BOOK 3: One True Destiny

Chapter 21

                                                                                          Restoration

After the incident with Mary yesterday, Carlos tries to divert his attention into swordplay. His behavior was shameful! A simple apology will not suffice to rectify the harm that he had caused. He nearly did the unthinkable because of his extreme jealously towards Francis. The Spanish prince is absorbed by his deep thoughts that he failed to notice Mary approaching. "Carlos, may I speak with you?" He was caught off guard. He placed his sword down in the table. "Mary, I am really sorry about the way I treated you. I don't know what came over me the moment that I saw you in his arms. I just snapped! I spent the entire night thinking about us and it occurred to me that I have always known that I cannot replace him. I realized now that true love cannot be erased. Perhaps, this is my punishment for breaking women's hearts. Now I know how it feels to be rejected." Says the remorseful prince. Mary holds his hand. "I know that you are not capable of hurting me or anyone. I believe that the Condottiero used your affection towards me to convince you to agree to their terms... Carlos, I need to know what your agreement is." He took a deep breath and replied, "In return for Francis' abduction, I have agreed to relinquish my claim to the throne of Portugal." Mary is astonished! She never thought that Carlos went that far just to vie for her affection. "You have claim over Portugal? How did that happen?" She curiously asked. He then begins to explain. "My father, King Philip is the first cousin of King Sebastian of Portugal, who died without an heir. Unbeknownst to the Portuguese court, the late king had a secret pact with Spain naming me as his successor. The arrangement was made to prevent the occurrence of civil war because Sebastian knew that his people will be divided if they must choose between Philip, who is considered a foreign king and Jorge de Lencastre, the Duke of Coimbra, who is his illegitimate brother. Through my mother, The Queen Maria Manuela, I have a higher claim to the throne. She was Sebastian's heir presumptive before her marriage to my father and she was deeply loved by the portuguese people. My ascent to the throne is beyond contestation, preventing bloodshed and schism between the nobles." Upon hearing this Mary is beginning to understand the motive behind their abduction. Clearly, Carlos was taken to make him renounce his claim to the throne of Portugal and perhaps they used her as an instrument to make the Spanish prince agree. But something does not add up... Why was she taken? Why the Queen of Scotland? And why is Francis included to the equation?

                                                                          Inside the Church of Bones

It is almost midnight as Ironhead (also known as Emmanuel Philibert, the Duke of Savoy) is waiting patiently inside The Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins, also known as The Church of Bones in the City of Rome. At present day, this holy place is named as such because its walls are decorated with the remains of over 4,000 Capuchin monks who died between the years 1500 to 1870; the church serves as their final resting place since subterranean cemeteries are nothing new in Rome. Ironhead is admiring the bone wall decoration when he feels a tap on his shoulder. "Master, it has been a while." Says Ironhead as he gives his companion a hug... His companion is no other than Jorge de Lencastre, the Duke of Coimbra. The two men sit near the church altar as they begin their conversation. "Is everything going according to plan?" Asks Jorge. "Yes master, our captives remain clueless as to why they are being detained. We were able to convince Prince Carlos to agree to our terms; it is only a matter of time that we will get through Prince Francis." Ironhead replies. The duke makes a sinister smile. "Then that is great news. Continue what you are doing and soon, we will establish our own empire. Stay focus and do not let your anger get the best of you." Ironhead nodded and reply, "I swear to you master, that no harm will come to Carlos and Francis until our mission is accomplished. I will never disobey you, you are like a father to me. You saved me from my exile and you have treated me as your son since. I am and I will always be grateful for that." Jorge stood up as he prepared to leave, but before he walks away he said, "Emmanuel, through your leadership, The Radical party is getting more and more powerful every day. As the Master of the Order of Santiago and the Order of Aviz, I welcome you to our secret military organization. Ones you have fulfilled your promise, you will join me and your new brothers at arms. Imagine, you and I ruling the entire world! No Kings can go against us! They will all bow down!" Ironhead replies, "Master, I cannot wait for that day to come. Soon, I will have my revenge towards Philip and Henry! They will not only pay with their kingdoms, but also with their lives and the lives of their successors!"