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| Paperweight On My Back; TAG: Christina of Denmark! | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 20 2010, 12:07 PM (275 Views) | |
| Caterina Sforza | Oct 20 2010, 12:07 PM Post #1 |
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Christina. Caterina's cousin-by-marriage. Her responsibility. Caterina was to meet her here in the Great Hall for breakfast. She still, for the life of her, could not justify why she had invited the girl to come to England. She told herself, at the time, that she was family and having someone familiar around would be welcome, not to mention that she had lost her husband and Caterina thought husband-hunting (or rather diplomatically turning Caterina's situation for the better through a good English marriage) and some time away from her Aunt might do the girl some good. She was, however, berated by Christina's aunt (who had not been happy at the invitation) who claimed that Christina was Caterina's responsibility and should shame be brought on their name Caterina would be to blame. Caterina was not scared of anyone. But she was not stupid. She understood where Christina's Aunt was coming from. So Caterina's leash around her cousin-by-marriage was tighter than that of any leash she kept around her own children's necks. She had checked in with Christina on a regular basis and she had demanded to know if the girl stepped one toe out of court. Caterina's treatment of Christina might seem harsh if you were not in her shoes. She could only hope that Christina understood. She still treated the girl with the same kindness she showed anyone she cared for. This was one of those mornings when Caterina would demand to hear of Christina's plans for the day and what she had been doing while in England. Certainly, Caterina had been keeping tabs on the girl (though she went by the honor system and trusted Christina's word) but now was the time for a friendlier conversation. Caterina had no room for interrogation in the mornings. She settled herself at a table and was served warm breakfast (which she impatiently began eating) while she waited for Christina to show up. |
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| Christina of Denmark | Oct 24 2010, 08:33 PM Post #2 |
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Christina was late, so late, and she was praying that Caterina wouldn't be angry and that she wouldn't think anything had happened. After she'd woken that morning in Andrew's arms, the enormity of what she had done had hit her, but she couldn't feel guilty. Their night was ... perfect and this morning she felt only a little pain and was surprised to find she wasn't the slightest bit hungover. But if she remembered right, she'd forgone the wine in lieu of getting closer to Andrew. Smiling to herself, she sped up a bit and sidestepped around a servant. She knew soon she would have to bite her lip to keep from grinning like an idiot, but nothing, nothing, could sour this mood she was in. Perhaps it was stupid to fall as she was, but she didn't care. Though she knew one of the reasons for Caterina bringing her along to England was to find a husband, she knew Andrew didn't meet her criteria or that of her aunt's. She also felt that Andrew wouldn't want to be married. He was the kind of man who preferred to be with a woman he liked without any strong commitment. If he wanted to commit, he just spent more time with him like he had with her. This thought brought her pleased blush to her face and she realized she was acting like a young girl in love. Did she love Andrew? She wasn't sure, but wouldn't be surprised. She wouldn't have given herself so lightly just for mere attraction. There was something there and she felt it and that was that. She didn't need vows exchanged in the sight of God to be happy. She could be happy just being with him and after all, she didn't really feel she was ready to marry again. Entering the great hall, it didn't take long for Christina's eyes to search out Caterina. Once she had done so, she headed over and sat opposite her. She was immediately served and thanked the servant in a genial tone before turning her attention to Caterina. "Good morning," she said, "how are you faring?" |
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| Caterina Sforza | Nov 6 2010, 07:26 PM Post #3 |
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Caterina's fork scooped through a healthy portion of scrambled eggs with goat cheese, her pattern of thinking not unlike the systematic pattern she was drawing through the eggs. Caterina's systematic way of eating so her eggs would not collapse in an uncontrollable mess was testament to her otherwise structured behavior in matters not concerning food, and yet her choice to go directly for the proteins and avoid fruits and bread also spoke of her unconventionality. It was amazing how much a persons eating habits could tell you about others, and yet, no one saw fit to judge a person on these tell-tale signs. Caterina, on occasion, did. She was not skilled at reading people, yet she could accurately assess someone's character through their eating habits, she thought. When she realized her own pattern she immediately moved her eyes from the plate and to the hall surrounding her. They landed comfortably, predictably, on Christina, who, when her eyes found the light outside, she had noted to be late. Quite late, in fact. Immediately caterina's mind began berating the poor girl for not following orders to her very exact syllable. Christina should understand caterina's need to have her orders followed, should she not? Of all people, shouldn't she, a trusted relative, understand that one fact about her? She would have yelled and screamed, were it not for her ever-present diplomatic attitude and genuine affection for the girl. Instead, when the girl sat, she commented: "You're late." she said nothing more. The slight disappointment was evident in her tone, and she expected Christina to understand it fully. Caterina, as previously stated, had no room for interrogations in the mornings and so she let it slide and a respectably comfortable and loving smile graced her features. "I am very well, thank you. These Brits certainly know how to cook eggs." "and you? I am aware that I do not seem to care what you feel about England so far, rather than caring about your whereabouts and other such nonsense. This morning, I do. So please.. Tell all. How is England treating you? Are you enjoying it, or would you rather I simply send you home again? Your aunt's incessant letters tell me she misses you." the light contempt for christina's aunt's constant letters was clearly evident in her tone, yet the affection for Christina that was more evident in her today than ever clearly overshadowed her annoyance, and so there was no threat in caterina's voice. Only softness and genuine curiosity. [[first post ever written on the iPad. I apologize for terrible errors and shittyness, as correcting stuff on this is a nightmare!]] |
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| Christina of Denmark | Nov 7 2010, 03:14 PM Post #4 |
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On any other day the slightest note of disappointment in Caterina's voice would have brought hot shame to Christina's face, but she merely said, "I know, it won't happen again, I swear." There was no incoming beration, so the young princess listened carefully to Caterina's words. She smiled a little at her comment on English eggs, the Dane in her saying that was about all they knew how to do well. She resisted saying it out loud because anyone overhearing may possibly take exception to it though she spoke in jest. Pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear, she tried the eggs and nodded with agreement and approval. "Oh," Christina felt a bit of panic at the mere thought of being sent home, "I am falling in love with England, Caterina. It is wonderful - everyone is greatly respectful here. I have taken to going riding with the Earl of Warwick's brother every morning." She wanted to see how Caterina would react to know that she was spending time with Andrew, unaccompanied. It would gauge what she knew of him and how she felt regarding him. The last thing Christina wanted to do was displease Caterina as she was the one who brought her here. "I will write to my aunt tonight and see if that keeps her from missing me so much." she added. "I do not want to go back to her just yet." |
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| Caterina Sforza | Nov 17 2010, 02:40 PM Post #5 |
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Caterina was satisfied when Christina said it wouldn't happen again. She trusted that that was the case. Caterina trusted relatives over anyone else.. certainly, Christina was only a relative by marriage, but she was a relative no less. Caterina should have learned by now that not even relatives were trustworthy, of course.. her uncle Ludovico had usurped the duchy of Milan from her brother, which was a slight to the family, of course. Caterina had long since forgiven him his usurpation, and had not learned that relatives could not always be trusted. Instead, she only saw the best in her relatives, following blindly the warmth of their love for her. Stupid, she could be, on occasion. Her smile did not falter, even as she shoveled a small amount of food in her mouth and Christina spoke of her love for England. Caterina had grown quite fond of it as well, she had to admit. But not so fond as she would ever be of Italy. She still sorely missed Milan, Forli, Imola, Rome.. all the wonderful places she had spent most of her life. Her reasons for being in England, however, were being terrible drawn out and she found herself not working as hard toward them as she should. Perhaps she was glad, as terrible as it may seem, to be away from obligations and children in Forli. Here, she could relax.. certainly, the pressure of her reason for being there was constantly on her back. But she felt safer in the knowledge that things were, in fact, being set in motion. "I'm glad to hear it," she said, not realizing that Christina had just admitted to riding with a man, unattended. Her fork half way to her mouth again, however, she realized it. Her eyes narrowed and she dropped the fork to her plate. "Why did I not hear of this sooner? You know I need to know these things, Christina. I cannot have you riding with strangers!" her voice commanded a fury that was so subtle, yet so clear, that one couldn't confuse it for anything but anger. Caterina was not angry that she was riding with a man. Caterina couldn't care less. She could understand that while relationships with men in many instances could be of a sexual nature, they could also be innocent. Caterina would not jump to conclusions. Not now. Later, for certain. She could not berate the girl for more than one thing at once... well, she could. But she found that that just led to confusion and silly accusations. With a breath, Caterina calmed for a second, long enough to formulate the words. "The Brother of Lord Warwick, you say? You must cease all meetings with him until I can speak with him. If I deem him trustworthy enough to be in your company you may assume your meetings with him. But not 'till then." Her tone was a command. She was being fair, she thought. She normally wasn't so fair. But this morning she found herself extraordinarily lenient. |
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| Christina of Denmark | Nov 18 2010, 12:19 PM Post #6 |
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Christina couldn't help but wince at Caterina's fury. She knew her cousin would never raise a hand to her, but the sheer force of her voice was enough to sting her. It was an extraordinary power she had and Christina was a bit envious of it. She wondered how she would enforce laws and the like when she was much softer on matters of state. Then again, she was still very young. She had learned a few things from her husband who had still been raised to become the Duke of Milan when the duchy had been returned to his family. Late into the night, he would speak lovingly of Milan and all he hoped to do. Starry-eyed that he'd even spoken to her, a girl, about these matters, she felt closer to him and it was on that night she let him have her. He had protested that she was so young and he couldn't steal her innocence so young, but she'd reminded him of the men who had no issue with bedding twelve-year-old unwilling virgins. She was a bit older and willing, she'd continued. After that, Francesco didn't have anything to say but to draw her into his arms. She remembered the following nights following that and how she'd lost him so quickly.She had felt, for a moment, that she had been a curse on him. That he had angered God because, though she was willing, she was not the agreed upon age for consummation of their marriage. She had bitterly wept, hating herself for doing that to him. Her aunt had fretted over her and told her that the royal blood thrice over ran through her veins and she should act like it. She did her best, but continued to feel like she was the reason he was gone. Bringing herself back to the present, she thought of Andrew and how she didn't want him to meet a terrible fate at her expense. So, she bit her lip and said, "I am sorry. In the future, I will remember to tell you, but I was enjoying myself so much that the thought didn't even cross my mind." When Caterina said she must cease meeting with him until she deemed him trustworthy, Christina was glad that she didn't forbid her from meeting with him completely. She knew it would tear at her to be away from the man she had grown to love so dearly, but if it kept him from a worse fate and her from losing him entirely, she would welcome it with open arms. "I will do as you wish, Caterina." she assured the woman before her as she poked at her breakfast. "I am certain he won't be averse to speaking with you about me." Andrew wouldn't betray their secret, she knew, and was grateful for it. She didn't want to tell Caterina she had gone to a man's bed as willingly as she had. She was brought up in a strict household, though, and she doubted Caterina even though she would act in that manner. |
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| Caterina Sforza | Nov 21 2010, 12:41 AM Post #7 |
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Caterina's cousin had loved his wife, she always thought. She had not gotten to spend much time with them both as a couple, as they all had issues of their own that took up precious time. But she had spent enough to understand that Francesco had trusted her. Her uncle might not have been trustworthy at one point, but she trusted his judgment. He had been smart to run when he did.. a coward, of course.. but smart. The house Sforza were sensible people and she did not think Francesco's trust in Christina could have been misplaced. And so, when Christina said that she simply forgot she believed her. She couldn't help but still give her a look of disappointment, however. Christina should not be forgetting to tell her such things, as it was obviously important. If Caterina was a prude she would have demanded Christina be under surveillance from now on, but she was not. Caterina trusted that Christina knew how to keep herself in the eyes of men, but only in their eyes. She couldn't shake the look of disappointment, yet she smiled. "Enjoying yourself, were you?" she asked, her eyes only averted to her plate for a second before meeting Christina's again. She decided that the girl was so obedient and didn't make a fuss of Caterina's orders that she could only repay her by being as interested and inquisitive as she had been in the beginning of their conversation. She repaid her obedience with kindness, as it were.. a fair trade. "What could be so enjoyable on a morning ride with the Earl of Warwick's brother?" her inquiry was not threatening.. it appeared as though Caterina was now talking to no one but a dear friend of hers, in whose life she took a great interest. And that was indeed what Christina was, and though Caterina would have loved nothing better than to show her disappointment in Christina still, she couldn't help but be glad that she had found something so enjoyable in England and the disappointment was wiped from her look. [[if this makes no sense, I blame the fact that it's 3:40 am! ]]
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| Christina of Denmark | Nov 22 2010, 02:50 PM Post #8 |
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Christina wasn't about to tell Caterina how much she was enjoying herself, but she nodded and smiled. "I was," she replied, "very much. It was nice to have someone to spend time with since you've been so busy with your own affairs." She assumed this would please Caterina and it was true; she didn't want to distract or meddle in the older woman's affairs. She knew that Caterina was as intelligent and calculating as she was beautiful. She was not a woman to mess with in any form, so she never desired to call on her in case she was busy. She thought that would be most appreciated and hoped it was. She would wait to see what Caterina had to say on the matter. She hesitated a moment before answering the next query. "As I said, it was nice to have someone's company. He's far more intelligent than anyone gives him credit for. I've heard terrible rumors and reserved judgement on him." Now she smiled. "I find him now to be most companionable and keeping up with him has much improved my horsemanship. You would be pleased now on quickly and well I ride." Christina hadn't spent much time on a horse as her aunt hadn't given her the necessary tutelage. Francesco did employ someone to help her, but that was mere weeks before his death and this was not sufficient time to learn better horsemanship. But it wasn't as though she had been completely terrible, it was just that she was not all that she could be before those rides. In any form. |
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| Caterina Sforza | Nov 28 2010, 09:54 PM Post #9 |
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It struck Caterina how perfect Christina could be on occasion. She might take initiative and be stupid in the way she had simply gone riding with a man of whom Caterina knew nothing of, but she was obedient in her telling of the deed, and agreement to not see him again until Caterina thought it proper.. not to mention that Caterina was wholly impressed by her way of not seeming overly excited when speaking of her rides with the Dudley brother, of whom Caterina could tell she was fond of. Of course, she felt a twinge of guilt at having invited Christina over to England and then not spending time with her... while Christina was obviously doing her best to seem understanding of Caterina's limited time, she couldn't help but feel guilt at the accusation. Still.. she should not feel guilty for doing what she was here to do, should she? She certainly hoped not, for she stopped the second she realized she shouldn't. ”I am glad your horsemanship is improving,” Caterina said with a nod to emphasize her pleasure at it. ”Francesco would be glad in that knowledge, I am certain. He attempted to have someone teach you before he passed, did he not?” She recalled letters from him in which he spoke about this, and smiled at the thought. If only his father had not been such a coward and practically given Milan away he would have made a great ruler, she thought, if he thought of insignificant details like trying to teach his wife how to ride, while attempting to war with the usurping French. A shame such brilliance would never be seen to lead again. ”Do tell of these rumors, will you? I think I'd care for being skeptical of this man before I meet him. It makes first impressions, if grand, so much grander.” That was true, of course, but Caterina also hoped to make out what kind of character he was before she met him, so she could judge him the way he should be judged. She would not have Christina spending time with someone whose bad reputation might rub off on Christina.. that, sadly, could end in scandal, and that was the last Caterina wanted from her trip. |
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6:36 AM Jul 11