The Tudors - A French Queen 1
Princess Amèlie was one of the young daughter of King Francis I and his then wife Queen Claude. Born mere months before Henry's trip to Calais and the Field of Cloth and Gold Summit. Though at the time none knew of her destiny to be the power behind not one but two countries.
Heels clicked heavily against the tiles of Chateu de Chambord as Princess Amèlie stormed through it's corridors to find her father . Anyone who passed her gave their respective greeting even as she came outside her fathers chambers. The doors opened for her and she saw her father with his hareem of women.
"Everyone out! Now!" She ordered and the half naked women stared at her "I said now!" she screamed and the women covered themselves up and scurried out and away from the furious princess. Francis sighed tightening his robe.
"Mon Amour. What have I told you about interrupting me?" he poured himself some wine and drank it.
"What have I told you about marrying me off to old ogres? Why am I being told that you are in talks with the English to marry me to that oaf" She folded her arms "He is older than you are and had twice as many wives he cannot keep one to save his reign or life."
"Amèlie, you have been of of marriage age for some years now. It is time you make a life of your own, children of your own to carry on our lineage. It is the done thing."
"I know what is expected of me, Papa. But of all the eligible men you want me to marry a man who not only turned his back on the faith for his mistress but is older than you and been through three wives to get a son. That is not the women's fault that is his because he is a monster. Why him?"
"Because!" Francis shouted "Because I am I old and tired for another war." he sniffed and his daughters features softened
"I am constantly reminded these years that I am not as young as I once was when you came into this world or when I had your other siblings. When your mother was alive. Darkness sneaks on me wishing every night to take me into God's embrace." he went over to her and rested his hands on her arms "I fight it off because I am not ready to accept defeat. But I am to busy preserving my own life to fight with Rome, England and Spain. If you marry the King I can have all three of them leave me alone. Rome will have a Catholic Queen in England, England will have a permanent tie to France and Spain will finally get the message that we are just as good as them. Amèlie you are, beautiful, smart, fiercely independent and resilient. You are my saving grace." Amèlie sighed and rested her hand against her fathers cheek.
"I am not happy about this but if it will put you at peace then I will do my duty." Francis smiled towards his daughter.
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Henry though he dismissed the thought of a young French bride. He was sent a portrait of Princess Amèlie, he hummed and showed Charles Brandon.
"She is most becoming of a French Princess." he handed the portrait back over "I am told that though she in young in years, she is wise and older in spirit. The Most prized jewel her fathers children."
"What else do you hear, Charles?" Henry wondered
"Well...it is rumoured that in more recent years she has become...a driving force behind her fathers throne. That France has a Queen at the head rather than a King and isn't as bad as you would think at the job."
"I look for a companion not someone to rule me." he look to the side and saw that the portrait came with a letter. he picked it up.
Your most gracious, Majesty.
I would like to introduce myself, I am Princess Amèlie. One of the young daughters of your brother in arms King Francis. As a Princess of the blood I know that we share common knowledge of the world and expectations around us. Society and advisors whisper in our ears and those we care about while we are sometimes left to wonder around blindly on whom to trust. Before I continue I wish to offer my condolences on the death of your wife and Queen, Jane. You have lost a wife and your son a mother, I know that such a heartbreak can make or break you no matter which walk of life God puts you in.
Your Majesty, it would be remise of me to not be forward with you. I think it would insult us both of certain things were not made clear from the start whether you wish to pursue an engagement with myself or not. And though it would go against every rule taught to women it is necessary that I should. I am young that is true and headstrong, I know my worth and value and I will not accept any less than that. It unsettles me that you do not have the best luck with women more certain with wives and I do not wish either fate that befell them to befall me when I know i have so much to offer to the world.
While it would be wise to now marry someone who you know to have had sons rather than someone fresh. In all honesty I have most likely give you a whole list of reason not to pursue me further but for my fathers sake and sanity I will at least try to give you at least one reason to marry me. If you give me trust and loyalty then I will returning it in kind more than you could expect. I will never waver once I have brought you into my trusted company and I swear upon my faith and soul that I will never lie to you, even though I'm sure you wish I would.
Thus I take my leave of this letter and shall wait of your response.
Most Humbly
Princess Amèlie
Surviving documents show that The Princess both in her home country and in her marital one that she spoke her mind. One shows that in a letter to the King she makes her intentions clear that she knows who she is and that will not change that King or not. Baring in mind Henry's track records with wife and Queens that were very much of their own mind, its surprising that he chose another one that would challenge his thoughts and actions as king.
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Henry announced his engagement to Princess Amèlie and though she wished not to marry him really, she did it to bring her father peace. Henry sent Charles to bring his new bride to be back to England. Charles waited for the Princess arrival then the trumpets sounded and the King and Queen arrived.
"Your grace allow me to introduce my daughter the Princess Amèlie." people parted as Amèlie came gliding in she came to a stop and Charles bowed before her.
"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"As is yours, your grace. It surprises me that His Majesty could spare his most trusted friend on such a trip." Amèlie smirked "Though your presence here does bode well for the promise between our two countries."
"My presence may bode well but sadly the weather does not and it will prevent us from travelling till it clears. I hope that doesn't displease you too much your highness."
"Not at all. In fact I wished for it so...my brother the Dauphin has yet to say his goodbyes to his sister. That I would simply not have, isn't that right Papa?" her gaze shifted towards her father.
"My daughter is stubborn like that. The Dauphin should bare the bad weather enough to reach here." Amèlie gave a triumphant smile.
"Until his arrival why don't you teach me more about my...husband to be." Charles gave a curt nod
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