Summary:

Isabella of Portugal, Holy Roman Empress and Charles V's wife dies. The Kingdoms of Spain are in despair. And yet, Charles is shortly pull out of his grief when the Council reminds him that he needs to find another wife despite vowing not to. In England, Henry VIII is finding a new wife and it seems that Anne of Cleves might be the ideal candidate. His oldest daughter Mary, now 23 remains unmarried and not consider a Princess by her father despite being in his good graces once more. What would've happened if Charles marries Mary and becomes Holy Roman Empress and later, Queen of England?

Chapter 1 Prelude. The Proposal.

Only months have passed since his wife has passed away and the Council is already pushing for him to remarry. Do they have no respect for the memory of the one who had been their Empress? The politician in him understands, he is still young, and he needs to remarry, solidify another alliance. The most prominent candidate is his cousin, Princess Mary Tudor, daughter of his aunt Catherine of Aragon and King Henry the VIII.

She seems to stand out the most for the Council, now a young woman instead of the six-year-old girl he had met in their previous engagement. He remembers her as a little girl, with brownish red hair, so like his own mother. He feels at guilt ever since he had put off their engagement and chose Isabella. At the time it was an urgent matter; he had to marry and waiting for Mary to grow up was not viable, Isabella was closer in age. However, now the sixteen years that keeps him apart from Mary are welcomed. He had neglected his cousin and he feels sorrow for her. Only three years have passed since Queen Catherine's death and King Henry has already married one of his mistresses and is in search for another wife.

He remembers the empty promises he had made to his aunt once. And perhaps it was time to take them into consideration. He knows Henry would not be pleased with his decision. Then again, he does not have to know about it until the marriage is consummated. He will bring Mary to Spain and it will all be done. He will receive Mary in the Alhambra, the very same place where her mother was raised and all will be well.

And so, with some ink and paper, he writes his first letter, thinking every word with careful care. The future of his Empire was at stake, as well, the fragile care of his cousin, who he knows is propense to illness.

Mi querida prima Maria,

I hope you are well, three years have passed since the death of your mother, my aunt, Queen Catherine, and my only regret is not being there for you, as family and Emperor. My mother spends days in grief at the news of her younger sister's fate and her rage for King Henry only grew. But I write to you not to speak of the past but the future. As you might be aware, I find myself without a wife and empress and I was reminded of a promise I once made to your dear mother.

I will arrange with Chapuys for you to be boarded on a ship and travel here, to Spain, where I will receive you in person. You will be here, under my care, for you to see the place where your mother was raised and to enjoy some well-deserved rest and sun. And then, if your heart still desires it, I will make a proposition to you; a title fit for the princess and queen you were born to be, Maria. It is my heart's desire and that of the Council's interest if you accept my proposal of becoming the new Holy Roman Empress and become husband and wife.

More details will be discussed once you arrive at the Alhambra. You must know this will be done all in secret, as we are both aware of your father's temper and his treatment of your person. Cross my heart, by God's Grace, I will restore your position as future Queen of England.

God Bless you, cousin mine.

Yours, Charles V.

Mary could feel the tears threatening her eyes. At once, her prayers had been answered and she was sent an answer. Blue eyes gaze at the Spanish Ambassador with hope and he only offers the gentlest of smiles; in his eyes, she was already his new Empress.

God rest Isabella in heaven, but Mary is pleased with this new development. She fears her father's wrath once he finds out, but once he does, she will be already in Spain. Mary rises from her chair and so does Chapuys. He follows with care as she glances once more at the letter, out of disbelief, and then, she brings from her night table, a token. She recognizes at once.

"I still hold on into this." A brioche, with Charles' name on it. One she wore when he visited her. She remembers a tall man, with a great chin and deep gaze, who gifted her horses and spoke wonders of her, they even danced together! "Send it to his Imperial Majesty as my response." And the Ambassador simply nods.

All was going to be well.

"Ambassador do tell me if all is ready for my voyage to Spain." If it was for her own will, she would make haste, and go at once. But she must learn to wait. "I shall have my ladies prepare my luggage."

Chapuys nods, always respectful and diligent. "Do not carry much, my sweet lady, for I believe many gifts will await your arrival, Princess." But not a princess for long, she hopes, and her eyes brighten up.

"In that case, I will be ready to sail with the first light of dawn, Ambassador."