I swear to God, if you kill Mary in childbirth or something… EDIT: I am lividAll I can say about this chapter is that a lot of ya'll are about to be real mad at me. I dedicate this chapter to @mickeymouse who served as my very secret keeper. She knew about this chapter + outcome for several months... I had this planned about twenty chapters ago. I apologize to those I might have gassed up and misled, but hope that you remain entertained and keep reading!
Chapter 39. Vivat Regina
1545-1549; England.
“In a world of kings, I stood tall as a queen.”
— Queen Mary of England
This time it is sure that Denmark’s line will rule over England <3It was also no surprise that the king’s return meant expanding the royal family. In August 1545, Mary gave birth to her second son, Charles. Named in honor of Charles V, the young prince was christened and soon named Duke of York—though his official recognition would come when he was older. After Charles, another son quickly followed in November 1546—named Edward in honor of Edward IV, who was named Duke of Somerset. “From a sprig, a whole flower has flourished,” one English poet wrote in the 1540s in honor of the birth of the Duke of Somerset. “Leaves of white and red, melded into one—mixed with Danish blue.” For the first time since 1509, the English royal line stood secure—not only had the queen done her duty in replenishing her fragile line, but she had provided England with three sons—three young boys who would become young men in due course.
William and Jane making their way up the ladder!Elevations had been made for William Paget and Stephen Gardinier, who, alongside their positions as clerks, were given the title of Secretaries of State, with other duties.
Excellent work wringing cash out of that micerWhile John’s reply was not preserved, reports of the Exchequer from the period note a payment of £50,000 into the treasury from the emperor—the first installment of his £300,000 debt which he owed.
So pretty! It reminds me of Glücksburg Castle
Palace of Saint Sylvester, 19th c. Watercolor; AI Generated.
‘Her Majesty scolded us all very severely when we were ordered to depart. Clearly and plainly, she told us: I shall suffer no servants of a whoremonger under my roof.’ Her Majesty was greatly piqued… because she had been informed of the king’s secret.”
Well well, if it isn’t the consequences of your own actions…The king and queen sat beside one another—the queen’s face grimaced as she pushed her pottage around her plate; the king, in turn, looked downcast and did not touch his venison. It is said that after they retired, the pair rowed terribly late into the night before retiring to their separate bedchambers.”
Poor Mary. Love will unfortunately leave you vulnerable to betrayalI was forced to admit that I did truly love him. As Queen of England, I felt that I alone was privy to his affection… a brutal betrayal which I learned was false. This was not a lesson that my mother had not taught me. Regardless, he offered up his honied apologies, and all was well. Of the woman? Well, I cannot say. It was something that forced me to close my eyes. It was simply another humiliation that I and the feminine race had to endure.”
Two bros, chilling in the forest“Days were spent in leisure just as they were spent upon duties,” one member of the king’s household wrote. “King John and Alexander excelled in the hunt and the chase—while Mary and Charlotte preferred more sedate activities.”
Not sure that I buy him saying that. The Scots have fought against that idea for 200+ yearsbut if he should not, we should be pleased for our daughter to be Princess of Wales—and someday queen of a united isle.”
Nice! Another child for them! Hopefully a girl this time. Too many sons are risky tooThen, John took leave of England—with Mary only awaiting the news of his victory—unaware that she was pregnant and would quickly grow more prominent.
NO! NO NO NO NO NO! I didn’t want John to die either! God, no! God fricking damnit!John, having taken a position upon the edges of the fortress to attack the upcoming rebels, was wounded deeply in his stomach with a terrible shot of a gunslinger. The troops did not take time to rush the young king into the recovery wing. “There was no doubt,” one poet in Akerhaus wrote with a fragile hand. “Ghosts at Thérouanne had come to reclaim another soul.”
Your Majesty,
King John's Forgiveness VS. King John Fades, 19th Century Paintings that deal with John II's death; AI Generated.
I write to you with the most incredible sadness regarding these terrible events at Akerhaus… though your husband has held valiantly against the forces that sought to depose me, it has come at a most terrible cost. I have no doubts that this letter will reach you in the strangest of energies, but I beg that you look upon each word given to you carefully. I must admit to you and realize fully that your husband, our prince, is no longer there. He has perished in this great assault, seeking victory and absolution amongst the enemies of Christ. This news will reach deep into your soul and shock you most heavily…. I can only hope that your servants and ladies will provide the aid your mother sought during her struggles. Remember, as your mother did, that your lord husband’s death was not in vain—he fought against the heretics until his final breath. He died as a man, warrior, and knight—as a man ought to. He shall be remembered for his pursuits, and as his father-in-law… his golden youth shall forever be preserved. Our Lord shall provide comfort—as always. Let the young king’s memory and true faith nourish you—as it nourished your mother.
We pray most fervently for you and your child.
I remain your devoted father and ally.
CHRISTIAN II, REX DANIAE NORVEGIAE ET SUECIAE.
Join me in mourning for our boy, my friend. Some things united even the swedes and the danes at trying times. *offers tea and biscuits*NO! NO NO NO NO NO! I didn’t want John to die either! God, no! God fricking damnit!
Are we having our Legolas and Gimli moment now? Also, I don’t think tea will do it. I’m getting the snapsJoin me in mourning for our boy, my friend. Some things united even the swedes and the danes at trying times. *offers tea and biscuits*
I think we are. And I understand if you need something stronger. I'm sticking to tea.Are we having our Legolas and Gimli moment now? Also, I don’t think tea will do it. I’m getting the snaps
I know! Poor Mary being left pregnant while her husband dies fighting overseas like her mother. But on the other hand she is a reigning sovereign in her own right and her son is six-seven now, so she is gonna have it easier. On the other hand, she need to make sure her sons inherit Denmark as well...No...no....NOOOOOOO
To quote the group of bards known as ABBA: “The history book on its shelf, is always repeating itself” 🥲 Poor Mary will deffo understand her mother now. As for Denmark-Norway, it shouldn’t be too difficult. They’ve neutered the Frederickan branch, so John’s sons are really the only candidates out there who can succeed Christian. She probably will have to ship Charles away to Denmark soon tho. Also, we’ll get a King Karl of Denmark now… EwwI know! Poor Mary being left pregnant while her husband dies fighting overseas like her mother. But on the other hand she is a reigning sovereign in her own right and her son is six-seven now, so she is gonna have it easier. On the other hand, she need to make sure her sons inherit Denmark as well...
My worries is that that Bille hussy will be carrying the late king's child and that if she has a son, that Danish born child will have the support of her family and the rest of the Danish nobles. Danish blackfyres!If the Danes look for someone else
Hmmmm, I don’t think the Danish estates will try that. This isn’t the age of Svend Estridsen anymore hahah. Also, they wouldn’t risk the wrath of EnglandMy worries is that that Bille hussy will be carrying the late king's child and that if she has a son, that Danish born child will have the support of her family and the rest of the Danish nobles. Danish blackfyres!
Counterproposal: Kill him in a really funny way. We have to maintain the Stewart habit of dying relatively young in various stupid ways.I wonder if it would be possible to imagine an alternate history where Alexander becomes the longest-reigning monarch in Scottish history.
He chokes on something during his daughter's wedding to the Prince of Wales. Long live the Second North Sea Empire!Counterproposal: Kill him in a really funny way. We have to maintain the Stewart habit of dying relatively young in various stupid ways.
Thank you so much Mickey!! It's been in the planning stages for many many months, so to bring it to fruition was excellent.View attachment 897164
Fantastic chapter as always!! It's exciting to see this plot point finally happen after so long. You executed it really well -- even though I knew what was coming, I was still surprised and I enjoyed the experience of reading it. Thank you for trusting me with this secret, and I'm so excited to see where things go from here!
A very unfortunate end for our hero king. He should've just stayed home!Nooo! JOHN DAMN IT! You were married to Mary because you would not go and die on conquering shenanigans! My poor boy, you Henry VIIIthed him!
Yep!I also kind of knew this was coming.
These sorts of florid speeches are not uncommon at such diplomatic meetings. The Scots are already in the English line of succession, so it's fair for the English to enter the Scottish one. At any rate, it's just that: a speech. Alexander and Charlotte are still young and hope for more children, and a son to boot. Both Henry and Anne are still young, and much can happen between now and their (eventual) marriage.Not sure that I buy him saying that. The Scots have fought against that idea for 200+ years
It's a girl. She'll be named Joan in honor of her father.Nice! Another child for them! Hopefully a girl this time. Too many sons are risky too
Mary doesn't exactly have the finances to furnish another expedition. John was literally clipping coins to fund his last expedition in Germany. I cannot see Parliament offering her an open hand. In her mind, it's Christian's job to deal with. It's his nonsense that John's continual cleaning up of his messes that got John killed.NO! NO NO NO NO NO! I didn’t want John to die either! God, no! God fricking damnit!
Edit: I hope that Mary and Christian rain such a fury down on the Norwegian rebels that William the Conqueror’s harrowing of the North seems like child’s play in kindergarten. They killed my boy
I wouldn't exactly called the line neutered. Christian III is dead, but three of Frederick's spawn are still alive: John (b. 1521) who was fostered in Prussia and remains there. Adolf (b. 1526) is in exile in Hesse. Both have spent their lives in exile, and they're Lutheran. Frederick, the youngest is the only one still in Denmark, but he's being educated for a Catholic clerical career.To quote the group of bards known as ABBA: “The history book on its shelf, is always repeating itself” 🥲 Poor Mary will deffo understand her mother now. As for Denmark-Norway, it shouldn’t be too difficult. They’ve neutered the Frederickan branch, so John’s sons are really the only candidates out there who can succeed Christian. She probably will have to ship Charles away to Denmark soon tho. Also, we’ll get a King Karl of Denmark now… Eww
Perhaps, but their co-reign has proven difficult in some aspects: it functions when they are in agreement, it is down right a disaster when they are not...it is better that sovereign be one person, not two. Mary also has reigned solo before: the brief period before her marriage, and she several times during her marriage when John has been abroad (which has been often). I've not calculated it, but with John's frequent absences she's likely reigned more solo than she did with him.The minute John was mentioned in the chapter I had a feeling- widowed Mary may find sole rule less attractive than she might have thought during their arguments.
I wonder what the actual dispute in Norway was about- which articles of the Handfaestning of Oslo was Christian trying to overrule? Will Mary choose to dedicate a full on campaign to the memory of her warlike husband, or will she see it as a foolish cause that already cost her more than she had ever thought to lose?
The danish succession is threatened as well- it would have been a lot more acceptable for danish nobles to be ruled by a king born in Denmark, even if he ruled from England and had been raised in exile than to be ruled by that guys son who really had nothing to do with their country. Could Henry be sent for a few years to Denmark? Would surrounding him or the other princes by danish tutors help?
If the Danes look for someone else- support could maybe coalesce around Christina’s sons, who were raised in Denmark and have no foreign connections considering they were displaced from their Bavarian inheritance. Then again if we’re accepting the female line, perhaps Dorothea’s marriage to Otto gives the Pomeranians a claim.
You may breathe a sigh of relief: Bille is not carrying the king's child, nor did she ever give him any illegitimate children. No Danish Blackfyres here.My worries is that that Bille hussy will be carrying the late king's child and that if she has a son, that Danish born child will have the support of her family and the rest of the Danish nobles. Danish blackfyres!
I haven't yet decided when Alexander dies, but at 34 he's already older than his OTL counterpart when he died, James V. The first two Stewart kings lived for rather long times (Robert II died at 74, Robert III at 68-69). Of the 15-16th century Stuarts, 40-42 seems to be their usual tap out point. Alexander does live longer than that, though it's possible his successor might still have a regency. Unsure yet.I've been pondering over the fact that many Scottish kings historically had relatively short reigns. I wonder if it would be possible to imagine an alternate history where Alexander becomes the longest-reigning monarch in Scottish history. It would be fascinating to explore how his extended reign could have shaped Scotland and its relationship with England. Additionally, I'm now even more excited to see how you will create and transform 16th century Europe in this alternate history. How might the changes in Scotland's monarchy influence the political, cultural, and economic landscape of Europe during that time?"
Sorry for the length of this question, but if it's not too much to ask, I've been curious about an alternate history where Scotland and England remain separate. Most of the histories I've read always depict them as united. Would it be possible to explore a different scenario? I would greatly appreciate it. Additionally, I would love to see a focus on the Scottish section of the story. For example, if Charlotte and Alexander had more children instead of the two that passed away, it would be wonderful, as the Scottish royalty could benefit from an expanded lineage. I'm particularly interested in how this altered family dynamic might shape the course of Scottish history, both politically and culturally. Your insights into this would be truly invaluable.
I will add it into the suggestion pile. 😂Counterproposal: Kill him in a really funny way. We have to maintain the Stewart habit of dying relatively young in various stupid ways.
These sorts of florid speeches are not uncommon at such diplomatic meetings. The Scots are already in the English line of succession, so it's fair for the English to enter the Scottish one. At any rate, it's just that: a speech. Alexander and Charlotte are still young and hope for more children, and a son to boot. Both Henry and Anne are still young, and much can happen between now and their (eventual) marriage.
All I will say is much like her marriage plans with the Dauphin, this betrothal is subject to change and may change.
Damn, I was hoping that Scotland would be added to the Oldenburg family pactSomeone asked this question previously, but I'll gladly answer it again: Scotland and England do not unify through Anne and Henry's marriage. I'm unsure if they will unify, but if they do it's likely outside the scope of the TL. I do not plan for them to unify during the timeline's time period, which covers Mary's life.
😭It's a girl. She'll be named Joan in honor of her father.
Mary doesn't exactly have the finances to furnish another expedition. John was literally clipping coins to fund his last expedition in Germany. I cannot see Parliament offering her an open hand. In her mind, it's Christian's job to deal with. It's his nonsense that John's continual cleaning up of his messes that got John killed.
It just seems very Tudor to start an invasion to avenge your dead spouse. But you’re right. The English warchest isn’t exactly stocked with goldAs for Mary sending an expedition to Norway: it's been brought up before, but there's little reason for her to do so beyond emotionally. Plus, with what money? John hasn't exactly been frugal with the English treasury, and I'd argue him essentially debasing the coinage to raise a campaign chest point to English exhaustion to funding his excursions abroad. Plus, naval expansion and militia reforms... while good ideas, they need to be paid for, and with his death, Mary is left with the bill. The debasement will also have greater repercussions considering no one knows about the debasement except a few members of his household, and the architect of it is now dead, and never revoked the decree. Of course those coins are being stored in the jewel house, but if they keep being made, there's going to come a time where they will need to enter circulation.
I don't see Mary looking to Parliament for a subsidy to send more English troops to bleed in Norway. She sees it as Christian's problem to deal with, as he is the one who got her husband and his son and heir killed.
I wouldn't exactly called the line neutered. Christian III is dead, but three of Frederick's spawn are still alive: John (b. 1521) who was fostered in Prussia and remains there. Adolf (b. 1526) is in exile in Hesse. Both have spent their lives in exile, and they're Lutheran. Frederick, the youngest is the only one still in Denmark, but he's being educated for a Catholic clerical career.
Christian's daughters with their sons also say hi. 👋
Mary does not send Charles to Denmark.
Oh God, so we might be heading towards a War of the Danish succession?Mary is not sending Henry to Denmark, nor any of her sons for that matter. None of them will have any Danish tutors, either. They are English princes first, and grow up culturally and linguistically as English princes. Use that information as you will.
You make a very interesting point re: Christina and Dorothea.
Given how many times the story mentioned that John was great with military matters and that he was the son Henry never had, especially as Henry died in France chasing something fruitless, I probably should have seen this coming.Thank you so much Mickey!! It's been in the planning stages for many many months, so to bring it to fruition was excellent.
My poor heart is bursting. 😭It's a girl. She'll be named Joan in honor of her father.
This was the exact opposite that the Lords of England wanted him to marry Mary. That he would stay in England and not draw the kingdom into some unnecessary wars and to not let Mary reign alone like a woman. Bet they are regretting that pretty hard now!As for Mary sending an expedition to Norway: it's been brought up before, but there's little reason for her to do so beyond emotionally. Plus, with what money? John hasn't exactly been frugal with the English treasury, and I'd argue him essentially debasing the coinage to raise a campaign chest point to English exhaustion to funding his excursions abroad.
Looks like the English-Danish union is over at this point. And given that Henry VIII died fighting for the lands in France and left a unborn child to inherit the crown and that led to over a decade of regencies and that disaster where English men died for the goals of the emperor and then the treasury got drained to fight enemies in Denmark-Norway and their other beloved king died for that. I can honestly see England refusing to get involved in foreign affairs after this. I hope Mary tells Denmark to eat her ass if they come knocking again for her help.Mary is not sending Henry to Denmark, nor any of her sons for that matter. None of them will have any Danish tutors, either. They are English princes first, and grow up culturally and linguistically as English princes. Use that information as you will.
Oh crispy fried jesus on a barbecue stick, thank you for not doing that storyline. I think I might have screamed otherwise.You may breathe a sigh of relief: Bille is not carrying the king's child, nor did she ever give him any illegitimate children. No Danish Blackfyres here.
Noooo! You coward!Scotland and England do not unify through Anne and Henry's marriage.
As you should!I will add it into the suggestion pile. 😂
Christian was always his own worst enemy, glad to know that never changed.The Handfaestning granted Norway a great deal of autonomy, perhaps more than it's ever hand while under Danish rule. It's no surprise that Christian II has tried to buck these odious restrictions. The next Danish chapter will cover the conflict in more detail.
As she should. You know, for all of our cheering on the Second North Sea Empire, this actually shows how it would realistically be and that in the long run it would not last. So kudos to you @DrakeRlugia for this work of art.don't see Mary looking to Parliament for a subsidy to send more English troops to bleed in Norway. She sees it as Christian's problem to deal with, as he is the one who got her husband and his son and heir killed.
Yep! It's gonna be a cluster.Oh God, so we might be heading towards a War of the Danish succession?
It seems very foolish that Mary and John haven’t trained at least one son for a future as king of Denmark-Norway. That certainly won’t be in their favour when they claim the throne…
There has been some foreshadowing towards it (especially in last chapter, with his near miss). Still, given that Henry VIII had died a violently death, I think many thought John would be fine.Given how many times the story mentioned that John was great with military matters and that he was the son Henry never had, especially as Henry died in France chasing something fruitless, I probably should have seen this coming.
Yep. He was the son of a deposed king brought to England to be their king. Then he went and helped restore his father and it deteriorated from there. John II spent quite a bit of time abroad... I've not calculated it, but I do believe he spent more time abroad than he did in England. His histography would be quite interesting, he'll be remembered for his military prowess, but some English historians might remember in similar light to Richard I: the man who became king and was never there and essentially bankrupted the kingdom on his wars and expeditions.This was the exact opposite that the Lords of England wanted him to marry Mary. That he would stay in England and not draw the kingdom into some unnecessary wars and to not let Mary reign alone like a woman. Bet they are regretting that pretty hard now!
You are correct. Denmark is going to have some... interesting times soon, but there is no personal union with England. Christian II and Mary do not have a good relationship going forward. At all. Without John as a middleman, things deteriorate drastically. Mary has nothing left to give for Denmark-Norway: Christian's problems are his problems. John had an obligation to assist, she does not.Looks like the English-Danish union is over at this point. And given that Henry VIII died fighting for the lands in France and left a unborn child to inherit the crown and that led to over a decade of regencies and that disaster where English men died for the goals of the emperor and then the treasury got drained to fight enemies in Denmark-Norway and their other beloved king died for that. I can honestly see England refusing to get involved in foreign affairs after this. I hope Mary tells Denmark to eat her ass if they come knocking again for her help.
Oh no, I promise I treat my characters badly too. 😂 It just depends when the bad things happen. Sometimes it's right away, sometimes it's way down the line. Everyone loses at some point!King John is dead
Well thats what he gets for cosplaying his father in law, and right as I was about to say you were more merciful towards your characters than me!
Ah if only he joined forces with Robin Hood...
You are probably the most spot on.As she should. You know, for all of our cheering on the Second North Sea Empire, this actually shows how it would realistically be and that in the long run it would not last. So kudos to you @DrakeRlugia for this work of art.
*goes off to cry for my boy John, rip you absolute icon.*