Courtyard

I see my uncle sitting alone, I don't know if I can talk to him or not I was afraid if he has changed or if he was mad, but I take courage and I approach him "Uncle" I call him sweetly.

Richard was lost in this thoughts. He turned his head and smiled as he saw his niece

Valerie...I haven't heard you coming. Come, sit with me. How are you?

He said smiling

Hearing the warm voice of my uncle, some tears started to fill my eyes and I couldn't wait anymore I hug him tightly "I missed you... I really missed you" then the tears started to fall "I can never be good without you uncle" and I kiss him in his cheek

Richard felt touched by her words. He hugged her tightly with a warm smile

Don't cry, my darling. I missed you too. I'm sorry if I caused you pain. I never meant hurting you..

He said while caressing sweetly her hairs

"I am sorry too" I kiss his hand

Blinking rapidly at him I say "Uncle don't be mad at me but I have to say that I don't like her, and I never will..."

Richard looked at her with tenderness. But he also took a deep breath

I know, dear. But you see...in this moment of my life, Isabella is important for me. She understands me. Eleanor is often ill and closed into her chambers. And I felt alone..

He admitted. He turned his eyes and looked around

I put my head in his chest "Ok, then if she is for the moment, but she is very unkind" seeing that my uncle really needed some mistress "Uncle I have an idea, maybe you can go and visit other places, visit England, France, Spain have some fun, your a handsome King, every woman will fall under your feet, what do you think?"

Richard couldn't avoid to giggle

So you think I should travel around Europe finding a new mistress, right? I thank you for your concern, dear niece. But my place is here. I don't like to abandon matters of state or people I love. But maybe I can visit France, later. King Francis and I are good friends..

He answered, amused by her words. He pretended not to notice that she was trying to push his thoughts away from Isabella

"Very well then, I only wish you to be happy" I wink him

Richard nodded and smiled fatherly

And I wish the same for you, Valery. When your father died, I promised I would have take care of you. And that's what I have intention to do. I think it's time for you to marry, my niece..

He said proudly, like he was talking about his own daughter

Blushing I reply "If my King and my Uncle says so"

Very worried I continue "Uncle I have something to ask you, or beg for help"

Playing with my fingers "It seems to be proven that men of this family are choosing the worst way to get Love and they get punished, it is about Philip, he needs your help"

"He... he is secretly married with Lady Catalina, she now is carrying his child, but her father wants to annul their marriage"

Richard looked at his niece a bit perplexed. He nodded rubbing his beard

A marriage can't be annulled so easily, my dear. Otherwise, why the King of England is still fighting with the Pope? By the way don't worry. I'll talk with Philip, if you wish. And everything will be alright..

He rubbed softly her arm smiling

Kissing his hand I smile at him "What am I going to do without you, uncle"

Richard smiled and patted softly her hand

You haven't answered to my proposal, yet. What do you think about getting married, dear niece?

He was trying to catch her reaction

Looking away, I didn't know what to say, but I had a duty as a Princess and I had to fulfill it anyway sooner or latter.

"I am 18 years old, and I have reached my time, but I... I don't know anyone" then a fear feeling rushed through my body I continue:

"Will my marriage be an arranged one, uncle?"

Richard nodded

Yes, my dear. I'm going to choose some good suitors for you. I only wish your happiness, like you were my daughter. So trust me. I'll choose crefully about that..

He smiled, noticing she was getting nervous

I started to breath very heard, but I didn't want my uncle to see that, I closed my eyes, arranged marriage... What did I think that a princess like me will be free to marry a loved one... will be free to love.

I smiled at my uncle like a was happy, but within me I was a mess.

Maybe an arranged marriage will be a better decision, I just wasn't born to love and to be loved.

"I know uncle, I know" smiling at him again

Richard noticed her face's expression, but he nodded again

Good. You know I just want the best for you. Even Eleanor wants to see you finally settled. Although..I notice some sadness in your eyes. Why, my dear?

He asked with concern

Looking at my uncle, he just knew me to well, "I am afraid of marriage, I can't trust everyone, there are so many questions that are going through my head, will I be a good wife, will I fulfill my duty as a princess and as a niece, will I make him to love me, will I love him, will I make you proud?"

I paused a bit, to take a breath "Will I be able to give heirs, what are you and Philip going to do, will I be able to see you wherever I want"

Richard giggled and stopped her stroking her hand

To many questions, my niece! Don't be afraid of marriage. I'm sure you'll make me very proud, like I already am. Just tell me, dear: do you have a suitor?

He asked, wondering if there was someone in her heart already

Looking at him a bit shy I answer "There was a young man here, a visitor that I never saw before, he waned to meet you, I liked him very much but I know only his name, I don't know who he is, or what?"

"His name is Daniel Torrez" and I rushed speaking "We didn't do anything, he... he only kissed me, and I didn't want to go any further without your Marriage consent, and he didn't want to hurt me, so he left Bavaria"

Richard listened her. And after she finished to explain her adventure, he frowned

Daniel Torrez, you said? He must be a spanish nobleman. Eleanor met him when she was at Spain. But..which are his intentions towards you? I'm asking you this because...he wrote to me..

He added after a moment of hesitation

Blinking many times, this moment made me very emotionally stressed "He loves me uncle, and I do too, I love a man for the very fist time, but I don't know what to do" I was confused whether I am making the right decision or not, I only knew I loved him so much that it starts to hurt.

Richard nodded to reassure her

He is coming to Bavaria to meet me. He wants to marry you, Valery. I don't know him personally, but he seems a trustful man. Do you love him, my dear?

He asked, wanting to make sure to take the right decision for her

"I do love him uncle, with all my heart" I nodded "It is just that if I marry him, I... I will be far away from you and Philip"