The Dawn of a Century: an Iberian timeline

[IsaacXII]

Asturias, Spain, December 1475

"Checkmate!" the Princess of Asturias exclaimed as she moved her knight across the checked board. She looked up at her mother and gleamed, basking in her achivement.

"Excellent. You are learning very fast, Isabel" Queen Isabel of Castile congratulated her namesake. "You are learning very fast. Perhaps one day you can move your own knights across the land like this"

"Sí mama. And I shall fight with them as well!" Infanta Isabel raised her hands as if holding a mystical sword. Queen Isabel smiled at her daughter's childishness. Unconditionally her hand travelled towards her womb and her thoughts to the son she had lost.

"We are still young....we shall have a son soon" the queen thought as she gazed at her daughter, still lost in her own world fighting the infidels. A gush of wind blew the reddish copper hair of the young infanta as her mother took a moment to appreciate her daughter's fair angelic face and greenish blue Trastamara eyes. Isabel was the epitome of a Spanish prince except she was not the boy the queen so wholely desired. A squeal of delight brought her back to the real world.

"Isabel! My dearest daughter, it feels so good to hold you in my arms again" Fernando, the older Isabel's husband and the prince of Girona, held his daughter in his arms and kissed her cheeks as Isabel giggled in joy and returned a quick kiss to her father's nose.

"I defeated mama in chess papa! I did." The younger Isabel said excitedly.

"Really?" Fernando faked an exclaim.
"Yes! I moved my knights across and captured her king" Isabel explained "my queen was face to face with the king and then the knight came to help her. The king couldn't escape!"

The older Isabel observed the interaction between father and daughter. Sometimes a part of her wanted life to continue in this manner only, no kingdoms to claim, no claimants to fight, life without the fear of losing her husband to the battlefield. Just the 3 of them and her son who had yet to arrive.

"...and the knights are just like you, they go to war like you and are so courageous and strong" the younger Isabel spoke excitedly.
"And their queen?" Fernando asked

The little girl frowned a bit, she had not decided who their queen would be. "I don't know....who is your queen papa?"

"But I have two queens my dear" Fernando chuckled as he turned towards his wife. "My dear Isabel and my sweet Bella" he exclaimed. Isabel laughed at her husband's words. Fernando was cunning, ambitious and willing to do anything to secure his power but at times like this it felt as if they were to young to interfere in matters regarding war and treachery, at it was their age to indulge and enjoy their family.

"You flatter me Fernando" Isabel proclaimed.
"But why my dear, we are alone and none are praying upon us? Why shouldn't a spare some moments for my queens" Fernando said as he placed his daughter on the grown and kissed his wife's hand.

"Papa can I go with you to the battlefield please" Bella asked " I want to lead my knights and hold the sword like you"

"Of course my daughter, but you must grow up a bit, the sword is too heavy for you to carry now" Fernando explained

"But then how will you protect both of us papa? You will be so tired" the infanta asked thoughtfully.

"We shall have another knight soon darling " Fernando said looking at his wife "he will protect his mother and will be a great conquerer like El Cid".

"Who is he? I want to lead my knights with him" Bella asked eagerly.

Isabel smiled. "We will have a son, Fernando. A brilliant beautiful son. A son as brave and strong like his father " she said.

"Yes my dear we will" Fernando said as he kisses her hands again.

The battles had just begun.

 

[IsaacXII]

Lisbon, Portugal, July, 1475


"It's a girl your majesty" the midwife whispered as she placed the newborn into her mother's arms. leanor gazed at the newborn, her first born, daughter. The girl had her mother's face and father's hair.

"Leanor" the Prince of Portugal said as he entered the chambers, he stopped before his wife and child and asked "my.."

"Daughter" his wife finished his sentence for him "we have a daughter João". Leanor could see the disappointment in his eyes, had his father not had a son in his first attempt?

"Are you disappointed João?" Leanor whispered. João came forward and kissed his wife before taking his daughter in his hands.

"No.... absolutely not" João said "a healthy beautiful daughter of the house Avis. We are still young, soon we shall have many sons"

Leanor smiled. They still had plenty of time to conceive childern, they would have many sons as João believed.
"What shall we name our daughter?" She asked her husband.

João carefully observed his daughter. "She bears your looks so well, she deserves to be named after the queen who bore her".

Leanor kissed her daughter "Leanor, my darling" she whispered, "I am honoured my lord"

"Leanor" João kissed his daughter as she giggled in his arms "who knows? Maybe this girl will be an empress one day"

 

[IsaacXII]

Paris, France, August, 1476

King Louis paced the chambers of his council. "Fuenterrabia....you were repelled you say"

"We were your majesty, unfortunately " Alain of Albret, 16th Lord of Albret, Viscount of Tartas, the 2nd Count of Graves and the Count of Castres said. "The Aragonese forces are well versed into the country and know the place well than we do....our forces were scattered and I fled with the rest"

Louis stopped. This man, one of the most powerful in France, was admitting his cowardice. Yet Louis knew that the count was experienced and seasoned enough to know what was better.

"A humiliation for the kingdom of France" Louis stated "but to be beared if the future prospects are better"

"The new Queen of Portugal, the one they call la Beltraneja, is a girl of 13. While the queen of Castile is a woman who has already proved the worth in the throne and the womb" Alain said "the Infante Fernando is a young man of cunning and ambitions, a dangerous combination of traits I must admit.....with the queen of Castile as his wife he would spare no charge to protect what he believes is his "

Louis nodded slowly. Charles was a good man when he was the king of Navarre, that was until death took him. Poisoned, Louis had no doubt on that and that too either by his father or brother. Navarre was a tiny piece of land, one with barely much sustenance. If the boy was willing to go lengths for that piece of land, Louis believed, how far would he go to make his wife the queen?

"Well then we change our focus. Navarre can wait and so can Portugal. The king of Portugal does not show much aggressiveness and neither should we" Louis ordered

"Of course your majesty.... The king of Portugal is also powerful enough to make his niece-wife queen if he wants....when he works on his priorities we too shall, for now the Duke of Burgundy must be stopped"

"Yes Yes.....the Duke of Burgundy " Louis frowned at the name of his rival "if I had not dragged that bastard in chains, how shall I even call myself the king?"

The viscount wanted to say something but was interrupted by the herald announcing the count of Candale.

"Your majesty" The count bowed "I bring news from Castile.... The Portuguese have retreated"

"What!?..." Alain exclaimed "then that signifies the victory of the kings of Aragon" he turned towards the king

"Are there no Portuguese Lords left in Castile? " Louis asked

"There are your majesty.... The prince of Portugal has arrived to aid his father but I doubt that he is to stay for long" Gaston de Foix replied

Louis eyed the two men extensively, the Burgundian front needed immediate attention but he was a far sighted man. "No matter how much I try to ignore the Iberian kingdoms, they will come back to chew on me" Louis thought "Fernando was also considered a potential husband to the Burgundian heiress. If only..... "

"Your majesty" Alain began "I would hate to interrupt your thoughts but I believe that it would be better for us to foster our cause towards the Burgundian front. The Iberian kingdoms are yet to show prospect..... Moreover a double front war is the last thing we require now"

The 2 noblemen nodded in agreement. Although Gaston was still in favor of an assult towards Aragon, he kept his thoughts to himself.

"Very well Messieurs..... I shall consider the situation regarding the Castilian war, although do strengthen the Burgundian front..... I do regard it with more importance than the Castilian one" Louis cleared "Now do please leave me in solitude with my thoughts"

The nobles bowed and left. Louis sat on hia desk. He knew why the count of Candale was so interested, his wife was a Navarrese infanta with strong claims to the kingdom. Louis shook his head and chucked a bit, the count had ambitions bigger than his head or realm. But he needed to choose a side.

"Both kings boost of a daughter as the heiress...." Louis thought " François is 3yrs older than the Portuguese infanta and 2yrs younger than the Castilian one. A marriage wouldn't be bad"

"Your highness" Louis was interrupted again. The boy bowed down, Louis recognized him as one of those he sent to Portugal. "I bring your highness news that might be considered" There was always news for the king of France, no wonder they call him the Universal Spider.

"The king of Portugal is planning to visit your honour... All be himself. He wants to talk to you in person. He shall arrive by the first week of September" The boy informed. Louis took a coin from his purse and beckoned the boy forward. The boy received the coin with a glim of joy and bowed again before leaving.

The king of Portugal was coming himself, perhaps the fleur-de-lys could next be seen on a Portuguese arms? Louis thought and smiled.

 

[IsaacXII]

Seville, Castile, April 3rd, 1477

Fernando forced through the chamber doors as the cries of the newborn filled the air around him. His wife had a small bundle in her hands and a large grin around her face. Fernando knew what it meant.

"Isabel....how do you fare?" The prince asked, sincerely worried.
"I am well Fernando, just a bit tired as any proud mother would be" Isabel said, her head held high despite the sweat drops that tickled down her brows.
"And our...." Fernando began.
"Son" Isabel finished for him.

The Infante moved closer to the little bundle of victory. His son and heir! Fernando couldn't believe the heavens. His first legitimate son.

"He is our victory Isabel.....our future...our heir" his voice trembled with pride and anticipation.

"He is, our boy....the Emperor of Hispania" Isabel put forward, she had won the war. "We should call the Infanta, she ought to meet her brother"

"Yes, yes" Fernando agreed as Isabel gestured one of her ladies to bring the Princess of Asturias.

"My son the bringer of Victory....you shall destroy your enemies in war" Fernando said
"On the topic of war, how does the battlefield fair?" Isabel asked
"Oh dear you should not be concerned with this now, you ought to take rest" Fernando began but changed the topic when Isabel glared at him "Do you want the good news first or the bad one" he asked

"The bad one please"
"The archbishop of Toledo refuses to collaborate" Isabel frowned
"And the good news?"
"There are plenty, my queen" Fernando knew what it took to uplift Isabel's mood
"The Marquis of Villena, the Pacheco-Girón brothers and thr city of Toro have surrendered"
"Excellent!" Isabel rejoiced. If Alonso had refused to come back after the battle of Toro, Isabel thought, it's possible he won't show much aggression either, a few diplomatic pacts were all that were left to end the bloodshed.

"Mama, You called me?" Infanta Isabel, the Princess of Asturias (a title she would lose soon) asked.

"Yes mi hija, come meet your brother" the queen beckoned

"My brother?" She asked "He is so small"
"He will grow up with time my dear" Fernando chuckled "and be the knight who shall protect his mother"

"Like King Fernando of Castile!" the infanta remarked as she turned to her father "he will protect mama just like King Fernando protected his mother, the great queen Berengaria"

"You have taken your lessons by heart, Isabel.... I am proud of you" Queen Isabel praised.

Meanwhile, the little prince in the queen's arms cooed and smiled, delighted by his elder sister's antics. His head sprouted reddish golden hair while his pale complexion matched his sister's. Yet despite all this there seemed to me a lack of action in him, a fact that was noticed by his mother.

"Isabella was more lively than her brother..... perhaps he will grow stronger when he grows up" the queen thought to herself

"What is his name?" The Infante asked.

Fernando looked at his wife and their eyes met in a mutual agreement.

"Juan....after the Saints and our fathers" the queen declared.

"Infante Juan, Emperor of Hispanic......May you exceed all your forefathers" Fernando whispered.

The war of succession was over.

 

[IsaacXII]

Caminha, Portugal, September 14th, 1477

The caravel, hosting the king himself, landed on shore in Caminha. The ported, well dressed to accomodate royalty, bustled and buzzed as people crowded to get one view of their king, or rather the king-father, for despite the glamour that the port boasted of it was still not befitting for Lord of the realm.

King Alfonso V was not an old man. At 45, he had been ruling for nearly 4 decades, his reign witnessing the Portugese conquest of Alcácer Ceguer, Arzila and Tangiers. Having distinguishing himself from his scholarly father, Alfonso landed from board to a crowd of onlookers, the banner of the Avis dynasty high up in the sky with knights of the royal guard. His personal Coat of Arms were raised, he observed but there was no sign of the King's banner.




"Dear brother, how did your trip fare in France" Dom Fernando, and younger brother of the king inquired. At 44, the Duke of Beja and Viseu had proven himself well worthy in the art of navigation and warfare as rightful to any Avis prince. The brothers were in Fernando's Dukedom of Viseu, and throughout the journey, Alfonso did little to express the many doubts in his mind. Years of armed experiences had taught him well to control his tongue. Yet he could not help but ask his brother.

"Fernando....tell me something." Alfonso asked "I see the place well accomodated to suit any person of royal blood....but it is still no place for a King.....Even why? What happened?"

Fernando hesitated, he picked up his goblet of wine and finished its contents, in the end he tried to change the question. "Nothing much brother.....Why not tell me about your meeting with the French king?......how did it go?" Fernando inquired, wanting earnestly to avoid the topic that plagued the mind of his older brother.

Alfonso eyed his brother thoroughly, piercing through the darkness into the very soul of the Duke. "The King wanted to betrothe his younger son, the Duke of Berry to my granddaughter..." Alfonso laughed a bit "that man really thought that the firstborn daughter of the house of Avis will every marry a second born prince"

Fernando laughed along "so what happened....did anything of use happened"

"Yes...yes it did.....but for that I require your help"

Fernando was bewildered before composing his state again "yes....yes, Sure brother, I am happy to help in anyway you want"

"The Castilian war barely yields us any fruit....I am planning to truce this war, they say that the queen of castile has given birth to a son?"

"Yes.....and they named the boy Juan, are you thinking...."

"Yes, i will betrothed my granddaughter to the Prince of Asturias, we shall then have an agent in Castile and a long truce with the kings of Castile and Aragon"

"I understand" Fernando nodded "but where do I stand here"

"Your son João, shall be betrothed to Louis's youngest sister, Magdalena"

"Your Honour! It's a is a great honour for me and my family.....ma French princess for a mere Duke!"

"Save those words Fernando, You are no mare Duke....as long as I do not have a grandson, you and your sons are 2nd and 3rd in line to the Portuguese thrones.....in case of your death" Alfonso made a sign of the cross "João will still be 3rd in line....and you are one of the most important Dukes of Portugal, the youngest sister of a king is well your stands"

Fernando was excited at the prospect. A French princess for his heir! João was well settled for the time with his inheritance, Diogo would probably be more suited in joining his cousins in their African conquest, maybe earning his own accolade and a seperate Dukedom in the process, only little Manuel was left. He'll join the order of the Avis or a holy order or perhaps the church itself, Fernando thought, he is more sincere and quite than his brothers were at his age. Alfonso's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Now dear brother, that I have informed you of the great prospects that I have arranged for you, would you mind answering the question I had asked you moments ago?" Alfonso asked, his eyes piercing, there was no way to avoid this man.

"Alfonso..." Fernando began, unable to find words "you...ummm..."

"Yes, continue"

"Brother you are....."

"Yes what" Alfonso could barely wait for Fernando's revelations. His patience was running dry and his heart was begining to feel uncomfortable "tell me Fernando, what happened "

"You are no longer king brother....your title was usurped by the Prince, your son...." Fernando blurted "I was not of help....the Dukes of Braganza have sworn their loyalties to him.....you are simply the king father now....the Prince requested be to inform you that you should take refuge in a monastery until death seeks you"

Alfonso could not believe what Fernando had said. His titles usurped by his own son! The pain in his heart was begining to grow, it was feeling uncomfortable. And Fernando's eyes, they betrayed a different kind of truth, another truth of betrayal, Fernando had helped his nephew, he wanted to replace his brother with the boy Alfonso called son, the pain in his heart was unbearable.

"Alfonso! Alfonso...." These were the last things the former king heard from his brother, his sight was becoming dark and his body felt cold....and who were those winged beings? Angles?

"Father, what happened?" A melody of a voice of a boy was heard across the doorway causing the former king to get one last glimpse of his youngest nephew, Manuel, the boy without much prospect. Despite all the darkness consuming his sight, uncle and nephew met eachother's eyes and Alfonso saw what he thought he would never witness again. Purity, truth, gentleness. Manuel was not like his forefathers, he would not be vying for power, Alfonso knew it.

One of the angles moved towards Manuel and put a heavenly crown on his head and Alfonso knew who that angle was, St Antonio.

"You shall be king" Alfonso pointed towards Manuel with the last of his strength as his voice choked and the pain in him heart tore him apart. The era of one king was over.

 

[IsaacXII]

The dukedom of Beja, February 21, 1478.



The land bordered the kingdom of Castile, thus it was no doubt the land the Prince of Asturias and the Princess of Portugal were betrothed, a sign of mutuality by the two kingdoms.



"....and now we are a family" João II of Portugal said turning to the Castilian Queen "aren't we your majesty?"



Isabel coyed a smile. The war was finally over and former queen Juana's bastard was locked up in a nunnery. There was no reason to continue the enmity with the Portuguese.



"Of course King João" Infante Fernando replied. He was less sure than his wife about the Portugese's intentions. "It is a great honour for the Prince of Asturias to be the king of Portugal's son-in-law, his sons will carry with them the very blood of the African King" Fernando said.



João flinched a bit. His daughter's children would have good claims over the Portugese throne. "Anything happens to Alfonso, my Spanish grandson will take over the throne, the essence of the Portugese will be lost" João throught. Alfonso was the youngest child and only son, the physician had stated that Alfonso's difficult birth had severally affected Eleanor meaning Alfonso was her last child. "At least he is healthy" João reminded himself "he will have many sons when he grows up......and I have cousins, João, Diego and Manuel....the Portuguese line is safe".



"Ah! Infante Fernando.....You are too far sighted, my daughter has just grown her first teeth and your son still drinks form the breast.....let them enjoy the simplicity of childhood " João said, the queen and her husband laughed.



Beside João, the lord of Moura and his brother listened intently at what the King said.



"Do you think he is afraid, João" Diego, the second son of the Duke of Beja asked his older brother.



"Might be...." João whispered, "our nephew from our sister is healthy and big, but has left his mother infertile....and princes can die in accidents..."



"Meaning that with that our inheritance ..and your marriage to the princess of France...we will be unstoppable João....the king has many reasons to fear us " Diego whispered with a sinister smile. At 28, Diego was a suitable bachelor of high statues but there weren't many maidens for him. Or so the king claimed, for after the lord of Moura 's marriage to Magdalena of France, King João regarded his cousins as a threat to his rule, despite the fact that his uncle had helped him usurp the throne from his father. Dom Fernando had turned against his brother, the king...what would forbid his sons from turning against theirs?

 

[IsaacXII]

Moura, Portugal, July 1480


Isabel carefully caressed the newborn bunny while it's mother slept, exhausted from childbirth. This one is weaker than his siblings, Isabel thought, perhaps that is why his father stays so close to him, the father snuggled closed to Isabel but kept a watchful eye on his newborn children, some playing nearby while others stayed by their mother's side. Suddenly he sprang upto his feet and hopped around as if truth to defend his family from something.



"Ah, Niño stop" the infanta shouted before chasing the bunny's father, the bunny still secured in her hands "what happened?"

As Isabel chased Niño she found him facing a dog that seemed annoyed at the pesky little creature trying to challenge it.



"Niño, come back don't try to fight the dog" Isabel tried calling out to her pet but he had non of it. The dog had enough of being annoyed and ferociously barked before leaping forward towards the rabbit. Niño realized that he had bitten off more than he could chew and lept on his back to flee the sight. The dog chased after him while Isabel watched in horror.



"Oh God, Niño why must you!?" Isabel exclamation. She looked around and found a strong stick. Placing the bunny on a head of soft mud and leaves, Isabel picked up the stick and went over to rescue her rabbit.

Isabel stood between her rabbit and the dog, holding her stick protectively. The dog pounced at the infanta while Isabel held the stick and tried to push the creature back.



"Riño stop right there" a voice, of a boy no less, filled with authority shouted from behind Isabel. The dog immediately left Isabel and ran to the boy, who Isabel turned around to find was Dom Manuel, youngest son of the former duke of Beja and Viseu.



"Bad boy, how many times should I tell you to stop bothering people like these" Manuel scolded Riño who simply wiggled his tail in joy as if he found the entire situation funny. "No I do not care if you find this funny" Manuel said as Riño jumped on him and began licking his face "No Riño...this will not..uff...you will not be forgiven, I am still angry" Manuel pushed Riño down, the dog whimped and laid his head low.



"Yes that's better, now run off to my chambers and wait for me while I fix the damage you caused" Manuel commanded his dog and patted his head just as the dog ran away from the sight leaving the oldest Trastamára daughter and youngest Avís son together.



"Are you fine my lady?" Manuel turned towards Isabel who had been watching the interaction with quite some interest. "I apologise for Riño's behavior, I have been trying to discipline him for some time but he doesn't seem to listen" Manuel bowed his head regretfully.



"It's fine Dom Manuel" Isabel said, "It was not his fault entirely, Niño had been annoying him for some time and I feel the need to apologize if I have hurt Riño by any chance"



"Niño?" Manuel was surprised but looked around to find Niño at the heap of mud and leaves where his son lay. "Is that Niño" Manuel pointed before approaching the rabbit. He stroke Niño's back until he had calmed down before picking him up. Isabel followed by picking up the bunny.



"So Niño is a father? I don't blame him if he is a but overprotective over his daughter" Manuel laughed.



"Son, Juan is Niño's son, although he is not as strong as his brothers and sisters" Isabel corrected Manuel.



"Oh I see, but why is his name Juan? After the king?"



"Oh no no, after my brother back in Castile"

Isabel smiled sadly. She missed her parents and siblings but didn't want to show that.



"Hmm..." Manuel caressed Niño with gentleness that Isabel could not image him to be authoritative a few moments ago. He was gentler than many of the people around, including the Dowager Duchess and Isabel's grandaunt and Manuel's mother.



"Your hand" Manuel exclaimed suddenly "It's bleeding" putting Niño down Manuel rushed towards Isabel and took her hands in his. The hand was bleeding, Isabel realized. "Riño, that boy, he scratched you so deep" Manuel carefully inspected the hand. "We need to see the doctor before it's too late until then..." he took out a napkin and wrapped it around Isabel's hand over the wound stopping the blood flow.



"Ah.." Isabel exclamation lightly.

"Are you ok?" Manuel asked, his eyes wide with sincerity and care, "is it too tight"



"Oh no it's fine," Isabel chucked at Manuel antics before looking at him. He wasn't very handsome but that serenity in his face, the gentleness of his eyes, the angelic nature of him drawn the young infanta to the youngest boy of the Avís dynasty.

Manuel himself looked at Isabel with admiration. She was beautiful, he realised, her eyes as green as the earth but also so blue that it might be mistaken for the oceans the Portuguese traveled over, it's depth a hoard of many secrets mankind had yet to explorer. The silence was dawning on them but was broken by the Dowager Duchess calling out to her son and grand niece.



"Where have you two been!? We were so worried" Dowager Duchess Beatrice exclaimed. "Infanta I think it is time for your language lessons, please go to your chambers. Your tutor must be waiting for you" Beatrice then turned to her son "Manuel, the captain of Arzila awaits you, do not keep him waiting ".



Isabel nodded and rushed out of the scene, stopping only to put Juan back with his mother and siblings. For a moment she turned back and smiled towards Manuel before dashing off again.



"That girl is going to a good Portuguese queen" Beatrice said "I think she should also join you sometimes when you are learning warfare from the Captain, don't you think? Manuel, Manuel?"



Manuel came back from his trance, sometimes things happened that he didn't yet understood, but he nooded. "Yes mama, she will be a great queen and i shall be her loyal knight". He smiled.

 

[IsaacXII]

Cordoba, Castile, August 23rd, 1480

Queen Isabel cradled her newborn daughter close to her cheast, as if looking out for any sign of weakness or illness in her. Luckily Maria was healthy, her head already had a thick sprout of hair while her eyes exhibited a certain kind of seriousness unknown in a child but witnessed in nuns. Isabel remembered how her children's eyes: Juana's was curious and active, worthy with her blood red hair giving her the very appearance of a warrior, Juan was quiet and serene, a lack of action but filled with admiration, Isabel wondered of her son would take after his Portuguese ancestor- Duarte o Rei-Filósofo. And then there was Isabel, her namesake and first born, with eyes a distint bluish green that gazed out and looked right back into her mother's eyes, Isabel didn't notice much during that time, she was only 19 and had her first child.


"Your highness? " Beatrice de Boabdilla, Queen Isabel's closest confidant and friend appeared by her side. At any other moments Isabel would have been outrageous if any lady had interrupted her time with her children but Beatrice was like an older sister.

"Beatrice, the sudden urgency! Is anything wrong?" Isabel asked as she clutched Maria closer to her heart.


"Oh no your majesty, by the blessings of the Virgin and the Lord everything is fair and prosperous over the country" Beatrice said as she made the sign of the cross. Isabel followed suit.

"Then?"

"King Fernando has requested to meet you"

Isabel's heart leapt with joy, her eyes widened and smile turned into a big grin, there was no need to hide anything from Beatrice, there was no feelings of predator and prey between them.

"Fernando! Is he well... send him in" isabel said, exited to meet her husband.


Beatrice smiled and left. Moments later Fernando walked in.


"My queen, how has your health been!?"

Fernando enquired. "And how is our little infanta?" He looked at the tiny bundle rested in Isabel's arms, awaken and cooing at her father.

"I am well dear husband " Isabel said "and so is our little miracle". Fernando seemed pleased. He had noticed that while Maria had eyes the colour of an amber wood, she had a hint of something so similar to what he had seen in his eldest daughter. Not the same, mind you, for what Maria had was deeper, more profound as if from the depth of her soul.

"My miracles" Fernando gazed at the two women (one only, the other is a girl).

"Yes, our Maria, blessed by the Virgin herself." Isabel sighed "yet I cannot help but feel the loss of our son"

"God thought it is more worthy for us to have a third daughter. Moreover, too many a son is also a curse when you try to unite two states. Who knows if our younger son could have been Henry of Lancaster..."

Isabel took a big inhale while Maria looked at her mother, perhaps understanding what what she was going through. She shifted against Isabel's chest as if attempting to comfort her.

"She understands how you feel Isabel" Fernando put forward gently. Isabel smiled.


"How far has the War against the Moors progressed?" Isabel asked in an attempt to change the topic.

"Some battalions are send over to Alhambra... arrangements are made to fortify the place yet raids aren't uncommon" Fernando specified.

The two Monarchs discussed the War for sometime.

"I think it is high time I should step up... I have had enough rest" Isabel confessed. Fernando, however, was enraged.

"What!?" He thundered, "have you lost your mind?"
"I am perfectly fine and so is our daughter... it's time she goes to the wetnurses"
"She can but you must stay.... you are in no condition lead men!"
"I have been in rest for more than 3 months... it's enough"

Maria, sensing the angry atmosphere, began to cry diverting her parents attention. Fernando immediately took her from Isabel's arms and began comforting her.

"Now, now little one.... it is fine" he spoke so softly that Isabel began questioning her own feminity. Fernando was always better with the children. Isabel knew why and it bothered her at times, even pained her to think that she was not the only one to bear Fernando's children.

Maria had calmed down and so had Fernando. He looked at Isabel and sighed.


"You are the Queen of Castile. In your kingdom only your words matter, the number behind my name is only a symbol. You are free to do as you please" he said, slowly, methodically, every word of his carrying a meaning.


"Fernando.... " Isabel said as she quietly slid her arm to rest against his elbow, "I know you want me to be safe..but I cannot sit ideally as my men die in battle... as their Queen it's my duty to lead them, to protect them"


Fernando looked at Maria and then at Isabel before looking at at Maria. "Who do you think she looks like?" He asked.

Isabel surveyed her daughter a bit before looking at Fernando. "She has your hair... and eyes, and..."


"She has your nose and reflection..." he completed for her.

Isabel suddenly felt self-conscious "Do I have a big nose?" She asked.

"Not really" Fernando answered truthfully, before realising his mistake "I mean you have a beautiful nose" he admitted, his eyes wide and mouth sprouting a small grin.

Isabel giggled, Fernando's antics reminded her of their first month of marriage, they were young then but now they were nearly 30. Yet that youthful mischief still found them at most unexpected hours. Fernando could never experience this with his mistresses, Isabel thought, Fernando seemed to be thinking the same, their eyes met in agreement.


"You liar" Isabel playfully called out.

"Was I wrong " Fernando asked grinning "afterall my queen and miracle" he looked at Maria who was cooing at her father, " They both have beautiful noses"

Isabel laughed, Fernando smiled, it was easy to please a woman, he thought.

 

[IsaacXII]

Moura, Portugal, January 1481

Winter had yet to depart from the Portuguese lands. The land was white while the skies were grey from the black smoke of the fireplace. Water froze quickly but the sea was still raging as if Poseidon was riding his chariot like the knights of the reconquista, charging at the lands only to be pulled by himself. Manuel liked watching the waves clash against the land. It often made him wonder what was beyond the line where the sky would kiss the sea. Diego had told him once that the ocean was like a woman, beautiful but dangerous, destroying anyone who were of a weak mind. Manuel didn't like to belive what Diego had said but he couldn't be wrong though, he was Manuel's only brother alive and the man in Manuel's life. He had written to Diego that month and was really hoping to get an answer this time. A scream followed by a giggle destroyed the serenity of the space, causing Manuel to turn about. He saw the infanta of Castile laughing as her playmate, the daughter of the Captain of Tangier, screamed and ran in circles while Niño chased her with his children. Isabel was trying hard to control her laughter and could have easily been rolling on the ground.

She would be a good queen, Manuel thought, atleast better than Leanor for she's always fretting over what will happen to Alfonso. "My nephew isn't dying anytime soon" Manuel thought aloud. Manuel saw the eldest infanta giggle, run, fall and laugh. I am the only man who has seen the future Queen of Portugal in the manner of her girlhood, Manuel felt an air of superiority, not even her father not even my nephew... I did. Grinning in his newfound magnificence Manuel went back to watching the waves.

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Isabel couldn't hold her laughter as she watched Antonia try and fight against Niño, occasionally letting out a sharp scream.

"Get him away from me... get him away" Antonia shouted as Isabel caressed Juan and watched.

"Don't be silly dear, Niño is harmless" Isabel replied calmly.

"He will bit... he will..ahh" Antonia screamed as Niño jumped towards her.

Isabel sighed and smiled. She kept Juan down and went on to pick Niño up, stroking his back such that he calmed down in a few moments.

"You are too cowardly for a Portuguese " Isabel teased Antonia, who was too shocked to react to the insult. She simply straightened her skirts and gave Isabel a grumpy look.


"I find that you girls are having alot of fun", Isabel and Antonia look around found the Dowager Queen Joanna standing in the shadows of the palace, the light from the sun highlighting a certain sinister smile Isabel remembered seeing somewhere beforehand, she just didn't remember where.

"My lady" Isabel bowed in curtsy Antonia following suit. "How may we help you?"

"Ah Isabel dear, save that curtsy.... we are cousins and no one is watching.... let there be no formalities between us" Joanna said "why come inside.... it's too cold outside now and pretty ladies shouldn't spend much time out for it affects her beauty"

Isabel and Antonia looked at each other before deciding that it was really cold outside. They walked in and walked towards Joanna who immediately grabbed Isabel's shoulder once she was close enough.

"Why... you look so much like your mother" Joanna pulled Isabel's chin upwards before moving it around, inspecting Isabel's face, "the hair, the eyes, the face..... you are a Trastamára, are you not" Joanna's voice turned sinister, "I could have married you if you were a boy, dear Isabel". Isabel was getting uncomfortable with how Joanna was holding on to her, the hands sliding down.

"I... I.." Isabel muttered trying to free herself. Joanna silenced Isabel by putting a finger on her lips, she turned to Antonia, "My dear, would you mind leaving us a bit alone? I have met my cousin after a long time and would definitely like to learn more about her" Joanna smiled. Antonia nodded, looked at Isabel and walked off.


"Now that was an obedient girl" Joanna held Isabel tightly, "but we should definitely go to somewhere more private". Before Isabel could reply Joanna dragged her inside the castle, through the corridors and into a secluded spot. There was hardly any lights and Isabel felt a certain shiver down her spine. A single torch lit the entire corridor and the dust around the palace made it seem that people rarely came to this portion of the palace.

"So Isabel.... Named after your mother.... I almost feel that she is here... " Joanna said cupping Isabel's face with one hand while the other held her tightly. Joanna's touch made Isabel wimp in pain.

"My lady please be gentle it hurts" Isabel requested. Joanna laughed.

"Hurts?.... Oh my dear you don't know what actually hurts..... And with a mother as yours don't expect gentleness". Joanna pushed Isabel against the wall, closing the distance between them.

" You do not know your mother my dear" Joanna bowed down such that the space between their faces dimed as the torche's light. "You simply do not know your mother.... If it was not for her there would have been a Queen Joanna of Castile... If it were not for her I would not have been forced to bed an old man and then rot in a convent"

Isabel was visibly shaking now. Her cousin saw that and smiled, a smile that began to come back to Isabel from the dark of her memory, she knew that smile.

"What happened dear" The former queen of Portugal mocked "afraid?.... Because you should be" The hands that had gripped Isabel's shoulders began to move down and gripped her hips. The infanta of Castile understood what was to come.

"Joanna please... " There were tears in her eyes as Isabel struggled against her much stronger cousin.

"You are not getting any mercy anytime soon..... You look so much like your mother.... How much do I keep the urge to throw you in the ground, to tear off your garments.... To throw a knife deep inside you... To watch you struggle to live" Joanna sneered, her hands were traveling up and down over Isabel. She leaned in and whispered "and don't tell anyone dear..... Your mother doesn't like stains"

Isabel was crying now, she didn't want to, she didn't want Joanna to see her weakness but what happened in the next few moments were a complete blur of pain, tears and agony. Before she collapsed in her bed, the safety of her chambers Isabel remembered the bloodshot eyes of the Dowager Queen, her laughter close to madness, her appearance that of a witch. She remembered what Joanna screamed as she ran from her clutches, that her mother was a thief, a usurper. Maybe she was right, for the smile, it dawned on Isabel, she had seen it on the former king of Castile's face.

 

[IsaacXII]

The city sleeps on a tender tide
Rocking by the moonlit skies
None heeds the messenger cries
The King has arrived, the King has arrived

The lights are gone
where the lamps had lied,
Lika a lost faun
the messanger cried
"The king has arrived, the King has arrived"

There beneath a silver sky,
The cricket sings and nightjar sighs,
All echo the messangers cries,
"The king has arrived, the King has arrived"

- a short poem titled 'The Messanger' credited to Don Juan de Las Casas
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Written sometime during the reign of King Miguel I of Spain and Portugal, Don Juan's 'the messanger' describes a messanger who tries to convey the message of a king's arrival to the city during night time. Often described as one of the most enigmatic poems of de las Casas, 'The Messanger' has no definite meaning. Scholarship is divided into two schools regarding the meaning of the poem. The first school belives that the King here refers the Son of God and de las Casas describes a city which is unaware and ignorant of the birth of the Lord. Their claim is supported by the fact that Don Juan presented this poem to King Miguel durin Christmas. The other school thinks the poem tells the tale of a city in France that is ignorant of the King Miguel's coming and thus does prepare in time to defend against the king's seige. The school offers Spanish victory against the French and the famous 'Treaty of Marseilles", which relinquished French claims over Naples and shaped much of the colonial diplomacy in the 18th century, as evidence of the poem being dedicated to Miguel

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[IsaacXII]

I walk by the river side-
A mile from the fields
Where men once stood for duel and strike
under swords, banners and shields

I walk by the russet Tree
And walked over yellow leafs
where once i fought for my fatuous beliefs
And ignored my mother's pleas

The sun now sets with a dazzling glow,
And I turn to face the farms
Where once I left my willing bride
And was married to my arms

Now I walk to,
From where I came
Foe the days of war, are gone and long
But as I walk by the river side,
my heart sings the Soldier's song

- A popular Galician song/poem
​

The now semi- autonomous province of Galicia has a long and interesting history which eventually led to the splitting of the provinces and the creation of the Provinces of Braganzas, Lisbon and Beja. The Rebellion of the Veterans in 1936, led by Duarte de Luz and fought mostly and socialists and anarchists, eventually led to the splitting of the provinces.

 

[IsaacXII]

Moura, Portugal 1483.

Isabel sat at the edge of the bed, her eyes downcast, her face stoic. The wounds were bleeding, perhaps, she didn't know. She could see her hands from the corner of the her eye, scratches and cuts decorating them like the tapestries made by the Italian masters, the scars were hidden but not less painful. The tears were unshed, the last of them for there were no more tears to shed. A caress across her back send shivers down her body.

"What happened dear cousin? Didn't enjoy it" Joanna's voice was filled with a mocking pity. Indeed she had no remorse to what she had done, Isabel understood that early, as Joanna began talking about her life in Castile and Portugal, how it took the very spirit away from her and how her rightful throne was usurped. Isabel could particularly understand the last one, even acknowledge it for the more she spend time with her cousin, the more she saw her uncle, the late king of Castile. The ringing of the church bells disrupted the moment between the cousins.

"Hmmm... It is time for you to run off" Joanna said as she herself got up. Just as Isabel was about to leave the hell hole, she found herself yanked towards Joanna. "I beard you are leaving soon.... I will miss you... Dear cousin" the sinister whisper crept up and down Isabel's spine and she ran as fast as she could, stopping only when she was a considerable distance from Joanna.

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Antonio sighed heavily as he finished his inspection. Walking back to the palace, he counted the money given to him by the Jew, a rather good amount for his part time work. A few more years and he would have successfully saved enough to go back home. As he entered the castle, the Indian saw the young infante, 14 year old Dom Manuel practising his sword in private, his form much better than last, as Antonio remembered it. Yet the infante looked distracted, his mind was not with the sword.

"Good afternoon infante!" Antonio bowed before the boy.

"Antonio, you shoudn't! Atleast not when we are alone.... you know I consider you my friend?" Infante Manuel put his sword aside and greeted the man in his late forties.

Antonio smiled. He was brought to Portugal about twenty years ago as a young man, and sold to the Duchess of Viseu as a gift on the occasion of the birth of the infante. It wouldn't be a lie to consider Antonio having watched Manuel grow up, from a child fed from the breast to a young infante of 14, a scion of the Avís dynasty.

"I consider it my honour infante, to have befriended the very king of Portugal" Antonio said.

"Antonio!...." Manuel exclaimed before speaking in hushed voices, "you must not speak of it so carelessly and loudly, if someone hears us we all shall loose our heads"

"Yes yes...forgive me" Antonio apologised. He was the only person outside the duke's family to know of the late king Alfonso's alleged prophecy.

"Do u think uncle was right?" Manuel suddenly asked the Indian.

Antonio furrowed his brow. He knew many things, things not yet known to the europeans. He had mastery over practices these people would love to have a taste of but deem heretic as soon as it's use subsided to them. But most importantly Antonio knew how to speak, when to speak, what to say to whom and when.

"Maybe infante....maybe" he answered.

"You actually believe that?..... that I the youngest son of the younger brother with a strong healthy brother and nephew shall be able to actually inherit Portugal?"

"Forgive me infante but there are many who inherit the throne without the luck of being born to a specific father.. or mother"

"No no... I cannot do what you are suggesting! Never..." Manuel looked at Antonio wide eye.

"Oh infante you are too virtuous to do that I believe you" Antonio patted Manuel's back. Manuel smiled.

"We really shoudn't talk of these matters so openly. I fear for our lives after João's death" Manuel made a sign of the cross, Antonio followed suit.

"You think it was the king's doing?"

"I do not explicitly want to believe that. The king is my cousin and treats me like his own son after my father's demise and Diego's parting....but I have heard Diego talk to mother alot about how the King fears us...fears our power, especially me" Manuel looked at Antonio in a helpless manner.

Antonio felt pity for the boy. Here he was, growing up to be a man without his father and older brother's guidance.

"And João's death....he was in good health...and I remember Leanor talk about how the King hoped that Magdalena shall give birth to a daughter. That how he showed Mariana with gifts after she was born....how he arranged Digeo's married so quickly to João's daughter....it feels rather hasty on the king's part"

"It does...but let's change the topic...you didn't seem focused when practising your sword...your fears consuming you?" Antonio asked hoping to sooth the boy.

"Oh nothing" Manuel turned away and blushed, it did not escape Antonio's eyes.

"Really...infante you can share anything you want with me...but I think I should not disturb you regarding this matter" Antonio smiled and began to walk away only to be stopped by Manuel.

"Antonio wait... I have a... I mean some questions" Manuel exclaimed.

"Yes my lord, how may I help" Antonio smiled.

"Umm...is it..like some serious illness...like, when you see some person...and suddenly like everything feels, beautiful...and it feels like something is rolling in your stomach and your mouth feels dry?"

"Hmmm....not serious and definitely not an illness. But contagious!" Antonio joked, "It comes from a person... who is this person who is making you feel this infante"

"Uhh... she's innocent, she doesn't deliberately do this...she's very good, so beautiful...her eyes..." his words vanished as the infante talked about this mystery person.

"I prefer a name infante.... I promise your secret shall be safe with me"

"Her name..." Manuel gulped and cleared his throat, "...Isabel " he whispered.

"The kitchen girl?"

"No no....the umm" Manuel blushed and looked down "the Castillian infanta".

"The infanta!.... Dios mio infante... you have a good choice"

"But she's betrothed to my nephew....moreover she deserves to be a queen...and I have no idea whether I shall rule a county or a monastery......"

"It is not inappropriate infante to admire one of God's finest creations" Antonio stated calmly, "moreover I think god heard our conversations because look" he pointed towards the infanta sitting alone underneath a fig tree, deprived of her ladies companionship.

Manuel rushed forward and greeted her. "Infanta...." he bowed gracefully "How has your day been"

Isabel tensed on hearing the questions. She couldn't tell anyone about what happen. Forcing a smile she replied "I have had a good day.... unfortunate that the master has a terrible tooth ache...fortunately I am allowed a leave from the Latin lessons!"

"God graces us in different manners" Manuel laughed.

A silence followed. The two cousins looked at each other. Both realised that the surroundings seemed very beautiful suddenly, the flowers bloomed and their fragrance filled the air, the wind itself blew slowly but enough to remove the strands in front of Isabel's eyes such that her eyes were directly looking into Manuel's. She found a certain kind of peace their, a hope that her future was safe. She smiled.

Watching the infanta smile, Manuel cleared his throat loudly and broke the silence. "I heard that you were leaving in a few months" he asked

Isabel nodded, "I will...but I shall continue to write"

"I would eagerly wait for your letters" Manuel said. Somehow he knew he would, that he would keep each and every letter to himself. Read them again and again and again till he breathed his last.

The silence spoke for sometime. This time the infanta broke it.

"I am a bit worried about Niño...that after I go..." Isabel wondered worriedly

"I shall take care of them do not worry" Manuel assured her "under my care their dynasty shall flourish as much as ours!"

"Oh Manuel thank you" Isabel gleamed and suddenly wrapped her hands around Manuel in a hug. Manuel felt his heart race and cheeks turn bright red. His hands moved by themselves and embraced the infanta. Isabel let go of Manuel and smiled brightly. "You are the best man I have ever met" Isabel said, "when I become the Queen, I shall make sure that you are my knight...my best knight" She exclaimed.

Manuel stepped by, his head was feeling very dizzy. "And I promise that when I become your knight, non shall even look at her highness with an evil eye" he proclaimed with a hand over his heart which was beating heavily.

This time the silence was stuffed with something unknown to both of them, something that made them both feel safe, in the other's company.

"You are very beautiful" Manuel's words shocked him, but Isabel simply laughed.

"And I find you very handsome" She replied, "but I must go now, else your Mother shall look for me" saying so she dashed away.



"So infante....enjoyed the moment" Antonio arrived suddenly and found Manuel with his hands raised, eyes half open, lips curved in a smile.

"I guess you did" Antonio laughed, "It isn't everyday that one gets to love the most beautiful girl in the kingdom by themselves!"

 

[IsaacXII]

We walked by the sea
yet your curls lost to the waves;
The house we made a home,
is now an opulent grave.

The kisses that made me sigh,
feel empty and vain;
The peace is gone
from the bed we had lain.

My days do not mind,
but the nights have lost their grace;
What use do they have?
if the love is lost from your embrace?

-Poem credited to King Manuel I of Portugal, called 'The Lost Love'. Was said to have been written by the King after he discovered his wife, Queen Isabel II of Castile 's affairs. The poems were reveled to the public in early 2010.


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