Mad Love

Joanna sails from the port of Laredo, bound for Flanders to seal an arranged political union with the Archduke Philip, known as the Handsome. The voyage marks her entry into a world of royal expectations she has little experience with. The match is presented as a strategic alliance between Castile and the Habsburgs.

In Flanders, Joanna and Philip marry with haste and consummate their union. Their early closeness strengthens the political alliance, and Joanna becomes deeply attached to her husband. Soon after, she gives birth to a daughter, followed shortly by a son.

Philip proves to be a restless husband who hunts and seeks the company of other women, much to Joanna's distress. Her love grows intensely dependent as she clings to him. The marriage's passion begins to erode as his fidelity wanes.

A series of bereavements – her brother's death, the stillbirth of his daughter, her sister's death, and her sister's son's death – unexpectedly makes Joanna heir to Castile and Aragon. The weight of the succession falls on her shoulders even as she remains more concerned with her personal life. These events set the stage for her eventual return to Castile.

With the death of her mother, Joanna is proclaimed Queen of Castile and must return to her homeland. She is warmly welcomed by Castilian subjects, but her marital troubles continue to haunt her behind the throne. The political reality requires her to assume governance she feels ill-prepared for.

Philip becomes enthralled with Aixa, a Moorish mistress who uses charm and perceived magic to win his favor. His attention drifts away from Joanna, deepening her jealousy and paranoia. The palace atmosphere thickens with suspicion and tension.

To keep her court from suspicion, Joanna relies on Beatriz de Bobadilla, one of the ladies at court. Unbeknownst to the Queen, Beatriz is actually Aixa in disguise. The ruse helps Aixa consolidate influence while Joanna hopes for a spell to win back Philip.

Desperate to reclaim her husband's love, the Queen pretends a romantic attachment with Álvaro de Estúñiga, a close childhood friend. The ploy backfires as Philip's affections remain elusive. The court grows increasingly entangled in manipulation and suspicion.

Two opposing political camps emerge: Flemish conspirators led by Señor de Veyre, and loyal Castilian royalists led by the Admiral and Elvira. They maneuver to have Joanna declared insane and to seize control of the kingdom. The Queen's supporters strive to resist, but the pressure intensifies.

In a public defense, Joanna presents her case before a royal court assembly, asserting her authority and legitimacy. Her speech resonates with many subjects, even as Philip's illness deepens. The moment crystallizes the ongoing power struggle surrounding the throne.

Philip dies on his deathbed, offering a reconciliation to Joanna for his past infidelities. She, heavily pregnant, undertakes a long journey south to bury him, but is forced to stop and give birth to a daughter along the way. The tragedy intersects with a new chapter of governance and isolation.

Despite holding the title of queen, Joanna is declared incompetent and removed from political power. She is locked away in the castle of Tordesillas for the rest of her days. Her life becomes a symbol of passion and tragedy for the realm.

Philip's body is laid to rest in a nearby monastery, a place Joanna is allowed to visit from time to time. In captivity, she remains a powerful memory of a combustible love and a warning about the fate of dynastic marriages.