[3] Elisabeth's childhood was spent in the French royal nursery, where her father insisted she share her bedroom with her future sister-in-law, Mary, Queen of Scots, who was about three years older.

Her lady-in-waiting, Claude de Vineulx, accompanied her to Spain and often wrote reports of Elisabeth's health to Catherine.

While it is acknowledged that her sister Margaret and her future sister-in-law Mary were both prettier than she, Elisabeth was nevertheless still considered one of Catherine's attractive daughters.

[6] Originally married via proxy at Notre Dame (with the Duke of Alba standing in for Philip) prior to leaving France,[6] the actual ceremony took place in Guadalajara, Spain, upon her arrival.

A few days after this proxy marriage, on the 30 June 1559, a tournament was held by Henry II near Place des Vosges to celebrate the peace and his daughter Elisabeth's wedding.

[3] At the palace of Châtellerault When the retinue could finally begin their journey in November the speed at which they could travel was hampered by the many possessions Elisabeth was bringing, consisting of baskets and trunks filled to the brim with plates, linen, carpets, and jewelry.

[3] As a consequence of the large travelling party, the weather, and the resulting difficulty of the journey across the Pyrenees, Elisabeth did not arrive in Spain until February 1560.

Anguissola also influenced the artistic works of her children, Isabella Clara Eugenia and Caterina Michaela, during her time at the court.

[15] When Philip eventually felt it necessary to lock Carlos away (which shortly led to the Prince's demise), Elisabeth cried for days.

Elisabeth contributed the birth of her first daughter to a miracle attributed to Saint Eugene of Toledo, whose relics she had brought with her as a dowry to Spain.

Elisabeth corresponded with her former sister-in-law, Mary Stuart, who suggested that her infant son James be smuggled out of Scotland and brought to Spain.

[18] But it was not meant to be: by the time Mary's letter reached Spain, Elisabeth suffered another stillborn on 3 October 1568 and died the same day at Royal Palace of Aranjuez[19] along with her newborn infant daughter.

In the novel the young Elisabeth is torn between her love and duty to Philip and her strong relationship with her stepson, the mentally unstable Don Carlos.

In private, she is appalled by the activities of the Inquisition and other rigid aspects of Spanish life, and secretly conspires with Carlos and her ladies to find ways around the harsher laws and judgements.