Chapter 8

                                    

                                          
After a couple days of being on the ship, a now eleven year old Elizabeth and her crew finally arrived in France. The girl sat at a table in her rooms with a lady-in-waiting as they played a chess game. She turned to Lady Bryan and said to her, "Lady Bryan, what do you think His Highness, Prince James, likes to do for fun?" Lady Bryan replied, as she put one of her charge's dresses on a trunk, "Well, from what I have heard...he likes to hunt, read, paint, dance, and sword-fight. Much like you, Your Highness." A knock on the door caught the ladies' attention and Lady Bryan went to answer it. The captain of the ship bowed to the woman and said to her, "We have arrived in France, Lady Bryan. The French Ambassador and a few of the French King's men will escort Her Highness to the castle." Lady Bryan nodded at her head at the captain and replied, "Thank you, gentleman. We thank you for your escort." The captain said, bowing, "Anything for His Majesty's precious daughter."  
After the short encounter with the captain, Lady Bryan turned to get Elizabeth ready for her arrival in the French court. Elizabeth stood on the docks of the ship and made her way down, followed by her ladies-in-waiting and Lady Bryan, where she was greeted by the French Ambassador. Unfortunately, the French Ambassador was Lord Thomas Boleyn, Anne's father. She was already on shaky grounds with her father's mistress, she didn't want anymore trouble with the woman's father. Thomas Boleyn bowed to the eldest daughter of the King of England and said, "Your Royal Highness, it is an honor to escort you to the French court." He had received many letters from his youngest daughter complaining about how the King's heiress wouldn't recognize her as his mistress, soon to be Queen. That is, if all went well with the King's divorce to Catherine of Aragon. Elizabeth nodded at the ambassador and said, "Thank you for welcoming me, milord. Where are the French royal family now?" Thomas Boleyn replied, as he helped the girl into the carriage, "They are getting ready for Your Royal Highness' arrival. Her Majesty, Queen Claude, wanted to make sure everything was up to your standards." Elizabeth nodded with a smile and turned to see some of the French King's guards were helping load her trunks. Once the trunks were loaded and Elizabeth's ladies and governess were in the other carriage, the escort party took off to the French Palace. 
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At the palace of France, eleven year old Prince James was in the middle of practicing fencing with his tutor when he heard his name being called. The young prince ignored the calls and took a jab at his tutor with his wooden sword. Fortunately for the Prince, he won the spar and grinned in triumph. The tutor grinned and said, "You're doing well, Your Highness." James turned around to see his mother coming towards him with his father in tow. He bowed to them and said to them, "Mother, Father. To what do I owe the pleasure?" King Francis smiled at his eldest son and replied, "Princess Elizabeth of England is on her way to court." James' face lit up at the mention of his best friend, most importantly his betrothed. Ever since the summit four years ago, he and Elizabeth had exchanged letters and visited as often as they could and were allowed. Queen Claude smiled her eldest son and said, "I expect you to be on your best behavior and help Her Highness adjust to the court since she will be here for awhile." Claude knew about the situation with her dear friend, Catherine, and her dear friend's husband, Henry. Henry was sending his and Catherine's daughters away in hope that she will back down and give him the annulment to allow him to marry Anne. 
James nodded at his mother, knowing fully well that Elizabeth will be nervous and unsure in an unfamiliar environment. However, he would do everything he could to make her stay comfortable. Soon, the prince found himself in the throne room amongst the court and standing with his siblings. The horns sounded the announcement of a royal arrival. The herald said, "Her Royal Highness, Princess Elizabeth the 1st of England, the eldest daughter of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of England!" The young princess entered the court, followed her ladies and English guards. The French noblemen and noblewomen all bowed and curtsied to the English princess as she made her way to the thrones where King Francis and Queen Claude were sat. She curtsied low to the King and Queen of France, as did her ladies whole her English guards bowed, and said to them, "Your Majesties, I am honored to be in your court and your presence." King Francis said, smiling as he waved his hand to allow the young girl to rise, "Please, Your Royal Highness. The honor is all ours. After all, in the future, you will be family." Elizabeth curtsied to the King once more and replied, "Your Majesty." King Francis turned back to his court and announced, "In honor of Princess Elizabeth's arrival, there will be festivities to celebrate her presence. While she is here, she is to be respected and treated as one of my family. If not, there shall be consequences. Continue." 
The court went about as normal while Queen Claude escorted the young princess to her chambers where she will be staying. Claude stopped in front of two grand doors and turned to her now new royal charge. She said to the young princess, with a kind and gentle smile, "If there's anything you may need, don't be afraid to ask one of my ladies or myself or of my husband." Elizabeth curtsied and replied, "I am thankful for Your Majesty. Your opened arms are more than I need." Claude chuckled and said to her, "Please, dear one, call me Claude. I would like it if we are to be friends. I know how it is to be in a different place." Elizabeth curtsied and replied, "Thank you......Claude. I would like it if I have time to adjust and rest in my chambers. The journey was long, of course. Oh, when may I see His Royal Highness, Prince James?" Claude said, chuckling, "Of course you may, my dear. As of right now, he will be in his studies. You may see him at the festivities tonight in your honor." Elizabeth replied, curtsying, "Thank you, Your Majesty." Claude gave the girl a smile before leaving, followed by her ladies. Elizabeth curtsied as the Queen passed, followed in suite by her ladies and guards. The girl entered the chambers where she would rest and replenish herself.