Chapter 45, July 1511
Palau Reial Major, Kingdom of Aragon, July 1511
Catalina gazed at the infant in her arms, who shared it’s mother’s red curls, and called out,”Is she not beautiful Germaine?”
Her stepmother smiled at this as she set her embroidery aside, yet answered slowly, as if she were troubled,”Yes she is Catalina…”
The older woman stroked her half-sister’s downy hair,”What is wrong? Does young Blanca not please you? You were much more excited in your letters to me last month.”
Germaine got up from her chair, walked over, and finally replied as she stood next to her stepdaughter,”I… Do not know. I guess that I am just concerned for her.”
Catalina rose her brow,”Why would you have any cause to be? She thrives, and she is an Infanta, fortunate to be born into this family.”
“Are you sure?”
Bewildered, she asked,”Whatever do you mean?”
Germaine stared out the window,”Your father will not live forever. He is in good health, but he is still old. When he dies, I will be little more than a decorative widow: Dowager Queen of the man who the people of Castile barely tolerated during your mother’s reign.”
Catalina shook her head at this, and transferred little Blanca into the arms of the infant’s mother,”Do not worry Germaine. I rule Castile, and should, God forbid, my father pass before my nephew comes of age, I shall govern Aragon in his stead as well. I will ensure that you are always treated with the respect that a Queen is afforded, and my dear sister will grow up in your care, as is only natural.”
Germaine smiled slightly at this, nodding her head,”Thank you Catalina, you have done me a great kindness.”
