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Chapter Two (The Court)

The sound of birds chirping outside her window woke Rayna the next morning. She lay there for a few moments, reveling in the softness of the mattress and the warmth of the thick comforter as it covered her body. ‘I guess I should get up’ She thought, lazily stretching her arms above her head. Sighing in pleasure, she opened her eyes and they immediately went to the window. Sitting on the ledge were two white doves, chirping amongst themselves. Laughing, Rayna sat up and watched them for a few moments. Suddenly, a knock was heard upon her door.

”Mistress Rayna, you are wanted in the Queen’s private chambers at once” A childish voice called through the door. Rayna hopped out of bed and dressed in a hurried fashion. “I will be right there!” She called out, quickly splashing water on her face and combing her hair. Her dress was newly made by her mother’s personal seamstress, and fit her body like a glove. She hoped the Queen would like it…

 

Opening the door, Rayna came face to face with a young girl, who smiled prettily up into Rayna’s face. “Dios, mío!” the girl cried out. “You are very pretty mistress. Madre will like you” Before Rayna could respond, the girl grabbed her hand and began to race off down the hallway. Struggling to keep up, Rayna followed her through twists and turns, until they finally arrived at a gold-encrusted doorway. “Don’t be nervous: Madre is very kind” The girl whispered as she slowly opened the door.

Rayna slowly followed the girl into the large chamber. The room was lavishly decorated: reclining sofas were scattered about, made of the finest Cherry and Spanish Mahogany wood. Intricate carvings were noted on the arms of the sofas, and they were covered in expensive yellow silk. Curio cabinets made of Cherry wood and pristine glass displayed rare ivory boxes, depicting scenes of famous royal hunts and court. Several of the boxes were filigreed with gold and silver, encrusted with rubies and emeralds. Paintings by Boticelli and Bellini lined the walls.

Rayna gazed around the room drinking in the sight. “Come here niña, and let me look at you” a soft melodic voice called from the middle of the room. Rayna turned toward the voice, and gasped aloud at the sight. Queen Isabella sat in a straight backed chair, several ladies in waiting combing her long reddish-gold hair. She wore a deep blue dressing gown, which molded to her figure. Even without her regal “finery,” the Queen made an impressive figure. Rayna curtsied, and then slowly walked over to stand in front of the Queen, her eyes lowered.

”Vienen niños” The Queen said softly, a small smile lighting her face. She waved away her ladies and leaned forward, placing her finger underneath Rayna’s chin. Slowly, she lifted it up, until Rayna was looking directly into the Queen’s kind blue eyes. Rayna was very intuitive, and could tell by looking into a person’s eyes whether that person was kind or not. Now, as she gazed into Isabella’s blue eyes, Rayna relaxed instantly. She knew the Queen had a kind soul, and she was immediately calmed in her presence. Smiling, Rayna spoke. “My Queen, I am thankful to be of service to you this day. I have eagerly awaited the chance to meet your los niños, and will take great care of them”

The Queen smiled softly at Rayna, and leaned back in her chair. She had been studying Rayna as Rayna gazed about the chamber. The young girl was a beauty for sure. Her long ice blonde hair hung straight down her back to her waist, a deep emerald green headband neatly placed on her head to keep her hair from falling into her eyes. The matching dress molded to her young body, and fell to just above her ankles. Her green slippers completed the outfit, and as Isabella studied her, a small smile lit up her face. She liked what she saw, and somehow knew the girl would be a good nurse maid to her children.

 

The Queen’s oldest child, Phillip, was soon to be eight. Maria was a year younger, and was the one who had brought Rayna to her. The baby, Joan, was only a few months old, and even now, slept peacefully in her little bassinette placed close to her mother. Isabella watched as Rayna’s eyes were drawn to the sleeping child, a peaceful, sweet look upon her face.

”That is our newest edition, niña. Little Joan, who is a quiet baby. Very little trouble at all.” The Queen said fondly, looking over at her pequeño bebé with soft eyes. “She is beautiful my Queen” Rayna said quietly, wanting to hold the baby, but not wanting to make a mistake. ‘Ah well, all in good time’ she thought, as the Queen called out to her middle child. “Maria! Come here hija” The little girl, who had been busy with a puzzle, got up promptly and ran over to her mother. “Si, Madre” she said, putting her arm around her mother’s shoulders.

“Maria, you have already met Rayna, but I want to properly introduce you mi hijo” Pulling her daughter into her lap, Isabella said to Rayna, “This is Maria of Spain Rayna.” Rayna smiled at the girl, and curtsied. “Pleased to meet you Maria” The girl giggled at Rayna’s curtsy. “You don’t have to curtsy to me Rayna!” Turning to her mother, she leaned in and whispered, “Isn’t she pretty Madre?” The Queen smiled, and nodded. “Now back to your puzzle mi amor”

 

Isabella stood up, standing to her full height of 5’4”. She and Rayna stood head to head. “Rayna, I have several tasks I must attend this morning, and one this afternoon. We partake of the midday meal during the 11^th hour, and then lie down for a respite until around two.  I shall want to see mis bebés after they awaken from their nap for a short time before attending my meeting with the King.” Isabella leaned over the bassinette to place a gentle kiss on the baby’s forehead. Standing back upright, she turned to Rayna with a smile. “The main meal begins around five, and afterward los niños are to have their baths and prepare for bed. I shall come in their bedchambers to say goodnight. Do you have any questions?”

 

Rayna had listened intently to the Queen’s instructions, and now shook her head no. “I will not leave their side my Queen. They shall be well taken care of” The Queen nodded her head, and with one last smile, left the room with her two attendants. Rayna sighed in relief, happy the interview had gone well. “Rayna, do you like puzzles?” Maria asked inquisitively, sitting on the floor with several puzzle pieces in her hands. Rayna gave the sleeping baby one last check and walked over to the little girl. “Ah yes querida, I love puzzles. Shall I help you?” At the little girl’s nod of acceptance, Rayna was soon lost in the puzzle picture of a forest strewn with wildflowers….

 

The los niños had finished their midday meal, and now were quietly resting. Rayna sat on a window seat gazing out over the expansive green lawn, taking a few moments to catch her breath. The los niños had proven to be a lively trio: Rayna finally met Phillip, who was a cute child, but very serious. When Phillip first laid eyes upon Rayna, they widened and then narrowed with shyness. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, with the exception of his Madre. Then, when she smiled at him, he was lost. His first crush developed instantly, and he stayed close to her all day long much to Rayna’s amusement. She took the time to talk to the little boy, and really listen. She found him to be intelligent like his sister, just a bit more reserved. 

 

 

The days passed quickly, as Rayna soon became adjusted to life at court. She spent the majority of her time with the los niños, and found she loved every minute of it. The Queen spent a lot of time them, and Rayna grew to love her as she did the children.

 

Once the children were in bed, Rayna would attend the Queen in the main parlor. Usually the King was there as well; however, often times than not, he was holed up in another room with his advisors.

The people of the court were a colorful bunch to say the least. Many of the Courtiers and Courtesans were close friends of the King and Queen, and of noble birth. The social and political life of court was intriguing; however, Rayna had little use for it.

One night while sitting with the Queen’s ladies in waiting, Rayna met Diego de Cornt. An avid observer, Rayna mainly sat back when in the main salon, observing those around her. She had noticed Diego when she first arrived: it was difficult not to notice him. He was handsome in a cruel sort of way; however, his personality was a huge turn-off. He imagined himself to be a sexual magnet: one whom women could not resist. As a matter of fact, his ego was so huge; Rayna wondered how he even fit through the door…

Tonight, Rayna sat back quietly observing as was her usual custom. She was startled when the Queen called her over. “Rayna, querida, please come here” Isabella said in her soft, melodic voice. Standing up, Rayna obediently walked over to the Queen stopping at her side. The man, Diego was standing on the Queen’s left, a smirk on his face. “Rayna, I would like to introduce you to Diego de Cornt. He is the Duke of Alba querida.” Turning to Diego, she presented Rayna. “Diego, this is Rayna deSilva, daughter of Count Manuel deSilva.” Rayna slowly lifted her eyes to look at Diego. The lust burning within his own eyes was undeniable, and Rayna shivered with disgust despite herself. He reached out to take her hand, kissing the back of it with his cold, wet lips. Nausea threatened to overcome her as his lips lingered on her hand, feeling like a piece of cold meat. She wanted to run to her bedchamber and scour her hands free of the filth… However, she curtsied instead, because she knew it was expected.

 

“So pleased to meet you Rayna. I have not seen you here in court before. Are you new to the intrigues?” Diego said as he finally let her hand go. Rayna surreptitiously wiped her hand on the back of her dress, thinking it would never be truly clean again… “Yes I am. I am los niños nursemaid.” Rayna wanted to flee from his presence, but knew it would be considered rude to do just that. She averted her eyes from Diego as his intent toward her was clearly displayed through his own eyes. “If it would please you, perhaps I could come to call upon you in the near future?” Diego asked, licking his thick lips suggestively. Rayna felt bile rise up in the back of her throat, and she struggled to remain composed. “If you will excuse me, I must go and check the los niños.” Waiting for the Queen’s nod of approval, Rayna fairly ran out of the room and down the hallway until she reached her bedchamber. Slamming the door closed, she ran over to the chamber pot, the remnants of her supper spewing out of her mouth and almost filling the pot full…Rayna slowly rose from her bent over position, and washed her face and hands, scrubbing them with ferocity. Diego was positively vile, and she hoped she would not have anymore run-ins with him.

 

 The next morning, after a fitful sleep, Rayna awoke to the sound of thunder, and rain pelting against her window. Sighing, she got out of bed and relieved herself, then washed her face and hands. She knew much of the day would be spent in conferring with the Queen regarding Phillip’s birthday tomorrow, so she readied herself and made haste to the Queen’s chambers. Entering the room, Isabella spied her and motioned for her to come over. Curtsying, Rayna said “Buenos dias Your Majesty” Isabella smiled at the girl, and clasped her hand. “Querida, I need your advice. What colors do you think we should decorate the main salon in for Phillip’s party?” The women chattered amongst themselves most of the morning preparing for a lavish affair for the almost eight year old…