The Tudor Rose: A New Age

Chapter 33

The next day, the preparations for the treaty had begun. Both Kings of France and England had met in King Francis' council chamber where both sides met to discuss what the treaty would intel. Of course, while it was the two Kings and their councils, Elizabeth and James had joined the meeting because they were both the heirs of both England and France. The couple stood off to the side as Bishop Gardner presided over the treaty signing, with drums playing. Bishop Gardner stood in front of the two Kings and said to them, "Your Majesties, with this new treaty between you both,  you are required to keep peace in your kingdoms. And if God forbid, there were at some point you weren't able to rule, both kingdoms will go to Princess Elizabeth 1st and her husband, Prince James with them as Regents. If either one of you were to break it, so help you God." With that, Henry VIII and Francis 1st signed their names on the treaty, saying they were going to abide by it. Elizabeth started to clap with a bright smile as others began to join in clapping, applauding the two Kings as they shook hands with each other. Henry VIII then turned to his eldest daughter and said to her, smiling at her, "I suppose I have you to thank for this great victory, my sweet Tudor Rose. You shall go down in history with this great moment as one of your greatest victories. You will bring England such great glory and honor that will bring envy to our enemies." Elizabeth curtsied to her father and replied, "I was only thinking of what was best for England and our family, Father. There's been enough death, suffering, and bloodshed so I thought it was best to avoid it." Henry VIII smiled softly at his daughter and kissed her forehead. Elizabeth smiled brightly at her father and curtsied to him when he turned to leave the room. Francis 1st stood with James and said to him, "I'm glad that your mother and I had decided to betroth you to Elizabeth when you both were young. You're perfect for each other." James smiled at his father and replied, "I don't know how I'll ever thank you or Mother for betrothing us. I love Elizabeth with all my heart and I could never be without her." Francis 1st clapped his son on his shoulder and said to him, "The best way to thank your mother and I is to continue having more children. You have Nicholas, little Catherine, and little Fredrick. You have 2 heirs to continue our line so as long as you continue to have children, your mother and I will be happy because your happiness matters to us more than anything. Treat Elizabeth well too, she matters as well." James nodded at his father and watched as he left his side to walk over to his own wife, who smiled at her father-in-law. Elizabeth had curtsied to the French king who waved his hand at her, dismissing her from her curtsy with a smile on his face. Francis 1st wrapped his arms around his daughter-in-law and brought her into a tight embrace. He was thankful that she had thought about the treaty for France and England. He had grown tired of wars, they were expensive and not to mention tiring of so much loss.

France wouldn't have been able to bear another war with England so in a way, Elizabeth was their saving grace. They were forever grateful and in her debt. Francis 1st smiled at his daughter-in-law and said to her, "How can we ever thank you for saving us from another war, Elizabeth? We are forever grateful and in your debt. Anything you wish, it shall be yours." Elizabeth smiled softly at her father-in-law and replied, "I only did what I thought what was best for both England and France, Your Majesty. It was my duty and honor to have done so." Francis 1st chuckled and said, "Of course, my dear. You have done well as a regent of England so many times. I'm sure you will be a great Queen with James as your King Consort." Elizabeth smiled and replied, "It is far too early to tell when that will happen, Your Majesty." She then noticed that James was waiting for her by the door; with him giving her a smile. Elizabeth curtsied to the French king and said, "If you'll excuse me, Your Majesty, I'm afraid I must be going. My husband is calling for me." Francis 1st nodded at the Princess and moved aside, waving his arm as he did. He watched as his son and daughter-in-law came to each other and his son bring his own wife into a soft kiss. Seeing the two together made Francis 1st realize that he had might the right decision in choosing them to rule France when he wouldn't be able to. He knew that Henry VIII had thought that the same thing with the couple. With that, Elizabeth and James walked out of the room, with Elizabeth holding onto James' arm, and they both smiled and waved to the courtiers who had applauded them. Queen Claude came up to her son and daughter-in-law with a bright smile on her face and said to them, "Well done, you two. You have done well on this victory, though I suppose this praising so be addressed to Elizabeth since she was the one who had thought of it in the first place." Elizabeth blushed slightly and replied, "As I've said to everyone else, I was only thinking of what was best for England and France, Claude." Claude smiled at her daughter-in-law and said, "Well, I can say this much. Both France and England are forever grateful and will forever be in your debt." Elizabeth just smiled sheepishly and slightly shrugged her shoulder. James smiled proudly at his wife and said to her, "Now, don't be modest, Elizabeth. You should be proud of yourself." Elizabeth turned to her husband and replied, "Believe me, I am. I'm just trying to be humble about it. I don't want to seem like I'm cocky or boasting about it." Claude smiled softly and said to the younger woman, "And that is a good quality to have, my dear one. Especially when you are Queen. People expect Queens to be soft, quiet, sweet, kind, and humble while they expect their Kings to be strong, brave, intelligent, and glorious. A good King isn't really a King without a strong Queen by his side."