The Last York Prince [AU]

Infanta of Spain

(Richard greets his soon to be sister-in-law and tries to accommodate her so she could be comfortable)

NOVEMBER 1501

Freja smoothed her light blue dress as Drew placed the chain around Richard's shoulders. Both walked out and cordially greeted the Poles and Margaret Beaufort.

They spotted the princess easily, finally arriving in England. She wore cream dress and her red hair and her fair, beautiful face was covered by a veil.

Spain's ambassador stepped forward and bowed. "House of Tudor, I give to you our illustrious princess, Catherine of Aragon".

They returned the bow. Richard stepped forward.

"Welcome to England, Your Highness. I trust your journey fairs well. Please forgive me if my Spanish is inadequate", Richard spoke in fluent Spanish, surprising everyone.

"Welcome to England, child. I cannot speak Spanish, so we will converse in Latin", Margaret spoke in Latin.

"Yes, it has and thank you. I can speak English if you like and your Spanish is quite good. I'm not a child. I'm Princess of Spain..., and Princess of Wales", Catherine smiled.

"Soon to be Princess of Wales", Margaret corrected her.

"My marriage was sent by proxy in my absence. Two times, I believe. So I'm Princess of Wales..., by law, yes?".

"I'm Richard, Duke of Gloucester. This is my wife, Freja and this is Margaret Beaufort, My Lady The King's Mother. These two are Sir Richard Pole and Lady Pole. We are at your service", Richard made the introduction.

"I would like to be inside and out of these damp clothes", Catherine began to walk towards the door.

"These ladies will help with your belonging and-", Maggie spoke, but Catherine interrupted her.

"I will bathe and then, siesta".

"Si-siesta? Is this a food?", Margaret asked.

"It's a..., more like a nap, My Lady", Richard answered and Catherine seemed impressed of him.

"Nap? It's afternoon! No, you will have your formal introduction to Prince Arthur".

"No, I..., I cannot meet him until we stand together in God's presence", said Catherine.

"But you're already married. Twice, as you said. So God will have no judgment if you meet your own husband", said Margaret.

"We are not blessed in His sight. I will meet no one until the English mud is washed off of me..., and I'll have siesta", Catherine stood her ground.

"Your Highness, my wife and the ladies will show you to your room. If there's anything you need, please let me know", said Richard, interrupting Margaret before she could speak.

"But she can't just go to sleep", Margaret interjected.

"My Lady, how is she to respect our customs when we don't respect hers?", said Richard.

Catherine smiled. "Thank you, my lord".

"Freja darling, could you show Her Highness to her room?".

Freja smiled and nodded before hooking her arm with Catherine's casually. "Come, Your Highness, you must be exhausted".

Richard spotted Maggie looking awfully uncomfortable. He gently asked Pole to let her rest.

"I'll take over from here", said Richard.