King Richard's study room

Richard looked still surprised, but he smiled

Oh I see. Sorry for misunderstanding. However, whoever your future husband is, I wish you to be happy. And I hope your mother will be free to attend your wedding ceremony, my Lady..

Isabella looked at him.

"Your Majesty thank you for you kind words."

She said softly.

Richard smiled again

No need to thank. I really mean it, my Lady. So tell me..have you friends here in bavarian court?

He asked

Isabella looked at him.

"Ambassador Mendoza and a few cousins."

She said softly.

Richard nodded smiling warmly

Ambassador Mendoza..of course! He is a worthy man. I'm happy you have his support in court..

Isabella looked at him.

"I am happy to be in your court."

She said softly.

Richard nodded, smiling again

I'm happy to hear that, my Lady. I promise..that I'll do my best to make your journey in my court..as pleasant as I can..

Isabella looked at him.

"Then I am here to serve you your Majesty."

She said softly.

Richard showed her a kind smile

I'm happy to hear this, my Lady. Now..hope you'll forgive me, but I have some work to do. I have to sign these documents..and I guess it will take time. This is..the boring side of being a King. I wish you a very nice journey in my Palace, Princess Isabella. Hope to see you soon..

He said glancing at papers on his desk. He nodded after his words

Isabella looked at him.

"thank you your Majesty."

She said softly as she went to the door.

Richard stood up. He kissed gently her hand and smiled

Princess Isabella..

Isabella looked at him.

"Your Majesty."

She said softly.

Richard bowed his head

Have a nice day, my Lady..

Aloysius wasn't feeling himself as of late. He had anger welling up inside him and he needed to release it. He felt somewhat used by that princess of Portugal, he felt made a fool off and he had told her everything about himself. Aloysius  had had enough of women and sought out the company of his cousin. Richard she has made a fool off me cousin.

Richard stood up immediately as he saw his cousin rushing in his Study Room. It must be something important. So he frowned deeply

Aloysius! What's happened, cousin? I never saw you so agitated. Please, have a sit and tell me everything. Do you wish something to drink?

He asked a bit confused, hoping to calm him down

Aloysius beseated himself slumping deeply into the chair. His elbow rested on the arm bringing one finger to his mouth. It was a nasty habbit to bite nails. No cousin I'll lay of the wine never had a taste for it really. He thought of how he would explain his brief meeting with Beatrice. In the two experiences I've had with women. They seem to be manipulative shrews.

Richard couldn't avoid to laugh at his sentence. He sat down shoking his head

Ahh...dear cousin! You're still so very young. And there are still many things to learn about women. They are...the most complicated creatures in the world. But tell me: what's happened? Who is this..manipulative lady?

He asked curiously

Aloysius was reluctant to tell his cousin the name of the girl. Remember dear cousin that she has acted alone and it shouldn't reflect badly on her family. It was Beatrice Portugal. Aloysius had to look away for a second he felt very guilty even though he did nothing wrong. In all fairness I think my pride is just slightly hurt. It was the first time I had confined in anyone.

Richard frowned a bit, before replying

Isabella's sister? I didn't know you had an affair with her? Maybe..neither Isabella herself knows about that. But tell me, cousin..why is she so manipulative in your eyes?

He asked curiously, staring at him

I most certainly did not have an affair with her! She is but a young adult. He was quick to defend his honour why did words that get spoken seemed misconstrued. Their are other words for manipulative like devious. Yes devious is the word I shall use for her then. When I came across her she told me that she herself had never been kissed. I'm no expert but how many first kisses can a person have. and I cast myself a fool to tell her the pains of my heart I even showed her my secret place. He cast his eyes out to the snow fallen gardens feeling as though his own blood was turning against him. She has hurt my pride and ego made me a laughing stock. I am a cousin of a king this shall nit suffice my name shall not be tarnished by a visiting royal. He stood up within a flash banging his fists down on to the table.

Richard was listening him attentively. But he couldn't help to chuckle after his sentence

Forgive me, cousin..but I can't understand. If you have not an affair with her..why you showed her... your "secret place"? I mean, hope you treated her with the due respect. Remember that she has royal blood..

He added, trying to look serious

Aye, of course! I didn't even touch her let alone taken her maidenhead, I'm not like that Cousin. Aloysius rolled his eyes in adamant frustration he was not that stupid to go around plucking ladies. What I can't understand is you are so quick to defend those who aren't your family are we not blood.

Richard smiled, but he shrugged and shook his head at the same time

Of course we are, Aloysius. I'm not here to defend her. I'm just trying to understand what's happened between you and Princess Beatrice. You know..in this moment I'm into a delicate situation with Isabella and Emperor Charles. So..I would like to avoid scandals or rumors in my court..

He cleared his throat and went ahead

But..I'm sorry that you found yourself in such situation with Beatrice. You're a clever man..and I can easily imagine that she caught your eyes. I know she is very beautiful. Do you want me to talk with her?

Placing his fists down onto the table he looked at his cousin squarely in the eye's. You shall not have any a scandal from me I keep myself to myself. And I'm not a little child either you need not speak to her on my behalf. This whole experience has left me very wary over ladies. They are rather peculiar creatures. Tell me that of Charles Hasburg then. Aloysius wanted to be kept up to date on the whole situation just incase.

Richard frowned a bit for his reaction. But he sighed leaning his back against the chair

Charles V wants Isabella back in Spain with him. Of course...he knows nothing about our son Max. He could accuse her of adultery locking her into a nunnery...like he did with his mother. So...Max will remain here. And she will visit him secretely..

He rubbed his forehead, wondering how to deal this situation, and then tried to smile

It's complicated, cousin. But..I think you shouldn't judge all women at the same way. One day you'll fall in love, and you'll change your mind about them completely. Trust me..