The Beloved Izabel

Bonding

July 6, 1574

I have spent the last week in meetings with my privy chamber members. I have been occupied non stop since the day of James celebration. I decided that today was a good day to spend some time with Claude and Margot. As my ladies prepared my bath I thought it would be a great idea to spend some time with my friends. "Margot, Claude, would you guys like to spend some time out with me?" They squeal so that means yes. After I'm done, I get dressed and they head to the kitchen to grab some food. I think that today is a great day to go to Linlithgow Palace. As I head out of my chambers and make my way outside, I see Lorenzo. We have not spoke or looked at each other since our incident. "Lorenzo, I will be at Linlithgow palace If I am needed please advise the rest of the privy council." He curtsies and I walk away. The girls are already waiting outside.

We arrive at Linlithgow Palace and we make  our way to the back of the palace and find a nice spot in the sun with a tree covering us just enough. "I'm so glad we have some time to finally spend some time together." Margot says and I grab their hands, "It means so much to still have you guys." I tell them and we give each other group hug. Margot starts to take the food out, while Claude pours us some wine. "So tell me, anything new? I'm sure I have missed quite a few things." I say while taking a sip of my wine. Lately I have been having extreme headaches and have been vomiting. I'm sure the headaches are causing my vomiting. Margot tells us that she has met a handsome man named Henry who is a local blacksmith worker and they are developing a relationship. As for Claude she admits to have been seeing one of the Castle knights. They both seem pretty happy, that's all I want for my friends. I know that I must arrange marriages to respected men with great titles.

"How about you Iz? how are you?" I don't exactly know how to answer that question. I'm fine, but am I really? "Well, I'm doing okay, Sebastian is to arrive soon. Wedding planning is going easy so far." I gulp my wine and pour myself another glass. "Actually, I've made a mistake. I slept with Lorenzo." I realized that I finished my glass, so I pour myself some more wine. Claude and Margot comfort me, "Iz everything will work out. I just don't understand how you don't hate Em. She practically dangles him in front of you." I cant be upset. There's really no point. "I don't hate Em, and trust me I have tried but I simply cannot. If she makes him happy, that is all that really matters. She is doing what I have failed to do."

We all lay back on the grass and continue to drink wine until the sun goes down. When we finally decide its time to leave, we are all drunk. Not a good look for a Queen. My guards help us back to the carriage and we all just laugh at how drunk we are.

The carriage ride is spent eating the leftover food and drinking the leftover wine. We talk about everything. I've missed them. When we arrive to Stirling Castle, we are much more drunk than we were at Linlithgow. "Take them to their bed chambers, and make sure they are safe. If any harm comes to them, I will not be pleased." I tell my guards. My bed chambers are pretty close, I'm sure I can make my way there by myself. I start walking down the hall and things are a bit blurry but fine. A tall figure is walking my way, "Izabel." is all I hear and realize that its Lorenzo. "Are you drunk?" he grabs my hand and I pull it away. "GOD, please not you. I do not need your help." I walk away from him but he doesn't listen and insists on helping me. "Shouldn't you be with Emilia." I say while laughing. When we make it to my chambers he helps me to my bed. "I really didn't need your help." I say while trying to remove my dress. I remove it and lie down.

"Izabel you shouldn't drink like this." I laugh, "I am not your wife for you to be telling me what to do. Go try that with Emilia, but not me." I say to him.  "Your right, you aren't my wife." and with that he slams the door and makes his way out of my bed chambers. I fall fast asleep.