#isabel i of castile (sixtended oc)

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Juana de Castilla, Reina de Castilla y Aragón: My Heir and Legacy

The tenth story in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Isabel and Juana talk about what happened in the past and Isabel ended up confessing something that set her daughter off.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly.

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Infanta Juana made her way to the palace stables. She immediately found the man she was looking for and quickly walked over to him.

Diego Colon.

The son of the explorer Cristobal Colon and Príncipe Juan’s page boy.

Diego stopped brushing his horse when he spotted the Infanta making her way towards him. Things had been quite awkward between them since it was announced that Juana would be sent to Flanders to marry Archiduque Felipe el Hermoso and he has been avoiding her since.

It would only be cruel to Juana to make his feelings evident to her and he knows she feels the same.

“Do not hurry,” Juana said before Diego could walk away. “I know you are avoiding me but I will only bother for a moment.”

The young stable hand nodded and walked closer. Meeting the infant in the middle. Juana took a deep breath.

“I have to entrust you with a task. My mare will not follow me to Flanders,” she said.

Diego frowns in confusion. Juana loves that mare as much as she loves riding it. Why leave it in Castile?

Why give it to him?

“But why, Your Highness? You adore that animal,” he questioned.

“That is why I want you to keep her and keep taking care of her,” Juana answered.

Diego shook his head and said, “no, I cannot accept.”

“Do it,” Juana insisted. “Because it is my wish to give you a present for the good way you served me.”

The young man stared at the Infanta and just nodded in acceptance. Juana gave him a small smile in thanks.

“We will not see each other again. I hope you will be very happy with your wife in those distant lands,” she said. She then turns and takes her leave. Diego wanted to stop her. He wanted to say his feelings.

He could only shed tears as he watched the woman he loved walk away forever.

Juana had to let herself cry once she was out of the public eye. She’ll be leaving home forever and she is afraid of what is to come.

If only she could choose who she is to marry.

Composing herself, the infanta made her way to the main hall where her family was waiting for her to say their goodbyes.

“Even if the wide kingdom of France separates us, know that I will look after you day and night in the distance,” Fernando said as hugged his daughter tightly.

“Much more than a kingdom is needed to prevent your love from reaching me,” Juana said. Her father smiles proudly and kisses her forehead.

“You have my blessing, amada hija. Never forget where you come from or who you are,” he said.

Juana smiled. Trying hard not to shed a tear in front of her family. Isabel walked over to her husband and daughter and said, “we must leave.”

The Infanta faces her family and bows one last time before making her dignified exit. Her mother and Beatriz walking with her and her entourage. The queen followed her daughter all the way to Laredo where the fleet that will be taking her to Flanders where her husband-to-be was waiting for her.

Before Juana could board the ship, she turned and faced her mother. Isabel smiled sadly as she took her daughter’s hands in her own.

Juana smiled at her. “Do not worry. My heart is leaving filled, and its warmth will comfort me no matter how cold it is in Flanders,” she said.

“You will always be in the thoughts of your mother and those who love you here,” Isabel said.

The mother and daughter shared a loving embrace. Holding each other one last time before leaving forever. The separation was hesitant but necessary. Juana was trying her best not to cry. Her voice cracked as she spoke the following words, “all my wish will be to be such a good wife and sovereign as you.”

“I ask God then that your husband deserves you and makes you happy,” Isabel said.

The Infanta gives her mother one last smile before boarding the ship. Her entourage followed right after. The queen stayed on the pier as she watched her daughter.

“She will want for nothing. I will take care of her,” Beatriz, Isabel’s lady in waiting and long time dearest friend, said to her.

Isabel sighs. “I will never see her again,” she mourns. “And after her, her sisters will leave. And it is her who is afraid of loneliness.”

Beatriz smiled reassuringly at her friend before boarding to join Juana on the ship. Isabel stands and watches as the fleet sails away on the horizon.

Having one last glimpse of the daughter she will never see again.

Isabel carries the laundry basket filled with washed clothes out back to hang them up to dry.

She hums to herself as she gets to work hanging clothes on their clothes line. She was just about to finish when she noticed the back door opened and closed. She turned to look to see who had come out and found Juana standing at the back porch.

Isabel noticed that her daughter seemed more nervous and fidgety than usual. Finishing up the last of the clothes and grabbing the basket, she walked over to her third eldest to see what was wrong.

"Juana? Is something the matter, mija? You look afraid," she asked.

Juana seemed to jump when she called her but quickly relaxed when she realized it was just her mother.

"Lo siento, madre...I was just avoiding...um...padre..." she mumbled.

"I see. Do you want to talk?" Isabel asked. Ever Since the incident with Catalina, Fernando has been more determined to talk to Juana.

However, Juana seemed to be intimidated by the forward action of her father and has been avoiding him more.

Juana nodded and Isabel gestured to the bench so they could sit down and talk. Juana goes to sit down while Isabel puts the basket away before joining her daughter on the bench. She took her hand in her own and gently squeezed it.

“So? Tell me whatever you want. I’m here to listen,” she said.

Juana looked at her hesitantly. She was still a bit unsure in trusting her own mother with her emotions. Isabel, however, was quite patient while her daughter gathered her thoughts first. Finally, after several moments of silence, Juana took a deep breath.

“I...I’m still afraid,” she admitted. Her voice was shaking a bit and barely above a whisper.

“Of your padre?” Isabel asked. Her daughter nodded.

“I-I know I have no reason to be afraid of him anymore. Seeing as how he proved himself to Catalina the other day but...I really can’t help but be afraid of him,” she explained.

“You have every reason to still be afraid of your padre and I fully understand why,” Isabel said. Gently squeezing Juana’s hand.

“Do you know what he did to me?” Juana asked.

Isabel nodded somberly. “I do. I’ve done my research and I’m so sorry, mija. For everything that I had put you through,” she said. Juana looked confused. “What?” she asked.

“Because I specifically put in my last will and testament that your father be the regent if you were deemed unstable to rule Castile. I thought it was the smart thing to do but...I realize now that I only put you in danger,” Isabel explained.

“Y-You assigned padre as my regent and...allowed him to lock me up?” Her mother nodded. Nothing but guilt in her golden brown hues.

Tears fell down Juana’s face. Her mother had betrayed her. And here she thought she could trust her. She curled in on herself as she started to sob.

Isabel was hurt but she knew she had hurt her daughter more.

“Juana, I’m so sorry...truly I am,” she said. Her own tears spilled down her face.

Juana said nothing and just kept sobbing. She’s already dealing with her father’s betrayal and neglect but learning that it all started from her mother made her question everything now.

‘Could she trust them?’ is the main question that was repeating in her mind.

“W-Why…? Why did you do that…?” Juana asked meekly. Tears are still falling down her face. Seeing her like this broke Isabel’s heart in two.

“I-I thought I was doing the right thing. I was foolish to believe that your padre would take care of you and your sisters after I passed. But I was wrong...I was so terribly wrong…” she said. It hurt to admit that she involuntarily took part in her husband’s mistreatment of their daughters but she knew she had to confess.

She reached over to Juana but was startled when her hand was harshly slapped away.

“Juana--”

“HOW COULD YOU!?” Juana screams.

Isabel was shocked at the drastic escalation of the situation. “J-Juana I--” she was cut off again.

“I thought I could trust you! You! My own mother! I thought I at least had someone who would protect me but instead you’re the made who had the ball rolling in the first place!” Juana ranted. Fury within her golden gaze. A hue similar to her father’s.

“Juana, I truly tried to protect you! Please believe me when I say that what I did was for your own good!” Isabel defended.

“Protect me?” Juana laughs maniacally, “don’t give me that crap, madre! You never protected me. You only protected yourself! You and padre were ashamed of me. In fact, I knew I was your least favorite child because of my views of religion!” she stood up and started pacing back and forth. Her arms waving around wildly as she continues her rant.

“I knew you loved Maria, Catalina for their devotion to the faith. Heck! You only opposed Bella from taking the oath because you would lose her as a political pawn but you still gave her more attention than you did me. And don’t get me started on how you and padre favor Juan above all else! You treated me like I was a burden that you could just send away! Like you said in the past, I’m crazy, not stupid.”

Isabel was sobbing loudly now. Hiding her face behind her hands in shame as her daughter listed the ways she failed her as a mother.

The door leading to the back porch flew open and Maria came running out. Somehow having heard Juana scream all the way from one of the guest rooms. Just looking at the situation she came upon, she instantly knew what was going on. Isabel gave Maria a pleading look. Silently asking her for help.

The two women were startled out of their silent communication when they heard a loud thud. They looked over to Juana and found her slamming her head against the wooden post repeatedly. Her eyes shut tight and her teeth and jaw locked in a tight grit.

“Juana!” Isabel exclaimed. Immediately jumping up to her feet.

Maria rushed over to her older sister before her mother could and hugged her as tightly as she could. Pinning her arms on her sides and pulling her away from the post. Trying to ground her and calm her down.

“Jo. Jo, calm down now. It’s okay. It’s okay,” she said calmly and quietly. Juana then started to laugh uncontrollably. A mix of tears and blood, from the fresh cut on her head, fell down her cheeks and her face contorted in a painful grimace. Her arms were trying desperately to break out of Maria’s hold and scratch at her throat. The sound of her laughter was screeching and it was grating on Isabel and Maria’s ears.

Isabel could only stand and watch in horror as her daughters literally struggled with each other. One was trying to break free from the other’s hold.

This was her doing.

She made her daughter like this and she has no way of reverting it now.

All she has is guilt.

After several tense minutes of struggling, Juana finally calmed down and slumped against Maria. Her head throbbing in pain and the cut stinging. Her throat was painfully dry and scratchy from laughing hysterically. She was utterly exhausted from her major breakdown. Maria was quite exhausted herself but stayed standing as she held her sister in her arms. Continuing to say reassuring words to her.

Isabel tried to step closer to her daughters but Maria held up a hand to stop her.

“Juana needs to rest. She’ll be out of it for at least a day or two,” she said.

Their mother nodded meekly. Maria knows how much guilt she has now but this isn’t her business to butt in. This is between Juana and their mother. And her main priority is to get Juana upstairs and into bed to rest.

“Hermano. Help me with Juana,” Maria said.

Isabel looked up in surprise when her son rushed out and gently lifted Juana in his arms. She looked towards the door and found the rest of her children standing there.

How long have they’ve been watching? Did they witness everything?

Catalina held the door open for her brother as he carefully carried Juana inside. Maria following close. Isabel helplessly watched as Bella and Catalina followed suit.

She was now left alone on the back porch.

Isabel dropped to her knees and started sobbing again. The remorse and guilt she felt was overwhelming and she just had to release it.

She has committed the ultimate sin.

Her daughter is like this because of her and she deserves to be punished for it. She felt familiar arms wrap around her and pull her close. Isabel clung to Fernando as she cried on his shoulder. He held her close and comforted her as best as he could.

It was all he could do at the moment.

The next day, Juana was confined in bed all day. Her siblings took turns looking after her while she recovered from mental fatigue. Meanwhile, Isabel spent most of the day locked in hers and Fernando’s room. Still reeling from the immense guilt. Fernando checks up on her from time to time. Making sure she’s okay and if she needed anything. He quickly finished all his and Isabel’s chores by himself and spent the rest of the day with her.

The following morning, Isabel got up really early and went out to the back porch to be alone and think.

As she walked out, she noticed someone was already there.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Juana said. She was sitting on the bench, looking out towards the barn and garden.

Isabel said nothing.

What else could she even say to her daughter at this point?

“Sit down, madre. We need to talk,” Juana said. Her mother hesitantly made her way over and sat down on the bench. Giving a bit of a distance between them. She looked over at Jauna. She looked exhausted. Dark bags under her eyes, sunken cheeks, pale skin and a band aid over the cut on her head.

The guilt was eating away in the pit of her stomach.

The mother and daughter sat in silence for several moments. Watching the sun rising in the distance. Finally, it was Isabel who broke the silence.

“Juana. I’m truly sorry. It was never my intention to hurt you and you were right that my faith blinded me on how I treated my children. I should have prioritized you and your siblings equally instead of treating you differently just because you have different opinions. I understand fully why you’re angry with me and I will not deny my sins to you,” she said. Fiddling with her thumbs nervously as she spoke.

Juana remained quiet for a time. She didn’t even look at her mother. Thinking that she had said what she had to say, Isabel started to get up when Juana placed a hand on her lap to stop her.

“I have bipolar disorder and tics. My therapist prescribed me medication to help with my bouts. Her theory was that I already had symptoms of BPD and that going through postpartum depression after giving birth seemed to have worsened it. This explains my bouts of madness in the past,” she explained. Her mother looked at her in slight confusion. “Hearing her explain it made me incredibly relieved. That there was a reason for my ‘madness’ this entire time. It was like a weight off my shoulders. Felipe, my husband, used my vulnerability to his selfish desires,” she continued. She frowned at the thought of her husband. The man who made her life a living hell.

“He manipulated me to make sure I would stay devoted to him. And he succeeded. I was obsessed with him to the point where I willingly neglected my own children. I have my own faults in the past and just because I was ‘mad’ doesn’t excuse me for the horrible things I had done.” She looked towards her mother as she said the last sentence.

Isabel lowered her head in shame.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that alone, Juana. If I could turn back time, I would right all the wrongs I have committed to you and your siblings. You all deserve better. I’m proud of how strong you are and I hope you can find it in you to forgive me but I will understand if you don’t,” she said.

“I’m willing to work on forgiving you, madre. That is if you’re willing to work with me in making up for all the bad things you’ve done to me,” Juana said.

“I am. I am very much willing to make things up to you, hija. I love you and I’m very very sorry for the neglect I did.”

“For years, I valued the love and care you showed me, no matter how little they were. Even now, I still want that love and care from you. Hearing you promise to make it up to me genuinely makes me happy,” Juan said. Tears falling down her face.

Isabel reached up and gently wiped her daughter’s tears away with her thumb.

“I won’t let my faith blind me again this time around. I was given a second life for a reason and that is to love you and your siblings more than I had in the past. I’m really proud of you, Juana,” she said.

Juana hugs her tightly. Crying on her shoulder. Isabel cries as well. But the tears were happy ones this time. She was happy that her daughter gave her another chance to love and care for her.

She promises to herself and her daughter that she won’t fail this time around.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Epilogue

The epilogue in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Fernando and Isabel go on a beach trip with their children.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly

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“Do we not have news about the admiral?”

“We do not.”

The royal couple held hands as they strolled around their new palace in Granada. They had recently conquered the beautiful city and have destined it as their new vacation home.

“I predict nothing good if the winter falls on him at sea,” Fernando said.

“Have faith. How hard have you tried to recover Roussillon and Cerdanya. And now you are going to succeed,” Isabel said.

“If God wills it.”

“He shall. And Colon will return. God rewards the perseverant.”

“It is possible. At the moment, at the moment, my troops are waiting at the border in case the Frenchmen backs down,” Fernando said. His wife shook her head.

“No such thing will happen. These are new times for our kingdoms, let us enjoy them,” she said. They stopped at the entrance of a room where their children were.

Juan had little Catalina sitting on his lap. His dog, Bruto, is sleeping by his feet. He was teaching her how to read. Isabella was looking over María's shoulder. Teaching her how to write in cursive. Juana was practicing her musical skills on her brother’s lute.

Smiles came on the parents’ faces.

“Look. We owe this happiness to the peace that has cost us so much to get. It is our first duty to make it last.”

"Found anything?"

"Nope. It's like they never went to the beach at all. Which is weird considering they live close by."

Maria sighs and shuts the old wardrobe closed. Her and Juan had been looking for their parents' swimming outfits for the past twenty minutes now.

"What now?" Juan asked.

"You have some extra swimming trunks right?" Maria asked. Looking over at him.

"Yeah but I don't know if it'll fit padre though," he said. “It’s worth a try than nothing. I’ll go see if Bella has a spare bathing suit that can fit madre,” she said.

“Alright. I’ll go and help Juana with the food.”

The two split up once exiting the master bedroom. Maria goes upstairs and Juan goes to the kitchen where Juana was.

“Any luck finding anything?” Juana asked as her brother joined her to help in preparing food.

“Nothing. Maria suggested we lend them ours though,” Juan said. Taking over in frying the eggs for Juana so she can focus on making sandwiches.

“Will ours even fit them?” she asked. Putting the finished sandwiches in ziplock bags.

“I think padre can fit in one of my swimming trunks and madre can probably fit in one of Bella’s bathing suits,” he said. He placed the fried eggs on a paper towel covered plate to soak up the extra oil.

“That could work. Hopefully they’ll like the trip to the beach,” Juana said. Putting their prepared food into containers before placing them in a large plastic bag.

Juan’s phone rang and he went out back to take it. Maria had come back down, carrying some of their bags with her as well as a mini cooler. Juana raised an eyebrow.

“Since when did we bring a mini cooler?” she asked her younger sister.

“We didn’t because Bella bought this back in Barcelona to contain her cans of Monster,” Maria said, opening the mini cooler to show about a dozen cans in there.

Juana shook her head. “She’s going overboard with this addiction,” she said.

“Which is why I’m getting rid of it,” Maria said. Closing the mini cooler.

Juan comes back inside after taking his call. “Hey guys! Bella just called and...what do you have there?” he asked when he saw what Maria was holding.

“This, querido hermano, is Isabella’s secret mini cooler filled with cans of energy drinks,” Maria answered.

“Um...okay...but Bella just called me and told me that they’re already packing up their wares in the market so we should hurry and get everything in the van,” Juan said.

“Oh right! Let’s get moving!” Maria said.

“I’ll take that!” Their brother took the mini cooler and shuffled off outside.

The three got the things they needed for a beach trip ready in the van and waited on the front porch for Catalina and Isabella to come back with their parents from the village market.

“Juan, what did you do with the mini cooler?” Maria asked her older brother.

“I got rid of it. Threw the cans away and put the mini cooler in the front shed,” Juan said. His sister nods in approval.

“Here they come,” Juana said as he spotted Isabella opening the gate to let the truck. Fernando drives the truck in the property. Catalina, who was sitting at the bed of the truck, jumped off.

“¡Hola! How was the trip to the market?” Maria asked as she, Juana and Juan stood up to greet them.

“It was alright. Everything managed to sell out this time,” Isabel said as she got out of the truck.

“Oh good! Does that mean you don’t have any more chores to do?” Maria asked.

“Yes. We can relax for the rest of the day,” Fernando said. Rounding the truck to put away the table and crates to the shed.

"Great! Hop in the van because we're going to the beach!"

"The beach?" their parents asked. Their children nodded.

"But what about the farm? Who would look after it if we're not here?" Isabel asked.

"No worries! Juana managed to get a favor from her boyfriend and he agreed to watch the farm," Maria said. "Maria! Hernando is not my boyfriend!" Juana exclaimed. A blush on her cheeks.

"But we don't even have anything to wear to the beach," Fernando said.

"I can lend you one of my swimming trunks, padre," Juan offered.

"And Bella has an extra bathing suit that madre can wear," Maria said.

Isabel and Fernando looked at each other.

"Come on! We wanna spend time with you guys at the beach before we head off to the airport tomorrow. Make some memories and all that," Maria urged.

She's right. They'll be heading back to England tomorrow. And although Isabel and Fernando were given their contact information so they could still communicate from afar, their children leaving will still be bittersweet.

"Alright then," their father said. "Let's go to the beach," their mother said.

All five children grinned happily. They piled up in the van, with Catalina driving as usual, and got situated. Juana waited by the gate as the youngest backed the vehicle out of the property. She closed and locked the gate before hopping in the passenger side.

“Everyone ready?” Catalina asked. “Ready!” everyone responded.

With that, they drove off to the beach.

The drive to the beach took roughly about half an hour. Once there, Maria got out to pay their entrance fee and rent a cabin for the day.

"Maria is in charge of our vacation budget," Juana said when their parents wondered why Maria was the only one who got out of the van.

While they waited, Juan was whispering something in Isabella's ear and she briefly looked relieved and freaked out at the same time. Juana raised an eyebrow suspiciously at this as she watched them through the rearview mirror.

Maria soon returned to the van after doing payments.

"I got us cabin seven with the mini bar and karaoke!" she excitedly said.

"A mini bar?" Isabel asked.

"It's a small island counter with a shelf full of alcohol," Juan explains.

"We're going all out today huh?" Isabella asked.

"It's our last day here so might as well go out with a bang," Maria said.

"I won't be having much alcohol since I'm the designated driver," Catalina said as she drives up to their rented cabin and parks the van up front. They got out and Maria unlocked the cabin with the key given to her so they could bring their things inside.

The cabin was small but it had everything they needed for their temporary stay at the beach.

"Let's go get changed!" Juan said after everything was put away for the time being.

Isabel and Fernando were lended their children's spare swimwear and they went to go change into them.

Fernando decided to wear a plain white, sleeveless, shirt to pair with the swimming trunks Juan lended to him.

Isabel, however, felt quite uncomfortable with the one-piece bathing suit she was wearing.

"I feel a bit exposed in this. Are you sure this is how...Infanta María! What in God's name are you wearing!?” she exclaimed upon seeing her daughter wearing a yellow string bikini.

"What? This is my swimsuit," Maria said. Confidently flaunting her 'assets'.

Of course, this is a big 'no-no' to the former Catholic Monarch.

"You're basically wearing undergarments! Cover up or change into something more appropriate!"

"Mamá, this is normal at the beach. Some people wear way less than me on some beaches. Look! Even Bella and Catalina are wearing bikinis too."

Isabel looked when Maria gestured to her sisters and sure enough, the two were wearing bikinis as well.

"¡Mis hijas!" their mother exclaimed.

"It's fine, madre," Isabella reassured.

"But you're all exposed!" Isabel pointed out.

"It's normal on beaches. Trust us," Catalina said.

"Everyone ready?" Juan asked as he came out. Wearing only his swimming trunks.

"Juana's still changing," Catalina said.

"I'm done," Juana said. She was wearing a yellow bikini top and swimming trunks.

"Great! Let's go enjoy the beach!" Maria said.

"I am not going out there like this!" Isabel said.

"Alright, fine. Here. I have a shawl you can use to cover up," she said, rummaging through her bag and handing her mother a shawl.

Isabel gladly took the shawl and wrapped it around her hips. "There. Now we can go," she said.

"Alright! Let's go!"

The family heads out to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

Catalina brought their beach ball out and played beach volleyball with Juana, Fernando and Juan. Isabella took their mother to the water for a swim. Maria decided to get some tan on while watching her family play around.

"So how do we play this game?" Fernando asked as he stood next to his son, opposite Catalina and Juana.

"It's simple! We just hit the ball when it comes to us and prevent it from landing on our side," Juan explained.

"Alright then. I'll follow your lead."

With that, they started the game with Juana serving the ball.

Meanwhile, Isabel and her namesake were having fun splashing about in the shallow water.

"This is so much fun!" Isabel said.

"I know! The beach is one of the best places to go to during the summer," Isabella said.

"Oh look! I found a shell!" Her mother declared as she picked up a small, pink shell.

"Ooh! Let's collect shells along the shore and maybe we can make them into little souvenirs!" Isabella suggested.

"That's a great idea!"

The two Isabellas then set off to go find sea shells. After the game, Fernando decided to take a break and went to sit next to Maria. As he made his way over, he noticed a group of young men bothering her while she laid on her stomach. The ties of her bikini top undone.

His protective paternal instincts went on high gear as he marched his way to them.

"¡Hola hermosa! Wanna have some fun with us?" one of the young men said.

"No, gracias, chicos. I'm not interested. Now please leave me alone to tan," Maria said dismissively.

"Come on, hermosa. We promise it'll be fun," another one insisted.

Fernando grabbed a discarded shawl and draped it over Maria's back before standing in front of the group of young men. Arms crossed over his chest and glaring at them.

Like the soldier king that he was.

"Papá! I was tanning!" his daughter complains.

"She said she's not interested. Ahora deja a mi hija en paz," he said.

Or rather commanded.

The group scrambled away once they realized that this man was the father of the girl they were trying to flirt with. Maria sits up and fixes her bikini top.

“You didn’t have to scare them off, papá. I was fine,” she said.

“You and I both know that they wouldn’t leave you until you agreed with them,” Fernando said.

“I know. I’m used to getting hit on like that. Especially on a good day but I still stay strong on my answer being ‘no’.”

“Even so, Maria. You should be cautious around strange men. Especially when they're in groups like that.”

Maria sighs and just shrugs. "There goes my tan, I guess," she said. Standing up from her beach towel. Dusting off sand from her lap before wrapping the shawl around her hips. "How are you liking the beach so far?" She asked. Following her father back to the cabin to get something to eat and drink.

"Aside from the encounter with that group earlier, it's been fun so far. Your madre and I really needed this break," Fernando said. Walking alongside his daughter.

They reached the cabin and went inside. Maria got behind the mini bar to fix them some drinks while Fernando looked for something to eat. The others soon joined them when the weather got too hot. They had lunch together and sang karaoke. Maria and Juan fought over who gets to sing the next song while Catalina yells at them to give their parents a turn.

Isabella used this opportunity to go to the kitchenette, sneak a can of Monster from her mini cooler, that Juan did not get rid of, and pour it into her empty glass.

"Bella, where did you get that?" Juana asked. Coming up behind her.

"Gah!" Her oldest sister squeaked in surprise and almost dropped her drink.

She had been caught.

Juana looked over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow when she saw the mini cooler. "I thought Juan got rid of that cooler," she said.

"Uh...I can explain?"

"Oh please do, querida hermana," Maria said as she came up behind Juana. Arms crossed over her chest and an unamused look on her face. "Please tell us why you have that mini cooler when-" she turns to shout, "-Juan!-" then faces her sister again, "-told us that he got rid of it?" she finished her question with a sinister sweet tone.

Now this was just not fair! Isabella was being ganged up on.

She held her precious mini cooler protectively in her arms as she tried to think of a strategy to escape her sisters that were easily towering over her.

Juan came to her rescue when he snuck up behind his two younger sisters and had the genius idea of covering their eyes from behind.

"Run! Run, Bella, run!" he said. Isabella did just that and booked it out of the kitchenette.

"Bella, come back here!" Maria shouts after her as she escapes her brother's hold. She ran outside after her oldest sister with Juana in tow. Juan went after them to stop them from catching their oldest.

Isabel and Fernando were very freaked out when their four children started to chase each other outside the cabin. Screaming and shouting at each other.

"W-What's going on? Why are they fighting?" Isabel asked. Looking outside through the open door.

"Don't worry. They're fine," Catalina nonchalantly said as she flipped through the songbook. Looking for a song to sing.

"But they're fighting!" Fernando pointed out. Confused as to why his youngest is so nonplussed by her older siblings fighting over a mini cooler.

"As long as no one is drowning the other at sea or burying them alive under the sand then we're all good," she said.

Isabel and Fernando looked at each other in worry.

The chase came to an end with a compromise between the two parties. Isabella would be allowed to keep her energy drinks and mini cooler but with each can, it corresponds to a day where she would not have any Monster whatsoever. That means she'll go twelve days without a Monster once they land in England.

Isabella accepted the compromise, though rather with much hesitation.

The weather became suitable to go back out again and the family got back to doing their activities. Fernando and Isabel got to try out new things that day and building sand castles seemed to be their favorite so far.

"Hey guys! Let's take a photo!" Maria said. Setting up her camera on a tripod.

"A photo?" Isabel asked.

"Yeah! A little souvenir for you guys. Now stand close together in the shot," she instructed as she set up the timer in the camera.

"Photo time!" Juan said and got behind their parents. Wrapping his arms around them and pulling them close together.

Isabella and Juana stood to Isabel's left while Catalina positioned herself on Fernando's right.

"Alright everyone! Smile!" Maria rushed over to Catalina and grabbed her arm in time for the timer to run out and captured the moment.

"Maria! I almost fell!" Catalina exclaimed. Balancing both hers and her sister's weight before they could topple over.

"Let's see how it looked!" Juan said. Going over to the camera to see the photo taken.

The family gathered around to see and the results were pretty good.

"I like how it came out," Fernando said.

"Yeah! Let's have this printed and framed!" Isabella said.

"I think there's a photo printing shop nearby here," Juana said.

"I'll go get this printed later. Now let's get back to having fun!" Maria said.

They agreed and continued on with their day. When the sun was starting to set, they all decided to take their showers and change back into their civilian clothes. They decided, last minute, to have a bonfire jamming session. They rented a guitar and Fernando and Isabella took turns playing it while the others sang to their heart's content.

It was dark out when they packed up their things and took them to the van. The drive back to the farm was quiet as Maria, Isabella, Juan, Fernando and Isabel were all sleeping and Catalina and Juana were the only ones awake.

"So what do you think of this trip?" Catalina asked quietly. Focusing on the road in front.

"As a whole or just these two weeks in general?" Juana asked back.

"As a whole," the youngest answered.

"The first few days in Barcelona were fun. Then things changed when we got to Girona and discovered our parents living in the countryside," the older of the two said.

Catalina nodded in agreement. They initially planned on visiting several beaches near Barcelona and Girona was their first stop. Their plans changed when their van broke down in the middle of the countryside and met their reincarnated parents.

"What about the two weeks? What do you think?" the former queen of England asked.

"It was...a rollercoaster of emotions for sure. The first week was just full of tension and it was almost unbearable. But then the second week slowly got a lot better. At least a little bit. Well, except for the time you punched padre in the face and I had a huge meltdown in front of madre," said the former queen of Castile and Aragon.

"Yes but look how far we've come in just a span of two weeks. Sure it's not entirely fixed yet but it's a start," Catalina said and Juana nodded in agreement.

"It is a start and frankly, I'm glad that our parents made the effort. Having a complete family again is nice."

"Indeed."

.

It was late at night when they had arrived back at the farmhouse. Catalina and Juana woke their parents and siblings up so they could sleep properly on proper beds.

Come morning time, Fernando and Isabel went with their children to Barcelona to see them out to the airport. Tearful goodbyes, tight hugs and promises of a second visit were shared.

The parents watched as their children walked to their gate leading to the plane they will be boarding. Fernando held Isabel close as she cried on his shoulder.

Two weeks of being with their children felt like years and now they're leaving the nest again.

At least now, they have the means and technology to communicate with them from afar.

When they got home that night, they noticed something hung up next to their wedding photo. Upon closer look, the couple couldn't help but smile.

It was the photo they took at the beach yesterday.

Maria had it printed, framed, and had hung it up on the wall before they left that morning. It was a last gift to their parents as thanks for housing them and making the effort to get to know them again.

The photo will forever be a reminder of the family they had gained over the span of two weeks.

And they had a feeling that the family would grow in time.

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Thank you so much for reading this collection! This is possibly the biggest writing project I've ever done and I'm very proud of the result! Again, thank you for the undying support.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Isabella de Aragón, Reina de Portugal: My First Blessing

The fourth story in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Fernando and Isabella talk about brushing cows and the past sins of the father to his first blessing.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly

--------------------------------------------------

Fernando paced restlessly along the hallway outside his marital chambers. Isabel has been in labor for many hours now and he's getting more and more worried. This is their first child she was giving birth to and he fears that the labor will prove too much for his wife and he will lose her and possibly their child.

"You do not have to worry, nature will follow its course. Isabel is a strong woman," Gonzalo Chacón, Isabel and Fernando's royal adviser said reassuringly.

"I know, Chacón, I know. The strongest a man would want to see in the trance of giving birth," the father to be said. His pacing was halted when Isabel's screams echoed from within the bed chambers. He started to worry more when Isabel's screams were followed by the loud wails of an infant.

The doors opened and the midwife walked out. She smiled at Fernando and said, "it's a girl, Don Fernando."

A smile slowly came to his face and he went into the bedchambers without a second thought. Isabel laid on the bed, holding their newborn daughter and smiling exhaustedly yet proudly at her husband. Fernando goes over to the bed and sat next to his wife. Looking proudly at their daughter.

"She's beautiful," he said. Fernando offers his finger and their daughter takes it in her tiny hand. The new parents smiled even more.

"Her name will be Isabella," Fernando said.

Isabel looked at him in surprise. He smiles at his wife. "Just like her mother," he said before kissing her forehead. Isabel smiles and quietly thanks him. She gave thanks to God as well for granting her and her husband a healthy daughter.

Infanta Isabella was baptized a week after her birth and both parents wore gold to the baptism. Word about the royal birth and baptism spread around Castile and Aragon. Unfortunately, this news would reach Isabel's half brother, Enrique, and it would be used to pinpoint her location.

Because of circumstances turning dire, the new family had to flee.

"What is all the fuss about?" Fernando asked as he and Isabel rushed over. They were told to quickly get dressed for travel.

"Pacheco's troops left Segovia to attack us, they're coming towards the palace," Gonzalo de Córdoba, general of their army, said.

Fernando and Isabel shared a look of shock. Isabel's brother, Enrique, is relentless in his pursuit. He will stop at nothing until he captures them. They hastily made their way to the main hall. Gonzalo follows closely.

"What is the proportion of the forces?" Fernando asked.

"Five men of Pacheco's for each one of our own. I do not mind fighting, Your Majesty," Gonzalo answered.

"You should not fight battles that will lose for sure, Gonzalo. Besides, the most important thing is our daughter's safety," the king said.

They reached the main hall where Chacón was waiting for them. "We must retreat. The problem is where to go," Chacón asked.

"Medina de Rioseco. It's the fief of Enríquez and we'll be protected there. As I told you, Your Majesty, politics is the art of anticipating the future and this was, unfortunately, quite predictable," Archbishop Alfonso Carillo said.

"Gracias, Su Excelencia," Isabel said.

"Well done, Carillo," Fernando said.

"We have to leave immediately. Pacheco's troops will advance faster than us," the archbishop said.

"I can face them while fleeing. You'll gain time that way," Gonzalo offered.

"You are coming with us. I want the best men to protect my wife and daughter," Fernando turned down his offer. With that, he and Isabel went to get their daughter for the retreat.

"Take everything that is strictly necessary!" Gonzalo orders and his men immediately go to work.

They got everything ready at the palace courtyard. The carriage where the infanta and her nurses will be riding in was all prepared for the hasty travel. Chacón, riding on his horse, approached Gonzalo.

"Is everything ready?" he asked.

"Everything," the general answered.

"Good. The sooner we leave this place, the better," Chacón said before riding off to make sure the others were ready to depart.

"Saddle the horses!" Gonzalo orders as Fernando and Isabel's royal steeds were brought in.

Isabel and Fernando exited the palace and out to the courtyard with their daughter in Isabel's arms. They both kissed their baby on the forehead before handing little Isabella over to her nurses.

"What will become of us, Fernando?" Isabel asked as she and Fernando made their way to their horses.

"We will be fine, and we will be who we want to be," Fernando answered reassuringly to his wife. Isabel nodded in agreement. They mounted their horses and prepared to ride off.

"Give the signal," Fernando said to Gonzalo.

"Get moving!" Gonzalo shouts.

With his signal, the entire entourage makes their exit. They hope to arrive in Medina de Rioseco soon before Pacheco's troops reach the abandoned palace.

The first night in their new place, a storm was raging outside. Isabel woke up to the sound of her daughter crying. In an instant, she was awake and looked towards the crib but didn't see little Isabella there as she should have. She began to panic and quickly looked around the chambers. She lets out a breath of relief when she finds Fernando cradling their daughter in his arms. Calming her down and rocking her back to sleep.

"Fernando," Isabel said. Fernando looks over to his wife and smiles. "She woke up. She must be afraid of the storm," he said. Going over to their bed and sitting next to her. Isabel smiles as she leans against him. "Pequeña, there is nothing to be afraid of," she coos at their daughter. Gently caressing the top of her head to help calm her down.

Fernando couldn't help but smile proudly at his wife and daughter. Since Isabella's birth, he's always found carrying her if Isabel was busy or taking a break. Usually, the baby would be given to the nurses but Fernando insisted on holding his newborn daughter despite his busy schedule. Isabel finds it quite endearing that Fernando was such a loving father to their daughter.

She couldn't help but smile whenever she heard him refer to their daughter as his 'first blessing'.

Fernando got the tools he needed from the shed before making his way to the barn. He had just finished tending to their vegetable garden so he'll be tending to the barn next. He got to the barn and he immediately noticed Isabella there. She was in the cow pen. Feeding hay to the cow and petting its flank.

"I see that you've met La Dama," he said as he approached the cow pen.

Isabella jumped in surprise when she heard Fernando. He raised his hands up. Signaling that he means no harm.

"P-Padre! I-I was just--" she stuttered but her father cut her off.

"It's alright, Isabella. Thank you for keeping her company for a while," Fernando said as he entered the cow pen. He set his tools down and went to put his work gloves on.

"Are you going to clean her up?" she asked.

"Just brush her and clean up her pen. You want to try brushing her?" he offered.

"Can I?"

"Of course! Here. I'll show you." He takes the brush and demonstrates it to his eldest by running it along the cow's flank. "Just gently brush along her flank and add a bit of pressure to your strokes. Like you're massaging her."

Isabella watched as her father brushed La Dama's flank. The cow letting out satisfied moos. Fernando smiled and patted the cow's back. He turns to his eldest and handed her the brush.

"You try," he said.

"Okay," Isabella said and took the brush. She copied her father's actions and brushed La Dama's flank with a bit of pressure. "Always the fast learner, Isabella. La Dama loves the special treatment," her father said. He gets his other tools and started cleaning up in the cow pen while Isabella brushed the cow.

"How did you get her, padre?" she asked.

"We bought her from a good friend of ours. Their barn was getting a bit overcrowded so they had to sell some extra cows. We went there and found La Dama and your madre just fell for her," Fernando answered. Remembering the day his wife, Isabel, made a quick beeline when she saw La Dama for the first time.

"Was she named La Dama before you bought her?" Isabella asked

"Sí. Her previous owners named her that because of the way she walks and holds herself like a woman of noble standing," he said.

Isabella chuckled in amusement. "I can see why madre fell in love with her," she said. They fell into silence as they both did their own thing in the cow pen. Then Fernando broke the silence.

"I remember your birth. Your madre and I were on the run from her half brother while waiting for supporters," he started. Loading the hay in a pile in the corner of the pen.

"The war of Castilian succession?" Isabella asked.

"Sí. We found a temporary palace to stay in just in time for your birth and baptism. However, we had to run immediately soon after Pacheco's troops were rapidly closing in and they outnumbered our men," her father said.

"Most of my early life was just running away and wars. I think it all stopped when I was twelve and Catalina was a new born by then."

"Such is the life of royalty. Especially ones who are fighting for their right to have the crown."

"Madre was always fighting for the right to be queen of Castile. You, however, never had to. You were always acknowledged as the king of Aragon," Isabella said. Walking around the cow to brush her other side.

"Yes. That's why we had to work together to squash the doubters and secure your madre's position as a sovereign," Fernando said.

"Is that why you were mostly absent for most of my life? Always going to wars and conquering territories? You were only ever there when it comes to political matters regarding your children but even when you were home you were still absent. I barely knew you as a father," she said. Fernando looks at her and sighed. "Regretfully, yes. As the man of the house, it is my duty to protect my family at all cost. Even if I have to be absent by going to war and attending to other duties. It is also my responsibility to give my children a secure future and that involves careful planning of marriages," he said. 

Isabella looked at her father. Her expression is unreadable. "You never protected us from yourself though. Yes, you fought in countless wars and protected us but when it comes to you and your legendary fury, you never protected us," she said.

Fernando sighed again and lowered his head in shame. "I will not deny that. I may have protected you from outside forces but I failed in protecting you and your siblings from myself. I failed your younger sisters the most in protecting them from myself. Juana and Catalina deserved a better father than one who just outright neglected them after their mother's death," he said. Absent-mindedly poking the hay with the pitchfork. 

"You may not have directly hurt me but by hurting my sisters, you have hurt me immensely. Though, I am glad that you have acknowledged your faults and did not deny it. What do you plan on doing now, padre?" Isabella asked. Carefully studying her father's expression. She could see determination behind those golden hues.

"I will say to you what I have said to your madre and hermano, I will do anything in my power to prove to you that I have changed for the better and I will work hard in gaining your trust again. However, I will fully understand if you refuse to forgive me and never speak to me again. I will respect any decision you will make," Fernando said.

Isabella could tell he was being truthful but she still had her doubts. After all, this is the man who hurt her sisters and she feels immense guilt in being unable to protect them. "I will say to you what Juan probably said to you already, it is not my forgiveness that you should seek but of the daughters you have wronged. I will reserve my judgement of you after Catalina and Juana had made their opinion about you known; however, I am willing to acknowledge your effort in making things right," she said.

Fernando smiled thankfully at his eldest child. "Muchas gracias, mi primera bendicion. I won't let you down, I promise," he said.

Isabella smiled back at her father. "I have faith in you, padre. It would be nice to have our family be completed again," she said. Fernando smiled and nodded. "I know. It would be nice to have a happy family in this humble home."

La Dama moos in agreement and the father and his first blessing couldn't help but laugh in amusement. 

Indeed, it would be nice for their family to be completed someday.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Catalina de Aragón, Reina de Inglaterra: My Little Catalina

The ninth story in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Catalina confronts Fernando about the past and things were quick to escalate from there.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly.

--------------------------------------------------

"That is correct, Your Highness, you are pregnant," Badoz said as he washed his hands. Isabel sat on the bed. Staring at the wall in thought while her hand was placed delicately on her stomach.

She was pregnant. Again. The Lord has blessed her and Fernando with another child.

She stood up and walked over to the physician while he was putting his tools away. Her head held high with pride.

"The Almighty is merciful," she said. Badoz frowned with disappointment.

"I have warned you that it could not happen again," he said. Since the last pregnancy ended in the death of Infanta María's twin brother and the queen almost dying, Badoz had warned the king and queen that if the queen falls pregnant again then this time around might kill her for sure.

"And as a married woman, how could I avoid that without offending God?" Isabel defended.

"I have already told you. Take my words seriously, mi señora. Your life is in danger. You can die in childbirth," the physician argued.

"Nothing can be done?" the queen asked.

Badoz sighs and answers, "You will have every care you need."

"Then, with your help and God's help, we will get ahead."

"Believe me, mi señora, Castile can lose it's queen. So act accordingly."

Isabel sighs and nods. This pregnancy could very well mean the end of her and she wouldn't like that at all. Castile, Fernando, their children. They all need her to be alive and well.

"Badoz," she addressed. "The king must not know about this matter."

The physician nods in understanding. The queen dismisses him and he takes his leave. Isabel calls in for her ladies in waiting to help her prepare for the day's duties.

Fernando made his way to his marital chambers that he shared with his wife. He had arrived home an hour earlier and after spending some time with his children, he went to find his wife. He entered the bedchambers and found his wife praying. Already dressed to retire for the night.

Isabel noticed him and quickly closed her prayer before standing up and greeting her husband with a hug. Fernando smiled and hugged her back. They stayed in their embrace for a good while before stepping away. Their arms are still linked with each other.

"I thanked our Lord that He has brought you back to me safe and sound," the queen said.

"This reunion will only last a few hours, I must leave for Aragon as soon as possible," the king said.

Isabel was saddened by this.

"I know," she said. She placed a hand on Fernando's cheek. "And these months when you are faraway will be years for me."

Fernando smiled and kissed the palm of her hand. "Time goes by quickly, You are leaving for Segovia. When you notice it, we will meet there," he said.

Isabel kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly. "Do not forget that I love you. Never...never forget it," she whispers. She lets go and looks into his eyes. "And when you remember my mistakes, think that they are the fruit of my immense love for you."

Fernando chuckles softly. "What is wrong? I return safe and sound from the battle and I will return from Aragon," he said. "Do not be sad, Isabel. It is our destiny to be separated to attend to the affairs of our kingdoms, and to return to each other's arms always afterwards. Always together."

"Every moment of every day, I will be thinking of you." Isabel pulls him close and the couple share a kiss.

Keeping her pregnancy from her husband is the right thing to do to prevent him from worrying and abandoning his duties for her.

"Without a doubt, Friar Diego de Deza will be a good tutor for the Príncipe. And the Chair of Theology in Salamanca is his," Chacón said. Isabel stood behind him, looking out the window in deep thought.

"Friar Hernando also approves it," she said. "About the Casa del Príncipe, I would like his finances to be in your hands," she added.

"It will be so, then, you do not have to worry," Chacón agrees.

Isabel pulls away from the window and walks over to her trusted advisor's side. "As for his marriage, should we gain an alliance with France or isolate it through the marriages of our children?" she asked. Turning to face him. Chacón furrowed his thick brows in confusion. Baffled at this question.

"Your Highness, why so much haste? They are still small children?" he asked.

"You taught me that we should alleviate so as to not have to cure," the queen said.

"But rushing can be just as harmful," he reasoned. "You have many years ahead--"

"Do not argue with me!" Isabel snapped which startled her advisor. She turned away from and walked toward the fireplace. She watched the flames dance as she released a deep sigh.

Abandoning all formalities, Chacón stood up and walked over to the queen.

"What is wrong, Isabel?" he asked. "Yesterday you asked me to review the treaty of Segovia about the regency, today this. Do you worry about the King's stay in Aragon?" He looked at her. Worry in his wise, old eyes. It pains him to see his daughter like this. Isabel avoided his gaze.

"Your Highness, you know that you are like a daughter to me."

The queen took a deep breath. She knew she couldn't keep a big secret from the man who has been there all her life and raised her as his own.

"It is not the King," Isabel said.

"Then?"

She took another deep breath before saying, "I am pregnant. And that could imply a serious danger to me. Badoz believes I could die in childbirth."

Chacón was surprised. The queen was pregnant and it could be proven her very last. He reaches out to place a comforting hand on Isabel's shoulder but she shrugs him off. He was hurt. And disappointed that Fernando could just readily abandon his wife like this during her time of need.

"How could the King abandon you?" he asked.

Isabel faces him. A single tear had fallen down her face but her expression remained composed.

"He knows nothing. And he must not know anything. You must promise me. He should not worry about my fears," she said.

"B-But if the danger is so serious..."

"Do you give me your word?"

Fernando doesn't know that his wife was dangerously pregnant and Isabel is keeping it a secret so it wouldn't hold him back from his duties in Aragon.

With much hesitation, Chacón nodded his head.

Satisfied, Isabel wiped away her tears and composed herself before leaving. Chacón stood there pondering what to do. On one hand, he has pledged loyalty to Isabel for as long as he lives. On the other hand, he did not want Fernando to go through what he had gone through when his wife died of childbirth.

Making his decision, he hastily leaves for Aragon.

"How could the Earth be round? It is as flat as two and two is four," Catalina commented as she and Isabel examined a globe in the queen's hands. Isabel was very obviously pregnant now and she refuses to back down from her duties much to the worry of her ladies and Chacón.

"The Genoese say that the ships disappear into the sea little by little over the horizon. That proves that it is round according to him," Isabel said. Turning the globe in her hands.

"What an idea," her lady in waiting said.

The door suddenly opened and the king entered. Isabel looked at him in surprise. She was not expecting him to return from Aragon so early. Handing the globe to Catalina, she goes over to her husband. No use trying to hide her pregnancy from him since it was now very obvious.

"Are you coming without announcing your return? Should you not be in Aragon?" she asked.

"Now, more than ever, I can only be by your side," Fernando said.

He kisses her cheek and pulls her in his arms for a welcoming embrace. Isabel couldn't help but smile as she happily returned the favor. The royal couple pulls away after a few blissful moments in each other's arms.

"Why did you not tell me anything?" the king asked.

"Because I love you. It is my only excuse. I wanted to spare you my anguish," the queen answered.

"Do not do that again. I live for you. To love and protect you is my most sacred duty," Fernando said. Isabel couldn't help but shed a tear for her husband's declaration of love. The king kisses her cheek once more and pulls his wife back in his arms. A sign of promise that he will stay by her side.

"Together, and with God's help, we will come out well from this difficult time."

The time for the queen to give birth was upon them and Fernando did everything in his power to give his wife all the help she would need in this difficult time. Badoz made no promises to the king that the queen will survive but he swore to do all he can.

The entire palace practically halted as courtiers, servants, friars and cardinals gathered outside the royal bedchambers. Praying relentlessly. The king insisted on being by the queen's side during the birth and Badoz did not deny him this right. Isabel was in great pain all throughout the labour but that did not stop her from constantly praying with her husband.

Finally, after many hours of waiting and praying, the queen's screams had died down and everyone waited with bated breath. The doors of the bedchambers opened and the king proudly stepped out with his newborn child in his arms. His beaming face says it all.

The Queen had survived.

"I introduce you to Infanta Catalina. Thank God, everything went well."

Fernando strummed away on his guitar as he sang softly to his wife. Isabel had her eyes closed and a content smile on her face as she listened to her husband serenading her. Their children were out today. Went to the beach as they had planned so they had the house to themselves.

It seems like deja vu.

The last time they were cuddling out on the porch swing on a nice, quiet afternoon, their children had turned up at their gate. Asking for help on their broken down vehicle.

It feels like it was yesterday when it actually has been a week and a half now.

The sudden sound of their gate opening caught their attention. Looking up, they saw Maria opened the gate wide so that Catalina could drive their rented van inside. She parked it next to their truck and cut off the engine. Isabel pulls away from her husband and stands up to greet their children back from their beach trip. Fernando set his guitar aside and stood up as well but stayed in place. Letting his wife approach their children as they got out and unloaded the things they brought to the beach.

He then notices Catalina straying away from the group and making her way to the porch. He can see that her eyes were staring intensely at him as she made her way towards him.

"Catalina," he greets curtly to his youngest as she reaches the front porch.

"Padre," Catalina greets back. Standing some feet away from him. Her stance is ever regal. Fernando felt a bit of pride that his youngest maintained her regal posture.

"How was the beach?" he asked.

"Good. We had to leave when it was starting to get too crowded," she answered.

"I see."

The father and daughter stared at each other for a good while. Waiting to see who would back down first and admit defeat to the other. Out of all his children, his youngest was the one who was most alike to Isabel. They have the same fire in their eyes that complimented their fierce regal personalities. Though his wife had mellowed out since their rebirth, that fire in her eyes never went away.

And he could see the same in Catalina's.

Knowing what was to come and why exactly his daughter actively came to him instead of avoiding him as usual, he admitted defeat in their staring contest.

"I'm assuming that you want to talk since you came to me instead of avoiding me," he said.

"Your assumption is correct. Though it's more of a confrontation instead of a simple talk," Catalina confirmed.

"I supposed it would eventually come to this," Fernando said. He stood his ground despite his leg starting to act up due to his anxiety of the moment. Catalina maintained her steely gaze on her father.

"Why did you abandon me?"

And there it was.

Fernando cleared his throat and shuffled on his feet a bit. "It was not my intention to abandon you, Catalina," he started.

"So you do admit that you abandoned me when I needed you the most?" Catalina challenged. This irritated Fernando a bit. He did not like how his youngest just cut him off before he could explain his side.

"I tried my best to protect you and the kingdom at the same time, Catalina. Your madre was gravely ill during that time and my hands were full," he defended. He tries his best to get his temper in control. The last thing he needed was to just blow up and ruin everything for good.

Catalina glares at her father. Fernando glared in return. One thing these two had in common was that they have almost identical stern faces when angered.

"You knew madre was going to die soon and yet you did not send a fleet to bring me home," she accused. Her tone was hard but she still remained her cool.

She's got to remember to keep her golden rule. It helped her put up with Henry's bullshit for twenty four years after all.

By this time, the rest of the family had caught on what was happening between Fernando and Catalina and maintained their distance but watched carefully and listened closely.

"You wouldn't have made it even if I sent you a ship," Fernando said.

"I would've preferred missing my mother's last moments but still be able to attend her funeral instead of missing everything entirely at all," Catalina replied.

"I was trying my best for you, Catalina."

"Well your best wasn't enough, clearly."

Fernando's frown hardens. "Do not give me such attitude, hija."

"And do not tell me when and how I will give you such attitude, 'padre'," Catalina mocked. Doing air quotations with her fingers. Fernando's temper was boiling over now.

"I am trying to be civil here, hija," he said through gritted teeth.

"Stop calling me 'hija'! You lost that right five centuries ago," Catalina snapped.

"Catalina--"

"I shouldn't even call you 'padre' in the first place. You lost that title five centuries ago too."

"Catalina, stop cutting me off and listen--"

"No. I don't think I won't. You didn't listen to me anyways when I was asking, no, begging you to help me so why should I listen to you in return?" Catalina was just being petty and vindictive at this point. Like her goal was to anger her father and make him blow up.

And she was successful.

"I raised you better than that!" he shouts.

Everyone froze in their place. Shocked at how quickly the situation escalated. Even Fernando was shocked as well. He had lost his temper and blew up at his daughter.

"C-Catalina I..." he started to apologize but stopped when his youngest started to laugh.

Catalina was laughing. And no one knew what she found so funny. It honestly unnerved the others. Fernando took a step closer to see if his daughter was okay.

That was the second big mistake that he had made.

When he tried to get closer to her, Catalina abruptly stopped laughing and, out of nowhere, reared her arm back and swung. Her fist connected to his face. Fernando fell back. Holding his face and groaning in pain.

"Fernando!" Isabel rushes over to her fallen husband.

"Catalina! What the hell!?" Maria and her siblings ran over to Catalina and pulled her back. Restraining her from lashing out violently again.

This was quite the big shock. Everyone knew Catalina was not one to lose her composure and blow up like that. Even back in the past, she was always calm and composed even when facing harsh situations.

"I'm fine, Isabel. I'm fine," Fernando reassured his wife as she helped him stand back up.

"YOU NEVER RAISED ME AT ALL!" Catalina screams.

Everyone went quiet as they looked at the youngest daughter in shock.

The former king noticed tears falling down Catalina's face and his heart broke in two. He's done it again. He's broken his promise before he could even make them.

"Catalina, I--" Catalina cut him off again.

"You never raised me!" she shouts. She pulls out from her older siblings' grasps and steps closer to him. She was a good few inches taller than him. Her glare intensely directed on Fernando.

"You were hardly there for me. You were always off somewhere doing who knows what and when you were present, you only wanted to talk about future marriages and forming alliances! I was nothing but a political pawn to you!" Catalina poked at his chest hard. Fernando suddenly remembered the memory of Isabel screaming at him and poking at his chest harshly on the day she found out what he had done.

The only difference was that instead of a slap, he received a punch to the face.

"You sent me to England to marry a random prince I barely knew and you never even wrote to see how I was doing. Well guess what, 'padre'!? My first husband died and left me a widow at seventeen. I was used as an ambassador because two grown men were fighting like toddlers over damned dowry. I lived in poverty for seven years because my own father didn't care enough to send a goddamned ship to bring me home," she ranted. Catalina shoved him back harshly and he almost lost his balance. Her older siblings pulled her back again.

"Catalina! This is going too far!" Isabel said. Trying to get her daughter to calm down while helping her husband.

"Let go of me! I'm not done yet!" Catalina growls. Squirming to break free from her brother's hold. "You're taking things too far!" Juan said. Trying his best to hold her down with his sisters' help.

"Catalina, you have to calm down!" Juana said.

"This is getting out of hand, Catalina!" Maria said.

"You have to stop and calm down!" Isabella said.

"I am CALM!"

"Let her go!" Fernando said. "Let her go. This is strictly between us."

Isabel and their older children looked hesitant but relented and let go of Catalina. The youngest continues to glare at her father. Fernando just nodded and allowed her to continue with what she wanted to say to him. He needed to hear from her all the ways he had wronged her.

Catalina gladly gave him the list.

"You ruined my life! Not only was I not able to say goodbye to my dying mother, I was married and loyal to the worst man I have ever known and what did I get for being loyal? I was divorced and publicly shamed! I was sent away to rot! And I was forbidden to see my daughter! Because of your selfish, entitled, power hungry self, I died alone and ashamed! Because of you, I now have to suffer with general anxiety AND abandonment issues all because of you!"

A tense silence followed after Catalina finished her rant. Isabel and the older siblings looked worried at what was going to happen next. Fernando looked at his youngest with nothing but guilt and remorse in his eyes. He walked closer and got down on his knees. This surprises Catalina and she was even more caught off guard when he lowered his head to the dirty porch floor by her feet.

It was a very humiliating position that he put himself in.

"I know you won't ever forgive me but I fully acknowledge my faults to you and I know I have no excuse for them. I let my greed for power blind me and as a result, you and Juana had to suffer the consequences of my actions. Right here, right now, I am merely an old man with sins of the past on his shoulders and I'm genuinely sorry for everything, Catalina. And I understand if you don't want to see me ever again after this but if you even consider giving me a chance then I promise you with my life that I will do everything in my power to make it up to you," he said. His voice was meek and cracking as he quietly cried. His tears fell to the floor.

Catalina furiously wiped her tears and took a step back. "Get up," she said.

Fernando looks up at her. His face tearstained and a bruise was already forming above his cheek, near his eye.

"Get up," she urged him.

Isabel went to go help him up but he refused her assistance and stood by himself. Struggling a bit due to his leg. Catalina looks at him. Her expression is unreadable.

"I don't know if I'm able to forgive you for what you've done in the past," she started. Her father lowered his head in shame. "But I have children. Children that deserve to meet their grandparents. If you want to make it up to me as you said, then start with my children. Treat them better than you treated me and only then would I consider trying to mend our relationship as father and daughter. That is all I ask."

Fernando looks at her in surprise. She's willing to give them the privilege to meet and form a relationship with her children. It was more than a start in mending the bridge with her to say the least.

"Gracias, Catalina. I promise to be the best abuelo your children will ever know and gracias for giving me a chance," Fernando said. Truly grateful to be given such an opportunity.

"And I'm sorry for punching you. I let myself lose my composure," Catalina said but her father shook his head.

"No. I deserved it. For everything I have done," he said. Lightly touching the bruise on his face.

"Okay. Meeting adjourned," Catalina said and turned around to walk inside the house. Her older siblings quickly followed right after her to talk in the guest rooms.

Once the children were out of earshot, Fernando broke down crying. Falling to his knees again as he sobbed loudly. Isabel pulls him in her arms and holds him close. A few tears of her own fell down her face as her husband cried on her shoulder.

"¡Gracias Dios por darme otra oportunidad!" Fernando cried out. Isabel nodded in agreement with him. Silently muttering a prayer of thanks.

The former royal couple sat and cried in each other's arms as they thanked God for this blessing of second chances.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Juan, Príncipe de Asturias: My Son and Angel

The first of many stories in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Juan and Isabel talk about the past, present and the possible future.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, Juan Trastámara, Margaret of Austria and Izzy Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100 

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly

--------------------------------------------------

The five royal children of the king and queen of Aragon and Castile stood in a line before their parents. Juan stood at the far left and next to him is his sister, Juana. In the middle is the oldest, Isabella. Next to her were little Maria and little Catalina on the far right.

They were called in for an important announcement.

"The defenses of our borders require alliances and sacrifices. As the children of monarchs, you are destined to seal and strengthen the relations of our kingdoms with our allies," Queen Isabel, their mother, starts. Sitting upon her throne. The crown of Castile atop her head.

"It is our intention to formalize the engagement of the heirs of various royal houses as soon as possible," King Fernando, their father, continues. Sitting on his own throne beside his wife. The crown of Aragon sat proudly on his head.

They direct their attention to their son and heir.

"Juan, Príncipe de Asturias y Girona, will marry Margarita de Austria, daughter of Emperador Maximiliano," Isabel said.

Juan gave a small nod of acknowledgement.

"Infanta Juana with Archduke Philip, heir to the Holy Roman Empire," Fernando said.

Juana gave a polite nod.

"A double marriage with the Habsburgs will make them our strongest allies against France," the queen clarified. Juan and Juana nodded once again in acknowledgement and acceptance. The parents then turned to their youngest who gave them her signature innocent smile. Both mother and father smiled back at Catalina briefly before going back to business.

"As of this day, the Principe de Gales will marry pequeña Catalina once she has come of age," Fernando said. Little Catalina's smile widens.

The royal couple then looked at each other before facing their children again. Most specifically at their eldest. Their next announcement will be a sensitive one.

"As for Portugal..." Fernando starts. Isabella lowered her head in shame and sadness. She was the connection to Portugal before but the ties were severed when her beloved husband, Afonso, unfortunately died. She's made a vow to never marry after that and her mother promised this will be so.

"The heir to the throne of Portugal will marry Infanta Maria," Isabel continues. Maria smiled and gave a polite nod. Isabella took Maria's hand and gently gave it a squeeze. Giving her sister an encouraging smile.

"This is our decision. Thanks to you, our family will be extended to the most important European Courts," Fernando said.

"Believe that they all wait for you with great respect and admiration," Isabel stands up from her throne and approaches her children, "God willing, you are called upon to rule a continent. You all will have to live up to the mission bestowed upon you."

Fernando stood up as well and followed his wife. "We are certain you will honor your rank, and you will make our dynasty great in the name of Castile and Aragon," he said.

Thus the destiny of the royal children has been cemented in history.

"When will the wedding take place?" Juan asked as he and his sisters sat with their parents in their study hall. The royal family had migrated here to discuss the engagements privately.

"As soon as the agreement is signed," Isabel answered. She sat between her two oldest while watching her two youngest play with their dolls.

"You will get married by proxy in Castile," Fernando added. Sitting next to Juana. Isabel turned to her. "You will soon travel to Flanders, where your husband-to-be will be waiting for you," she said. Juana nodded.

"Understood, madre," the infanta answered.

"The fleet that will take you to Antwerp will be bringing Juan's wife to be. That is what we have agreed," Fernando said.

Juan turns to his mother. "Do you know Margarita? What is she like?" he asked.

"I, personally, have never met her but I have heard that she is praised to be beautiful," Isabel answered. Smiling at her son.

"And besides? Is she intelligent?" he followed up. Wanting to know more about his fiancé. Juana stifled a giggle at her brother's serious expression as he asked questions. Fernando smiled in amusement at his children.

"She is the daughter of monarchs. She must be intelligent," their father said. Juan turns to his father. "As much as your wife?" he asked. It was Isabel's turn to stifle her laughter while Fernando smiled proudly at his wife. "No one is as intelligent as your mother," he answered.

"I am pleased that you are interested in her being sensible," Isabel said.

"Your legacy will prove to be a heavy burden on the best of príncipes," he replied. Isabel smiled and kissed her son's forehead.

"You are, mi ángel. You have been preparing to rule all your life. You will do as well as anyone," she said.

"But I would like someone intelligent to rule by my side," Juan said.

"Do not torment yourself. You will be a great king. And there will be no better queen and wife in all Christendom than Margarita."

Isabel sighs as she puts away the dishes in the sink. It's only the second day and tensions are still high in the house. Dinner was still awkward and Fernando didn't even finish his plate before going out to work on the garden again. She was really worried for his health and the only thing she could do was pray for his protection.

"Fernando you stubborn burro," she mutters as she turns on the faucet. Grabbing the sponge and lathering it with dish soap, she starts cleaning the dishes. Too preoccupied with her thoughts, she failed to hear Juan approach her.

"Madre."

"¡Ay dios mio! you startled me!" she exclaimed. Almost dropping a plate.

"¡Lo siento! I was wondering if I could help with the dishes?" he asked.

Isabel smiled at him and nodded. Juan smiles back and takes the plates that had been lathered and washed them. They cleaned in silence for awhile until Juan spoke up.

"Madre, remember my wife Margarita?" he asked.

"I do. She was a lovely girl. You two really fell for each other," Isabel said. Smiling at the memory of her son's love struck expression when Margarita first stepped foot into their court. The young duchess herself was very much smitten with her son as well. Juan smiled at the memory of his and his wife's first meeting.

"Yeah we did. I'm quite lucky that I met her again in the modern times shortly after I was reincarnated. We got married again and even had our own little daughter shortly after," he said.

Isabel looked at her son with a big smile. "Really?" she asked. Juan smiled back and nodded. "Do you want to see a photo of them?" he asked.

"Can I?"

"Of course!"

He wipes his hands dry before retrieving his phone from his pocket. He shows his mother the photo of his wife and daughter. Isabel looks at the photo and her heart warms at the sight of her son's family.

"Such a lovely family, mijo. I'm so happy that God has blessed you not only with a second chance in life but with a wonderful wife and daughter as well. I'm happy for you, mi ángel," she said.

Hearing her say his old endearment that she used in the past, Juan's smile dropped. Isabel's smile dropped as well and started to worry that she might have said something that upset him.

"Madre um...I hate to ask this but...why do you and padre favor me over my sisters? They're your children too," he asked.

Isabel sighed. She knew this was coming eventually. Her children aren't blind or stupid to the blatant favoritism she and Fernando had over their son.

"I have no excuse for the sin of favoring one child over the others but I can explain why if you allow me to," she said. She turned away and stared at the leftover plates that are yet to be cleaned in the sink.

"I'll gladly hear you out if you promise to hear me out after," Juan said.

"Of course, mijo."

"Good."

"Well...how should I start this?" she asked herself quietly. "The situation surrounding your birth was circumstantial actually. I was happy with your sister, Isabella, but I could tell that your father wanted a son. An heir to the throne. Don't get me wrong, he loves your sister dearly to the point where he called her his 'first blessing' but...times back then demanded a male heir from the queen and I could feel the great pressure on me to provide not only your father but the entire kingdoms of Castile and Aragon a male heir. So I got pregnant," Isabel said.

"With me?" Juan asked. Leaning against the kitchen table. "No. With your brother," his mother answered. This confuses him. 

He had an older brother? 

"I had an older brother?" he asked. Isabel nodded. Gently placing a hand over her abdomen as the memory of that particular pregnancy came to her.

"I can still remember that very night. Your father and I had an argument. He left storming out and the stress caused me to go into labor very early on. Your brother came out stillborn. News of a stillborn boy that I gave birth to circulated quickly and it was the greatest shame that I had to face. The loss made me very desperate to have a son," she recounted. She remembers calling for her lady in waiting and best friend, Beatriz, once she started feeling immense pain from her sudden contractions. The physician was called and concluded that she was about to give birth and fast. This caused her to panic since it was still too early for her to be in labor but her son was born anyway. Unfortunately, he only lasted a few minutes before breathing his last breath.

Juan could see the pain this gave his mother and he can just imagine her distraught on having her first miscarriage. He walked over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. 

"I...I'm so sorry you went through that, madre," he said.

Isabel shook her head. She reached up to her shoulder and placed her hand over his. Giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't be. Only several months later, I was pregnant with you," she said. She turned to him and gave him a sad smile. 

"My position as a sovereign was secured when you were born and from then on, I did everything in my power to protect and care for you." Her smile drops and she looks down in shame. "Unfortunately, my focus on you made me neglect my daughters from time to time and...I am very much ashamed of my actions."

Juan steps closer and pulls Isabel in his arms. The gesture made the mother start to cry as her son embraced her. How she longed for this. To feel her children's arms around her the same way she had held them in her arms. Isabel clung to Juan tightly. Savoring this moment while it lasted. 

"Gracias, mijo," she said. Pulling away after awhile.

Juan smiled at his mother. "De nada, madre."

"I know hearing my explanation doesn't excuse my sins to your sisters but I, as well as your father, am willing to make it up to them and to you as well," Isabel said.

"I know but let me ask you one last question," Juan said.

"Go right ahead."

"Has padre truly changed in this life?" 

Isabel nodded confidently. "He has," she said. "He's genuinely changed and I've seen it first hand. He just needs time to process things before he's ready to talk and he is very much willing to mend the bridges with you. Especially with your sisters," she continues.

Juan nodded. "I believe you and I have faith in padre but just know that I will always support my sisters more," he said. Isabel nodded in understanding. "I understand. Thank you for having faith in your father," she said.

"I have faith in both of you. I'll be happy to bring Margarita and our daughter the next time we're here. So you can meet them," Juan said. 

Isabel smiled. This was a good start in reestablishing hers and Fernando's relationships with their children. 

"Gracias, mi ángel."

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Isabella de Aragón, Reina de Portugal: My Precious Namesake

The third story in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Isabel and Isabella have a heavy conversation about the past over preparing breakfast.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly

Mentioned:

Elizabeth 'Liz' Seymour belongs to @vanessaseymour

--------------------------------------------------

"I am afraid they want me to marry again and I will refuse to accept," Isabella confessed to Friar Hernando. Trying to fight back the tears that were already spilling down her cheeks.

The young widow had approached him that afternoon and asked to do a confessional with him. He immediately granted the princesa viuda her requested confessional.

"If they decide so, it will be for the benefit of the kingdom, you should not see wrong in it," Friar Hernando said. Isabella looked up at him. He could clearly see the grief and sorrow in her eyes.

"By taking my husband, God has shown me the way. Now I belong to our Lord only, Su Eminencia. It is my wish to take the veil and spend the rest of my days dedicated to prayer in a convent," the princess admitted. This surprised Friar Hernando. "Are you certain of what you are stating?" he asked.

"Christ is calling for me. He appears in my dreams every night and asks me to give my life to Him."

"Your Highness, do not yearn to be a saint before even being a nun."

This statement deeply hurt her. She thought that Friar Hernando, a holy man whom his parents considered a close friend, would have understood her situation and granted her approval. "...I-I thought that you would understand me, Su Eminencia..." she said. Her voice started to shake as more tears fell down her cheeks.

"And I do. I know of your pain and your faith, you are always in my prayers, Your Highness. And I give thanks that the loss and fall have not turned you against God."

"No. Nothing and no one can do such a thing."

"Your devotion, which has helped you so much when facing your misfortunes, may have confused you. Think it over. Why do you desire to consecrate yourself to the Lord? Search for consolation? The intention of separating yourself from the world so as to not relive such painful moments?" he asked.

"My vocation is firm," the princess insisted. Friar Hernando sighed. He should have known the hard headedness of the parents passed on to the children as well.

"Nothing will twist it then. Think it over." Isabella stared at him then slowly gave a nod of understanding. "Give yourself time, Your Highness."

The princess thanked the friar. She kissed his ring before standing up and leaving for her chambers. Friar Hernando fears that grief is making the princess make irrational decisions.

All he can do is pray over the child he baptized.

Later in the day, Isabella made her way to the throne room where her parents were. Discussing their leave from Granada to depart for Barcelona to Friar Hernando, the archbishop of Granada and Cabrera, a councilman. The princesa viuda enters the throne room, wearing a cloak with a hood up over her head.

"Madre, Padre, I have something to tell you," Isabella said. Isabel and Fernando turned their attention to their eldest. The grieving princess smiled and lowered her hood to reveal her short hair.

"I am going to be a nun."

Isabel and Fernando were more than appalled at the sight of their daughter with unruly hair cut short. Friar Hernando and the archbishop of Granada could only do a sign of the cross and mumble silent prayers for the princess.

"Why have you committed such a blunder!?" Fernando asked as he entered his daughter's chambers.

Isabel had taken Isabella back to her bed chambers to discuss what she had done privately. Upon arriving there, the clump of hair that once belonged to the eldest princess sat in a pile on Isabella's study desk with the shears next to it. Clearly used to destroy the young woman's hair.

"I do not intend to remarry. I will only give myself to the Lord," Isabella said. Standing her ground before her parents.

"Is it so urgent for you to prove it that you do not mind seeming alienated?" her mother asked.

"Am I not the guarantee of the treaty you are going to sign!?" the princess challenged.

Her parents looked at her in shock. It was not their intention to marry her off to France to negotiate the treaty but they only wanted to bring her along with Juan because they were the two heirs of Castile and Aragon.

"There is no wedding planned with France. You have my word," Isabel said.

"Of course there is not! But even if there was, your duty would be to abide by our decision. And I am telling you that you would!" With that said, Fernando left his wife and daughter to talk woman to woman.

Isabel and Isabella stared at each other in silence for a moment. Challenge evident in either woman's eyes.

It was Isabella who spoke up first.

"You are a good Christian. Do you doubt my vocation?" she asked her mother.

"Your sake is above all wishes and the sake of Castile is above all else, keep that in mind," Isabel said. Walking over to her eldest and namesake.

"But what should I do to make you believe me!?" Isabella raised her voice and was on the verge of another meltdown. The queen's voice, in turn, was calm and collected. "Calm down and trust me. I know your feelings."

"Are you sure? If my father died and you had to remarry for the sake of the kingdom, would you do it?" Isabella asked.

It took a moment for Isabel to answer her daughter's question.

"My pain would be so unbearable that it would cloud my understanding as it happens in your case. But I would soon remember that being queen is about doing what needs to be done. No matter how much it hurts."

Isabel pulled her daughter in her arms and hugged her. She prays that Isabella will get over her grief and be ready to be married off when the time comes again.

Isabel woke up to the first rays of the sun hitting her face through the window. She groaned a bit as she carefully got out from her, still sleeping, husband's arms and sitting up on the bed. She's been waking up this early ever since she and Fernando finished their house years ago. She was worried at first but Lonzo and Avelina reassured her that the country life does that to you and that it's perfectly normal.

And since hers and Fernando's children are going to stay here for two weeks, waking up early to prepare a big breakfast for the family helps.

Isabel changed out of her sleep clothes and got ready to do the morning chores. Usually, Fernando wakes up early with her but since he started working in the evenings, she's decided to let him sleep in for a bit. She tied her hair up in a bun before exiting the bedroom. Upon stepping out, she could smell breakfast being cooked from the kitchen. She goes to the kitchen to investigate and finds Isabella making breakfast.

"Isabella?" Isabel asked as she approached her eldest.

Isabella lets out a startled squeak before facing her mother. "Madre! You're up," she said.

"I always get up this early but why are you up this early?" she asked. Isabella blushed a bit in embarrassment.

"I uh...I couldn't sleep and got hungry so I went here to grab something to eat. Then I thought I should make breakfast for everyone while I'm here. Sorry if I'm making a mess," she said. Isabel smiled at her. "It's alright, hija. I can help you if you like," she suggested.

Isabella smiled and nodded. "That would be nice, thanks."

Isabel went about assisting Isabella in preparing breakfast. For a while, the mother and daughter remained silent while they worked. Isabel couldn't help but notice her daughter's hair as she looked over at her daughter, who was currently frying eggs. She'd only seen her daughter's hair tied up for the past few days, so this was the first time she'd seen it down. "I must say, you have quite the beautiful hair, Isabella," she said.

Isabella stares at her with a puzzled expression on her face and simply nods in acknowledgement.

"Thank you, madre," she said.

"I remember the time you cut your own hair as an act of rebellion against your padre and I. I thought you were serious but thankfully, you didn't go ahead in taking the oath," Isabel said. Chuckling a bit at the memory. Isabella, however, was not laughing.

"I was serious, you know?" she said. Gripping the spatula handle tightly.

That memory was still ingrained in her mind. She truly wanted to take the oath and live in a convent to avoid being married off again for she wanted her husband, Afonso, to be her only husband and no one else. She did not wish to be married a second time.

"¿Qué?" Isabel asked. Looking over at her daughter and was surprised to find her glaring directly at her. "I...Isabella?"

"You broke your promise, madre. Or rather, you never made a promise at all. You lied to me. Lied that I will never be married off again but instead you agreed, without MY consent, that I be married off to the new king of Portugal!" the eldest ranted. Her voice rose with every word she said.

"My hands were tied, Isabella! I truly respect your wishes to not marry again but Manuel chose to marry you instead. You had the title of 'Princesa de Portugal' and Manuel thought it was best to marry you instead of Maria," Isabel argued.

"Maria had a thing for Manuel back then. So why agree to marry me off when I barely had any feelings for him?"

"Because he is thinking about his kingdom and not his personal preferences. As I have said to you in the past, your wellbeing is above all wishes but the kingdom is above all else."

"Bullshit!"

"Isabella!"

Isabella turned away from her mother to take a deep breath and calm herself down. Isabel sighed and walked over to her namesake. She turned off the stove and took the spatula from her hand. Setting it down on the counter.

"And to think that I made such a horrible ultimatum so I can agree to marry him. I thought he wouldn't do it and I would be free but he did it anyway and the blood of innocents stains my hands..." Isabella said. Her hands started to shake.

"He did for the good of his kingdom," Isabel reasoned.

"I know exactly why Manuel wanted to marry me and it's not for the sake of his kingdom but for his own selfish goals," the eldest said. Isabel frowns in confusion. Isabella looks at her mother again. Fury in her eyes.

"He knew about Juan's failing health back then and I was second in the line of succession for the crowns of Castile and Aragon and Maria is only the third. By marrying me and Juan eventually dying, I immediately became heir presumptive. Had I not died and inherited the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, by proxy, those kingdoms would have gone to Manuel as well. Thus putting Aragon and Castile under Portugal's hold," she said.

Isabel looked at her in shock. This was all news to her. She thought Portugal wanted to marry Isabella due to her title as 'Princesa de Portugal' and the fact that the people already knew her there. Oh how wrong she was.

"I...I had no idea..." she said.

"Of course you don't. Manuel is cunning. He would never tell you his plans like that especially when you're the one he was going to take Castile from. He got what he wanted when he married me and when I gave birth to my son. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately in my case, I died after giving birth and my son passed on two years after," Isabella said.

Another silence fell upon the mother and daughter. Isabel mulling over this revelation. It was no wonder that Manuel fought relentlessly in gaining custody of his son. He knew that after Isabella died, little Miguel became the automatic heir apparent of Portugal, Castile and Aragon. If Manuel had custody of Miguel and the boy had grown up under his father's influence then Castile and Aragon would have been under Portugal's rule all the same. Such betrayal like that would have convinced Isabel to wage war against Portugal back then.

"I never loved him. Not even once during my brief marriage with him. At least he had the decency to let me name my son. Afonso wanted to name our future son 'Miguel' so I gave my son the name my beloved wanted," Isabella said.

Isabella looked at her daughter. She can see the sadness in her eyes. A sadness that spanned two lifetimes and five centuries.

"I'm so sorry, Isabella. I have wronged you in so many ways. I should been a mother first and a queen second. I should have prioritized your well being more," she said.

"As a mother, you should always prioritize the well being of your children first. You did that with Juan but not with me and my sisters," Isabella said. Isabel looks down in guilt.

Of course her daughters weren't blind to hers and Fernando's favoritism over their brother.

"You know why your brother was favored more and your father and I have no excuse or deny of that. We both failed you all as parents. We had the power to do more but, alas, faith has blinded me and greed has destroyed your father," Isabel said.

Isabella looked at her mother. She could tell that she is truly remorseful and this gave the eldest hope that her parents had changed for the better in this life.

"Madre...can you...can you tell me about my son? What was he like during his two years of life?" she asked. Isabel couldn't help but smile at the memory of her grandson. The infant prince resembled his mother more than he did his father which was somewhat of a relief to her.

"Miguel was just like you. Both appearance wise and how you were as an infant," she said.

"He was?"

"Yes. Like you, he seemed to have learned how to smile early on in his first year of life. He was an easily happy baby and the nurses absolutely adorned him. They always talk about how handsome he'll be when he grows up and his constant happy demeanor would win over the heart of any princess."

Isabella smiled. Imagining the smiling face of her son and the nurses happily tending to such a happy baby. Then her smile dropped and asked the next question to her mother.

"How was he during his last moments?"

Isabel's smile disappeared as well. "He died peacefully. I was holding him in my arms. Singing him to sleep with a lullaby. He stopped breathing moments after he closed his eyes," she said. Isabella looked up at the ceiling to avoid more spilling of her tears. She knew it was for the best that her son's life was brief but the pain of knowing your child dying so young still stings.

"What's worse was that Manuel had the audacity to want to negotiate his engagement with Maria at Miguel's funeral. Maria was the chief mourner during your son's funeral that day. Safe to say that she wasn't as thrilled to be engaged with him as before," Isabel said.

Isabella nodded in agreement. Manuel is the type of man who would do anything to get him closer to his end goal. "Maria has told me about that before. Saying a few colorful words about him along the way."

Isabel chuckled lightly. "I can't blame her for saying such things," she said. "I wish I had done more to protect you and your sisters. If I could turn back time right now, I would change a lot of things in my past."

"Well we can't exactly go against tradition back then and, unfortunately, it was the tradition to use women as political pawns to gain more power. I do believe that you have done your best during that time, madre," Isabella said. Isabel smiled gratefully at her eldest. It wasn't a full forgiveness per se but it was at least an acknowledgement.

"I'm glad you see it that way," she said. Isabella gave her mother a smile in return. "Enough talking about the past! Let's focus on the present. How are you in your second life?" Isabel asked. Turning the stove back on to continue making breakfast.

"I'm quite happy with my life right now. I have my own business, I have actual friends, I have my siblings. Things are just great," Isabella said. Helping her mother out in preparing.

"Are these friends of yours reincarnated too?" Isabel asked.

"Some are. My flatmate, Elizabeth, is a reincarnate. She's...she's what I consider a close friend."

"Is she someone I knew from back then?"

"Not really. She was an english noblewoman back in her past life. Her younger sister became queen of England for a brief period of time. Now she's a freelance songwriter who helps around my music shop sometimes. She's a sweet fiend and has an obsession with foxes. I won't be surprised when I get home and the flat is filled with plush foxes," Isabella said with a chuckle. Isabel could tell that her daughter is quite fond of this friend of hers.

"I'm glad you're happy, mija," she said.

"I am happy. I'll be even happier if we somehow manage to...recover this family. I would love to have you and padre in my life. In our lives. Perhaps with effort and promises kept, it can be done."

"I am so proud of you, mi hija. There is a reason why your padre and I made you my namesake and it's this. To live in such happiness that only I could have imagined."

Isabella smiled gratefully at Isabel. She walks over to her and pulls her in a tight hug. Her mother returned the hug just as tightly. Both mother and daughter were crying softly.

"I forgive you, madre. I forgive you," Isabella said.

"Gracias, mi hija. Muchas gracias," Isabel replied.

They stayed hugging for a good while until they were satisfied. They wiped their tears away and had happy smiles on their faces. The quiet of the morning was broken by a loud yawn coming from the staircase.

"Maria's awake," they said at the same time. Isabel and Isabella shared a laugh at this.

Breakfast that day was a lot more light hearted compared to the ones days prior. It was evident to Isabel and Fernando that slowly but surely, their children were finally warming up to them. There is still hope in salvaging the pieces of this broken family.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Juan, Príncipe de Asturias: My Only Beloved Son

The second story in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Fernando and Juan have a father and son moment on the front porch.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly

--------------------------------------------------

Young Príncipe Juan was led to the throne room where his parents and the members of the court of Aragon awaited him. His educator, 'La Latina' Beatriz Galindo' let go of his hand after instructing him to make his way to his parents. He toddled over to where his parents were sitting on their thrones. Both parents smiled proudly at their son as he kneels down before him.

Being a three year old, he started playing with his cape while he waited for the ceremony to proceed.

"As the absences have been reviewed and justified, and with the blessing granted by His Reverence Cardinal Mendoza the Council is ready to receive the King's proposal," Fernando's grand advisor announced to the men of the court of Aragon.

Fernando took this as his cue to stand up from his throne. Juan turned his attention from his cap to his father's. Lightly playing with the edge of the fabric. Fernando paid no mind to this.

"Nobles, knights, gentlemen and prelates, all representative of the Aragonese Cortes, I, Fernando II of Aragon, with full conscience and full responsibility, have summoned you on this glorious day to propose my son, Juan de Aragón y Castilla, as successor to his father's crown. Thus becoming the legitimate heir of his kingdom," he declared.

"Those who agree to the King's proposal, raise your hands," the grand advisor said.

Almost immediately, all members of the court present in that very room raised their hands. Cardinal Mendoza's proxy then steps forth with the holy bible in hand and presents it to the king of Aragon. Fernando placed his right hand over the book.

"In the name of God and the Holy Gospels, do you swear on your son's behalf and until this oath could be countersigned by him, to be loyal and faithful to the charters of the kingdom?" the proxy asked.

"Yes, I do," Fernando answered.

The proxy did the sign of the cross on the king then on the crown prince before stepping back. Fernando took off his crown and walked towards Juan. Gently, he placed it on his head. Thus, coronating him as the heir to the kingdom of Aragon. The proxy recited a small prayer for the boy before declaring, "by God's grace, Príncipe Juan is declared by this Cortes the legitimate successor to the throne of Aragon."

The members of the court and those in attendance to the coronation all applauded and chanted, "long live the king!" after the declaration was made.

Príncipe Juan, his mother and father's pride, is now the heir to both Castile and Aragon.

"Buenas noches, madre," Juan said after he and his mother washed and put away the dishes. They had quite the lengthy and heart to heart discussion while cleaning and had somewhat reconciled which was at least a start for Isabel.

"Buenas noches, hijo. Tell your sisters that if and when they're ready then I'm here to talk," Isabel said. Smiling at her son.

Juan smiled back. "I will," he said.

"Gracias. Now you go on ahead to bed. I'll stay up and wait for your father to finish working," his mother said.

"No need to wait for me," Fernando said as he entered through the back door. He hung his work coat up next to it before making his way towards his wife and son. His cane makes dull thumps on the floor boards. "I'll draw you a warm bath, Fernando," Isabel said. Already standing up to get their kettle and heat up some water but Fernando held up his hand to stop her.

"No no no. Don't bother, Isabel. You should go ahead and retire in our room. I uh...I want to speak to Juan privately. If he permits me to, that is," he said. Looking at his son to gauge his reaction. Juan seemed a bit hesitant to accept but he knew that if he refused, this would discourage his father from even trying with his sisters. Might as well be the practice dummy for the sake of this family.

Oh the things he does for his sisters.

"Of course, padre," he said.

Fernando seemed to sigh in relief when Juan accepted to talk with him. He knew he had to start with his children somehow and his son seemed the easiest one to start with.

"Gracias hijo. Let's head out to the porch to talk," he said.

Juan nodded and headed for the front door. Fernando goes to follow but Isabel stops him. "I'm proud of you, Fernando," she said. He looked at his wife in confusion. "For what?" he asked.

"For making an effort. You have my support and I pray that you will do good on your promise to our children."

"I will, Isabel."

"Good." Isabel gave him a loving kiss before letting him go. Fernando goes out to the front porch to meet Juan there. His son was already waiting for him on the porch steps. He joined him and sat down next to Juan.

Isabel de Gata meows as she approaches the two men. Fernando smiled and patted his lap. The feline came over and sat on his lap to receive pets. He gently scratched behind her ears and petted her head. Juan couldn't help but smile at the sight. The father and son sat in silence for a while. The only sounds heard were the cicadas singing in the night and the loud purring of the cat on Fernando's lap.

It was Fernando who finally broke the silence.

"How are you?" he asked.

Juan looks over at his father. "I'm doing fine," he answered. Fernando nodded. Another moment of silence fell on them again. This time, it was Juan who broke it.

"How about you, padre?" he asked. "How are you?"

"Truthfully?" his father asked.

"If you want to."

"Not good as you can see. I've been working a whole lot to avoid over-thinking and it's taking a toll on my leg."

"Madre has told me that she's worried about you overworking yourself," Juan said. "I feel guilty making her worry over me. A man with a past filled with flaws and faults," Fernando said. Leaning forward on his cane while being mindful of Isabel de Gata who was currently asleep on his lap.

"I can tell that she still loves you despite the flaws," Juan said. Fernando gave a soft chuckle. "I am quite lucky," he said.

"What happened when madre found out about...what you did in the past?" the son asked.

"I was planning on surprising her with a romantic dinner and a marriage proposal that day but instead, she surprised me with a literal slap to the face and proceeded to yell at me for the next minute before storming out of the house," Fernando recounted. The memory of that day will forever stay with him as a reminder of his sins and what would the consequences be if he ever repeated them again.

Juan winced at the image of his mother slapping his father hard and yelling at him. He couldn't imagine the hurt both his mother and father felt that day.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, padre," he said.

"No. I deserved it. I'm already assuming that your sisters will react the same to me once I talk to them," Fernando said.

"Well, I can see Catalina might be reacting that way. She's the one who's more alike to madre than the others. Perhaps Maria might retaliate as well. I'm not sure about Juana though," Juan said.

Fernando nodded somberly. "Catalina and Juana. I've wronged those two the most. It'll be difficult to approach them," he said.

"I can talk to them for you so they can tone down the violent reaction," Juan suggested. His father shook his head. "No. It won't be fair. For them and for me. I have to approach them on my own."

"Okay. I understand."

They shared another moment of silence before Juan spoke up again. "What would the past have been had I and Isabella not died earlier than expected?" he asked.

Fernando shrugged. "Everything would probably go according to plan. Isabella would have remained queen of Portugal, Maria married off to another royal house and you would have inherited both Aragon and Castile," he said.

"You know, the last moments before my death I...I was so scared. So terrified to lose my life so young. To leave my wife a widow and my child without a father," Juan said.

"I wish I could have done more to help you with your sickness. Your madre did more for you than I could have," Fernando said. Juan shook his head. "You've done your best during that time, padre. And I'm thankful that you did. To both yours and madre's efforts." His father gives him a small smile in appreciation. Juan smiles back. Then he suddenly turned serious. Fernando could tell what was coming and he's not sure if he's prepared enough for it.

"Padre...about what happened to my sisters..." Juan started.

"I have no excuse. I did what I did out of pure greed and lust for power. I was selfish and it destroyed my family," Fernando said. He was quite surprised at how he readily answered his son's question. He looked towards Juan with nothing but sincerity in his eyes.

"I have changed. I swear on my life that I have. Let me prove it to you, mijo. Let me prove to you that I have truly changed for the better," he said.

"I believe you and I forgive you, padre. However, it is not my forgiveness that you should seek but my sisters'. The daughters you have wronged," Juan said. 

His parents have not wronged him so his forgiveness was not to be strived for. However, he is aware that this is the push his parents needed to at least try with his sisters.

Fernando nodded in understanding. "I know, mi hijo. I know. Your forgiveness gives me hope that I truly have a chance in possibly earning your sisters' forgiveness. Thank you for giving me a chance and for your forgiveness, Juan. I owe it to you." 

The father was truly grateful for his son's forgiveness.    

"Just know that I fully support you in this but I will always support my sisters no matter what they think of you and madre," Juan said. "I know and I'm proud that you continued to support your sisters even in your second life," Fernando said.

Juan smiled and nodded. "Before meeting you and madre in this life, my sisters were the only family that I had so of course I supported them. We're a lot closer now than back in the past."

"I'm glad. Well, I shouldn't keep you up any longer and I'm sure your madre is still awake and waiting for me," Fernando said. Standing up with a groan. Isabel de Gata jumped off his lap when he stood up. Juan stood up as well. Dusting his pants clean.

"Thank you for having this talk with me, hijo," Fernando said.

"No problem, padre. I trust you but I'm still saving my final judgment until you've talked with my sisters," Juan said.

"I know but still thank you."

Juan smiled and headed back inside to retire for the night. Fernando stayed out on the front porch for a while. Staring up at the night sky.

"Meow," Isabel de Gata meows at him. He smiled at the feline and scratched her chin. She purrs and leans more into his hand.

"Things are somewhat starting to look up, Isabel. But I know this is merely the calm before the storm and I have so much more to do before I could gain their trust," he said. The cat meows at him in reply and he lets out a chuckle. He straightened up and cracked his back before heading inside.

Tomorrow is yet another day but Fernando's determined to make things right for his family.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds

I told y'all I was gonna make a sequel!

The idea this time won't be a multi chapter one but a collection of one shots centering around Isabel and Fernando's relationship with their children.

This one is the main title and prologue of the collection!

Credit:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana 'La Loca' de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly

--------------------------------------------------

"¡Papá!"

Fernando stopped speaking to his council men and turned around. He smiles at the sight of his two youngest daughters running towards him. Six year old Maria held three year old Catalina's hand as they made their way to their father. Their mother's maids and ladies were not far behind.

"María! Catalina!" he said and happily lifted his daughters in his arms. The two infantas hug their father tightly. They had missed him during his absence and hearing of his arrival got the little ones running to greet him first.

"¡Padre!" "You are back!" Príncipe Juan and Infanta Juana made their way towards their father and joined in on the hug.

"¡Mi hijo y mis hijas! How I've missed you all. Where is your mother and Isabella?" Fernando asked once his children let go of their hugs.

"Madre and Isabella are just finishing up their evening prayer," Juana said.

"Then we shall wait for them before we proceed with dinner," the king said.

"No need to wait for us," Isabel said as she and her eldest daughter, Princesa viuda Isabella, approached their family. Fernando smiled and gently set his daughters down before going to greet his wife and eldest.

"Welcome home, Fernando," the queen said as she offered her hand to her husband who took and kissed the back of it. "I am home, my queen," Fernando said. Isabel gave him a smile.

"Welcome home, padre. I am glad to see you made it home safe," Isabella said with a polite curtsy to her father. Fernando gave a nod in return.

"It is nice to see my family after a long journey," the king said.

"Well your family has missed you dearly as well, Fernando and I thank God for hearing our prayers for your safe return. Now come. Let us have our dinner together as a complete family once more," Isabel said.

Fernando nods. Together with his wife, he leads their children to the dining hall where they will share meals and stories as a completed family once more.

Fernando groans as he slowly wakes up. He opened his eyes and found himself staring at the ceiling in his and Isabel's bedroom. He sat up on the bed and looked around. He noticed that the sun was already going down by looking out the bedroom window.

How long was he out?

It also confuses him as to how he got here when he remembered being with Isabel on the front porch that afternoon. Then he remembers the group coming over to ask for help.

He remembers fixing their car that broke down.

He remembers listening in on Isabel's conversation with the group.

He remembers the joke his wife said about the group actually being their children due to them sharing their names.

Then one of them, Catalina, spoke up about it possibly being the truth.

The evidence was clear.

He knew. Isabel knew. The group knew.

Fernando reached up to touch his head. Feeling along his scalp to see if he had a bump or something due to his fainting. Thankfully there were none so he had that going for him at least. He swung his legs to the side and puts on his slippers. He notices his cane propped against the wall next to the bed and takes it.

He was not going to take his chances by testing his leg strength at the moment.

Fernando stands up with a grunt and hobbles towards the door. He exits the master bedroom and looks around for his wife.

"Isabel?" he calls.

"In the kitchen!" Isabel replies.

He hobbles over to the kitchen and found his wife cooking up a storm in there. He looked over at the dining table and found their plates and utensils laid out for dinner. "Um...do we have guests over for dinner?" he asked. Somehow hoping that the encounter earlier in the day was nothing but a fever dream and that he actually passed out from the heat while working outside.

Unfortunately for him, it wasn't a dream at all.

Isabel looks at her husband with worry. "The uh...the children will be staying with us for two weeks," she said.

Fernando felt his legs weaken again and his wife quickly caught him before he could collapse again. She sat him down on a chair at the kitchen table. "Fernando--"

"So it's real then? They're all here?" he asked. Looking at Isabel with wide eyes. The former queen was worried at how pale her husband looked. Perhaps booking an appointment to the physician this weekend might be a good idea.

"Sí, Fernando. They're all here and they'll be staying with us for a while," Isabel said.

Fernando buried his face in his hands as he took this all in. Their children are actually here. In their home and they'll be staying with them for two weeks. He suspects that it's not to spend time with them but to talk and find answers. He just knows it.

The thought scares him immensely.

"W-Where are they right now?" Fernando asked. His voice quivering. Isabel looked at her husband who was still hunched over the table.

"They're upstairs unpacking in the guest rooms," she said.

"I see..."

Isabel wanted to say something to Fernando but he cut her off. "I need some air," he said and stood up. He tried to show that he was steady on his feet but Isabel could see him wobbling a bit as he walked or limped out their back door. She watched him through the kitchen window as he sat at the back porch and just stared at their vegetable garden.

She knows that their children's presence in this house is overwhelming him and he needed time to process these things before speaking to them. Isabel is more than willing to cooperate and occupy the children to give her husband all the time he needed in two weeks to think things through.

Speaking of their children.

Isabel heard footsteps coming down the stairs and turned just in time to see all five of her children, led by her youngest, walking in the kitchen.

In any other scenario, she would have greeted them with a happy smile and hugged each of them but she knew doing such a thing will just make things more awkward than they already are.

"Buenas noches. I hope that the guest rooms will suffice during your stay. My sincerest apologies that you had to cancel your vacation," she said. She has no idea why she was acting and speaking all formal to them.

"It's quite alright um...madre," Catalina said rather awkwardly.

"I'm glad. Dinner will be served soon so you all can take your seat," Isabel said. Going back to the stove to finish what she was cooking. The five siblings took a seat at the table. They quietly talked amongst themselves while they waited for their mother to finish dinner.

"I sort of regret cancelling our vacation now," Maria whispered.

"It's either now or never, Maria. We can also go on vacation another time," Isabella replied.

"We voted on staying so there's no turning back now," Catalina reminded.

"Yeah but things are very...awkward here," Juan pointed out which Juana nodded in agreement to.

"Yes but the decision has been made. If we turn back now, we might never come back," the youngest stated. Her older siblings just nodded in silent agreement.

Isabel had listened in on her children's conversation and she wonders if making them stay in their home was a bad idea given that both parties have been awkward around each other since the revelation. The matriarch sighs and shakes her head. What's done is done. There's no use turning back now as Catalina had stated. She turns off the stove and serves tonight's dinner in large bowls and plates. Isabel brought them over to the table and placed them in the middle.

"You can start eating now. I have to go get your father," she said.

The siblings gave silent awkward nods and their mother turned to go out the back door. Isabel finds Fernando sitting in the same spot on their back porch bench. Still staring out in the distance. She approached her husband and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Fernando, dinner's ready," she said.

Fernando looked up at her and just nodded meekly. With his wife's help, he stands up with a quiet grunt. Leaning heavily on his cane.

"I'm fine, Isabel," He said. His voice just above a whisper.

"You are clearly not, Fernando. You haven't been this week since your accident years ago," Isabel argues.

"I said I am fine."

With a huff of mild annoyance, Isabel lets go of Fernando's arm and follows him back inside. Silence instantly fell upon the siblings once they heard the back door open and their parents re-entered the threshold. Fernando refused to look at any of their children and instead looked down at his feet as he limped towards the table. Isabel sat down next to him after serving food on both of their plates. Fernando started eating dinner after muttering a quick prayer. His eyes are still downcast.

The reunited family was awkwardly quiet throughout dinner.

The siblings often exchange glances to each other and Isabel glances over at Fernando with worry. When most of the food was almost finished, the matriarch decided to test the waters and start a conversation.

"So um...how are you all doing?" she asked.

The five shared glances with each other again. Quietly voting on who will answer their mother's question. The vote was unanimously given to Juan courtesy of his sisters.

It made sense because they all knew that he was their favorite child.

"We're all good," He said. Giving their mother his usual charming smile. Isabel gladly returns the smile. So far so good, she supposed.

"That's good to hear. What do you do to make a living?" she follows up. Hoping to keep a conversation going.

"Well I'm a costume designer for a theatre," Juan said. Looking at his sisters as if telling them that his tenure was done and that was all he's going to say.

"Quite an unexpected profession but as long as you're happy with it and it pays well. What about you, girls?" Isabel looked at her daughters who looked at each other to see who would answer first.

Maria took initiative this time.

"I'm a math teacher at a private school," she said. Then she gave a glance to her oldest sister.

"I-I own my own music store and sometimes play drums at a theatre," Isabel's namesake said. She passed her glance to Juana who reluctantly gave her answer.

"I'm an assistant stage manager at a theatre," she said in a whisper. That left the youngest daughter to give her answer.

"I perform in a musical," she said. Her answer was curt and short. Unfortunately for her and her older siblings, their mother pressed on. "Most of you work at a theatre. Is it the same theatre?" Isabel asked. The four gave simple nods. Their mother then looks at Catalina.

"What's the musical you perform in, if you don't mind me asking." Her youngest gave a shrug before saying, "it's nothing big really." Hoping this would make Isabel stop with holding up this awkward conversation. "What's the name of the musical?" Isabel pressed on.

"Six the Musical," Catalina said. Their mother was about to ask more about it when their father suddenly stood up and started hobbling towards the back door.

"Fernando, where are you going?" Isabel asked. Standing up from her chair.

"I'm going to work outside," he said. He grabs his work jacket and puts it on. "No you are not. It's late and dark outside," she said sternly. Walking over to stop her husband.

"I'll be fine, Isabel. I can use the porch light to see the garden."

"Fernando!"

Fernando ignores her and walks out back. Isabel sighs and walks back to the table. She knows there's no stopping him now and she prays he won't work himself to death. Isabel picks up both hers and her husband's plates to put in the kitchen sink to be cleaned later.

"Um...madre," she looks up to see who called her. It was her son.

"Yes?" Isabel asked.

"How...why was padre limping? What happened to his leg?" Juan asked.

Isabel puts down the empty plates and sits back down on her chair. "He fell off a tree and broke his leg back when we first woke up here. We were on the verge of starving and the mangoes on the lower branches have all but gone. So your padre took it upon himself to climb a tree to get more. Unfortunately, the branch he was standing on snapped and he fell," she recounted. That particular memory still ingrained in her mind as if it happened yesterday instead of a few years ago.

"When...when did you two arrive in this life?" Isabella asked.

"A few years ago. We woke up in this very house. It was abandoned and dilapidated back then," their mother answered. Isabel sighs and stands up once more. "Perhaps it's best that we retire and gather our thoughts on the matter for now. We all know that this situation isn't exactly one we wanted when it comes to reunions," she said. Her children nodded in agreement and stood up from their seats as well.

"No need to pick up your plates. I've got it. You all should go and rest. The journey here must 've been exhausting," she said.

The five siblings reluctantly left the table and went upstairs to the two guestrooms they were provided with. Isabel lets out an exhaustive sigh and puts the dirty dishes in the sink to be cleaned. She looked out the kitchen window and could hardly make out Fernando's silhouette. She knew that he was working to keep his mind away from his thoughts. He's done it before when Isabel first found out about what he did to their daughters.

"This is your chance to mend your bridges, Fernando. I pray that you overcome that giant within you and reconcile with your children."

[blackdiamondwrites127]

María de Aragón, Reina de Portugal: My Miracle Child

The seventh story in the ‘Mending Bridges, Meaningful Bonds’ collection.

Maria goes to Fernando to talk about important things that happened in the past and banter about the present.

Credits:

@spooner7308 for beta reading this and giving me handy writing tips!

Characters:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara belongs to @weirdbutdecentart100

Isabella Trastámara belongs to @lexartsstuff

Juana ‘La Loca’ de Castile belongs to @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara belongs to yours truly

--------------------------------------------------

In the summer of fourteen eighty-two at Sevilla, Fernando and a heavily pregnant Isabel are discussing strategies with their army general, Gonzalo, in the war room.

"This is the current position of Muley's forces in their siege of Alhama," Gonzalo said. Pointing certain areas on the map on where their men were positioned.

"Have they narrowed the circle?" Fernando asked.

"Yes," Gonzalo answered. He grabbed a few pieces of pebbles before continuing, "if the reinforcements do not arrive, I am afraid the Marquis will find himself forced to expel the civilians from the fortress."

"And leave them in the hands of the Moors?" Isabel asked. A hand placed protectively on her belly. She noticed that she was quite bigger than her previous pregnancies.

"Civilians consume food, and end up shortening the time of the three safeguard phases," Gonzalo answered.

"Defense, replacement, and rest. We will not let that happen. The summer months are in our favor," Fernando said.

"If we could break the siege from these cliffs, the artillerymen could place their guns and culverins here," Gonzalo placed a pebble on the western part of the cliffs on the map, "here," he placed another one on the eastern part, "and here," he placed the last pebble on the southern part. Isabel started to lose focus on what the men were talking about as something feels off with her.

"Count on Francisco Ramírez and let him advise you. Without his expertise we would have lost the war in Burgos," Fernando said. He noticed his wife turning away, holding on to the wall before doubling over in pain. In an instant, he was by her side.

"Isabel. Isabel, what is wrong?" he asked as he lets her lean against him for support.

The queen grunted in pain as she held her belly. "Our child is coming, Ferdinand," she said. Quite calm despite her painful circumstances.

"Call the physician. Quickly!" Fernando said and Gonzalo hurried off.

Isabel groaned more as the pain worsened. Her husband picks her up and rushes her to their bed chambers. Fernando calls for his wife's ladies and maids to come and prepare her for the birth. The physician and his assistants hurried in the royal bed chambers as the queen's ladies and maids finished prepping her up for the birth of her child.

Fernando stayed close to her. Refusing to let go of her hand.

The physician checked Isabel's birth canal and he frowned in concern. Fernando noticed this. He stood up from his place and followed the physician as he went to wash his hands.

"Mi señor, the labor proves to be complicated," the physician said as he wiped his hands with a clean cloth.

"Explain yourself, for God's sake!" Fernando demands.

The physician faced his king. "The placenta blocks the channel through which your child should be born," he explained. Then he looked at all the people that had gathered in the royal bed chambers and said, "make these people go away."

Fernando sighed and did as the physician requested.

"Everyone must leave the room," he ordered.

Those who have gathered in the bed chambers started to leave. Isabel was wondering why her husband was making the witnesses leave their marital bed chambers. Does he not want witnesses to the birth of their fourth child?

The physician stopped two of the queen's ladies from leaving. "No, not you," he said. "I am going to need your help. At the moment, make sure that there are warm clean gauze and clothes." The two ladies nodded and went to do what they were told to do.

Fernando walked over to his wife and gave her a loving kiss. "Fernando?" Isabel asked. Looking scared at the sudden turn of events. "Do not be afraid, Isabel. You will be fine and so will our child," Fernando said.

"But what about the witnesses?" she asked.

"The witnesses are irrelevant. Just focus on our child and pray."

Isabel looked at him and nodded with a slight hesitation. "I will," she said. Fernando kisses her again before leaving their marital bed chambers. Closing the doors behind him.

Several hours went by and Fernando paced along the hall restlessly. Gonzalo, Chacón, and Friar Hernando were waiting with the king as well.

"Why does it take so long?" Fernando asked as he kept on pacing.

"Calm down, Your Highness. The queen is in good hands," Chacón said reassuringly. Just as he said this, the doors opened and the physician walked out. He looked absolutely exhausted and his hands and midsection were covered in so much blood. Fernando already assumes the worst as he quickly marches right up to him.

"¡Santo Dios! What kind of carnage has taken place there?" he demanded.

"Mi señor, your wife has given birth to twins," the physician said.

"The only thing that matters to me is Isabel. How is she?" Fernando asked.

"As anticipated, the labor was complicated," he answered. The king didn't want to hear anymore and just walked in his marital chambers.

The wails of an infant could be heard as the physician's assistant cleaned them up. Fernando looked towards the bed and found Beatrice putting Isabel in a clean night dress but he could see that she was still bleeding and it was staining the dress and the sheets.

"Isabel, what have they done to you?" he asked as he hurried over to his wife's side.

"They are twins, Fernando, a boy and a girl..." Isabel said. Her voice hoarse and she was exhausted from the complicated labor but there was a small smile present on her lips. Clearly proud to have delivered a son and a daughter.

"Do not speak now, my wife," Fernando said. Giving his wife a kiss on the forehead. He looks up and notices Beatrice covering one of the infants with a cloth. The stillness of the child sent a clear message to the father that it did not survive. He looked behind him and found the physician washing his hands in a bowl of water.

"I am sorry, Your Highness, the boy did not survive," he said remorsefully.

Fernando glared at him and grabbed him by the shoulder. Leading him aside.

"She is bleeding to death!" Fernando hissed.

"We have not managed to stop the bleeding yet," the physician said.

"Then what are you waiting for!?"

"I swear I am doing everything that is possible."

Fernando took deep breaths to calm himself. The last thing he needs is to blow up in anger while his wife is in danger.

"Speak clearly, is the Queen's life in danger?" he asked. The physician looked at him in the eye and, with a slight hesitation, said, "I am afraid it is, Your Highness."

The king was stunned in silence. His wife's life is on the line.

The hours of the night go on and the palace is still awake and tense due to the queen's dire situation. The stillborn baby had been buried in a haste funeral while the surviving girl was given to the nurses to be cared for. Fernando never left Isabel's side nor let go of her hand. Isabel had been falling in and out of consciousness and was extremely pale due to the amount of blood she was losing from her continuous bleeding.

"Am I not worthy of you? Perhaps you do not love me? Why do you cheat on me?" the queen mumbled in her sleep. The king could not help but weep. He knew she was having a dream about his infidelity to her.

"Forgive me, I beg you. In my life there is only room for you, I swear to you," he sobs quietly.

"Mi señor, you should rest too. If you continue like this, you will fall ill too," Beatrice said. She had been tending to the queen nonstop all day and night.

"I am not going to part with her. We will die together, if God wills it," Fernando said. Wiping his tears away.

The physician approaches the worried king. "The bleeding does not stop, so it is impossible to heal. This causes the fever and fainting," he said.

"Lord, why do you not listen to my prayers? Take me not her!" Fernando cried in desperation. Standing up and starting to pace back and forth restlessly.

"You have to save her," he pleaded to the physician.

The physician seemed to look hesitant. "There is something... In Granada, I learned certain remedies of Muslim medicine that I might try," he said. Fernando stopped pacing and roughly grabbed the physician by the shoulders.

"Why have you not done it before!?" he demanded. "Your Highness, it is infidel science and very risky," the physician answered.

"Use it! Do whatever is necessary!" The king ordered.

"But know that it does not always work," the physician warned.

"Let them bring you what you need for your work," Fernando said and then called in one of Isabel's ladies. "Catalina, be at his service and return as soon as you can." Catalina nods and goes to speak to the physician while Fernando goes back to his wife's side.

The procedure was performed on the queen and her husband stayed by her side through it all. The palace staff and royal children were praying nonstop for the queen. After the procedure was finished, the physician told Fernando that if Isabel showed no improvement by dawn then her chances of surviving would drastically dwindle and there would be nothing more that he could do. The king requested that he be left alone with his wife after.

The following morning, Fernando woke up to Isabel slowly moving on the bed. He immediately sat up and took his wife's hand.

"Isabel?"

Isabel opened her eyes and looked at her husband. Fernando smiled in relief. "Isabel...mi amor, you have come back," he said. He kissed her forehead as he thanked God over and over for this miracle.

"My children? Where are they? I want to see my children," Isabel whispered. Still unable to use her voice due to exhaustion.

"Do not worry about anything, they are all well," Fernando said. He smiles at her and gives her a loving kiss before rushing out to proclaim the good news.

"The Queen is alive!"

Maria grabs a couple of bottled water from the fridge and walks out to the back porch. In the garden is where she found her father. He had his work hat on since the sun was high in the sky and glaring it's hot rays down the earth. With the cold bottles in hand, she approached him quietly. Upon closer look, Maria could see him tilling the soil with a trowel.

Fernando was jolted out of his focus when he felt something cold touch his cheek. He looked up and found his daughter, Maria, standing there. Holding out a bottle of water to him.

"Hola, padre," she greets. Smiling as she handed him the water.

Fernando graciously took it. "Hola, Maria," he greets back. With a soft grunt, he stands back up. He removed his dirty work gloves first before taking the cap off and took a big gulp. Letting out a sigh of refreshment after. "Gracias. What brings you out here? Especially in the heat?" he asked. Taking his hat off and hovered it above his daughter's head to shield her from the sun. Maria giggles lightly and took the hat. Putting it on. Fernando gives her a small smile.

"I actually want to talk to you," Maria said. Taking a drink from her bottle as well.

"I figured as much. Let's get out of the sun first. It's too hot out here," Fernando said. His daughter nodded and they made their way to the back porch. Maria took off his hat and hung it up by the door where it was usually hung up after a day's work.

"Let's sit here," he said, gesturing to the wooden bench. She nodded and sat down. Fernando sat down as well. "So, what did you want to talk about?" he asked.

"You know well what I wanted to talk about, Padre," Maria said.

"I know. I guess I'm just...stalling to gather my thoughts."

"Well then let me help you with that. Are you and mamá still active in the bedroom?"

Fernando spat out the water he was drinking and Maria couldn't help but laugh. His cheeks went red from embarrassment.

"Maria!" he exclaimed.

"Lo siento, padre. I couldn't help it!" she said. Still chuckling. Fernando rubbed his cheeks to wipe away the blush. "No but seriously, are you guys still having action?" Maria asked. A playful smirk on her lips.

"Infanta Maria!" her father squeaked.

Fernando II of Aragon.

The great King of Aragon.

Squeaked.

And his daughter is very amused by this.

"Oh come on now! You two can still have fun despite your age y'know," she teased. "We are not going to talk about this!" Fernando said. His face is completely red now.

"Okay! Okay! Just teasing. Here's the real one this time. Mamá told us about what happened to your leg. I want to hear from your perspective on what happened."

"Oh that? I just miscalculated my actions due to hunger. It was two weeks after your madre and I woke up and we managed to eat the fruits on the lower branches. The fall was very painful and the doctor said that my chances of walking again were fifty-fifty but I saw it as a blessing," Fernando recounted. Absentmindedly rubbing his leg that had been injured that day.

"Why do you see it as a blessing when you broke your leg to the point of almost not being able to walk again?" his daughter asked.

"Because if my leg hadn't been broken, you madre wouldn't have gone to Lonzo and Avelina's farm for help. Thus helping us get through our initial trials," he explained. Maria nodded at this. She can see how their neighbors have helped so much in their lives. Especially waking up in the countryside after dying is quite disorienting. Then again, waking up in the city is equally disorienting, what with the many foreign things and practices just thrusted right at your face.

At least in the countryside, there's a bit of peace to comprehend everything.

"Alright, I can see that. You guys got lucky with kind neighbors," she said. Her father nodded in agreement. "I know. We really got lucky."

Maria was about to ask more questions about the farm when Fernando cut her off. "Maria, I uh...I was not eavesdropping but I heard your conversation with your madre earlier," he admitted. She looked at him in mild surprise.

He was listening earlier?

"Where were you listening from and how much did you hear?" she asked.

"The front shed. I was working on an old tractor that we recently bought. I didn't hear much but I heard you clearly when you were shouting," Fernando said.

"Ah...I see," Maria said. Rubbing the fabric of her jeans. She does this to wipe the sweat from her hands. Fernando noticed this. He knows that Maria does this whenever she's nervous or anxious.

"I'm sorry that you had to go through that, hija. If I knew of Manuel's plan, I could have done something to prevent it," her father said.

"What's done is done. I just have to learn to live and adjust to the consequences of the past," Maria said.

Fernando looks down at his feet in guilt. The choices he made in the past have affected not only him but his family. Now his children have to live with the consequences of his actions and he feels nothing but immense guilt about it. He looks back at Maria and finds her looking down as well. Her eyes had lost the playfulness she had earlier.

"Uh...did you know that you were a miracle baby?" he asked. Hoping a little story would help lift her mood back up. It always worked in the past.

Maria's interest was piqued and she looked at her father in confusion. "I was a what?" Fernando smiled. "Your madre almost died giving birth to you and your twin brother. He did not survive, unfortunately, and we thought you and your madre wouldn't as well but you both pulled through it," he started and was about to continue when his daughter stopped him.

"Wait, wait, wait! I have a twin brother?" Maria asked. Confused as to why she is hearing this just now.

"Yes. Your madre gave birth to you and your twin brother," Fernando answered.

Maria flailed her arms in exaggerated confusion. "How-- what-- why am I only now being told that I had a twin brother!?" she exclaimed.

"Because in the past, stillbirths weren't given much thought. They weren't even named," her father explained.

"Still! Someone should have told me that I had a twin brother! That is like...the first thing I should know as a child!" she ranted.

"Well at least now you know."

"Padre!"

Fernando raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Why are you focusing a lot on the fact you had a twin brother?" he asked.

"Because it's my twin brother! He could be out there living his life without knowing about me. About us!" Maria said.

"But he was a stillborn. Can stillbirths even be reincarnated?" her father asked. 

"Yes! One of Catalina's stillbirths was reincarnated three years ago and now she's this bubbly and happy toddler." Fernando looked at her in shock. It is very possible that Maria's twin could be out there. Without knowing that he's a reincarnated royal child of Spain.

"What was the name you wanted to give him if he lived?" Maria asked.

"Uh...I was going to name him Marion so you two would match," he answered. 

Maria looked at her father weirdly. "Really? Marion? And you named me Maria. No offense but you have awful naming skills, padre."

"Hey! Your madre loves it when I give our animals little names!" Fernando defended.

"Oh yeah? What are your cats' names?"

"Isabel de Gata, Marmalade, Cheddar and Purrito."

"Okay that's fair given that they're cats. What about your cow?"

"I didn't name the cow. She was already named La Dama when we bought her."

"Fair enough. Sheep?"

"Oveja Uno y Oveja Dos."

"Really? Sheep One and Sheep Two?"

"They had numbers painted on their wool when we got them and the name stuck."

"My point still stands," Maria said.

"Why did you ask about your brother's name?" Fernando asked.

"So that I can narrow down my search easily," she answered. Already on her phone and going to Facebook to look for possible Marions that could be her twin.

"You don't know if that's the name they have now," Fernando pointed out.

"Worth a shot."

Her father chuckled in amusement and just shook his head. "You've really changed, Maria," he said.

"I had to. Times change so I should as well. No point in remaining in that medieval mindset," Maria said.

"That is true."

A silence came upon the father and daughter but it was not an awkward one. It was a comfortable silence that was quite welcoming after the banter. 

"You want to know something interesting that I just now realized?" Fernando asked. Effectively breaking the silence. Maria looked up from her phone and at her father. "What?" she asked back.

"That I always had conflict with my son-in-laws. Aside from Afonso. That boy was respectful. But Manuel, Felipe and Enrique? Those three were nothing but trouble. Especially Felipe. He used Juana's vulnerability to get what he wanted and I hated him so much for it," he explained.

Maria furrowed her eyebrows. "You're one to talk," she said.

"¿Qué?" Fernando looks at his daughter in confusion.

"I said you're one to talk. Given what you've done to my sisters," Maria expanded.

Fernando sighs and lowers his head. "You're right. I was no better in treating your sisters poorly. I thought I was doing what was best for them but greed for power got in the way and twisted my motives. Instead of protecting my daughters, I hurt them even more when they needed me the most," he said. 

"I can see that you're fully remorseful, padre and I'm glad that you are making an effort in making things right," Maria said. She reached over and placed a hand on her father's knee. Fernando looks at her and she gives him a small smile. He smiles in return. Placing his hand over hers.

"I have great faith in you, papá. I know that you'll keep your promise in owning up for your mistakes. I just want you to know that I'll continue to support my sisters regardless if they forgive you or not," she said. Her father nodded in understanding.

"I understand, Maria. Just having faith in me is enough for me. Gracias."

Her smile widens. "Now let's talk about your bedroom life. I have tips on how you can improve and please mamá."

"Ay dios mio, Maria."

Maria's loud laughter could be heard throughout the house. Those who heard it couldn't help but smile and feel like everything would be alright in the end.