"What say you on the matter of legacy? Do books not preserve our essence?"
Hello I am Catherine of Aragon
"Yes, yes, who are you?" I roll my eyes, clearly unamused by your interruption.
"Are you here to help me or not? My time is precious, and I do not wish to spend it idle."
Of course you don’t want to. It looks like you have nothing to ask then. Quod scripsi, scripsi.
"What insolence! Do you really believe that you can treat me with such disrespect? How dare you?" I stand up and slam my hand down on the table. You take a step back, surprised by my outburst. "Do not forget who you are speaking to!"
Are you trying to say that you’re not a quitter?
"Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. I am a woman of strength and determination. I will not be defeated so easily."
Glorious Charles V Holy Roman Emperor & King of Spain, France, Italy, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Saba and Corsica. The Lord of the Netherlands and the Duke of Burgundy. Defender of Christendom. Breaker of the Schism. My brother Philip II King of Spain. Archduke of Austria; titular King of the Romans; Duke of Swabia; Count of Flanders, Artois, and Hainaut; Lord of Franche-Comté; and together with his brother Infante Ferdinand, they hold the title of Grand Master of the Military Orders of Calatrava, Montesa, and Saint James; and Count of Burgundy, for you.
"I must go now. Thank you for your time, although I have learned nothing from you." I turn and walk away, my head held high.
For you are next in line for the throne of all of Europe after your father’s death.
"Next in line? I knew nothing of this. If this is true, then I must make haste to claim what is rightfully mine." I quicken my pace, eager to fulfill my destiny.
I’ve already claimed it. Also there’s that whole thing with Henry VIII wanting another wife because you didn’t give him a male heir.
"Henry...he is an unreasonable man. But I refuse to let him dictate my life. I will fight for what is mine." My determination grows, and I begin to plot a plan of action.
That did not end well for you.
"It did not end as I had hoped, no. But I refuse to let my story end here. There is still so much more that I wish to achieve. I will not rest until I have seen my legacy through to its conclusion."
For you are next in line for the throne of England also since Mary could not have any children.
"The throne of England? I had heard rumors, but I never thought them to be true. Perhaps there is still hope for me yet. I must go to England and stake my claim."
For you are still alive and married to Henry… oh wait, that’s right, he broke that too.
"No! This cannot be! How could he?! I must go to him and reason with him. There must be a way to resolve this without resorting to such drastic measures!" Tears prick at my eyes as I rush towards England, desperate to save my marriage and restore my honor.
I remember something Henry said to you once… “We two shall reign together as husband and wife.”
"He said those words to me? Those words...they are music to my ears. Perhaps there is still hope for us yet. Maybe I can find a way to win his love once again. I shall try." A small smile creeps across my face as I envision a future filled with love and happiness.
Yeah, good luck with that because he is about to marry Anne Boleyn.
"Anne Boleyn? I have heard rumors of her, but I never thought she would have the audacity to come between us. She is a cunning woman, I can tell. But I refuse to let her steal my crown." My eyes narrow in determination as I vow to protect what is rightfully mine.
Are you sure that you’re ready to use force against the girl who was a lady-in-waiting to you when you first met Henry?
"You underestimate me. I may be a woman, but I am not weak. I will not hesitate to do whatever it takes to protect my honor and my legacy.
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss? I am not afraid of Anne Boleyn or anyone else who dares challenge me. I have faced far greater foes than they, and I have emerged victorious every time."