| Q.

Brigitte tries her best to remain strong. Beneath the steely gaze of the Queen she wants only to squirm, as a child caught in wrongdoing. But, she considers the words of her own mother – and the duchess dowager is just as fearsome a woman, so Brigitte is practiced in not quaking before intimidating figures. When confronted with such women, it it often best to show no fear. She straightens her back, trying to suppose the best response.

     “I fear, your majesty, that I cannot apologise for a plot in which I played no part. I do not commend King Louis’ actions, but will not condemn them either for whatever quarrel he has is between himself and Austria. Though Burgundy lies within French territory, we are a Duchy unto ourselves. If such a time comes that France calls upon Burgundy for aid in a cause that I do not believe in, I will not be afraid to reject him. I am loyal to Louis, for so long as he earns my loyalty. I have come to you today, your majesty, to ask that you do not allow France’s actions to spoil Burgundy’s relationship with England. No man of Burgundy marched against your family, and these are the noble men that your son, Prince Henry, will soon command,” Too bold, she thinks immediately, you were too bold. But it is too late to retract her words.

“ And if it were a cause you found yourself to believe in which meant marching against England, what would you do then? There may come a time when you must either betray your own king, or betray your own husband and the very family he was born into. Tell me, which would you choose? ” Brigitte’s answer to this question weighed heavily between the two women as Celestia eyed the duchess with eager anticipation. “ I have no qualms with the king’s actions against Austria, it is not wise to fight battles that are not your own, and so your betrothal to my son shall still continue and you shall still marry. You shall also become a princess of England, and the people of English shall become yours to protect should the need arise. Are we clear on that? ”

          “ I do not believe it is mine to keep, lady mother. ”  Henry had always believed his attitude would protect him in life, keep him from getting too attached and suffering any great loss, but in truth it only made him feel isolated. He spent so much time away from his family that he wanted nothing more than to be overjoyed in their reunion while in truth he appeared nonchalant most of the time, unphased by the many horrors he had seen. Regardless of that he took the offer to join his mother gladly for even he could not resist the desire to feel a mother’s love.  “ I cannot say that I miss court life much, it is our family that I miss a great deal. It is said I am to soon meet with my betrothed, though I fear my absence from court may grow even further if France continue with their foolishness. ”

“ Be careful who you give it away to, many wolves disguise themselves as sheep. ” by now she was sure that Henry was no stranger to her endless offerings of advice - she couldn’t help it, it was in her nature to see her children do their best. It always ached her to see Henry leave, and she always awaited letters from him with baited breath in the fear of bad news. Celestia couldn’t help but smile in amusement about his comment on court life, it had never surprised her that her second son had never particularly enjoyed being a part of the parade of the royal family. “ As much as you do not wish to hear it but soon you shall need to spend more time here at court as you will have a new duty as a husband, and luckily a father too. And this is why your marriage is so crucial for us, my dear. The king of France could not be so foolish to attack us when their own duchess of Burgundy is to marry our prince. He would be making an attack on his own people, surely he is wise enough to avoid such a situation. ”

“I am in agreement with you there. King Louis grossly overvalues his standing. At least you were not subject to his company during the siege.” That was something he hoped he would forget in time. “No, not concerned. It is good news - the best news. It is simply just finding the right words.” Clearing his throat, his shoulders squared. Perhaps being frank with it was the best course of action. “Adaline is with child. This time next year you shall be a grandmother. But we do not wish it to be public knowledge just yet.”

For a future queen, to be with child was of the upmost importance, and Celestia could not have beamed with any more pride at the news from her son. “ Oh Arthur my love, congratulations! ” the queen exclaimed proudly, a warm and excited smile gracing her lips - a rare sight to see as she was usually always so stern and serious. “ Ever since you were a small child, you have exceeded my expectations and more, and I can only pray that she gives you a boy. An heir to your rightful kingdom. Is she well? She must go into confinement to ensure the baby’s health and safety... I’ll have my best physician sent immediately to make sure she is as healthy as can be. ”

Matilda couldn’t help but smile as she watched her mother inspect the ring, the gift from Mattias. It suited her well, as did most jewels. The princess stood, taking a pillow and placing it gently on the floor at her mother’s feet. She settled beside her, resting her chin against her mother’s knee like she had done many times as a child. She sighed, contentedly. “How could I not be, he sailed for my security. He called me his Queen.” She looked up at her mother. Everything her mother had taught her had been to her benefit, she saw this now, and longed to thank her for it. 

Celestia shifted her weight slightly to accommodate her daughter, her hand moving to gently stroke the girl’s locks. “ You shall be his queen, and also the people of Portugal’s queen. ” speaking of their marriage reminded Celestia of just how hard the king and herself had worked for this betrothal - all of her children’s were as important as the next. “ I hope and pray that your marriage is everything you have wished for. If not, I dare to say that your father will burn Portugal to the ground. ” her words were more of a jovial tease, although many knew just how protective the English king and queen were of their heirs.

OPEN STARTER.

          The neck of the lute sat uneasy in the Duke’s fingertips. He was no musician by trade, and it seemed, the void of sentiment which he had carved in his person translated into his inability to find proper tune, or one slightly pleasing to the ears and heart. ‘ In Scotland preparatory we are taught cyclic mass, and scarce more.  ’ Blue eyes glanced up to the other, ‘ are you proficient? ’

“ And I am thankful that is the limit of your skill set. ” Celestia announced her presence with her light-hearted amusement as she stepped further into the room, her eyes beginning to analyse the man before her. “ Dare I say the melodic enchantment of the lute is at mercy of the more whimsical fingers at court, rather than your own. ”

                   With expressed permission Cathryn slinked into the room, eyes shifting to the English queen as she lowered in curtsy with equal ease.  ‘ Majesty, ’  she broached, rising from her crouch to acknowledge her royal-sister’s mother. ‘ I hope I do find you well. It is certainly refreshing to find one who isn’t under the influence of France’s triumph, a word I employ loosely to King Louis’ carnivorous carnage. ’

“ Their mistake was to endanger my family. “ Celestia stated simply as she welcomed the princess into her chambers with a gracious nod of her head. She considered her own words for a moment, and wondered if she now considered the girl stood before her to be her family too. “ Men are quite often fools and cannot see past their own glory. ” the queen commented amusingly before turning her entire attention to the princess. “ Are you well here at English court? I trust you are being treated kindly and with the upmost respect. ”

natalia’s lips curved upwards slightly and she nodded, sitting down in front of the queen. alliances were important indeed, however natalia had not found her interest in politics yet. that was a man’s job was it not?  ‘’ i could not agree more.’’ the young queen responded, a small smile gracing her features.’’’ however, everyone is keen on making alliances now and it is hard to determine who you can trust.’’

“ Those throwing around their word to each and every monarch are the ones you must hold the most concern towards. They are eager to please, and will betray anyone at the first chance they get. When the wolf comes knocking, sheep often run. ” Celestia had been queen of England for many years now, she had raised her own children to be future monarchs and she had sat beside her husband as he made all the political moves England required, and so her knowledge and opinion on politics were rather strong. “ Will you walk with me? ” the queen suddenly rose from her seat, turning to the younger queen beside her. “ The gardens are rather beautiful this time of year. ”

Arthur sat down next to his mother, fingers picking nervously at a loose thread on the arm of the chair. He could only hope that she wouldn’t be too put out by the fact that they had kept it from her for all these weeks. “I trust that you are well?” He asked. “I have some news I would like to share with you.” Why was he stalling? This wasn’t like him.

“ I am well knowing that we are all free of the grips of feral brutality showed by the French. ” yes... Her opinion on that event had been quite vocal, she cared not for the qualms between France and Austria, but mainly the safety of her children who were visiting during the attack. “ Yes Arthur I am quite aware of that... ” Celestia frowned in intrigue towards her son as she waited, “ should I be concerned? ”

                   Mary had always thought her mother to be a FORMIDABLE woman; as fierce as she was beautiful and Mary could only dream of one day being a Queen of such notoriety. With a sheepish smile, the Queen of Scots entered her mother’s chambers, hands clasped before her as she stepped for into the light, “my apologies, Lady Mother.” Lips pursed into a CONTEMPLATIVE line, Mary poured them both a saccharine libation - she had come to favour wine of late. Turning back to her elder, she extended an arm and offered the chalice, “I can assure you that my hesitation is not due to the French audacity…” Indeed, her thoughts were elsewhere.

The hesitance in her daughter caused Celestia to straighten her posture as she willingly welcome the sweet wine - like mother like daughter, it appeared to be. Dare she say Celestia believed she had engraved parts of herself in each one of her children, but not all of those traits were considered to be... Beneficial. “ Speak with me, sweetheart, tell me what it is that is troubling you. ” 

Matilda smirked, amused by her mother’s comments. “I take that as a deep and genuine compliment, lady mother.” She listened, knowing her mother was right, but she couldn’t know the struggle Matilda had in her heart. She feared for Henriette. Their last conversation had felt too much like a final goodbye. “Yes, mamma. There is an expectation of a Queen to be merciful and gracious, but not weak-willed.” She sang, knowing what was expected of her. “But, there is more important matters. Mamma, look.” She beamed, offering her mother her hand, where sat the ring Mattias had presented to her, shining and extravagant on her small hand. 

It was not unlike Matilda to show more concern over the ring she had received from her betrothed than the brutalities of the French in Austria, and that in itself caused Celestia to hold back a smile. It was in this moment where it almost felt as if Matilda was the gentle sweet girl the queen had held in her arms and whispered promises of great kingdoms and riches. And now here she was, acquiring all her mother had promised. “ Are you happy, my dear? ” Celestia reached for her daughter’s hand to inspect the ring as her own smile mirrored Matilda’s.

        “ It is not my safety I feel concern for, ”  such was his usual attitude. More often than not it felt as though Henry had greater concern for the safety of his family than he did his own, that much could be seen in how absent he usually was from English court - regardless of how much love he had for his family his duty towards them would always come out on top.  “ I hope I am not intruding? ”

“ You have always been one to give your heart to others rather than yourself. ” it was a quality in her son which she always felt a beaming sense of pride for. Each of her children had different qualities, all of which she loved for very different reasons. “ You are never intruding, my love, join me, won’t you? I have longed for your presence here at court for so long. ”

It has been made clear to Brigitte that England’s royal family is strong, and she must impress not only her betrothed, but both of his parents. She tries not to look too intimidated by the woman, but has clearly not succeeded, for the queen calls her out on her demeanour.”My apologies, your majesty,” Brigitte says, finding a moment of relief in a curtsy. “I did not mean to appear so. I had hoped I might find an audience with you, to discuss the hostilities at Austria, if it pleases you,”

She is anxious, as is her mother, that Louis’ actions will reflect poorly on Burgundy. It would not be such a surprise to find her betrothal broken, for she understands that the English were upset by the siege.

It was more than obvious that the attack in Vienna did not particularly please nor amuse the queen of England, especially as her children at been at the scene of the siege. Her expression turned stern as the duchess of Burgundy spoke of wishing to discuss the events that had unravelled. “ Are you here to apologise for your king’s actions? ” Celestia moved her hand to welcome the girl to sit beside her. “ He put my children in harms way and I cannot say I enjoy the ignorance of other monarchs. We can only thank God for keeping them unharmed during France’s unruly actions. ”

Mattias had sailed straight to England when he heard of the siege on Austria and learned that his betrothed and the English royal family had been there and present during the attack on Vienna. “Your majesty,” he said, giving a gracious bow towards the english queen. “I had heard about the siege on Vienna and wanted to come personally to ensure the Princess Matilda’s safety. I have no care or worries that I would be able to defend my own person here or anywhere else, and had no qualms about my safety on the journey here from Portugal. I don’t believe I’ve been called sheepish in all my years.” 

Celestia was usually one who was difficult to read, her expression often stern and coarse despite her own thoughts in the hopes to unease her opponent. “ Your majesty, ” she made sure to withhold her smile for a brief moment... My, what a match for young Matilda. “ You travelled all the way here, in the process endangering your own safety to ensure my daughter’s. ” it was more of a statement than anything else, but the fact that the queen had acknowledge his actions spoke louder than any words ever could. Her lips curved into a keen smile, this simple action speaking volumes for the king. “ You shall be a good husband and king to my daughter, that I am sure of. But I assure you, Matilda is safe and well. But until she is available to entertain you, won’t you join me for some wine? You and I have hardly had a moment to ourselves to truly acquaint ourselves with one another. ”

Arthur couldn’t remember the last time he had this nervous to talk to his mother - probably not since he was a boy. Bowing slightly, he offered her a small smile. “Lady Mother, I had been hoping to talk to you, if you are not other wise occupied.” It was time for Arthur to share the news with his mother. After everything that had happened in Austria, the family could do with some good.

The presence of her eldest son could only mean that Celestia was beaming with pride, although she could already sense his nerves and in turn they only unsettled her own. The queen keenly straightened her posture before glancing behind her to ensure there were no prying eyes. “ Sit, my love, I urge you to speak freely. ”

‘‘ sheepish? i did not ..’‘ the queen’s voice quickly became defensive, perhaps because that was exactly the way she appeared. perhaps natalia was still intimidated by a good amount of people at court and especially by another queen such as celestia. ‘‘ i do not fear the french.’‘ 

“ Won’t you join me for a refreshment? ” the queen was always well stocked with only her best and most favourite wines, and where ever she rested there was always a table nearby adorned with various bottles for her choosing. “ You are right not to fear the French, ” Celestia spoke in a more welcoming manner this time, “ but they have reminded us that an attack could be imminent at any time, and allies are what we should treasure the most. ” after all, an alliance with Germany would protect England should the French ever choose to turn on them.