Prince Frederick Henry stood just over five feet tall with silver hair and a double chin that was amplified in size by his goatee and mustache that ended at strong points. He wasn't overweight, and he carried himself with an authority that even the king respected. Despite his short stature, and his broad chest, he sat comfortably at the table with his right elbow resting atop, and his legs crossed. He looked at the king, Treville, Athos, and those who stood behind him, and then at the other members of the king's cabinet, none of whom impressed him.
His trip to Paris had been long, arduous, and unforgiving as the rains had pounded the carriage and entered through the windows despite being closed. His son had cried and squirmed in his seat and his wife had stoically endured the ride with reassuring smiles and gestures. Though not an impatient man, he was direct and well organized, and expected others be as well. He took pride in his position, and the work he had accomplished leading the Dutch military as they battled the Spanish and the Empire.
"The Spanish are increasing their forces northeast of Paris, Your Majesty. My scouts have confirmed their advancement toward Hainault — it will only be months before the Spanish are on French soil and once they have control of the waterways, it will be more difficult for your men to stop them." Prince Henry tapped his fingers on the table and looked at King Louis, who contemplated his words.
"And where do the English stand?"
"Financially supportive, and a small military force under the Earl of Leicester," Henry said, and then took a sip of wine. "But of course, King Charles refuses to take on the mantle of sovereignty over the Low Countries, which has complicated my efforts in gaining military strongholds."
Louis nodded and raised his eyebrows. "He has not been agreeable of late. The English are once again fighting amongst themselves — I highly doubt they could supply any support with the threat of civil war looming overhead." He took a deep breath and ran his thumb across the ring on his left hand. "The Spanish must believe they can infiltrate French lands from the Northeast through the Spanish occupied territories. Why else would they be attacking at the Eastern border? By weakening our borders, the Holy Roman Empire would be placed into a position to gain lands should France align with the Dutch while the Spanish shift their attention from the South — which they have already been successful at — no thanks to their military leader Spinola —"
"Since his death you mean?" Henry said, "Spain has not had the success it once had — should we align —"
"And what of France should the Empire move more aggressively toward French lands? The Dutch are already under threat from the West and the South."
Minister Treville stood and shifted a map onto the table and carefully placed smooth stones in each of the corners to keep it from curling onto itself. He then used small stones from a vase and placed them on the map, identifying the location of the Empire, Spain, the Dutch, and France. The Spanish Netherlands, located to the Northeast of France, was a large piece of land with access to the North Sea and the English Channel. "While there are other smaller military forces at work… the greatest risk is the Eastern border," he said, and then added another stone to the map of the territories held by the Spanish and the Hapsburgs. "If by aligning, and maintaining our hold on the Eastern border it will prevent the Empire and the Spanish from infiltrating French territories and the Dutch republic — if," he paused and looked at the king and Prince Henry, "we can gain territory from the Spanish, it may put us in a position to turn the tide of war."
Prince Henry looked at the map and then at King Louis. "Neither of our armies is strong enough to fight them alone," he said. "By aligning our forces and…" he paused and took a deep breath, "perhaps if the Swedes rejoin the war — which I have heard rumors of — we may have a chance of separating ourselves from the threat of Spain." He leaned forward, rested his elbows on the table and said, "King Philip has wanted the Dutch Provinces back under his control since his coronation — My brother — Europe's finest military leader died protecting his lands. I will not stand by and allow Spain to destroy what he gave his life for."
"I have no doubt of your conviction, Prince Henry. My concern is the stamina in which your military force and my force combined will have should we be attacked by the Spanish and the Empire at the same time. What guarantees do we have that they have not aligned secretly? Their forces are substantial and should they combine, we could face a much darker future than either of us realize." Louis looked toward the painting of his father on the wall behind Henry. "After all, these are the Hapsburgs we are seeking to fight, regardless of their geographical position or their personal alignment."
"If we involve ourselves," Monsieur Rebert said, "What is the likelihood that the Swedes would reengage in the war?" He raised his eyebrows and cleared his throat. "Will they see this as an opportunity to align, or will they wait for others to engage first?" He placed his hand on the table and gently stroked the surface with the pads of his fingers.
"Minister Treville?" King Louis said. He twisted his mouth in frustration as he looked at him. "What do you have to say on the matter?"
Treville looked at those at the table and then focused his attention on the king and the prince. "We will be fighting a war by the end of the year, Your Majesty," he said in confidence. "The nobility are unifying their forces, particularly in areas where the Spanish have been active. France is in the sight of the Spanish and King Philip will not hesitate to strike if an opportunity presents itself." He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "He will use his positioning to the east to regain control of the Dutch Provinces and take French lands in the process."
King Louis nodded, pursed his lips, and looked out the window. The branches of the trees blew as gusts of winds moved across the grounds. The rains had stopped, but the lasting effects would continue to ravage the farm lands closest to the rivers, lakes and streams. While he could not manage the minutiae of his subjects' daily lives, he could sympathize as he contemplated engaging in war while his people suffered.
"I know the position you're in, Your Majesty," Henry said, and placed his palms on the table. "War is coming. By aligning with the Dutch, aligning with me, you will make it known to the Spanish and the Empire that France will remain a stronghold in Europe. You will not be forced to act, but moved to protect and defend the very subjects who support you. And," he inhaled through his nose and looked at Treville and then toward the others in the room, "Spain will soon realize that they have overextended their armies, finances, and their position… My scouts have informed me that Spain's investment in the New World may affect their fortitude in the coming years." He raised his eyebrows and quirked his lips. "With the support of France, we can bring this war to an end. It has been far too bloody for too long, Your Majesty." He pushed himself back against his chair. "Let's work together to end this."
"You are quite confident, Prince Henry," Louis said and held steadfast as he looked at the prince.
"My people are tired, and my men are devoted but worn. An alignment between our countries solves a detrimental problem for both of us."
"I despise war," Louis said with a disgruntled whine to his tone. "It's a barbaric form of discourse." Though annoyed, he patted the table's surface with the palm of his hand and then nodded.
"You're not unfamiliar with it, Your Majesty. And," Henry paused, "while I understand your desire for peace, France has been at war for generations. A treaty would align our countries and perhaps bring about peace in Europe."
King Louis generously smiled and raised his eyebrows. "Even I know that is unlikely, Prince Henry." He chuckled skeptically and looked out the window and then at those around him. "I will need time to contemplate your request."
"That you are willing to consider my request, Your Majesty, brings me hope," Henry said. "Should you agree to an alliance, it will not be forgotten — not by me, or my people."
King Louis stood. The others stood with him and bowed before relaxing their shoulders as the king and the prince walked side-by-side to the doors.
"This is the first cloudless day in weeks." Louis patted his royal blue doublet with a lace collar and then squared his shoulders. "Join me for a walk."