War of Hearts || Reign || REWRITE

Chapter 4

May 1562, Château de Louvre, Paris

Bianca watched as Philip and Elisabeth opened the ball.

Earlier that evening, they had enjoyed an extravagant feast brimming with dishes: meats, fish, and exotic delicacies. The hall had been alive with entertainment—poets, musicians, and dancers—while the guests laughed and mingled merrily.

During the meal, Bianca had observed Philip and Elisabeth speaking quietly to one another, their conversation composed and dignified. At the same time, her eyes had wandered to Francis, seated beside Queen Mary. Throughout the dinner, the two had been deep in conversation, sharing laughter and smiles. Bianca had noticed it, and though she couldn't explain why, it left her with a strange feeling.

"She looks beautiful," said nine-year-old Princess Margaret, standing beside Bianca with wide eyes fixed on Elisabeth. "Do you think I'll look like that on my wedding day?" Her hopeful gaze turned to Bianca.

Bianca smiled. "I'm certain of it, dearest Margaret."

Margaret's smile widened with satisfaction. "I hope Father will arrange for me to marry a king as well," she mused thoughtfully.

Bianca's smile faded. It hurt her to hear a child like Margaret already concerned about her future marriage. She knew the day would eventually come, but to be preoccupied with it so young? It felt wrong.

Bianca resolved that if she ever had children of her own, she would ensure their marriages would be a choice. They wouldn't marry at fifteen but only when they were ready.

"With God's will, Margaret," Bianca said softly, turning her gaze back to the newlywed couple.

King Philip was nineteen years older than Elisabeth and had been married twice before: first to his cousin Maria Emanuel of Portugal, with whom he had a son, Carlos, and later to his cousin Mary Tudor, Queen of England.

Elisabeth was his third wife in just ten years. Bianca fervently hoped she would also be his last.

The dance ended, and Bianca clapped along with the other guests. The music resumed, and more people began to fill the dance floor.

Bianca moved through the hall, speaking with various courtiers she knew. She hadn't seen Mary or Francis for a while, and Maximilian had disappeared into the crowd as well.

As she conversed with a lady of the court, she noticed someone approaching her. A young man dressed in yellow velvet made a bow and extended his hand. "Madame, may I have this dance?" he asked politely.

Bianca gave him a courteous smile and placed her hand in his. "Of course, my lord...?" She didn't know him but recognized his Spanish accent.

The man straightened. "Don Juan of Austria," he introduced himself. "And you?"

Bianca immediately understood who he was: the illegitimate son of the late Emperor Charles and the half-brother of King Philip. She performed a graceful curtsy. "Bianca de Medici, a pleasure."

They walked together to the center of the hall and joined the line for the pavane.

"Donna Medici, you said? You are the daughter of...?" Don Juan asked as they approached each other in the dance.

"My father is Cosimo de Medici, Duke of Florence. I am his illegitimate daughter," Bianca replied, always feeling uneasy explaining her lineage.

Don Juan took her hand as they turned together. "Illegitimate, just like me," he remarked.

"Indeed," Bianca said as she released his hand and turned to her next dance partner, finding herself face to face with Francis, who had been dancing with Mary.