Chapter 5
-Hampton Palace, early spring 1560-
The next morning politics began quickly. While they broke their fast, Mary and Francis decided Catherine would continue to act as regent anytime they were absent from France, James for Scotland and her mother for England. Then there was their privy council. They decided to have permanent councils to handle the small business in each country and a grand privy council to oversee them. Francis invited Lord Conde, the Duke of Guise, Lord Narcisse and Bash to court hoping one could fulfill that purpose as well as Nostradomaus to see if he'd be their traveling physician. Mary called a Lord Bothwell from Scotland at her mother's request as well as a Lord Ruthven to please the Protestants. A Lord Walsingham and a Lord Darnley was also a contender for a spot. Francis was able to reward Bash's bravery with an English title; he was now Sebastian, Earl of Suffolk and granted him a seat so the couple had someone they trust. Mary decided to invite Francis's sisters Princesses Claude and Margot to help find suitors. Soon they were dispensing charges of appointments and titles. They created their households and settled all their lands.
They walked all over the palace and gardens. Mary enjoyed looking at the river it overlooked. Soon they were discussing the political climate of their countries. Scotland was overjoyed with the joining of England, France was happy they wouldn't be invaded by either of them, and England rejoiced in having a king and stable heir again. Mary smiled, peace. For now there was peace, now they needed to secure alliances to maintain it. "Francis have you thought about matches for your siblings? We need to make alliances that will secure our rule?"
"Well i want one of my sisters to marry Conde. He's recently converted to Protestantism and i think it'd be good to unite both houses and both faiths. Charles, Henry, and Herkules are so young I'm not sure yet," he had put a great deal of thought into it. He used to think he'd be able to let them marry for love, but not any longer. Now they had an empire to secure.
That night they dined with their new privy council, Bash, Conde, Darnley, Bothwell, the Duke of Guise, James, Marie de Guise, Narcisse, and Catherine. It was a disaster. They fought over every detail and now of them agreed with their sovereigns, including the choices of the council themselves. The only detail that was decided on wasn't up for debate: the crown matrimonials. Mary was making Francis lawful King of Scotland and England and he the same with her and France, they would no longer be consorts but equals in everything, so that if they are ever separated they can act with equal authority. The council had limitless possibilities against this but it made their empire stronger.
Darnley's ambition scared Francis. He seemed to think if Francis wasn't around, Mary would be swayed by such a man. Bothwell and Mary de Guise were creepily close, and the Duke of Guise seemed to be at war for his own mother's adoration. Walsingham, Conde, and Bash were the only sensible ones on his council. After dinner Francis stole Mary for a night to relax. The next morning they would decide on marriages for his siblings.
The next morning they invited Catherine to break their fast with them. She left that day for France to go back to ruling for them. They wanted her opinion to at least be heard on her children's marriages.
"You're letting HER decide MY children's fates?" Catherine wanted to be the one to make those decisions.
"SHE is your Queen and WE are deciding together. Now would you rather Margot or Claude marry Conde?" Francis retorted to his mother.
"Neither. He's a Protestant and I don't want my daughters near him." She couldn't believe he was doing this. A Bourbon Prince.
"It would create a bond between our bloodlines as well as create some allies with Protestants. I'm asking which of your daughters would be happiest with him." Francis was arguing with his mother while Mary ate.
"Fine, if I must choose, Claude. She's older and been away longer. Plus if you grant her and Conde English titles, you can create more ties with France and England. I just hope he doesn't use her to try and claim France." Catherine gave, they were going to do as they'd please, she just hoped it would work out for them. Mary had a plan to put an end to this Prince of the Blood nonsense.
"What about the boys?" Mary inquired to Catherine, trying to move the conversation forward, "I'm sure you have some ideas."
"Ah many, but wait on the boys and see how the nations behave. They're all vulchers and will show their true colors soon," she said.
They said their farewells to Catherine. Francis decided to spend the afternoon visiting the armories and meeting new soldiers. He wanted to get to know his subjects and gain their loyalty, not just blind admiration. Mary decided to take a stroll with Conde and see if they could negotiate a marriage.
"No, absolutely not. I don't want to be married and certainly not to the spoilt Claude."
"Louis this could do so many great things for both our houses. It would prove to the world that the Bourbons and Valois are at peace as well as show protestants and catholics can live in harmony. I know it's a lot to ask but still I must. Is there anything I can do to convince you?"
"What kind of man gives up his heart for an alliance?"
"The kind who put country before self; princes, kings."
At that he stood a little taller. He never thought of it that way, he was so far from the crown he thought he'd never be asked to do this. He loved his freedom but Claude was so spirited, would it really be so bad? His life could be unpredictable with her, as he began to think he realize Claude was no virgin, and if they weren't happy they could find it in others company. He wasn't a jealous man and didn't want them to be miserable. He decided to accept but he knew if he wanted any special honors for it, now was the time to ask. "Okay, I will accept but on three conditions. She has to accept as well, I will not marry a woman against her will. I want to be given a high ranking English and Scottish title to strengthen my ties to the empire, and finally I want the honor of godparent to your next child." All of those things strengthened Mary's plan while raising his standing on a world circuit, that way his future children will be able to make good alliances. It would also appease his brother, the King of Navarre, who had been upset to see the Valois rise so high. With the conquer of England died any chance the Bourbons would be on the French throne again, at least he, Antoine was a King, though only through marriage. Still his line would forever belong to Navarre royalty. With this marriage though they would rise higher and potentially put a Bourbon on another throne. They're children would also have a strong claim to the French throne and should a descendent of Francis and Mary failed to produce a male heir, could take the throne by law."
Mary looked him over as she contemplated the two request, they would convince Claude that she needed to do this without force. She was going to give him two English titles but one Scottish and one English wouldn't make too much of a difference, as long as she chose carefully. It would make sense to name him godfather to their next heir, royalty on the father's side. They didn't seem big, but she couldn't be sure what his endgame was. Prince Conde had formed an interesting relationship with Mary and Francis and had always been loyal. "You're terms don't seem too unreasonable, I will speak with Claude and let you know what your new titles will be."
Just then Kenna came rushing around the corner, "Mary, there you are I have been looking everywhere for you! It's Darnley and Bothwell, they… well you just have to come see for yourself!"
"Excuse me your grace, apparently I have to be going," Mary took off after Kenna hoping whatever this was wouldn't ruin her plans to go see James that day. She'd barely been able to spend time with him since he was born. Her and Francis haven't decided if they were going to keep him at court long term or eventually send him somewhere isolated from disease and corruption. She wanted to spend as much time with him now as possible. When she arrived in the throne room she found her new council members on their knees in the throne room clothes torn to hell, hair scruffled.
Francis was already seated and looking annoyed when Mary took her seat on her throne, "What is the meaning of all this?" she asked.
"I heard Bothwell say you were going to marry that heretic Prince to the King's sister and I had to defend our gracious rulers who, while are tolerant, are Catholic and would never do such a thing," Darnley spoke before Bothwell could, "he then told me to keep my mouth shut for the son of a traitor was worse of that of a bastard." he spit out some blood.
"Someone simply came to me with a rumor. I told them I hadn't heard anything but it wasn't out of the question. Lord Darnley should've minded his own business, he was upset by the truth and punched me, i merely defended myself." Bothwell stayed bowed the whole time he spoke.
"My father protected me. My grandmother was an English princess, the same one that made that gracious woman our queen," Darnley defended himself by.
"That's how she became your Queen, she has been my Queen since her sixth day of birth. She is my Queen because of her father, the same man who was your father's King until he ran off to England after betraying him. You are not worthy to be in her presence. Her father died due to a battle your father was too much a coward to attend! " Bothwell felt insulted for her majesty.
"She's my cousin! I helped her get her throne! I cannot defend my father past that he did it out of love for his children. Mary has and always be my rightful Queen" Darnley hollered.
"ENOUGH!" Mary was infuriated, "I have better things to do with my time. You are both men of our privy council and I expect better of you."
Francis spoke next, "You are barred from meetings for the next month. Your King and Queen asked you both to serve and you have disgraced us. Put your differences aside and in the future be more delicat-"
"YOU'RE MARRYING ME TO THAT BOURBON PRINCE WITHOUT EVEN ASKING ME?!" Princess Claude barged into the room.
"You gentlemen are dismissed for now. Reflect on your actions. Everyone out!"Francis ordered. When it was only the three of them left he spoke again, "I'm sorry sister,I was hoping to greet you and have dinner with you. Unfortunately some men decided to behave as imbeciles and my plans destroyed. Yes, I want you to marry Conde, I was going to discuss it with you privately."
"I will not marry him. Father promised I could marry for love," Claude huffed.
"Claude I am not asking as your king I am asking as your brother and head of the house. And for now I am only asking. Father is no longer with us and marrying for politics is our job as royals. Nothing has ever really been asked of you, father didn't expect you to marry and mother sent you all over to be cultured with no real expectations for you. I hear your studies have gone great but you've left scandal in your wake. I need you to settle down, especially with us on the verge of creating a dynasty. I would never ask you marry someone cruel or too old for you, I was lucky to find love in my marriage and I hope you can too." Francis tried to sound reasonable.
Mary spoke next, "Claude, I have spoken personally with Conde about this. He is young, handsome, generous, and kind. Marriage wasn't his first pick either but he thought of your free-spirit and how a marriage to you would never be without surprise. There are many political reasons for this, but for you personally this would be someone to protect and love you. We need this alliance and we need you to accept it graciously. How about I invited him to dine with us?"
Claude stayed silent for a moment. It couldn't hurt to at least meet him, if anything she could always sabotage it later, "Fine, I will at least meet him. But I will make no promises."
"Thank you Claude, now I hope you two enjoy the rest of your afternoon. I'm sure you siblings have much to catch up on. I am going to head to the nursery," Mary stated as she stood up and then walked from the room. Francis stood up and took Claude's arm, they left to go stroll the gardens.
-In the nursery Mary walks in to find her ladies surrounding the children-
"Mary!" Greer exclaimed, "I feel like I haven't seen you at all since we arrived."
"It's been a busy few days. I can't believe how much there is to be done. We are getting close now, we are hoping to do an English progress in 3 months," Mary said.
Kenna blushed, "3 months huh? I don't think I'll be able to make it, I'll be showing by then."
Mary, Greer, and Lola stared wide-eyed at their delicate looking friend.
"I can't believe it! I am so happy for you and Bash!" Lola was the first to speak. "We are filling this nursery right and quick," she laughed.
Greer smiled, "at least I'll have someone to keep me company." She pulled her dress back to reveal a slightly enlarged stomach."
Mary was in tears. "I.. I am so happy for you both. I can't believe we are all mothers!"
The women spent the next two hours in the nursery, playing with the young children and discussing plans for the future additions.
When dinner rolled around she sent her ladies to their husbands, except for Lola who dined with her son. Mary reminded herself she needed to find Lola a suitable husband. We had to be careful though because whoever they chose would be in close ties to Francis. She walked into her and Francis's dining hall to find Francis and Claude sitting already.
"So Mary, I was thinking we should plan to stay in at least one or more London castles before heading around the country. What do you say?" Francis asked casually.
"That sounds like a great idea, we should be able to decide which one we like for ourselves and know their strategic qualities. Any suggestions on where to next?" Mary replied.
"I was thinking Whitehall, it's close to parliament. From there Greenwich."
"That sounds agreeable. How was your walk through the gardens? Don't you just love the difference in English flowers, Claude?" she asked, she realized this is the first time her and Claude spoke since Mary was whisked off to the convent. She didn't really know anything about Claude besides that she's no virgin and very spirited.
"They are quite interesting. I heard there was nothing better than an English rose and while I agree they are beautiful, nothing really compares to Italian and French gardens your Majesty," Claude answered.
"Oh there is no to be so formal in private, we are family after all. I agree with you though, I like the roses but I truly enjoy when they are in bushels of flowers from France. How have your travels been? I hear you've seen most of Europe." Conde walked in just as Mary was finishing, "Oh hold that thought, Prince Conde! Welcome, please be seated. Claude was just to tell us of her travels."
He took a seat next to Claude as she began in, "well the Northern countries are my least favorite. While they have some stunning scenery and the cold give you a good excuse to seek warmth in others, it is quite dreary. I truly loved going through Italy and Spain, the culture and language was incredible. The people are so passionate there, it's enchanting. Nothing is like being around family though, thank you for inviting me here. While I have enjoyed traveling I have missed being around those I truly care about, I begged mother for years to let me come home. She was always too concerned I'd create scandal."
"Well we are glad to have you home sister, Margot should be here in the next day or too as well, we might even have your brothers visit in a month or two. I was thinking of taking the whole family on English progression. Soon after we will move on to Scotland and you can decide if you want to stay in England or continue with us." Mary replied with a smile. She was glad to have her sister-in-law around.
As the ladies spoke Prince Conde took in the words they were saying. Claude had all but admitted she had taken lovers, not that he minded. In fact, it kind of intrigued him, he always assumed if he married a princess she'd be a virgin and slow to warm to the marriage bed- but Claude already knew what she would like. She also seems to have a good sense of self, she was a genuine and good person. She may be flirtatious and all the things the rumors said, but what they didn't mention she was well educated, passionate,radiantly beautiful, and had a strong sense of family. He and his siblings had always been close and he hoped his future family would be too.
"Tell me more about yourself Prince Conde, if we are to be wed I should at least know you a little," Claude said playfully.
"Louis, please. And so I take it you have consented?" he replied.
"Not yet, that depends on you," she smiled raising her eyebrow.
"Well then Claude, as you probably know, my brother is Antoine, King of Navarre. I have four brothers and six sisters, I am the second youngest. I have travelled as well but unfortunately most of mine has been due to war, I fought in the Italian Wars, followed your father into battle for Calais, and recently helped your brother and sister conquer England. In all honesty though, I hate fighting. I really enjoy music, drinking, and cards. I agree Italy has some of the best culture I have ever seen though," he replied with a crooked grin admiring her. She was quite stunning. She had a strong, almost masculine, jaw that gave the soft features of her face the look of a warrior. He didn't believe Claude would ever be a soldier but she was strong-willed and fiercely independent. They both knew that they were bound to be married and getting on board now was the smoothest route. Her brother was King and eventually he'd convince her, but she would wait until there wasn't a shred of doubt in her mind about his character. Time, they both knew, Francis would give her. She had soft dirty blonde hair, almost brown, that was curled around her face. Her brown eyes were playful, but hiding something more- he suspected loneliness. From what she said it seemed she had been on her own for awhile; she sounded almost rejected by her mother.
"Are you close with your siblings?" she asked her face softening a little.
"I try to be, some not as much as others. Antoine and I are fairly close despite our age gap. We all grew up together and as we married we all grew apart. I have always dreamed of having a close family." he replied.
"Have you ever been married?" she inquired hoping to not sound jealous. She didn't want to admit it but she was enjoying his company. He was quite handsome and he seemed to be a nice enough gentleman. She liked his ideas of a close family.
"Once, she died in childbirth unfortunately. It's not something I like to talk about much, I lost my wife and child on the same day," he grimaced at the memory.
"I apologise Louis, I didn't mean to upset you," she whispered, grabbing his arm without thinking about it.
"No, Claude you don't have to apologise. You are to be my wife and ought to know. I didn't think her memory would affect me this hard, after so long. I was young when we wed and while I did care for her, we never quite fell in love. I always hoped love was something I'd have in my next marriage, something I hope to find with you." He smiled at her, holding her hand.
It had been two months since that dinner. Mary started to leave more politics to Francis after they signed the matrimonials, taking the opportunity to see her son more. Claude and Margot often came with as well as Mary's ladies. Greer should be giving birth any day now with how large her stomach is and Kenna looks like she's barely pregnant even though they are only weeks apart. It's making Greer a little bitter. Today though, Mary had escaped all the hustle of the palace. They were preparing to move court to Whitehall when she received a letter from her cousin and decided it's time to visit her. Mary and Francis were the only people allowed to visit her for now and the only way they would maintain a peaceful relationship is if Mary made an effort to trust her. She knew it was foolish but she did hope they could be friends and Elizabeth was truly no longer a threat. Francis had chosen Eltham Palace as prison fit for a Queen and the fortifications had just been finished. When Mary arrived she was shown upstairs to Elizabeth's room with four guards following her upstairs and two staying at the bottom. There were more checking the perimeter.
"Mary!" Elizabeth turned to her cousin and opened her arms for a hug.
Mary walked over to hug her smiling, "I am so sorry it's taken so long to visit. Setting up court as been stressful, I've barely had time to sneak off."
"Oh, it's no problem. I completely understand, I just wanted to share a meal and some news with you," she smiled signaling for them to sit where she had tea waiting.
Mary was still getting used to this tea, she was so used to wine, "Oh good! I have been craving a good quiet meal with some light conversing."
Lunch was brought out and the women began to discuss little things, Mary informed Elizabeth on the gossip of court and Elizabeth gave Mary good bits of information about her nobles- at least soon to be tested knowledge. Soon though the nerves in Elizabeth's eyes started to show and she set her tea down to hide her shaking. "Mary I have something to tell you but I fear your reaction."
"What in heavens do you mean?"
"Mary I'm pregnant."
Mary hid her shock well. Her eyes went bright and her mouth gaped as she rushed over to hug her cousin, "I am so happy for you!" She truly was, but there was also a feeling nagging in her gut: fear.
Elizabeth tensed and then hugged her back. This was not what she was expecting. Yelling, crying, anything but happy. Her child could cause civil war with Mary's children.
"I'm glad you're happy but I don't understand, I figured you'd think of this child as a threat, my child. Your rivals child."
"Elizabeth, I no longer see you as a rival and I would never punish an innocent child. As well as I gave you permission to marry, children tend to come along after. Plus your child is a future friend of my son, or maybe even future bride," Mary raised her eyebrow taking a sip of tea smiling, " you never know how things could go."
Just then a page came into the room with a message for Mary, "your majesty, King Francis is looking for you. They are settled in Whitehall."
"Oh, you moved to Whitehall." Elizabeth said emotionlessly.
"Yes, we want to spend a few months in each castle. A few of my ladies are also with child. I will bring them with next time I come, I think you will like them." Mary said while she stood. They said their farewells and Queen Mary was on her way.
Francis was there to meet Mary, excited to show her the castle. He personally showed her around and they talked about small things, he gave her the whole history of the castle and she listened intently to her husband. Admiring his soft blonde curls. Finally they arrived at their chambers. He pulled her in kissing her without a word. She didn't even see the bed before she was on it and he was crawling on top of her, grinning.
After, they laid in each others arms. Francis finally spoke, "I have good news."
"Oh really? What is that?"
"Claude agreed to marry Conde. He even got down on one knee for her, I think they will be happy."
"Oh I am so glad to hear that. Our family is growing and growing stronger as it does. Lola was joking with Greer about a marriage agreement with John."
"Wouldn't be the worse match, especially if they grow up as close as we did," he smiled at her. Finally pulling away to pour them some wine.
"Thank god for wine! I went to see Elizabeth today and all she had was tea. I don't mind tea but I will never understand the English obsession with it."
"You went to see Elizabeth today? I thought you were going to let me know when you were going to see her."
"Oh, I'm sorry love. I sent a page to tell you. I tried to find you myself but you were wrapped up in the move. She wrote asking me to see her."
"What did she want?"
"Why do you assume she wants something?"
"Why else?"
"To spend time with me? We had lunch, she's all alone in that house besides for Robert and servants. She also had some news for me which I was very happy to receive."
"What news is this?"
"She is with child."
"And your just okay with that? Her child could be a threat to our reign."
"Francis, it's an innocent child being born to a declared bastard and divorcee. Plus the closer Elizabeth and I become, without being too trusting, the better for all of us."
They finished discussing business and then changed and crawled into bed together for the night.
The next morning they broke their fast together. They had decided to have a small ball to signify their move of court and were going over the last few details. After Mary went to visit James. The nursery was empty except for his governess and Mary enjoyed time with just them. After an hour or so she called for Margot and Claude to join her for a walk in the gardens. As she waited she was informed she had a visitor and let them join her. She was surprised when the Duke of Guise walked up to her. "My Queen and niece, you look wonderful," he states bowing.
"Uncle, I don't remember inviting you to England. You are suppose to be helping Catherine rule in France." Mary was sure this was not good news.
"I wanted to update Francis and you in person on the situations in France. But that can wait, I have another question for you, one that is quite personal but I need your and Francis's permission." he replied, disappointed by her hostility. He had hoped this would be easier with her than with Francis.
"Then let me get him, you can ask us together," she started to go get a page
"Please, I want to discuss it with you before I bring it to Francis. It is a delicate situation," he pleaded.
Mary looked concerned and turned to face him, "what is wrong uncle?"
"Nothing, it's actually great. I have fallen in love. I wish for you to give me your blessing to propose to the Queen Mother." he said quickly, before he could turn back.
It had began slow, he had always admired her in a way he knew Henry never could. He was furious when she was named regent, but Francis ordered her to work with him (while also watching him) and she slowly grew to respect the man behind the title. It happened late one night, she had ordered him to her chambers and they got into a heated debate. He had been thinking of showing her his growing desire for weeks but he didn't expect to kiss her mid argument. She kissed back and when they broke she looked shocked and slapped him. Then she kissed him again and they made love all night.
"Excuse me?" Mary never expected this, her uncle and her mother-in-law who despised each other.
"We respect each other, and push each other. I see her as my equal which she appreciates. I never expected to do this I swear. I truly love her. I think I have for years but we never had the chance to explore our chemistry. Will you please help grant me your blessing and help me convince Francis to do the same," he looked into her eyes hoping she'd see he was telling the truth. He was an ambitious man and now he worried that's all anyone would see.
"You will go back to France, I will send for Catherine. I want to hear this in her own words. She should be on her way soon anyways to go on progress with us. When she leaves I will discuss this with Francis and give you our answer. You do not mention it before then, do you understand?" she replied still trying to digest the thought of them together. He nodded in understanding.
They walked to her and Francis's joint office where she knew he was going over the different countries defenses. The situation in France was complicated. Religion was still a major dividing factor and the nobles have been feeling ignored by their rulers residing in England. They shared the plans for Claude and Conde's wedding and the Duke had some concerns that were easily squashed. He also didn't want to push to hard knowing his huge request. It was a good political move anyways, risky but if Claude and the Prince have actually taken a liking to each other it could work. They did take his suggestion of having them live in France; it would appease the feeling of being ignored by the royals. The marriage will happen in Calais. They discussed a few other small subjects before the Duke excused himself to rest before heading back. Mary informed Francis that she was going to invite his mother early because she missed her and wanted her spend time with James. She kissed him and left him back to his work. She was about to send for Claude, Margot, and her ladies when she suddenly realized how hungry she had become in the last few hours of talking. She had a page prepare an outdoor lunch for them instead. They all exchanged hellos and took their seats. Kenna and Greer were starting to show but Greer was much larger. They all sat and had small talk. Mary caught up on the court gossip. After a few glasses of wine she decided it was time to tell Claude of her and Francis's decision.
"Claude, Francis and I were talking and we would like for you and Louis to marry in Calais. Would you object?" Mary stated plainly.
"No, not at all but I'm curious why?" Claude asked
"Well, I was also hoping you wouldn't mind moving to France after the wedding, which will happen at the end of progress. It doesn't have to be permanent but France has been feeling ignored by the royal family. We hope this will help solidify our position there until Francis and I can travel there ourselves. We have to do both and English and Scottish progress before we can return. You will be leaving us and Margot but you will have your mother and brothers after we arrange their marriages. We hope to have all of you travel between courts but the Valois family will always be French and I want them to know you and your siblings are French prince and princesses." Mary explained.
"Well how can I say no after a speech like that. If you insist I will agree. You are my Queen after all. Thank you for being frank with me. I will discuss it with Conde." Claude smiled.
The ladies finished their meal and then they left to prepare for the ball that evening. It was a small but beautiful affair. Mary and Francis, and Claude and Conde danced the night away; Greer and Kenna unfortunately couldn't danced, but Lola danced with a few men. She seemed to favor the Lord Darnley much to Francis's concern. Mary understood the charm in a man like Darnley and knew it would be a good match for Lola. He was also Mary's cousin giving her friend royal children, er well more royal children. Plus he was tall and handsome and they looked happy together. Mary had also discreetly invited Catherine of Austria and her son King Sebastian of Portugal and the Algarves, she hoped to arrange a marriage between the King and Margot. She was very pleased when he danced with her more than once but they seemed very stiff. They were very young though and Mary decided she should just be impressed they looked at all graceful. That night Mary went to bed with thoughts of how wonderful things had turned out for her, she was also suspicious that she was with child again.
-three weeks later, Whitehall, England 1560-
Catherine had been invited to break her fast with her son and daughter. She was so pleased to receive her invite to England but disappointed to be leaving her Christian (the Duke of Guise) so soon after he arrived home. She asked how the marriages for her daughters going, trying to hide the resentment she felt that she was not the one making the decisions for them anymore. She was happy Claude was happy with her match even if Catherine was still unsure of it. Margot and Sebastian concerned her, but Mary gave full assurances he was nothing like his half brother Tomas who was cruel. Tomas was no longer allowed to Portuguese court for his behavior, which came out after the death of their father.
"I just had a realization," Mary stated all of a sudden, "we need to name our empire. We can't just keep referring to each country individually, we need to unite them."
"You are right my Queen, do you have any ideas?" Francis asked, grabbing his wife's hand.
"The Valois Dynasty of course," Catherine replied instantly.
Francis and Mary looked at each other, reading each other. It made sense but something just seemed so wrong about it. The Scots and English would hate it mostly.
"What about Imperii Pacis, it's Latin for Empire of Peace." Mary said firmly. She had put a lot of thought behind it.
"Hmm compromise Valois Imperii Pacis." Francis said. He enjoyed thing ring to it and the latin reminded people of their ties to Rome.
"Agreed. I will have them add it to the decorations on our progress." Mary smiled at her husband.
That week went by quickly, plans for progress took up most their time; when they returned to London for the winter they would be holding court in Greenwich. During the week Nostradamus confirmed her suspicion of pregnancy, she was going to ask the him to come with when his wife Olivia came waddling in at least 6 months pregnant and Mary knew she couldn't tear him from his family. She instead asked him to make sure she had all the herbs she would need and instructions on when to use them. She had finally found time to introduce her ladies to Elizabeth and gave Greer and Kenna permission to visit her if they so pleased.
Finally all was set for the first royal progress under the Valois Imperii Pacis.