"The latter half of the 15th century and the outset of the 16th proved to be a difficult period for France. With the unexpected death of Charles VIII in Italy, the country was plunged into debt and in disarray as a result of his ambition. Aside from his brother Louis, Duke of Orleans, the Valois dynasty now hung by a thread. Well aware of her brother-in-law's reputations and plans to divorce Princess Jeanne, the now-widowed Anne of Brittany returned to her homeland three days after her husband's death, accompanied by the 5-year-old Dauphin, Charles Orlando. There, as hereditary Duchess of Brittany, she began steps to regain the independence of the duchy and secure the well-being of her heir, who had been cloistered under heavy scrutiny by his father following his near-death from the measles outbreak of 1495. Had the Dauphin been left to the devices of the nursery staff and palace guards, he would've undoubtedly been murdered to secure the schemes of his mother's political opponents.
The royal court of France was historically plagued by internal conflict and political intrigue. The schemes of ambitious players like Orleans and the conniving Louise of Savoy, whose son Francois was heir apparent of the cadet branch, would only exacerbate the nation's turmoil. France could not endure another civil war. For too long had the nation been embroiled by the reigns of ineffectual monarchs and their controversies. She would need a strong king in the years to come, and little Orlando would not become a footnote to history. Anne would ensure that, even if it cost her her life."
- Delphine Desroches, A Clash of Kings: France's Anarchy