The drawing room.

After Isabella had met Inge she felt a very strong connection to her. She sent her an invitation for the request of her company for the afternoon.

Inge joined the Tea Room after receiving a message from Isabella. She entered the room and curtsied deeply in front of her

"Your Highness..did you want to see me?"

She said lowering her eyes

"Yes Inge all for good reasons I assure you"

Isabella patted the sofa next to her so she may sit and continued to explain why she wanted to see her

"You see when we were talking it suddenly came upon my person that me and you have a lot in common so I thought you would understand how I felt seeing as you have been through this"

Inge reached the Princess on the sofa. She smiled joining her hands on her lap

"Thank you, Your Highness. Your invitation flatters me. But I don't think I have something in common with a Princess. But I have the sensation that you are very touched by my story. Right?"

She asked kindly

Isabella smiled wryly

"Yes we have both lain with a king you have a son and I am carrying a babe to me that means we have something in common. Hearing your story was a comfort and it also alarmed me aswell that is not your fault. Tell me upon finding out that you were to have a babe did you return home? Did you ever feel alone like you were dealing with something very big. I have many questions but it is nice to know I have someone here at court who knows what it's like"

Inge smiled. She took a deep breath before she started talking

"When I found out that I was pregnant, I felt very scared. Also, the King was Amelia's husband, that time. So I also felt very guilty. But after few time they divorced. Not because of me. But..because of King's niece. He married his own niece, lady Anne Brett. When I talked with Anne about my pregnancy, she said that I should have renounce to my baby, in order to avoid people call me whore. She wanted to take my baby from me. But I never allowed it.."

She explained, smiling weakly at the end

Isabella let out a polite laugh

"I would not worry Inge the Cleves family are very strong you are close with Sybille and Anne is it? I have yet to meet her but am sure I shall be delighted by her"

She spoke with truth an honesty pouring the tea.

"Milk and Sugar. I do wish this pregnancy be over with it is scary carrying another life. I was wondering if you would attend the birth"

Inge smiled. She watched her pouring their tea and nodded gladly

But of course..I would be honoured, Your Highness. Sybille and Maria were at my side when I gave birth, so I know what it means. I'm lucky having Cleves's sisters as friends. And I'll help you gladly wit your baby..

She said smiling

Isabella stirred in some sugar watching the tea swirl around

"I have yet to meet Maria is she a Cleve's sister too! I know that Richard has just found out he has another niece if she has any sons then the baby I carry will not really matter the downfalls of royalty. Do you think you will have anymore children"

Inge smiled but she shook her head

"Oh I didn't know the King had another niece. And I can't see why her child should replace your baby. About myself..I doubt I'll have more children. I fear Leo will remain my only son. I don't even have a suitor.."

She added with a deep sigh

"Oh Inge some body will come for you I am sure Sybille will help you in this matter."

Isabella passed the tea over to her

"Do you have a particular kind of man who you would like to court you? We have alot of male visitors coming in and out of Bavaria I am sure you will catch one mans heart and his own heart shall feel bestowed to stay here because he laid eyes on you"

Inge took the cup of tea smiling

"Thank you. Oh I don't know, Your Highness. I am rather unlucky with men. Before meeting the King of Tuscany, I met another man here at court. The King of Naples..Martin de Navarra. But he was still Prince, that time. And we met at Queen Eleanor's coronation. I..I slept with him, that night. But the day after he left me suddenly, and I had no news of him.."

She replied and she took a sip from her tea

Isabella nodded thoughtfully

"I had a quick kiss with Francis of Navarre it was just a kiss I realised he just wanted to be intimate I regret that deeply my feelings now are devoted to Richard now so you see we do have something in common after all the Navarre brothers that family seem a bit cursed to me but that is simply my opinion. Do you have a nursery set up yet for Leonardo. I could have Richard place you in a new room with adjoining doors for when he grows older."

Isabella knew that by the time her child was a year old it would be sent away to it's own court.

Inge shrugged and shook her head

"Oh it's very nice of you. No..I don't have a nursery, actually. Leonardo sleeps with me in my room. And even if he is half royal, I always wanted to take care of him personally. But I accept gratefully your offer, Your Highness. A nursery will be useful in the future.."

She smiled and she took another sip from tea. She really felt comfortable in her company

"Then I shall make sure Richard sees to it and let you know"

Isabella placed her cup down and faced Inge

"Forgive me for my indiscretion but what is child labour really like I am sorry to ask but I know no other who has given birth"

Inge smiled shooking her head. She was holding her cup, remembering the moment of Leo's birth

"Oh that's painful, at the beginning. You'll feel a strong pain in your belly after you'll break waters. But the secret is breathing. Breath calmly and the baby will come in the world without too many efforts. I shall be at your side, by the way.."

She said smiling kindly

"Right I had to ask Inge it has been playing on my mind and should I have Richard their"

She wondered how much it did hurt and what breast feeding was like aswell

"I am grateful that I shall have you their shall we go for a walk"

Inge smiled her back. She nodded

"I am happy if I can be useful, Your Highness. Oh of course. I would love a nice walk. Do you already know Palace gardens? Surely the King showed them to you.."

She said while finishing her tea and standing up

Isabella had not seen all the gardens the fountain was her favourite place

"The fountain is where I go and clear my head especially with Richard and he has taken me to the forest but no where else... is it wrong to feel such happiness as I am feeling right now"

Inge shook her head smiling kindly

"Oh no..not at all. I think you deserve to be happy. And if the King makes you feel like this, I am happy for you. Who knows if I shall find someone who will make me feel like that, one day?"

She sighed deeply

"Why thank you Inge I want to make the most of the time that I have with him. Their are days when I know that such happiness shall never last between us he shall have his Queen back and they shall start their own family together it's painful you cannot keep what is not yours that I have learnt."

Isabella looked at Inge with sad eyes no one seemed to know how painful all this in the future was going to be

Inge took a deep breath

"I understand what you mean, Your Highness. I don't know very well Queen Eleanor. But I heard she is a sweet, shy, young woman. I know she is in Spain now, because of her bad health. But when she will come back, she will fight for her husband. She loves him. And I know you love him too. So..the question is: are you ready to fight for your love, my Princess?"

She asked kindly, hoping that they could reach an agreement without drama in the future

"Why would I fight for a man that I cannot have that would be ridiculous and simply pathetic. Richard has more an advantage as he is a male and right now this is very much a mans world. What men give they give away freely and they can take it away at any time they wish! I could go back to Lisbon when she returns it is no problem for me. I will not be dictated or told to stay here at the pure amusement of others. This is all a waste of time if you look back on it now. But what would you do if you were me I would like to know"

Right now Isabella practically wanted to run back to Lisbon.

Inge took a breath smiling sweetly

"I remind you that I was in your same situation, Your Highness. But the King of Tuscany never loved me. And worse, Amelia was my friend. But in your case, King Richard loves you and he cares for your child. So, if I were you, I would trust in his feelings.."

She said simply