The Balcony

Isabella was in fact much more powerful than her brother she just chose not to show it at times or to let anyone else know that either. You will have many children of that I am sure but you do need a man that loves you. Even if I have to marry inside my heart I will always bare a love for Richard that is so strong that if you cut out my very heart the love would still be in me. Isabella did wonder if Beatrice had a young beau back at home maybe that is also a reason for her visit also. Taking some currants Isabella danced idly around the subject. How are the men back at home sister are they behaving themselfs towards you.

Beatrice offered her sister a sweet smile. Then she rose from the bench and looked thoughtfully down the balcony to beautiful rose garden.

You're lucky to find a love. But me I don't know. I very much wish for it, because what is a life if we never experience such magnificent feeling.

She paused for a moment, then added,

Maybe I shall experience what you've with Richard with my husband to be.

As she heard Isabella's question Beatrice frowned and sighed.

Truth be told they're quite boring. They're behaving nicely to me of course. How they would not? After all I'm princess, sister of the queen and king. But they're all superficial.

Isabella was sad when ever her sister mentioned Richard as her love. It was like being hit on the head repeatedly he would never be her's no one else seemed to get that through their heads. To love someone whole heartedly comes at a very high price! You do not want to start a relationship with a married man. It seeps into you're veins and crushes your heart leaving them like shards of glass on the floor. Beatrice did not realize that actually she had a choice to marry a man of her own free will Isabella would help her with that if she found the right man. Oh Beatrice I am an Empress it is much more powerful,changeling and hard work than just being a Queen. How about here are you fitting in are you being treated with respect.

Beatrice listened her sister quietly, only realizing how much she was hurt of loving a married man.

I'm sorry. I thought you were happy with Richard. It never occurred to me how much pain it causes you for loving him. Was it ever worth it?

She asked, as she turned to her sister, looking at her with curious eyes.

Oh! I love it here! She exclaim, then added,

The people are so nice and kind. Everyone is great and good to me.

There was just one company she liked the most above all people she'd met, and that was no other than Aloysius Meyer.

Isabella rested her head in her hands the question loomed throughout  her. She thought back over it all and came to the conclusion. Yes it was if it never happened I would of wondered the rest of my days about it. In the end they say we regret the things we never done. Isabella let her mind wonder to her farther's office where portrait upon portrait was piled high with possible suitors. This is how I first came across Richard. I had sneaked into our farther's study and saw the portraits. I heard a servant coming and knocked them all to the ground quickly I picked them up and their his face was. Isabella could remember the exact excitement she felt as she saw him. Clearly different from the rest with his looks which had a roughness to them she pulled out the same portrait showing it to Beatrice.


And that my sweet sister was the very first time that I ever heard of Richard Meyer. Isabella sighed sweetly it felt important to let Beatrice know this it felt like a weight lifted from her. Also Isabella never wanted to shut out Beatrice from her life again.

Beatrice listened to this story with wide eyes in surprise. First she was surprised to learn her sister to sneak into their fathers study, which was forbidden for them to enter if not called upon, and more to her surprise was Isabella finding a portrait of a man in whom she would fall in love years later.

It seems fate wanted you to see that portrait of his. It cannot be coincidence. It's meant to be. She said simply.

She was glad her sister wished to share such important things to her, to involve her in her life.

Isabella giggled pouring herself a drink and offering one to her sister. Some of them looked simply scary even the age of our farther. About our farther he is set to marry again this time it is to one of Joanna of Austrias daughter. I wanted to tell you sweetheart I know things have been hard since our mothers passing. when their mother passed away it was like their was a force keeping Isabella and Beatrice apart Isabella felt bad that she couldn't stick around she wanted to.

Beatrice the offering drink and took a large sip, trying not to choke at the news of they father.

To marry again? Why? She asked with wide eyes.

She loved her father and wished for him to be happy. But this news took her unprepared and in her mind memory of her mother appeared, and in this moment she couldn't be happy for her father.

This was not easy news to deliver to her sister and she didn't want to either but if Isabella didn't no one else would. The only king not to marry after the death of his wife was dear old Henry VII who was a loyal husband. It is our farthers wish little one he wants another wife. I now feel sorry for Eleanor. I am sorry Beatrice. Isabella brushed some of her sisters hair away she was still young but not that young to be made a fool of.

Beatrice wasn't a fool she knew her father and knew why he wants to marry again.

Then there isn't anything we can do than to obey to his wishes even if we don't like it.

She said with a sigh of surrender. There was after all nothing she could do to change her father's mind.

And who is the lucky bride?

Eleanor of Austria daughter to our Aunt Queen Joanna Castile. Who I am trying very hard to prove that she is not at all mad. Despite her son my "suitor" locking her up in a nunnery. Isabella sighed heavily what a family they belong to full of complications and criss crossing in marriage.

Beatrice sighed as well. She heard about the story of the mad Queen, but quite didn't believe in that. In her opinion the Queen just loved so much and was misunderstood.

That will be quite happy marriage. It seems our father wishes to make alliance only with Spain. First with you, now he... I wonder if I would be next to marry a Spanish lord.

Isabella placed a loving arm around her sister gently smoothing out her hair. Her sister should not have to worry about these things as she was still a girl. Our Farther shall not rule Spain as well Spain already has a ruler who must be mad to shut away his own mother so cruel and why would someone do that. Inside Isabella was scared of her future with Charles so far he had not shown himself to be a nice man. I'll protect you always sister believe me I care for your happiness more than my own.

Beatrice leaned into her sister touch, feeling protective and safe. Like she always did when Isabella was around

I don't know why anyone would do such ill thing. Perhaps you can ask him, he may have reason for it, of which we aren't aware off.

She said, then turned to her sister, looking at her with soft, tender eyes.

I know you'll. As I shall you.

I won't be able to take my son with me if I did seek out to speak with the Emperor I would have to leave him here with you my sweet sister. Isabella sighed heavily she only really cared about the women in her family and to protect them from harm and schemes of their family. On happier news it is the summer party and you my sweet sister shall be the belle of the ball. All the men at court shall want to dance with you.

I'd gladly take care of him while you're away. Nothing will happen to him while he's with me. I do promise you that.

Beatrice said as she hugged her sister, knowing in must have been hard on Isabella to leave her son and love.

You're making me blush sister. She giggled softly as her cheeks get a slight red color.

I plan going at party. It can be fun.

Isabella hugged her back holding her tightly to her. She was Isabella favourite sibling everything she had was entrusted to Beatrice. I know you will their is a very kind courtier called Inge she to will help as well with little Max. Our cousin is here at court I know I should be rejoicing but she has left out Aunt in Spain this saddens me. Isabella tried to shrug it of but it bothered her. Aunt Joanna was the closet thing to having their mother back. It would not surprise me if a few courtiers proposed marriage to you sweetheart. I am a rough diamond but you are smooth along the edges with a tranquil calamity.

Then as I can see Max is well protected. He has a whole army of aunts and cousins and friends. You should not worry about him.

Beatrice said, trying to reassure her.

You're more of a beauty than I. And that is true... I don't have some high hopes for that. I simply wish to go to party and have fun, to meet a new people.

Isabella smiled she still thought that her sister was more the beauty but they could both argue that point round and round in circles. "Come on sister I want for you to meet Max." A broad smile parched on her lips as she asked for a servant to fetch her and Richard's son.

Her smile was bright and warm as she nodded to her sister, wishing nothing more than to meet her nephew for the first time.

Of course... I'd love that very much. Shall we go?

Isabella smiled it was lovely to have her sister Beatrice here. "How about I bring him to you in the drawing room sweet beatrice."

That sounds like great idea.

She said with joyful smile.

I shall wait for both of you there.