Festina Lente

Chapter Seventy-Four: The Auld Alliance

2nd of March 1535 - Milan, Italy

Tapping his fingers against the table, Henry eyed the other three men that were seated at the table and had to admit that this was not what he had been expecting when they had started off on this endeavour. 

The news that the Spanish force had been routed at a battle near Saluzzo, had been a source of joy for them and it meant that they had more time to establish their hold on Italy while the Spanish now had to recover their forces. 

"I am most pleased to have you join us on our expedition against the Emperor," Francis stated leaning back in his chair, he did not think that they would have others that wished to join them. 

All details surrounding the conquest had been sorted out especially in regards to lands and titles, he had not thought that there would be others to contend with. 

"Although I must admit that I am confused about what you hope to gain from this alliance," Francis continued, he wanted to make sure that his own interests where protected as much as everyone else's. 

Milan and Naples were his, just as much Florence would fall into the Tudors hands to be handed over to his daughter and son-in-law so that they could rule there. 

The last thing they needed was to divide things up again, it had taken time to get to this point and fickle Henry was not someone that Francis wanted to deal with if he felt like he was being undercut in some way. 

"The defeat of our joint enemy is a fine start, we have no desires for lands here in Italy but marriages are something that we can agree with," Philip murmured looking to the two men that had joined with him. 

It had been something that they had discussed and he did not see how anyone could refuse, although it was worth noting that the King of Scotland was notable absent from this meeting. 

"My apologises King Francis, but your sons our a little old. I have a daughter, who is the right age for the Prince of Wales," Christian announced knowing that stroking the ego of King Henry was a good start. 

He and his wife had two children and he was determined to make sure that his daughter married well, what better title could there be than Queen Consort of England for his daughter, Anne.

"Just as I have a son, who would be a fine match for the Princess Elizabeth," Gustav agreed with a nod of his head, it truly was nothing against the French king but he did not have children in the same range of age. 

Nor did he currently have any grandchildren that could be used to secure the alliance between the countries, it was almost a shame for that but luckily it seemed that King Henry did have. 

Henry could not believe his luck, he had not imagined such matches but he could not deny they were tempting; he was sure that Anne would be thrilled with such news and would be pleased to hear of the matches. 

Elizabeth would be Queen of Sweden, a fact that would greatly please his wife; she talked often of how their eldest daughter was destined to be a Queen and now he had the chance to make her so. 

"Of course, gentlemen. We shall discuss this further, I would be honoured to join our royal houses in such a way," Henry agreed eagerly, he was sure that negotiations would take time and would give him the chance to share the wonderful news with his wife. 

Their daughter would be a Queen, that he could make happen and they could secure the future Queen of England in the same deal. 

"And I hear that Your Majesty is in the market for a new wife, I would like to offer my sister in that regard," Philip offered turning to look at Francis, his sister was a little old for the Dauphin but she was certainly old enough to marry the King of France.