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

Issuing dispensations is their job, my lady. We are truly lucky. *pats Isabel's hand*
I'm sorry, I am a bit befuddled by your sudden reappearance my beloved.

*turns to Charles and smiles lovingly*

Yes, Cataline is my niece. *laughs at the inbred comment*

True, but then there are dispensations for everything these days, correct?
Thee art most welcome - and I am very glad to have married Charles, he is a wonderful man in every way possible. I suppose I have to thank my expensive dowry *laughs*

Soon you may meet Sir Nicholas who by virtue of being engaged to the Queen of Scots is in line to be the King of Scotland. He is a wonderful man. And of course you may meet Marie Stuart Queen of Scotland herself. Words simply cannot descibe the Scots Queen. You will have to experience her for yourself.

Madam I might warn thee that Marie Stuart is a tiny bit thin skinned and prickly. Until just very recently I spent most of my time here harrassing her and casuing her to flip her wig and throuw things at me. Due to the respect I have for her fiance I have toned it down a bit.

I shall bear that in mind, frankly I am looking forward to meeting Marie in the flesh, I have heard much about her.

So my dear tell me how do you feel about Charles fathering Juan of Austria in 1547 after your death? I must say I was quite shocked. This tidbit of information certainly does not comport with my image of Charles.

Thankyou for reminding me about that *displeased frown*

He was but 39 when I passed, it's not unusual for a man of that age to still have 'urges'.
In fact; I care not as he was the perfect husband while I was alive and I heartily believed if circumstances were different Juan wouldn't have been conceived.

Thank you, my dear. Yes, Anne. Love my son though I do, had my wife lived he would not now be.

*nods in acceptance*

aunt Isabel! What great joy to see you again!

*eagerly anticipating Isabel vs. Anne imperial tug-of-war*

Christina, 'tis has been too long. *smiles warmly*

How art thou? I was very pleased to see thee did not fall under Henry of England's wicked spell!

Thank you my lady. Fortunately Aunt Margaret ensured I received an excellent education and of course that prince's reputation proceeds him.

Christina is a lady of rare wit! When Henry proposed to her she said that if she had 2 heads she would gladly give him 1. When I heard that I knew she was my kind of Habsburg. Well Isabella your restraint and commonsense are so marvellous. I think I see why Charles doth cherish thee!

*I fear I may be disappointing people by no longer screaming and lashing out. This Prozac is working really well for me!*

Good evening all *Nicholas greets the room merrily*

Anne *smiles genuinely* Tis always a pleasure

Emperor, Christina, how nice to see you once again graceing this court.

*bows deeply to Isabelle* Empress, it is my extreme pleasure to make your aquaintance. Your husband has told us such wonderful things about you. I am sure my betrothed, Marie Queen of Scots shall be equaly pleased to meet you.

And where is thou lovely betrothed this evening? I have told our whole company of what an exceptional woman the Scots Queen is.

*thinks "who are you and what have you done with Anne?"*

*smiles broadly*

Busy with some affairs of state I wuldst assume. I do hope she shall join us soon. It wuldst disappoint her greatly to miss such pleasant company as we have assembled here.

*whispers to Anne* Thank you, your kindness to my beloved his most greatly appreciated.

Sir Nicholas, always a pleasure. I indeed would like to present her grace Marie to the lady Empress.

*whispers to Sir Nicholas "I think that my Prozac and Xanax are finally working"* The Empress is the kindest and most considerate lady, she is truly a most exemplary woman!

Emperor I know she wuldst have me apologize for her absence, she hath been so very busy as of late.


*whispers to Anne* Prozac AND Xanax ... indeed *grins* perhaps we could provide my dearest Marie with a dosage as well?

*mumbling to Sir Nicholas* "Certainly pharmeceuticals may solve many of her problems! Aloud " I know Marie will be most eager to make the aquaintance of the Aunt of Christina and the niece of Catherine of Aragon. Perhaps Isabel of Portugal is some distant relation of hers who knows? In the 16th century it truly is a small world, particularly if you are royal.

*Nicholas tries to hide his smile at Anne's comment*

Indeed I am finding that true, I am having quite the time trying to keep straight whom is related to whom.

Well pretty much everyone is related to everyone and if you want to be a wealthy man Sir Nicholas get a job at the Papal Dispensation Office!

Sir Nicholas, it is easy- everyone born royal is related to everyone else born royal, and especially to me.