I am back! I am sorry for the long wait, but I am finally able to post this chapter. I know it may not be much but there will be much more to come, hopefully with monthly updates! Please enjoy. As always please review and follow! Thank you and until next time!


Chateau de' Rambouillet, Rambouillet, Yvelines, France

"Please have the princess focus on her Greek and Latin. Languages are essential to the princess' education." The newly titled Duchess of Valois, former Queen of England, Anne Boleyn kindly informs the tutor. The tutor nods his head then bows to the duchess. "Very well, your grace."

Anne watches the tutor walk away and makes his way towards the library. The duchess looks away from the tutor and down the hall, where the young Princess Margaret is running. The former queen smiles at the princess, as she begins to slow down. "Margaret!"

The young royal makes a complete stop in front of the duchess and smiles. Down the hall, the princess' governess runs after the young royal and comes to a slow stop. The governess does her best to quickly catch her breath, as she curtsies to the former English monarch. Anne nods her head at the governess then turns to look down at the young princess.

"I was under the impression that you were in the middle of your lesion with Lady Bernhard." Anne raises an eyebrow at the princess, whose smiles widen with her teeth showing. "I was but it's so beautiful outside and I thought a riding lesson would be more fit."

The duchess shakes her head with a smile amusement. "That may be but your studies are very important as well, your highness. Your lessons are essential in a princess' education."

"Can my lessons resume tomorrow morning?" The princess politely pleads as she twists and turns her body. Anne puts a hand on her hip, trying to appear stern. "I would listen to the duchess, my dear Margaret."

The young princess spins around to see her father, the king of France standing at the end of the hall. Lady Bernhard drops a low curtsy as the duchess gracefully bows her head to the monarch. King Francis smiles at the duchess then turns to look at his daughter, as he walks towards her. "Your lessons are important, Margaret. The duchess has worked hard in securing you the best tutors for you. You would take care to be grateful to the duchess' efforts towards your education."

Margaret nods her head quietly as the king leans down and kisses the top of the princess' head. "Go to your lessons and listen to the duchess in my absence."

"Yes your majesty." Margaret curtsies then turns around and walks away, passing Anne. The king walks towards the duchess, as she turns to face the monarch and shakes her head. "Your majesty."

"I apologize for the intrusion, your grace. I have some knowledge that Princess Margaret is a very spirited child." The monarch informs the duchess with a smile. Anne smiles at the king and shakes her head a bit. "The princess will need a very watchful eye on her."

"I will heed your majesty's advice, and keep a close eye on the princess." King Francis nods his head then extends out his hand to the duchess. She bows her head and gently takes the monarch's hand. He pulls Anne toward him and puts her hand into the fold of his arm, as they walk down the hall together. They turn a corner and enter the grand hallway of the chateau. Footmen rushing pass them with the king's belongings. The king glances at Anne then returns his attention to their walk.

"Your majesty must be happy to return to Seine-et-Marne." The king turns and focuses on the English woman. Anne turns to the king, her smile gone. "You must be bored here."

Francis shakes his head at her statement. "That is the farthest thing from the truth, my dear duchess. You, my dear are the best companion a king may wish for."

Anne bods her head and smiles down at the floor, as they walk. The couple walk out into to the shaded courtyard and walk a good distance away from listening ears. They stop and face one another, the king still holding her hand. He looks into her eyes. "My only regret in leaving is you behind, unprotected."

"Your majesty need not worry. I am guarded and protected by your efforts. Princess Madeleine has ensured that I am accompany by one of my ladies at all times." The French monarch chuckles at the information. Anne smiles at the king. "Then I am glad to know that you are in capable hands."

There is a moment of silence as Anne nods her head. "I will not be gone long. I will deal with the Spanish ambassador and return."

"Your majesty should not return on the account of me. You cannot stay away from any longer, your majesty. You cannot do that for me." The duchess pleads to the monarch, praying that history does not repeat itself. The king takes a moment to take in her words and nods his head for a second time. "Very well. I will remain at court longer than I wish, but you will write to me everyday."

Anne suppresses a laugh at the monarch's child-like behavior. "Yes your majesty, I promise to write everyday."

"I am serious, my dear. No matter how minuscule the subject, I wish to know." She lets out a small laugh, which the king joins in. A short distance from the couple, LeBlanc and Princess Madeleine walk out of the chateau and into courtyard, heading towards the couple. "Your majesty."

The couple stop laughing and turn to the secretary and princess. Anne takes a small step away from the monarch. The king straightens up as his eldest daughter curtsies to him. "I apologize for the intrusion, your majesty but we must hurry."

The monarch sighs but nods his head. "Very well, thank you LeBlanc."

The secretary bows and walks away, Madeleine steps forward and looks at her father. "I will watch over the duchess, father, you have my word."

"Thank you. I know you will keep her grace safe." Madeleine bows her head and steps to the side. King Francis looks at Anne and brings her hand to his lips, and kisses it. Anne smiles as the king releases her hand then walks away, towards his horse. The two women watch the king and his secretary mount their horses, and take the reins. The king turns to look at Anne and Madeleine. Anne takes a step forward. "Godspeed, your majesty."

Francis bows his head to her then kicks the side of his horse, and rides out of the courtyard. Madeleine walks up to the duchess and wraps a hand around the duchess' arm. "Father will be back before the fortnight is over."

Anne rolls her eyes and turns to the Princess with a mischievous smile. "Come, we better go and find Margaret. I have a feeling she's avoiding her studies."


Chateau de' Fountainbleau, Fountainbleau, Senie-et-Marne, France

Prince Henri, Duke of Orleans walks down the halls of the royal palace. French courtiers stop to curtsy or bow to the royal duke as he passes them without so much of a glance. At the end of the grand dining hall, the Spanish delegation stand together and turn to look at the duke.

"Your grace!" The Spanish ambassador breaks away from his countrymen and walks towards the royal duke. Henri stops and looks at the ambassador, and puts on a smile. "Ambassador Fernandez, a lovely surprise. I wasn't aware that you and your countrymen had returned to court.

The ambassador smiles and bows his head in respect to the duke. "We arrived only this morning, your grace. We are very eager to speak with the king and find peace between France and Spain."

Henri laughs at the ambassador, not bothering to hold it back. The smile on the ambassador's face quickly disappears at the duke's reaction. "I apologize for my outburst, your excellency. Unfortunately, I find it hard to believe that the Emperor wants peace of any kind."

The Spaniard bites his tongue but glares at the duke. Henri watches the ambassador and for some insult. "How is the duchess, your grace? I understand that she has yet to give you an heir."

The duke tenses up at the mention of his wife and the lack of a child. Henri grins his teeth, fighting back insults. Behind the duke, Prince Philip steps into the dining hall to see his brother and the Spanish ambassador.

"Henri!" The duke and the ambassador turn as the dauphin approaches. The Spaniard takes a step back and bow to the French heir, as he comes to a stop. "Your royal highness."

Philip turns to the ambassador with a hard expression. "Ambassador, welcome back to France. The king will have an audience with your Excellency. Until then I advise you and your countrymen to wait and do not pester any individuals close to the king."

The ambassador remains silent but continues to look at the dauphin. Henri walks to his brother, as the dauphin does not stand back. "I am not the King of Navarre, your excellency, nor is the king. You'll learn that the Valois are not easily swayed or pushed."

Without another word, the dauphin turns and walks away. Henri follows his brother as the Spanish ambassador bows then rushes back to his countrymen. Philip and Henri exit the dining hall and enter the king's private chambers. Philip walks around the table as the door closes and pulls out a chair, and sits down. He smiles up at his older brother. "I am proud at how you dealt with the ambassador, brother."

Philip looks at his brother, his hard expression still there. "You shouldn't have been talking to the ambassador. You know Fernandez likes to get under your skin, especially when concerns Catherine."

Henry sighs and takes a big drink of wine. "Cannot we not talk about Catherine right now."

Philip raises an eyebrow at his brother's tone. He studies his brother for a moment but does not question the duke. Henri finishes his wine and looks up at his brother.

"Do you want to tell me about our uncle, the King of Navarre?" Philip doesn't answer but watch Henri pour himself another glass of wine. "The King of Navarre is a traitor to our family."

The brothers turn in their positions to see their father, the king of France walks in. Philip bows his head in respect to his father and Henri remains in his seat, drinking his wine. Francis turns to look at Henri. "Drinking already, Henri?"

"It is never too early, father." The king looks at his son with some confusion, and then looks to Philip for some answer. "Henri had a talk with Fernandez a moment ago. The Spanish arrived early."

Francis nods his head and takes a seat at the head of the table. He looks at his eldest son. "The Spanish may have arrived at court early, but it means nothing. I have no intention of playing into the Emperor's hand. Unlike Henri, I do not count on their promises."

The Duke of Orleans smiles at his father's stance and his uncle's lack of a backbone. "I didn't think our uncle could be ignorant about the Spanish. They have a way of charming themselves into any situation, and make themselves the victor in any outcome. They're like the Italians."

Philip and the king raise an eyebrow at the duke. "I do not have time for your martial problems, Henri."

"I am just pointing it out, that is all." The king sighs as he sits back in his large chair. "I don't have time, Henri. The Spanish are here with their mind set on controlling who will be the next Queen of France. That will not be happen."

"Then what do you suggest? They expect you to marry, especially one of their own." Philip points out the situation, leaning on one of the chairs as he looks at his father. Henri raises an eyebrow. "Do you have someone in mind?"

The monarch smiles but decides not to respond. "No I do not but it is not the Spanish's concern on whom I marry."

The two princes nod their heads silently and without any comment, or argument. The door to the king's rooms open and LeBlanc walks into the room. He stops before the table and bows to the three men, then looks straight at the French monarch. "My apologies for the interruption, your majesty. Cardinal Bosquet has arrived at court."

"Ask the Cardinal to meet me in the gardens after he has settle." The secretary nods his head and bows his head one more time, and leaves the room. Henri looks to his father with some curiosity. "Bosquet is at court? What for?"

"It is a matter between the Cardinal and I." The King stands up and looks at his sons. "How stay clear of the Spanish. They have caused enough problems within this family. If you excuse me, I have matters to attend to."

Francis walks out of the room and leaves his two oldest children behind. Henri turns to Philip for some answers. "What is going on?"

Philip looks at his brother but does not answer. Henri sighs at the silence. "You're not going to say anything."

"There is nothing to say. I don't know all of our father's plans." The royal duke rolls his eyes at the statement. "Please. It's common knowledge that Father confides in you and in return, you advise the king. Father is up to something, especially since you both were Rambouillet."

The dauphin does not react at the mention of the chateau. Henri smiles up at his brother from his chair. "Did you truly think I wouldn't find out?"

Philip shakes his head at his brother's tone and begins to move away from the table. "Believe what you will, Henri but it was not a secret."

Henri watches Philip leave the room, leaving the royal duke alone in the king's rooms.

NLAQ

Cardinal Bosquet walks slowly along the gravel path of the palace gardens, his jeweled rosary in his hands. French courtiers pause to curtsy or bow to the holy man, then quickly resuming their walk and leave the cardinal to himself. At the end of the gravel path, King Francis waits patiently for the cardinal, who slowly draws closer to him. The cardinal looks up to see the monarch, who bows his head at him and the cardinal comes to a stop. He bows to the king, who walks to him with a small smile on the king's face. "Your majesty."

"Cardinal, welcome back to court. I trust that your journey was well." The cardinal gives the king a small smile, and the two begun their walk down the gravel path together. "It wasn't uneventful, thank the lord. Court is lively as usual, even with your majesty's absence."

The king nods his head at the cardinal's comment. Bosquet glances at the monarch, who suddenly went silent. "How is your ward, the new duchess?"

"She is well." A smile appears on the king's face at the mention of the duchess. "She was working tirelessly to improve Princess Margaret's education. She acquired a new tutor before my departure, so I pray that Margaret will invest her studies."

The cardinal chuckle at the recent events in the royal children's lives, a reward in being in the king's inner circle. "The duchess must be very head strong to take on such a challenge as the princess. I will pray for her success in the venture."

"Thank you, Cardinal. I know the duchess will be happy to hear of your support." Bosquet looks at the king as he spoke the last word, silently understanding where the conversation was heading. The holy man looks forward at the gravel path, looking at the green hedges of the gardens. "I have written to the holy father after visiting your majesty and the duchess."

"I assume that the Holy Father has decided to avoid the matter all together, especially due to the duchess' history of prompting Protestantism in England." The king responds, not ignoring the situation of the matter concerning the presumed dead queen of England. "On the contrary, your majesty, his holiness was intrigued by the matter and your efforts to rescue the lady in question."

The French monarch looks to the cardinal in surprise at the announcement. Bosquet smiles at the monarch. "Your majesty looks surprise."

"I did not think that the Pope would want to involve himself in this matter, especially concerning the duchess' past actions." The cardinal nods his head in understanding. "I agree with your majesty. But your majesty must remember that his holiness is very different from his predecessor, Pope Clement. Of course, Clement is a Medici and they are not the most trusted."

"So I have been told." Francis refers to his daughter-in-law, Catherine de'Medici. Cardinal Bosquet raises an eyebrow but does not comment further. "His holiness is interested in meeting the duchess, not only for her part in leading King Henry away from the church but how she returned to the church out of her own free will."

"It is near death that she returned to the faith, and to the church. Anne placed her faith and life back into the church, and no doubt God has watched over her." The cardinal silently agrees with the monarch. "I agree nor can anyone dispute God's hand in her survival and yours and for this, the duchess' has got the Holy Father's attention."

"I assume we will be traveling to Rome." The monarch pokes at an impending travel. Bosquest looks at the king once again. "It seems so, your majesty. I can only assume that his holiness wishes to see you and the duchess soon as you can."

"Very well. Thank you Cardinal, for all your efforts in the matter." The men stop and face one another. "The pleasure is all mine, your grace. Of course, I will travel with you and the duchess as per his holiness' request."

The king nods his head in agreement to the cardinal's words. "I understand that the Spanish envoy arrived at court, they seem smug about their mission."

Francis sighs at the mention of the Spanish. "Yes, they seem to believe that they will succeed in pushing me to bow down to the Emperor. Unfortunately for the Spanish, that will not happen."

"If I may, what will your majesty do?" Francis smiles at the cardinal before answering. "I will refuse the Emperor. I understand that he has yet to hear the word no."

A page walks down the halls of the royal chateau, heading towards the duchess' open chambers. He stops at the doorway and looks towards Nan, who walks towards the page and takes two letters from the silver plate. The page leaves as Nan walks towards the duchess and stops a foot away from her friend. Anne turns and looks at her friend. "What is it, Nan?"

"A letter, your grace." Princess Margaret jumps up and Princess Madeleine moves to the edge of her seat, both of them excited at the announcement of a letter. Anne smiles as she takes the letter from her friend. "Thank you."

Nan hides the second letter as she bows her head, and returns to her seat behind the duchess. Margaret takes a step forward as Anne breaks the seal, and opens the letter carefully. "Is it from father?"

Anne looks up at the princess. "Patience, dear princess."

Margaret nods her head and takes her place back down on the floor, her eyes on the duchess. Anne starts reading the letter, recognizing the king's handwriting. A few moments pass and a wide smile appears on her face at the invitation of the Pope. By now, the young princess is closer to the duchess. "What does father say? It must be something good for you to smile."

Anne puts the letter down, unable to finish it all but the rest only for her. "The king writes that he is well and that both Henri and Philip are at court."

"Henri? Did he bring Diana?" The young princess questions with eagerness. "I don't know, his majesty doesn't say but yes, Henri is at court. It seems he had an altercation with the Spanish ambassador."

"The Spanish are at court? I thought they were not due for almost four days. Why would they arrive to court early?" Princess Madeleine adds, gaining Anne's attention and concern at the matter. "I am sure but I can only assume it is not good."

"They probably think that they will succeed in getting father to agree to a treaty." They all look to the oldest princess. Anne nods her head in agreement to the princess' words as she glances back down at the letter, then back up again. "Whatever the Spanish have plan, they will not sway the king. I am sure that he will stand firm against them, making sure that France benefits in some way."

The two princesses nod their heads in affirmation to the duchess' words. She folds the letter back up and looks at Princess Margaret. "It is time for bed, my dear Margaret. I allowed you to stay up longer than you should."

The young princess sighed as she slowly got to her feet. Behind her, Madeleine stood up as well as her sister walks to Anne, and stands in front of her. Anne grabs her hand and smiles at her. "Say your prayers, princess, especially for your father's success."

Margaret nods her head and leans forward as Anne kisses her head. Madeleine appears at her sister's side and takes her hand. Anne smiles up at her, as Madeleine nods her head and two princesses exit the room. Anne leans back in her chair as Nan stands up, and walks to Anne. Anne turns to her friend, who hands her the second letter. She looks down at the letter and back up at her friend. "Nan?"

"I am sorry for withholding this, but I thought it best with the princesses here." Anne slowly grabs the letter and looks at the handwriting. "Who is it from?"

"The seal is the seal of the Earl of Northumberland." The former English monarch turns the letter around and looks at the seal, quickly recognizing it. "He probably wants to apologize for his part in your downfall."

Anne sighs and hands the letter back to her friend. "I will send it to the king when I reply to his letter."

Nan nods her head and takes the letter back. "I will leave the matter to his majesty, he can decide how best to act in this matter."

NLAQ

The double doors of the throne room open and the Spanish envoy enter, all of them with smug expressions. King Francis sits straight in his large chair, with his eldest sons each standing on either of the monarch. The Spanish stop before the king and bow deeply to him. Francis does not move but continues to watch them.

"Ambassador Fernandez, welcome back to France and to French court. I am surprise to see that you have arrive early." A wide smile appears on the ambassador's face. "We saw no reason to delay our trip. We were eager to complete our mission and secure peace between France and Spain."

The king nods his head silently. "And how do you suggest that happen, ambassador? For I am sure that your master, the Emperor already has a plan to this peace."

"Yes, of course your majesty." The ambassador bows his head. The monarch moves to the middle of his seat, readying himself for the fight. "Then help me ambassador, why should I agree to the terms that would give the Emperor the upper hand. He would presumably have control over me, therefor over France."

The smile disappears from the ambassador's face; a bit of anger starts to build inside of him. The Spaniard's pride for a successful mission is gone, as he prepares to battle it out with the king. The diplomat takes a deep breath. "Your majesty, the terms of this treaty would benefit both countries, and secure peace. The emperor does not wish to start peace under false words and promises."

"And yet, that is what the Emperor has done." Francis responds as holds tight to his arms of his chair. "I have no intention of submitting to the Emperor's terms. I will not give up my country to your master."

"France needs-

"I know what France needs, ambassador." The king shouts, now at the edge of his seat. "I am France's king, not the Emperor. I know my countrymen better than he ever will."

"You would continue a war, you know you cannot win nor afford." The ambassador points out, his smug expression appearing on his face. "France will be drained of its money because of war. Your people will revolt."

"Do not threaten me, ambassador. You're a guest at my court." The smug expression disappears as the ambassador stands still, and impatiently waits for the king to continue. "The Emperor will have peace as France wishes for peace."

"Peace must be secured by a royal marriage, uniting both France and Spain as one." King Francis smiles at the ambassador's announcement. "Yes, I am aware ambassador. I do not need reminding. There will be a marriage for peace but it will not be my marriage."

The throne room goes quiet. Courtiers look at one another in surprise at the announcement, all of them confused at what their king is doing. "I will not allow the Emperor to chose my bride, nor do I have any intention of marrying his sister as he has proposed. I know that marriage will not stop him form attacking France in the future, your master has little regard for family."

"Then what does your majesty propose, if not the Emperor's sister." Francis sat back in his chair, proud of himself. "After much consideration and discussion with my council, I have decided that the Emperor's niece, Princess Christina of Norway and Denmark would by a suitable match for the dauphin."

The ambassador's eyes widen at the proposal. The king continues to smile. "The princess will be the future queen of France and the Emperor will get his wish. A royal marriage will secure our two countries in peace."
The ambassador remains silent, unable to say anything after the king's proposal. Behind him, the duke of Orleans smiles down at the ambassador, proud that the ambassador has put in his place. The diplomat takes a deep breath, as he looks the French monarch in the eye. "The Emperor will be happy to hear of your proposal and will accept your majesty's terms. Peace between France and Spain."

King Francis nods his head in agreement with the ambassador, as the court erupted into applause. Ambassador Fernandez bows deeply to the king and spins around, leaving the throne room with his entourage behind him. The king turns to the dauphin with a wide grin. Philip bows his head to his father.

"You have beat them at their own game, your majesty." Francis nods his head. "It would not have happen without your help. You are willing to marry his niece?"

"Willing, yes but for any kind of friendship between me and the princess may be out of the question." The dauphin points out, not disappointed or sad. "It will be a marriage for France and it will give her peace."

The king nods his head and turns back to his court, smiling at his courtiers.

NLAQ

The king walks into his chambers with his secretary behind him. Francis reads the letter from Anne then looks to the un-open letter that was enclosed. He looks at LeBlanc. "What is this?"

"It seems that Northumberland has written not only apology to the duchess, but an explanation in his involvement as a judge." The monarch stops and looks at his man. "He has no explanation, just excuses. Has the duchess responded to this letter?"

"No, your majesty. The seal was not broken, I believe that the duchess does not wish to act without your majesty's word." Francis looks back down at the letter then back up at his secretary. "Pack my things, I am returning to Rambouillet in the morning."

"Yes your majesty." LeBlanc nods his head as the monarch begins to walk away. "Inform Philip and Henry about my departure. I have already invited Catherine to the chateau."

"Yes your majesty."


Chateau de' Rambouillet, Rambouillet, Yvelines, France

Henri pulls the reins of his horse as he enters the courtyard of the chateau, a small carriage following behind him. Philip pulls up right beside his brother and quickly dismounts. He turns to see the carriage door open and the occupant slowly climbs out of the courage. Henri dismounts and joins his brother's side as he looks up at the chateau, then looks to his brother. "Why are we here? And why did father have to invite Catherine?"

Philip looks at his brother then to his brother's wife, Catherine de'Medici who looks at the dauphin. The dauphin looks at his brother. "She is your wife, Henri or did you forget?"

"I didn't forget nor can I?" Philip sighs then turns away from his brother. A smile appears on his face at the site of his father, his sisters and the Duchess of Valois. He walks away from Henri to greet his father. Henri follows his brother as his wife joins his side, and they watch the exchange. Catherine leans into her husband. "Who is that woman with the king and princesses?"

"I don't know but we will find out." The couple walks towards the family as Philip steps back. Henri looks at Anne, unable to recognize whom the lady was. The couple stop and bow and curtsy to the king. Francis smiles at the couple. "Henri, Catherine welcome."

"Thank you, your majesty." Henri keeps his eyes on the woman, as his wife responds. The monarch steps forward with Anne beside him, holding onto his arm. She smiles as she curtsies to the couple. "Your Royal Highnesses."

"Henri, Catherine, may I present the new Duchess of Valois, Anne Boleyn."