Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors.

Chapter Eighty-Three: The Plot.

5th of July 1535 - Whitehall Palace

"Your Majesty," Cromwell greeted bowing down to Queen Anne as she entered her presence chamber, the court having recently arrived at Whitehall after spending many a month at Hampton Court since the King had left for war. News of the continued siege at Florence had not been welcome but there was no sign of the Emperor striking back for the loss of Milan and it was taken as a good sign especially with Spain's treasury in such disarray.

"What is it?" Anne asked concerned, a part of her feared the death of her husband especially given the tender age of their son; despite her growing coldness to Henry, she did not wish for his death nor the early rise of her son. Alexander was but a boy and the role in which he was destined to hold one day was a heavy load to carry, especially on shoulders so young.

Cromwell hesitated for a moment, he was under no illusions that his relationship with the Boleyn family had changed; he had been risen higher than he could have ever believed because of them but his ambitions for a better England clashed greatly with Anne's. However, in this case he was sure that they were united by a mutual enemy as it were; there was no denying the threat that could possibly led to their mutual downfall must be dealt with.

"Speak Cromwell, I am sure such news cannot be that bad," Anne ordered tired of his delay, she had matters of state to deal with and there was much to be done in the absence of her husband. As regent in Henry's absence, most of her duties now lay in her hands and Anne was determined to prove herself to the people.

"It is the Infanta, Your Majesty." Cromwell informed her stiffly, a look of disgust on his face as he brought up Anne's former rival; one that he had been sure would not be an issue again especially considering her current location. Bermondsey Abbey had been the perfect place to place the disgraced princess of Aragon, it had strong links to the crown and Catherine had been monitored since she had arrived in their care to ensure she could not plot against the crown any further.

Closing her eyes at the mention of Henry's former wife, Anne tried to summon all of her strength knowing that of course Catherine would choose now to act out against her. There was no hiding the fact that Henry was out of the country anymore, although any hopes Catherine had of taking the throne for Mary were entirely pointless with her out of the country with her father.

"It appears that Her Grace has taken ill," Cromwell murmured not wanting the news to travel further than needed, he had no intentions of allowing the Spanish to twist such a thing against them during this time. Catherine was the crown's responsibility especially since they had her imprisoned at the Abbey, rather than risk the chance of her escaping back to Spain and revealing more state secrets to the Emperor that he could use against them.

"Send the court physician to her, I will not have it said that she was neglected under my charge nor that we had her poisoned to spite the Emperor," Anne ordered after taking a moment to gather her thoughts. While she did not like Catherine, she would not have the woman suffer more than she had to; if she was unwell, they would send aid to her even if she did not deserve it. Anne very much doubted that if their roles were reversed that Catherine would consider such a move on her part but Anne knew that she could not let Catherine die a martyrs death and be used as a further reason for the Emperor to try and invade England.

"Very well, Your Majesty," Cromwell replied stiffly, he bowed to Anne before taking his leave to make sure her order was seen to; he did not notice the curious look that Anne sent his way. Perhaps there was still hope that despite their differing opinions on religious reform in England, there was still a way that they could do England good together. Anne did not know what the future would hold, God willing they would see the end of this war soon enough and her husband could come home. Wars were expensive things and Anne knew her people suffered from the raising taxed to cover the war that the alliance had started to strike back against the Emperor.

Florence, Duchy of Florence

Entering the chambers that he called home, Cosimo de' Medici frowned upon seeing Lorenzino waiting for him; his muddy boots resting upon the table while he lounged in one of the chairs that was seated in the room. It wasn't much and Cosimo knew that his meagre residence was down to his current tensions with Alessandro, nothing seemed to dissuade his cousin from the course he was taking or even to push him into any actions.

The situation continued to grow dire and Cosimo knew that today's announcement would only make the situation worse, he had tried to talk Alessandro out of his plans for the week-long festivities for his birthday. They could ill afford it even without taking into consideration that they were under siege, the streets were filling with people begging for food and relief from the Duke of Florence yet Alessandro had nothing not even kindness to give to them.

"To what do I owe the pleasure cousin," Cosimo asked, his voice tired and he wanted nothing more than a moment's peace before he headed back into the city. He was doing all he could for the people but it wasn't enough, there was only one way this would end and Cosimo was determined that it was not his head that was going to end up on a spike.

"I take it you could not convince him to change his mind," Lorenzino asked already knowing the answer, his dark eyes watching Cosimo with an unknown emotion and his face betrayed nothing of what he was thinking. He did not move from his position exact to sip on some of the wine that he had taken from Cosimo's stash, the dark liquid bitter on his tongue as he watched the annoyance flash across face at his actions. Despite their agreement that Alessandro was doing a poor job in governing, they had very little in common; Lorenzino liked to think that if Cosimo removed the stick that was up his ass then perhaps they'd be better friends.

"Alessandro shall not be swayed, he will throw several banquets, five balls and a joust or two for his birthday celebrations," Cosimo confirmed with a shake of his head. He moved to pour himself a drink and he knew that it was only a matter of time before he really had to decide on where he wanted to stand in all of this.

The writing was already on the wall for the end of Alessandro's reign here, there was no help coming for them despite Alessandro insisting that help would come soon enough. The Emperor had not even left Spain yet nor did it seem like his other territories were coming to help them, his endless war campaigns across the continent left his treasury light of the funds needed to secure his own lands let alone fight in Italy.

"Then perhaps it is time we played our hand," Lorenzino mused, they had spoken often in this way about dealing with the issue at hand themselves especially when it came to dealing with Alessandro. Despite his once close friendship with the man, Lorenzino did not wish to die for him much less end up with his head spiked on the city walls. Leaning forward, he grinned at the look of confusion on Cosimo's face especially when he produced a piece of parchment and set it upon the table.

"What is this?" Cosimo asked confused, he moved across the room warily as if expecting the room to be stormed at any moment and for him to be arrested on such trumped-up charges. He carefully lifted the parchment from the place where Lorenzino had placed it, the wax seal was not one that he recognised although he swore that part of it looked like their family coat of arms.

"A letter from our dear cousin Ippolito, he has an offer that I think you'll like," Lorenzino told him, he had to admit that it was a better offer than expected especially since they had 'officially' sided with Alessandro in all of this. He would have his debts paid off and a good position in Ippolito's court if this went well, he didn't care what Cosimo got out of all of this as long as Ippolito kept his word to him.

Cosimo stared at the letter from Ippolito, a small frown forming on his face as he read his words and a part of him wondered if this might have been just what he was looking for. Perhaps they were fighting for the wrong side and Ippolito's offer was tempting, he could not deny that he had little to offer especially for a good marriage and Ippolito was a man known to keep his promises.

I recommend Bed of Deceit by BellalunaMcKenzie, For Even as Love Crowns You by wizardfantasy and Sanctuary by Cattyfan. Also check out My Lord Husband,The Enemy by Esme24, That Subtle Wreath by EvilFluffyBiteyThing and its sequel, A Progress in Kent.

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