5. Of Regencies and Rebellions (September-October 1498)
Author's Note: Back by unpopular demand. I profoundly apologize for my lengthy hiatus; summer school and work has been keeping my schedule full as of late. Subsequently, updates will be sporadic, but I hope to keep posting when time allows. As ever, comments and queries are greatly appreciated. My love and eternal gratitude are sent to @BlueFlowwer; without your unlimited supply of patience, helpful advice, and good humor, I would be sorely remiss. 
Chapter Five: Of Regencies and Rebellions
"By all accounts, 1498 was the annus horribilis for Queen Isabella. Despite the political and dynastic gains embodied by her infant grandchildren, securing the fortune of Infanta Maria was fraught with tension and inconsistencies from the outset.
The betrothal between Maria of Aragon and Miguel of Portugal was signed in Burgos, within days of the latter's baptism. In early September, the papal dispensation was acquired. The contract stipulated the wedding was to occur in 1514, when the bride and groom were both 16, with their household split annually between Portugal and Castile and Aragon for a period of six months.
Isabella, for her part, was less than enthused at the terms. Chief among her fears was the prospect that her beloved angelita would be prohibited from visiting her domains, which in turn would be ruled by proxies; a point that Isabella reiterated several times during the course of the negotiations and was ultimately resolved by King Manuel's publicized oath to adhere to the contents of the marriage contract and recognize Maria's independence.
By Michaelmas, the King and Queen had returned to Zaragoza, immediately opening the Aragonese Cortes and presiding over the discussions of succession, which promptly revealed itself to be a heated topic. Aside from Fernando and Isabella, the deliberations were also witnessed by prestigious families of noble lineage, including but not limited to the Alagon, Azlor, Bardaxi, Calasanz, and Erol. All five houses rejected Isabella's proposal to recognize Infanta Maria as heiress or accept the Dowager Princess of Asturias as Regent. As an Archduchess of Austria by birth, they argued, Margaret von Hapsburg would forever be classified as a foreigner; hypothetically unable to understand or respect Aragon's customs, statutes and liberties, and local administration. By contrast, Castile had not only named Infanta Maria as rightful heiress, but accepted the proposed joint regency of Fernando and Margaret alongside a council of trusted nobles in the event of Queen Isabella's untimely death.
Isabella's fury at this defiant display was further exacerbated by the Aragonese Cortes' candidacy of Fernando's bastard son, Alonso de Aragon, as heir presumptive; alternatively, in the event of the King's death, as Lieutenant General of the realm. Although it was no secret that the Queen had turned a blind eye to her husband's infidelities, she had never delegated such leniency to his by-blows, and the full wrath of Isabella's temper was unleashed at the announcement. "It would seem that my lords have forgotten themselves," she snarled with blazing eyes and bared teeth. "You have forgotten who is your King, to whom you owe your utmost allegiance and fidelity. The sovereign's word is law, and yet you blatantly disregard it."
Such invective could not be placated or restrained by Fernando's murmured concessions. Isabella continued to berate the Cortes, threatening to use force if necessary to obtain Aragonese recognition; it was transparent that the Queen would fight tooth and nail for the rights of her grandchild and daughter-in-law, the latter of which already showcased an astute understanding of politics despite her young age.
After nearly two weeks of protracted debate, the King and the Cortes had finally come to an agreement but the terms of the compromise greatly chagrined Isabella. Although Margaret would be accepted as Regent, it came with the caveat that she would be assisted by the Archbishop Alonzo until Infanta Maria came of age and was deemed ready to participate in governmental affairs.
On All-Hallow's Eve, in a grand ceremony befitting her rank at La Catedral del Salvador, Infanta Maria was finally invested with the traditional titles of the Aragonese heir, though she was substituted by her grandfather during the vows as a result of her minority. As the solemnity came to a head, it was declared that the Infanta would present herself before the Cortes in Zaragoza and receive their oaths of fealty upon her sixth birthday."
- Elena Esteban, Excerpt from The Wyvern and the Eagle: An Abridged History of the Iberian Union.
Chapter Five: Of Regencies and Rebellions
"By all accounts, 1498 was the annus horribilis for Queen Isabella. Despite the political and dynastic gains embodied by her infant grandchildren, securing the fortune of Infanta Maria was fraught with tension and inconsistencies from the outset.
The betrothal between Maria of Aragon and Miguel of Portugal was signed in Burgos, within days of the latter's baptism. In early September, the papal dispensation was acquired. The contract stipulated the wedding was to occur in 1514, when the bride and groom were both 16, with their household split annually between Portugal and Castile and Aragon for a period of six months.
Isabella, for her part, was less than enthused at the terms. Chief among her fears was the prospect that her beloved angelita would be prohibited from visiting her domains, which in turn would be ruled by proxies; a point that Isabella reiterated several times during the course of the negotiations and was ultimately resolved by King Manuel's publicized oath to adhere to the contents of the marriage contract and recognize Maria's independence.
By Michaelmas, the King and Queen had returned to Zaragoza, immediately opening the Aragonese Cortes and presiding over the discussions of succession, which promptly revealed itself to be a heated topic. Aside from Fernando and Isabella, the deliberations were also witnessed by prestigious families of noble lineage, including but not limited to the Alagon, Azlor, Bardaxi, Calasanz, and Erol. All five houses rejected Isabella's proposal to recognize Infanta Maria as heiress or accept the Dowager Princess of Asturias as Regent. As an Archduchess of Austria by birth, they argued, Margaret von Hapsburg would forever be classified as a foreigner; hypothetically unable to understand or respect Aragon's customs, statutes and liberties, and local administration. By contrast, Castile had not only named Infanta Maria as rightful heiress, but accepted the proposed joint regency of Fernando and Margaret alongside a council of trusted nobles in the event of Queen Isabella's untimely death.
Isabella's fury at this defiant display was further exacerbated by the Aragonese Cortes' candidacy of Fernando's bastard son, Alonso de Aragon, as heir presumptive; alternatively, in the event of the King's death, as Lieutenant General of the realm. Although it was no secret that the Queen had turned a blind eye to her husband's infidelities, she had never delegated such leniency to his by-blows, and the full wrath of Isabella's temper was unleashed at the announcement. "It would seem that my lords have forgotten themselves," she snarled with blazing eyes and bared teeth. "You have forgotten who is your King, to whom you owe your utmost allegiance and fidelity. The sovereign's word is law, and yet you blatantly disregard it."
Such invective could not be placated or restrained by Fernando's murmured concessions. Isabella continued to berate the Cortes, threatening to use force if necessary to obtain Aragonese recognition; it was transparent that the Queen would fight tooth and nail for the rights of her grandchild and daughter-in-law, the latter of which already showcased an astute understanding of politics despite her young age.
After nearly two weeks of protracted debate, the King and the Cortes had finally come to an agreement but the terms of the compromise greatly chagrined Isabella. Although Margaret would be accepted as Regent, it came with the caveat that she would be assisted by the Archbishop Alonzo until Infanta Maria came of age and was deemed ready to participate in governmental affairs.
On All-Hallow's Eve, in a grand ceremony befitting her rank at La Catedral del Salvador, Infanta Maria was finally invested with the traditional titles of the Aragonese heir, though she was substituted by her grandfather during the vows as a result of her minority. As the solemnity came to a head, it was declared that the Infanta would present herself before the Cortes in Zaragoza and receive their oaths of fealty upon her sixth birthday."
- Elena Esteban, Excerpt from The Wyvern and the Eagle: An Abridged History of the Iberian Union.
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