The Spaniard's Bride

Nineteen

The leaves on the tree has darkened significantly since summer had ended, creating a orange glow against the crystal lake. Roseanne sat on a small bench, a book clasped in her lap as she watched her children play within the shelter of the grass.

It has been two years since Jason had left Spain. Roseanne had spent months in her room, sticking to her books and her bed. After nearly reading the palace library, Roseanne finally found her joy in the world.

She bore a second son, Mateo, over a year ago. He had become her pride and joy, just as Esteban, but with a little more joy. She knew a secret about Mateo that no one would ever know.

She hadn't spent much time with Alvaro, as he had busied himself with foreign affairs. She had spent all her time with her two sons.

"Mama!" Her youngest babbled as he came over to her, his red hair glinting in the sun. He held out a handful of flowers for her.

"Mijo, have you been behaving yourself?" She asked, cupping his face with her hands.

Esteban came up beside his brother, "Mama, hermano took my flowers! I made the bunch for you!"

Roseanne shook her head with a smile, "My darling, I know you brought me the flowers but you must learn how to share. It is a part of being the King and some day," she said, straightening his collar, "You will be a great King."

Mateo wiggled himself into her lap and touched the side of her face, "Mama bonita." His crystal eyes glinted as he gave her a toothy smile.

Roseanne nodded vigorously, "Yes, baby, beautiful."

Her heart melted at the sight of her sweet boy. Mateo had a gift for brightening people's day. His small smile and his loving way could make the saddest person happy once more.

"Mama, will father make it home in time to spar? He promised he would but yesterday he forgot. I don't want him to forget again." Esteban asked as he sat next to his mother.

Roseanne placed one hand on his small hand, "You must understand your father is a very busy man. He works hard to keep us safe. Perhaps señor Juan could spar with you?"

Esteban looked down, "I guess."

"Go along, now. The day will not last much longer." Roseanne said as she kissed the top of Esteban's head.

Esteban's curly hair bounced around as he ran into the sea grass. Mateo slid off her lap and bounded after his brother.

Roseanne smiled contently. Nothing could disturb her peace she had finally felt with the world.

"Rose?"

Roseanne's heart stopped as she froze in her spot. The voice was all to familiar, mixed with a slight tint of tiredness.

She turned slowly, "Jason?"

An older version of her old lover smiled down at her through his thick lashes, "Hello."

Roseanne turned to look at her boys' governess, "Maria, would you mind making sure the boys do not get into trouble... again."

Maria nodded and scrambled after the two troublemakers.

Roseanne stood and faced Jason, "You came back to Spanish court."

Jason scratched the back of his neck, "The King wanted me to check on you. He's worried about you, Rose."

Roseanne's heart sped up, "Father is worried about me?"

Jason's eyes lowered to the ground, "Your... Your husband did not tell you? King Drake died in his sleep a year ago. Edward took the throne. He's been doing an amazing job lately and Mary is an excellent Queen. Oh, and you have a niece, Elizabeth. That is one bonnie, loud lass."

Roseanne's heart sank. Though Drake was not her biological father, he still was her father in his heart. He had raised her like one of his own. She was sorry she never got a true goodbye.

"Speaking of bonnie— that red headed child is..." Jason started, staring off at Mateo and Esteban.

Roseanne glanced at her boys, "My son, Mateo."

"He doesn't look like the King." Jason muttered, narrowing his eyes at her.

Roseanne held her head up high, "Mateo is as much Alvaro's child as Esteban is. I cannot believe you would even dare to ask me such a question!" She hissed.

"He is pale and red haired, Rose. Anyone would doubt his parentage. Anyone with commonsense, at least." Jason spat, his arms crossing over his chest.

"If you have come back to Spain to argue then I suggest you get back on the way to England. I have better things to do than to entertain my old—" Roseanne snapped, shoving her finger into his chest.

"Mama!" Mateo called as he ran up behind her. Esteban was following right behind him, but stopped right behind Roseanne's skirt.

Mateo walked straight up to Jason and bowed, "Holá."

Jason knelt down to Mateo size and shook his tiny hand, "It is nice to meet you, Mateo. You look just like your mama."

Roseanne put a protective hand on Mateo and dragged him closer to her, "Please leave my children alone."

Jason stood and brushed of his breeches, "Of course. I apologize, your majesty."

Jason bowed deeply, with a sarcastic tone in his voice. He stood and walked away from them, leaving her alone with her children.

"Mama, who was that man?"

Roseanne turned around and ushered Esteban away from the bench, "It was my brothers friend. He came to tell mama that my brother is a King. So we are now related to two royal bloodlines, isn't that great?"

Esteban nodded curtly and went away. Mateo stayed next to her and tugged on her fingers, "Mama, I no look like papa."

Roseanne looked down at her child, "No," She whispered, "No you don't."