Summer 1348, Windsor Castle, Windsor, England
Summer arrived at last. Joan had new outfits made and tailored to her, new headdresses for formal and casual occasions, and coifs and hoods for solemn occasions made and sent to her from all parts of the country. News had spread of the first marriage of one of the King's children, and craftsmen from all over sent their wears for her voyage. Once recovered from birthing, Philippa helped arrange more items for her trousseau so she would lack for nothing.
Her most favourite piece was her wedding dress, made of lace, velvet, silk, and satin in brilliant gold and red trimming. It was so soft against her skin when she had it fitted to her form, lightweight despite its many layers, with a long train and delicate embroidery down the sleeves and bodice. It hugged more of her curves while modestly covering her skin in riches. The mantle was made of cloth of gold and trimmed with white minivers. She felt along its delicate fabric before it was safely packed away.
A new crown was gifted to her from her parents, a small golden pointed diadem. They said her new family would give her more crowns once she was princess and then when she became queen, but this was her reminder of her homeland for her to proudly wear during her wedding.
The rest of her trousseau included plates, silverware, saddles, tapestries, every household good she would need. King Edward aimed to impress the Castilian court with an awe-inspiring dowry the likes of which they had never seen. Trunk after trunk was filled with top artisan creations. The massive entourage, enough for a small army, was arranged to protect and accompany her by ship to the English stronghold in France and then to her destination.
Joan was summoned before the court and her parents for their final official farewell. She would journey to port with her retinue, but the monarchs would not accompany her. The last farewell would be grand and public.
"Princess Joan," the King said before family and nobles. "I was your age when I became king. It was my duty and honour to serve England. It is now your time to serve your country."
"Princess Joan," the Queen said. "Tomorrow, you will leave for the castle of King Alfonso XI and Queen Maria. You will become a Princess of Castile. You honour our family by marrying their son Peter. Our alliance will ensure more peace across the continent. May God bless you and your new home."
The court cheered. Joan smiled and gently waved to them. She smiled. Part of her wanted to cry at the bittersweet occasion. She would likely never see her family again. They would exchange letters, but it would never be feasible to take the journey back unless circumstances drastically changed. Still, her parents were proud of her. They had chosen her to marry the heir of Castile and Leon. They wanted her to unite the family to another great dynasty, and she would be the one to unify.
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"Thank you for my betrothal, my Lord Father and Lady Mother," Joan said as she had practised. "May God bless England and ensure my safe journey to my new home and a marriage full of children." To that, the crowd roared in approval.
A great feast ensued. Her parents let her drink wine in celebration. Roast pheasant was served with gravy, savoury pies, roasted carrots, airy Yorkshire pudding, finished with a berry trifle. Joan and Isabella speculated if the foods would be similar or not in Castile and what she would miss the most.
"My family, of course, and then black pudding!" Joan laughed.
Her family dinners were almost always satisfying, but it was a meal to truly top the others. Joan felt full and satisfied. She felt loved as the centre of attention, something as a middle girl child, she hadn't felt so intensely before.
Privately, her family and siblings gathered around her in the family corridors to say farewell to her that evening.
"You shall leave in the morning, daughter. I will introduce you to the captain of your journey, and then you will be off," King Edward said. "We shall miss you, our beloved girl. Safe travels, and make us as proud as I know you can."
"Remember to be kind and caring to your husband and your people. Be loving. Love your new country as it is yours now," Queen Philippa said.
She hugged them both tightly. The moment was brief, but she felt the peak of love. Their words inspired her, and she wanted to do well for them.
"Goodbye," Prince Edward said. Joan gave him a small curtsy. She would not miss her eldest brother, and the feeling was mutual. They knew well enough that a curt formal sendoff was enough.
"Good luck," Isabella said with a pat on Joan's shoulder.
Her younger siblings -- Lionel, John, Edmund, Mary, Margaret, Thomas, and William in a nurse's arms -- all hugged her goodbye. She said she would miss them all and told them to be good and behave their parents. She had tried to spend time with them as much as she could, but they were children and she was a woman now. She looked over their adorable cherub faces and tried to memorise them and wondered if she would recognize them again if she met them as adults.
"You shall leave first thing in the morning," Edward said. "Good travels to my beloved daughter."
"Good travels!" the family echoed.
Joan glowed. She bid farewell to her family for the night and forever. She promised she would write, and they said they would write her back. She thought about her life going forward and all the possibilities. She did not dwell on the fact it was the very last time she would see her family.
She also went down to the royal stables and rode Red Arrow a final time. She told him she would miss him, but he would be a good horse for her parents and siblings. She was unsure he understood as she rubbed the side of his face and fed him a final carrot. He was an English horse and belonged in England. She would set out to get a pure Spanish horse upon her arrival that would be better suited for the warmer client.
As she retired to the room she shared with Isabella, she said her prayers and peacefully fell asleep. She was ready for her planned destiny.