The news crossed the Atlantic slowly, carried by battered couriers and guarded fleets, but when it finally reached Havana in 1702, it struck like a cannon shot. The death of Charles II had plunged Europe into chaos, and now the colonies were no longer distant observers—they were part of the war.

In the governor’s hall overlooking the harbor, Spanish officers, merchants, and royal officials gathered beneath heavy banners as the decree was read aloud: England, the Dutch Republic, the Holy Roman Empire, all enemies of the Crown under the Bourbon king, Philip V.

The Caribbean, once merely contested, was now a battlefield.

Doña Isabella de Vargas stood at the long table, gloved hands resting beside a spread of sea charts, her gaze fixed on the painted waters of the Atlantic. She would have to ensure the fleet is ready for war.

Her finger tapped lightly along the shipping lanes. After the most important part of the meeting she stood up. Gesturing for her officer to join her as she left the meeting room.