Valerie Mayer's Bedchamber

Richard smiled her back and nodded again

And tell me, dear...do you think it's possible to arrange the Spring Party for the next week? I would like everyone to join. So I can introduce you officially in my court...

He said with joyful voice, looking at her

Smiling and very excited I replied:

"That will be perfect, I will arrange everything, and you and the Queen will love it "

I clapped my hands from excitement as I continued:

"But I need the list of the people that you want to invite"

Richard laughed noticing her excitement and nodded

Oh yes...the list. You're right. But I think it's better writing it together, don't you think?

He winked at her and called a servant. He ordered him to bring them inch and paper

"Alright then, lets start with the Kings and the Queens first" I smiled and looked at my uncle

England:

Henry VIII of England
Katherine of Aragon

France:

François 1er de France
Claude Valois

Spain:

Henry II of Navarre
Carmen de Salinas

Portugal:

Isabella of Portugal

Italy:

Armand Giovanni

Tuscany, Italy:

Fernando Benedetti
Amelia of Cleves

"Did I miss someone?"

Richard looked carefully at the list and rubbed softly his chin. He nodded with a little sigh

Yes...I think it's rather complete. But you see, KIng Henry is divorcing from Queen Katherine, and maybe he'll marry his mistress, lady Anne Boleyn. And...King Armand has been dethroned. Also, I heard that King Fernando just divorced from his wife..But let's try to invite them...

He said hopefully, smiling at her

"You know the best dear uncle, that is why I will always need your help"

I continued the list:

From the Duchess:

Bavaria:

Amelia of Cleves
Anne of Cleves
Felicity Beryl
Sybille of Cleves
Maria of Austria

England:

Anne Rose Howard
Catherine Willoughby
Elizabeth Stafford Howard
Jane Bassett
Jane Stafford Brandon
Nan Saville

Italy:

Christina of Milan


Soldiers:

James Adler
Lancelot Guildford
Pierpont Guyot
Stephen Cavendish
William Pullen

Artists:

Mionetta Rizzo
Leonardo da Vinci
Eleanor Brandon
Henry Manox
Emilia Lanier
Thomas Wyatt

"All you need dear uncle is to check and uncheck people from the list"

Richard looked carefully and the new list and rubbed his chin again

Uhm...do you know personally all these people, my dear? It's a very long list. This meand we need time, and we have to wait until invitations will be sent...

He said smiling and holding the paper

"No uncle, I don't know all these people, but I want to meet them" and I winked.

"So we have to set a date and start with the invitation" smiling to my uncle

Richard looked at the list again and nodded

Yes...I think we should, dear Valerie. Summer is starting, and maybe someone would like to visit our beautiful country. Uhm...what about on 1 July?

He asked, after thinking for a little while

"The date is absolutely perfect my dear uncle, it will be a party to remember, so you will invite the king and queens and I will invite the rest" I said with a smile

"Thank you for everything, what would I be without you" and I bowed

Richard smiled warmly and appointed his sign on the paper, to show his approval

I trust in you, then. I'm not good in arranging parties, but I'm sure you'll do a good job, dear niece...

He smiled and gave her the list

"My Lords please be seated, because the night will be a long one" looking at both of them

"Brother let me introduce you to the mysterious girl, we were talking about, her name is Isabella and she is the Princess of Portugal, well according to Ambassador Mendoza she is officially engaged with the Emperor Charles V, the document is valid signed by the Emperor him self, and I don't think Uncle is aware of that, she has bewitched him somehow"

Looking at the Ambassador I continued "Well, there are a lot of consequences if The King annulled the marriage with Queen Eleanor and secretly marries Princess of Portugal" then I turned at the Ambassador "Ambassador can you tell us what is the worst case if these things are about to happen"

Inigo nodded at the Prince and decided to explain

Your Highness, our fear is that your uncle can do the same thing who did the King of England. England is into chaos because of a woman. And if the same thing happens here...it would be even worse..

Inigo shrugged a bit and looked at Prince Philip

If you think that this can work, then leave, Your Highness. We must try everything we can to protect bavarian crown. Considering that now, you're currently the legittimate heir to the throne, Your Grace..

When my brother kissed me he reminded me at my poor father, I stood up and went to the fireplace, tears went through my face
"You know Ambassador, my father was wounded, on a battlefield very bad, and... died in this castle when me and Philip where very young, I remember very clearly his face, how he tried to smile to us, even he knew he will not see us growing up, he used to call me white rose, he said to my uncle -After my death you will be the king, take care of my kingdom, people, and more importantly my family-"

I hide my Tears in my Smile "And he did, he loved us, he raised us, he taught us how to love, how to respect, how to help, and I believe my father is very proud, but now I don't know if he is my uncle anymore, he is not who he used to be"

Inigo listened her without replying or interrupting her. It was evident she needed to talk with someone. He nodded approvingly

Entiendo...entiendo, mi senora. You love your uncle for what he did for you and your family. But you're angry with him, now. Remember that he is a King, but he is also a man. Every men commit mistakes. But this has nothing to do with his affection for you, Your Highness..

"You are right, He is the King, and he has to behave like one, and not like child, I will never have the strength to forgive him" speaking in disappointing tone

Inigo took another breath, understanding her disappointment. But he also hoped to bring peace between uncle and niece

Mi senora, he is your uncle. He loves you as a daughter. He is...infatuated with this woman, now. But not for long. I will never allow him to break his Holy marriage with my cousin..

With the words that the Ambassador said to me, my heart started to calm, and my hatred toward my uncle stopped.

"You are so kind and generous my Lord, your words are like balm to my heart, how can I ever repay you" looking kindly to him

"Do you really think she is just a moment for him?" As always I wanted his opinion

Inigo shook his head smiling

No need to repay me. mi senora. I'm sure it's just a period. That woman can do nothing against you or your uncle's throne..