2008 Scenario

Charles III, duc de Bourbon had been in much favor of King Francois, or it seemed he should have been. A celebrated hero of the Italian Wars, Charles led the King's armies on the battlefield and carried the King's sword.Having been appointed Constable of France in 1515, Charles was first among peers and granted the governorship of Milan seemingly in reward for his good service.

Some say François was distrustful of the Duke, and that might be so. Soon Bourbon was recalled from Milan, denied the appointment of commander of the vanguard in favor of the King's brother in law (Charles IV Alencon), and had the debts owed him by the King cancelled.

When Bourbon's wife died, Louise de Savoie sued for control of the Bourbon estates by proximity of blood, as Charles had become the male heir through marriage, not birth. Charles sought to amend the situation by proposing marriage to Renee de France, the Queen's sister. Louise's counter offer was that Charles marry her instead.

Refusing the King's mother's hand, Charles sought to overcome his antagonists by plotting with Henry VII of England, and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V against Francois. Louis de Breze, discovered the plot and Charles de Bourbon was exiled from France.