<div style="text-align: center;"><a class="postlink" href="https://i.postimg.cc/JhBwr7tN/mary-tudor.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><span style="font-family: script;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF80BF"><span style="font-size: 200%; line-height: 116%;">Princess Catalina of Aragon &amp; Castile  </span></span></span></span></div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: old english;"><span style="font-size: 115%; line-height: 116%;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #008000">"Your Highness."</span></span></span><br/><br/>Damn it, Raphael's Advisor always seemed to pop up whenever she and the King were in the thick of it. Why was his timing always so poor? Or maybe he felt it was perfect. She didn't know. All she knew was he irritated her with all his popping about when she was speaking privately with the King. Still, she allowed a friendly smile to cross her features, giving her own nod of greeting though not saying much. Her eyes dropped to linger on the ever expanding middle of Lady Grace, noting how strangely quick the process of growing a child seemed to be. <br/><br/>The dark haired woman had little time to contemplate such silly life matters as the Queen and her sister showed shortly after and Raphael's attention became fully enraptured by the beauty that was his new wife. Idly she wondered if Richard would ever view her in such a way. Another part of her was slightly disappointed to see the new Queen seem so meek and mild, but she did quite like that rosy little blush upon her cheeks. She hoped that the Queen found her confidence when engaging with Raphael, as she had a feeling the man would stomp all over her without meaning to, but maybe she wasn't giving Raphael enough credit. <br/><br/>It was Olivia, the Queen's sister that eased her negative thoughts. The dear girl was something of a fascination for Cat. She liked to hear her music a lot and had been secretly keeping herself within earshot any time she knew the sister was to play an instrument. It was a difficult task, of course, as the girl seemed insistent on sticking to her majesty's side. Now though, it seemed the young woman was just as interested in her as the King began to speak. <br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF8000">"Perhaps you have heard, but this is my good friend, Princess Catalina of Aragon &amp; Castile, joining our court for the day, although I would be delighted if it would be true the lady came to live with us,''</span></span></span> he stated boldly, looking to her with something that settled a little uneasily within. Just what was he planning? She knew his intentions were likely innocent, but she also knew the way things could look at court if one was not careful. She tried to cultivate a peaceful happiness about her person, not wishing to produce any thoughts of something untoward within the group. <br/><br/>She allowed these thoughts to fall by the wayside as she gave her own appropriate dip towards the Queen and her sister. She did not speak, waiting for someone to engage her first. If anything, Catalina knew her manners and she would not intrude upon their turn. Olivia was the first to come up to her, bold and soft, two things Cat already liked very much. <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #0080FF">"Princess Catalina! It is a pleasure to meet you,"</span></span></span> she stated in her thick accent, which the taller girl was finding quite charming. <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #0080FF">"I am Olivia, Principessa della Italy,"</span></span></span> she informed with her native title. A full smile split across Catalina's face, <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF80BF">"It is quite lovely to meet you as well, Principessa." </span></span><br/><br/>The girl seemed encouraged enough, continuing on with her words, <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #0080FF">"I've heard much good things..." </span></span></span>At that Catalina did well to not giggle at the adorable struggle, as she had no wish to offend the girl. She could recall her own tongue twisting time with learning English and had no desire to inflame any insecurity about it. Thankfully it seemed she was successful as Olivia corrected herself, <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #0080FF">"Many. Many good things about you." </span></span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF80BF">"Oh? Well hopefully all those good things are true. I, too, have heard some rather wonderful things of you," </span></span>she replied politely, her mind going back to Raphael's statement of desiring her to live at court. She felt as if she should try to escape, despite how much she liked meeting Olivia and the Queen. Had he done it to tease her? To do his best to put her on edge? He always did like to force her a blush, though this time she refused to allow it. Barely. <br/><br/>Now that she was so surrounded, she couldn't help but desire to be away and with Richard as soon as she could. Raphael's attention was taken and she'd be no use to him at this point. And certainly after his request, opinions were likely to be formed about her if she did not take her leave as soon as possible. <br/><br/>A silent prayer went to God, asking that he send Richard to save her from the potential embarrassment brewing. </span></span>