Arthur

Chapter 24

Arthur, Prince of Wales; Ludlow Castle, Wales, England. January or 1502.

The second week of January was marked by the arrival of Lady Margaret Pole, a cousin of my mother and a great friend. She was as well a Plantagenet princess, daughter to the late Duke of Clarence. Lady Margaret was on her thirties, but she had kept her juvenile spirit, always smiling cheerfully.

As she arrived, Catalina was in her rooms with her maids. Lady Margaret’s husband was the landlord of the castle, so she had free entrance, as our dear relative. I greeted her and ran to call my wife, anxious to introduce them both.

“Must I really?” Catalina asked me when I announced that Lady Margaret was waiting for us at the studio. She looked down, incredibly shy, which surprised me. I dismissed the ladies with a gesture, and took her hands.

“Why wouldn’t you, my love? She is our kinswoman and the landlady. And I’m sure she will be a wonderful friend to you.”

Catalina bit her bottom lip, nervously. I had never seen her so nervous and tense before.

“What’s the matter, my love? Why are you nervous?”

“I believe I cannot meet Lady Margaret.” She murmured.

“What? Why not?”

“Because… I’ve heard what happened to her brother.”

I had to think for a moment until I remembered the sad tragedy of Lady Margaret’s brother. Edward, the Earl of Warwick, had been in prison for the sole reason of being a potential threat to my father’s throne. Being a Plantagenet, the only nephew of two English York Kings, his claim would be strong enough. Yet, the man was simple; he was a threat as much as a door. Because of that, my father chose to not execute him, but keep him imprisoned at the Tower, more like a long-lasting royal guest.

But that was before my wife came to England. As part of the negotiations for our marriages, her father, the King of Spain, requested that, in order for him to send his daughter, he needed to be sure that there would be no threat to throne her husband would inherit. He did not say so, but it was clear to all of us what he meant: that no claimants should be alive. Reluctantly, my father executed him under the excuse of his failed and foolish attempt of escape not long before.

I had never thought Catalina would feel so guilty about this; in truth, it was not of my knowledge that she had heard about this at all. Kissing her hands, I tried to comfort her.

“Those are the odds of war, Catalina. Sometimes we must do sacrifices to ensure the country’s safety.”

“Because of me, a man was executed.” She sobbed.

“No, no, my dear. Not because of you. Please don’t say such thing. It happens when you rule a kingdom, you must know when to be merciful and when not to.”

“His sister must hate me…” She wept. “I know I would hate me…”

“She doesn’t. Lady Margaret was born Princess Margaret Plantagenet. She knows better than any of us the consequences of war and what can happen to a royal family.”

“She could be a princess. Her brother could be King. She would be the King’s sister, not the landlady of a Welsh castle, far from court…”

“But she is not, and she is resigned and happy with the life she has.” I explained. “Catalina, do you honestly believe I would ever expose you to anyone’s hostility?”

She shook her head.

“Wipe your tears, my beloved.” I asked tenderly. “Shall we go now? She is longing to meet you, Catalina. And you must speak with her. She is also your newest lady-in-waiting, for I’ve appointed her to this position.”

I knew she was upset, but I was sure once she met Lady Margaret, all her concerns would be gone.

“Very well, if you insist.” She finally said, standing up completely recomposed, her face dry and calm.

“I do, milady.” I smiled, offering her my arm. “And you will thank me for this later, I will make sure of that. Preferably tonight when I sneak into your room.”