The flowered bridge

With the warmer season now among us. The princess decided to take a book and some time out away from the palace. In this heat it was stifling hot to sit in the palace all day and make pleasantries with visitors and the likes of the nobles.

Here Valerie could be herself for a few sort moments of peace. She came to the bridge which had a flowing river running underneath it. No one would be able to find her hear as nobody in this court knew her that well to know the favourite places that Valerie liked to go.

Richard decided to go out un the gardens for a short walk. Approaching the bridge, he noticed that his niece was there. He just smiled and came closer slowly

I see this is still your favourite place, Valerie. I remember you always came here when you were a kid. How are you, dear?

He asked fatherly while breathing deeply fresh air

To the much delight of Valerie she was very glad that he could spare time to see her. She patted the spot next to her in hopes that he would come and sit next to her. It had been a long time since niece and uncle spoke.

"I am very well my dearest uncle. I hear that you have been busy with some people now you are father am I correct?

Valerie had been keeping herself to herself away from the nosey courtiers and gossips. She wished not to mingle in their world.

Richard nodded and smiled at the same time

Indeed, my dear. I am. I have finally a son, Max. I'm sure you'll love him. Unluckily...his mother is not here with us. But I trust she'll come back to visit us soon..

He tried to explain, uncertain if she heard about Isabella or not. He thought about her

The private affairs of her uncle Valerie did not wish to involve herself in. As long as it didn't cause conflict between councilors she would not involve herself. But now that a son was now produced would he remain anonymous to the public eye or cast aside.

"Why can't you see the mother who birthed your son Uncle"

Richard looked at her with a sad smile, before replying

His mother is Princess Isabella of Portugal, my dear. She is now married to Emperor Charles. Of course, she hide our son from him. You know..it would be a scandal for the spanish court. Also..I fear for her life. Charles is not exactly...a good man. He wouldn't understand..

He finally said. His niece was young but very smart and he trusted her

"So she is Empress now"

It would be more than a scandal if anyone found out Valerie shuddered to even think about what would happen if the Emperor found out. Not a war would come from it, but the Empress would live a very miserable life excommunicated from all family, friends and possibly living in some sort of dungeon.

"We must be careful a jealous woman at your court could reveal this to an Emperor. Every step we make must be led to caution and heed do you get lonesome Uncle."

Richard nodded

Yes, we must be careful, Valerie. Not only for Isabella. But also for our son's sake. I wouldn't forgive myself if something bad would happen to them. But..why do you say that, dear? Do you think is there someone here at court..who would reveal our secret to Emperor?

He asked, wondering if Valerie had some suspect

Valerie hadn't suspected anyone off yet, but with all the foreign visitors no one could say what people were capable of. As a young lady she knew mostly that jealousy among women could make them do the craziest of things. Whether they wanted to or not.

I have no one in mind Uncle. I am just very curious or weary of other people since Max was born. As he is your heir people might want to get to him to hurt you! But I know you were a good soldier back in the day.

Richard sighed while nodded

I were, dear niece...I were. But I'm not so young. So, I can only protect my son using diplomacy, not physical strength. There are our guards for that. Rather..tell me someting about you, Valerie. I think it's time for you to have heirs as well. And...God forbid, if something bad would happen to Max, your children would inherit the throne..

He added seriously, raising for a while his glance towards the sky

Children!

Valerie giggled the thought had never crossed or entered her mind. She had never felt love before and she wanted a magnificent arranged marriage for herself. Valerie saw herself more as a daughter to her uncle rather than his niece, she hoped that he would want same for her too. To not be married off to any man just because the arrangement was suitable for Bavaria.

Richard looked at her smiling fatherly

Well..I trust you'll get married soon, dear Valerie. This would make me very happy. I think it's time for our family to grow..

He added and let out a deep sigh