Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors.

Chapter Ninety: Pope Paul III.

12th of October 1535 - Richmond Palace

"The Duchess of Suffolk has been safely delivered of a son, I hear that Her Grace has named the boy in honour of the King," Elizabeth Boleyn, Duchess of Wiltshire stated knowing that the news when it reached the Duke would certainly be welcome. It had only been last year that his son with the late Mary Tudor had passed on, not even a year after the Duke had buried his third wife leaving him a widow.

The lovely autumn day was just what they had hoped for when Anne had broken away from her duties insisting on a walk through the gardens so that she might stretch her legs before she attended the privy council meeting that afternoon. Lord Henry Brandon was the first child of the Duke of Suffolk and his fourth wife, Catherine Willoughby; the daughter of Maria de Salinas, who had reportedly been at her daughter's side when she had given birth.

"I pray that this boy will be strong for Brandon's sake, he lost both sons by my husband's late sister…" Anne recalled quietly, she would send a gift as was expected since their husbands were close friends even if she was unsure that Catherine would accept a gift from her. It was no secret to Anne that the new Duchess of Suffolk was quiet supporter of the Dowager Princess of Wales, the woman was her namesake after all and her mother had been one of Katherine's most loyal ladies.

"There is also the rumour that the Duchess of Calais is expecting, although nothing has been confirmed at this time," Elizabeth continued linking arms with her youngest daughter, she could not be more relieved for such news especially considering the Alliance had been secured through the marriage of Margaret Douglas and Antoine Bourbon. The news that the marriage might have successful produced a child was something that had been hoped for from the moment that the couple had been wed last year.

"You always seem to know the most recent gossip," Clarice stated with a smile, her return to court had been overdue and she had been eager for the distraction especially with the news that had arrived from Rome. It had left her rather undecided on how she felt about the death of Pope Clement, she could not forgive him for the pain that he had caused her yet she was sorrowful for the man that had guided her after the death of her father when she was but a child.

"Is there no news from Italy?" Anne asked quietly, she glanced back at her ladies that followed them from a dutiful distance so that the Queen could speak with her mother and sister-in-law without fear of being overheard. Anne was no fool, she was well aware that there would be spies in her household who reported on her actions; they would report if she sneezed the wrong way or voiced an opinion that could cause complications in her role as regent.

"They await to see who will be elected Pope, only then shall they continue their advance to take Naples from the Emperor," Clarice replied softly, she longed for the return of her husband. She had never thought that the war against the Emperor would last a year, but the date was fast approaching and Clarice longed to have him home with her and their children. It pained her greatly that he had yet to meet their son, she longed for him to lay eyes on William and dote upon him as he had done when the girls had been born.

"All things seemed to fall in their favour. I have even heard that the sweating sickness has struck the Emperor's territories that slows his counter attack against the Alliance. The Habsburg Empire that he adores has been crippled," Elizabeth told them, she would not dare name her source but she knew that the continued delay in response from the Emperor could only work in their favour.

"We should take great care that we are not next," Anne murmured, the sickness had nearly claimed her life and she feared that if it did come to England that her children would be in danger. Afterall, it had been the sweating sickness that had claimed the life of Prince Arthur and had led to everything that was happening now; she did not want to bury any of her children in her lifetime.

13th of October 1535 - Cappella Parva, Apostolic Palace, Papal States

Conclave had begun on October 11th, but it hadn't been until the next day that the first electoral assembly had taken place in the grand chamber where College of Cardinals had come together to elect the next Pope. Most of the 12th had been spent going back and forth over who the College of Cardinals thought the best fit would be to hold such a position during these most trying times and the aftermath of the mess that Pope Clement had left behind.

Thirty-five of the forty-six Cardinals were gathered together for this election, no real reason had been given for their absence at this time. Although several Cardinals were considered papabile, it was becoming increasingly clear that the majority thought that Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, dean of the Sacred College, had the best prospects for the election and had the most support.

It had already been announced the day before that he had the official support of King Francis of France as well as King Henry of England and King James of Scotland. Then there was Cardinal Cybo, the leader of the Italian party who had shown his support through he had been wary especially when his own candidacy had been briefly mentioned at the beginning of this.

Emperor Charles V had declared his total disinterest in the result of the papal election, because the last two Popes, Clement VII and Adrian VI, whom he had helped to obtain the title, failed his hopes. The news that the sweating sickness had come to Spain certainly did not help and there was no doubt by any in this room that the Imperial faction would likely report anything that was said against the Emperor to him.

There was also the great advantage of the Cardinal Dean being advanced in age and considered in poor help, it indicated that his pontificate would be short compared to others that had taken the position. That meant that those who had papal ambitions themselves were inclined to vote for him, hoping that the next conclave in the near future would hold a better position for themselves.

No one was eager to inherit the trouble throne that Clement had left behind, his actions had caused the great divide that seemed to be growing and his inaction on the reformation had only allowed it to grow even stronger. Now it seemed like nothing more than a mere formality as the formal scrutiny took place and the votes were counted; the room filled with quiet chatter that barely reached Cardinal Farnese's ears while he watched the counting take place.

Cardinal Farnese could only watch in interest of course, his own vote cast on someone that would not matter in the end not when he had an alliance with the Duke of Florence and through him several Kings that had offered their support of his election. His grandson would be married into the Medici family, the eldest daughter of Ippolito de Medici and he would ensure that the girl would be a Duchess like her mother was now.

Cardinal Farnese had waited long enough for his turn, he would not be the same fool that Clement had been and back the wrong horse especially when the Alliance seemed to be moving through Italy without anyone apposing them. A hush fell over the gathering as Cardinal Cybo rose to his feet, his eyes taking in the room and he prepared to make the announcement that almost everyone in the room knew was coming.

"Cardinal Farnese, do you accept the role that you are elected to hold?" Cardinal Cybo asked, his voice betraying no emotion as he spoke and his eyes focusing on the man. Hopefully the reign of Cardinal Farnese would be a short one but would allow for a stronger candidate to arise when there was not so much division around them and less meddling for the royalty of Europe. Cardinal Farnese opted for a surprised look on his face as he peered around at his companions before rising to his feet; his alliance with the Medici serving him well in this moment.

"I accept," Cardinal Farnese stated, after all who was he to deny such a title when he was elected by his peers; he would never admit to the deal that had been done to secure such a thing. He had waited long enough for this moment and it had finally landed in his lap, now there was much for him to do to secure the future.

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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