Hunting, Jousting, Bullfighting, Etc.

*Isabella, irritated by the reaction, stands up in full grace and casts her eye toward Marie, and Nicholas, who are obviously talking about her

In a soft, but sufficiently loud tone, she says: *

No, Marie, I do not suffer from childbed pain. But then I've always been a natural at it. Perhaps something is wrong? You seem to be struggling a lot.

*Nicholas casts Isabella an apologetic look, for he, for his part, meant no disrepect, He meerly was trying to find the best and most discreet manner in which to handle his Queen in her struggles trying to avoid a scene.*

*brings his hand to his mouth to cover a cough- and a smirk.*

*Isabella turns to face her husband, fighting back a smile*

What is it?

*Smiles at the Empress* I hope to one day be as fertile, intelligent or beautiful as you. Now please, with your Imperial permission, do excuse me ...


*To Nicholas, quietly* Good God yes, please.

*Isabella, slightly shocked at Marie's reply, analyses the response for sarcasm. Finding none, she smiles brighter than ever before.*

You are too kind, Marie, and I wish you all the best.

*Smiles at Ysabel, realizing I cannot run off for refreshment leaving an Empress in my wake*. Please, come and eat with me so that we may continue conversing.

It would be my, our, pleasure, *Isabella says, smiling at her husband, taking his hand and leading him in the direction Marie is walking*

Hmmm? Nothing, dear. Nothing at all.
Although *in a bare whisper* One would think the Queen of Scots would dress more modestly, being as she is with child.

Marie, I hope you enjoy the food. I've request an assortment of dishes from all my realms, from Austria to the New World.

*Isabella, answering her husband without looking at him, simply mumbles, not wanting to cause a scene*

Hrm. Well, I must say I am certainly pleased with Lord James's behavior since you've taken him under your wing. I am even considering ordering him a suit of armor and giving him lessons myself.

*Isabella smiles widely, now considering James as one of her own*

He, and I, would be most delighted if you were to do that my love.

*Looks down at a potato* This looks simply lovely. *Gestures to one of my servants to gather a few for me*.

*Looks at an orange and gasps*. I have heard of these! I have had one during my Reign in France.


*Looks at the Emperor. Due to my bonding with Nicholas I can hear everything he hears which includes all but the quietest comments*. I apologize my beloved uncle, but none of my clothes fit. I assure you, as soon as I purchase more I shall dress more suitably.

*Stays by his Queen's side but doth not eat a bite nor even make the pretense to. His darling Marie settled for a moment, his expression turns to one of a man who ist lost in his own thoughts and worries and oblivious to the world around him*

Is the king of France keeping you short of funds, my lady?

*Stifles a chuckle, smiling at the Emperor*

Short of funds? *Smiles, deciding that two can play at that game*.

Oh yes! I have been working at a brothel to support myself whilst he goes off galavanting with his lovers, of both sexes. *Takes a bite of an orange*.

*Ysabel gasps at even the THOUGHT of an anointed Queen committing such acts*

Oh, I apologize dearest Imperatrice, I was only joking! Orange?

Oh, dear- that is a true shame, for one of your station to be brought so low.
*utterly deadpan*
Perhaps my wife or her ladies could loan you something?

*Isabella shakes her head*

Thanks, but no thanks. I find the fruit of the Orange tree very dire.

*Looks at the Emperor, then looks at Ysabel wondering if perhaps they are colluding to dupe me*.

Uncle, I was being humorous. I have NOT been brought quite that low.

*still deadpan*
Oh. What an utter, utter relief. I would hate to think France had fallen so very, very low.

*Isabella, standing between Charles and Marie backs away in tiny footsteps*