During the tragic days of the death of James II, Caterina was alone and aware she could trust no-one:
Caterina brought her baby into the world on the 28th August 1473, a sickly boy who was the last descendant of the Lusignan kings of Cyprus, Jerusalem and Armenia. On the 28th of September, the baptismal ceremony took place at the Cathedral of St Nicolas in Famagusta, with all the magnificence fitting to the heir to the throne, and the baby was proclaimed heir with the name James III. Noblemen who were present observed that there were many Venetians, who under their gold-embroidered mantles were armed and ready for any eventuality.