Arrival in England

*Charles tells the guards he and the empress are not home to anyone for the next... until he tells them otherwise.*

*Ysabel falls warmly into Charles's arms*

*much later*
I think Ferdinand for a boy and Isabella for a girl.

Those names are beautiful, alas we have already had a Ferdinand and an Isabella, I pray our future child shall not suffer the same fate as them.

*Sorrowful frown before lighting up*

Oh, but we must arrange the finest of marriages for them!

Eleanor, then?
Our daughter shall marry a king and our son the highest-born wealthiest princess!

Indeed they shall, and they shall live a life of leasure and splendour.

*Chuckles lightly* I can just feel it.

Not total leisure, though, for they shall be Habsburgs and we all must serve. But certainly comfort and luxury!

Then I could wish for nothing less!

If we have another boy I shall have to reconsider my plans for the Empire, though.

Of course, whatver you shall choose I shall support thee fully.

Now, how about that dinner?

Now? Shall we not let Juan finish his evening with Elizabeth?

I don't mean to interrupt you, Imperial Highnesses. But I wish to know, are the negotiations between my good niece Claude and my son James progressing well? I have not heard of or from her, and I am most worried.

Clara Eugenia?
I thought Your Grace understood that the negotiations would not progress until I am assured of my graddaughter's safety and the apprehension of your assailant.

I resent your implication that I am not ensuring the safety of my realm and son. However, my assailant has been apprehended. I know where he is and am having his movements trailed and documented. You may read the transcript if you so wish.

Be that as it man, while the man is at liberty I must take into consideration that he would most brutally attack an anointed queen, and I have a duty to protect my granddaughter.

When you marry Sir Nicholas, and when I have proof of the fiend's execution, incarceration, or exile, I will send her. But not before. I am sure my wife supports my decision, as would Clara's father Felipe.

*Isabella stands silent, but proud alongside her husband*

*Marie looks hurt and ashamed*. I understand, dearest father of my heart. I shall take care of it immediately.

Thank you, my daughter. You know I mean not to cause offense, but I bear a great burden and must protect all those in my care.

Yes, father. At the risk of being crude, how much are you willing to offer for her dowry?

Perhaps 100,000 crowns, depending on what the revenues from the New World are like when she goes to her future husband.

What will you offer for dower properities, in the even James dies before Clara?

Properties and estates worth 30,000 Scottish pounds a year, regency of the country on condition of lawful issue and , if she doth not leave the country, another dowry should she remarry.

Acceptable. We will table this, then, until my prior conditions are met.
Now, if you will excuse us, I wish to escort the Empress back to the ball.

*smiles at the behaviour of his father and his father's wife*

*Smiles warmly at Juan*

*beckons his son over*
My son, I have been remiss in not introducing you to this fine lady sooner. I would present to you Isabella, born Infanta of Portugal and my Holy Roman Empress, my Queen, my wife.

I would have you do all honor to her.