Ep 2. Fever Dream

In The Spanish Princess season 1 episode 2, titled "Fever Dream," tensions continue to rise as Catherine of Aragon tries to make her way into the Tudor court. She’s still being held captive in an attempt to extract her large dowry from the Spanish ambassador.

As the episode begins, Catherine has fallen ill with a high fever, which is only being made worse by the damp and cold conditions of her cell. Despite this, she’s determined to continue her pursuit of Henry and refuses to be written off as just another Spanish princess with no power or agency.

Meanwhile, the English court is abuzz with rumors. Henry is said to be courting Mary, Catherine’s cousin, and tensions are high between the two women. Mary has been chosen as a backup plan, should the negotiations with Catherine fall through. But as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Mary might not be as keen on being used as a pawn as her father would like her to be.

Catherine’s mother, Isabella, makes an appearance in the episode, bringing with her a fresh chance to negotiate Catherine’s release. But she comes with a price—she wants Catherine to return to Spain, married off to someone else. Both Catherine and her father refuse this plan, but the negotiations continue.

The fever dream of the episode’s title comes into play as Catherine struggles with her illness. She sees herself as a warrior queen, fighting for her rights and ruling justly by Henry’s side. But the dream soon turns darker as she envisions herself as a martyr, sacrificed for the political gains of her family. Even in her delirium, Catherine remains resolute in her mission.

As the episode comes to a close, we’re left wondering what lies ahead for Catherine. Will she be released and allowed to marry Henry, or will she be sent back to Spain, forever a pawn in the hands of her family’s political machinations? The Spanish Princess season 1 episode 2 ends on a cliffhanger, leaving us eager for more.