King Fernando's bedchamber

Fernando is sitting at a small table in his room, feet propped up, reading one of his favorite books his late wife gave him. As he is lost in a faraway world, a squire announces in his niece, The Duchess Anne. He closes the book but yet doesn't rise from his chair as she approaches him. He simply looks at her, Welcome back to Italy Anne.

Fernando shudders at any mention of his sister. Please do not speak of your mother right now. She is no longer my family for mixing with common blood, which of course is not your fault at all. We must speak of better things. A squire brings over an extra chair and he invites her to sit down next to him. He looks to her, So what has my niece been up to?

He looks to her curiously, Arranged marriage? Oh yes, I have heard. I am not sure if I would want my niece to marry into that family anyways. You are far more deserving of a better husband. Fernando rolls his eyes. That family is pure evil, grasping for any straws to get them to the top. I haven't been up to much since your Aunt passed on. Just attempting to find your cousin Francesca a husband.

Fernando scowled. I will not have my daughter marry into the country that fights against me for my crown. That is out of the question. As for the Spanish Prince, that I am not sure. Fernando gently stands up and walks over to the small wine bar in his chambers and pours him and Anne a goblet each. For a brief moment, he stares off into the distance, lost in thought.

Fernando shakes his head, his slightly graying brown hair moving wildly. He looked to Anne, anger rising in his dark brown eyes. I will never support them after what the Dowager Duchess put my daughter through, calling her the 'Royal Whore' when she never slept with her husband. Someone needs to knock that woman off her pedestal. They descend from an illegitimate line and that is all. They will never regain the throne of England. Fernando's blood is now boiling. Please leave my presence. I need to calm down.

Fernando smiled. It is alright. Do not mention the Lancasters to me again until they come to their senses. They are upstart wanna be's. Do not marry them please, I fear that you will be transformed into one of them. Fernando looks at her face. She looks so much like her mother, he smiled.

He smiled as she touched his face. Although she was tainted in his eyes, Fernando always cared for his niece as if she was his own. No child should suffer the mistakes of their parents. Francesca is doing well. She just returned from Navarre and is here with her dear friend Lady Mary Boleyn. I swear those to are as close as sisters could be.

They should not judge you on your parents mistake. It isnt right to do so. Fernando takes Anne into his arms and hugs her gently. Do not fret, you shall marry someday, I can feel it. We just need to find someone perfect for you.

Fernando looks at her with a curious look, Queen of what country Anne? There are no Kings looking for a wife, except me. He backs away from her.

He walks to the map and studies what she points at. We do need to take back Milan as it is an Italian state. He motions for all the servants to leave his chambers. His fingers run across the table, plotting. So if we took Milan back, you would want to be Queen?

Fernando shook his head in agreeance. He was very surprised at her knowledge of war. Since when weren't the French greedy? They always have been and always will be. He took a pin and stuck it dead center on Milan. Since when did you become so adept in all this? And besides, my troops are stretched thin and I could always have the fear of you invading my realm as well.

Fernando looks to her as an idea popped in his head. If you can raise your own army and money, you may take back Milan if you wish but if you so much as think to invade my realm, death will come upon swift wings to you.