The Spanish Queen

XIII

Louis and Aurora woke up surprisingly early. Maybe it was the wrath the young girl felt after her conversation with her cousin. The couple hugged for a couple minutes but thought it would be best to start dressing. The older monarch wore pants that always seemed to be a staple in the Valois wardrobe, with a white blouse and a kingly coat over it. The younger girl wore a red dress that had gold ling throughout the waist, with two small lions on it. One crimson red lion, outlined in gold, which represented her Habsburg lineage, whereas the other lion was gold, which represented her Tudor lineage.

The girl thought it was appropriate seeing how likely it was to have a meeting about England. Almost as clockwork one of the queen's most trusted nobles knocked on her door, Lord Francisco "My lady, your cousin has requested to start a council meeting regarding England." he noticed her dress, "Ah.. so you know?" Her husband off to the corner noticed the interaction and looked at his wife's dress, and he had soon realized. "Yes, she came to me last night. In a rather disrespecting manner. I proposed the idea of a council meeting. She assumes that since we are family I will let her take the crown. But my people and I believe differently." The older man understood, he bowed and walked out.

"My love, I must apologize but I can not have lunch with you today, I am meeting with Francis." The girl looked at him mischievously, "Of course, I don't mind. Just please, dont do anything idiotic" the King was amused, "Why do you think so lowly of me?'' The pair laughed and walked towards the throne room. Upon their arrival both councils bowed, the Queen and King nodded politely, "Your majesties, I assume you all know why this gathering was called?" an Irish lord spoke out, "Yes, yes I do. Your Irish lady seems to believe the English crown is only hers to claim. She must understand that there are other claims." Saoirse fixed her posture, "I understand that there are other claims to the English throne. I just believe it is disrespectful knowing we are family." The young Queen looked at her in disbelief, "What is it Saoirse? Are you afraid of my claim? I am also a direct descendant of the York and Tudor dynasty. You seem to forget that your Grandfather is my Great uncle."

Saoirse didn't seem to have a direct response. "England would be better in my hands, Aurora! You are already ruling too much of Europe." The younger girl scoffed, "You don't have a reason. Saoirse you are not a child anymore, you must understand everything will not go your way. We are both great candidates but I propose more." The meeting went on for a few more hours, until the Spanish Queen grew tired of bickering back and forth with her cousin. By this time she was almost 7 months. The days have been passing by more quickly than she thought. She decided that since Louis would be having lunch with Francis, she would have lunch with her sister in law. At first it was just going to be Mary and Aurora, but Aurora saw that Claude was upset and she wanted to speak to her.

She takes it on her part that she has not spoken to Claude in some time. All she had heard from Claude was that she wouldn't be able to marry her love, Leith. Instead she is to marry Narcisses son, Luc. Her wedding would be in a couple of days. The girls thought it'd be a good idea to sit outside in front of the lake, it was sunny and warm. "Claude, I apologize for not speaking with you, it's been a busy time these last couple of months." Claude had let a faux smile spread across her face, but both the Scottish and Spanish Queen caught on.

"Claude, we understand that your marriage isn't something you're necessarily looking forward to.. But your mother and family believe it best.." Mary began but was soon interrupted by Claude's tears. "This is different. My mother is just trying to sell me off! I'm too young, I barely even know Luc. I'm still in mourning and nobody understands it!" the young queen held her sister-in-law's hand. "Claude, just because a marriage is arranged doesn't mean it wont workout. I understand the fears that are rushing through your head but Luc is a good man. I know he will treat you right. I was almost sixteen when I married your brother, and we've come a long way." Claude thought about Luc, he was sweet and seemed to mean well but, seemed a little bothered by the comparison "Aurora, the difference is you're a queen it was always seen your marriage would be rather forced, my mother should have at least let one of her kids marry for love and not have it arranged! Look at Louis. He has you, Francis has Mary. Elisabeth- I can't say if she loved your brother, but she loved the country and power, and I.. I can't even choose!"

The two queens didn't know how to respond or make the girl feel better. They knew that Claude would grow to accept her marriage, it was only time.

After the trio had lunch in an awkward silence the young monarch thought she'd look for her mother in law. As she was looking for Catherine she had found her wandering the halls with a rushed confused face, "Catherine? Are you alright?" Her mother-in-law quickly tried to catch her breath and smiled, "Yes dear, why did you need me?" The young girl looked at the queen mother with an uninsured face, "I just needed some advice and-" Catherine quickly grabbed her and pulled her into the room she had just exited. "Yes yes but it doesn't matter! I've just walked in on Saoirse and her council. She wants to propose the idea that you are illegitimate. Or even your child." Catherine knew this could endanger the Valois reign, she needed to help the monarch anyway she could. "Where did she think to make this horrendous lie! I am the daughter of Charles V and Isabella of Portugal! And to disrespect my unborn child.. Saoirse needs to understand there is a point when she has to stop." The Spanish Queen caught her breath, "The only thing this means, is that she is afraid of my claim. I will take this to help on my behalf."

Catherine then explained everything that she had heard in the meeting. They had come up with a plan. Saoirse was seen as a great monarch in her land, but will the French and the rest of Europe be able to say the same? They cannot stop the marriage between Charles and Tulia, it raises too many questions they do not have answers for. But it shall also help France tremendously with their finances. As soon as Charles becomes Viscount of Ireland, it will help the Valois rule. Something Aurora shall not prevent. Catherine had also asked her about Mary, how she might feel if she places her claim. She has already spoken to Mary. Mary just wants her family, her reign, and country to be safe. England isn't something she's wanted. It was only a thought and benefit. If Aurora become the Queen of England, Marys' rule would become more secure in Scotland. The only thing she has wished for.

- Heyyy sorry I haven't updated in so long but school has me really busy. So im sorry, and no once again the character list is not yet finished </3 I will post it as soon as possible but I need help with some of the charcters and face claims so tell me if you have suggestions and which ones you think would fit. ty love you <33