The Tudor Rose: A New Age

Chapter 31

Once Henry and Catherine Parr returned from their honeymoon, the preparations for the French/English summit began. Naturally, Henry argued about not having war but since it was his daughter's wish to not have violence, he solemnly agreed. After all, the Tudors and Valois were permanently family through Elizabeth and James' marriage and they shared blood between the royal couple's three children. It was important and expected of them that they got along. Elizabeth and James were placed in charge of the preparations and they were planning to have the royal court move to France during the summit. It would be the perfect opportunity for their children to be with their French family and get know them. Elizabeth and James were on the council chamber as they discussed the plans with the council. Elizabeth sat at the head with James standing next to her as she looked at the papers in front of her. The Princess hummed to herself and said, "For our introduction to the French royal family, my Lords, you have my brother, Edward, greeting them first with our father. Why is that? He's not old enough to handle the role just yet. He can greet them with our sister, Lizzy." A council member gasped in shock and replied, "The Duke of York will be expected to perform his duties soon, Your Royal Highness!! This is blasphemy!" Elizabeth glared at the man and said, "You forget yourself, my Lord Dorset!! You will do to remember your place! My brother is ten years of age and is far too young to taking on these such responsibilities! He can greet my in-laws with our sister, the Princess Elizabeth 2nd." The Lord of Dorset grumbled underneath his breath but agreed begrudgingly. James smiled softly to himself and placed his hand on her shoulder, patting it gently. Elizabeth smiled and placed her hand on top of her husband's, causing him to lace their fingers together. The princess sighed as she continued to look amongst the papers with her husband. James took a deep breath and said, "And my family will be happy to help in any way, my love. They all love you." Elizabeth chuckled and replied, "And I love them likewise. They're like a second family to me. Your mother helped raised me when I was sent to France when my father divorced my mother. I'm more focused on making this alliance happen and stay strong rather than the celebrations. I would give the celebration planning to Mary but now with her coming into labor soon, I don't know who else to ask." James smiled brightly and said, "How about Lizzie? She's old enough to take on some rules. She's fourteen." Elizabeth thought about it for a moment and nodded. She replied, "I suppose so. I'll have Lady Mariana and Lady Natalia help her. Lady Mariana has hosted several events at her estate with Edward Seymour  a time or two so she'll have some experience and ideas. Lady Natalia hasn't had any experience yet in court so this will help her blossom some."

The planning continued on for the next week or so with Elizabeth, James, and the council. Henry took on some of the matters of the state so his daughter could focus on the preparations. Even Catherine Parr stepped in every now and then to take some pressure off. Then, after months of preparation and finalizing, the move to France was finally completed and Hampton Court was on their way by boat. In France; the French court were bustling about as they prepared for their English court's arrival. Queen Claude stood in her bedchambers as her ladies rushed to get her dressed. She was going to wear a royal blue dress with a gold trim to represent France and to support her family. She had already made sure that her children to match her colors and Francis as well. Of course, it was Francis who had suggested the colors so Claude had to go by it. There was a knock on her door, which caused her to rush behind the changing curtain, her lady behind her rushing with her as she continued with the dress. Francis walked in and said, looking around for his wife, "Claude?" Claude looked behind the curtain and replied, "Behind here, dear." Francis cleared his throat and said, "King Henry and his court are due to arrive shortly. They're arriving from the docks as we speak. Are you ready?" Claude then came out of the changing curtain with her dress on and replied, "I just have to put my jewelry on then I will. I assume that our children are ready?" Francis said, sighing, "I hope they are because I haven't checked on them yet." Claude replied, as she put her crown on, "No matter; we'll check on them on our way down. It has been a long time since we've seen our eldest son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and their family and we don't want to keep them waiting." Francis took one more look in the mirror before holding his arm out to his wife and then walked out of the door with her. The couple were relieved to see their eldest daughter, Charlotte, rounding up her brothers and sister to the throne room.