Fanfic: The French Bride Ch 2, Tudors | FanFiction

Hello guys! English, it is not my motherly language, I'm French so I apologize if there are some mistakes. Don't hesitate to tell me where they are so that I can improve.

This is my first full length fiction, with chapters, I hope it will please you. It is a AU where Katherine Howard does not marry Henry and where Cromwell is spared. Instead of katherine, Henry marries a french noble lady, on the advice of Cromwell.

I hope my little story will please you..

Sincerely

Marina Ka-Fai

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The French Bride

Chapter 2: The French fiancée

After a few investigations, it was revealed to Henry that Katherine had a dissolute life before she came to Court. He was dissapointed. But Cromwell kept his promise and told him about a new marriage.

' Your Majesty, may I suggest a french marriage?'

' I do not trust the french.'

' This lady is a bit special.'

' In what? Is she a virgin?'

' Since she left convent yes but there is something else.'

By the curious look of his king, Cromwell knew he had won.

' This lady is a descendant of Eleanor of Aquitaine, first queen of France and then of England, the famous mother of Richard LionHeart.'

Henry was quite stunned by Cromwell's candidate. A french cousin of the Plantagenet! It was true, Eleanor first married Louis VII, king of France and had two daughters by him, Marie and Alix. By marrying her, Henry could warn any attack by the Plantagenet against him, just like his father did by marrying his mother, in order to bring peace after the war of the Roses.

' What do you know about her Cromwell?'

' It seems that she is a descendant of Marie de Champagne, Eleanor's eldest daughter. I've also heard that this young Lady, Marina, was born on Christmas' Eve. She is eighteen by now.'

Marina? That was not a common name! Henry tried to imagine her. A young and pretty young lady, just like his sweet little Katherine. By this marriage, he assured the rest of the Plantagenet's obediance to him and a new alliance with France.

' She interests me. Send Master Holbein, I want her portrait. Tell the French ambassador that I desire to know more about Marina de Champagne! And asks the Duke of Suffolk to come, I wish to speak to him.'

Cromwell left and a few minutes after, Charles entered in the king's rooms. He found him with a smile on his face, dreaming a bit.

'Charles! Come and sit!'

Charles obeyed.

'Your Majesty seems very happy.'

'Indeed Charles, since Cromwell found me a possible fiancée.'

Charles remained silent. Henry noticed it.

'What is it?'

'Does Your Majesty... trust my Lord Cromwell?'

'I do. He prevented me to marry Katherine Howard, the lady you and Hertford presented me.'

The Duke of Suffolk did not know what to say. He felt sad for his old friend but since he had been just told about a new woman...

'May I ask Your Majesty who is the lady?'

'Of course Charles. She is Marina de Champagne, a descendant of Eleanor of Aquitaine.'

'A cousin of the Plantagenet? Master Cromwell has found a very rare jewel then.'

' A jewel you will meet Charles.'

Brandon looked at Henry, it was clear in his eyes that he did not understand. Why did he have to meet the young Lady Marina?

' I want to have your report about her. I have been decieved by my ambassadors when we were arranging my marriage with Anne of Cleves. Who else can I trust except you Charles? Please, go for me. I'm not asking that as your king but as a friend. Do not fear to tell me the truth. You'll be with Master Holbein, since I have asked for her portrait.'

Charles sighed, he could never refuse something to Henry. He accepted Henry's request. And a few days after Charles and Holbein's departure for France, rumors started to grow up.

Lady Mary's room

'Is it true Eustache? That my father wants to marry?' Mary asked

'Indeed my Lady, there are rumors about a french descendant of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Marina de Champagne.'

Mary looked at Eustache, quite surprised, she did not think that they were still people related to this well known queen. She was getting really curious.

'What do you know about her?'

' She is eighteen, she was born on Christmas' Eve, she has left convent and I was told she is quite lovely. Some people say that she is very clever and that she had the same kind of temper like Queen Jane.'

'Then, if she is the same kind of person as Queen Jane, I can only like her.'

Mary smiled a bit. She just hoped that this new Queen would brought happiness and a Duke of Yorkto her father. She tried to imagine the reaction of her siblings. Blasés. Just like her.

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Castle of Fontainebleau, France.

King Francis I was listening to his ambassador. So Henry was looking for a new wife? And he got interested with Marina? Francis sighed. He was certain that Marina would be a very good queen for England but he liked her, she was kinda like a little sister to him. He was fearing for her. She was still so young!

' Le roi d'Angleterre désirerait un portrait de Mademoiselle Marina et a également demandé au Duc de Suffolk de lui tenir conversation.'

' Très bien, ils ont mon accord, mais je veux voir Suffolk en premier lieu.'

The Ambassador left Francis and told Suffolk that his master was waiting for him. Charles was not surprised. A groom took him to Francis.

'Charles! My dearest friend! Mon ami!' Francis greated, smiling

'Votre Majesté.' Charles said, bowing deeply and respectfully.

' So, I have heard that your king, my brother, is a bachelor again and that our little Marina was interesting him.'

' Indeed Your Majesty, my king has heard about Lady Marina's virtues and...'

' No friend, he is interested in her since she is a Plantagenet. And you are here to tell him how she looks and how she acts.'

Charles saw that Francis was trully concerned.

'Listen Charles. I like Marina very much and she is a lady that deserve every respect. And I fear Henry won't treat her that way. How can I give him one of France greatest jewel when he killed a wife, let another one die and abandoned another? Anne of Cleves has been very lucky.'

'Your Majesty, I...'

'Marina is a very intelligent woman and she will be a good mother to Henry's children. You'll see that. But be certain that if she is going to be the next Anne Boleyn, I'll declare an open war to England.'

The Duke of Suffolk was stunned, he did not think Francis liked Marina so much.

' If Master Holbein and you don't have an objection, I would like to be here when her portrait is made.'

'I am certain that Master Holbein will be honoured. And so am I, Majesté.'

A few moments later, Holbein was ready to paint, all that was missing was the model.

'My Lord, Master Holbein, King Francis and Lady Marina.' a servant announced.

Charles was amazed by the woman who entered. And he was certain that, physically, she was going to make Henry fall in love. She was wearing a chocolate gown, with embroderies of silver and delicate pearls, located on the collar. (AN: It is like the gown Anne Boleyn wore when she discovered the cut card.) It was a very simple gown but very regal, she just wore a simple necklace. She looked very young, almost Katherine's age. She had a very pale skin, dark chestnut hair and clear blue eyes. He did not know why, but somehow, she reminded him of Anne Boleyn. Holbein and him bowed to the young lafy.

'Marina, très chère, voici les deux messieurs dont je vous ai parlé tantôt, le Duc de Suffolk et Maître Holbein.'

Marina nodded and bowed to the men.

'My Lord Suffolk, I am very pleased to meet you. Master Holbein, I have heard about your great talent and it is an honour for me to be painted by you. I beseech both of you to give your master, the king of England, my respectful wishes.'

'Do you speak English my Lady?' Charles asked, a bit suprised

' Yes my Lord, but I'm not fluent in it. So, if I make any mistake, I beg for your forgiveness. I have a lot to learn.'

Charles wanted to laugh. She was way too modest. Her accent was perfect and if he did not know who she was, he would have been convinced that she was an english young woman.

' A young, lovely girl who can speak and understand English well . It is a very good beginning. I hope she is as clever as the rumor pretends she is. Henry will be pleased.' He thought before asking if she minded having a conversation while being painting.

' As long as it does not bother Master Holbein.'

The painter was nodded in ackonlegdment and then, he started his work. Marina was sitting, some of her ladies were with her.

' My Lady, if you were offer the chance to marry my master, what would you give as an answer?'

' Well, My Lord, in all thing I am at his Majesty's commands so, if he wishes me to marry Henry VIII, I would gladly do so. But if I was givn the chance to choose, I think I would marry him too. England, its king and its realm are fascinating.'

Charles smiled to this answer. Modest, calm. Sweet.

' What do you know about the king?' Charles asked

' I know that he did reformations in his realm. I also know that he has three children by three different wives. The Lady Mary by Queen Catherine of Aragon. The Lady Elizabeth by Queen Anne Boleyn and Prince Edward by Queen Jane Seymour. May God have their souls.' Marina answered

' Why do you consider Anne Boleyn as a Queen? She was a traitor.'

' Why should I not my Lord? Even if she has been found guilty of treason, she married the king, did she not? Moreover, she was crowned Queen. So even if her marriage to the king has been found void, she has been Queen of England, Anne of the thousand days.'

' Do you like Anne Boleyn?'

Marina looked at Charles, a mysterious smile on her face.

' She let a huge impression on me my Lord. I remember when she came to Calais in 1532 to be presented to my king as the new queen of England. I was ten years old by that time and I saw her dance with His Majesty, King Francis. I found her so beautiful and so regal, there was something in her eyes! Of course, I have been really shocked by what she did to her husband but nevertheless my Lord, I cannot forget this memory and I will always respect her for one thing. She gave England the Lady Elizabeth. I've heard that she is a very pretty and very clever young girl. The king must be very proud.'

The Duke of Suffolk sighed before asking to Marina if she believed in Anne's innocence.

' I cannot give you a decided answer my Lord. A part of me cannot believe that she was guilty. She seemed so in love with your master. And I cannot believe she acted so stupidly, since she was known for being a very clever woman. But if she was found guilty by men of law in England, then it must mean that my woman's heart is mistaken and therfore, I let all those important matters to people who are here to do decide truthfully what is right and what is wrong.'

She was very careful and she chose her words but Charles Brandon could feel that she was sinceer. He hated this idea but he had to admit that Cromwell found the perfect bride for Henry. He was getting really impatient to tell his friend about her.

Hever Castle, England

Cromwell was asked to accompany Anne of Cleves in her new home. He also had to tell her about her rights.

'Lady Anne. In his kindness, the king has allowed that you remain in England. He also granted you an annuity and the Castle of Hever. He is very pleased to call you his beloved sister and hopes that you will find yourself at ease in your new home. The king's daughters are allowed to visit you and so are you. You will be always welcome to Corut with all the respect you deserve.'

'Thank you my Lord Cromwell. Please tell the king that I am more than happy and I will remain, in all things, in loyal servant. I am very happy that you have been spared.'

Cromwell looked at her, she was smiling.

' I must thank you, Lady Anne, for all that you have done for my case. I will be in an eternal debt towards you.'

'Was? You have no debt towards me my Lord. Just continue to serve the king as you did before. And take a good care of your family.'

Cromwell could not help thinking that Anne would have been a very good queen if Henry did not get rid of her. He just hoped that Marina was going to please his master.