The Prince of the Roses - A Tudor TL
- Thread starter BlueFlowwer
- Start date
Cause chaos all you want, but no Bavaria-Northern Italian or Imperial coronation condition talks anymore unless I ask for a them. Or I will take my wrath out on King Christian!
Thank you!
Good. There is also another issue about this TL. It's timespan is not overtly long. Atleast not compared to my Burgundian story that has a rough timespan of 70 years (give or take) so far, this story has a firm ending that was the second thing written. I'm not gonna say when it ends, because I don't want to give too much away, but I think it's a point that will feel very natural to the story to end on.
So while it will be interesting in plotting the long term effect on a halted reformation in Germany and the imperial Bavarians, I'm not too certain we are gonna see to much of it before the story ends.
Got it, take the story where it's most natural for the narrative to occur
Chapter 10 - 1524
Chapter 10 - 1524
Flugten fra Bergen or The Flight from Bergen as it would be known to history was a watershed moment in Nordic history. Not only would it be the final nail in the coffin of the Kalmar Union, but it was the last time King Christian set foot in his native homelands. His attempts to gather his forces once more had failed as the Norwegians had little to no love for him and during the winter of the previous year a plot against him begun amongst the aristocracy to join Frederick of Denmark instead and to hand the king over to his uncle. Increasingly isolated, with his allies dwindling and suffering from increasing despair, Christian begun to succumb to depression and hopelessness. The Hanseatic League also had a strong presence near him and Christian’s status as lord of the Dutch realms directly threatened their fading monopoly, leaving him further surrounded by enemies. His Burgundian entourage remained steadfastly beside him however and it was thanks to them that the plot against Christian would be foiled. One of the conspirators, in a moment of faltering loyalty, alerted them to the plans to capture Christian and thanks to their swift actions, he avoided that faith.
The flight from Bergen took place at the end of January. The Flemish smuggled the king and his circle onboard a small convoy of trading ships from the city of Bergen during the icy cold night and by morning they set sails as usual, away from Norway. Christian had been disguised as a merchant according to history and the story of the fleeing king would be one long told in Norway after that. The ships destination would be the England itself. This was very good news, as queen Catherine was the aunt of his wife and she would certainly prod her husband to provide shelter. The journey itself would take around five days before the ship docked in outside the coast of Norwich to seek a safe harbour from the harsh winds. Christian disembarked from the boat along with his entourage and they swiftly made for the great cathedral of Norwich to seek sanctuary. The bishop would get the surprise of his life during that day, as he would the bedraggled and exhausted king of Denmark on his doorstep. Richard Nykke, a man of ferocious character was not the fainting type and promptly took them all into his care. Barking at the household to prepare the finest rooms, warm food and fresh clothes for his guests, he sent all living in the diocese scurrying like their lives depended on it. Having ascertained the identity of the king, he sent a swift messenger riding towards the court in London. King Henry needed to know of this royal guest, as it would be up to him what would happen next. No doubt Christian found the sanctuary Nykke provided him with to his liking, as it was the first time in a long time where he would catch his breath. At the time he was safe from enemies. And his beloved wife was closer than she had been in years now. No doubt the solace of the comfortable chamber, the fresh clothes and warm food also proved to be a balm to his fraught mind. And in the night to come, the lost king of Denmark could sleep far better than he had done in the past months.
Christian II of Denmark and Norway, Lord of the Netherlands
Henry VIII’s reaction to the news that came from Norwich was one to behold. At first the king could barely believe it at all: The king of Denmark had fled to England. The turn of misfortune was mind mindbogglingly strange after all. Catherine was just as astonished herself. She promptly pleaded with Henry to send a royal entourage to Norwich that would escort Christian to London, or even better, go himself. His wife was after all her dear niece and lady of the Low Country. Christian could hardly be left in the cathedral like a beggar. His royal status demanded better and as their ally and close trade partner, it would be a great show of support for the Flemish, who seemed to worry greatly over their Duke. Isabella of Austria had been made aware of her spouse’s landing in England and had promptly sent a delegation to the Tudors to asses the state of Christian and to plead her cause to them. The low countries deserved their liege back and Isabella was nearly sick from worrying. With her daughter raised in France, John of Denmark and Austria, was the sole child remaining in the low countries of Isabella and Christian so far. Nearly at the age of five now, he had been raised mostly as a Burgundian prince, but had learned Danish language and customs as well.
Catherine needed not press her husband to hard, as he swiftly made up his mind to go to Norwich and personally escort Christian to London himself. Catherine could accompany him, as did Thomas More and Henry Norris. They would be traveling with a great entourage of knights, minor lords and men at arms to make a suitable impression. Prince Edward, still at court since the Christmas celebrations would also follow his parents. At the age of eight, this would be one of the earliest times in the limelight for him. Both Henry and Catherine wished from him to learn how to greet foreign dignitaries as a king should do. Plus, this had the added benefit of impressing the boy on how to make international relationships, and the duties of royalties to aid each other in times of need. Ned found this all very exciting, a lost king! A rightful king had been driven from his homeland by wicked creatures and now his father was to help him! Of course, his father would help him, had he not saved his mother from her impoverished misfortune in 1509? It was the duty of a true knight to salvage a damsel after all! To Ned the road to Norwich was one of thrills and excitement, as his father spent considerable time regaling him with stories and the populace cheered him at they went by. Near the city of Cambridge, the royal company were greeted by none other than the Earl of Surrey. Thomas Howard had been a loyal part of the Tudor court for over a decade now and Henry had entrusted him with several high positions and missions. As one of the leading nobles in England, no doubt Howard wanted to be part of the entourage that meet Christian and offered the hospitality of Framlingham Castile to the king. Howard had also brought his own attendants and knights that swelled the ranks of the royal company. He was also greeted by his niece, Anne Boleyn, one of the ladies that had followed their royal mistress. Anne had become one of Catherine’s favourites, and a rising star in the court. Stylish, elegant, spirited and witty, she certainly made her mark on those who meet her, but she remained steadfastly devoted to the queen as well. No doubt Catherine came to dote on her like a daughter and Anne’s letters to her siblings spoke of Catherine’s dignity and strength that she admired greatly. Little Hal seemed to have suffered from a painfully shy crush on her as well.
The company reached Norwich after a few days of traveling. Richard Nykke greeted them at the city gates together with the aldermen of the city, whereafter they meet Christian and his entourage just outside of the cathedral itself. Christian no doubt intended to greet Henry as a saviour and humbly kneel before him, but the king put a firm end to that as he drew him up to his feet and gave him a firm embrace instead.
“Cousin, there are no reason why thee, a crowned sovereign as myself shall humble thyself as a beggar before me.” Henry’s greeting to Christian at the cathederal according to historians.
The relief of the king’s presence no doubt calmed Christian’s worries and after a mass at the cathedral they all departed toward Framlingham. Christian rode next to Henry and Catherine along the way, while Ned alternated between goggling at him and firing of rounds of questions about his battles in Denmark. Christian seemed to find Ned delightful in turn, no doubt he saw his own little boy in the prince. The meeting with the Tudors seemed to cause him to think about his own family and the future. With Henry’s support he could get back to the Netherlands, and he did have one alliance to offer them to ensure that they stayed in his camp. While his daughter had been sent to France to be the wife of the Dauphin, he still had his son and heir. And while John was just five years old, it was not to early to start negotiations for his hand in marriage. The betrothal between Margaret of Denmark and Burgundy and Ned had ended in 1519, but another alliance with England was possible as well. Princess Mary was only two years younger than John and a most suitable bride for Flanders, in addition to the dowry and military resources Henry would certainly give his only daughter. An english marriage would boost his own standing in the duchy and with enough luck, help him retake his own kingdoms in the future. Framlingham castle saw a great reception for the kings and Christian was treated to a feast with dancing, where ladies such as Maria Salinas, Anne Boleyn and Gertrude Blount all danced with Henry and Christian at various times. No doubt the Flemish courtiers appreciated the company of the lovely ladies, especially Anne, who had been reared in the court of Margaret of Austria for a few years. Her familiarity would have been welcome to them. Christian however had no particular desire for any lady, save Queen Isabella, whom he greatly missed. He wished more than anything to return to her, to hold her in his arms. He was only fourth three years old, Isabella just twenty-three. It was not too late for them to have more children together.
It would perhaps have been at Framlingham he first tested the waters for a match between John and Mary. Henry was somewhat surprised at the sheer boldness at the offer, no doubt not expecting it from a pauper king in exile living off his charity. But the idea held merit. Despite the loss of Burgundy, Franche-Comté, Picardy and Vermandois, the duchy had once more prospered under Isabella’s careful watch. His darling Mary becoming the duchess of one of the richest lands in Christendom was a great vision and even better if she could also wear the crowns of Denmark and Norway one day. But at the same time, Mary was the subject of a Spanish alliance as well. It was her mother’s deepest desire for her to one day become the queen of Spain and she would surely not be as warm for another marriage for Mary. But Wolsey disagreed with that. The queen had borne three children after all. Should Mary be promised to the Flemish, Edward could take her place in the Spanish negotiations. The infanta Isabel was just as good a match instead being the only daughter of the Castilian king. Those two matches would assure great alliances between England and their fellow monarchs. Little Hal would no doubt be married to a english heiress or a minor royal lady from abroad, but his brother and sister was to make higher matches. Catherine was not told about the possible betrothal, as Christian, Henry and Wolsey decided to keep it to themselves so far. Ned’s engagement to Charlotte of Valois still stood at this point as part of a peace with France. Wolsey, always keen to avoid warfare wished for it to remain that way. Since the prince and princess was still very small, nothing would come to happen for several years.
Christian would receive a splendid greeting upon arriving to London. Merchants from Denmark and Norway had taken great care that they were to have the best position to greet their king, as Christian’s support ran high in England. Seeing his own standard waving in the breeze no doubt cheered him up and so did the merchants wear Nordic clothes. Christian was lodged in the Palace of Westminster in the city. The apartment he had been given had been luxuriously prepared with richly coloured hangings to ward of the February chills, furs lay in the bed and gilded dishes had been provided with drink and food.
Christian’s departure from England would come before easter. Henry had provided seven ships to escort him over the channel safely, including the warship The Mary Rose that took the lead. After three turbulent days Christian reached the port of Oostende in Flanders. It had been over four years ago since he left and to Christian, no doubt suffering from the losses in Denmark and Norway, this was not the way he had intended to return to the duchy. Rather than a glorious conqueror wearing the three crowns of all Nordic kingdoms, he was an impoverished exile. Christian lingered in Oostende for two whole days, too ashamed to head towards Bruges, where the duchess would soon arrive. But Isabella knew her husband very well and had sent a messenger bearing a letter to him.
“Know that your misfortune has not been the fault of your own, but that of wretched traitors and faithless servants. All in these realms have been praying for your success as well as safety and the good lord had brought you back to us now. I besiege thee, my lord, to come back to the poor wife who loves you with all her heart and to embrace your son who has longed for your return.”
Three days after his arrival, Christian entered Bruges to be reunited with Isabella once more. To his great relief the reception was joyous and his wife’s embrace even more warm. John also seemed happy to see the father he had no memories of and the whole court gave thanks to their duke’s safe return to them. The english who had seen Christian return was treated with money and good food as thanks, before the ships returned three weeks later. The potential of a english marriage for John was also positively viewed by Isabella and many in the estates general. Margaret of Austria also agreed that it would be better for Mary Tudor to become the duchess rather than queen of Spain. Margaret and Isabella had not yet forgiven Ferdinand for forsaking them and the empire for the sake of Spain.
It was perhaps no surprise that the return of Christian proved passionate in another way: duchess Isabella would announce another pregnancy in June. Both spouses hoped for another son to secure the duchy. As Isabella found herself in need of rest more and more in the autumn and winter of 1524, Christian took over the governance of the duchy, much to her relief. The past years had caused her much stress. Leaving Denmark, the war against France, the loss of her little girl and the realms, Christian’s departure, her stillborn child and the burden of ruling the low countries had all caused much pain and Isabella relied much on her aunt for support. The loss of her kingdoms and her husband’s flight to Norway had been another blow and Isabella had become increasingly frantic over his safety. His flight to England had been one of relief and so had his homecoming. Suffering from increasing exhaustion, Isabella withdrew from the daily government from September and onwards, leaving it in Christian and Margaret’s hands. The duchess retired to the castle of Binche, one of her favourite residences to rest. While some had feared that the same madness that had consumed her mother would show itself in the daughter, Isabella had not lost her senses and she recovered steadily during the autumn and winter, much to the relief of the court.
Isabella was not the only Hapsburg sibling that would be a parent in 1525 either. In Spain Queen Isabella was once more with child and so was her sister, Mary of Austria. The young queen of Bohemia and Hungary was expecting her first child with Louis and it was on that note the year of 1524 would come to an end.
Author's Note: And here passes the Kalmar Union at last. Sorry!
Flugten fra Bergen or The Flight from Bergen as it would be known to history was a watershed moment in Nordic history. Not only would it be the final nail in the coffin of the Kalmar Union, but it was the last time King Christian set foot in his native homelands. His attempts to gather his forces once more had failed as the Norwegians had little to no love for him and during the winter of the previous year a plot against him begun amongst the aristocracy to join Frederick of Denmark instead and to hand the king over to his uncle. Increasingly isolated, with his allies dwindling and suffering from increasing despair, Christian begun to succumb to depression and hopelessness. The Hanseatic League also had a strong presence near him and Christian’s status as lord of the Dutch realms directly threatened their fading monopoly, leaving him further surrounded by enemies. His Burgundian entourage remained steadfastly beside him however and it was thanks to them that the plot against Christian would be foiled. One of the conspirators, in a moment of faltering loyalty, alerted them to the plans to capture Christian and thanks to their swift actions, he avoided that faith.
The flight from Bergen took place at the end of January. The Flemish smuggled the king and his circle onboard a small convoy of trading ships from the city of Bergen during the icy cold night and by morning they set sails as usual, away from Norway. Christian had been disguised as a merchant according to history and the story of the fleeing king would be one long told in Norway after that. The ships destination would be the England itself. This was very good news, as queen Catherine was the aunt of his wife and she would certainly prod her husband to provide shelter. The journey itself would take around five days before the ship docked in outside the coast of Norwich to seek a safe harbour from the harsh winds. Christian disembarked from the boat along with his entourage and they swiftly made for the great cathedral of Norwich to seek sanctuary. The bishop would get the surprise of his life during that day, as he would the bedraggled and exhausted king of Denmark on his doorstep. Richard Nykke, a man of ferocious character was not the fainting type and promptly took them all into his care. Barking at the household to prepare the finest rooms, warm food and fresh clothes for his guests, he sent all living in the diocese scurrying like their lives depended on it. Having ascertained the identity of the king, he sent a swift messenger riding towards the court in London. King Henry needed to know of this royal guest, as it would be up to him what would happen next. No doubt Christian found the sanctuary Nykke provided him with to his liking, as it was the first time in a long time where he would catch his breath. At the time he was safe from enemies. And his beloved wife was closer than she had been in years now. No doubt the solace of the comfortable chamber, the fresh clothes and warm food also proved to be a balm to his fraught mind. And in the night to come, the lost king of Denmark could sleep far better than he had done in the past months.
Christian II of Denmark and Norway, Lord of the Netherlands
Henry VIII’s reaction to the news that came from Norwich was one to behold. At first the king could barely believe it at all: The king of Denmark had fled to England. The turn of misfortune was mind mindbogglingly strange after all. Catherine was just as astonished herself. She promptly pleaded with Henry to send a royal entourage to Norwich that would escort Christian to London, or even better, go himself. His wife was after all her dear niece and lady of the Low Country. Christian could hardly be left in the cathedral like a beggar. His royal status demanded better and as their ally and close trade partner, it would be a great show of support for the Flemish, who seemed to worry greatly over their Duke. Isabella of Austria had been made aware of her spouse’s landing in England and had promptly sent a delegation to the Tudors to asses the state of Christian and to plead her cause to them. The low countries deserved their liege back and Isabella was nearly sick from worrying. With her daughter raised in France, John of Denmark and Austria, was the sole child remaining in the low countries of Isabella and Christian so far. Nearly at the age of five now, he had been raised mostly as a Burgundian prince, but had learned Danish language and customs as well.
Catherine needed not press her husband to hard, as he swiftly made up his mind to go to Norwich and personally escort Christian to London himself. Catherine could accompany him, as did Thomas More and Henry Norris. They would be traveling with a great entourage of knights, minor lords and men at arms to make a suitable impression. Prince Edward, still at court since the Christmas celebrations would also follow his parents. At the age of eight, this would be one of the earliest times in the limelight for him. Both Henry and Catherine wished from him to learn how to greet foreign dignitaries as a king should do. Plus, this had the added benefit of impressing the boy on how to make international relationships, and the duties of royalties to aid each other in times of need. Ned found this all very exciting, a lost king! A rightful king had been driven from his homeland by wicked creatures and now his father was to help him! Of course, his father would help him, had he not saved his mother from her impoverished misfortune in 1509? It was the duty of a true knight to salvage a damsel after all! To Ned the road to Norwich was one of thrills and excitement, as his father spent considerable time regaling him with stories and the populace cheered him at they went by. Near the city of Cambridge, the royal company were greeted by none other than the Earl of Surrey. Thomas Howard had been a loyal part of the Tudor court for over a decade now and Henry had entrusted him with several high positions and missions. As one of the leading nobles in England, no doubt Howard wanted to be part of the entourage that meet Christian and offered the hospitality of Framlingham Castile to the king. Howard had also brought his own attendants and knights that swelled the ranks of the royal company. He was also greeted by his niece, Anne Boleyn, one of the ladies that had followed their royal mistress. Anne had become one of Catherine’s favourites, and a rising star in the court. Stylish, elegant, spirited and witty, she certainly made her mark on those who meet her, but she remained steadfastly devoted to the queen as well. No doubt Catherine came to dote on her like a daughter and Anne’s letters to her siblings spoke of Catherine’s dignity and strength that she admired greatly. Little Hal seemed to have suffered from a painfully shy crush on her as well.
The company reached Norwich after a few days of traveling. Richard Nykke greeted them at the city gates together with the aldermen of the city, whereafter they meet Christian and his entourage just outside of the cathedral itself. Christian no doubt intended to greet Henry as a saviour and humbly kneel before him, but the king put a firm end to that as he drew him up to his feet and gave him a firm embrace instead.
“Cousin, there are no reason why thee, a crowned sovereign as myself shall humble thyself as a beggar before me.” Henry’s greeting to Christian at the cathederal according to historians.
The relief of the king’s presence no doubt calmed Christian’s worries and after a mass at the cathedral they all departed toward Framlingham. Christian rode next to Henry and Catherine along the way, while Ned alternated between goggling at him and firing of rounds of questions about his battles in Denmark. Christian seemed to find Ned delightful in turn, no doubt he saw his own little boy in the prince. The meeting with the Tudors seemed to cause him to think about his own family and the future. With Henry’s support he could get back to the Netherlands, and he did have one alliance to offer them to ensure that they stayed in his camp. While his daughter had been sent to France to be the wife of the Dauphin, he still had his son and heir. And while John was just five years old, it was not to early to start negotiations for his hand in marriage. The betrothal between Margaret of Denmark and Burgundy and Ned had ended in 1519, but another alliance with England was possible as well. Princess Mary was only two years younger than John and a most suitable bride for Flanders, in addition to the dowry and military resources Henry would certainly give his only daughter. An english marriage would boost his own standing in the duchy and with enough luck, help him retake his own kingdoms in the future. Framlingham castle saw a great reception for the kings and Christian was treated to a feast with dancing, where ladies such as Maria Salinas, Anne Boleyn and Gertrude Blount all danced with Henry and Christian at various times. No doubt the Flemish courtiers appreciated the company of the lovely ladies, especially Anne, who had been reared in the court of Margaret of Austria for a few years. Her familiarity would have been welcome to them. Christian however had no particular desire for any lady, save Queen Isabella, whom he greatly missed. He wished more than anything to return to her, to hold her in his arms. He was only fourth three years old, Isabella just twenty-three. It was not too late for them to have more children together.
It would perhaps have been at Framlingham he first tested the waters for a match between John and Mary. Henry was somewhat surprised at the sheer boldness at the offer, no doubt not expecting it from a pauper king in exile living off his charity. But the idea held merit. Despite the loss of Burgundy, Franche-Comté, Picardy and Vermandois, the duchy had once more prospered under Isabella’s careful watch. His darling Mary becoming the duchess of one of the richest lands in Christendom was a great vision and even better if she could also wear the crowns of Denmark and Norway one day. But at the same time, Mary was the subject of a Spanish alliance as well. It was her mother’s deepest desire for her to one day become the queen of Spain and she would surely not be as warm for another marriage for Mary. But Wolsey disagreed with that. The queen had borne three children after all. Should Mary be promised to the Flemish, Edward could take her place in the Spanish negotiations. The infanta Isabel was just as good a match instead being the only daughter of the Castilian king. Those two matches would assure great alliances between England and their fellow monarchs. Little Hal would no doubt be married to a english heiress or a minor royal lady from abroad, but his brother and sister was to make higher matches. Catherine was not told about the possible betrothal, as Christian, Henry and Wolsey decided to keep it to themselves so far. Ned’s engagement to Charlotte of Valois still stood at this point as part of a peace with France. Wolsey, always keen to avoid warfare wished for it to remain that way. Since the prince and princess was still very small, nothing would come to happen for several years.
Christian would receive a splendid greeting upon arriving to London. Merchants from Denmark and Norway had taken great care that they were to have the best position to greet their king, as Christian’s support ran high in England. Seeing his own standard waving in the breeze no doubt cheered him up and so did the merchants wear Nordic clothes. Christian was lodged in the Palace of Westminster in the city. The apartment he had been given had been luxuriously prepared with richly coloured hangings to ward of the February chills, furs lay in the bed and gilded dishes had been provided with drink and food.
Christian’s departure from England would come before easter. Henry had provided seven ships to escort him over the channel safely, including the warship The Mary Rose that took the lead. After three turbulent days Christian reached the port of Oostende in Flanders. It had been over four years ago since he left and to Christian, no doubt suffering from the losses in Denmark and Norway, this was not the way he had intended to return to the duchy. Rather than a glorious conqueror wearing the three crowns of all Nordic kingdoms, he was an impoverished exile. Christian lingered in Oostende for two whole days, too ashamed to head towards Bruges, where the duchess would soon arrive. But Isabella knew her husband very well and had sent a messenger bearing a letter to him.
“Know that your misfortune has not been the fault of your own, but that of wretched traitors and faithless servants. All in these realms have been praying for your success as well as safety and the good lord had brought you back to us now. I besiege thee, my lord, to come back to the poor wife who loves you with all her heart and to embrace your son who has longed for your return.”
Three days after his arrival, Christian entered Bruges to be reunited with Isabella once more. To his great relief the reception was joyous and his wife’s embrace even more warm. John also seemed happy to see the father he had no memories of and the whole court gave thanks to their duke’s safe return to them. The english who had seen Christian return was treated with money and good food as thanks, before the ships returned three weeks later. The potential of a english marriage for John was also positively viewed by Isabella and many in the estates general. Margaret of Austria also agreed that it would be better for Mary Tudor to become the duchess rather than queen of Spain. Margaret and Isabella had not yet forgiven Ferdinand for forsaking them and the empire for the sake of Spain.
It was perhaps no surprise that the return of Christian proved passionate in another way: duchess Isabella would announce another pregnancy in June. Both spouses hoped for another son to secure the duchy. As Isabella found herself in need of rest more and more in the autumn and winter of 1524, Christian took over the governance of the duchy, much to her relief. The past years had caused her much stress. Leaving Denmark, the war against France, the loss of her little girl and the realms, Christian’s departure, her stillborn child and the burden of ruling the low countries had all caused much pain and Isabella relied much on her aunt for support. The loss of her kingdoms and her husband’s flight to Norway had been another blow and Isabella had become increasingly frantic over his safety. His flight to England had been one of relief and so had his homecoming. Suffering from increasing exhaustion, Isabella withdrew from the daily government from September and onwards, leaving it in Christian and Margaret’s hands. The duchess retired to the castle of Binche, one of her favourite residences to rest. While some had feared that the same madness that had consumed her mother would show itself in the daughter, Isabella had not lost her senses and she recovered steadily during the autumn and winter, much to the relief of the court.
Isabella was not the only Hapsburg sibling that would be a parent in 1525 either. In Spain Queen Isabella was once more with child and so was her sister, Mary of Austria. The young queen of Bohemia and Hungary was expecting her first child with Louis and it was on that note the year of 1524 would come to an end.
Author's Note: And here passes the Kalmar Union at last. Sorry!
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@BlueFlowwer , Amazing work.
RIP kalmar union. Christian at least has his beloved wife and son, Really hoping that little John gets Mary of england
And really hoping for a boy for Mary of austria, gotta secure the union between all the realms of her and her husband.
RIP kalmar union. Christian at least has his beloved wife and son, Really hoping that little John gets Mary of england
And really hoping for a boy for Mary of austria, gotta secure the union between all the realms of her and her husband.
Thank you! These two chapters have been mostly focused on England so far, but we will get back to more everywhere in the next year.
The end of a magnificent and troublesome era indeed. But Christian doesn't get imprisoned in this story and Isabella lives past her otl death. Happy times all around! Plus the John and Mary match was inspired by @DrakeRlugia, but I want a different one than she wrote. My ship that passes in the night otp. So no Christina of Denmark, Queen of England here either. I sort of killed that when I nuked the Austrian Hapsburgs. In another story.
They really want a living child as well.
Cool!
Happy that they are together and happy. Hope that John and Mary have a good marriage in the future.
Naturally, and hopefully plenty of spares.
I mean, I’m not exactly surprised given you’re the author
But at least Isabella is alive, Christian is alive, they rule Burgundy/The Netherlands fairly safely, they have another kid on the way (I swear, if you kill Isabella in childbirth…), and we likely get Mary as Duchess of Burgundy. Also Henry and Christian meeting must have been interesting. Denmark-Norway is still also in Oldenburg hands and likely goes Protestant as otl (The Netherlands might too?)… I suppose it could have ended much worse for the Oldenburgs and good king Christian
I could have done far worse than that. My original plan was for Prince Edward to marry Christina of Denmark, but then I decided to drown Charles V for shits and giggles so that went out of the window in the second chapter. I'm still not quite sure of who Edward will marry in the end thou.I mean, I’m not exactly surprised given you’re the author
I have absolutely no plans to kill off Isabella in childbirth, you have my sworn word for that.
It's either gonna be the Netherlands or Spain for her. Possibly Scotland can be a contender as well. I havent made up my mind yet.
It really was fun to write! Good thing poor Christian found a friend in England!
It will be in the hands of Frederick I (I think that is his regal nummer?) and it might or might not go protestant. Protestantism is gonna be somewhat different here. It might not reach Denmark for a longer while.
The Netherlands are probably gonna stay Catholic. But in all honesty, getting rid of Burgundy and Franche Comte might actually have been a good thing, as they can focus on the upper part of the duchy instead of being dragged down by the southern parts often twisted about by France.
Your stamp of approval makes me fizzy inside as always! 😍
No actually it was his dad. He got so surprised he jumped out of his grave and came back to life.
I'm excited to see how it plays out here, Blue! I'm hoping they have a happy a marriage and plenty of children! I'm also excited to see how you explore their relationship. I know I had certain ideas in Anno, but excited to see your take on it too!
PS: I am actually a he, not a she 😂 (But jokes aside, thank you for the shout out!)
Thank you so much! I have taken such inspiration for this story from your wonderful TL!
Well they are a different John and Mary from otl and from your story, mostly because Mary won't be the sovereign of England in this story (spoiler alert, Ned does become king after his father 😉) and John actually have a realm of his own so they are in different places than before. But I liked your characterisation of a warlike John incredibly much. We shall see what he gets up to in the Low Countries!
Temporary gender change curtsey of my wacky thinking? I must have been more wimsy than I thought after this weekends hardships.