Kingdom-Building: A Valois-Bourgogne TL

[Liminia1]

"If you want to look at how Burgundy expanded under Charles the Careful, you would do well to ask Margaret of York. She did all the work, he just rode a horse and got a sword."

December 17, 1471, Aire-sur-la-lys, Artois, Burgundy

"Grandmother." Philip called, as Isabella was resting by her side. Margaret and Charles were both in sorrow. Isabella has retired 7 years ago after the betrayal of Paris but now she was breathing her last breaths. Philip continued to hug her but he did not cry. "Do you have to leave us too?" Isabella ruffled his hair, "The lord has called for me to return, to Philip and my friends." Philip only nodded without even another word. Isabella has been raising him for the better part of 7 years. Margaret may have lit the fire of his passions and talents but she grew and nurtured those talents. She taught him how to hunt and live off the land, cook various dishes from the chefs in the court, and his new favourite language: Portuguese. Philip closed his eyes as Isabella continued to run her hand through his hair. "Grandson, it's ok, your parents are still going to be here." Philip only nodded. Isabella looked at Margaret and Charles, she smiled more, "You two no longer have an excuse to neglect him you know?" Charles and Margaret didn't laugh at her joke, only continued crying. "Be strong for Philip, and Baby John, I do hope for a granddaughter you know?" Isabella nodded to Margaret. Charles was crying hard, the one person who was with him the whole time, his mother Isabella of Portugal was about to die. Philip didn't seem to care about the conversation as he continued to hold Isabella.

Isabella closed her eyes as she breathed her last. Charles and Margaret continued to cry over her death but Philip was distant. He didn't say a word throughout the funeral. He only asked that he be excused from his studies and hobbies which Charles easily granted. Philip only walked around the forest and came to her tomb. Charles and Margaret didn't know what Philip was doing but the world wouldn't stop moving with her death. Two years ago, Alsace and Further Austria was mortgaged and while he was trying to renegotiate it into a sale he was hitting a roadblock but with the amount of money he had, he formed an alliance with the Savoyards, against the Swiss in order to protect them while also trying to leverage any time of disunity within the confederation to weaken them. The weakening of Mulhouse, and Basel through usage of money and trade has earned the ire of Bern but Charles was incredibly patient, ensuring that Bern had no excuse to invade. He also continued to fund Sigismund in his war against the Swiss for Konstanz and Eastern Switzerland. He needed the sale to be absolute and it would set in that Upper Alsace and Bresigau was completely Burgundian not bought by Burgundy.

North of what Charles was doing Margaret was manipulating strings in Lorraine, ever since the betrayal of Paris. Burgundy was playing a very long game to gain Lorraine through bribery, espionage and trade under Charles. This was accelerated when Margaret became duchess as now various roads were constructed between Burgundy and the Burgundian Netherlands. This made Lorraine's trade completely reliant on Burgundy's goodwill. This was still given after the Betrayal of Paris as the two houses of Valois-Bourgogne and Valois-Anjou saw a mutual enemy in Louis XI of France. John II of Lorraine believed that if he managed to gain Aragon, he would willing give up Lorraine in exchange for that Burgundian Support needed but his early death when he was in Aragon now left Lorraine in an even weaker position. Nicholas of Lorraine was surrounded by pro-Burgundian advisors and like his father, dreamed of the Kingdom of Aragon. Rene of Anjou, now ever the wiser began to view Charles with suspicion but with his armies not being used and just using cash, connections and trade to influence Lorraine. Rene could do nothing except watch it slip away.

Charles looked around the city of Liege, it has only recently rebelled against Louis of Bourbon, his handpicked candidate but his armies crushed the rebellion. He continued to squeeze Liege, forcing the sale of the county of Loon to the Burgundians, but he relaxed some measures against the people of Liege. the amount of wealth he had, he was investing quite wisely. Liege has already lost quite a few privileges in the rebellion of 1468, but not in 1469. The prince-bishopric was a Burgundian puppet and the lands would eventually fall under the Burgundian Netherlands. Charles smiled, it seems his patience has worked. He used to be so bold and so rash in his actions but now he enjoyed and relished in the patience that he learned, the careful planning of Upper Alsace and Lorraine would ensure he would gain them eventually, while he continued feverishly reforming the army. His spies and intelligence told him how the battles went in France, England, and Switzerland. He was wisely investing into improving his armies. He was the richest man in the world, he used to flaunt his wealth but now he was merely investing it and it was paying off. The legendary victories of his brother in law would give him the opportunity of pushing John with Elizabeth. Elizabeth of England was the eldest daughter of the king of England, if he got that marriage for his son. He would gain a Burgundian on the English throne if he was incredibly lucky, if he doesn't he'll merely strengthen the alliance between Burgundy and England. He smiled, he was on the top of the world by just sitting still, "No wonder, Louis called me an idiot for rushing into battle. If I looked at myself back then, I would call myself rash too." Charles remarked.

Margaret was in labour again as Philip watched on, holding her hand. "Mother, it is going to be ok." Charles held her other hand allowing her to squeeze it tightly. Margaret screamed as she began to give birth. The nurses began to rush forward taking care of the baby while Philip did nothing, Charles held her hand and kissed her forehead. "Margaret, you are alright." Philip excused himself, and went into another room. Margaret and Charles spoke words of comfort and joy. The nurse holding the newborn child spoke to Philip. "It's a girl, she's quite strong though." Philip smiled, "May I hold her?" Philip held and rocked her softly. The little girl held out her hand and snatched his finger. Philip weakened, as he reentered the room to the two of them. "Mother, Father. You have a daughter." Margaret smiled as Philip gave her to her. "Isabella, after your mother and grandmother. She will be named Isabella." Charles only smiled, "She will take after them both." The three continued to speak about what to do but no one noticed the one tear that fell from Philip when Isabella was named.

Teaser: Louis watched baby Charles walk around. "He will be raised by me in Paris." He muttered to himself.

 

[Liminia1]

Isabella of Portugal:
I have neglected her and didn't give her story. I don't have an excuse. She is someone who was a patron of the arts but also someone quite involved in politics. She wasn't extravagant like her husband or her son. She was sent to Burgundy quite late in her life, but she enjoyed her life there. Philip was completely unfaithful to her but he was quite generous to her. Maybe I should have written a prequel of her and Philip. Better to give a better story.

I wanted her story to bridge Margaret and Philip. I just didn't have the time to write to get that change. So I rushed the entire thing in one chapter. Oh well, but the point of it was to warm Philip to Margaret. Which is going to work.

She was going to die as well, but her impact on Philip and her "reincarnation" as Philip's little sister will heal his heart.

 

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Charles the Careful: He's learning, his character arc is here He learned the value of patience in ruling Burgundy
Margaret of York: She's becoming a true duchess. She finally is playing the games. Obviously when she becomes duchess dowager there'll be more stuff for her to do but for now this is a good start.
Philip, Count of Charolais: Going heavy with the emo, another Isabella died, and he isn't saying anything at all. Not even processing loss properly anymore, hopefully Isabella and John will help him.
Isabella of Burgundy: YESSSSSS, I finally brought Isabella into the story. Of course I have no clue on what to do with her but she is special in my eyes.

 

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"When Charlotte of Savoy died, all the children of hers agreed to build a magnificent tomb for her, and yet her children's futures would bring her the most pain."

September 5, 1472, Paris, France.

Louis sat in his throne, speaking to his counsellors and subjects regarding daily governance issues of France itself. The disaster of the Lancastrians have benefited the Burgundians significantly. He sighed into his chair, his meddling in Brittany, his war against Aragon, heck even his interests in Anjou and Lorraine. All of them have succeeded but Burgundy, only Burgundy is out of his grasp. He continued to think over it. The succession was secure for Burgundy, Charles had two heirs, it would be divine favour if both of them were dead, apparently, he also had a daughter as well so three it could count. He looked at Charlotte, his wife. Baby Charles was currently jumping on her lap, it has been two years since he was born, he was already planning his marriage. This time to that Burgundian daughter. Obviously Charles opposed this vehemently, but he thought perhaps war would change his mind.

Charlotte watched baby Charles walk around her. She smiled brightly as Anne began to play with Charles. Charlotte was enjoying her time as queen, thanks to her taking a larger role in government and court, Louis now acknowledged and respected her as a queen. “Perhaps we are in love?” She wondered in thought. Louis watched on as Anne and Charles continued to play with each other. “He will be raised in Paris with me. A dauphin must be taught and raised well.” Louis muttered to himself.

Louis walked into the room with his wife and their children all in smiles. “Charlotte, I will be raising Charles seperately. He is the dauphin now, I have to teach him what I know.” Charlotte looked on in anger, while Anne covered Charles’ ears. “Are you telling me we can not raise our son together? That I am not a good enough parent for them?” Charlotte yelled. Anne realizing what was happening began to scurry Joan and Charles away from the scene. Both parents didn’t even notice. “There are certain things, that have to be taught from father to son. Charlotte please try to understand.” Louis replied, “I AM THE QUEEN OF FRANCE. I have played the political game as much as you. I have endured exile with you in Burgundy. Watched and helped you climb further in Paris. Do tell me, what lessons do you have to teach OUR SON? That I can not teach myself or jointly with you?” Charlotte yelled back in anger. “You and I both know that I play politics very differently and better than you.” Louis continued in a calm dead manner. “And what has that gotten you? Your gamble with England failed, I lost Margaret my only friend from England. You have only centralized the kingdom but left Burgundy free to roam. YOU BARELY WON AGAINST ARAGON. CHARLES WOULD HAVE TAUGHT OUR SON MORE THAN YOU. THE ONLY THING YOU WILL TEACH OUR SON IS TO BE UNFAITHFUL LIKE YOU ARE TO ME!” Charlotte screamed letting out all of her anger and rage against Louis. “How could he do this to me? Shutting me out again?” She thought.

Louis coldly replied, “My son must be taught by myself, I will teach him the duties of kingship as we have agreed back then. I’m sending you away to Amboise, as I should have done.” Louis thought this would be for the best, after all, Charlotte would not approve of his ways of ruling. Charlotte raged and continued to scream, while Anne who has long placed Charles and Joan into a separate room listened to the remarks Louis made. She was being sent to Amboise, she was being separated from Charles. One tear dropped from her eye. Louis left and immediately Anne rushed to her sobbing mother pulling her into a hug. She tried her best to comfort her but Charlotte was unresponsive.

Charlotte looked at Anne with watery eyes, “I will write to Charles. Your engagement is supposed to happen in a couple of months. I can not have you here poisoned by your father, I’ll arrange a ride to Burgundy. Do not come back to France. I have already lost Joan to the Duke of Orléans and now my son to Louis. Burgundy has treated me well, it will treat you well as its future duchess.” Charlotte stated, “Mother I can’t leave you.” Anne replied in tears, “YOU MUST TO SAVE YOURSELF. I WILL NOT HAVE YOU MARRIED TO SOME DUKE OF BOURBON.” Charlotte pleaded in anger, Anne only nodded as she continued to comfort her mother.

Teaser: Philip only cordially greeted Anne. Charles sighed, he already had to deal with a war, did he really have to deal with a cold engagement too?

 

[Liminia1]

I’m currently thinking of rewriting the entire TL. The premise remains and the major events, (war of the roses, marriage of Anne and Philip, and Philip having two siblings) I feel like the personal POV seems a bit too weird, I also want to give it more historical accuracy. But I want to know do y’all want me to continue with this format or rewrite the whole thing?

 

[Liminia1]

Charlotte of Savoy: She's done here. Her story will be on the back burner for now. Her fall is now complete, this is where her story ends in the eyes of Anne, but for Charlotte she will have a happy ending.
Anne of Beaujeu: Traumatized girl let's go????? She will have a journey with Philip. We have one person who doesn't trust enough, another who loses all people who he trusts.
Louis XI of France: Once again, he places country over family. I will never forgive him for this.
I will continue this TL but the rewrite is on the back burner. Eventually once I get a couple chapters in rough draft then this TL will stop and the full rewrite will begin.

 

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"A king crowned by the nobility will always be considered weak for the crown of that king can always be taken away by whatever noble placed that crown on his head."

It isn't a dauphinst France that came out of the Hundred Years' War. It was an Armagnac France that came out of the Hundred Years War. When the mad King Charles VI disinherited and threw out the Dauphin. It was not because the dauphin was too ambitious or too competent to the point of jealousy but instead of political intrigue that saw England and Burgundy align themselves after the death of John the Fearless. This throwing of the dauphin would lead him directly into the arms of the Armagnacs, and raising him under the armagnac banner would be the death nail for Charles VII or Charles the Victorious. He saw his mother in law as his actual mother, the powerful Yolande of Aragon, who with Angevin interests in mind would seek him to decentralize his realm to help her family, the house of Valois-Anjou. Charles VII was not a man of great will or of great action, the only reason he had his epithet was the holy maiden's arrival. Joan of Arc, who led the charge to have Charles VII crowned king. Just because a crown was given, didn't change the man. His inaction cost the holy maiden her life, and throughout the various years, this lack of action would spur the new dauphin to action. Louis XI of France considered his father weak and feeble, while this portrayal is widely rejected, it held some merit in the eyes of the dauphin. Louis did not see his father's reforms of the army and his brilliant Burgundian diplomacy in breaking the long powerful Anglo-Burgundian Alliance. He only saw the inaction of his father and the playing of favourites such as Agnes Sorel, and Charles, Count of Maine.

The Praguerie, named after what the French saw as civil unrest in Prague was the humbling of the dauphin. Charles VII in a spur of action crushed the rebellion in a matter of months against the rebellious Duke of Bourbon and Duke of Alencon. This event would humble Louis in terms of attitude but not ambition. Rumours whispered that Charles was only spurred to ruin his heir and not against the English. We would not hear the last of this ambitious and rebellious dauphin as he would be the centre of attention after demolishing the Swiss and ransacking Austrian Alsatian lands. Even the emperor was shaken after this decisive victory and the threat of the loss of the homelands of the Habsburgs. Once again, Charles VII, king of France reined his son in and this moment of glory however brief was lost immediately. That moment was seared in the Dauphin's head. He would return once again, humbled and resentful. The death of Margaret of Scotland, his first wife would be a blessing in disguise, long had the dauphin been jealous of his wife, as she had the court and the crown's attention and joy, but her death caused even more resentment between the dauphin and the crown. Dauphin Louis who assumed he would inherit at the very least the wealth from Margaret was even more isolated from court. An ambitious and embittered dauphin was never good for a king, and he would drive the mistress of the king to near death, this courtly war of intrigue and manipulation was ended with the birth of Charles, Duke of Berry. The dauphin would be exiled to dauphine, finally granting him a semblance of power.

As the king grew ever stronger, using the new professional army to drive the English back into the sea, the dauphin was consolidating his power in Dauphiné. His taste for power and for ruling was well served throughout as Dauphiné was now the centre of attention in Burgundy, France and Northern Italy. Dauphiné was a power that began to enter the diplomatic stage, seeking a full coalition against Milan over Sforza's seizure of power, the marriage between the Dauphin and Charlotte of Savoy. Dauphiné would be a warning to France, this centralized state would be the absolutist dream of its next king. The king and the nobility, would not allow this to happen. After all, when a king is crowned by nobles, they are a puppet are they not? Or at least that is what the Dauphin thought, ironically he also tried to be crowned by the nobility but hypocrisy in politics is a small sin. The invasion and seizure of Dauphin drove him into exile with only a handful of advisors, not even his new wife joined him. Where else would he go but into the hands of France's most powerful vassal. The Duke of Burgundy welcomed him with open arms not realizing he invited a fox into his henhouse.

So we leave France in 1457, A king weakened by nobles, tempted by women. The kingdom that only drove out the English because they believed Henry V was too powerful and forceful of will to align with their interests, by using such powerful nobility, the crown is as weak as ever. The king is old and is dying, but still believes in his youth due to his multiple affairs. Its saving grace lies in Burgundy where an absolutist dauphin, tempered by defeat, scholarly in politics, and ambitious in rulership waits for even the slightest chance to seize what he sees as his rightful throne. Burgundy has invited a fox into their henhouse, Louis has no love for the Burgundians as a powerful vassal is something he can not have in his ideal absolutist, centralized kingdom. And yet, Burgundy remains primed to seize full power just as it had done under Philip the Bold. For the dauphin is a Burgundian guest, the nobles in complete control and decentralizing power grants Burgundy near total independence. Just as always, Burgundy would walk a tight rope as it has always done to build a kingdom, to found a nation.

Walking on the Silver Line: A Valois-Bourgogne TL
(Coming soonish)

 

[Liminia1]

"A kingdom should never have two saviours, it should have only one, for the saviour is the victor. You can not have two victors."

The glory days of Henry V were over with the ascension of his son Henry VI. England started a Hundred Years War for the full conquest of France and has lost completely. Charles VII no matter how ineffective he was at governing saw to the victories and the driving out of English continental power. The betrayal of Burgundy, the cowardice of Somerset and the destruction of the English treasury has cost the king, his prestige, legitimacy and sanity. However, unlike France England had two saving graces, Richard, Duke of York and Margaret of Anjou. England after the death of John, Duke of Bedford. The Lancastrian position in France crumbled, with defeat after defeat by the hands of the holy maiden, Joan of Arc who lead the dauphin Charles VII to be King of France. Henry VI was rushed into the crown at the age of two but that did not benefit the position. The betrayal of the Burgundians at Arras, allowed Charles to sweep the Ile de France, but the marriage of Henry VI to Margaret of Anjou sent England's fortunes in a downward spiral, originally the marriage was supposed to be with Henry and Marie of Armagnac but these negotiations proved indecisive as a combination of Charles forces, and Louis the dauphin's brilliant political manoeuvring brought down these negotiations. Instead Henry was married to Margaret of Anjou, a brilliant diplomatic victory for Charles VII of France but spearheaded by the ambitious dauphin. The loss of Maine back to Charles count of Maine, was proven to be unpopular amongst the English as Henry and Margaret were attacked indirectly by the blame being shifted onto the Earl of Suffolk.

When you were borne from a powerful duchess, and you are married to a weak king, would you not claim to be a strong queen? Margaret of Anjou began to strong-arm her way through government in order to stabilize the realm immediately after her marriage, but her appointment of Somerset allowed the rise of the heir presumptive to the throne, and the most powerful noble of the realm. Richard Duke of York, was a cousin of Henry VI and as he considered himself, the saviour of England. He held back the French until Somerset's appointment in which he was sent to Ireland to govern it. Somerset's defeat and the loss of the entirety of Northern France gave him the edge needed to strike back against Margaret. The alliance with between himself and Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick lead to a civil war between the York and Lancaster.

Margaret was the saviour of England, or as so she dreamed, by creating a faction, driving out Richard of York, from his position as Lord Protector and bearing a son, she was completely in charge of the realm. It would be her faction and advisors that would drag her down. Somerset's incompetence in France drove York into action. York outraged at being shoved out of the crown by the queen would lead a practical rebellion when the king was incapacitated and killed Somerset, but this murder would put parliament into a resentment and King Henry's return to sanity would isolate him from any further intrigue. Another failure at parliament and York resigned, bitter and vengeful. Margaret now holds the cards through indirect control of the king. This fragile peace would not last, a saviour from the shadows against the noble killing saviour. England is ruled by a shattered king and its shattered crown. Burgundy has no hand in this chaos filled, blood feuding land but, it will be forced too as England has not forgotten the betrayal of Arras, and a Burgundian aligned England is far too promising as security against Burgundy's many many rivals. Burgundy must secure its influence over England lest the French do the same, let's see if they can walk that silver line.

 

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"Philip the Rich didn't see the value of his wife fleeing to him, but his father Charles did. This golden age of peace has come to an end."

September 5, 1472, Dijon, Burgundy

Philip aimed very carefully at the deer, just like Edward taught him. He let go of the bowstring killing the deer instantly. Suddenly, he hears galloping arriving. Immediately his company readied themselves as he began to place an arrow into his bow. Anne immediately rode in, and shouted, "I demand to speak to my fiancée, Philip, count of Charolais!" Philip and his company lowered their weapons, "I am Philip, count of Charolais. I don't know who you are, guards take her off her horse and detain her until we prove her identity." Philip coldly ordered. "Charlotte sent me here! I must speak to you and your father!" She screamed pushing the guards off and showing off her seal. Philip looked in awe and in anger, "You could have stolen that but to humour you. Guards escort her to the reception hall. I'll speak to my father." Anne looked at her husband, with a mixture of anger and disgust. Was she stuck with a controlling husband like her father controlled her? She shook her head before continuing, he probably didn't know her so she'll let it slide for now.

Charles read the letter, it was no doubt Charlotte's writing telling her to raise Anne as her father in law well. Philip only stood in silence looking at the portrait of his mother. "Son, she is your wife, Charlotte has sent portraits of Anne and they do match her completely." Charles stated, Philip angrily replied, "She was supposed to arrive a year later, and I thought we were going to negotiate a marriage with Savoy or Austria instead." Anne listened into the door, with only a tear dripping her cheek. "We have our treaties to oblige, you will learn to love your wife, I didn't like your mother from the beginning you know?" Charles calmly replied. Philip angrily screamed, "Don't you dare compare her to my mother!" Philip left, storming out not seeing Anne in tears from overhearing the conversation. Charles looked out seeing her in tears and beckoned her in, "Don't take too much offence into Philip's anger. It's my fault that he is like this, France has never been considered friendly to us and well, your sudden arrival didn't necessarily help him." Charles sighed looking downwards. "I don't like France either my father sent my mother to exile." Anne replied in anger. Charles looked in shock and anger, "LOUIS DID WHAT?!?"

Charles read the letter from Louis XI of France, demanding Anne's return to France, as she was not yet 12 and therefore her arrival should not have happened. Charles has been preparing for war for 7 years since his betrayal at Paris, removing Louis' spies while also increasing his control of his various domains. He sent Charlotte's letter writing that the new terms have allowed Charles to raise Anne. Louis furious over this betrayal declared Charles to be committing treason and went to war declaring all of his French domains forfeit to the crown. Charles began to raid Champagne, Ile de France, and Eastern Normandy in order to extract a favourable peace.

Charles' scouts began to report to him that Louis' armies led by the Lieutenant-General of Champagne, John II of Nevers, and Charles of Aquitaine. Charles was outnumbered in this battle, but he smiled, he knew what he had to do. He slowly had his troops marched forward lined up against the Frenchmen. "Antoine, are you sure you can defeat the cavalry?" Charles asked in concern, "Charge them and cut them down. The Englishmen were correct in Tewkesbury you know?" Antoine replied with a smile. Charles nodded and ordered his men to be ready, "March slowly, cannons open fire into the main line, archers back up the cavalry." His cavalry charged into the French lines lead by John II of Nevers. "Cut them down in the name of Burgundy!" Antoine yelled, cutting down another rider. The fight evened out, suddenly Antoine looked to his right. Charles began to fire cannons into the infantry, that was his signal." Antoine began to give new orders, "Retreat into the centre!" As the archers let loose their arrows, while his cavalry ran into the holes in the infantry line made by Antoine before the battle. "CLOSE RANKS! CHARGE!" Antoine ordered, as his reserve infantry and archers let loose hell against the French right flank. His Cavalry swung around attacking the French left under Charles of Aquitaine causing a rout and capturing Charles. In the centre, Charles drew his sword and cut down another soldier the flanks were secure as their plan worked flawlessly. He ordered his men to continue fighting and cutting the French down. "My lord, we have captured the princes of the realms." Antoine announced riding in only a couple hours after that order, the battle was completely over and the French were either dead, running or captured.

Charles sat in his chair in Paris, sitting opposite of him was his "liege" Louis XI of France. Quite ironic that he was negotiating in the same city as he was betrayed. "What do you want?" Louis asked, surrounded by advisors and guards, this wasn't going to intimidate him, he also was surrounded by guards and advisors, "I demand the reversion of Nevers, Eu and Rethel. John II has no male heirs, and his heiress is married to the Duke of Cleves. I will not have you royalists seize their domains. Confirm my right to succeed him. The dowry of Beaujeu is to be given to Anne immediately and by jure uxrois, my son Philip, count of Charolais. I also want the Lieutenant of Champagne's office to be given to myself. To reconfirm the first peerage of the realm, Burgundy and its domains are not subject to homage, service, or summons to France. All Burgundian fiefs of France are subject to the Parliament of Dijons and can not be subject or appealed to the parliament of Paris. The Burgundian duke can not be called to Parliament by order of the king per the rights and traditions of that of First Peer. Burgundy was allowed to make alliances outside of the French Domain. Anne of Beaujeu, is to be confirmed as a princess of the blood and will be given the rights, privileges and if needed, the responsibilities of the princess of the blood. General amnesty for Burgundian supporters and their possessions are to be returned. Finally if any of these are to be infringed, all Burgundian fiefs within the Kingdom of France would automatically be freed from all French jurisdiction." Louis was not pleased by the extensive list of demands but his advisors were in agreement with they could negotiate downwards. After all a majority of these terms were reinforcements of previous treaties such as Arras, and Conflans. He renegotiated to where Anne's dowry was to be given to her in a couple month's time in April 1473. He removed the negotiation of Champagne off however instead he confirmed all of the previous agreements. However, he was forced to agree to the reversion of John II and interestingly enough, Charles would not budge of Anne's rights, which he agreed reluctantly. Perhaps this was his way of getting into Burgundy he thought.

The Treaty of Pérrone (1472) was signed giving the following to Burgundy after the devastating victory of Reims and the siege of Paris and Harfleur.
John II of Nevers per the rules of Salic law would agree unless a male heir was produced, Charles of Burgundy would succeed him and Charles was now heir presumptive.
All provisions of Arras and Conflans were to be confirmed, Burgundian rights and privileges are to be restored and assured by both parties.
Beaujeu will be transferred to Anne's ownership on her 12th birthday.
Anne of Beaujeu will be granted the full rights, privileges, and responsibilities given to her as a princess of the blood.
If any of these treaty provisions including the ones signed in Arras and Conflans were breached, Burgundy and its subsequent domains are to be given full independence.
Signed,
Charles I of Burgundy, and Louis XI of France.
Charles smiled, he had won. Finally his betrayal at Paris was avenged.
Teaser: "You didn't save my mother?!?" Anne raged at Charles.

 

[Liminia1]

HELL YEA A HISTORICAL EVENT BABYYYYYY
The treaty of Péronne was an insignificant treaty that gave Charles practically everything but was renounced by Louis since he was held captive.
The same story is applied here, but there is some semblance of legitimacy as this was negotiated not forced down by Louis.
Charles is much more careful now as he wants Burgundian independence but also sees that he can't force that out of Louis without some trickery.
By only confirming various privileges and basically forcing the king to do what he promised, the people and the nobility would hound Louis to do what he has to. He is also offering a carrot in the form of making sure Anne is rightfully a princess of the blood. This gives Louis the opportunity to spy and weaken Burgundy but Charles thinks that once Louis dies the entire thing will be turned against him.
The only thing in particular that was genuinely Burgundian in nature is the Declaration of Independence if France breaches the contract. Obviously this won't happen in this TL. (Cause I'm wrapping it up for the rewrite) but I do believe Charles has best Louis in both the mind and in the war. See y'all in the rewrite though I'll post a teaser about it soon.

 

[Liminia1]

Augsburg 1495: The Holy Roman Empire was possibly in one of its weakest states in a long time. Frederick III, the last holy roman emperor nearly lost everything with the Austro-Hungarian war of 1477-1488 which gave Burgundy precisely the opportunity it needed. Extracting what can only be described as a kingdom in all but name. In 1479, while Vienna was under siege, the agreement of the treaty of Antwerp, tied the county of Burgundy to the vicarate of the Kingdom of Burgundy permanently, which just so happened to be Philip the Rich's domain. He also agreed to the pragmatic sanction which was rewritten to the privilegium lotharingia, which tied the Burgundian Netherlands inseparable, reinforced automatic primogeniture, and an independent jurisdiction, and legislature, and the permission to display certain symbols of rule within the lands. Of course, this incredibly weakening was due to the disastrous finances of the Habsburgs at the time and the empire was in practical revolt seeing this as Burgundian favouritism. This was squashed by a mixture of good luck and Burgundian soft power. Its alliance with the wittelsbach which has existed for some time and its influence over Trier and Cologne has significantly increased in the Siege of Neuss. This would die down but the power plays by the Burgundians would begin in the diet.

The imperial reforms led by Maximilian of Austria was basically co-signed with the Burgundians, who had at the helm of imperial diet passed even more reforms that turned the empire from an elective emperor to a diarchy between Burgundy and Austria, with Austria first, Brabant second in leading the council of princes, by playing the political game quite well various ecclesiastical princes, secular princes and free cities of the empire were either outright owned or directly influenced the reichstag. Burgundy was through sole ownership, the most powerful of the princes with a staggering 158 votes which sat well with Philip who was here directly as the Free Count Palatine of Burgundy and imperial vicar of the Kingdom of Burgundy. He was now also the leader of the secular princes, which he beat through another vote of the college of princes against the emperor himself, who begrudgingly took on the role of leading the ecclesiastical bench. The influence the Burgundians had put their bloc at 373 votes, well above a third of the total votes in the empire, the Austrians only through influence and coalition gained around 489 votes, just shy of a full majority. He looked on, eagerly speaking to diplomats from the count palatine of the Rhine, the various electoral princes and his allies and representatives all waiting to see what the emperor had planned for the empire.

The imperial reforms of 1495, were centred around one thing, administrative and financial reform. The Austrians, who already chaffed under the diarchy between themselves and Burgundy helped found the Swabian league which was a nuisance but not a huge setback for the Burgundians. They used this excuse to break up the huge Burgundian bloc on the western borders of the Empire, splitting the empire into various circles, that would support the empire through the form of circles. Maximilian played the stem duchies card wishing to split the empire's governance through stem duchies to better manage and tax the various estates in the empire. The Burgundian Party was not amused by this proposal, this would split his various domains up and give them further imperial oversight. With the entire Burgundian bloc united in their opposition and by exploiting political anger against the proposal as they saw it as Imperial strengthening considering the offices of those circles were not hereditary and directly appointed by the emperor. A compromise proposal was given by the prince-bishop of Munster, a Burgundian puppet. The count palatine of Burgundy, the leader of the secular bench of the college of princes, backed it and a majority of electors supported the counter proposal. Austria was once again outplayed in this diarchy, and Burgundy achieved a full Burgundian circle. This not only made that circle weaker in imperial eyes it also ensured any governor appointed to that circle to collect taxes and to improve administration would be in Burgundy's pocket.

This diarchy between Burgundy and Austria would not last, as while Burgundy continued to slowly consume and expand their realm. Austria would get the gold by inheriting Bohemia, the restoration of the Austro-Czech-Hungarian Union that wasn't seen since Albert II of Germany, now under Maximilian I of Austria in his final years would break the fragile diarchy, as Austria and France would seek to dismantle the Burgundian state but for the time being, Philip the Rich of Burgundy has outplayed the Austrians just as he outplayed the French.

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To call the Burgundian domains, a complete mess would be an understatement. Let us start with the two Burgundies, through the usage of the parliament of Beaune and by absolutist rule, the Duchy of Burgundy and it's French domains south of Champagne, would be answered here in Dijon. These lands were by all practical means independent and not subject to the Kings of France and instead subject to the Estates General of Burgundy under Philip's rule.

To the north lies the county of Champagne and the various domains still under the French crown, they answer to the parliament of Reims and the States General there as well. These lands are currently separated from the rest of the Burgundian domains, as they were a mixed bag of recently added to very old lands, however under Philip's guidance, they have been centralized judicially under the parliament of Reims. An unofficial estate general, which was done through various shaky decrees by the duke centralized the various estates into an unofficial estates general in Troyes. This estates general and parliament are under quite the scrutiny of France, as the King seeks to usurp it and have it reported to the parliament of Paris, and also called to the general estates of France if summoned, which Charles VIII has not yet, due to his belief in absolutism. While, these same exploitations are also justifiable for Paris to use on Dijon and Beaune. These lands are more recent and a lot closer to France than Burgundy and the first peerage of Burgundy itself gives it quite a lot of cover especially under the Treaties of Peronne and Reims.

The crown jewel of the vast Burgundian Domains is the duchy of Lorraine, conquered by Charles I of Burgundy, or Charles the Absolutist. The superior court of Nancy, along with the parliament of Nancy. This court which was established by Philip the Rich, united all of his domains under the Holy Roman Emperor that were not covered by the Privilegium Lotharingia this was a restructured imperial court which allowed basically all of the cases under his domains including the French fiefs to only be appealed here. If a judgement that wished to be appealed it would be only to the superior court of Nancy while the parliament of Nancy handled everything in the Holy Roman Empire that wasn't bound in the parliament of Mechelen. This was a compromise between the Burgundian duke, and the various estates. This centralized it into greater duchies or as we know them now, provinces but it didn't give Burgundy full control of its domains when it comes to lawmaking as the duke would have to sent representatives or go to the local estates himself to convince them to make policy.

What was evident in centralization was the financial and military reforms under Charles I of Burgundy later perfected under Philip IV of Burgundy with the usage of various parliaments and estates generals throughout the Burgundian domains. The Burgundian dukes would gain quite a huge amount of wealth that would be invested into the court or to nation depending on circumstance. A centralized financial system with the usage of what can only be described as a medieval Internal Revenue Service emerged under Charles and Philip's reign weakening the corruption and foreign meddling that was conducted by the kings of France. Meanwhile, a standing army was formed under the French model, with the introduction of census takers in order to set limits for volunteering/conscription. This would give the Burgundian dukes incredible wealth and a permanently strong military.

To the north lies, the economic powerhouse of Burgundy, the Burgundian Netherlands. When the privilegium lotharingia was issued by Frederick III, it permanently strengthened the lands as a whole. Charles brute forcing his way into removing the various privileges of the cities and estates of the Burgundian Netherlands were softened and later streamlined under Margaret of York and Philip the Rich. They restored various privileges however, kept all the privileges and the rights the same, this made the estates general and parliament far easier to manage as when they inevitably were stripped it was stripped uniformly and usually with quite a huge benefit for them. The Burgundian Navy was considered the most merchant focused navy in the world rivalling the Hansa in terms of dominance. Burgundy forging alliances with Spain, Portugal, Denmark and England gave them quite the incredible boost as many merchants would use Burgundian ships to do trade. This Burgundian duopoly on Channel Trade that was only rivalled by the English. It would be no surprise during the last years of Philip's reign, the Burgundian West Indies company would found its first colony, New Bruges.
Interestingly, while Burgundy is considered an incredibly centralized and wealth state at the time. One can still see the divide it had between French fiefs and Imperial ones. It would be only in 1589 that Burgundy would be fully incorporated into the Empire and Charles and Philip's ideas for a true Burgundian nation would succeed.

 

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"Just like in every kingdom in Western Europe, the nobility were entrenched and semi-independent from the King."

The house of Valois-Anjou had their fingers all over Western Europe, whether it was the Queen Marie of Anjou for France, Queen Margaret of Anjou for England, René of Anjou, or Yolande of Lorraine. Their first figure rose to prominence when Louis I of Anjou claimed the throne against Charles III of Naples, after Joanna's war against Charles and subsequent death. The usage of French funds and power to pointlessly pursue the throne of Naples would strengthen the Angevin position to the point of puppet master of the French under Louis II. His daughter Marie of Anjou would be wedded to the disgraced Dauphin, it was a long shot to gain puppeteering control over France and it paid off with Charles VII of France becoming king, and his wife Marie of Anjou becoming queen. This would not improve their chances at getting the throne of Naples though as the final Angevin "king" of Naples, Rene of Anjou would be thrown out by Alfonso V of Aragon who would later take the crown for himself. Just because, the Angevins would lose Naples doesn't mean that they didn't win in other categories, Rene would marry the heiress of Lorraine, Isabella and gain the duchies of Lorraine and Bar jure uxrois. His son John II, would later assume those duchies. Father and son would not agree however, as Rene fought tooth and nail against the Burgundians to take those duchies from another claimant, Antoine de Vaudemont. This succession would only be resolved with the marriage between John II of Lorraine and Marie of Bourbon, making John, a Burgundian ally. Rene would still achieve some success, reducing the standing army of the French and recovering Maine and Normandy himself in Rouen. He would also make his daughter, Margaret the queen of England per the Treaty of Tours. His brother Charles would become the court darling as Charles, Count of Maine. A rival for the ambitious dauphin. This house has placed their fingers, in France, Burgundy, England, Naples and Aragon. Either one of their ventures succeed or all of their fingers will be cut and this house will collapse, overstretched and distant from each other just like their domains.

The third pillar of France, was the Capetian Bourbons, a branching dynasty that entered around lands in Aquitaine, Auvergne, and the Languedoc. Their power centralized in France but various rivalling claims within the dynasty especially between Bourbon and Bourbon-Montpensier over Auvergne would continue to fight over that inheritance, but just that petty rivalry will not do put a stop to their power as one of the most powerful dukes would arrive, Charles I of Bourbon, mastermind of the Praguerie. He would consolidate his bourbon lands to control all of Auvergne, Bourbon, and Forez. Only this defeat would weaken it slightly, splitting the inheritance into two for his sons. This wouldn't stop the duke as his eldest son, John the Good or the Scourge of the English would prove to be one of the most powerful magnates of France. This house is centralized and powerful but as we saw in the Praguerie under the shadow of the king, and when the Dauphin returns to take the crown. That shadow will consume them if they do not act.

The second and now disgraced pillar of France, the Valois-Orleans are by far the weakest faction in France. Only recently returned to France from English prison. Charles I of Orleans is now a firm Burgundian ally and member of the Golden Fleece. Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy is his saviour after all. The Duke of Orleans is but a shadow of his father, writing poetry and merely enjoying his freedom and yet if the Valois line dies. Charles would be the legitimate king, but there is another branch Orleans-Angouleme, but as always the current duke Charles, captured by the English but still a fighting man liberating Guyenne with his illegitimate half-brother. Should Orleans come to throne, they can not be staying in the shadow of English Captivity and must act as proper kings.

France and Navarre have always had a murky relationship at best, and it would be capsulated by the house of Foix, lead by the powerful and militaristic Gaston IV of Foix, the house that is solely concentrated in the southern regions of Aquitaine and France have always been a loyal vassal of the King of France, however its loyalty and meddling in Navarre by Gaston's marriage to Eleanor of Navarre will draw the ire of Aragon, under John II of Aragon, the sole goal is to take Navarre by force, but can France really afford even more enemies?

The war ravaged and devastated duchy of Aquitaine leaves one house ruling in its ruins, the House of Albret. A house of warrior princes, they tore the land from the English in the name of the king, Charles VII of France and was rewarded with only a fraction of the once great duchy. They remain loyal for now but are surrounded by royal domains, ripe for plunder and for conquest. Charles I of Albret is the sword of the king, but with the king slowly fading from strength, he looks towards the Dauphin who is ambitious and power-hungry, his small county would be the first to fall by the Dauphin. The warrior house must not fall and conquer by right of conquest the Duchy of Aquitaine or it shall collapse and be swept away by the crown.

The once great house of Armagnac is plagued with scandal, John V of Armagnac is the grandson of the great Bernard VII of Armagnac who could be called the dictator of France. He would not be pleased with his grandson who married his own sister. This scandal would cause him to earn the wrath of the papacy, as he would continuously fight over whether or not he had the papal dispensation for this marriage. He is now wanted for arrest, while his heir currently is his brother, the true armagnac bloodline would be in his cousin, Jacques d'Armagnac who has been fighting on behalf of the king, Charles VII in Aquitaine for quite some time. Perhaps this house will return to its former glory as tyrant and dictator of France or will the Dauphin extinguish it and rightfully so.

Brittany has always maintained its independence as soon as the Hundred Years War began under the steady rule of John the Wise, he guided the state of Brittany much like Burgundy into de facto independence but yet Brittany is still not safe, France is more united that it has ever been and will seek to restore the duchy as a proper French vassal. Peter II is not a man of great will or strength, it is only by his wife Françoise d'Amboise does Brittany maintain some semblance of stability, and yet darker clouds fly as the heir presumptive is Arthur, the constable of France. Brittany has its independence for over 100 years, but the king and more importantly the Dauphin will not have it last another year, should Brittany survive it shall forever remain a thorn for France and an opportunity for England and Burgundy to sow even more chaos and trouble for France. If Brittany falls, France shall finally secure its war torn western border with the sea protecting them.

 

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SO IN CASE YOU ALL HAVEN'T REALIZED I HAVE STARTED MY REWRITE <3 I introduce to you all: Walking on the Silver Line: A Valois-Bourgogne TL