Her Sway on Spain

    The mop made soapy trails along the floor as well as a pile of grime within the strings. It glided across the floor as my feet trailed behind in a swishing motion. The door burst open with a clang and I turned to find Felix staring wide-eyed and out of breath in the doorway. He stumbled out of the doorway and closed the door gently behind him.
“We need to talk.” he says while pulling a paper encrusted with a layer of dirt as thick as swamp water out of his trousers.
“What?” I asked with deep confusion. Never had Felix ever been so excited or anxious about anything before. The only time he had maybe been interested in my affairs or life was when my mother passed and I inherited her large fortune. I leaned the mop against the wall and pulled a chair up next to him.
"This is your family line." he whispered while staring intently at the document.
"Why does this concern me?" I ask, now annoyed that he is keeping me from doing my chores.
"Your mother lied. She was not who you thought she was."    
"Unless my mother had eight siblings no one mentioned, my impatience will not be kind to you." I said thoroughly bothered.
"Not siblings, but a king for a husband and a mistress as a job might be something worth mentioning." he exclaimed, his eyes sparkle with delight.
"What!?" I yell, knocking the broom to the floor, "This can not be. My mother was anything but an abandoning mistress of all things! How dare you!" I stormed out of the room, not waiting to see Felix's reaction. My feet thudded against the hardened mud and my hands clenched and unclenched at my sides. I could not calm myself enough to gather even one simple thought. The only thing racing through my mind was the thought of my mother in expensive silk gowns and a diamond diadem atop her brow while I sat in filth and grime with one pair of rags. How could she leave me here with a bunch of nuns while she enjoyed the company of nobles and the King? Was I as worthless as the dirt under her feet? I would surely find out but for now, I must find if my claim on the throne of Spain is valid. If she truly could leave her family behind for a life of luxury, then I can reclaim my birthright as Queen of Spain.
•••
I rushed through the chapel as fast as possible without disturbing the prayers and services happening behind curtains and between pillars. I turned the corner to see a large wooden frame with bulky doors as the entrance to the Priest's private prayer chambers. I breathed in and pushed open the doors to see a young boy and an old man kneeling before a small statue of Jesus. Only the boy, about my age with sandy blonde hair and the bluest eyes I have ever seen, turned to acknowledge my presence.
"Father, could we speak now?" I said softly as not to disturb his prayers too much.
"Your concerns and wishes must be heard at the right moment and this is not so." he says calmly with his eyes still closed.
"Vicente, please leave us be, my boy." The boy rose and turned to walk out the door but instead turned to me and bowed. My eyes grew big and he looked uncomfortable in his kneeling position.
"No. No. Rise. I am not royalty. I do not deserve your kindness." I said in a rushed tone while pulling him off his knees. His face showed astonishment at my sudden hostility.
"Yes my Queen." he mumbled as he rushed out of the room.
The priest then turned and hoisted himself off the podium. He spoke before he turned and saw the obvious anger in my posture and facial expressions.
"My child, I sense this visit will be anything but pleasurable for you." he says making a frown that causes deep wrinkles in his forehead.
"I assumed so, but I must have answers where my family line and the heir of Spain is concerned."
"Catalina, your mother was a chatelaine of the King of Spain. As you know she passed on two years ago due to the Black Death and you were sent to live here with the Convent." he paused to quench his thirst and started again, "The current Queen, Felicia, is infertile and will never have an heir to the throne of Spain."
"How could this be? It has been said that she is pregnant and is due to have a baby boy!" I whispered.
"The news is false. Her secret has been shared with few people and it should stay this way as well. Considering King Fernando had only one mistress we have known of, you are the only rightful heir to the throne of Spain." I closed my eyes and made a silent prayer to God. How could this be? This was insane. Why had they only chosen to tell me now? A million questions flittered in my brain and my legs felt weak.
He sighed and said, "Fernando is dying." Only silence followed his statement and I felt woozy at the thought. "You will be taken to the castle at dawn and presented to the king and queen in the afternoon. You will be shown the ways and graces of a princess and you will plan your coronation with Queen Felicia. I will visit every week until King Fernando's death. This is your destiny my dear. Fulfill it wisely and gracefully." There were no words. What was I supposed to say to the news that I, a simple girl who swept floors and worked in church kitchens, would soon run the entirety of Spain. I could not fathom the possibility.
"Thank you, Father." I murmured and quietly left the chambers and the church and walked home without doing anything but breathing.
•••
A loud knocking sounded at my door and I turned over in my bed. A cool breeze washed over me as the door was opened and my covers were thrown off.
"Please. One. More. Minute." I mumbled.
"Ms. Catalina, your carriage is waiting and you can either get up yourself and let me assist you in dressing, or I will drag you out of this wretched bed and forcefully dress you."
"Fine." I groan and force myself to get out of bed. The fierce nursemaid undressed me and helped to force my oversized body into a stuffy and very expensive gown in which I would present myself to the royals in. I waddled my way to the carriage and apologized to the coachman when my dress and all its folds would not fit into the carriage. As we waited for the larger carriage, my servants and nuns that helped "hide" me wished me goodbye. Right as I was about to enter the doorway of the carriage, a figure came running towards me carrying a dangling object in his hand.
"Catalina!" he yelled frantically.
"Salvador!" I said in surprise. I had met Salvador (Salvi for short) in the Convent kitchens when he volunteered for homeless night. We were serving Gachas that night and Salvi was right there next to me hacking at the roasted pig's head just the same. We had a friendship like no other and we constantly fought and made up just like best friends always do. Salvi was my rock, he was always there for me.
•••
One day, we were walking in the halls of the Convent and talking and gossiping as usual. As soon as the rest of the nuns had cleared out, he turned to me and pushed me against the wall.
“You know I have a secret.” he whispered, his breath hot on my neck. I had no words because I could not a fathom a single thought. I felt a sudden urge to push my lips against his and feel our bodies merge into one.
“Tell me. Please. I beg you.” I said, wanting so badly to touch him.
“I love you. I have always loved you.” he mumbled as his lips came closer to mine. I felt my head tilt up to him and our lips met. He moved his hands closer to my lower back and continued to kiss me. Feelings of joy and passion rushed through me and made me shiver under his touch. A thought of my mother and the king together popped into mind. Then, a following thought of me and Salvi. Me as his mistress just as my mother had been the King’s.
“No. No.” I whispered feeling his mouth separate from mine. “We can’t do this. Not now. Not ever.” I pushed him away and rushed down the hallway, not glancing back to see Salvi’s predictably astonished face.
•••
Now, Salvi’s eyes were the same handsome shade of green I remember but a cloud of grey covering all joy and happiness hid his shine that used to glimmer in those gorgeous eyes.
“Catalina, hello.” he began to enter a bow but I stopped him. “I wanted to wish you well on your travels but also give you this parting gift.” He held up a silver necklace with a moonstone gem in the center of the necklace giving a warm glow to the gift.
“Salvi, what a wonderful present. I am delighted to see you here sending me off.” I said giving him a genuine smile and bright eyes.
“Anything for you my Queen.” he said, a flush of red coming to his cheeks.
“Please don’t. We are close enough that formalities are not needed. I will never get used to the sound of Queen anyway.” I stepped down from the carriage and took his arm as he lead me back to the hall. My thoughts were no longer on the castle and my destiny but on my crush who is currently the only thing I have left.
“Can we go somewhere to be alone for a moment?” he asked with inquisitive eyes as he held out his arm for the taking.
“I would love to.” I whispered as I hooked my arm under his. We started to walk towards the living quarters of the Convent. The only sound in the halls were the giggles of passing nuns and the shuffle and clack of our shoes on the tiled floor. The rough fabric of his coat scratched the silk of my gloves. We turned the corner and were about to continue on our stroll when the cranky nursemaid from earlier ran into us.
“I apologize madam.” she said with a grunt. I nodded in approval and she shuffled out of our way.
“Wait. Please. What is your name? I never got to thank you for helping me this morning.” I said with as much kindness and grace as I could muster.
“Cora, my lady.” she said with a hint of surprise in her voice.
“Thank you so much for putting up with me while I might not have been the most cooperative.”
“It is my job. You are my Queen.” she said with approval covering her disdain. I started to walk away with Salvador on my trail.
“You will be an amazing ruler.” he whispered in my ear as he pulled open a chamber door and started to enter. I walked in and sat in the velvet chair closest to the door.
“My ensemble will be waiting. We must be hasty.” I said quickly as to not waste anymore time. He pulled a chair up next to me and took my hands in his. We sat in silence for what seemed like forever. His hands were warm and strong and were supporting against my weak and feeble frame.
"I will miss you Catalina. The halls will be as empty as ever without your constant squealing." he said with a laugh.
"I definitely will not miss your rude and annoying attitude, Salvador." I said sarcastically.
"I have decided to inquire into my family line just as Felix did with you.” he said, suddenly serious.
“Oh.” I said. “What are you hoping to find Salvi? I’m sure nothing of interest will come up, especially nothing worth the price you must pay to get this information.”
“If your line can come from royalty, I do not see why mine could not.” he said with a grunt.
“How will you find the money to fund this inquiry?”
“I am getting money from the church and Father Agusti said he would stand behind my investigation.”
“I do not know if this is such a good idea.”
“I wanted to tell you of my plans, not ask you for your permission.” he sneered.
“I just want you to be safe. You are the last person I have. I can not lose you.” I said. I felt tears gathering in my eyes.
“I will not do anything rash, but I must know my origins to understand who I am.” he said while wrapping his arms around me.
“I believe in you.” I said.
“Never forget me.” he said and kissed me lightly on the lips before rushing me out the door and down the hall.
“I couldn’t if I tried.” I said as I stepped into the carriage.
•••
The bumps and rumbles of the road did nothing to disturb my thoughts of Salvi and the eternal feeling of his soft lips against mine. I scolded myself for thinking of him when I was about to start my new life as Queen and I would never see him again. Besides, my status is now higher than his and it would be wrong for him to hunt a status higher than his for a wife. I watched the hills and fields of the land surrounding the golden carriage that was being used to transport me and my belongings to this palace that would soon be known as home. Could I ever get used to this lavish and elaborate form of living? My hut of a home had been just enough for me and it was all I needed to survive. The thought of having four different rooms as my bedroom alone was terrifying. I did not want to turn and forget all the hardships I had learned, such as hunger and thirst. I had prayed to God in these miserable times and I didn’t want my faith in Him to diminish because I no longer knew the feeling of starvation. Suddenly, the view of the palace came into view and the horses clicking on the cobblestone slowed. The castle was bigger than I could have ever imagined. The drawbridge was the size of four horses stacked on top of each other. There were guards in red capes and silver armour guarding every inch of the visible land and I immediately felt uncomfortable under their piercing glare. I soon heard trumpets blaring, announcing my arrival. The carriage rolled to a stop and I heard the click of the carriage door. Light flooded in, blinding me. I took a step out of the carriage and saw a sea of people all kneeling on their knees with heads bowed in respect. This was the beginning.
I was escorted to my chambers and was poked, prodded, and picked at until my skin was gleaming and I was hurting at every movement. They shoved me into a grand dress with pearls and gold lining. The skirt had ruffles that swished when I walked and the corset was covered in white lace with gold ribbons garnishing every crevice. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and I felt out-of-place wearing it. I was about to call for my maid to ask when lunch would be when I heard knocking at my door.
“Ms. Catalina” he said through the door.
“Come in.” I said while straightening my dress and fixing my hair. He walked in and closed the door behind him. He was an older man with white hair and wrinkled features. His clothes were of a noble man but more like the Queen’s right hand man.
“Hello my lady, I am Simoné. I am here to escort you to the Queen’s dining room to have a formal meal with her.” he murmured almost as if he was afraid someone would hear what he was saying.
“Thank you Simoné. I would be delighted to attend.” I said confidently as he led me out the door.
•••
The dining room was huge. The size of it seemed like it was the size of the entire Convent. The dining table itself was furnished with recently polished silverware and expensive cloth from God knows what countries. The table was 12 feet long and looked as if it could seat one hundred people, but the only chairs in the room were at the opposite ends of the lovely dining table. I tried to keep my jaw from dropping in astonishment, but when the Queen herself walked in in her extravagant dress I could not hold it together. I was so awestruck at her beauty that I almost forgot to bow in respect. Her bodice was covered in a fine blue cloth that had to be from the Indonesian regions, and her jewelry was colossal and was a shade of gold I had never seen before. The lace fringe on her gloves complemented her tanned skin and not a wrinkle or blemish ruined her perfect complexion. She walked with such grace and refinement that one thought she was an angel of sorts and when she spoke her voice was like honey.
"Catalina, how nice to meet you my dear."
"The pleasure is all mine, your majesty." I said as confidently as I could.
"Please, join me for lunch in our grand dining hall and then I will happily escort you to the west ballroom for our afternoon planning of your coronation." she said as her words flowed out like a soothing river.
"I would be gratified to join you." I said as we started to head towards the table. The servants took the two chairs in the room and sat them near the head of the table in an L shape. The Queen started to walk towards the head chair and gestured for me to sit next to her. I waddled as delicately as possible to the cushioned chair and sat down next to her. We sat and talked for a few minutes while the servants bustled in and out of the kitchens with large and small platters of gourmet and decadent. The intriguing smell that wafted from the middle of the room was enough to make my mouth water and stomach rumble. When the Queen said she was ready to be served, the servants brought a magnanimous plate towards me and set it down. The plate was piled high with roasted boar, an assortment of summer vegetables, a loaf of baked bread fresh out of the oven, spiced potatoes, merienda, flan, panellets, natillas, and horchata. I wanted so badly to stuff my face with these delectable foods, but a thought of the poor homeless people we used to feed at the Convent crossed my mind.
Not wanting to offend the Queen too much I said, "This seems like a lot of food for only two people, your grace."
"Only the best for Spain's future Queen." she replied, "If this is too much at once I will excuse you to let you have a quiet luncheon in your chambers."
"No. The feast is fine, but I am nervous for the coronation and my rule. I still don't quite understand why I am here." I whisper.
"My sweet child, I believe you will be the perfect ruler for Spain. As for the reason I am not ruling, I am sick my child." she says with a large sigh, "I was diagnosed with the plague and will not recover anytime soon. That is why you are needed here in the castle to take over Spain for me."
"I will do my best to fulfill your wishes and make you proud, your majesty." I said. She nodded in acknowledgement. We sat and ate in silence for our lunch and when I was finally dismissed, I ran to my room. My breath was ragged and my legs were wobbling when I finally leaned on the bedpost. My shaking was both out of nervousness and panic. My mind raced. I was definitely not ready for this. How could I control a country when I could not even control my own self? How was the queen dying? It makes no sense. I felt lightheaded and had to sit down. I could not find the words to describe my nerves and anxiety towards planning my own coronation.
•••
The next thing I knew, I was down in the west ballroom going over tablecloth fabric swatches and flower scents with the present Queen of Spain. All the details seemed frivolous due to the fact I had just come a couple of hours ago from a shack to call a home. Just as Queen Felicia summoned over some servants with slices of delicious cake the size of my head, the Pope and his posse passed by with the gleaming crown I would soon wear. The crown itself was beyond extravagant, it was encrusted with many jewels and the metal was a glittering silver that made strings of light glimmer across the room. I could not stop myself from standing and staring with a gaping mouth. The Queen turned and smiled at my astonishment.
"Do you like it my dear?" she asked kindly.
"It is beautiful." I finally say. My nervousness clearly showed in my voice.
"Leave us." the Queen said as she waved her hands in a swatting motion. The shuffles of feet and the clattering of polished silver sounded throughout the hall until there was only me and the Queen standing next to each other in the open room.
"I know it is scary my child, I was in the same position once." she sighed. The years of stress and worry starting to show on her face. "I understand you will try to be perfect and rule as any good leader should, but you will make mistakes. You will not always do what is the popular opinion, but no matter how you end up, I will be proud to have known you. You will be a wonderful Queen, Catalina." I turned and saw a single tear roll down her cheek. She grabbed my shoulders gently and kissed my brow. Her face was caring and my heart ached for my own mother. I wish she could see me now.
•••
The night of the coronation arrived and the guests were arriving days before. I had yet to see Salvador from the last time in the chambers. Felix was to be my counselor through the coronation and help with the decision and paper signing afterwards. Suddenly, I felt a huge burden on my shoulders and I wanted to crawl away and hide. My servants were rushing to and fro throughout the room gathering and fetching things to prepare for my dressing. I was called soon afterward to be pampered and styled for my coronation. The dress I was to be wearing was silver and blue. The blue lace wrapped around the corset and the silver lining sparkled in the moonlight. I asked for a non-extravagant look, but my servants tried all they knew about simple hairstyles and ended with a beautiful braided twist. My hair was braided into small pieces and tucked into each other to create an elaborate hairdo. Tiny white pearls were braided and tucked into every crevice of my hair that was visible. I stared at myself in the mirror and wondered how I had gotten here. Days ago, I was a small girl who lived in a church and fed the homeless. Now, I was a future Queen dressed in lavish gowns while eating delicate foods I would never have come across in my old state. I was the same but something felt different. I was powerful and fearful of that power.
I waited a couple minutes more, admiring my dress and hair in the small mirror they supplied. I heard a small thump on the door and turned to see Felicia walking in. Her dress was not as extensive as mine but still very gorgeous as to give me the spotlight.
“Hello Catalina. You look lovely darling.” she said as she admired my dress.
“Thank you Queen Felicia. I only wish I looked as captivating as you do.” I said.
“My dear, I am here to escort you to your coronation. Do not be nervous. You will be an amazing Queen.” she said with a look of longing in her eyes. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I will ever be.” I said as I took her arm and we walked out the door and down the stairs where a crowd of people had gathered to witness my arrival. The people bowed as I descended the stairs with Felicia on my arm.
“Rise.” the Queen said and the crowd stood on command and formed rows for us to walk through. We walked down the aisle and kneeled at the feet of the Pope. The Queen removed her golden coronet and placed it on a red velvet pillow at the top of the stairs. She walked up and sat in her throne and peered down at me, smiling. The priest walked up and down the aisles sprinkling powder and oils while chanting in a foreign language I did not know. My knees were aching and my back cramped from kneeling so long. As his reciting died, he placed the crown atop my head and put the sceptre in my hand. I stood and faced my people. The people knelt and repeated the same phrase over and over for what seemed like an eternity.
“Long Live the Queen, Long Live the Queen.” My excitement was overwhelming but a pounding thumped against the back of my brain. Small dots of black wavered across my vision and I felt woozy. The chanting stopped and everyone rushed out of the room towards the east ballroom for the coronation party that follows.
•••
The music flowed through the room giving it a magical feel to the night. I slow danced my way around the room and found myself standing face to face with Salvador.
“Salvi.” I said with joy and relief in my voice.
“Shh.” he whispers as he wraps his arm around my waist and I place my hand in his. We waltz through the crowd ignoring everyone in our path. “I do not have much time, but I wanted to tell you what I found out. I found that your family line is the Amador family. Mine is the Mendezo family. The Mendezo family line was royal but when my grandmother was Queen, she was not able to have an heir during her rule and the mistress’ child, Franz Amador, took the throne. I have discovered that my mother was born during the Coronation Planning period and was hidden away to safety. When she had me, I was hidden just the same. The Amador family is in line, you are an Amador. I am the rightful king to the Spanish throne.” he whispered as our dance came to an end. My vision went black for a moment and my legs felt weak. Why would he tell me such a dangerous thing at such an inopportune time?
“How could this be?” I asked. My stomach tightened and I felt myself falling before I knew what happened. The edges of my vision went dark.
“I am so sorry.” he whispered as I fell into his arms. “I must fulfill my family destiny.”
“Salvador. No. What have you done?” My forehead underneath the crown started to burn. Then it hit me. I was being removed from the throne of Spain so Salvi could become king. The only way to remove me would be to kill me. The crown was poisoned. I would not live to see morning. My cheeks were now wet with tears. I could not move, I was paralyzed. 
“I love you Catalina Amador.” he said as he kissed my lips taking the saltiness of my tears with him. I looked upward and into the bright light. A string of blood rushed out of my nose. My brow burned. I could do nothing but lie there in his arms as I reached the end. I prayed to God and fought to stay. I tried to scream but nothing happened. Silence filled the room as everyone gathered around me. My body went limp. I stared into Salvi’s eyes as my world went black.
The End.