by dongzh
On the day of her coronation, Eleanor experienced her first menstrual period. Lady de Montfort, her mother, pressed her forehead and exclaimed, "Good heavens, Isabella—you are a girl." Eleanor felt as if struck by lightning, yet instantly relaxed— So the courtiers who always withdrew with red eyes, those who whispered that "the crown prince is too gentle," and the nobles suddenly eager to drink with young attendants until midnight had not doubted her governance. They had simply mistaken her …