So glad you are all enjoying this What If? Right now, I'm also looking at the possible marriages for the younger Infantes. Any suggestions?
Trastamara Spain? What would happen if Fernando II of Aragon and Isabel I of Castile actually had a living son?
- Thread starter LatinThunder312
- Start date
The Duke of Cardonas eldest daughter was the heiress of her father.
If Alfonso gets Naples and Sicily he can get with Margaret of Austria!
So you're thinking the Kingdom of the Two Sicillies a few centuries early? Hmmm...... I'm actually thinking
Diego is an interesting name choice.
Worth pointing out that "Edward" was received as a name in Iberia via Edward III's grandson, King Duarte of Portugal, Isabella's great-uncle. Which is to say, Duarte/Eduardo aren't impossible names, though Fernando, Enrique and Pedro would be more obvious choices from the cultural / dynastic pool.
Curious why Isabella reacted so violently/ahistorically to the proposal of Juana la Beltraneja wedding her son? OTL it was agreed to.
Worth pointing out that "Edward" was received as a name in Iberia via Edward III's grandson, King Duarte of Portugal, Isabella's great-uncle. Which is to say, Duarte/Eduardo aren't impossible names, though Fernando, Enrique and Pedro would be more obvious choices from the cultural / dynastic pool.
Curious why Isabella reacted so violently/ahistorically to the proposal of Juana la Beltraneja wedding her son? OTL it was agreed to.
Chapter 6: The Prince who became a King
Infante Juan stood by his father's side, as the English ambassador and their parents discussed another marriage alliance , this time for how youngest sister, Catalina. She was not even four years old yet. He adored his younger siblings, especially little Catalina. He did not know why, but he just didn't have the best trust in the new English King, Henry VII.
He would never forget 27 March 1489, the day the Treaty of Medina del Campo was signed. The English King wanted his parents to pay 200,000 crowns for his sister. After the singing , Juan was informed that he would marry by proxy in the new year and his older sister, Infanta Isabel, will be departing for Portugal after his wedding. Although she was not traveling terribly far, he would greatly miss his sister.
While King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella laid out plans for their children's futures, their Reconquista was advancing. The entire Kingdom of Granada was theirs, except the capital city of the same name. If they managed to claim it, the Reconquista would be finally over.
Before he could blink, Infante Juan was entering his fifteenth year of life. His duties were more official now, as Prince of Asturias. He represented his mother in a council meeting , negotiated with nobles and even oversaw a fair. He was making sure the people knew him.
In the summer of 1490, in the presence of his parents and siblings and the entire Court, he was married by proxy. He was now King Juan III of Navarre , as well as the future King of Castile and Aragon. He found it peculiar to be addressed with a King title.
Several months later, he became the eldest child of his parents to remain at Court, when his sister , Infanta Isabel, departed for Portugal, after her proxy marriage. She arrived in November and when she wrote to Juan, she wrote that she was deeply in love. Juan was happy and hoped that his own marriage would be happy.
His parents were so close to claiming Granada, his mother wanted him, their captive, Ahmed and his sisters, Juana and little Catalina to see the Alhambra from a safe distance. However, some Moors began to shoot arrows, nearly killing them. King Ferdinand was furious at the actions and was determined to just destroy the city of Granada, fearing that Boabdil would go back on his word and not peacefully surrender. Queen Isabella adamantly refused the destruction of the city. Juan was shocked as he heard his mother take control and say:
“We are staying right here. We will besiege his city until the Emir has nothing to eat and crawls before me, begging for mercy. We will not hesitate to sacrifice all of their animals and destroy their crops without rest, until hunger takes over their streets and their stomachs. We will salt their vines, poison their wells and salt their fields until their throats are parched and they cannot wail or cry anymore. While our enemies are in agony, we will stay here, strong. We will erect a new camp, stone on stone, until building an entire city. A city at the bottom of Granada, which we will call Santa Fe, and which will be remembered for centuries about our determination in the fight against the Infidels.”
Juan was awestruck at his mother and her strength and her resilience, as he listened to her on that cold January day in 1491. Her entire words were followed and Santa Fe was born. The siege of Granada took place, nearly starving the inhabitants, including the Emir and his family.
As this was going on, the preparations for Juan's wedding were being done. It was decided that he and Queen Catherine would marry in the city of Burgos. Juan was nervous. He was only sixteen years of age and would now have to marry and get his wife with child. He hoped for the love that he read about.
The entire Spanish Court was present in Burgos , including the King and Queen, when Queen Catherine of Navarre arrived with her entourage. She was a beautiful woman of twenty-three years, was tall, had long brown hair and piercing blue eyes. Juan was instantly struck by her beauty. As he went to bow to her, she stopped him and said that he did not need to bow to her, as he was also King of Navarre. They then shared a goblet of wine and he was blessed to see her beautiful smile.
King Juan and Queen Catherine were officially married on 30 April 1491. The bride wore a gown of white and silver and was truly a sight. After a beautiful wedding feast, King Juan and Queen Catherine were led to their Chambers and they had no problem consummating their marriage. Just like his parents, King Juan had the blood-stained sheets displayed to the Court, ensuring that offspring should follow.
A few months after the wedding, King Juan was horrified to learn that his sister, Infanta Isabel, Princess of Portugal, was now a widow. Infante Afonso died in a horse riding accident and unfortunately, Isabel was not pregnant and was returning home to Castile.
Infanta Isabel returned to her family in September and was in full mourning. King Juan did not know how to comfort his sister, while also being happy with his new marriage. However, Queen Catherine did her best to bond with the grieving young woman, who was only two years her junior. They would attend Mass together and pray for the soul of Infanta Isabel husband.
As the year drew to a close, everything was looking successful, as Granada was sure to fall into the hands of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They had been active in the war efforts, despite all of the recent developments within their large family. The main celebration was in November 1491, Queen Catherine of Navarre announced her first pregnancy.
He would never forget 27 March 1489, the day the Treaty of Medina del Campo was signed. The English King wanted his parents to pay 200,000 crowns for his sister. After the singing , Juan was informed that he would marry by proxy in the new year and his older sister, Infanta Isabel, will be departing for Portugal after his wedding. Although she was not traveling terribly far, he would greatly miss his sister.
While King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella laid out plans for their children's futures, their Reconquista was advancing. The entire Kingdom of Granada was theirs, except the capital city of the same name. If they managed to claim it, the Reconquista would be finally over.
Before he could blink, Infante Juan was entering his fifteenth year of life. His duties were more official now, as Prince of Asturias. He represented his mother in a council meeting , negotiated with nobles and even oversaw a fair. He was making sure the people knew him.
In the summer of 1490, in the presence of his parents and siblings and the entire Court, he was married by proxy. He was now King Juan III of Navarre , as well as the future King of Castile and Aragon. He found it peculiar to be addressed with a King title.
Several months later, he became the eldest child of his parents to remain at Court, when his sister , Infanta Isabel, departed for Portugal, after her proxy marriage. She arrived in November and when she wrote to Juan, she wrote that she was deeply in love. Juan was happy and hoped that his own marriage would be happy.
His parents were so close to claiming Granada, his mother wanted him, their captive, Ahmed and his sisters, Juana and little Catalina to see the Alhambra from a safe distance. However, some Moors began to shoot arrows, nearly killing them. King Ferdinand was furious at the actions and was determined to just destroy the city of Granada, fearing that Boabdil would go back on his word and not peacefully surrender. Queen Isabella adamantly refused the destruction of the city. Juan was shocked as he heard his mother take control and say:
“We are staying right here. We will besiege his city until the Emir has nothing to eat and crawls before me, begging for mercy. We will not hesitate to sacrifice all of their animals and destroy their crops without rest, until hunger takes over their streets and their stomachs. We will salt their vines, poison their wells and salt their fields until their throats are parched and they cannot wail or cry anymore. While our enemies are in agony, we will stay here, strong. We will erect a new camp, stone on stone, until building an entire city. A city at the bottom of Granada, which we will call Santa Fe, and which will be remembered for centuries about our determination in the fight against the Infidels.”
Juan was awestruck at his mother and her strength and her resilience, as he listened to her on that cold January day in 1491. Her entire words were followed and Santa Fe was born. The siege of Granada took place, nearly starving the inhabitants, including the Emir and his family.
As this was going on, the preparations for Juan's wedding were being done. It was decided that he and Queen Catherine would marry in the city of Burgos. Juan was nervous. He was only sixteen years of age and would now have to marry and get his wife with child. He hoped for the love that he read about.
The entire Spanish Court was present in Burgos , including the King and Queen, when Queen Catherine of Navarre arrived with her entourage. She was a beautiful woman of twenty-three years, was tall, had long brown hair and piercing blue eyes. Juan was instantly struck by her beauty. As he went to bow to her, she stopped him and said that he did not need to bow to her, as he was also King of Navarre. They then shared a goblet of wine and he was blessed to see her beautiful smile.
King Juan and Queen Catherine were officially married on 30 April 1491. The bride wore a gown of white and silver and was truly a sight. After a beautiful wedding feast, King Juan and Queen Catherine were led to their Chambers and they had no problem consummating their marriage. Just like his parents, King Juan had the blood-stained sheets displayed to the Court, ensuring that offspring should follow.
A few months after the wedding, King Juan was horrified to learn that his sister, Infanta Isabel, Princess of Portugal, was now a widow. Infante Afonso died in a horse riding accident and unfortunately, Isabel was not pregnant and was returning home to Castile.
Infanta Isabel returned to her family in September and was in full mourning. King Juan did not know how to comfort his sister, while also being happy with his new marriage. However, Queen Catherine did her best to bond with the grieving young woman, who was only two years her junior. They would attend Mass together and pray for the soul of Infanta Isabel husband.
As the year drew to a close, everything was looking successful, as Granada was sure to fall into the hands of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They had been active in the war efforts, despite all of the recent developments within their large family. The main celebration was in November 1491, Queen Catherine of Navarre announced her first pregnancy.
@LatinThunder312 ! Great chapter as always!
Poor isabel! Hopefully her marriage to manuel will end up better. really hoping arthur survives for catalina
But very happy for Juan and catherine, hopefully the baby will be a boy and the first of many
Poor isabel! Hopefully her marriage to manuel will end up better. really hoping arthur survives for catalina
But very happy for Juan and catherine, hopefully the baby will be a boy and the first of many
Good chapter, I hope Catherine has a better life in England than OTL, with Arthur surviving or she and Henry being much happier. Maybe Edmund Tudor lives longer? Keep up the good work.
Maybe have Arthur die earlier than OTL? That way she and Henry are married from the get go?
That could work but i honestly would prefer that arthur survives.
Pretty likely who Isabel will not remarry here and Manuel would be more inclined to accept Maria since the beginning if Juan has many children here
Henry VII reputed Catherine far too old for his second son. If Arthur still die she will likely be sent back at home and replaced by a daughter of Juan as bride for Henry
Chapter 7: Family and Accomplishments
King Juan could not believe it. He always had had Faith in the Lord and his parents, but 2 January 1492 would always be in his mind. He witnessed Granada finally fall. His parents had fought this battle for ten whole years and now , their patience had paid off.
Boabdil, the Emir of Granada handed King Ferdinand the keys to the city. The king then handed his wife the keys and she gave a content smile, before handing the large key to King Juan. The seventeen year old tool the key and smiled at his mother.
“One day that key will be yours, mi angel” he remembered her saying.
King Juan looked at his wife, Queen Catherine of Navarre. She was on her horse and rested her hand on her swollen stomach. Their first child was due in four months.
The entire Castilian Court settled in the Alhambra Palace. The structure was magnificent and luxurious. King Juan could not stop admiring the beautiful fountains and the beautiful courtyards. The large mosque has been made into a Church. Granada was definitely Christian now.
The 31st day of March was the only time that King Juan ever disagreed with his parents . The clergyman, Tomas de Torquemada, was pushing for the complete expulsion of the Jewish people. King Juan was a devoted Catholic, but he did not trust Torquemada or his methods. He seemed to ambitious for a man of the Church.
King Juan and Queen Catherine decided that the Alhambra would be the perfect place to welcome their first child. This was an interesting situation, as this child would be second in line in Castile and Aragon, however would be first in line in Navarre. It was clear to the Court that King Juan and Queen Catherine had a deep affection for each other.
Throughout the Reconquista, a quirky man from Genoa had been received in several audiences with Queen Isabella. His name was Cristobal Colon and he was looking for financing, claiming that one could reach India by going west instead of East, since he claimed the Earth was round and not flat and there were other lands out there. King Ferdinand was hesitant, but Queen Isabella was interested. The Reconquista was greatly expensive and she was looking to evangelize. On 17 April 1492, an agreement was made and official. Colon woul set sail when his ships were ready.
At the same time, Queen Catherine was in seclusion, awaiting the birth. Queen Isabella spared no expense and made sure that her daughter-in-law was comfortable. Queen Catherine, knowing that childbirth was a dangerous time for her, drafted her will, in case the worse should happen. She wrote that should she die in childbirth, the regency would be held by King Juan with the help of her mother, Magdalena, Dowager Princess of Viana and his parents, until her child reached the age of twenty. Of her child also died, her uncle, Prince John, Viscount of Narbonne, was her heir.
On 19 May 1492, Queen Catherine began her labor. King Juan paced outside, as her heard his cry out in pain. The birth of this child was highly important, but Juan just did not want to lose his Catherine.
Later that evening, a baby's loud cry was heard. King Juan was relieved that the child sounded healthy. One of Queen Catherine's ladies-in-waiting came out and announced that Queen Catherine had given birth to a baby girl and that she had survived the birth. King Juan made the sign of the Cross and ran to his wife's Bedchamber. He was not concerned about the sex of the baby, since they had time to have a son.
King Juan and Queen Catherine named their newborn daughter Joanna, after her father. Princess Joanna would be baptized in the new Chapel of the Alhambra on 23 May 1492, just four days after birth. She was the first royal baby to be baptized in the former Islamic Palace.
Nearly a week after their granddaughter's birth, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were making plans to move the Court to Barcelona for negotiations with the French. King Ferdinand was in a dispute with France over two counties that France had seized during the reign of his father. Queen Isabella was begging him to make peace, as she did not want to go to war with another Christian country, especially now that the Reconquista was over. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella also said that Infanta Isabel, King Juan and Queen Catherine were to accompany them, as this was an important time and they could not miss it.
King Juan and Queen Catherine agreed to go, but refused to leave their baby Joanna in Granada. Queen Catherine made the argument that little Joanna was her heir and she would not leave her alone. The family agreed and they made specific arrangements to make it safe for the new baby.
To everyone's shock, Infanta Isabel announced that she intended to become a nun. She was convinced that the trip to Barcelona was to arrange a French marriage for her, when that wasn't the case. King Ferdinand was outraged and said even if there a marriage match, she would do as she was told.
King Juan, not liking the conflict with his sister and their parents, said that the important thing was to make it to Barcelona and discuss peace and to place familial disputes aside. Everyone agreed and the preparations continued.
Queen Catherine announced that she wanted her and King Juan to also take little Joanna to Navarre, so her nobles could swear fealty to their daughter as the the future Queen, until a son was born. King Juan agreed and Queen Catherine wrote to her mother, telling her to make preparations, as they intended their daughter to be sworn in as Princess of Viana by the end of the year.
Boabdil, the Emir of Granada handed King Ferdinand the keys to the city. The king then handed his wife the keys and she gave a content smile, before handing the large key to King Juan. The seventeen year old tool the key and smiled at his mother.
“One day that key will be yours, mi angel” he remembered her saying.
King Juan looked at his wife, Queen Catherine of Navarre. She was on her horse and rested her hand on her swollen stomach. Their first child was due in four months.
The entire Castilian Court settled in the Alhambra Palace. The structure was magnificent and luxurious. King Juan could not stop admiring the beautiful fountains and the beautiful courtyards. The large mosque has been made into a Church. Granada was definitely Christian now.
The 31st day of March was the only time that King Juan ever disagreed with his parents . The clergyman, Tomas de Torquemada, was pushing for the complete expulsion of the Jewish people. King Juan was a devoted Catholic, but he did not trust Torquemada or his methods. He seemed to ambitious for a man of the Church.
King Juan and Queen Catherine decided that the Alhambra would be the perfect place to welcome their first child. This was an interesting situation, as this child would be second in line in Castile and Aragon, however would be first in line in Navarre. It was clear to the Court that King Juan and Queen Catherine had a deep affection for each other.
Throughout the Reconquista, a quirky man from Genoa had been received in several audiences with Queen Isabella. His name was Cristobal Colon and he was looking for financing, claiming that one could reach India by going west instead of East, since he claimed the Earth was round and not flat and there were other lands out there. King Ferdinand was hesitant, but Queen Isabella was interested. The Reconquista was greatly expensive and she was looking to evangelize. On 17 April 1492, an agreement was made and official. Colon woul set sail when his ships were ready.
At the same time, Queen Catherine was in seclusion, awaiting the birth. Queen Isabella spared no expense and made sure that her daughter-in-law was comfortable. Queen Catherine, knowing that childbirth was a dangerous time for her, drafted her will, in case the worse should happen. She wrote that should she die in childbirth, the regency would be held by King Juan with the help of her mother, Magdalena, Dowager Princess of Viana and his parents, until her child reached the age of twenty. Of her child also died, her uncle, Prince John, Viscount of Narbonne, was her heir.
On 19 May 1492, Queen Catherine began her labor. King Juan paced outside, as her heard his cry out in pain. The birth of this child was highly important, but Juan just did not want to lose his Catherine.
Later that evening, a baby's loud cry was heard. King Juan was relieved that the child sounded healthy. One of Queen Catherine's ladies-in-waiting came out and announced that Queen Catherine had given birth to a baby girl and that she had survived the birth. King Juan made the sign of the Cross and ran to his wife's Bedchamber. He was not concerned about the sex of the baby, since they had time to have a son.
King Juan and Queen Catherine named their newborn daughter Joanna, after her father. Princess Joanna would be baptized in the new Chapel of the Alhambra on 23 May 1492, just four days after birth. She was the first royal baby to be baptized in the former Islamic Palace.
Nearly a week after their granddaughter's birth, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were making plans to move the Court to Barcelona for negotiations with the French. King Ferdinand was in a dispute with France over two counties that France had seized during the reign of his father. Queen Isabella was begging him to make peace, as she did not want to go to war with another Christian country, especially now that the Reconquista was over. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella also said that Infanta Isabel, King Juan and Queen Catherine were to accompany them, as this was an important time and they could not miss it.
King Juan and Queen Catherine agreed to go, but refused to leave their baby Joanna in Granada. Queen Catherine made the argument that little Joanna was her heir and she would not leave her alone. The family agreed and they made specific arrangements to make it safe for the new baby.
To everyone's shock, Infanta Isabel announced that she intended to become a nun. She was convinced that the trip to Barcelona was to arrange a French marriage for her, when that wasn't the case. King Ferdinand was outraged and said even if there a marriage match, she would do as she was told.
King Juan, not liking the conflict with his sister and their parents, said that the important thing was to make it to Barcelona and discuss peace and to place familial disputes aside. Everyone agreed and the preparations continued.
Queen Catherine announced that she wanted her and King Juan to also take little Joanna to Navarre, so her nobles could swear fealty to their daughter as the the future Queen, until a son was born. King Juan agreed and Queen Catherine wrote to her mother, telling her to make preparations, as they intended their daughter to be sworn in as Princess of Viana by the end of the year.
Last edited:
Still on the fence about what will happen to Isabel. Manuel married her, because he did have a natural affection for her, but also because Juan in OTL was known to be delicate and if he died, Isabel was the heiress.
True. Maybe Isabel Will get to join a convent like she wanted and Manuel Will request Maria's hand
There are many possibilities. I don't think as the eldest daughter, she would be allowed to. If she does marry Manuel, Maria would need a new husband.