。゜* › 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 : 𝙰𝙽 𝙸𝙽𝚃𝚁𝙾𝙳𝚄𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽.
BULLET POINTS:
NAME: Catherine
AGE / D.O.B.: 21 / November 21 1537
STATUS / RANK: Princess of Spain
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain
PLACE OF BIRTH: Rome, Italy
BIRTH ORDER: Second child, only daughter
MOTHER & FATHER: Mary Tudor & Phillip II of Spain
SIBLINGS: One twin brother
SEXUALITY: Heterosexual
HOROSCOPE: Scorpio
VIRTUES: Charming, Articulate, Steadfast
VICES: Meddlesome, Impatient, Conniving
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
ISSUE: None
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
ALLIES: Roman Catholic supporters/The Vatican, tbd
ADVERSARIES: Protestants.
TIMELINE:
[ 1537 ] › Catherine and her twin brother are born to Mary Tudor & Phillip II. Although the two married out of necessity, they have a tolerance of each other quite advanced for the time and this transcends into their parenting. All things considered, they're good parents in comparison to the norm of the time.
[ 1548 ] › At eleven years old, Catherine has her first notable interaction with the public. While on her way from Easter mass, she spots a woman with young children selling beaded ornaments - no doubt the family's sole source of income. She decides then and there to buy all of the ornaments, and so her reputation as the Beloved princess of Spain begins.
[ 1552 ] › While on a horse ride, the horse is spooked causing Catherine to fall off the horse. She not only breaks her left arm but sustains head injuries to the point where she befalls a coma for eight days. This event is when her formidability in the eye of the population is made clear - with vigils and masses being held across the kingdom wishing for the speedy recovery of the young princess. When she wakes, there are celebrations throughout the kingdom and an innumerable number of gifts sent to the castle. This event also sets a lifelong fear of horses in Catherine, although she will never admit it.
[ 1557 ] › The death of Henry VIII and subsequent succession of William stirs old feelings of unrest and distaste in Mary Tudor. Catherine has always known of the strife between her mother and her maiden house, however, it's made more clear and understood to new depths with the change of King. Somewhere deep inside Catherine feels her mother was cheated and begins to entertain the idea that her brother should be in the true line of succession. She doesn't dare act upon it but takes note of Roman Catholic supporters who have the same idea.
[ 1559 ] › Catherine is sent with her brother in lieu of her mother's appearance in Hampton court to ease the tension between the states. Catherine has a reputation of being charming and likeable and her mother knows she will do well. Catherine agrees as she decides this is her opportunity to see the comings and goings around the English throne and whether or not this is something she is willing to fight to put her brother upon.
BIOGRAPHY:
Catherine, born into the royal house of Spain was ever the ensnarer from a young age. Big warm eyes paired with the cheeky wit of the young princess did wonders in charming over even the stiffest of guests. She grew up with the fine education expected of any young princess, excelling in arts, arithmetic, and music alike. There was no doubt she was bright and astute, a trait that didn't go unnoticed by her mother who trained her daughter in the many advantages of honeyed whispers and a dazzling smile. If the circumstances were different Catherine often wonders what a secluded, normal life of peace would be like, but she's not normal, so instead she finds herself often meddling in troublesome affairs, taking a keen interest in coaxing hidden truths from people around her. Sometimes, to keep her from boredom and other times on orders from her mother.
As the years went by, Catherine came to solidify herself in Spain as very much the people's princess. Catherine the Beloved. She could play a crowd like a fiddle, just as she could any man. Every year on her birthday, the civilians would send gifts of whatever they could to the young princess. While Catherine had yet to use her likability in the game of political prowess, she was merely biding her time, but others often saw her as no threat. Just a pretty princess that the people took to, a passing entertainer to the public to keep them occupied. However, unbeknownst to most, and the full extent even unknown to herself, her mass admiration gained her support amongst many facets of society - sure to be useful later.
When invited to the Hampton Court, Catherine couldn't resist indulging in the invitation. She can spot an opportunity to expand her horizons (quite literally) and network when she saw one, she was a princess after all. She's used to being liked by almost anyone who comes across her, but England is cold and brings different and new challenges and she's unsure of how the people will respond to her. In all honesty, she's unsure of what she will do if she's not received well. Nonetheless, a challenge she can rise to on the occasion because she's the princess of Spain and she'll be damned if she can't come out on top.
WANTED CONNECTIONS:
A Friend Among Foes - Someone who shows Catherine around Court, acquaints her with English life. She feels incredibly homesick sometimes, so to have someone try and make her feel more comfortable would be nothing short of a Godsend. This can develop into a more romantic plot or simply stay as friends depending on chemistry.
Ally - Someone who wants to form an alliance with Spain through Catherine. They can be as overt or covert in their advances as you would like.
Roman Catholic Sympathiser - Someone who believes Mary Tudor belongs on the throne, and thereby also her son. Has noted Catherine's reputation in Spain of being so beloved and believes she is the perfect gateway/face to begin a strong movement against the Protestant throne.
Rumour Mill - Someone who is spreading rumours about Catherine for reasons utp and therefore Catherine has a quite hostile relationship with.
Scandalous Affair - Perhaps a married man or someone notably beneath her station. They take a liking to each other and despite trying to fan down the flames, things unravel into a scandalous affair (the extent of which can be discussed later).