Chapter 4
Whitehall Palace
One Week Later
The Privy Council had gathered in the king's private greeting chambers at his request awaiting his arrival. Bedford, Pontefract, Hereford and Devon had all wondered at the meeting as the king had only spoken to the council earlier that morning. All four had noticed the lateness of the lord Arch Bishop, Cardinal Wolsey and Bishop Warham. They had also noticed that Wolsey had rarely allowed the Arch Bishop to leave his side the past month or so. Something that would not be unusual but had it had been noticeably stressed for the past weeks. Only a few minutes had pasted and the king walked in with Thomas Moore and Father Brooker.
"My lords, thank you all for returning." Arthur quietly said while sitting down, Moore and Brooker stood behind the king's chair. "Arch Bishop, would you please tell the council of your news."
"Yes my lord. His Holiness the Pope has died these past few days." All in the room except the king, Moore and Brooker murmured. "The conclave to appoint his successor has been called and his Grace Cardinal Wolsey must leave us in order to attend as is tradition so that we may know our new holy father." The room remained silent all staring at the king.
"The queen's nephew Charles the Holy Roman Emperor and my cousin Francis King of France." All in the room knew of what the king referred to. The two monarchs had been enemies since they had both ascended to their thrones. "It is certain that the two will disagree of the choice."
"What should we do your majesty?" Hereford asked knowing the king knew his mind. At that very second Wolsey began to smile uncontrollably certain that the king had wished for an English pope.
"Naturally we shall support whomever the conclave elects. Hopefully it will be a neutral candidate. With any sense they will elect an Italian." With the swift swipe of the kings words Wolsey's face dropped knowing the comment was meant for him. The room realising the insult looked to their hands unwilling to upset either party. "Moore." Thomas Moore stepped forward from behind the king's chair at the mention of his name.
"Yes your majesty?"
"You will accompany all our English Cardinals to Rome and try to discover what will happen if either Francis or Charles are upset with the decision while the Cardinals are in conclave and report all events back to England."
"Yes your majesty" Moore replied quickly looking toward Wolsey.
"Wolsey I wish you and all our Cardinals a safe journey to Rome and pray that conclave pick a candidate that will continue the stability of all of Europe." The stern words were clear of their meaning. "Now my Lords I wish to speak to Bedford, Pontefract, Hereford, Devon, Mr Moore and father Brooker alone." Wolsey, Warham and the Arch Bishop all looked suspicious of the gathering but shuffled out along with the other council members, the doors swiftly closing behind them. "Gentlemen, as father Brooker and Mr Moore already know I have already informed the rest of our Cardinals I do not want Wolsey as Pope and have written to Francis and Charles alluding to my wishes. That man I am sure is the servant to his own vanity and not to the Holy Father and I will no longer allow my brother to be his lap dog. This separation is most opportune we will rip Henry from his side for good and Moore shall keep an eye on the mood of the matter."
"Your majesty might I suggest that during his absence you give his Grace an appointment that the Arch Bishop cannot fail at while still giving him the feeling that he may succeed without the Cardinals assistance." The plan came from the quick minded father Brooker.
"Father, once again you amaze me with swiftness of your thoughts." At this the king noticed the face of Thomas Moore, a gloomy expression upon it. "Why so glum Thomas?" The kings eyes focused on him. With solemn a reply Moore said,
"I have considered myself the Cardinals friend and now I plot his downfall." The king took a moment to consider these words and replied,
"I do not wish the downfall of the Cardinal; after all he is still a Prince of the Church which I humbly serve. However, he grasps at power too tightly and I will not have my power usurped by a butcher's son. I merit his rise but will not allow him to take my rights accorded me by God himself. Now Thomas can I trust you to carry out my wishes?"
"Of course your majesty, to the best of my ability. I live to serve thee." He sombrely replied whilst bowing.
"Good. Now gentlemen I leave you so that I may dine with my family."
Soon After In The King's Privet Appartments.
The king quietly listened to the stories of his children. His youngest child Peter stuffing all that he could fit into his mouth. The queen worried that he may choke but Peter just attempted to stuff more in at her warnings. The king had noticed that Peter would do anything to get him to laugh which he usually succeed at. Despite the haughty laugh the queen noticed the kings mood.
"What is wrong husband?" she asked with inquisitive eyes. The king promptly explained what happened with the Privy council and discussed what he should do next. The queen advised that he should let the matter play out until he had a clearer view of the situation which the king agreed to be sound advice. After this lengthy discussion the king turned to his son Prince Henry.
"Henry I have considered your request for more responsibility, although I do not wish for you to leave Ludlow quite yet I will make you a member of the council so that you may study how a court should be run."
"Thank you father, I will work diligently in your service."
"Also since the death of your betrothed you have lacked a future wife. We will now go in search of a suitable bride."
"As you wish father."