infantado and her father, Lord Diego, dancing. She also saw most of the ladies-in-waiting were dancing with their husbands and gentlemen of the Court.
Lord Luca looked at his future wife.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
Lady Anais sighed.
"Everyone is here and I am thinking about the Queen. She's so close to the birth." she said.
Lord Luca took a look around the room.
"You are right. I will dance with my grandmother. You should check on the Queen." he said.
Lady Anais nodded and left the ballroom and made her way to the Queen's Chambers. The Chambers of the Queen were accessible by a large staircase, which four guards stood and recognizing her, they stood aside and let the seventeen year old Lady ascend the staircase to Queen Elizabeth's Chambers.
Lady Anais knocked on the door of the Bedchamber.
"Your Majesty, do you need anything?" she asked.
Suddenly, Queen Elizabeth yelled:
"ANAIS! HELP ME!"
Lady Anais instantly opened the door and was met with the sight of her Queen in her bed, sweating and her sheets stained with blood.
Lady Anais rushed to her Queen.
"Your Majesty!" she exclaimed.
Queen Elizabeth took her hand.
"Thank the Lord. My child is coming." she said.
Lady Anais nodded.
"I will summon the midwife and the ladies." she said.
Queen Elizabeth shook her head, as she felt more pain.
"There is no time. You will have to help me." she said.
Lady Anais looked at her Queen, nervously.
"Your Majesty, I do not know what to do... "
Queen Elizabeth held her hand up.
"I will tell you what to do. There is a bowl near the fire and a water jug. You need to fill the water bowl." she said.
Lady Anais instantly did what she was told.
Queen Elizabeth smiled, despite a painful contraction ripping through her.
"Keep the knife and fabric strings near as well. You will need to check me now." she said.
Lady Anais looked under the sheets and looked at the Queen, in fear.
"I see...the head." she said.
Queen Elizabeth nodded.
"That is good. I will push on my next pain. I need you to grab the child when it leaves my womb." she said.
Lady Anais nodded. Queen Elizabeth winced and she began to push. Lady Anais silently prayed that the child would survive. The Queen was not supposed to give birth for weeks and there was so much blood. She also was thinking about her future as Luca's wife. She would have to go through this exact pain and it was not guaranteed that she would survive.
Suddenly, Queen Elizabeth gave a loud yell and Lady Anais looked, in amazement, as the child slid from her body and into Lady Anais' waiting arms and gave a small, but healthy sounding cry.
Lady Anais looked at Queen Elizabeth, in shock.
"It is a girl, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Elizabeth smiled.
"Take knife and separate her from my womb and then tie the bit of cord so she does not bleed. When you do that, bathe her carefully and wrap her in a blanket and and hand her to me and and can summon the ladies and the physician." she said
Lady Anais cut the crying infant's cord and took the child to the water basin and bathed her and wrapped her in a blanket and handed her to Queen Elizabeth.
The Queen kissed and comforted her newborn daughter.
She looked at Lady Anais.
"Thank you so much. You can gather everyone now." she said.
Lady Anais quickly curtsied and left the room, to gather the rest of Queen Elizabeth's household.
Queen Elizabeth smiled at her newborn daughter.
"Thank the Lord he delivered us. My little Anais." she said.
A/N I am so sorry that this Chapter took as long as it did. I am currently doing all the research on my own and it is a bit of a challenge. However, I am not giving up on this story and it will continue. I hope you all enjoyed this Chapter and are all having a wonderful New Year. Please Read and Review and I will get Chapter Seventy-two out very soon!