Arrival in England

My...that question is a difficult one.
I suppose if one were a man of simple tastes, one may find her grace of Scotland more beautiful. But for a man whose ... palate... is more refined, more developed, she cannot compare to your Grace. Your wit and your intelligence combined with your physical charms far exceed hers.
*nonchalantly brushes a strand of hair off Elizabeth forhead*

(ooc speak for yourself Marie!)

*Marie grits her teeth. Everyone doth always think her unintelligent and lacking in wit, when neither are true. She swallows this and walks toward Juan as if she hath heard nothing*.

Drink, my Lord? *Marie holds out a glass of spiced rum*.

*Elizabeth sighs gratefully, a weight lifting from her shoulders. She curiously finds tears not far from her eyes and her smile ist more nervous than it hast been since she were but mere Princess.*

Thank-you my lord, thou are kind and good.

*in her more fragile state Elizabeth finds herself more sensitive to the equal weaknesses within her cousin and wudst ease them a little too*

My good cousin here ist also a lady of fine wit my lord. She too doth run a realm of her own neighbouring to mine. I think us both full blessed that we are graced with learning and the chance to prove ourselves among Princes in a world where women are believed incapable of fine thought.

And though my own taste for culture ist unrivalled, I envy my cousin here who hath knowledge of other realm and their true treasures in situe.

*Marie gives Elizabeth a look of affection and puts her hand on top of Elizabeth's own, smiling*.

Oh no, cousin. I can scarcely compare with thee, thine betrothed speaks only the truth. Even if it is hurtful and tactless. *Marie is not afraid to speak rudely to and of Juan, who as of now, is just an Austrian bastard*. Would you like some spiced rum, dear cousin?

*bows to the queen*
Oh my lady, I did not mean to insult her Grace of Scotland, I have met her good sister Marguerite of Valois who did speak most kindly of her, but merely to state that your Grace is legend in Europe for your own good learning and skills.

I have known far too many women of culture and learning to hold thoughts of their sex's inability to think finely! My aunts and cousins and half-sisters are women of great mind.

If your Grace could travel anywhere where would you wish to go?

*bows to Marie, humbly*
I am most sorry to have offended thee, most gracious lady.

Art thou asking me, or my cousin? Thou addresseth us as "Queen" and "Grace" and I doth be confused as to which of us thou art speaking too.

(sorry- first post, Elizabeth, second- Marie. Poor Juan in the Middle!)

The Hapsburg line ist known to me for being wise in that they place their fates in the hands of whomever ist most suited to the task, be they male or female. Thine father ist most fine example of such things. He also has my own streak of raising people high where he sees use in them, rather than fawning over old titles.

This doth give me confidence to pursue this match betwixt us where others have been dis-satisying to me as an idea.

*Elizabeth is on Queenly business now and far more comfortable in this role. she waves her hand dismissively at the thought of emotional or marital matches at present*

My lord, however this doth pan out between us, I think thee fine fellow and wudst keep thee as good friend. As mine betrothed or as mine friend thou canst call me the lady Elizabeth if it please thee.

If I cudst travel anywhere my lord it wudst be Italy.... so long as Rome ist not upon the schedule. *Elizabeth shivers* That man who doth sit upon his papist throne there doth wish me far too much harm for me to feel comfort in such proximity.

Italy seems quite the flourishing of all culture, knowledge and new thought. And along with the fact I am confused by the new World and hath had too many dealings with France and Spain in the past it seems by far the best choice.

And I would travel to Venice for there is one there I would greatly wish to meet. *Elizabeth blushes* Though I think my choice possible strange and full scandalous.

*bows slightly*
I would be most honored to call you Lady, my lady.
Italy is a lovely country, with fine dancing and delicious food. I would advise caution in your dealings with the Venetians, as they can be quite tricky. Fine galleys, though, and a beautiful city.

Father does raise people up based on their utility, without regard to noblity or even legitimacy of birth *slight smile.*

Tell me, who is this scandalous person you wish to meet?

(OOC: My my what did Nicholas start here? Drat! the one time I piss off to bed early and I miss the fun. Sorry to abandon you between the two women Juan lol You are lucky to be alive, it could have gone much worse lol)

*Although his comment was meant for private ears, Nicholas would normally be appalled that he hath offended Elizabeth but this time he is in such a playful and blistful mood, he doth not seemed bothered. He finds the rival between the two Queens somewhat comical, as long as it doth not turn to hair pulling and objects flying about. *

*He stands by his betrothed smiling and is ready to duck and run if a cat fight doth ensues. He is most quite impressed with Juan's diploamtic answers when caught between the two Queens. He finds himself liking the man, despite a slight pang of jealously*

*Isabella pouting slightly bitterly, sweeps across the floor, over to Juan, looking him up and down, before throwing herself on a chair most regally*

*Marie looks at Nicholas as if he is a dog that has made a mess and strides away from him, making sure the entire room knows she is snubbing him*.


So tell me, my Lord, my sister Ysabeau, the Queen of Spain, has told me so many fascinating things about that country. What is it like?

(OOC: oooooooo arent we being caty lol)

*Nicholas casts Marie one of his "What did I do now" looks then shruggs it off*

*sense it is apparent she is displeased with him and he is thus with out a dance partner, he seeks out someone else to dance with.*

*goes to one knee before the Empress, whom he recognizes from pictures*
*speaking with head bowed*
Oh your most Imperial Majesty, I am but a humble lowly thing and would have no greater honor than to be always at your service.

*Mouths the word "Spy" at Nicholas and spits at his feet, making sure Elizabeth isn't looking while I do it*.

Oh, hello Ysabeau. Thou art looking lovely today.

*Without turning to face Juan Ysabel talks with obvious discontent*

We are most pleased to meet you.

*Looks nervously from Juan to Ysabel*.

Perhaps some dancing is in order?

*looking in, Charles sees his son kneeling at his wife's feet and begins to make his way through the crowd*

*Resolutely drains a goblet of strong red wine. She's not entirely sure of every intrigue going on between everyone here, but that doesn't mean she can't tell this may very well shape up to be one very long banquet.*

*still kneeling, head down*
Your majesty, I beg your forgiveness for the grief and trauma my existance has caused you. I wish only to serve your family to the best of my abilities, and to bring glory to the Empire.

*Isabella remains emotionless*

You hath caused no trauma, you are not a rebellious noble, or a potential claimant.

*Isabella's eyes flicker as she brushes back a potential tear and clutches onto her pride*

You are but a bastard child.

*catches glimpse of Isabella blinking*
Oh madame, and I do regret it, with every fiber of my very being, and I would beg your forgiveness and indulgence...please allow me to serve you, as a dutiful subject.