Arrival in England

*Ysabel twitches slightly at the mention of the word "son" but quickly smoothes things over by speaking fondly, calmly, and merrily*

We hath already met my love.

*Isabella beams, holding her hand out beckoning for it to be kissed*

*smiles gratefully at his father, clicks his heels togethert, and bows to the empress before kissing her hand*
Madame, it is an honor to be presented to you.

You must dine with us somewhen Juan.

Why not right here, Your Imperial Highness? I'm sure Elizabeth's servants would love to get us some food *Glares at Elizabeth's servants*.

What a splendid idea Marie, although I think I wouldst need some assistance with protocol. *Sigh's heavily*

Nevertheless, dinner we shall have!

*Claps hands*

*Elizabeth's servants - who are used to the glare of a Queen indicating they shudst bow and take their leave with great haste - take little notice of Marie's indications but spring into action with smiles for Isabella*

*Elizabeth stands and excuses herself from the proceedings, walking across towards the Spanish party to bid them goodnight.*

It hath been a long day and a most enjoyable eve but I must bid thee all goodnight. Alas I hath matters of state to attend to afore I may take my rest.

My lady Isabella, I am greatly pleased to hear of thine intention to play good hostess to mine betrothed. Mine servants and privy dining chambers are at thine disposal my lady while you are here, and the cooks are used to dealing with recipes brought from the Spanish ambassador.

*turning to Juan*

I thank thee for thine fine company and dancing this eve my lord, I find myself much enjoying thine company already and it saddens me to have to depart. I have made sure to instruct the Earl of Leicester to make our best horses available on the morrow if you wish to take a ride or partake in the hunting grounds. Otherwise please do make thineself aquainted with mine palace and ask mine servants and courtiers for anything that you may wish. They are all instructed to make thee most welcome.

,,,Marie, Charles I thank thee both for supporting me this eve and wudst wish everyone continue to enjoy themselves. I wudst not have the revelry end just because I have a country to run.

*Elizabeth bows her head in reverance to the esteemed party and makes her way reluctantly in the direction of her council chambers to see what Cecil doth need her for.

Goodbye dearest cousin, please make sure to tell Cecil to shove something large and sharp into one of his orifices!

*Waits for Isabella and Charles to sit down, so that I may begin eating*.

*Isabella takes Charles's hand and sits most elegantly*

So, Isabella, what do you think of Philip's handling of the rebellious low countries?

Fillipe has always been one to have his will, ever since he was a child.

I am sure he is doing a well enough job that complies with his conscience, he is an annointed King, much like yourself of course.

*Marie has a very hard time telling if everything Isabella says is a dig, but moves on anyway*.

He sounds like quite a handful! I know just how you feel, my little James is the same way. Could you please pass the salt?

Why of course,

*Isabella, completely oblivious stretches out an elegant hand and in a flutter passes the salt to Marie*

So, tell me about your other children. *Marie looks at the dish in front of her, and wonders what it could possibly be. But doesn't wish to be out-done by Ysabel, so eats it anyway.*

*Isabella looks effortlessly beautiful as she begins to ramble on about her children before stopping*

But recentely I seem to want to keep eating prawns, I can't think why.

*Looks excited*. Dost thee think that maybe it is possible that thee could be with child?

*Nicholas sits next to his betrothed but says little and eats nothing*

*Puts a hand on Nicholas' knee to soothe him*.

*places his hand over hers and smiles*

*Leans over slightly and whispers "What is the matter?" out of the side of my mouth*.

*Nicholas smiles and whispers in reply* nothing now my dearest

Good, then shut up and pass whatever that thing is that I'm supposed to eat. *The hand on Nicholas' leg moves due north*.

*raises a brow and smiles, taking a slightly deep breathe*


Of course dearest *passes her the dish*

Nicholas, is this even edible? *Pokes at it*. What do they make English food out of?

Marie, Nicholas, thank you for joining us at dinner.
*at Isabella's remark, he starts and suddenly sits up very straight*
Prawns, dear? You haven't had a taste for them since...
Oh. My.

Yes, Charles. I think she may be with child! Hurrah! Cheers!