mundos dobles

Juan Alvarez de Mendoza. Spanish diplomat. A man of two worlds.

[juandemendoza]

blushofflowers‌:

          nalini had begun the day quietly, peacefully, full of thumbs stained green and a sore heart. it had been simple movements at first, and limited ones too; there was only so much she could do with her arms full of wildflowers.

          but when she heard the scrape of a bootheel over stone, she wished she could disappear underneath her wild bounty. her blush was hot, her eyes wide as she tried her best to hide her face behind the blossoms she carried. she, too, had made something of an undignified squeak upon hearing a man’s rough voice carry through the still morning air.

          she hoped his words would be an end to the chance meeting entirely, but courtesy demanded she reply. she strangled the shyness seizing up her tongue, cleared her throat, and said distinctly, “i do not mind it much, sir— pray, forget the incident altogether, there is no harm done.”

He had no desire to overstay his welcome, but he was endlessly curious about the woman before him, genuinely intrigued as he watched her when she stilled, burying her face in the wildflowers. She was charming to him, and he smiled - friendly and well-meaning, helping to pick up a few flowers that seemed to have fallen from her hold as she danced, offering them to her. 

“I will not bother you any further, but I feel I must ask - is there a task that brings you out at this early hour? I only wondered if I might be of any help - but if I am interrupting, you may send me on my way.”

[juandemendoza]

mistressxliya‌:

A light smile rested on her lips at his words. Self-occupied. What a wonderful word to describe court. “If anyone did mind, I’d suggest they perhaps try reading the books themselves.” She’d met some educated fools, but most people who enjoyed reading tended to have some common sense. 

She could tell he wasn’t Portuguese, there was enough of a difference for someone so accustomed to accents, but she was sure he must be out of place in court as she was. People who were different always were. “You definitely have not made my acquaintance, I arrived this past week. I am Liya da Covilhã, my lord. A lady of Portugal and Ethiopia. I accompanied my brother, Carlos, he is a diplomat.” 

“I think you may have a point. Many of them could gain much from even a day of study, but I think that interests them all very little.” Juan couldn’t help but let his smile widen, bemused at the lady’s point as he stepped fully into the room. She was easier to observe as he came closer - a warm beauty about her, and yet something curious in her eyes that he couldn’t quite place.

“Ah - my lady, it is a pleasure.” He took her hand in warm greeting, bowing his head. “I should think your brother and I may soon work in the same circles - for I am the envoy of His Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor, for just over two years.” He tilted his head, taking her in, though his curiosity got the better of him. “If you will permit me - I do not think I know Ethiopia. I would be delighted to hear more about it, if you might have the time to have a cup of wine and some conversation.”

[juandemendoza]

blushofflowers‌:

          a strange sort of homesickness had set in, one out of place amongst the festivities. one that called not for portugal, but for punjab. despite all her small, stolen european traits, despite the distance in time and years between nalini and the house of her birth, she still remembered much— so very much. some parts she craved to see again. she remembered being very small, watching a temple dancer in all her finery dance at a festival she had long forgotten the name and time of. if she asked sneha, she would most likely remember.

          but for now, that lively temple dancer still danced in her memory. she was graceful, to be sure, but there was no chance that nalini could emulate her grace… 

          but there was no one around on her way back from the gardens just after sunrise, her arms full of wildflowers, her bounty nearly overwhelming. she slowed, then paused. she tapped her foot against the courtyard’s floor, just as the dancer had, and moved her head, just so, just as in her memory. soft, slow movements of dance brought to life nalini’s memory of that childhood afternoon, and the world around faded away as nalini closed her eyes and moved without a care in the world.

Juan had not intended to stare. It was merely a matter of coincidence, that he had awakened early for his prayers, and had decided when he finished to breathe some of the fresh air of the gardens. His mind had been moving at rapid speeds as the wedding preparations developed around him, and it helped to find a moment to bring himself some peace, to simply take in creation as it was intended to be seen, in the warm light of morning.

He stopped short when he spotted the dancer as he turned down one of the garden’s winding paths at his slow, meandering pace. He had no particular destination in mind, and so the interruption was not unwelcome. The longer he looked, though, he felt somewhat like a voyeur, witnessing something not intended for his eyes. It was difficult to look away, though, and he stood still - intrigued as the woman moved, her body all but flowing. He made up his mind to turn back the way he came and leave the woman to her dance, but one of the stones in the paved path caught his foot in just the wrong way - causing him to stumble with a sound of alarm that surely caught the lady’s attention. Juan looked to her and offered a look of apology. “I did not mean to disturb you, my lady. Please do not let my foolish curiosities interrupt your morning.”

[juandemendoza]

mistressxliya‌:

Arriving in the English court just in time to hear the announcement had been an immense source of amusement for the dark skinned woman. Liya saw no reason for such an arrangement to bother people. Marriages were strategic traps, binding people together to control them. Denmark and England would be bound together, but she knew from experience, that didn’t mean it was exclusive. She’d had affairs with married men, after all, and she always got what she wanted out of them. Men were so easy to control, except her brother. She knew he’d be somewhere, trying to make good connections for both the lands that laid claim to them, and she knew she was supposed to be doing the same. What good was a spy who didn’t hear anything? 

However, she allowed herself a rare moment of silence and drew away from people today, seeking out the library. No story was ever as good as her father’s, and no education would match the one she’d had, but she still ran her finger over the spines of books. Hearing the door creak open, the smile that was always expected on her face settled into place as she turned around and bowed her head. “It is alright that I am in here, is it not?” Her accent lended more to her native home, although her father’s influence and time in Portugal did impact her skills in English. No matter how hard she tried, her voice and skin always marked her as different, so she had learned to embrace it and dare men to judge her. 

“Well, I do not wish to speak for the King or his court, but I think everyone at court is far too self-occupied to mind who uses their books.” Juan had found the space to be a solace of his own. To a degree, court had been a lonely place for the Spaniard in the years since Charles and his retinue had returned home. England had become his home away from home, and he had tried to embrace the parts of the palace that were open to him the way that he had once embraced the royal residences in Valladolid.

Juan stood inside the doorway and offered the woman before him a faint smile, taking her in. “I do not believe I have made your acquaintance, my lady. What is it that brings you to this fair court?”

[juandemendoza]

TUDORS TASK | TWO YEARS

Life has scarcely changed for Juan in the years since Henry’s coronation. When Charles and the rest of the imperial family returned to Spain, he stayed behind, as was his duty, and has faithfully been serving as the Imperial ambassador to England. He has been quietly watching, keeping an eye on the happenings of the young Henry’s court and reporting back all that he discovers to Charles.

As England has stayed mostly peaceful, Juan’s post has been almost boring. There is little to speak of on most days - and in truth, at times Juan writes just for lack of anything more to do. He remains unmarried, as he has done, and has considered perhaps becoming a man of the cloth, though he has not as yet devoted himself to that line of life. He has made friends in England, connecting especially with other Catholics and those who favor Spanish alliances.

As a devoted Catholic, Juan is worried and upset about England’s marriage alliance with Denmark. It is conflicting, as the princess has connections to the Holy Roman Empire, but she and her lords may push the Protestant reformers into more bold action, which Juan fears would push England and Spain into violent conflict.

[juandemendoza]

blessedcharlesv‌:

  How casually Juan demonstrated the strength of his character. He was not made of common clay; nor molded from vulgar materials. The outlines of his nature had been shaped with benevolence and vigor, the details embraced workmanship of delicacy; finer moral fiber then you could believe inherent in him, even after years of acquaintance. His fine nature sought to operate as a mode of comfort, yet Charles felt afflicted by shame, as his own actions were reflected in Juan’s kindness; his reflection was a discomfort. “I know all you contrive to be true; but for the aching in my heart that wishes it to be false. It is a burden, is it not - men of God, to know right and to be condemned to see it be done?”  

 Out of men’s afflictions and affections were forged the rivers of their servitude. Juan’s declaration was surely the summation of both; Charles drew steady breaths from the room, praying the air that invaded his body would dampen the acceleration of his heart. Relief had never been so intoxicating, reviving, until now - he knew Juan to be moved in the pursuit of pious honesty, or so he convinced himself, in order to greatly assuaged by the affirmation of loyalty. “God should revoke his favor from my head, as I am too glad to have such words spouted from your lips. I am honored to have you - never should I have fancied I would have credence to remark such.” He had been left soothed, yet full of solicitude; breathing a wish, as strong as a prayer. “Misery is not a fitting look for an Emperor, is it? I shall draw upon the lights in my life; for at the present, I am presented with the great joy of seeing my dear Mary, who for such time, was lost to me.” 

“I think so. But it has been said that the path of men of God is not an easy one. To choose what is right is hardly ever the easiest task, but it is the most important.” He almost felt strangely as the pieties came from his lips. How could he speak thus - leaning on faith and pious nature - when his very thoughts betrayed the very notion that was a man of God? Standing in this room now, the grip of sleep slowly fading, Juan feared he was nothing more than a pretender.

It was not helped by Charles’s next words, the soothing balm that came from Charles’s lips. “The honor is all mine, as it has always been, that you should allow me to become so close to your person when I scarcely deserve it.” He was quick to insist, his mouth feeling dry - a fact he laid at the feet of the fire he stood so near to and the winter air. Juan glanced up at Charles again, quiet for a moment - relieved that the topic had changed and his thoughts could shift. “It is a great joy indeed. She has very well served you, and your family as a daughter.” He swallowed. “You certainly have much light to look on in your life. The proximity of your whole family - that must be the greatest joy of them all, even if you do not favor the circumstances. I would that I could be favored with such blessings as you have.”

[juandemendoza]

ladymegdouglas‌:

She considered his metaphor for a moment before nodding her head. “It is much like a puzzle, yes. That is a very accurate assessment. Even going from England to Scotland and back again can take a bit of getting used to, I must admit.” She had family in both countries, but after spending so much time in England, it always took Meg a while to adjust to being back in the country of her birth. Perhaps that had to do with the fact that she had always considered herself more English than Scottish anyway. “You are a busy man, senõr, I know. The Holy Roman Emperor has many matters to attend to of late, yes?” Nearly every country Meg knew of had young royals of marriageable age and alliances were quickly being secured. “Aside from the temperature? I did find your country quite charming. Lovely, kind people. Delicious meals. Wonderful dancing! Spain is a beautiful place.”

“Naturally so, my Lady. Travel can often be a mixed blessing. Even in a position where travel is part of my work, I fear I can become terribly seasick.” Juan huffed a sound which might have been a laugh, though such a show of mirth never came to him very easily. The young lady was good company, though - reminding him in some respects of the youngest Spanish princess, with perhaps even more zeal. 

It was Juana and her sister that his thoughts turned to next as he nodded. “Indeed. The Emperor never lacks for responsibility or activity. Not least of all when it comes to his family.” Charles had innumerable plots at all times, but his focus now seemed turned to more personal matters. Juan paused, then nodded slightly. “And I’m sure you must be able to say the same thing of your brother, the King of Scots? I have only made his acquaintance briefly, yet it seems he bears the weight of responsibility well.”

Once again, Juan found himself charmed, nodding along. “My lady, I am glad to hear it. The Emperor will be pleased to know his people comported themselves toward you with kindness.”

[juandemendoza]

And I started to hear it again But this time it wasn't the end And the room was so quiet, oh And my heart is a hollow plain For the devil to dance again And the room was too quiet, oh I was looking for a breath of life A little touch of heavenly light But all the choirs in my head sang no

[juandemendoza]

nnicodemus‌:

  //     He sits at a table laid with sparing portions of bread and vegetables, a decanter of wine to the officer’s right and a chalice ushered into the gentle cradle of his right palm.  “Tis the hour of none,”  Nico smiles, raising a wordless toast before taking a copious sip, the bournes of his lips dampened by drink, “I would suggest you make the most of it before we find ourselves with the agony of counting down the time to Vespers.”

“You know I am not one inclined toward any frivolity, Señor.” The Spanish rolling from his tongue Juan was reticent, at always, seated near to the general and unswayed by his urging. Juan was always a man of more serious temperament, and while Nicodemus’s activities scarcely bothered him, he bristled someone at being pulled into them. “I think I am better suited to Vespers than the hours that precede them, I’m afraid.”

[juandemendoza]

blessedcharlesv‌:

  Juan’s vow renewal was tainted by the vice grip fatigue had on his person; each word delivered, only after being subjected to a stifled yawn. Yet this did little to deter the comfort the words brought to Charles, who was more motivated to explore his vehemence then sleep. He waged war on his own condition simultaneously calling the actions of all those around him into question. “Never shall I doubt that you work fervently to serve my family and I - my faith is tested by my patience too greatly, as of late. There is a sense of forbidding this foreign land has set into my skin, and I am all too aware of my own mortality, along with my daughters.” 

What had Charles desired of his bride? He had wished for friendship, counsel, companionship; he could not wish to deny these attributes to Isabella, whose name triggered pains of remorse in his breast. He had sought these things in the church - finding each required element in the man before him. It was his own  doing that the conversation turned to Juan’s bachelorhood, as if he willed the both of them to the pain which matrimony would invariably cause. For Juan, he would be cast from Charles circle, relegated to duties which separated them without knowledge why; Charles would nurture his hatred lovingly, until it possessed the strength to function on its own. Charles looked up from the carpet, his eyes neither cold nor malevolent as they fixated on Juan’s, his mouth not cynical. Despite the chill that took over his body, he readied himself as willing to hear Juan’s opinions on a wife. “I would not have thought you interested enough in the topic to have a preference of bride.” His countenance was restrained, though his heart was smothered by disappointment in the fact. “A Spanish bride is the only breed of woman I would consider truly worthy of you. But you speak as if much will change with your future wedding - will I lose you to a woman, Juan?” He spoke to the man as King to trusted adviser, though his heart motivated him to pose the question for entirely selfish, ungodly reasons. 

“I find that faith is best when it is tested, Your Majesty. That is how you know it to be true.” It was what he had told himself for years now when he found himself facing doubts, facing fears for his very soul in his weakest moments. “Christ himself was tested. The tests give meaning to faith.” He was nearly repeating himself and so he silenced before his words could wander too much further from him.

It was this other conversation which made Juan want to scream, in truth - indeed, he could feel the temptation clawing its way up his throat like bile. How deeply he wished to reject the notion that he desired a bride of any kind, that he had any desire at all. Instead, his features carried the same expression as before, even as he looked at Charles evenly, throat bobbing as if to physically swallow down the urge which had nearly overtaken him. “You should never lose me, Mr Lord. Nor my loyalty, to you. It comes second only to my loyalty to God. No one  could ever hope to change me in such regard.” As soon as he spoke the words, Juan regretted them - not because they were untrue, but for precisely the opposite reason. It was too true, and to hear himself put such sentiments into words almost felt sacrilegious. It felt too close to the truth of what he desired to say, and he could only hope that Charles would not see through him so plainly. In a way, too, he felt overly aware of his own silence following the words - feeling he should fill it, but with what he did not know, jaw working for a moment as the wood in the hearth crackled.

[juandemendoza]

habsburgo‌:

❛  Would you believe if I said I found our voyage rather enjoyable? As you know I am lacking in physical reliance for seafaring but our Lord has provided favorable weather and in me patience, of course. ❜      Despite her elated mood, Maria’s thin smile managed to match Juan’s.  And for a brief moment she felt semblance of guilty for not having even the smallest interest in Henry Tudor or his whereabouts.  Officially she traveled for the possibility of a betrothal but they only thing she longed for was a reunion with her family or at least Juana.  As much as Maria loved  and respected her father, she grew accustomed to his absence before she ever did his presence.  Juana however, was the ever there. How humbling it was, to have thought herself her sister’s keeper for so many years, when truly it was the other way around.  None of which were thoughts to dare pass her lips.       ❛  If I am to believe even a small amount of what has been  said then these concerns remain no less substantial.  Nevertheless, I shall pray for the king’s safe return.  ❜    

“Of course. There is a joy to be found in travel, a new experience, and I praise God that it was pleasing to you.” Juan nodded in agreement, his countenance warm but not overly familiar with the princess. He had always regarded her with a degree of admiration - having seen how she had grown into a young woman with scarcely matched grace and strength. He could see much of Charles in her, in that respect - ever one to keep her head held high. “Of course. I think that the whole of the court prays quite heartily. It is hard to find a single courtier who does not have some word of concern upon their lips.” He came closer still but did not sit - always at the ready for her instruction, as he was for the whole of the Imperial family. “It would be a refreshment to speak of other matters. How does the court fare at home, in the absence of His Majesty’s guiding hand? If I might ask, of course. I am certain in the Lenten season it is far more sober a place than it was when we left for England.”

[juandemendoza]

henriofvalois‌:

   Admittedly, Henri had little desire to meet with Charles’ ambassador. He’d spent enough time under Charles’ thumb, and though he had been but a child and had been relatively well-treated, it did not sit comfortably in his chest. It had been a necessary trade–his father for him and his elder brother. All things considered, this meeting should have been between Juan and his elder brother, but his death had shaken the natural order of things and Henri had new duties to fulfill. When the invitation came to him, he hesitated for only a moment before nodding and sending the other man scurrying to accept the invitation on Henri’s behalf. 

      He sat now, relaxed posture hiding his discomfort as the firelight warmed him. He waved his hand dismissively, “You’ve other matters to attend to far more pressing than meeting with me, Ambassador.” He reassured, eyes narrowing just slightly at the mention of Charles. Did he send his best wishes and desire to meet him? They’d met before, unfortunately, but Henri had been a child then barely six years old. He was a man grown now. Much had changed. “I trust you will give His Majesty, the Emperor, a pleasant report on my behalf, including my desire to see him as well.” He responded, because he was supposed to. “England is thus far pleasing, but peculiar, non? I do wonder at the whereabouts of his majesty, King Henry. Your sovereign is not the only to overlook me. Mayhaps I ought to soon become offended?” He asked, a smirk spreading across his face in amusement. 

      “Are you yourself well acquainted with the English court?” He pondered, curiosity getting the best of him. 

“Few responsibilities of mine bring me greater honor.” Juan was the perfect picture of a dutiful ambassador, his words practiced and careful at every step. He had been trained well merely in serving Charles at home in Spain, and then in his limited experience when he had traveled abroad. But even he could feel the oddity of this particular diplomacy. The young Dauphin had once been a captive in the same halls Juan loved most, though he had been just a small boy when last they had seen each other. He would scarcely blame Henri for not remembering his face at all, given how little he had been in Spain in those years.

“I will deliver your regards in due course, Your Highness. He will be gladdened by your kindness and your willingness to meet personally.” He was unsure if such a thing was true, but he said it all the same because that was what was done. “I can only agree that England is a very different place from France and Spain alike, in different ways. It feels much like a different world, when truly it is only separated by the smallest of waters.” He paused, more hesitant on the matter of the recently-absent King. “Of course. We certainly intended no offense, and I cannot claim to speak for the English King, yet I am sure he feels the same. I have no doubt that he must be indisposed and apologetically so.” 

He dared at last to come closer, finding himself gradually more at ease as he took Henri in fully. Every twitch counted for something, and Juan was determined to solve him as one might a puzzle. “Not very. I have not been here before and came only less than two months ago. But I am growing accustomed to it.” He paused, hesitant. “But that is not why I have come tonight. If I may be straight to the point,  my Lord - the Emperor should like to formally introduce you to his youngest daughter, the infanta Juana. If you would be amicable to such a thing.”

[juandemendoza]

ladymegdouglas‌:

Her companion this afternoon seemed to be more of a serious fellow - at least, anyone could be considered serious when compared to Meg. He did not scold her for her words regarding his homeland, however, which pleased her. Meg did hate to be scolded. “You enjoy it, then? Wearing layers upon courtly layers while the sun beats down on you?” Nobody ever denied her flair for the dramatic. Shifting slightly, the parasol following her head as she did so, Meg considered his comment. “Cold in the winter, yes. Much too cold, even, I would agree. Though there is something delightful in being wrapped in furs, enjoying a warm drink in front of a fire while the wind roars outside…” She sighed and looked back to him.”I am not anchored by my family, my lord. I enjoy a bit of adventure. A young lady should see the world, should she not?”

“Enjoy, perhaps, may be too large a word, but - we are accustomed to it. I think that is half the battle - when you are accustomed to one thing, to try something else is much like a puzzle. Sometimes rewarding, at least.” He considered the image she painted with her words with a tempered benevolence. “There is much romance in such a thing, I think, yes. Though I fear I do not have time for such leisure.” His words were not pointed, merely true - he was a man constantly on the move, even if it was of his own design. Again, she spoke, and again, he was bemused by her, perhaps even surprised, and it showed if only for a moment. “I suppose you are correct. And you could not have picked a better place, I think. Spain is close to my heart, of course. I have never felt myself more at home than I feel in the streets of Valladolid. Please - tell me your honest thoughts of what you witnessed in your travels.”

[juandemendoza]

blessedcharlesv‌:

  He shrugged his shoulders, varied and competing expressions fighting for space across his countenance. Charles fell victim to custom once more, which dictated a swift acceptance of all pleasantries laid before his feet, with not a single complimented offered in return; a myriad of sweet words bubbled below the surface, each as inappropriate for a King to bestow on any person but his wife, then the next. “Your children will be glad to have such a father to rear them in a level-headed and kind humor; you do well to sooth me, as an adviser.” Charles marveled at the carpet which spread across the floor, to deprive himself of the required courage gathering needed to match Juan’s wary gaze; he had no doubt a look of confusion, mingling with exhaustion, fell across the man’s face. “I struggle to find what I have concrete belief in - I doubt all, both my resolve to deny the match, and the recognition it may be foolish to do so. Has marriage been such a complicated matter, always?” Isabella had appeared before him, willing and well connected; little fanfare precipitated the match. “You have yet to fret over such matters; have you grow closer to matrimony?” 

“It is my intent, as ever, to offer aid which pleases and benefits you.” He murmured, voice low - still struggling to fully shake the vestiges of sleep which clung to the sound of his words. If necessary, it was for such a reason that he could claim to have left the note about children behind. Could he ever dare to hope for such a thing? Could he claim to be deserving? “Marriage is complex when it is of such high importance. It is not anything to take lightly, I have kept that in mind, always, with these negotiations.” He pressed his lips together, taking a deep breath which barely evaded being a yawn. “But you must have faith, I think, in the Lord’s hand leading your mind to the greatest choice for each of your daughters. His guidance will make it so.” 

Charles’s next question was one he had dreaded, and it caused his heart to squeeze in his chest, yet Juan felt he had a perfect countermeasure. “I think not, your Majesty. I should prefer a bride of Spanish origin, and I think such will be in short supply in England, while I serve here. I am.... quite content that it should remain so for now. To keep a wife from life at home for long would seem....unfair.”

[juandemendoza]

maria of austria

“I am afraid I know no better news of the English King than you, Your Highness.” Juan was straight to the point as he addressed Maria, standing with his arms folded. The elder infanta had always been perceptive, and he had never seen any reason to sugarcoat or mince words with her. “I think that many at this court fear the worst, but are too afraid to say so. I am ashamed to say that even after nearly two months in this court, the young king’s constitution remains a mystery even to me.” He sighed and then offered Maria a wan smile. “At this moment, it is your constitution which intrigues me more. Your travels were comfortable, I trust?”

[juandemendoza]

blessedcharlesv‌:

 He knew not why he was possessed with an urge to scold a man who had done little to incur such ire; if Charles was willing to address his true motivations, he would reckon with the fact he was denied the pleasure of expressing of emotions. He bordered on excessiveness in his compliments towards Juan lately - he nearly incurred suspicion or disapproval from those around him, or the man himself; the only avenue made available to express the mountain of emotion which sought to crush him, was through anger in the middle of the night. But as he parted his lips to unleash a tirade, he found words sought to evade him, to prevent such an error. Charles would never vocalize all Juan was to him, nor could he wound him in order to diminish the light inside him, to deter his own inclinations. “I cannot make up my mind - whether I am distressed by the lack of movement, or whether I am relieved, as I am allowed more time. Childish pettiness motivates me in either regard. Speak to me freely now - do you think me a fool?” 

Juan looked down into the flames, uncertain of what to make of the entire situation - roused from his bed over these matters, and the look on Charles’s face left him quite uncertain as to its meaning. He looked tired, nearly irritated, and Juan found looking was best avoided altogether. “A fool?” He repeated, surprised at the idea that could be insinuated. “Your Majesty, I could never consider you such. On the contrary. I think you the least fool of any man I have ever met.” He glanced up at him again, one hand on the mantel above the fire as if he were holding on for balance. “I think you are eager to make the best arrangements possible where your family is concerned. No one can fault you for that.” Though the words may have seemed like intentional flattery, it was merely his honest opinion. “I think it is in the nature of a father, to want the best for their children. no matter their station.” Not that he had much experience with that himself, no children to speak of for himself. His own father, though, had guided him with a strong hand, and it had brought him to this very place. “You have doubts?”

[juandemendoza]

ladymegdouglas‌:

“Spain is lovely, yes, but much too warm.” Meg was laid out on a chaise in the gardens in a most unladylike fashion, her knees curled up and her head propped up on her hand, but she didn’t care one bit. An attendant held a parasol above her to block out the dreaded sun and Meg sighed as she picked at a tray of sweets on the table beside her. “I can see how one would enjoy the climate every now and then, but I simply cannot imagine living there! I cannot fathom how the Spaniards keep their clothes on!” A giggle bubbled up from her throat and she smiled as she popped a small tart into her mouth, enjoying the idea of an entire court walking around scantily clad, or not at all. The fun that would ensue!

“I think we manage well enough, my lady.” Juan was almost amused by the girl, settled beside her under the sun - the first time he had felt any warmth since his arrival in England, and he was delighted by it more than most. It was hardly as warm as his homeland, yet, it seemed to be the topic of conversation of late. “I find myself feeling quite the opposite. England and Scotland have felt much too cold.” He offered a smile - attempting friendliness, curiosity. “You have yet to tell me what it was that brought you to my country while your family is here.”