Ah, no luck with the old horse this eve. Perhaps the young stallion shall yield better results. ⚜️ 𝓕𝓻𝓪𝓷ç𝓸𝓲𝓼, 𝓛𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓾𝓹𝓱𝓲𝓷 ⚜️.

Oh, nonsense! I don't want you, I just enjoy making you miserable.

"Cousin! You grow lovelier every time I lay eyes on you."

You look like you're about to cry. Is your father being an embarrassment again?

It's not; it's better, I am told. Nevertheless, I am glad to see you. How are you and your siblings?

Éléonore offered one of her rare smiles along with her hand for him to kiss. "You get taller every time I come back."

I know; that's why I love him: he knows my value.

His gritted teeth brought a self satisfied smile to her face. Éléonore raised her nose. "You'd put me to work? I am not sure if you are trying to insult me or please me."

"You know the French court is a godless place, so let us discuss something more palatable instead... Let's say, your search for a suitable husband. Who are you better inclined to, my nephew Felipe or my step son, Henri? I hear they are both very taken with you."

You look sullen.

"More like you tossed me a bone and expect me to wag my tail in excitement." Éléonore pointed out with skepticism. "Let your old mére, sœur and whatever lover you are dotting on at the moment compete for scraps and prominence at court."

The urge to flick his nose to make him speak up. Not even Monsieur de Orléans is this grumpy.

His sincerity mollified Éléonore unyielding demeanour. "It's a long list. Are you certain you wish to know?"

I see... ( Carefully files this information away in case it's needed to torture him in the future. ) I take things have not improved between you two.

And here I thought my parents were absent. Wish there were a way to set things right with him...

"Thought so."

That is a blessing. I have only seen the Dauphin since my arrival. I was on my way to visit the princesses and I'll pay Catherine a visit to see how she's faring.

She doubts he would be able to handle it, but since he is in such a giving mood, perhaps he would allow her to choose who to put in charge of the celebrations.

The signing of the Capitulations of Santa Fe on April 17, 1492, by Isabella I and Ferdinand II marked a turning point in world history. Following the end of the Reconquista, this document formalized support for Christopher Columbus’s first voyage across the Atlantic.

"I appreciate your kindness, husband." Éléonore said with a regal nod of her head.