The Court of Their Royal Highnesses Queen Marie and King Nicholas.

Alone? No, there shall be the monks there, and perhaps a few truly dedicated retainers.

*laughs*

I shud look out good Emperor the Lady Anne shall be trying to dis-robe your feet again.

Well m onks and retainers are all well and good but a man needs more than that I think. Don't you?

All I shall need is a bed to rest my head, plain food to fill my stomach, and the solace of the mass.
And of course the knowledge mine realms are in good hands and my relations are well settled.

Well it seems as though you are set for life and I am sure you will be quite content. Walking away from everything at the top of your game, that is a very gutsy move.

*smiles, most impressed*

Quite right Emperor, you are a wise man indeed.

It will be hard, I am sure...but Anne, I am weary. My work is hard and I have not enough time.

Are you *gulps* dying?

We are all dying, it is the nature of things.
I was referring, though, to the lack of enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. And by the time I receive news of New Spain, it is no longer news but olds.

You are so philosophical and I have never met anyone quite like you. I must say I am glad you are not unwell. You are so serious do you ever do anything amusing?

I do quite enjoy music, actually. Don Juan's mother was a singer and quite gifted. The art of painting is quite intriguing. And I like to travel my realms and invade other ones.
I speak Spanish to God, Italian to Women, French to Men, and German to my Horse. Do you speak Italian, my dear Anne?

Io parlo un po d'Italiano. Actually my Italian is more or less non-existent. You could pretned I am a man and speak French to me. Maybe I could play my lute for you, I'm pretty good at that. Travel is quite stimulating as well. What I wouldn't give to return to France. Have you ever seen Whitehall Palace? It was a gift from Henry and we remodeled it extensively.

I have not, when last I was in England it was still in the hands of its previous owner. Did you make many improvements?
Music is a balm to the soul. I would be honored.

*plucks a sweet delicate tune on her lute* Yes Whitehall was previously owned by Wolsey after his demise my husband gave it to me. We had to pretty much redo the whole thing. We added a bowling green, tennis courts, titlyard and cockfighting pit. Henry certainly liked his amusements.

You do play well, my lady. Too often those who boast of their accomplishments do not follow through.
When I bring Duchess Christina and Don Juan to meet your daughter I must visit this new palace.
My own favorite residence is the Alhambra. Know you of it?

Charles;

My word, Charles?

...Is that you dearest?

Isabel?
Mi corazon, mi propio corazon...you have returned!

Charles, Mi corazón es el suyo!

Of course I have heard of the Alhambra it is legendary. One could pity Catherine of Aragon for having to leave it's magnificence and live in Wales. And allow me to extend a warm English welcome to your lovely wife Isabella! Madame are you alive or dead?

Isabella you have nothing to fear from me as Charles and I were schoolmates at Margaret of Austria's Finishing School for Young Habsburgs. I was on scholarhsip majoring in music & french and minoring in Mixology

It turns out lady Anne is quite charming, in fact, once you get past her prickly exterior.

*raises eyebrow at Charles*

Hola Anna,
I am aware I hath nothing to fear..
*smiles* although, thee are very beautiful indeed!

*clears throat*
uh...not that I ever, ahem, got past Anne' exterior.
I am finding people husbands, for I am matchmaker in chief! It is most diverting!

*touches Charles's arm*

I know dearest, I know.

Isabella you are Catherine of Aragon's niece? I must say things are quite inbred around here. I imagine the Papal Dispensation office never gets a moments rest! And thank thee for the nice compliment you also are lovely to look at and Charles is utterly devoted to you! I always thought the idea of him marrying Mary the dowager princess of wales daughter was ridiculous and I was right. Look how happy you two are together, if only all married couples could enjoy such bliss!