Music Hall

I looked at Gustav and I could not believe what I am hearing.

Gustav you are right. Let us not discuss this subject now. Forgive my interruption. We have a wonderful surprise for your birthday.

I looked around the music room. It is impressive. Where is Philip I thought that he was near me but he must be near by. I looked at the King and Queen and they remind me of myself and Charles. Especially when we were first married. They look at each other with love in their eyes. I would like to keep in touch with Queen Mary. I have heard about King Henry and his relationship with Queen Mary. I have been told that he is very protective of his sister. King Henry must truly trust King Gustav with his treasured sister. I am happy that I have the chance to spend some time with them.

I looked at Agnetha and I did not want her upset.

"After the celebrations Agnetha, please do come and see me about this matter and I will it out properly as to what you have to say. I am sorry if I was mean in any way to you, it is just right now there are so many people here with so many gifts, I have to have my focus on this the celebrations for now. I cannot wait to see what birthday surprise you have for me Agnetha, I shall look forward to it.

I smile at Gustav.

The gifts that Elena is being presented are exquisite.  Hand made or engraved with her name. King Francis and Queen Claude and Henry's gift I can imagine what they will give. I am amazed that everyone we invited has come for our Elena. I looked at Agnetha. Agnetha are you feeling alright you look pale. Perhaps you should get some air. Today is a very special day and I am so happy. And Gustav your birthday is approaching. I have a special gift for you. I believe that you will like it.

I smiled.

Gustav do not worry. You are never mean to me or Rebecca. We can talk later. I want you and Mary to enjoy this day. Your right there are many people with gifts.
I smiled at Mary.

Oh Mary I am well thank you for asking. I think that I just need to get a drink. Everything is beautiful.

I saw father speaking with Duchess Margaret of Austria. So when their conversation ended as she was walking away I came a stood beside him.

You look in deep meditation. Is there anything that I can do for you. Could you tell me Father what did you have to discuss with the Duchess. She is a good tutor. She teaches her young ladies all about court life. I remember some of her teachings but I had to leave before the training was completed.

I smiled at the two cm Queens who were here.

"Queen Marie and Empress Isabella, it is a pleasure to have you both here and I do hope that we can get more time together Empress Isabella, for it would be nice. Is your son Phillip is it, here with you, for I have not seen anyone from Spain. Queen Marie, is your husband here with you?

I looked at my wife and I could see that we were both thinking the same thing. I paused for a moment and then I replied. "I do believe that it will be beneficial to us if she attends the court of Queen Anne of England, given my influence with the King, however I am not very fond of Queen Anne and want my daughter to be happy and I do believe that Queen Mary's court would be good for her.

I noticed my daughter coming over to me as I had just finished my conversation with Margaret of Austria. I smiled at her and then began speaking with her.

"Duchess Margaret and I have been having a very good conversation Anne. I am very pleased that you just told me that you enjoyed your studies with her as she asked me if I would consider allowing you to continue your studies with her.

Having thought it through, I have decided that you should do two further years of studies with Margaret of Austria then when you are 18, you will return to serve at court. Now on that matter, it will be beneficial to us as a family if you served Queen Anne of England as I have influence and I am a close companion of the King, however I do not particularly like Anne Boleyn and so if you choose it, there is also the option that you can serve Queen Mary of Sweden, but first you must finish your studies.

I noticed that my mother was looking for me and I had got mixed up amongst the crowds of people. I quickly go over to where she stood.

"Mother please forgive me, I was stuck amongst the crowd and could not get through. I got our gift too like you asked me too. When are we due to present it to the King and Queen?

I stood beside my wife as she presented our gift to Queen Mary and King Gustav.
"Your majesties, Queen Marie and I hope that you like the gift we have for your daughter and may she have a long and prosperous life. One thing I would like to say is I am not sure of you have met my daughter Kyla and my other daughter Lucy? They are both here with us. I say as I look to Kyla to bring Lucy with her to be presented to the King and Queen.

I listened to Rebecca and I agreed with what she said but also knew that she had to be careful as Elizabeth was a Queen herself.

"I did notice her Rebecca, I do not like the way she shows disrespect for Queen Mary but then come to think of it, she did have prior issues with King Louis of France whom she was due to marry I believe, before the King of France fell for Mary. Well that is if you believe the Chronicle that was written by a French poet.

Although what she did was not nice, if what is written is true then I can see why. I do know that she has her own mother imprisoned in Ireland to for disobeying her. Rebecca, you must be careful though as remember that Elizabeth is a Queen herself and she can be ruthless. There is also talk that she plans to marry her brother Hugh to the new Queen of Russia Valentina Petrova, have you met her?

I stood not to far from the King of Romania while he was speaking to the Princess of Sweden.  They were speaking about Prince Hugh and his sister, Queen Elizabeth O'Donnell. He is one of the princes that came to Russia to seek Valentina's hand. I curtsey then I spoke.

Excuse me.  I do not mean to interrupt your conversation.  My name is Princess Alexandra of Russia.  You spoke of Prince Hugh O'Donnell.  My sister is Queen Valentina.  Prince Hugh came to Russia to seek her hand in marriage . I had an ill feeling about him. There was something strange about him but I could not understand why I felt that way.  Is it possible that you could tell me more about him and his sister.  I would not want my sister to be tied with him.

Marius are you sure about this?.  Mary told me that she was Queen of France.  I believe that it was her brother King Henry that made the match for Mary and King Louis.  When he passed she returned to England.  There is where she met Gustav.  Surely she cannot blame this on Mary could she?.
While I was speaking with Marius a young woman came to us and introduced herself to us as the sister of Queen Valentina of Russia. I curtsey to her

Hello Princess Alexandra. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Princess Rebecca of Sweden. This is Princess Christine and her brother King Marius. You are the sister of Queen Valentina. Is your sister here right now.?

I looked at Gustav and smiled.

Gustav, I am sorry to ask but Queen Elizabeth is a good friend of yours?  She looks familiar.  I remember that Henry told me that King Louis of France had two princesses to choose from as queen.  He chose me.  I was made a widow in less a year.  Could she be the Elizabeth that Louis passed over to marry me.  She looks at me with daggers in her eyes.  No matter I love you and I am happy that I will be able to spend the rest of my life beside you.

I was behind Father and Mother and I was holding on to Lucy's hand. I curtsey to the King and Queen of Sweden.

Father, I have found Lucy.

After I spoke with King Marius about Queen Elizabeth O'Donnell and Prince Hugh. I went to look for Valentina. I finally saw her so I touched her on the shoulder and I begin to speak.

Valentina I have some news for you about Prince Hugh. He is here along with his sister Queen Elizabeth O'Donnell. She is said to be a screwed woman. Perhaps Prince Hugh is the wrong person to be king of Russia. I believe that he would be ruled by his sister. To undermine you as ruler. Elizabeth rather than Hugh being King. I would suggest that you look at another candidate. His sister may try to rule from behind Hugh. I do not believe that he would be strong enough to have a voice of his own.

I curtsey before the King and Queen.  

Good day your Majesties.  I am happy to see you again.  Princess Elena Marie Svensson is a beautiful name.  She has quite an array of gifts.  When you left to return to Sweden I had the dress maker create this hand made baptismal gown. My intention was to send it to you but I am happy that I was given the opportunity to bring it to you myself.

I looked at my sister as she came to where I was sitting and I listened intently to her.

"That is interesting news about Hugh. I am so glad to hear that you had your doubts sister. It seems that she is trying to rule Russia. How dare she. Where did you get this information? I would like to speak with whoever knows it? Do you have my remedy?

I looked at my father.

You would let me continue my studies with Duchess Margaret. Yes I would like that very much. To learn proper court etiquette will be helpful. Two years will be enough time to learn what I need. After you gave me the choice of Queen Anne or Queen Mary.. I like Queen Mary but would you want me to be so far from you. I know that you and Queen Anne are not on amicable terms but I will be in England close to you , Katherine and my brother Henry. I will serve in either court but I would like to leave the final decision to you.

I reached in my purse.  

Yes of course Valentina I have your remedy for you right here   I was talking to a few of the guests.  Follow me and I will introduce you to them.  We walked over to where they were standing.  Valentina I would like to introduce you to King Marius, Princesses Christine and Rebecca.  Your Graces this is my sister Queen Valentina.  They have some knowledge of Prince Hugh and Queen Elizabeth O'Donnell.  King Marius spoke about Queen Elizabeth's disposition.  Her relationship with King Gustav and Queen Mary.