Arrival in England

Further I would beg you, on my knees if necessary, to not fault Juan for what is truly my fault. I am the one who sinned, not he. As he is here, I propose to make use of his talents. The Queen has already rejected Felipe but she is intrigued by Juan, and providing him with a throne and an Italian one at that, makes his chances of success and securing a more permanent alliance to the benefit of the Empire and our heirs much greater.

Our heirs? Or your heirs?

Why can not one of our daughters succeed to the Naples throne?

*Isabella's voice begins to become shrill*

*Marie seeing this thing starting to escalate decides to intervene*. Isabella, please relax. You don't want to harm the baby.

*Isabella sighs and places Charles' hand on her stomach before speaking loud and clearly*

Are you telling me this wonderful thing, our child shall not take proper precedence?
Are you telling me that this child - if born a girl, shall not be Queen?
Are you telling me you want me to happily comply with your desires to make your

*whispers*

Illigitamate child

A higher station than my own children?

*smiling, but stern*
Our baby shall be a king if he is a son, and a queen if she is a daughter, but I will not bestow a crown on a child not yet born, as that would be a very invitation for chaos in the territory in question.

I also promise to discuss this with Ferdinand, who as you know I have designated my successor to my Austrian and German possessions. Perhaps this may be changed with his agreement as he has long been my right hand there.

What throne, exactly is our child to inherit if Juan is to inherit Naples? Do you suppose to split up Phillip's lands? I do not see him complying with that.

Further, aside from its convenient location, Naples has far less to recommend it than do others of my territories. It is small, often under attack, and not nerely so rich in gold, silver, and interesting produce as the new world.

I am thinking to create one out of the New World, or perhaps North Africa, if I may take land there from the Turk.

*Shrill* So you will send our child far away?

*Isabella is purposely trying to be difficult, for nothing is more important to her than her children*

It is the nature of royal children to go away from their parents, especially daughters and younger sons. And North Africa is scarcely any farther away than Naples! Parts of it are in fact closer to Spain!
I beg you, mi amor, sea tranquila, know that I love you and want only the best for our children and the Empire.

*Marie cannot believe that Ysabel, the most Catolic Queen is making such a scene*.

Ysabel, you are right, it is against the laws of nature that bastards should reign, and you are right to be furious. But perhaps in private ...

*Isabella looks around to her to see everybody staring at her in shock, realising she's made a fool of herself she rises up, curtseys deeply and slowly turns to exit*

*Marie stands up because of Ysabel's precedence over me*.

*Marie walks over to Ysabel and whispers in her ear* I know how you feel, truly I do. And I also know that you are ten times the woman I am, and if I can survive it, you will thrive in it.

*Isabella turns her head so she may face Marie and moves to embrace her warmly before hanging her head and retiring to her chambers.*

*Marie hugs Ysabel back and watches her walk away, thinking how sad it is that such a great woman is reduced to such sadness by her husband.*

*bows as his wife leaves*
As for me, I think I shall go for a ride. Please excuse me.
*strides out, obviously upset*

*Juan's cheerful face drops and his eating slows as he watches his father and his father's wife*

*Marie looks at Juan*

Family, huh?

*Marie turns serious*. I wish you to know that I knew of your plan to rescue me and marry me, and I never forget those who helped me in the past. I am here for you, if at any time you need me.

Oh, that plan... I think I could have pulled it off, too, if not for the camp fever.
*smiles a bit*
I do appreciate your offer. I do not wish my father to suffer on my behalf. Do you think you could patch matters over with the Empress?

*Elizabeth sensed the dischord growing within her court and witnessed Isabella's outburst with mixed emotions. Though she understands the need to protect one's own, Elizabeth ist already beginning to think of Juan as her own and in addition takes offence to the rages over legitimacy*

*she approaches the conversing pair before her slowly and regally, hearing their conversation and wishing it at an end. She nods in acknowledgement of them*

My lord Juan, cousin. It doth seem the mood within the court hath changed somewhat. Might I suggest we relocate out of doors? A great pageant hath been staged in mine honour upon the Thames and I wudst have thee both enjoy it.

I believe my lord of Pembroke and Rhodes hath prepared his own small vessel for thee good cousin.. my lord of Austria it would do me great honour if you wudst accompany me upon the royal barge.

*Smiles at Juan*. Absolutely my Lord. I will take delight in it, you may count on me.

*Turns to Elizabeth, miffed that she interrupted, but not showing it a bit*. Oh? I love paegents! What will Cecil and Philip think when they see us both together in such harmony?

Methinks they wilt both turn a strannge colour and retire from the festivities to lie down in shock... which I shalt then declare their rest time and instruct them to press on with other matters.

*Snorts with amusement*. What are we going to wear? Should we match?

Our styles and temperaments are so different cousin that twud be full difficult for us to match completely... but perhaps a suitable joint theme?

Mayhaps myself as the bright, gaudy and dazzling sun with thine good self as the bewitching and feminine silver moon? How doth that sound? Thou cudst enchant in such threads of silver whereas I myself need colours as vibrant as mine flaming red hair.

Twud also full suit thine betrothed as a creature of the night. I expect he wudst also full enjoy the spectacle of dressing up for the event.

*gives a sweeping bow*
Madame, this does sound most delightful! And the coordinating outfits sound fetching as well.