Long May He Reign

The Arrival

"Must you bring the Holy Roman Emperor's daughter to court?" Henry asked with his hands placed in front of his body.  His eyes were set on the gates, awaiting the princess to arrive just as he done when Mary arrived weeks before. 

Catherine's lips tilted upwards with her chin raised, "What's a better alliance than one with the Emperor?" She countered. Her gaze wandered over to Mary and Francis walking alongside each other towards her. "Ah, Mary..." She mumbled, her smile dropping slightly but raising once more when Francis leaned over to kiss her cheek,"..and my dear son Francis." 

Mary smiled hesitantly and turned to face the front of the courtyard. She was well aware the Princess of Italy, daughter of the Holy Emperor was not coming up for the festivities like Catherine said.  If she was a tad bit more naive, she would have believed it.  But, knowing Catherine, she was doing it with an ulterior motive. 

The gates rose and the trumpets started to blare the all knowing sound of someone's arrival.  Two carriages halted to a stop and the door opened to the second carriage. Three girls poured out, all of them eyeing their surroundings with disinterest.  It was sure to take a jab at Catherine's pride. 

"Danielle of Italy, the Holy Emperor's youngest child has arrived!" 

Mary glanced to her right and noticed Francis' breath hitch.  She faced forward again and watched as the door to the first carriage opened and a lady, maybe a year older than her, stepped out. 

She was beautiful, there was no doubt about it. Brown curls and a royal red dress. Jewels that sparkled everytime the sun glazed over it. Her eyes scanned past Mary and stopped at Francis for a moment before her gaze ended at Henry and Catherine.  She smiled. 

Catherine rushed forward to her and took her hands. "My dear, I've been waiting as if it has been forever, for you," she gushed, a genuine smile and excitement lingered around her. 

Danielle returned the smile. "Queen Catherine, your grace," she made efforts to curtsy as did her ladies in waiting. 

Catherine led her over to where Henry, Mary, and Francis stood.  

"It's a pleasure finally seeing you after so many years, how is your father?" Henry asked, his smile was cautious. 

Danielle glanced behind her to see her ladies were escorted to their chambers. "Just fine, thank you." She smiled at him and Mary. 

Catherine continued to hold her hand with both of her own. "My dear, Danielle, do you remember Francis?" 

The lightly tanned princess stared at Francis for a moment as the breeze picked up and the chills of the beginning of Spring showed. "I do, I look forward to attending your wedding with Mary." She started before Catherine escorted her personally to her own chambers. 

Maybe it was the chills of the wind. But, Mary's arms grew cold as goosebumps rose on her skin. Her lips pursed ever so lightly while she glanced at Francis once more.  It could be the coldest day in Winter, but nothing would beat the ice that was laced within the daughter of the Holy Emperor's word.