April 1519

François stood watching as the priest continued with the christening. His attention, however, was on watching the movements of his cousin - His Majesty Le Roi. Transfixed by the impatient rapping of Le Roi's fingers, he noticed it about 20 minutes into the service, and was focused on it since.

Le Roi did not want to be here - not that he did not care for his family, of course. He had other matters to attend to. So did François himself, of course. But this was an important moment for him - this was the moment he solidified his own mark in the history of France, and founded his own dynasty. His service in Italy had been impressive, and notable, but without an heir, that would be whisked away in a gust of nothingness should he fall to a Spanish musket - or God forbid, a Venetian pike - the next time the Austrians decided to expose their bare asses for a smack in Lombardy.

François chuckled to himself softly. He should remember that one the next time he has to talk to an Austrian diplomat.

François was particularly interested in the party after the christening. It was not wine he craved - though he was indeed a fan of wine - but a promised meeting with Le Roi.

During the Lombard War - the most recent Lombard War - Le Roi had brought his dear sister to Pavia, where François married her. Part of that agreement included, as many marriages do - a dowry. Part of that dowry included some land. Not particularly large and impressive, but important to François.

With the birth of his second son, Henri, just a month prior, he now had not one, but two sons - both of whom seemed healthy and strong, and set to carry on into adulthood. Doubtlessly, there would be more to follow. François wanted each of these sons to inherit lands, as he had, in order to carry on their own names and legacies.

François currently possessed the following titles:

• Le Comté de Angoulême

• Le Duché de Valois

• Le Duché de Savoie

Savoy, of course, included many subordinate titles, such as the Principality of Piedmont, but his mother, ever watchful of the legacy she brought to this family, protested at any possibility of Savoy being partitioned between his sons.

Valois, of course, should remain with the firstborn son - as should Savoie. Both titles bring great prestige and dignity in the Kingdoms of France and Italy respectively. This of course, leaves little Angoulême as the only title to give to subsequent sons. This was, according to François, unacceptable.

The territory agreed upon by Le Roi and himself was that of Montferrat, and accompanying it, the fortresses of Asti and Ceva.

Montferrat and Asti, though contained entirely within Italy, and not France, would make a fine inheritance for one of his sons. Perhaps his second son, though he had not made his mind up entirely yet.

The ceremony finished, and the accompanying feast and meeting with Le Roi continued without incident. With the stroke of a pen, François had gained Montferrat - and Le Roi's agitated finger-rapping ended abruptly.

After the christening, François' son was introduced to the world:

François de Valois-Savoie, Prince de Piémont

Coat of Arms of François de Valois-Savoie

[M]

A second Francis has hit the dynasty. Also Henri. Also Louise, but that was mentioned before.

Following provinces being granted to Savoy:

IDs: 502, 504, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 518