The Spanish Queen

III

The Voyage

May 28, 1561

The two queens had begun their voyage to the French court. It was tiring but the ride was smooth and quick. The Spanish queen had never been outside the borders of her country. It was wonderful seeing all the bright greens and acres of forest. By the time they got to shore a carriage was waiting for them.

The young Queen had brought one of her most honorable Queens Guard, Alexandre Estrada. Her mother wasn't too fond of her being close to members of the opposite sex. The girl understood her. Many queens meet the axe when rumored to have such relations. Then again she needs loyalty all around her and if keeping Alex by her side was what was needed, then she will do her best to squash any rumors.

The carriage ride to French court took no more than two hours. For the young queen it had seemed minutes, she gazed around all the lands thinking how her life could change this very moment. If all was to go well, she would be known as the true Queen of England. The more she thought about it, she shall be married soon. The young Queen was frightened at the thought of producing an heir. She knew that she was a powerful Queen in her own right but she can not have her beloved nation fall into the hands of a powereating, distant cousin.

Before the young spanish queen had noticed, she was soon to be announced. The next second a fairly loud trumpet went off, "Her majesty, Celeste Catalina De Franco, Queen of Spain." the announcer stopped for a few seconds, "Her majesty, Queen Isabella I of Portugal" Isabella walked out of the carriage first, almost as of she were introducing her daughter. Isabella had been to French court a couple of times, twice with her father, and three times with her husband.  Celeste followed her mother and stepped out of the carriage gracefully, the two kept their heads high, the duo looked like twins. They nodded their heads at the other nobles and royals. They walked down a path where the French royal family stood. Off to the side Celeste spotted Mary, her cousin, and Queen of the Scotts. Her cousin also had long brown hair, identical to hers.

"Queen Catherine '' Celeste slightly bowed her head, out of respect, "Thank you for having us as guests, I am looking forward to the ball'' She smiled slightly at her, the French Queen had also bowed her head. "Oh my dear, the pleasure is mine." The queen seemed to have a disagreement with her husband, as she was not actually talking directly to Celeste. "King Henry, thank you for your invitation. Spain and Portugal are very fond of the request." the King nodded he seemed very full of himself, but that was something the Spanish queen would stay around for, if it meant ruling England.

The Arrival 

June 9, 1561

Upon their arrival her mother requested their rooms to be as close to each other as they possibly could. She was protective and liked controlling anything she could. The two would argue about that a lot. Celeste hated the thought of somebody controlling her, and well, that's all Isabella ever wanted to do. With thoughts filling the young queens head they soon disappeared once she had noticed she didn't see the Dauphin or Francis at her arrival. Her thoughts had been interrupted when there was a knock at her door. "Your Grace," A guard bowed, "Her majesty, Mary, Queen of Scots."The guard left and Mary came closer.

"Cousin it's so good to finally meet you" Mary smiled warmly at Celeste, "Although, I do wish it was under different circumstances." She laughed slightly. It seemed they could relate to each other. "Yes, but no need to dread. Nothing is set in stone" The Queens smiled a bit in silence. Mary continued the conversation, "You have no reason to be so worried. Everything will be figured out, everything will be okay. Trust me, I've had the experience." Mary held Celeste's hand, and it meant the world to her. Oh how Celeste wished she had someone give her this small pep talk.