The Beloved Izabel

James

June 19, 1574

Today, I am holding a celebration at Edinburgh castle in honor of my brother James who is now 8. Sebastian and I have been exchanging letters, we often speak about how much we cannot wait to see each other. I have also been planning our wedding. Almost everything is in order for our special day.

I still feel so awful about what happened with Enzo, but I can't take it back. As the servants are setting up for the celebration, I decide I need to clear my head and go for a ride. I head to the stables and retrieve my horse, the same horse my mother rode. I decide to get close enough to the borders and see my guards, as well as Elizabeth's. I get off my horse and sit under a tree, looking out towards my guards. It has been quite some time since I have written to Elizabeth. I have so much going on these past few months, from Lorenzo, to having to secure and alliance with Philip of Spain. I think so much about how things should have been different if my father was alive. My mother would not have come back to Scotland and wouldn't be imprisoned by Elizabeth, waiting for her death. But if she wouldn't have come to Scotland, she would have never had James. I wonder sometimes, how life would be if my parents were both here. I decide that this is a good time to write to Sebastian before heading back.

Dear Sebastian, My love I write to you from near the borders of Scotland. As you know, today we are holding a celebration for James in honor of his birthday. How I wish you were here to hold me in your embrace. I long for the days until we see each other again. I look into our future and see all happiness. I am wishing you safety until you are in my arms. with love, Izabel.

As I arrive I head to my quarters to get styled for the celebration later. knock. knock. "Your majesty, it is Lady Emilia." I let her come in and we stare at each other for a second before I speak, "is there something you would like to say Em." I realized that I just called her em, and she smiles just a bit and so do I. "I have the dress that has been made for you, for tonight's festivities. Would you like it now?" I motion for her to place it on my bed and have her draw up a bath.

Now that I have my dress on, I need to decide on some jewelry. I think my crown and engagement ring will do. Once I finish, I head over to go find James. I make my way in his chambers and see him playing on the ground. I smile, thinking about that one day I will have children of my own with Sebastian. "James, are you ready?" He looks back at me smiles, "thank you, sister. I'm very excited." I go to him and hug him. I have known him for such little time but I already love him. As we make our way outside to our carriage I see Lorenzo and Emilia laughing together and walking towards their carriage. I want to say that it doesn't hurt but it does, but I want him to be happy, they both deserve to be happy.

The carriage ride was quite fun, James and I talked the whole ride. We got to know each other better, and as we arrive I can smell all the delicious food. "Ready?" I say to James and grab his hand as we make our way out our carriage. He looks so handsome, I assume that he looks exactly like his father. I've seen portraits of him and James and the share the same face similarities.

"IZABEL, QUEEN OF SCOTLAND." Im announced as we make our way in and everyone curtsies and I smile at my people. "JAMES, PRINCE OF SCOTLAND." he looks quite nervous making his way into the hall and looks at me for support. I smile at him and he starts to brighten up more and smiles. He makes his way to me and I hug him, "That wasn't so bad, you did great." he smiles at me and I tell him to go play with the children. I look around and see that everyone is having a good time. I sit on my throne and see that Claude and Margot are dancing with two handsome men. It makes me happy, that they are enjoying their time here. I look over to my left at the food table and see Emilia feeding Lorenzo, while they laugh and he kisses her. As long as they are happy.

I'm about done eating my food when one of my privy members make his way towards me, "Beautiful celebration, Your Majesty. I hate to interrupt but it seems that Elizabeth has sent James a horse, along with this letter for you." I tell him thank you and open the letter.

Izabel, I heard just a few days ago that it was young James birthday and thought it only be right to send him a horse. The horse is in very good shape and ready for James. I hope that James enjoys it as much as I loved having a horse as a young girl. I hope to hear from you soon cousin. dearest, Elizabeth, Queen of England.

Well, is that not the sweetest. I look over at James and his new friends enjoying their meals. "Looked like you needed some company." Claude says to me, and I laugh, "I suppose I do." I give my best friend a kind smile. "I've missed you Iz, I feel like we have all just been slowly drifting apart." I grab her hand and give her a small squeeze, "I know, everything has just been a little chaotic lately. But I hope we can spend time together just like old times soon. I've missed you all so much." I look over at Emilia and Claude realizes and hugs me. " I cant believe she would do that to you, you come before anybody else." I look at her with a soft smile, "its fine, they deserve to be happy and if that's with each other then so be it."

The night went great. James opened all his gifts and he looked so happy. After we ate cake and continued the celebration a while longer. I, then announced that Elizabeth had sent a horse for James, and he absolutely loved her. And we made our way home James fell asleep on me during our carriage ride. I played with his hair and gave him a soft kiss on his forehead.

Izabel's Dress

Her Crown