Chapter 72
Hey Everyone! I am back and i did not abandon this story. I just had so much going on this year. I want everyone to know that I will be continuing each story. I have moved and transitioned into a new job and I am also considering starting a podcast or something related to Historical and Harry Potter Fanfiction. If I do, i hope we all stay connected. Thank you all so much for your patience and please do not hesitate to reach out. I always respond to questions and ideas. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter 72!
1 July 1566
Leeds Castle, Kent, England
Lady Rose Tudor, Baroness of Windsor's Bedchamber
"The garden looks beautiful, Lady Eleanor ." Lady Rose, Baroness Windsor said, smiling.
Her lady-in-waiting, Lady Eleanor, nodded.
"They are, Your Grace. You have done a beautiful thing to this estate." she said.
Lady Rose smiled.
"John and I are talking about another residence. He wants a home close to London, so we are not far from the children." she said.
Lady Eleanor smiled.
"I agree with you. The children are coming quickly, Your Grace." she said.
Lady Rose smiled and placed her hand on her swollen belly, that carried her fifth child in seven years. She was well respected in the English Court, despite her desire for a quiet, private life.
"The Lord continues to bless Lord John and I." she said.
Lady Eleanor nodded.
"Is Lord John returning home soon?" she asked.
Lady Rose nodded.
"I sure hope so." she said.
"When will Lord Edmund depart from us?" Lady Eleanor asked.
Lady Rose sighed. Her eldest son, Lord Edmund, was only seven years old. However, due to his high rank, he was to be educated separately from his parents.
"I am not sure. My brother, the King, will make a decision after the summer Progress. I have heard that plague has hit London." she said.
Lady Eleanor nodded.
"It has, unfortunately. The King and the entire Court departed for the North, just days before." she said.
Lady Rose nodded.
"I am happy everyone escaped. However, after I am churched, we should make alms in London. I know they will need funds and food." she said.
Lady Rose winced and heard water hitting her tapestry carpet.
"Eleanor, the child is coming. I need Lady Collier." she said.
Lady Eleanor ran, as the other Ladies rushed in to attend to their mistress.
Later that night...
Lady Rose was gasping for breath, as her ladies cleaned her and her bed. The cries of her newborn child filled the sweat and blood scented room.
The midwife walked over, holding the crying infant.
"Tis a girl, My Lady." she said.
Lady Rose smiled and took her daughter into her arms, which quieted the infant.
Lady Rose kissed her forehead.
"Your father will be pleased to meet you. Lady Eleanor, let my confessor that he is yo baptize my daughter in three days time." she said.
Lady Eleanor nodded and left the room.
Lady Rose looked down at her daughter's blue eyes.
"You will be named Elizabeth, but you are my little Eliza." she said.
Lady Rose smiled and kissed her baby girl.
12 July 1566
Ludlow Castle, Welsh Marches, Wales
Prince Edward of Wales' Privy Chambers
Prince Edward sighed, as he read a letter. He had done his best to be an active Prince of Wales, unlike his late older brother, Prince William. Edward wanted good relations with not only England, but with his principality in Wales as well.
Suddenly, Prince Edward heard a tiny giggle and he broke a smile.
"Lizzie? I know you are in here." he said.
Suddenly, a little girl of four years with bright red hair and brown eyes jumped from under his desk and hugged Edward around his neck.
"I was trying to hide, Papa. You were not supposed to find me." she said.
Prince Edward chuckled.
"I find it hard to not find my angel." he said, kissing her cheek.
Little Elizabeth of Wales hugged her father.
The door opened and Elisabeth of Valois, Princess of Wales , walked in with Lady Katherine Tudor, one of her maids-of-honor, a granddaughter of Prince Edmund, Duke of Somerset via his second son, Lord Mark.
"Lizzie, I told you not to disturb your father." Princess Elisabeth said.
Little Elizabeth looked sad.
"I am sorry, Mama. I just missed papa." she said.
Prince Edward nodded.
"It is no problem, darling." she said.
Princess Elisabeth smiled at her daughter.
"Lizzie, Lady Katherine is going to take her younger sister into the gardens. Would you care to join them?" she asked.
Princess Lizzie nodded and took Lady Katherine's hand. The two left the room.
Princess Elisabeth kissed Edward and rested her hands on his shoulders.
"You look pale." she said gently.
Prince Edward sighed.
"I am sorry, darling. It is just my brother left so many things unfinished and the nobility unhappy." he said.
Princess Elisabeth caressed his cheek.
"We will be here for a long while, thanks to the good health of your father, the King. You can rest." she said.
Prince Edward smiled and placed his hand on her stomach.
"How are you? Are you resting well." he said.
Princess Elisabeth smiled and nodded. She was expecting their fourth child and was due to be brought to childbed in December.
"The sickness has gone. I am being careful. I do not want to fail again." she said.
Prince Edward sighed and took Elisabeth's hand. In the previous year, Princess Elisabeth had suffered a miscarriage of a baby boy and it had saddened the young couple, however they were excited to be expecting another child.
"You have never failed and will never fail me." he said.
Princess Elisabeth blinked back tears and walked to a window and then back to her husband and looked at Edward's handwriting.
"What is this, darling?" he asked.
Prince Edward cleared his throat.
"I want the people to know us and I want to hear their problems. I am arranging for the castle to be open every Friday for the people to come and talk to me and the Council. I want you there as well. The people should know their future Queen and you can talk to the women." he said.
Princess Elisabeth nodded.
"I will do what you need of me." she said.
Prince Edward smiled and kissed his wife. He knew he could depend on the woman he loved.
27 July 1566
Caserta Palace, Naples, Kingdom of Naples
Eleanora of Portugal, Queen of Naples' Bedchamber
"Is he feeding well?" Queen Eleanora asked.
The wet nurse, who was feeding little Prince Carlo, nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. You do not have to fret." she said.
Infanta Joanna, Dowager Duchess of Trancoso, walked over to her youngest daughter.
"She is right. Your son has an healthy appetite. He will thrive into an angel of a boy." she said.
Queen Eleanora smiled and caressed her infant son's cheek.
Suddenly, King Alfonso of Naples walked in. The women all bowed.
He walked up to Queen Eleanora and kissed her hand.
"Darling." he said.
She smiled.
"It is a pleasure that you have come to see me. How are you?" she asked.
King Alfonso cleared his throat.
"I was hoping to speak to you privately." he said.
Queen Eleanora looked at her mother and nodded.
Infanta Joanna cleared her throat and took her grandson from the wet nurse.
"I will take little Carlo to the nursery. Your Majesty." she said, curtsying to King Alfonso, the wet nurse following.
Queen Eleanora looked at her husband.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
King Alfonso poured himself a goblet of wine and took a sip.
"My son's illness is getting worse. He will never be fit to rule. It saddens me to see him in such a state." he said.
Queen Eleanora looked at her husband, with sadness in her eyes.
"What will happen now?" she asked.
King Alfonso sighed.
"He is to lose his title and Dukedom. He will be in care at the Monastery of San Martino and will be cared for by the monks. I have arranged for everything for his infirmity." he said.
Queen Eleanora nodded. Since Prince Giovanni was being disowned, that meant her newborn son was now third in line for the Throne , after her stepsons, sixteen year old Prince Alfonso, the new heir and ten year old Prince Rodrigo.
"Will you visit him?" she asked.
King Alfonso shook his head.
"No. I need to focus on my other children. They need to find spouses and it will be better if he remains quiet and unseen for that to happen." he said.
Queen Eleanora sighed.
"What about the Princess and their daughter? What will become of them?" she asked.
King Alfonso cleared his throat.
"Princess Eleanora and my granddaughter are safe in the Archbishop and his Palace. I heard that she wanted to have the marriage annulled, however the Pope denied it. She will have to either wait until my son dies or she can take the veil. However, she will never be Queen. My granddaughter will have a marriage best suited for her rank." he said.
Queen Eleanora nodded.
"I would like to visit them all. It has been a hard time for us all. Giovanni and his illness, the war with France and Alfonso being in Spain, due to his life being in danger." she said.
King Alfonso shook his head.
"No. You are not permitted to visit the Prince. He is not well and very dangerous. The monks will care for him. I am asking you not to defy me." he said, sternly.
Queen Eleanora looked at her husband and she knew not to challenge him. He was a handsome man, but she knew his temper could be fearful. She did not want to displease him, especially when he had been so kind to her. She knew this was an order she could never challenge, especially if she wanted a happy marriage.
11 August 1566
Palace of Fontainebleau, Paris, France
Mary, Queen of Scots and France's Privy Chambers
Queen Mary sighed, as she read a letter from her uncle, the head of her Regency Council in Scotland. She was determined to head back to Scotland as soon as she could. However, with her husband at war with Naples, he would not risk her crossing the sea.
She continued to read:
"Your Majesty and my niece,
I hope that this letter finds you in excellent health. The Council is delighted that you and the King of France have welcomed a second son last year. However, they are wondering when you will return to your homeland. Scotland needs her Queen. Some are starting to think that France has more precedence than Scotland. Some whisper anger towards your late mother, the late Queen Consort, orchestrated a coup in favor of France.
As your uncle and ally, I have a solution. I have gotten most of the Council to agree to this. When your heir, Prince Robert, reaches the age of sixteen years, he should be sent here to Scotland to learn our customs and lands. He would also govern in your name, with the title of Prince Regent.
As your uncle, I would suggest this to be a good thing. However, I will not tell you what to do, Your Majesty.
Your faithful subject and uncle,
Joseph, Duke of Ross.
Queen Mary sighed. She knew that her uncle meant well and that he was right, however her Council was frustrating her. She was a woman and was expected to be with him and she did not want to be separate from him. She hoped that they could settle this before Robert took his two Thrones.
Suddenly, one of her ladies-in-waiting walked in and curtsied.
"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but your uncle, The Duke of Guise and the new Duchess are here to see you." she said.
Queen Mary nodded and stood up, trying to ignore the dizzy spell that overcame her.
"You may send them in." she said.
Moments later, Francis, Duke of Guise and his young new wife, Marie de Medici, walked in and bowed to Queen Mary.
"Your Majesty." They both said in French.
Queen Mary smiled and hugged her uncle.
"Uncle, how are you?" she asked.
Francis, Duke of Guise smiled.
"I am well , Your Majesty. You remember my new wife, Marie de Medici?" he asked.
Queen Mary smiled at the young Duchess. Marie de Medici, born as Maria, was a daughter of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. She did not mind her uncle's second wife, however she was surprised that he would marry someone so young. She was pretty, with brown hair, blue eyes and a cream complexion. She also noticed that she was a little delicate looking.
"Were you not due to arrive to France until November?" she asked.
The young Duchess nodded her head.
"Yes, Your Majesty. However, my husband was anxious for my arrival to his Ducal Court." she replied.
Queen Mary smiled.
"I am sure your parents are very happy, despite the fact that they will miss you. I happily welcome and accept you as my aunt. I hope that you have a child soon and that child can be a companion to my new child." she said.
Duke Francis looked at his niece, in confusion.
Queen Mary, noticing her uncle's face, smiled.
"I am due in February. We will announce it to the Court when the child quickens." she said.
The Duke smiled.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty." he said.
Queen Mary smiled.
"Now, I am wondering how my grandmother, the Dowager Duchess is." she said.
Duke Francis chuckled.
"She does not listen. She is in her seventy-second year and pushes on as if she is not." he said.
Queen Mary nodded and laughed. She loved these moments between family. They were far in between. She was very fond of her French uncle and his family. She hoped she would warm to her new aunt, however it was a bit difficult when the girl was just seventeen years old.
22 August 1566
Palace of the Infantado, Madrid, Spain
Lady Sancha de Mendoza, Viscountess of Narbonne's Bedchamber
Lady Sancha sighed, as she continued her embroidery. She was still very saddened by the sudden death of her infant son, Carlos. She tried to stay calm, as she was with child at the time. However, three days ago, she has given birth to a healthy baby that was named Santiago. The entire household was happy, but she found herself not too ecstatic over this birth. Her midwife said that she should be thankful for the birth of her third living son and she still had six of her eight children.
The door opened and Lord Carlos, Sancha's husband, walked in.
He smiled at her.
"You look very beautiful." he said.
Sancha looked at her husband.
" Thank you." she said.
Lord Carlos sighed.
"Why are sad, darling? Our baby boy is here and he is healthy. The physicians have said that he will survive." he said.
Lady Sancha nodded her head.
"I know." she said.
Carlos caressed his wife's cheek.
"I am here for you." she said.
Sancha sighed.
"I do not know. I just hope to return to Court soon. I know the children will be cared for." she said.
Carlos looked at his wife, in surprise. She usually loved when they returned to Madrid for their children.
"Darling, I know the death of our baby boy has affected you so. We should be thankful for the six children we have." he said.
Sancha looked at her husband.
"I can not forget our son or our daughter. I lost them too close to each other. It pieces my heart. I want to love Santiago, but I am scared I will lose him. If I keep a distance from him, it will not hurt my heart." she said.
Lord Carlos looked at his wife, sternly.
"Sancha, I understand how you feel. I have suffered these losses as well. However, I do not want a distant family. It is bad enough that they are not going to be with us. I want them to love us, as we love them." he said.
Lady Sancha sighed.
"I am frightened." she said.
Lord Carlos hugged her and kissed her forehead.
"I know and I am here for you, darling. I will help you as much as I can. I love you so much." he said.
Lady Sancha hugged her husband tight.
"I love you too, my heart." she said.
30 August 1566
Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow, Kingdom of Poland
Dorothea of Denmark, Queen of Poland's Privy Chambers
Queen Dorothea of Poland was sitting in her Chambers , awaiting her visitor. She was always happy to see this person. The forty-six year old Queen laughed, as her dogs played and she thought about the pride that she had, now that the Throne was secure.
One of her ladies-in-waiting walked in and curtsied.
"Your Majesty, she is here." she said.
Queen Dorothea nodded her head and stood to her feet, as her younger sister, Princess Christina, Duchess of Cleves , walked in and bowed.
Queen Dorothea smiled and hugged her sister.
"Dear Sister." She said.
Princess Christina smiled and hugged her older sister.
"It is wonderful to see you again." she said, sweetly.
Queen Dorothea smiled and gestured to a table that had been prepared for them to enjoy a meal together.
The two sisters sat down and both took sips of their wine.
Queen Dorothea smiled.
"How are William and your children? You have such a beautiful family." she said.
Princess Christina smiled.
"They are wonderful. William is a wonderful husband. We do not agree much in religion, but he is a good man. He is tolerant towards the heretics. The Inquisition will not take place in Cleves, much to my disappointment." she said.
Queen Dorothea sighed.
"We can do without it, in my opinion. What is our brother doing to reclaim Denmark, Sweden and Norway? His wife is a wealthy Infanta. She could fund an army." she said.
Princess Christina sighed.
"Dorothea, the times have changed. Those lands are no longer Catholic and the people are used to the usurpers for forty years. I believe we should be happy with what we have. None of us remember Denmark. We were raised in Spain and the Low Countries. I am happy with William and my children. I may not be the Queen of a large country, however I am happy. John is happy with Maria and they have great influence in the Spanish Court. You are the Queen of Poland. You have your four daughters and your three boys, one of whom will be King. Why do you wish for us to reclaim a Throne we have no connection to?" she asked.
Queen Dorothea sighed.
"We promised Father." she said.
Princess Christina gave a stern look.
"The same father that left us with our grandmother after mother died and he went to lick his wounds in a monastery for over thirty years. We do not owe him anything." she said.
Queen Dorothea sighed.
"It is our birthright." she said.
Princess Christina nodded.
"I will agree, but I do not want to waste our visit talking about this. Tell me, is your son still betrothed to Infanta Juana?" she asked.
Queen Dorothea took a deep breath.
"It will be one of the Infantas. Queen Elisabeth is thinking that Joanna should go to Portugal, as she is the the second eldest and she is considering sending her third daughter here. She already has three sons. She does not have to worry about a succession crisis." she said.
Princess Christina nodded.
"However, you will be gaining a very wealthy daughter-in-law and Poland needs protection. The last thing you need is can attack from the Turks. The money and soldiers the Infanta, whichever they send, will greatly help you." she said.
Queen Dorothea nodded.
"I know. I hope to be the main influence on my son. My husband is getting more frail and I do not think he will live long enough for Ludwik to gain his majority." she said.
Princess Christina slapped her sister's hand.
"Do not speak such things. He will live a long life." she said.
Queen Dorothea nodded.
"His years of chasing mistresses is catching up with him. You reap what you sow. Ludwik will have his wife, however I will be in charge of the Regency, if need be." she said.
Princess Christina nodded, but was not paying attention to her sister. She did not have the ambition that her elder sister had. Her brother and herself both had loving marriages and that was sufficient enough for them, but not for Dorothea.
8 September 1566
Portici Palace, Naples, Kingdom of Naples
Princess Lucrezia of Naples' Bedchamber
"I will be so happy when this is over." Princess Lucrezia said, with a sigh, rubbing her swollen stomach.
Lady Beatrice, one of her ladies-in-waiting, smiled.
"Your child will come any day now. Are you praying for a son?" she asked.
Princess Lucrezia sighed.
"I have two sons already. I just want a healthy child. A child's sex is not the fault of a woman." she said.
Lady Beatrice laughed.
"Of course it is, Your Highness. We carry the child, so our womb decides." she said.
Princess Lucrezia shook her head.
"That makes no sense to me at all." she said.
There was a knock at her door and Lady Beatrice walked and answered and looked at Princess Lucrezia.
"It is Princess Maria, Your Highness." she said.
Princess Lucrezia nodded her head and the door was opened and Princess Maria of Naples walked in. She was wearing all black. It had been sometime since her fiancée was brutally murdered by Prince Giovanni and she was slightly traumatized.
Princess Lucrezia smiled and stood up and hugged her younger sister.
"Maria, I am so happy you could come." she said.
Princess Maria nodded her head.
"I just came from the Cathedral. I wanted to pray." she said.
Princess Lucrezia sighed.
"Are you struggling to be happy, dear sister?" she asked.
Princess Maria sighed.
"What is there to be happy about? I will most likely grow to be a spinster." she said.
Princess Lucrezia shook her head.
"How can you say that? You are only in your twenty-first year." she said.
Princess Maria sighed.
"You are married with three children and another on the way, Angela is most likely going to have a French marriage, Isabella will marry a Greek Prince and Joanna may be Queen of Cyprus. What will become of me?" she asked.
Princess Lucrezia took her sister's hand
"Father will find you a husband. I know he will." she said.
Princess Maria smiled.
"I hope you are right." she said.
Princess Lucrezia sighed and smiled.
"I have gotten a letter from Spain from our aunt, The Duchess of the Infantado. It seems that our brother is quite fond of the eldest daughter of the King of Spain, Isabella of Austria." she said.
Princess Maria smiled.
"Do you think a marriage will be arranged?" she asked.
Princess Lucrezia nodded her head.
"I think it is the smart thing to do. Princess Isabella is beautiful, intelligent and would come with a substantial dowry. France would think twice before attacking us." she said.
Princess Maria nodded.
"That is true. Will you talk to Father? He listens to you." she said.
Princess Lucrezia nodded her head.
"I will after I deliver my child and heal. This is definitely important." she said.
18 September 1566
Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Queen Elisabeth of Spain's Private Apartments
"What do you think, Giovanna?" Queen Elisabeth asked, as one of her maids served her and Princess Giovanna of Naples, Duchess of the Infantado.
Princess Giovanna waited for Queen Elisabeth to begin eating, before she took a sip of her wine.
"You are asking my opinion on a match between Infanta Isabel and my nephew, Prince Alfonso?" she asked.
Queen Elisabeth nodded her head.
"I am. You would know him better than anyone." she said
Princess Giovanna nodded her head.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, I last saw him when he was only a child of five years old. That is when I married my husband, the Duke. However, he is now sixteen years of age and is likely to inherit the Throne after my brother since his heir's... illness. The Infanta would be a wonderful Queen of Naples. She would have wealth and the Spanish influence would still be present in Naples." she said.
Queen Elisabeth thought about what her friend and her distant cousin was saying.
"Luis is not convinced. He believes that Isabel can have another marriage. He was thinking about the Holy Roman Empire. He even thought about betrothing her to Prince Ludwick instead of Juana, however King Sigismund said that he wants Juana, due to Isabel being six years older." she said
Princess Giovanna nodded.
"What do you think, Your Majesty?" she asked.
Queen Elisabeth stood up and began to walk towards her window. Outside she could see her fifteen year old daughter, Infanta Isabel talking with Prince Alfonso. They seemed to be getting along and we're being chaperoned by Lady Elizabeth Brandon, Queen Elisabeth's cousin.
"I think Isabel being Queen of Naples is beneficial. I am pained to part with her. I do not want any of my daughters to leave me. I know that it is their duty. However, sometimes it causes my heart to hurt." she said.
Princess Giovanna sighed.
"We are both are the daughters of Queens, who were the daughters of Queens. Royal daughters do not just belong to their parents. They belong to the Crown." she said.
Queen Elisabeth nodded her head.
"You are fortunate that your daughters will not want have to leave you." she said.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Queen Elisabeth turned around.
"You may enter." she said.
One of her maids entered and bowed
"I apologize, Your Majesty. The Viscountess of Narbonne has returned to Court." she said.
Queen Elisabeth let a smile form on her face. She hasn't seen her best friend in months.
"Send her in." she said.
The maid stepped aside and Lady Sancha de Mendoza walked in. She was in a traveling gown
Queen Elisabeth, forgetting decorum briefly, hugged her friend.
"Oh, Sancha, I am so sorry about little Carlos. I wish I could have been there for you through that terrible loss." she said.
Lady Sancha smiled.
"You allowed my husband to be with me and that was enough for me. We grieved for our little son and God blessed us with our little Santiago." she said.
Princess Giovanna smiled and hugged her stepdaughter in-law.
"How is the baby?" she asked.
Lady Sancha smiled.
"He is well. He is very strong. The wet nurse says he feeds vigorously." she said.
Queen Elisabeth took a goblet of her wine and Princess Giovanna and Lady Sancha took one as well.
Queen Elisabeth raised her drink.
"To our children. Thank the Lord for preserving them." she said.
Princess Giovanna and Lady Sancha raised their drinks.
"To our children." they said.
30 September 1566
Sintra Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Queen Catarina of Portugal's Privy Chamber
Queen Catarina took a deep breath. She was not a fan of these visits. Her daughter's betrothal was due to be formalized today.
King Juan took her hand.
"Everything will be well. This is good for our daughter." he said.
Queen Catarina sighed.
"We are offering our daughter, as of she is our most prize cow." she said.
Queen Mary, the Queen Mother, sighed.
"Catarina, it is her duty to Portugal. It is a wonderful match." she said.
The herald announced:
"His Grace , Sir Charles Brandon, the second Duke of Suffolk!"
Charles Brandon walked into the room and bowed to Queen Catarina and King Juan.
"Your Majesties." he said.
Queen Catarina acknowledged him.
"Lord Suffolk, I pray that you had a peaceful journey from England." she said.
Charles Brandon nodded.
"The journeys was definitely without trouble." he said.
He turned towards Dowager Queen Mary.
"My dear cousin." he said.
Queen Mary smiled.
"Charles, it is wonderful to see you again." she said.
Queen Catarina cleared her throat..
"Lord Brandon, you are here on behalf of King Henry, my cousin and the English King, to discuss a marriage agreement between our daughter, Infanta Isabella and his grandson, Prince Henry of Wales." she said
Charles Brandon nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The King would love to keep the continued peace that England and Portugal have shared for two hundred years and cement it further with this marriage." he said.
Queen Catarina looked at King Juan and nodded. King Juan stupid up and walked over to a table.
"Upon the marriage of the Prince and the Infanta, England will have the right to exchange trade with Tangiers, Bombay and with Brazil. Her dowry will be five hundred thousand cruzados. She will receive a further one hundred thousand annually, as well as jewels, spices, silver and gold." he said.
Charles Brandon nodded his head.
"That would be favorable to the King. The has also requested, if it is possible, to see the Infanta." he said
Queen Catarina looked at her distant cousin, with confusion.
"The Infanta and the Prince are children. Surely their appearance will change upon reaching their majority." she said.
Charles Brandon nodded his head.
"I understand, Your Majesty. It is just to ensure the Infanta's health." he said.
Queen Catarina looked at one of her maids and nodded her head. There was a brief moment of silence, until finally the maid came back with little Infanta Isabella. The five year old had chestnut brown hair, bright blue eyes and clear skin.
She looked up at him.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Suffolk." she said.
Charles Brandon smiled.
"The pleasure is mine, Infanta." he said.
Queen Catarina stood up and walked over and placed her hand gently on her daughter's shoulder.
"If your King will be pleased, we will sign the Treaty of Sintra and everything the King has stipulated, will be granted and our daughter shall be Queen of England." she said.
Lord Charles nodded.
"By God's grace, it will be done, Your Majesty." he said.
10 October 1566
Windsor Castle, Windsor, England
St. George's Chapel
King Henry IX was walking to the site where his parents were laid to rest. It has been many years since their deaths and King Henry visited their joined tomb as often as he could.
He sighed at the simple marker for his parents' tomb.
"Harry?" a voice said.
King Henry turned around and saw his wife, Liliana of Austria, holding their one year old daughter, Princess Lillian, in her arms.
He smiled.
"What are you doing here, sweetheart?" We just arrived at Windsor yesterday. You should be settling in." he said.
Queen Lillian smiled.
"It was a nice day, so I figured I would grab Lilly and enjoy a beautiful walk. Windsor is so beautiful." she said.
King Harry nodded his head.
"It is. I definitely see why my father chose here to be his final resting place. He always wanted to be the different one." he said.
Queen Lillian made the sign of the Cross, as she faced the simple floor marker of her parents-In-law.
King Harry sighed.
"I can do it now." he said.
Queen Lillian looked at her husband, in confusion.
"What?" she asked.
King Harry looked at her and took a a documentary from his coat pocket.
"My father had plans for a joint tomb for him and my mother. It is similar to my grandparents in Westminster, however more grand. He wants the tomb ornamented with 'fine Oriental stones' and resplendent with white marble pillars, gilded bronze angels, four life-size images of the King and Queen Catherine, and a statue of the King on horseback under a triumphal arch, 'of the whole stature of a goodly man and a large horse'. In all, there is to be one hundred and thirty four figures, including St George, St John the Baptist, the Prophets, the Apostles and the Evangelists, 'all of brass gilt as in the pattern appeareth'." he read.
Queen Lillian looked at her husband, in disbelief.
"That sounds very grand. Are you sure now is the right time?" she asked.
King Harry nodded his head.
"I do not want my parents forgotten under these cold floors. We have no wars, our wealth is stable again. We will not suffer in poverty if I do this." he said.
Queen Lillian nodded her head.
"Will it affect the dowries of the girls?" she asked.
King Harry shook his head.
"No, darling. Not at all." he said.
Queen Lillian smiled.
"Your parents will have a beautiful tomb and I know they would have been proud of you, my love." she said.
King Harry smiled and kissed his wife, until little Princess Lilly began to fuss. The couple laughed and comforted their youngest child.
King Harry took the infant from his wife.
"I will join you on that walk." he said.
Queen Lillian bowed her head.
"As you wish, sire." she said, with a smile.
22 October 1566
Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria
Isabella of Austria, Holy Roman Empress' Private Apartments
Empress Isabella of Austria sat in her favorite chair and was working on her embroidery. Her ladies-in-waiting were surrounding her and going about their daily duties. The Holy Roman Empress was expecting her fifteenth child and although she was not due for another two months, she was choosing to stay close to her chambers, due to her being tired most of the time.
Suddenly, a guard walked in.
"Your Majesty, The Dowager Empress and the Archduchess Joanna have arrived." he said.
Empress Isabella stood up, cradling her large belly.
"Send them in." she said.
The guard nodded. Several moments later, the Dowager Empress, Anne of Denmark, and nineteen year old Archduchess Joanna of Austria walked in the room.
Empress Isabella smiled.
"Anne, Joanna, welcome back to Court. How was the journey here?" she asked.
Dowager Empress Anne smiled.
"It was well, Your Majesty. How are you? We heard you were with child again." she said.
Empress Isabella nodded and rubbed her midsection.
"The Lord continues to bless the Emperor and I." she said.
Dowager Empress Anne smiled.
"God bless you both." she said.
Empress Isabella looked at Archduchess Joanna and smiled. She was her husband's youngest sister from his late mother, Anna of Bohemia and the late Emperor. She was pretty girl, although she was quiet and timid.
"Joanna, you will be residing here at Court, until you leave us for Portugal . You will be the future Duchess of Braganza." she said
Archduchess Joanna nodded.
"When am I to depart for Portugal?" she softly asked.
Empress Isabella sat down.
"You will depart in six months." she said.
Dowager Empress Anne smiled.
"Do not worry. I will stay here with you, until you depart." she said.
Archduchess Joanna smiled.
"I hope I will be happy." she said.
Empress Isabella nodded her head.
"Do not worry. My brother is married to the Queen of Portugal and she rules a respective Court. You will be surrounded by wealth and true allies." she said.
Dowager Empress Anne nodded.
"Remember, darling, your older sister, Catherine, is also in Portugal. Although you were a babe when she departed, she is looking forward to your arrival and will definitely protect you. She is well-respected in the Portuguese Court." she said.
Archduchess Joanna smiled.
"Is anything known of my future husband?" she asked.
Empress Isabella nodded her head.
"He is a boy of sixteen, however he is deeply intelligent. He loves the arts. Your sister writes fondly of him." she said.
Archduchess Joanna smiled shyly.
"I hope I make him happy and will be a good Duchess in Portugal. I will do my best to make everyone proud." she said.
Empress Isabella nodded.
"I have no doubt of that." she said.
27 October 1566
Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
The Royal Nursery
Infante Eduardo was reading one of his favorite books, as his elder sister, Infanta Isabel , was working on her embroidery. The two siblings, alongside their younger sisters, Infanta Bianca, nearly four years old and little Anais, who was only four months old, were the only children currently at Court. Little Bianca was playing with one of the guinea pigs of their mother and little Anais was asleep in her cradle.
Infante Eduardo smiled at his older sister.
"Are you not going to walk with Prince Alfonso today?" he asked.
Infanta Isabel smirked at her younger brother.
"He is occupied today with his studies. Why do you ask?" she said.
Infante Eduardo leaned forward , to not disturb their younger sisters.
"It is clear you wish to be more than a companion to him." he said
Infanta Isabel looked at him.
"It is does not matter what I want. I will marry who our parents decide for me." she said.
Infante Eduardo sighed.
"Do you ever get tired? Do you love him?" he asked.
Infanta Isabel sighed.
"Love is not important for our rank." she said.
Infante Eduardo groaned.
"Mother and Father are in love." he said.
Infanta Isabel nodded.
"They are an exception and should not be used as a majority. There are nine of us and it unlikely that all of us will be in happy marriages." she said.
Infante Eduardo nodded, knowing that his sister was correct.
"I hope I am happy with Infanta Maria of Portugal when we marry." he said.
Infanta Isabel smiled.
"You have a higher advantage. If you are kind to her, I know she will be kind to you." she said.
"Your sister is correct."
Infanta Isabel and Infante Eduardo looked up and saw their mother, Queen Elizabeth of Spain.
Both children stood up and bowed to their mother.
Queen Elisabeth smiled and walked up and kissed her son on his forehead.
Little Bianca ran up and hugged her more.
"Mama!" she said.
Queen Elisabeth picked Bianca up and kissed her cheek and then placed her back down.
"Eduardo, please take Bianca and go play with the mastiffs. I must speak to your older sister alone." she said.
Infante Eduardo nodded and took his sister's hand and they left the room.
Queen Elisabeth looked at her oldest daughter.
"How are you, my sweet girl?" she asked.
Infanta Isabel smiled.
"I am well, Mother." she said.
Queen Elisabeth touched her shoulder.
"Your brother has many worries that should not worry a boy of his years." she said.
Infanta Isabel nodded her head.
"He is. He reads to many romances." she said.
Queen Elisabeth nodded.
"I want to talk to you about Prince Alfonso. I have noticed that you have grown quite close." she said.
Infanta Isabel looked at her mother.
"Mother, I assure you, it is just friendship." she said.
Queen Elisabeth nodded her head.
"I know, darling. Tell me, how do you feel about him?" she asked, as she took a seat.
Infanta Isabel sat down, in front of her mother.
"I am fond of him. He is kind, generous, prudent... handsome." she admitted.
Queen Elisabeth smiled.
"You would love to be Queen of Naples?" she asked.
Infanta Isabel sighed.
"Forgive me, Mother. I would marry Alfonso if he were a cattle herder... with your permission." she said.
Queen Elisabeth was visibly shocked by her daughter's answer.
"You care that much for him?" she asked.
Infanta Isabel nodded her head.
"I do, Mother. However, I know my place. If you and Father find another suitable husband for me, I will do my duty you and Spain." she said.
Queen Elisabeth nodded her head.
"A marriage is being negotiated for you and Prince Alfonso. However, times are difficult. The war between France and Naples makes your father uneasy. When that is settled, we will know how to proceed. In the meantime, you are also nearing sixteen years old. Your father and I have decided you will have to have a household of your own." she said.
Infanta Isabel looked at her mother.
"I am being sent away?" she asked.
Queen Elisabeth shook her head.
"No. However, you are nearly a woman. You need to know how to run a household. You will be given your own suite of apartments in each palace we have and if you are still unmarried by eighteen, you will be given your own palace to use, until your father and I find you a husband. You will also start receiving revenue from Segovia and Cordoba." she said.
Infanta Isabel smiled and hugged her mother.
"Oh, thank you Mother. Thank you so much." she said.
Queen Elisabeth hugged her back.
"You are very welcome, darling." she said.
15 November 1566
Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden
Queen Matilda's Private Apartments
Queen Matilda was praying her rosary, before retiring for bed. She was doing her best to avoid the Court, due to the fact that her husband's mistress, Karin Mansdotter, had given birth to a daughter, Lady Sigrid.
There was a knock at a door.
Queen Matilda looked up.
"Come in." she said.
The door openex and young Karin Mansdotter walked instantly fell to her knees.
Queen Matilda looked at the sixteen year old, in surprise.
"Lady Mansdotter, what are you doing here?" she asked.
Lady Mansdotter looked at Queen Matilda.
"I wanted to ask if the Royal Nursery would take in my daughter." she asked.
Queen Matilda looked at her husband's mistress and began to laugh.
"You expect me to take in my husband's bastard daughter and raise her alongside the future King of Sweden and legitimate future rulers?" she said.
Lady Karin looked at the Queen.
"She is their sister. An innocent child. It is the Christian thing to do." she said.
Queen Matilda glared at her.
"You dare speak to me about being a good Christian when you fornicated with my husband and had his child?" she said.
Lady Karin looked at Queen Matilda.
"I love His Majesty. He loves me as well. If you care about him, why not care about his children?" she asked.
Queen Matilda chuckled.
"You think he cares for you. My dear, you are a whore in a line of many. Yes, you may have his attention for now. The King is like a child with a new toy. He will tire of you and you will be disgraced. Yes, your child has been acknowledged by the King and I will show kindness when the time comes. However, that is my duty to my King and husband. I owe nothing to a harlot." she said.
Lady Karin stood up and glared at Queen Matilda.
"I am no whore!" she said.
Queen Matilda took a step forward.
"We will see what happens. However, remember one thing. Your womb is being used for pleasure, which is fleeting. My womb had borne a future King, a spare Prince and four Princesses, who will do their duty to Sweden, when their time comes. What will become of your daughter? You may enjoy your place next to my husband in his bed, but I assure you that he will always return to me. I have endured fifteen years of his fleeting desire in the whores, so I will advise you of one thing: You are sixteen. You have plenty of time. You do not want me as an enemy. I can assure that you will not be disgraced when he tired of you and he will tire of you. You can marry a gentleman of the Court. However, if you make me an enemy, I will make sure you languish in a convent of my choosing and you will never see anyone, including your bastard, ever again. You are dismissed. Leave now." she said.
Lady Karin, trying not to shed tears, bowed to Queen Matilda and walked out of her chambers.
Queen Matilda sighed and walked to her bed and sat on it. She let a few tears fall from her eyes, releasing the pain that she was forced to hide.
20 November 1566
Palace of Fontainebleau, Paris, France
Mary, Queen of Scots and France's Private Apartments
Queen Mary smiled, as she felt her unborn child kick within her womb. She was enjoying her embroidery and trying to not worry so much over her husband's war with Naples. She decided not to be involved, due to her pregnancy.
Lady Marguerite, one of her ladies-in-waiting, smiled, as she looked out the window.
"Your Majesty, it is starting to snow." she said.
Queen Mary smiled and stood to her feet and went to watch the first snow fall.
"It is beautiful. I wonder if the King sees snow as well." she said.
Lady Margaret sighed. Her husband was also with King Francis in Naples, fighting for the French claim.
"My husband says that is very warm sometimes. It rains mostly there." she said.
Queen Mary sighed, as she sat down.
"I pray that this war ends well. I will never publicly say I disagree with my husband, however this is too much. I may give birth to this child alone." she said.
Lady Margaret shook her head.
"We must not think like that, Your Majesty. The King adores you. You are securing both Thrones in his absence." she said.
Queen Mary smiled.
"I am not sure why, but I found myself thinking of the late Prince of Wales, Prince William, my first betrothed." she said.
Lady Margaret made the sign of the Cross.
"May the Lord keep his soul." she said.
Queen Mary did the same.
"My beloved grandmother arranged that marriage when I was still in the cradle. As I matured, I was always told that my destiny was to be Queen of England and unite the two Kingdoms. I was so convinced about that." she said.
Lady Margaret nodded.
"Until your mother interfered." she said.
Queen Mary nodded her head.
"After Prince William died, I was prepared to marry Prince Edward. I actually was excited, since he was closer to my age than his brother. However, my mother went and arranged my marriage to my husband." she said.
Lady Margaret looked at the Queen.
"Do you have regrets?" she asked.
Queen Mary shook her head.
"No. My mother was wicked, that is true. However, this was the best gift she could have given me. I love Francis very much And this is a rarity among women of my station in life. However, she was successful in this one scheme. I am happy as Queen of France and I love my children. I just pray that my beloved grandmother can forgive me and my happiness that her plan did not work and that England and Scotland will never be united." she said.
Lady Margaret smiled.
"I am sure the late Queen does forgive you. She cared greatly for you. Your happiness is definitely going to be the compromise to reconcile the difference." she said.
Queen Mary smiled.
"I pray you are right." she said.
28 November 1566
Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria
Isabella of Austria, Holy Roman Empress' Private Apartments
Empress Isabella was being prepared for bed, somewhat earlier than usual. Due to her fifteenth pregnancy, the Empress was becoming more tired and stayed away from Court usually
Her lady-in-waiting and closest friend, Lady Margarita de Cardona, was brushing Empress Isabella's hair and going to place her sleeping cap on.
"Are you comfortable, Your Majesty?" she asked.
Empress Isabella chuckled.
"I am. If you count feeling like a barrel comfortable." she said.
Lady Margarita chuckled.
"Just two months and you will be relieved. Do you think this will be the last child?" she asked.
Empress Isabella blushed.
"With my husband and the passion we have, I cannot answer honestly. It is the Lord's decision." she said.
Lady Margarita chuckled.
Suddenly, the door opened and Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, walked in, wearing only his nightshirt.
Lady Margarita instantly stopped and bowed.
"Your Majesty." she said.
Ferdinand smiled.
"I apologize, Margarita. I thought the Empress was already in bed." he said.
Empress Isabella smiled.
"Margarita, you can retired for the evening." she said.
Lady Margarita nodded and bowed and left the room.
Emperor Ferdinand kissed his wife.
"How are you, my love?" he asked.
Empress Isabella smiled.
"I am much better now. I am just wanting to rest." she said.
Emperor Ferdinand gently rubbed his wife's shoulder.
"I know your condition can be exhausting, but I wanted to know your opinion on something." he said.
Empress Isabella nodded her head.
"I can help as much as I can." she said.
Emperor Ferdinand sighed.
"I am rethinking about the marriage between the English Princess and our son. I am wondering if it'll be beneficial to the Empire." he said.
Empress Isabella looked at her husband.
"My sister is the Queen of England. She said that Princess Margaret is highly intelligent and beautiful. Who would our son marry, if not Princess Margaret?" she asked.
Emperor Ferdinand smiled.
"An alliance with Spain. Our son could marry Infanta Isabel. She's only three years younger than he is, her dowry would be much more lucrative and would keep us allied with the Spanish branch of our family." he said.
Empress Isabella turned to think.
"I am sure my nephew, the King of Spain, is looking to betroth her to Naples to secure his interest in the Mediterranean." she said.
Emperor Ferdinand nodded.
"Yes, although his daughter is now fifteen. Would he willingly let her fertility years go buy for a country that is at war with France?" he asked
Empress Isabella twisted her mouth, in thought.
"That is a good point. I admit I will appreciate having a Spanish daughter-in-law. It will strengthen ties with Spain. We could also do Portugal. My brother is King there and has daughters." she said.
Emperor Ferdinand shook his head.
"His eldest daughter is betrothed to Spain, the second to England and the youngest is only a year old. Our son would have to wait over a decade to marry." he said.
Empress Isabella stood up and walked to the bed, followed by her husband.
"I will support you with our son's marriage. I know you will make the wise decision." she said, as she got into bed.
11 December 1566
Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Kingdom of Spain
Queen Elisabeth of Spain Private Apartments
"What gown are you thinking of wearing tomorrow, Your Majesty?" Princess Giovanna asked Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Elisabeth smiled.
"The green one. We don't wear many colors." she said.
Lady Sancha nodded her head.
"I like our gowns, but it is lovely to change. In Portugal, we wore beautiful gowns around this time of the year." she said.
Lady Elizabeth Brandon smiled.
"I will have to find a form that hides my condition very soon." she said.
Queen Elizabeth smiled. Her first cousin was expecting her fourth child in six months time. She married Lord Manuel, the eldest son of Prince John of Denmark, the former Crown Prince of Denmark, Norway and Sweden and Infanta Maria of Portugal, Duchess of Viseu, the very duchy in Portugal that Manuel would inherit upon his mother's death. The couple were extremely happy and Lady Elizabeth was considered the most beautiful woman. They had three children: six year old, Lady Prudentia, three year old Lady Joanna and finally one year old Lord Fernando.
"I am sure Lord Manuel will not complain with the swelling in your belly. He is the only man that should be looking at you and your beauty in a fiery way." Queen Elisabeth said.
There was loud laughing and Queen Elisabeth smiled, as she saw her children and the children of some of her ladies playing together. Queen Elizabeth encouraged her children to play with the children of nobles, especially if they were to be companions in life. She had no companions of her own age and wanted to prevent that loneliness happening with her children as well.
Lady Elizabeth smiled, as she saw her six year old daughter playing with six year old infante Juan, the third and youngest son of King Luis and Queen Elisabeth.
"Prudentia is determined that she will marry Infante Juan, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Elisabeth laughed.
"If only it were that simple. We will be discussing his marriage options in the coming year, as well as little Bianca." she said.
Princess Giovanna nodded her head.
"Will we be in Madrid most of next year, Your Majesty?" she asked.
Queen Elisabeth nodded her head.
"I believe so. However, the King will briefly move the Court to Barcelona. We are having issues with the Cortes of Aragon and the presence of the King and Queen will bring stability." she said.
Princess Giovanna snorted.
"The Aragonese are always giving problems to the Crown. The late Queen Juana, my dear grandmother, always had problems with them. They resented having to answer to a Queen. They were used to men only." she said.
Queen Elisabeth nodded her head.
"They can be stubborn, however they are our subjects and their concerns and complaints must be heard." she said
Suddenly, Lady Elizabeth winced and grabbed her stomach. Her two maids were instantly by her side.
Queen Elisabeth looked at her cousin, in concern.
"Lizzie, are you well?" she asked.
Lady Elizabeth winced again and placed her hand under her skirt and noticed that she was bleeding.
"Oh no." she said, fighting back tears.
Queen Elisabeth instantly stood up.
"Get Lady Elizabeth to her chambers and summon her husband and his parents. Sancha, distract the children. Giovanna, summon the physician." she said.
Lady Elizabeth cried.
"My child is dying in me." she said.
Queen Elisabeth nodded.
"Yes, I will not lie to you. However, we must preserve your life now. There will be more children, God willing. Take her now." she said.
All the ladies moved and began to do what Queen Elisabeth had instructed them to do. Within a few moments, she was alone and she decided to say a prayer for her cousin and the soul of her miscarried child.
16 December 1566
Greenwich Palace, London, Kingdom of England
Elizabeth, Princess of Wales' Bedchambers
"Maggie, has your family arrived to Court?" Princess Elisabeth asked.
Lady Margaret Fitzroy smiled.
"They have. However, my son is in the countryside with our household. Do you miss Princess Lizzie and Prince Henry?" she asked.
Princess Elizabeth nodded her head.
"I do. However, we thought it was best they stay at Ludlow. I will be giving birth here, which is why I started confinement." she said.
Princess Elizabeth was experiencing her fourth pregnancy, although her third ended in a miscarriage. The twenty-one year old Princess was due any day.
Lady Margaret smiled at her mistress, in a comforting manner.
"I am sure that they miss you, Your Highness. They will be pleasantly surprised when you arrive with a new brother for them." she said.
Princess Elizabeth smiled.
"Yes. Have you seen or heard from my husband?" she asked.
Lady Margaret nodded.
"The Prince of Wales inquires daily on your health and he attends Mass four times to pray for you and your unborn son." she said.
Princess Elizabeth sighed, in relief. Unlike most men and Princes, Prince Edward refused to take on a mistress, despite urging from men of the Court. They would say for his health, he must have release and he said that he would rather die with his soul intact.
"I witnessed my late father, King Henri, be frequently unfaithful to my mother. I am blessed with a husband, who is kind to me." she said.
Lady Margaret smiled.
"The Prince of Wales loves you deeply. Many women at Court are envious of your marriage." she said.
Princess Elizabeth smiled.
"There is no need to be envious." she said.
Suddenly, she felt pressure in her stomach and she immediately knew what it was.
"Maggie, it is time. Tell the ladies not to panic and to summon the midwife." she said.
Lady Margaret nodded and went to do as the Princess asked.
Several Hours Later...
Princess Elizabeth moaned out loudly, as another contraction tore through her body. It had been several hours since her labor started and it was a bit difficult. Princess Elizabeth kept the rosary that had belonged to her great-great grandfather, Lorenzo the Magnificent, and silently prayed that her child would survive.
Lady Margaret wiped her sweaty brow.
"You are doing well, Your Highness." she said softly.
Princess Elizabeth looked at Lady Margaret.
"Make sure that my child survives, Maggie." she said.
Lady Margaret nodded her head.
The midwife, who was between Princess Elizabeth's legs looked up.
"We should move the Princess to the birthing stool. The babe is being stubborn." she said.
Lady Margaret nodded her head.
"Your Highness, we need to move you to the stool." she said.
Princess Elizabeth nodded her head and proceeded to try to stand. Her ladies-in-waiting helped her walk over to the birthing stool. There was blood dripping down her thighs.
Princess Elizabeth sat on the stool and began to push harder. She felt more comfortable and she could feel progression.
The midwife smiled.
"The head is coming out, Your Highness. You are doing well." she said.
Princess Elizabeth pushed on her next contraction and she felt her child leave her body and she smiled, as she heard her newborn child let out a loud cry.
The midwife cut the crying baby from the umbilical cord and went to wash the child and tie the umbilical stump.
Lady Margaret and the rest of the ladies cleaned the afterbirth, when it was delivered and they then washed Princess Elizabeth, dressed her in a fresh nightgown and placed her in her bed, that had been washed and changed.
The midwife handed the swaddled infant and handed it to Lady Margaret and whispered something to her. Lady Margaret walked over to Princess Elizabeth.
"It is a girl, Your Highness." she said.
Princess Elizabeth smiled and took her newborn daughter and held her close. The infant had brown hair and when her eyes lightly opened, Princess Elisabeth could see that she had blue eyes.
"Oh, she is beautiful. Very beautiful." she said.
Princess Elizabeth looked at Lady Margaret.
"Make sure the Court knows that I have given birth to a daughter. I want the Prince of Wales to know I wish to make our daughter Catherine, for my mother and his beloved grandmother, whose birthday our new daughter shares." she said.
Lady Margaret Fitzroy nodded her head and left the room.
Princess Elizabeth kissed little Catherine.
"My darling child. My precious girl." she said.
24 December 1566
Kolossi Castle, Limassol, Kingdom of Cyprus
The Banquet Hall
The Cypriot Court was alive and colorful. Delicious wine and food was abundant. King Janius, the King of Cyprus, was still a young King at just twenty-six years old and loved to have fun. He was also an attractive young man and turned many heads at Court. However, his eyes were only for one woman: his Queen. The young King and Queen were seated in their respecting Thrones, wearing beautiful matching outfits made from cloth of silver.
Only one year older than her husband, Christina of Naples, Queen of Cyprus herself was a true beauty. She had inherited the Trastamara looks, which included her long thick auburn hair, beautiful skin and her beautiful brown eyes. Her luxurious upbringing reflected in how the palaces in Cyprus were beginning to look. Despite both adhering to their Catholic upbringing, King Janius and Queen Christina were prudent enough to know that many of their subjects adhered to the Orthodox faith and they ran a tolerant Court, despite Queen Christina growing up in a Catholic court.
Their true prides and joy were their four children. Their oldest son, the Crown Prince Nikolas. He was now nine years old and was a true testament to his parents. Besides his native Greek, he also spoke Italian, Spanish, French and Latin. He was also slightly conversant in Turkish. He was a nice looking boy and it was expected that he would be a good looking man.
The next child was six year old Maria. She was the oldest daughter and was intelligent. Queen Christina was adamant that any daughter she gave birth to was to have the same education as the the sons, whether they became Queens themselves or not. Maria was highly intelligent and was personally taught by her mother, Queen Christina.
Prince Raul, named for his ill uncle, was the sweetheart of the family. The three year old was a handsome boy with his father's green eyes and very light auburn hair. Queen Rebecca, the Queen Mother, was known to have a soft spot for her youngest grandson.
Finally, little Princess Christina, was several months old and was currently with her wet nurse. She was proven to be a beautiful child. She was the the spitting of her mother, however she inherited her father's green eyes.
King Janius took a sip of his wine and leaned over to Queen Christina.
"This is beautiful, darling." he said.
Queen Christina smiled.
"It is my favorite time. I hope I did not spend too much." she said.
King Janius shook his head.
"Do not worry, sweetheart. We can definitely afford it. I will say you are more frugal than my mother." he said.
Queen Christina nodded. Her mother-in-law was a Venetian lady and was definitely extravagant.
"I wanted to have a good Christmas, since I know Nikolas will leave us soon." she said.
King Janius sighed and nodded. Their eldest son was due to depart from his mother's household and be given his own household with male tutors and would only see his parents when they were nearby his new residence.
"We will visit him as often as we can, sweetie." she said.
Queen Christina nodded her head.
"I know. I will just miss him very much." she said.
King Janius kissed her hand.
"Do not worry. Little Raul will stay in your household." he said.
Queen Christina smiled and looked around the room and sighed.
"Your brother is not present." she said.
King Janius sighed and nodded his head. His sixteen year old brother, also named Prince Raul, suffered from a a severe illness. He bled uncontrollably when he was injured. He was a gentle young man, who was not allowed to hunt, rude horses or walk around unattended. The Queen Mother was very protective of her youngest son.
"Mother thought it was best he was not around everyone, so he is not injured. Especially when the guests are enjoying the wine too much." he said.
Queen Christina smiled and took his hand.
"When you enjoy the wine, make sure you are in my Bedchambers. I think little Christina needs a little brother." she said, seductively.
King Janius smirked.
"That will definitely be a happy Christmas for me, darling." he said.
A/N Here it is! I know i sound repetitive, but I do apologize for the delay. I am currently writing and researching everything on my own. Please forgive me. If any of you want to connect, please do not hesitate to PM m. I am also considering starting either a Youtube Channel or a Podcast about history, fanfiction and counter factoring history. Let me know all of your thoughts. I am working on Chapter Seventy-Three and I will be considering a time jump soon. Please Read and Review and Chapter Seventy-Three will be up soon!