((Private))
During the feast Auguste approached Prince Marti.
Your Highness, I have heard some rumours about your ambitions. I have heard the you seek to become the Chancellor. I have also heard about your plans. How you wish to keep good relations with the French, while seeking allies elsewhere, and about your plans for Portugal. I must say that I agree with you. The French have been good allies of our nation, and I'm sure that we are entirely able to improve the relations. But one can never be too sure. Also while Portuguese colonies might be problematic the only way to stop them from exploring even further is to strike into the heart of their "empire". That is why you can count on my support... unless I should go talk with Queen Caterina. Her plan seems reasonable aswell...
((Not annoucing my suppot yet, but if Marti plays his cards right Auguste will support him if no Auguste might still support him... or he might suppor the Queen Mother))
The Grandmaster was a shrewd man; Prince Marti could see that. He also knew to make the prince work for his support. He'd have to be careful with this one.
"Indeed, the Queen Mother has some decent ideas, although they are quite similar to my own. I also understand you have ties to France and her connections there are surely a strong reason to support her. The question isn't what she says she'll do as chancellor but what she'll use that position for later. She will grasp at whatever power she can get. I have no doubt of that."
Marti took a sip of wine and glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
"I have no doubt that the Queen Mother cares for Hispania, but she cares more for herself. This is no more than a power grab. A woman does not belong in such a position of power."
Miguel announces support for prince Marti.
"Thank you for helping me out earlier, may I ask you of a favor, I am personally raising my youngest son, but there is a problem. He is a bastard, if you can, please ask your brother to legitimize my son, Hernan Villanova."
"I was not aware the legitimacy of a bastard was a problem for those without noble titles," Marti said. "I suppose with the growth of merchant companies tied to a specific family, ensuring a proper succession is more important for all. I would imagine though that such powers lay with the Church. I can attempt to speak to one of our representatives in the Holy See, but with the death of my brother Carles I have much less power there. I shall see what I can do."
Cardinal Velazquez was growing bored with Rhodes, so he returned to Aragon for the time being. He was not very welcome in Rome, especially with the death of the king's uncle who had been the Iron Cardinal's only ally in the Vatican.
He easily passed by the guards, who were arguing with some people at the gate. No one was going to stop a cardinal, after all.
When Velazquez entered the hall he suddenly remembered how much he hated feasts. Hopefully there would be a tournament or some swordplay later.
He caught the eye of the Queen Mother. It was perfect timing, as he wished to speak to her.
"Your Majesty, would you mind speaking with me for a moment..."
Queen Mother Caterina nodded and said, "Of course, Cardinal."
Caterina led the Iron Cardinal away from the bulk of the crowd so they could converse with some privacy. Before he could speak, Caterina said, "I had been meaning to speak with you. The tragic death of my late husband has created a delicate situation at court. I fear that the Crown may need the support of the Church more than ever. As one of Hispania's most prominent cardinals, I believe you understand this better than anyone."
As she paused to let Cardinal Velazquez speak, she made sure to give the man her deepest attention. Perhaps her support of Hispania's clergy was most unorthodox considering her Tuscan roots, but she knew the power of the Church. She also knew that most of the nobles would rather see her deposed than obtain any semblance of power, for not only was she a woman, she wasn't a noble either. She could turn towards some of the courtiers, possibly the merchants. Her ties with the Medici bank in Tuscany could be used to sway a few of them to her cause. Perhaps she would speak with some of the members of the TATC. For now, she needed to get the clergy on her side.
Count de Alvaro strolled around the feast, chatting and discussing with the other guests. Suddenly he caught sight of Cardinal Velazquez and the Queen Mother discussing something.
He waited until they had finished and the cardinal had walked away before he walked over.
"Your majesty." He said, bowing down. "I have something I must discuss with you."
"Yes, go on." She said curiously.
"It have come to my attention that you seek the chancellors position. I wish to support you in this endeavour."
"I am glad to hear that." She said happily before a voice was heard from the other side of the room, calling for her. "I am sorry, I must go. Once again, I am grateful for your support."
"Of course my lady." de Alvaro responded and bowed slightly.
The Queen Mother gave a short nod and hurried away.
Well, that is that. He thought and looked in his cup. More wine!
((I'm assuming this means you're voting for Caterina. I prefer the votes to be bold and kept separate otherwise I have to guess.))
Santoros approached the Prince Marti with an air of confidence and respect.
"I have heard that you are seeking, support, to become Chancellor of the Cortz, is that not true?" He spoke in his most Aragonese and Noble accent.
"Perhaps you have", replied the Prince, winning the title of haughtiest speech.
"Well, I could pledge my allegiance, if you could arrange my, inheritance, of the province of Cordoba, along with my continued government of Brakna?"
With that, Santoros vanished into the crowd.
Marti cursed silently after the governor left. The man had asked for one of the few things he could not give. He had no power over titles, since such things fell under the control of the king. He could perhaps lean on his nephew, but he saw no reason why the king would agree to grant any title to a courtier, not after the debacle that occurred the last time such a thing was done.