Isabel didn't like the rumors about her sister. While she secretly wanted no more children, childbirth terrified her, she did pray to God that her sister would be blessed with one. She didn't doubt Braiden's love for Esther, but kings were expected to have heirs. At least one child, preferably a son. If Esther did not do that, then people in Court may pressure Braiden to move on to a more fertile woman. Isabel knew Esther would be devastated if that happened.<br/><br/>Isabel smiled as she watched her sister cradle Cosimo.<br/><br/>"Thank you, Auntie Queen."<br/><br/>Cosimo told her with a smile when she complimented him. Auntie Queen was what he called Esther. He knew she was very important to her kingdom, but he wanted to make sure everyone also know that Esther was his aunt.<br/><br/>"Thank you, sister."<br/><br/>Isabel replied, very proud of her son. She and Fernando were trying to raise him to be a proper boy. Someday he would become the Grand Duke of Tuscany, after all. She nodded her head to Esther.<br/><br/>"That is a good idea to discuss. I want him as fully educated as possible. Although, I will miss him if he went to Oxford."<br/><br/>Isabel loved Cosimo very much. Her favorite duty was being a mother. And if she had her way, Cosimo would be her only child. While she'd go through pregnancy and childbirth all over again for him, she didn't want to give birth to more children. It had been scary to her and she had been afraid she'd die. She didn't want to repeat that experience. Not she had told her husband that. After all, good wives gave their husbands many children. Nor did she express her worries to Esther. She knew how much her sister desired a child of her own and she didn't want to upset her with her own fears. She touched Esther's shoulder.<br/><br/>"Do not think that. God will bless you with a child of your own, I truly believe that."<br/><br/>She told her sister, wishing she could find who started the rumors to begin with.<br/><br/>--------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Fernando enjoyed Braiden's company. Although he only addressed him informally when they were alone or only with their wives and Cosimo. He'd never just call England's king by his first name in Court. Fernando could see that that Braiden had much on his mind.  He frowned at what the king had to say.<br/><br/>"I know you love her. Just as I love her sister."<br/><br/>Although Braiden and Esther's marriage was arranged, Fernando could see their love was true. Just as true as his love was for Isabel. He could see the idea of pushing Esther aside for another was not something Braiden truly wanted to do. He thought over Braiden's suggestion. Not the most ideal one but also would most likely please the Court since a heir would come out of it.<br/><br/>"What if Esther will not accept the child? I know she loves children, her love for Cosimo is clear. However, he shares her blood. What if she rejects this child because she is not related to him or her?"<br/><br/>Fernando asked Braiden. He could not speak for Esther, but not all women were willing to raise a child they were not related to. He knew Esther had helped raised her younger siblings with Isabel after their mother passed. But again, the children shared her blood. Not the mention that Esther might be devastated about sharing her husband with another woman, even if was to have a child to succeed Braiden and keep peace in the country.