The French Bride
When Lady Margaret Beaufort the King's mother was assigned the task in finding her only child a new bride, her attention immediately turn to the French.
Margaret sends one of her ladies-in-waiting to inform the French Ambassador that she wishes to speak with him immediately. As the current French Ambassador is set to depart to France later that evening.
Within minutes, one of her ladies-in-waiting announces the arrival of Sir Francis Dupont the French Ambassador.
"My lady, how may I be of service to you today?" asks Sir Dupont knowing that Margaret has great control over her son especially if it will benefit his master in the long run.
Margaret states calmly "My son the King has given me the opportunity to find England a new Queen" pausing for a second before continuing "I personal wish to see a French Queen beside my son's side" as she is still displeased with the father of the Dowager Princess of Wales refusing to pay the rest of her dowry.
"I shall inform my master that the King of England wishes to take a French bride as his new Queen" says Sir Dupont happily at the thought of being the one to arrange a royal marriage before adding.
Margaret responses by saying "I shall await word from your master the French King" knowing that she will have to look elsewhere if there was no suitable French match for her son.
"Of course, my lady" says Sir Dupont as he departs from the King's mother apartments.
-The French Bride-
The moment that Sir Dupont arrives back at the court of King Louis XII of France, he is finds himself in front of his King.
Sir Dupont politely says "Your majesty" as he bows to Louis.
"Sir Dupont, what news did you bring me from England?" asks Louis knowing that his Ambassador was essential his spy in the English court for the last six months.
Sir Dupont says carefully "Your majesty, the day that I was set to depart back to France the King's mother requested that I meet with her" knowing that he has to answer Louis in a politically correct way.
"What do the King's mother want with you?" asks Louis knowing that Lady Beaufort the King's mother has great influence over her son.
Taking a deep breath, Sir Dupont explains to his master "Your majesty, the King of England is in search of a bride for himself that is why the King's mother requested to meet with me" before he could get another word in.
Louis says instead happily "She wishes for a French bride for her son" and Sir Dupont only response is yes.
Louis dismisses his Ambassador quickly and sends word to his council to find any suitable brides for the English King.
-The French Bride-
Within days, Louis finds himself in the accompany of Lord Charles IV the Duke of Alencon and Lord Charles III the Duke of Savoy as they were in charge of the search for the suitable bride to present to Lady Beaufort through his ambassador that is leaving later that week.
Lord Charles III the Duke of Savoy says politely "We have found three suitable brides that could marry the English King"
"The first possible bride will be my thirteen year old sister Lady Anne" says Lord Charles IV the Duke of Alencon proudly at the thought that his sister could become the Queen of England but knowing it would have been better if his eldest sister Francoise was not already married.
"The second possible bride will be the thirteen year old Lady Marguerite of Angouleme the daughter the late Count of Angouleme" says Lord Charles III the Duke of Savoy without any emotion.
"The last possible bride will be the fourteen year old nearly fifteen year old Duchess of Bourbon the daughter of the late Duke of Bourbon and Princess Anne of France" says Lord Charles IV the Duke of Alencon with displeasure as he spoke those words.
Louis thinks about for mere minutes before saying to one of his pages "Please fetch the Dowager Duchess of Bourbon immediately" as he dismisses his two Dukes from from his chambers.
-The French Bride-
Minutes have past by until one of Louis's pages announces the arrival of the Dowager Duchess of Bourbon.
Anne of France politely says "Your majesty" knowing that this meeting will be of some significance.
"I brought you here to discus the marriage of your daughter Lady Suzanne" says Louis happily at the thought of tying England and France through marriage once more.
Anne of France quickly says "My daughter's hand in marriage is currently being discussed as she is the Duchess of Bourbon" knowing that the King was already choosing between Lord Charles IV the Duke of Alencon and Lord Charles the Count of Montpensier.
Louis starts explaining the situation "When the Sir Dupont returned from England he informed me that the English King wished to take another bride. Out of the three choices present to me, I believe that Lady Suzanne will become the Queen of England"
"I am happy at the thought that my daughter could become the Queen of England but what about the Duchy of Bourbon" says Anne of France feeling mix emotions concerning the situation.
Louis says reassuring "The Duchy of Bourbon will be dealt with in regards to the betrothal contract" and Anne of France says politely "I shall support your decision"
-The French Bride-
Weeks later when Sir Jean Morel reaches the English court with a letter in hand as he requests an audience with Henry and Margaret
"Your majesty, my lady" says Sir Morel politely as he greets the King and his mother.
Margaret says happily "Ambassador I hope that you brought good news from your master" as she believes that his arrival brings her a step forward to gaining a French daughter-in-law.
Sir Morel simply says "My master has written a letter for your majesty concerning a possible French bride" as he hands the letter to Henry to read along with Margaret.
Henry quickly dismisses the French ambassador for now. As they read the letter from Louis at the same time which happens to be in English:
Dear King Henry VII of England,
I have selected fifteen year old Lady Suzanne the Duchess of Bourbon the daughter of the late Duke of Bourbon and his wife Princess Anne of France to be a possible bride for yourself. For this marriage to occur, you must first agree to some conditions. The first condition would relate to the Duchy of Bourbon. The Duchy of Bourbon will be succeed after Lady Suzanne's death by a son or eldest daughter who will marry into a French noble family. The second condition will be that after a mourning period of a year that Lady Suzanne will return to France in order to remarry. The third condition will relate to any child borne of this union will be able communicate with Lady Suzanne freely even after her departure to France. Any child shall also be able to visit France as well with their household. If you accept these conditions we will be able to move forward in arranging your marriage to Lady Suzanne.
Sincerely,
King Louis XII of France
Henry answers simply "That will be suitable" knowing that Lady Suzanne will outlive him.
-The French Bride-
Weeks later, Suzanne arrives in England along with her mother and selected members of her household. In the matter of days Suzanne meets her future step-children: Henry and Mary, her future mother-in-law: Margaret, and her future husband: King Henry VII of England. On the thirtieth day of May, Suzanne becomes Her Majesty Queen Susanna of Bourbon.
-The French Bride-
AN: Please review. For the rest of June, there will be updates on sunday - a court scandal, tuesday - duty or love, thursday - 100 prompts, 100 stories, and sunday - a life changing moment.