The Spanish Queen

XII

September 21, 1562

The second the couple arrived at french court Catherine welcomed them with hugs, Catherine was overjoyed by the fact her son had become a king of another nation. When she congratulated the couple she went in to hug her daughter-in-law. She then noticed something different. The young monarch knew what she had noticed, the queen was beginning to show. Catherine smiled even more, "I am more offended by the fact that you did not tell me." the Queen Mother snickered. "Yes, I do apologize, Catherine. I was going to announce the news after 7 weeks when I found out, but weeks turned into months. Alas we are here.' the girl smiled at her in-law.

Catherine's smile soon began to fade, "Oh my dear, my condolences for your loss. I know it is not easy losing a parent." The young girl took her hand and smiled, "Thank you, Catherine. I appreciate it. Oh! Where is Mary and baby James? I can believe he has gotten bigger." The proud grandmother smirked, "Yes, he is already crawling. You can just imagine the trouble he is bringing his nannies into" when Catherine finished her sentence her two cousins had arrived from the corner, as soon as the two older girls saw her they immediately ran towards her. "Aurora! We had no idea you were back today, how's the baby? Are you alright? I'm very sorry for your loss." The girls had begun talking as if it was a race, "Shall we head to my day room and catch up?" The young girl requested, wanting to hear what her cousins had to say.

Once they arrived into the room they laid down on all types of cushions and chairs. "So Saoirse, I've heard the date is set for your wedding? I hope to be receiving an invitation" the young girl mused. "Yes, although I'm a bit nervous. I haven't spoken to Charles all that much, he always seems busy with everything but his future wife." Aurora was listening to the other girls but she has heard rumors revolving around Francis and Saoirse. When they were children they were great friends, but now french court suspects a romance. She hopes with all her heart it is false.

The Spanish Queen was soon interrupted from her thoughts when the Irish Countess began, "Do you know what's humorous? The fact that Aurora is the youngest and yet the most powerful. How is it fair that you were promised to the dauphin, even though you are younger than us?" The Irish questioned the Spanish. "I have no idea. I didn't ask for a country to fall on my shoulders, but I will accept it." the Scottish queen let out a snicker, she too knows it wasn't Aurora's fault. These ladies were all practically forced into a marriage. Things happened, and we have to do what's best in the situation.

"Now, being promised to the dauphin? I can not say. I was surprised as well, when I heard Mary was engaged to Francis instead of Louis. Although I can't say I'm not happy by this." The Scottish and Spanish Queen had laughed at this, while the Irish countess had more of a serious look on her face, "Saoirse, what is your sudden interest about Aurora's succession and treaties? You are to marry a French prince soon. That's all you should care for." Mary suspectedly asked the Irish girl. Saoirse seemed rather offended by the fact that Mary questioned her.

Their mother in law soon came bursting through the doors. "Oh Catherine hello" the Spanish queen smiled up to the French queen mother. Before Catherine could respond Saoirse took this as the perfect chance to ask about the engagements, "Catherine I have a question.. Why is it that Aurora was promised to Louis? It was years before Aurora was on the lookout for a new husband.. We are also older than her. Were we not options?" Catherine seemed a little taken back, she sat down on one of the cushions and began, "Well yes, all valid observations. We started making treaties with Scotland. Mary was going to be promised to Louis. It was until we heard the news of Isabella's pregnancy. We thought we could align France and Spain. Having a Spanish princess at court wouldn't have been a bad idea."

"We had come to the proposition that Mary would be wed to Francis. The Scottish court agreed" Catherine continued, with all the girls intrigued "The plans to wed Aurora and Louis had grown more when her brothers began to die. She was moving onto the line of succession, and quickly. We were the best option for spain. Although Charles and Isabella did not want to admit it at the time, and well Saoirse.. You were given the choice to marry whomever you wanted, until your mother had other plans." Saoirse missed her father. In her eyes it had seemed so long ago. "Your mother was completely fine with the idea of you marrying Charles."

Aurora thought it was time to break the tension, "Well girls I hope we can speak again later today? I have to announce the pregnancy to the French and Spanish. Will you join me?" the girls nodded, Aurora stayed behind a bit while Mary led the way. Saoirse had stayed behind as well, "Aurora, I'd like to speak with you. In a more private manner.." the young monarch looked at her and smiled, "Of course cousin, will you meet me in my chambers after my announcement?" Saoirse nodded and walked out.

The young girl took her husband's hand, she looked at him somewhat nervously. "Aurora, don't worry. Our nations shall benefit, and so will we." she nodded her head. The King and Queen of France walked into the throne room where much of the court was waiting for them, the pair let their hands go when the queen sat in her throne, her husband decided to begin, "The people of French court, I suppose you've heard the news conserving Portugal. I apologize for being absent in such times, but my wife, your queen. Have some rather exciting news" the girl knew how people at french court saw her, she was seen to be naive. She lets them think that because nothing has gotten out of hand with her around, France has not been in any immediate danger ever since she became queen.

"My people at French court, I wanted to share with you about our pregnancy. I hope you will send us well prayers and thoughts. We shall have a new royal joining our family." The girl continued. The announcement went on for more than the Queen's liking, although she will say, the French were finally happy. Happy with her, for France, and for the couple. The Spanish woman was very tired, she had been traveling for a while and the announcement had taken much out of her than she expected. Aurora and Louis were getting ready for bed in their chambers, when a sudden knock came to the door. The girl had completely forgotten she had invited her cousin to talk.

"Saoirse! I apologize, I had completely forgotten about our conversation. I hope you do not mind, I am in my sleep wear" The girl decided to chuckle to lighten the mood while her cousin stayed serious. "Well can you follow me to my day room? Louis is getting ready for bed and I don't want to disturb him." As she guided her older cousin to the day room she gave her husband a funny look, which he also returned.

"So Saoirse, what was it that you wanted to speak about?" the young queen had grown accustomed to having her hands on her belly, she felt it comforting. Saoirse scoffed, it had taken Aurora back. "You don't think I know, Aurora? You are trying to steal a country which is rightfully mine! You know that. Just because you are married to the King of France, and are with child.." she pointed at the monarch's belly, "Does not mean England is yours!" Aurora quickly stood up, "Saoirse, stop talking before you say something you will regret. I will take this conversation as if it was private, and did not involve such a serious topic. But do not forget, you are in France. If you would like to talk about England you will set up a meeting with both members of our councils. Now please leave, for your well being." Saoirse was stressed, Aurora understood that, but they were raised and born to become monarchs. Saoirse should've known better than to go to Aurora so unprofessionally about such serious topics.

When Aurora arrived back to her sleeping chambers she saw her husband still waiting for her. She had explained everything to him. Aurora really wanted to grow a relationship with her older cousin, but she does not see it as a need. 

- I just realized I might've not told you guys how to pronounce Saoirse name, I know it looks complicated but its pronounced sir-sha. anyways im working on the character list , hopefully it should be ready soon <33