The Beloved Izabel

The letter

April 21, 1574

My lady's and I are now at Edinburgh Castle enjoying the day we have left before going back to Stirling Castle before the King of Portugal  arrives. We sit outside in the grass and eat different fruits, "Iz, do you think you'll fancy Sebastian." Margot asks me while popping a grape in her mouth. "I do not know how to feel about him, he sent me such lovely jewels but I feel as if I'm betraying Lorenzo, who is not even my husband. In all, I think mostly about Scotland."

"You might enjoy the King being here, I have heard that he is a lady's man." We all laugh, "I do think I am being a bit over dramatic over the situation, I'm sure he'll be great."

"Iz, I wanted to be the first to tell you, I've heard something quite interesting about Lorenzo." Once I hear Emilia mention Lorenzo my heart stops. What could she have heard? Do people know about us? "Go on. What have you heard." I act as if I am not shocked or quite nervous.

"I have heard that he was married to a woman named Alice in England and they were very close friends with Elizabeth." I feel like my heart might explode. "His wife died about two years go from the plague, but he continues to write and speak to Elizabeth." I feel betrayed. How could I have not known? What if he tells Elizabeth about us? She could take my throne. Before I say something one of my guards interrupt, "Your majesty, you have a letter from Elizabeth." This is just exactly what I needed. I grab the letter, "thank you, you may go." he bows and leaves. I stand up, "Get my things ready, we are leaving earlier than expected." I start to walk towards the castle and make my way to my privy chamber.

I feel not afraid of what Elizabeth is to say. All I can think about is why Lorenzo didn't tell me about his past or his friendship with Elizabeth.

Dear Izabel,

Dearest cousin I have not written as I don't know what to say. I congratulate you on becoming Queen, and May you rule for as long as you are alive. I fear that we may not be ally's over the past that has brought you to being Queen. I would like us to be ally's, from one Queen to another, we shall help each other. I have sent a dear friend of mine Lorenzo, Duke of Savoy who came to me many years ago and has stayed a loyal friend to me. I hope that with him, you and I shall share a friend. I have sent with Lorenzo a necklace that belonged to Catherine of Aragón, I believe that it will look beautiful on you. Your dearest cousin and Queen.

Elizabeth Tudor

I grab the letter and put it into my box. I walk out to the front of the castle and wait for my things to be removed and put into the carriage. I walk over to my lady's, "You we're right, he is a friend of Elizabeth." I say to Emilia and she grabs my hand, "Your majesty, I'm sorry to have upset you. It was not my intention." She looks at me with ready eyes, "Em, it is not your fault. I am a Queen, we can not trust people so easily. It is what I have learned." I start to walk to my carriage and I decide that I'll travel alone. I can not let my guard down when everything is at stake.