<span style="font-weight: bold">Date: December 25th, 1536<br/>Place: The Royal Palace</span><br/><br/>It didn't take long before Isabel and Fernando's private moment was interrupted by their little son. At almost three years old, he was a handful. Cosimo jumped into his parents bed and exclaimed.<br/><br/>"Mama! Papa! Get up! It Christmas!"<br/><br/>His parents smiled at him. Fernando grabbed Cosimo and told him.<br/><br/>"Yes, it is and I bet you want your presents."<br/><br/>Cosimo nodded his head eagerly.<br/><br/>"Yes, Papa!"<br/><br/>"Hmmm...I did not hear a certain little boy say please."<br/><br/>Fernando gave Isabel a wink. Isabel nodded her head with a smile.<br/><br/>"Nor did I."<br/><br/>"That is not proper manners, young man."<br/><br/>Fernando told their son and then started to tickle him as a 'punishment'. Cosimo, who was very ticklish, began to laugh.<br/><br/>-------------------------<br/><br/>Victoria had not meant to wake up her husband. She looked up at him in the mirror.<br/><br/>"I am sure you are right, dear husband."<br/><br/>Victoria replied to Thaddeus, not sharing his affection for Braiden or Esther. She did not understand how her husband could be content with his place in the country. He could be, should be king. He was the first born son of King Francis. If only his mother had not been the old king's mistress...If Thaddeus' mother had been the rightful queen, then Victoria would be queen right now. Not that little Scottish girl who was surely barren. She couldn't even give his Majesty a girl.<br/><br/>Victoria sighed contently as he kissed her. She knew he had other lovers, younger then her, but it did not bother Victoria. As long as he remained discreet and didn't try to replace her, she'd let him keep his playthings. After all, most men needed some variety in their bedrooms to stay happy in life. She watched Thaddeus grab her gift. Victoria opened it and gave something that few people rarely saw, a genuine smile. Her gift was truly beautiful, fit for a queen.<br/><br/>"I love it, Thaddeus. Thank you."<br/><br/>Victoria replied to him, carefully taking it out of the box and put it on. She noticed from the corner of her eye in the mirror, a note slip under her door. Not wanting Thaddeus to see it, Victoria asked him.<br/><br/>"What gift are we giving his Majesty this year? And may I see it before you give it to him?"<br/><br/>Not that really cared if Braiden liked his gift or not, but she did know that Thaddeus had deep affection for his nephew. If he was distracted with the king's gift, she could grab the note.