Letter to the Crown...

To the Usurpers of Avalon and the False Crown of England,

By decree of my hand, Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France and Guardian of the Holy Catholic Faith, I speak with the full authority of the Holy See, and in union with His Holiness, the Pope in Rome. No longer shall we suffer the heresies of Avalon, nor the impudent defiance of its so-called Protestant lords.

Know this: the rightful rulers of Avalon are declared to be Princess Mary Tudor of England and her husband, Philip II of Spain, anointed in the eyes of God and sanctified by the Holy Church. By their union, the true bloodline of the Tudors and the might of Spain are bound together. Their firstborn, when it comes, shall inherit dominion over Avalon, and no heretic or usurper shall gainsay it.

As of the fifth day of April, in the Year of Our Lord 1553, let it be known that the allied forces of Europe—France, Spain, Portugal, and the Holy Roman Empire—stand united in war against the pretenders of Avalon and their Protestant heresy. This declaration is not of conquest, but of correction. It is not ambition, but holy duty.

The hosts of Christendom march beneath banners of the Cross and Rose, to scour Avalon of its rebellion. Your cities shall burn as offerings to Heaven; your armies shall be broken upon the spears of the faithful; your false priests shall be dragged before the Inquisitors of the Order of Gabriel and judged.

Submit now, and perhaps a measure of mercy shall be found. Resist, and know that no sanctuary, no tower, no heathen spirit nor monstrous ally shall save you from the judgment of Rome and the wrath of Catholic crowns.

You have raised your banner against God. We raise ours in His name.

By my seal and with the assent of His Holiness,

Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France,

Regent of the Catholic Cause