Welcome to being Royals, fortunate princes. You at least have the freedom to ignore being told.
Many there be in the nobility who are not merely told, but forced with violence.
What naive fools these children be.
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Welcome to being Royals, fortunate princes. You at least have the freedom to ignore being told.
Many there be in the nobility who are not merely told, but forced with violence.
What naive fools these children be.
Christ, this family is actually not as dysfunctional as it should be. Richard is either playing an extremely long game or in earnest. The crown Prince is a cad but not a hateable one. His wife is pleasant and sensible.
If the king and queen could just relax, perhaps things would be better. Though the king is right, his heir cannot keep two mistresses and expect no consequences.
I have a sinking feeling we are looking at a Comodus situation where the heir has all the qualities and training to be a great ruler and yet expectation, family issues and his own failings make him first a tyrant and then a disaster.
If the king and queen could just relax, perhaps things would be better. Though the king is right, his heir cannot keep two mistresses and expect no consequences.
I have a sinking feeling we are looking at a Comodus situation where the heir has all the qualities and training to be a great ruler and yet expectation, family issues and his own failings make him first a tyrant and then a disaster.
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Honestly, I didn’t understand how Commodus turned out that way until I read Meditations. I can grasp how some people might come to believe and follow a dogma of “you will inevitably die, there is no life after death, and your soul will be annihilated as it merges with the universe from whence it came, therefore you should conduct yourself with soberness and rationalism in order to bring about the earthly harmony that the universe you will soon be rejoining desires,” but conversion is different from being born into it. When someone is born and indoctrinated from the time they can walk into something, that imprint never leaves them (at least partially), but as their system of logic is based on it, they usually run headlong into any flaws that the doctrine may have and may wind up inverting the original entirely. We will never know for sure, but I’d bet the clothes on my back that Commodus sat down to have a think one day and said “Wait, if there are no consequences for my actions in life after death, then why should I deny myself anything? I am (or I am about to be) Roman emperor, there is no limits to the amount of hedonism I could do!”
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Yeah. He could have been really good, and probably had the skills to make a good start at least, and inherited a great position. But...becoming king of the realm when very young, your stoic dad no longer around, and never having done anything fun?
Kinda obvious what happened next.
It's why you really can't do ck2 and 3 runs in real life forming perfect heirs from birth. Not without expecting some massive teething problems as they come into the throne anyway.
The actual system of the good emperors was better. A great emperor finding a non relative adult who had the potential to also be a great emperor. Make them heir.
Bingo. 5 good emperors after a century of issues.
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This is a really good reminder of how bad nepotism is...and it's not just from the perspective of government...
The amount of 'I only promote from my trusted closed group clique' nepotism at work I see is astonishing and also destructive to the business...
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Well this seems incredibly messy but somehow, sort of, working. Either TBC or Kurties predictions could work, though I think I lean Kurtie. Edmund doesn't particularly want to rule, Isabella absolutely does, so gets to play about and she gets to run the country.
That is looking too far ahead though, Richard is going to provoke some kind of revolt/rebellion/power play against himself long before that. I'm fairly sure I've mentioned it before, but Warwick and Isabella one the same team in that struggle would be a sight to behold.
That is looking too far ahead though, Richard is going to provoke some kind of revolt/rebellion/power play against himself long before that. I'm fairly sure I've mentioned it before, but Warwick and Isabella one the same team in that struggle would be a sight to behold.
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Sorry I read this when first posted but didn't have time to reply. Hadn't realized I hadn't
I was surprised, and yet not so, to find that Edmund was aware of Dickon's feelings and relationship, and yet was okay with it.
When she claims she has slept with no other I wonder if she's being truthful or just saying what must be said.
But there is a vulnerable conversation between Edmund and Isabella, and this seems to being them closer to intimacy.
And after seems a true alliance of convenience and power is formed between two players with different but non-conflicting objectives.
I wonder how powerful that alliance might be, and if it might survive any challenge inflicted by King Richard's inept diplomacy.
And I wonder which alliance, in the end, might prevail. Edmund and Isabella? Elizabeth and Warwick? So many directions this could still go.
Gripping, as always, @coz1!
Renss
I was surprised, and yet not so, to find that Edmund was aware of Dickon's feelings and relationship, and yet was okay with it.
When she claims she has slept with no other I wonder if she's being truthful or just saying what must be said.
But there is a vulnerable conversation between Edmund and Isabella, and this seems to being them closer to intimacy.
And after seems a true alliance of convenience and power is formed between two players with different but non-conflicting objectives.
I wonder how powerful that alliance might be, and if it might survive any challenge inflicted by King Richard's inept diplomacy.
And I wonder which alliance, in the end, might prevail. Edmund and Isabella? Elizabeth and Warwick? So many directions this could still go.
Gripping, as always, @coz1!
Renss
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Isabella is not likely to be left behind.
Let's just say this - Edmund is qualified. Whatever that means. He has the pedigree. He just doesn't want it. Maybe I have been in-artful in pulling that across ( I don't think so) but he is NOT his brother. He does not hold the same ambition, clearly.
I obviously cannot say how it will play out, but there are myriad folks here that WANT. How will they get what they want?
I'm really pleased that the nuance between Edmund and Isabella is appreciated. It would be so easy to write it as they hate each other for their various "extracurricular" activities. It just did not present as such to me as I wrote it. As I have developed them. This seemed somewhat natural and they rather took over as I wrote it out. I was not sure how it would be received and I am very happy that it was not entirely second guessed (though never fear to tell me if it does beg disbelief!)
I cannot say that Isabella is being truthful with Edmund. Is Edmund even truthful with himself? Is she? They each say what they need to say when they need to say it. Again, and as above...human.
As to alliances...and as @El Pip suggests above...we all know something is coming. I know. And you folks will know it as I know.
To all - Timid territory here because I have another scene to present (and an important one) but I have not done as much writing as I would like of late. We are two scenes (including the one I will present in just a moment) from the end of chapter. It all builds, I hope. But I don't have the next one after to finish the chapter fully built and ready to go. Scary times!
I really do appreciate all of you that keep up as you can and I hope that I can continue to produce this story that I really want to tell! It is always in my mind. RL keeps it difficult, but I will persevere. I promise. And like an idiot, I started a new work too! Mercia, Mercia Me in CK2. Another lark AAR, but I actually like the game. As if you don't have enough to read around these parts.
On that score, and as one more reminder...please do not forget to vote in the Yearly AARland Year-end AwAARds. Less than a month left to add your voice if you have not already and as always...you should not feel any need to vote for this work, but please do vote! I'm not the only authAAR round these parts as you well know! I always appreciate the support and so will any and every other that toils upon these virtual boards. Please vote!
You may be too hard on them...and yet exactly right. This is the world they know and so they react as such. More below, but an astute point. I don't entirely agree, but you make a very good point.
Functional or dysfunctional. Either, or...or both? I don't write for either. I write...or try to...for human beings and all of their attributes, fallible or no. As discussed in the not too recent (now) discussion in the SolAARium...we all have faults. (This was a good discussion, BTW. Worth it to pick up where I linked it.)
IF Edmund is King...
Isabella is not likely to be left behind.
There are always consequences. FAFO.
Oh goody...more discussion of Roman history in a medieval English AAR. It counts. A bit off topic, but I'll allow it.
While I might normally agree with you, especially about unqualified trusted people; there is something to be said for those that are trusted. A fine line, to be sure. But I would much rather go to battle with one I trust than an unknown, no matter how much someone tells me that they are qualified. Nepotism is something else entirely.
Let's just say this - Edmund is qualified. Whatever that means. He has the pedigree. He just doesn't want it. Maybe I have been in-artful in pulling that across ( I don't think so) but he is NOT his brother. He does not hold the same ambition, clearly.
Gosh...now I want to write an entirely different road movie with Isabella and Warwick! Fun times!!
I obviously cannot say how it will play out, but there are myriad folks here that WANT. How will they get what they want?
Elizabeth...you mean Margaret. Easy to forget.
I'm really pleased that the nuance between Edmund and Isabella is appreciated. It would be so easy to write it as they hate each other for their various "extracurricular" activities. It just did not present as such to me as I wrote it. As I have developed them. This seemed somewhat natural and they rather took over as I wrote it out. I was not sure how it would be received and I am very happy that it was not entirely second guessed (though never fear to tell me if it does beg disbelief!)
I cannot say that Isabella is being truthful with Edmund. Is Edmund even truthful with himself? Is she? They each say what they need to say when they need to say it. Again, and as above...human.
As to alliances...and as @El Pip suggests above...we all know something is coming. I know. And you folks will know it as I know.
To all - Timid territory here because I have another scene to present (and an important one) but I have not done as much writing as I would like of late. We are two scenes (including the one I will present in just a moment) from the end of chapter. It all builds, I hope. But I don't have the next one after to finish the chapter fully built and ready to go. Scary times!
I really do appreciate all of you that keep up as you can and I hope that I can continue to produce this story that I really want to tell! It is always in my mind. RL keeps it difficult, but I will persevere. I promise. And like an idiot, I started a new work too! Mercia, Mercia Me in CK2. Another lark AAR, but I actually like the game. As if you don't have enough to read around these parts.
On that score, and as one more reminder...please do not forget to vote in the Yearly AARland Year-end AwAARds. Less than a month left to add your voice if you have not already and as always...you should not feel any need to vote for this work, but please do vote! I'm not the only authAAR round these parts as you well know! I always appreciate the support and so will any and every other that toils upon these virtual boards. Please vote!
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Do not worry about your portrayal of Edmund. He is perfectly qualified to be a king. All of Richard's sons will be, I'm fairly certain.
My comments were more directed towards the common issues with successions being discussed vis a vis Rome.
Trust is important, yes...but it is not the only thing. If you never even evaluate outsiders...never even offer the possibility of gaining trust to those who don't already have it...the circle of the trusted gets smaller and smaller, and the pool of competence diminishes.
Right now, Richard is only focusing on what he as King wants accomplished...and he is bribing folks to do his bidding with favors and lands (directly or indirectly). It would be amazing if he actually paid attention to what his trusted circle of aristocracy actually wanted and used those as much more useful and practical compensation for doing what Richard wants.
Master level would be if he had sufficient relationship with these Lords to where he could influence their wants and lay out work for them that they would enjoy, give them rewards that they want, and would result in increased power to the realm.
Warwick being a huge target of this kind of approach. Richard needs to distract Warwick from the idea of marrying into the Royal line...by giving him work worthy of his talents and skills, and rewards that are excellent that do not represent a strategic threat.
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Dijon, Burgundy, October 1467
The skies grew dark as the party made their way forward and entered to Dijon. Burgundy remained at the forefront of culture on the continent and the towers and spires proved both a healthy treasury and an interest beyond the Suzon and Ouche. Rich garbed guards gestured to the chateau and once inside, the candle light was almost blinding.
Archbishop Neville led the way as he tried to smile, “We are like to find a cold reception, my Lords. Not nearly as warm as these fires suggest.”
“And yet so many of them,” the Earl of Kent pointed about, “My God...one at every step it would seem.”
The Duke of Norfolk grinned as he leaned to his man Lord Howard, “Quite a lot of dried wood.”
“And you would assist me to hold your humor if you may,” the Lord Chancellor suggested as they were led to the wide doors of the great hall, “This Duke...this King as he presents...is not like to find it so hearty.”
“He would hold your temperament, Jack,” Norfolk laughed again as he looked to his man, “Mayhap you should treat with him.”
“My Lord,” John Howard pressed a hand to the Duke’s back, “Please.”
The Earl of Kent William Neville turned with a grimace to silence them and then gestured to the Archbishop, “Nephew...proceed. His Grace would wish this well done and we should not waste a moment.”
As they entered, the hall was lit bright and the tables were full though the inhabitants were well gone. Only one sat to the high table and he leaned back to his chair with a wide smile, “My Lords...you have defeated my guests! Dois-je être déçu?”
“None such as that...Your Grace,” Archbishop Neville offered a bow, “We did send ahead yet did not wish for you to...”
Charles of Burgundy stood tall and held his grin, “Come now, Monsieur. I sent them away myself. If I am to hold conference with such as these...the great Lords of England...I would do it alone.”
“You honor us,” the Earl of Kent also bowed, “His Grace King Richard does send his most sincere wish of good and great health.”
Charles skewed a brow, “Is that all?”
The Duke of Norfolk stood forward, “Our good King Richard did say that your realm was the flower of all the world, Your Grace...but he did not do it justice. I think never to have seen such finery in all the land. We are all well met and I must say...quite impressed.”
“You?” Charles looked to him, “You are young, Monsieur, by your lights. I shall wager that you may see more in your lifetime. Yet to here? It is Burgundy, my Lords. We do not impress. We are. Now...”
He moved from the high table and rounded to the Lord Chancellor, “...Your Eminence...pray tell me what you have come to speak. For as I say...I was holding a soirée. I pause it only for you...or rather...your King.”
Archbishop Neville bowed once more, “It was not our wish to inconvenience you...”
“And yet you have,” Charles admitted plainly, “I have the letter from Monsieur le Warwick. He that does not pay tribute enough to us here at the now. Instead he would send a messenger and so I shall hear what the messenger does say. Speak it or go, s'il vous plaît.”
“It is the matter of your daughter...” the Earl of Kent started to suggest.
Charles allowed a wide smile, especially to the Duke of Norfolk, “Ahhh!! The fancy of all Europa! Indeed!! Every Lord may wish her, yet who should gain her dowry? It is immense!”
“Quite so,” the Archbishop admitted, “And yet no suitor may be more advanced than the one offered by His Grace the King of England.”
“They call me L'Audace...” Charles looked again to Norfolk, “...and do you know why?”
Mowbray held a grin, “I imagine because you do not hold favor with the weak of will, my Lord. Much like our King...you would always present as such...as bold.”
“Indeed,” Charles laughed, “And yet your King does vex me so.”
“Nay, Your Grace...” the Lord Chancellor held up a hand, “...he would wish not to. He would still preserve such great feeling as has always been present between two such noble souls.”
The Earl followed, “Indeed, Your Grace. Our King would wish to suggest a match with his own flesh and blood. His son and of the blood royal of England.”
“Warwick did say,” Charles turned his back to them and shifted to pour himself wine, “Yet which son? Is it this young namesake or the older one? What is his name...George? It cannot be the elder...for he is deceased. And the other? I hear he has other fields to plow.”
Norfolk smiled in reply, “I would not listen to such idle gossip, Your Grace.”
“Non?” Charles turned back with a grin, “So he has not had a son? Of unknown provenance, yet a son nonetheless?”
George Neville frowned as he looked to Norfolk and then bowed again, “The Prince Edmund has indeed found issue, Your Grace. The Lady of Castile has borne a healthy and male child of the name Edward. His Grace King Richard is exuberant as are the parents as you may imagine.”
“God’s blessing be upon them,” Charles did not smile as he stepped to the Lord Chancellor, “So you would have me match with a new born?”
The Earl stepped between them, “Your Grace…my nephew and my brother in law, His Grace King Richard...would ever wish to hold fast faith with you in all ways...”
“First you must answer me thus...” Charles moved back to his chair at the high table, “...and that is who rules this land? Who does rule in England? For I have forever treated with this Monsieur le Warwick and have only once met this King...this Richard. And I must say that he treated with me...rudely.”
“That cannot be!” the Archbishop answered strongly.
Charles sat and held up a hand, “Ah!! Yet he did! I asked for the hand of a daughter and he told me...Non! And yet...here she is. Married to some other.”
“Your Grace, you must not...” Norfolk tried to say but Charles stood again to silence him.
“Here we have...in my land so many. Jean un, Jean deux, Jean trois...like your Henrys, there are so many. There is even one in my back yard. And this one she is matched to. What am I to think? Are we to Burgundy so poor as that? And then so why should your Richard...your King wish to match at the now?”
The Lord Chancellor remained calm, “His Grace would wish an ally, of course. And one that has always been a fast friend to the English. A good cousin and noble in all ways.”
“A help to you as well, Your Grace,” the Earl of Kent followed, “Our King would desire to assist should you hold trouble in your lands for these times are perilous throughout and we do know that you have...engagements...to the mind? To the east...the Empire?”
Charles sat once more, “Truly? What do you think are my...engagements?”
“My Lords are proper, Your Grace...as they should be,” the Duke of Norfolk stepped forward and gestured for Lord Howard, “Yet it is known that your desire is not the east and yet rather...the west. France.”
“Pour être sûr,” Charles skewed a brow as Lord Howard presented a map.
“Your Grace...if you would...” Baron Howard unscrolled the lengthy tapestry, “...here sits Nevers. As you say...a Jean. Troyes does present to you a trouble in between...and then another. We all know of his name.”
When Charles showed no reply, Archbishop Neville did, “Rene d’Anjou, my Lord! He holds his lands to Anjou as he is able, but so too within Lorraine. Our King...His Grace King Richard would assist...”
“You would silence!” Charles ignored him and looked again to Norfolk, “You strike me as quite...intelligent. Then could you tell me why I have a vast territory to my south and west and one married already to your crown? Shall I merely make nice...trouver la paix...with this d’Albert to Champagne?”
Norfolk could only bow with a sympathetic smile, “You are wise...Monsieur. We may only hope that you do not hold bitterness at the loss of a bride, for you did find another. And it did allow you this daughter so desired. Is she not?”
“Un discours clair,” Charles stood again and stepped once more from the high table to round the Archbishop of York, “And so she is. Yet you...this one speaks it true...and yet you and yours have paid me so none to little respect. You will not even call me as King. I know...you need not répondre. All fine feelings when behind my back, you do show me so much disrespect. And it begins with your Warwick and ends with your Richard!”
“Your Grace...” the Earl of Kent tried to respond but Charles turned on him.
“I am not a fool, Fauconberg!” Charles sneered, “For I know you. I know all of you. My great-great grandfather was King of France! That this one is so low...who not better than I to take that mantle?! Yours?!”
The Lord Chancellor tried to argue, “This is not the discussion…”
“Pourtant il est!” he demanded, “You yourself...you all of you hold descent from your Kings of yore. Why not I?? And this one?! He would wish mine?!! Non!!! I press you now to leave my realm and in safe passage while you still may find it! Go back to your...prétendant in Champagne. Mayhap he will help you, for I shall not! The well is poisoned, Monsieurs. Never to be healthy again. I shall not drink it! Go and tell your King that and God be with you, for I shall not!!!”
“Your Grace...” Norfolk tried one more time.
Charles turned with a wicked smile, “If you wish to serve someone that will treat you well...venez et servez-moi. Si vous souhaitez trouver la pute... alors arrêtez de me faire perdre mon temps. She is right there for you. My time is precious and she is not! Tell your King that he should find sa virilité. Some Prince to your realm holds it. Mayhap he should find his own! I will not do it for him!!!”
The Archbishop tried once more to protest, but the hall was quickly filled and they were swiftly ushered away. The Duke...the King...watched them and then heard over his shoulder from another, “Vous avez été grossier, Monsieur.”
“Who was rude? Je ne suis pas impoli,” Charles replied without a turn, “They are rude. And so are you.”
“She is too young.”
Charles finally shifted with a grin, “And your grandfather is too old. These will not match with mine. If you will not, then I shall be forced. Le vilain menton...they are wanting. Et leur offre promet de grandes choses pour la Bourgogne. Habsbourg ou notre famille...cousine. It remains your choice.”
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I will note that in an England into Angevin Empire game I have ongoing, the Burgundian Inheritance went to Scotland. Made official in under two years when the Marie dying event fired before either I as king of France or the HREmperor could react.
Much absurdity ensued. Suffice to say I somehow wound up as HREmperor as a direct result of the mess.
Much absurdity ensued. Suffice to say I somehow wound up as HREmperor as a direct result of the mess.
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Made so after the winter of their discontent.
It is his way. Scuttle scuttle.
That looks like a dog vomited on the pavement!
The gist of the last episode was very clear, though I must admit the French interludes in the dialogue passed well over my head and I fear I missed much of the subtler interplay at work there. Atmospheric and authentic as it sounds.
More coqs coming home to roost for Richard.- 1
That little trip to Dijon went well...
So much to digest, @coz1. I'm glad I caught up. Richard (the King) is certainly determined to 'go it alone', eschewing advice, sound or otherwise. Kind of reminds me of a certain Sinatra tune...
So much to digest, @coz1. I'm glad I caught up. Richard (the King) is certainly determined to 'go it alone', eschewing advice, sound or otherwise. Kind of reminds me of a certain Sinatra tune...
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Fb-fb:
However, here I am still trying to track a fairly close historical path even with the divergence. Even with all of the changes in this version of France, it makes sense that Burgundy would still be strong (if not stronger than RL.) And I see little reason to stray from their peculiar situation of Charles only having the female heir in Mary/Marie. Plus the match game allows to keep some of the conflicts that arose within England of the time and works with where I want to go.
And Richard III is one of his greatest plays (or at least one of my favorites) despite his malodorous disinformation. : : poop emoji ::
"The ugly chin...they are wanting. And their offer promises great things for Burgundy. Habsburg or our family...cousin."
Also not explicitly made clear is that he is speaking with Francoise, grandson to the current French King Charles VII (remember that Louis died but they remained at the court of Burgundy.) Francoise is currently heir to what is left of the French throne.
To all - On that last point, I have actually completed the first pass at the last scene of the chapter AND have just about plotted out the scene by scene of the chapter to follow. A man needs a guide post. I say it all the time - outlines. They are a writer's best friend.
As always, thank you so much for reading and giving comment! And please, for those that have not yet done so, please offer your vote in the Yearly AARland Year-end AwAARds. Once more, do not feel any obligation to vote for this work (though it is always appreciated) but please do support your favorites. Every one will thank you!
The Burgundian inheritance has been broken in every EU game since the beginning. At least in the first couple of iterations, the game was forced along a more historical path. But once they did away with historical rulers, it hardly ever makes sense to parcel Burgundy like that because the RL version was unique. I forget who had the game recently (my apologies) but Burgundy was inherited by Brittany? Truly odd.
However, here I am still trying to track a fairly close historical path even with the divergence. Even with all of the changes in this version of France, it makes sense that Burgundy would still be strong (if not stronger than RL.) And I see little reason to stray from their peculiar situation of Charles only having the female heir in Mary/Marie. Plus the match game allows to keep some of the conflicts that arose within England of the time and works with where I want to go.
I'll not deny that Shakespeare instructs this work, even if I want to destroy his propaganda if I am able.
And Richard III is one of his greatest plays (or at least one of my favorites) despite his malodorous disinformation. : : poop emoji ::As above, we are trying to move young Richard away from historical reputation. That said...he may still hold some of the same qualities.
Yes...yes it does. While many of those labeled in the screenie may not play within the work, I thought it important to at least try and identify them to give a better idea of what is going on.
This is a more than valid comment and I appreciate it. While I am obviously working towards verisimilitude, I need a reminder that this is not a movie with subtitles. I'm sure scenes with Margaret of Anjou and Isabella of Castile prove much the same. For understanding's sake, the last part of Charles' dialogue reads in English...
"The ugly chin...they are wanting. And their offer promises great things for Burgundy. Habsburg or our family...cousin."
Also not explicitly made clear is that he is speaking with Francoise, grandson to the current French King Charles VII (remember that Louis died but they remained at the court of Burgundy.) Francoise is currently heir to what is left of the French throne.
Decidedly it did not...indeed. We will see the repercussions of this in the next scene and it is one more point of irritation between York and Warwick.
To all - On that last point, I have actually completed the first pass at the last scene of the chapter AND have just about plotted out the scene by scene of the chapter to follow. A man needs a guide post. I say it all the time - outlines. They are a writer's best friend.
As always, thank you so much for reading and giving comment! And please, for those that have not yet done so, please offer your vote in the Yearly AARland Year-end AwAARds. Once more, do not feel any obligation to vote for this work (though it is always appreciated) but please do support your favorites. Every one will thank you!
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I say it all the time - outlines. They are a writer's best friend.
Amen.
I was remiss not to include your comment in my fb-fb as it came in right before I posted this last scene. And I don't think that you are incorrect to suggest such. Part of Richard's problem as that he has always thought himself the smartest man in the room. Clearly he is not, but he has found "victory" and so believes himself even more right. It runs counter to Warwick, because he too thinks himself special. Not yet "Kingmaker" perhaps, but he may think so himself. At the end, it is a battle of wills.
All day and every day. More than notes, an outline provides a guide post for the writing. Helps remind where we are going and can unlock even the worst block.
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Well...
I'm many AARs I've fully seen related, "I wanted to marry into x, but unfortunately...". It's not always going to go as we wish. And, as in real life, "failed bids" have consequences for the future.
I'm curious of the "behind the scenes" in-game really that produced this scene.
And, in-story, I wonder if Warwick may have intentionally or unintentionally set up DukeKing Charles to produce this reaction. He was hinting at bastardy for Edmund's young child, yes? Many sources for that gossip, but one happens to be...
Another great step forward into an amazing story!
Rensslaer
I'm many AARs I've fully seen related, "I wanted to marry into x, but unfortunately...". It's not always going to go as we wish. And, as in real life, "failed bids" have consequences for the future.
I'm curious of the "behind the scenes" in-game really that produced this scene.
And, in-story, I wonder if Warwick may have intentionally or unintentionally set up DukeKing Charles to produce this reaction. He was hinting at bastardy for Edmund's young child, yes? Many sources for that gossip, but one happens to be...
Another great step forward into an amazing story!
Rensslaer
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I can say for the gameplay, Burgundy was not nearly as friendly to England as they might have been historically and no matter what I did to try and butter them up, they would not take it. Negative territory and it stayed there.
That is a good suggestion and the next scene may help illuminate that. Look for it later this week.
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Westminster, December 1467
“Damn you, sir!!!”
The Earl of Warwick retreated as the King stepped forcefully to him, “Your Grace...”
“By God, man! Have I not said?! I did not wish to treat...and yet you have done so at any rate?!! What made you do it?!”
Warwick dipped his head in obedience even as he fumed, “Your Lady wife, my Lord...Your Grace...Queen Cecily did insist!”
“And since when did you take instruction from her, my Lord?” Richard pressed with anger, “As you are loathe to take instruction from anyone!”
“My Lord!” the Earl stood taller, “This must cease! Was it not my charge to see your lot made better to the Continent?”
Richard peered with narrowed brow, “You forget yourself, sir. These are not the days of yore and we...my Lord...have never been equals. Do not ever lose that sight!”
“Your Grace...” Warwick tried to calm down, “...I merely mean to say that we have discussed this. In Council and without. The hand of Burgundy is precious and so is this young Lady who at present shall rule it all when her father does pass.”
“He is right, husband,” Queen Cecily entered the hall and moved to Richard, “Your temper does flare and should we not hold all happy families during this season? We were missing of you in the last.”
The King softened as his wife admonished him, “I pray pardon, my dear...yet is this true? Did you send these men off to do this deed or no?”
“I did, sir,” Cecily stood proudly, “For you have gone round and round on it. The girl is not like to stay a maiden forever. Better to stick her right and true at the now then allow some other to pluck that flower.”
Richard remained irritated and pointed his wrath back to the Earl, “Why then was it so clumsy...this effort? Do you not see the damage that has been done?!”
“Of course I do,” Warwick gave quick nod, “I did not expect this Charles to remain so stubborn. With right entreaties, I thought surely that he would see the better future for us all.”
Cecily was not happy either, “I believe that you may assume too much, nephew. For such an important delegation, why did you not go yourself?”
“I was tasked too much to the north, madam!” Warwick looked from her to the King, “Did you not send me to corral Lord Stanley and Sir Stafford? The Percy clan are well tried and yet these remain to plunder at will!”
Richard skewed a brow, “They do not plunder, sir. They do as required. Is it that they encroach upon your own lands?”
“I was understanding that the lands formerly held or challenged by Exeter would be mine to govern,” the Earl protested, “As he rots to the Tower and there be no Somerset to guard them...”
“What belonged to the Duke of Exeter, sir...remains belonging to his Lady wife...our daughter and her child,” Cecily stepped to him with a harsh glare.
“Indeed so,” Richard followed, “Or do you forget?”
Warwick grew angrier still, “You would know well that my father spent his considerable life attempting to secure our place in the north. Much of this may have been avoided if the former King had made assurances and yet he did not. And as my father did lose his head at Wakefield...Your Grace...that trial then belongs to mine own!”
“All that belongs is what I may bestow...sir!” Richard shot back, “We have gone round on this. Do you not hold riches enough? What more land will make you whole, nephew? Or is there more that is desired?”
“I need not tell you, Your Grace...” the Earl stepped forward with alacrity, “...of the nature of holding and what that entails. You would know it all too well. It is a slap in the face and more tragedy still should these Barons play at more powerful than they are. They are too many at any rate! And now they would wish to prance about in Normandy? Do you see any taxation from there? I think not!”
Richard stood as tall as he might, “I may not be in two places at once!”
“And neither can I!” Warwick answered readily, “So which is it? Shall I secure for you the north or would you wish me across the Channel?”
Richard skewed an eye, “I would wish you where I may see you. I need not a rogue, but rather a man for the work desired. Would that you could be...”
“I am!!!” the Earl could not help himself as he raised his voice, “I have ever done all things to see your position and place! When mine own father would challenge you, I resisted and held your esteem as most important! And he lost his life for it! Whatever else would you have me do, uncle?!”
Cecily tried to calm him, “Be still, nephew. It is an accounting and not accusation.”
“Then I may account for only this,” Warwick replied, “I sent my brother and my uncle along with the Duke of Norfolk to try and win this hand for you. They failed. For that I may only beg pardon, yet you would know that I shall work to mitigate the damage.”
Richard shifted to pour himself wine, “And how may you do that? For this Charles loathes you. And apparently, myself as well.”
“I did bring him to your attention, Your Grace...many years ago,” Warwick contended, “You might have accepted the match with your daughter Margaret and we would be in a much different place.”
“So you believe it my fault?” the King questioned without turning.
The Earl of Warwick moved to the fire trying to temper his emotion, “I do not, Your Grace. It be no fault of anyone to my mind. These lands of France are tenuous at best. Every one to there would wish to make their mark. North, south...east or west. I know your ultimate goal and the King of France...such that he remains...could not be more weak. And his menagerie no longer holds kittens, sir. These be lions.”
“They may pretend at that,” the King finally turned, “Yet I will show them who is the pack leader when the time comes. As I will do here. For us that time is now, my Lord. You do not rule an independent kingdom, sir. I rule a united one. And you are my liege man. If I request that you jump, then you will jump. And if you cannot? You might as well leap right into the sea, for I shall hold no place for you.”
The Earl looked to him with a pained eye, “You are harsh, uncle. I do not see why you cannot understand...”
“I understand a plenty, my Lord,” Richard pressed, “And I tire of saying to you no. By God, Dickon...you are the wealthiest man in England. Mayhap even more so than myself. Is that not enough for you?!”
“I place all of my largess at your feet, Your Grace,” Warwick answered, “If only...”
Cecily now skewed a brow, “If only we would marry our son to your daughter. Is that it, sir?”
“You have considered it,” he looked to her plainly.
Richard stepped to him, “We all have and come to a conclusion. You wish my George for your own and you may not have him. I’ve told you more than once. This delegation...these men that you did send...they were not there for a satisfactory ending. I told you...as I have told my wife...to dangle George for this Charles shall not have my youngest and nor does that son wish it as he says to me...”
“I still believe it the preferred match, husband,” Cecily suggested.
The King ignored her as he stepped even closer to the Earl, “You have played your last hand, my Lord of Warwick. Should you wish to parlay with the Duke of Exeter over his property, perhaps then you may wish to spend some time with him to the Tower. Yes?”
“You know that I would not...” Warwick replied.
“Then do not presume with me, sir!” Richard exclaimed, “I plan on making a wholesale change within these ranks for methinks you Nevilles have got too much in charge, begging my Lady wife’s pardon.”
“Husband?” Cecily was confused.
Warwick was even more so, “What mean you, Your Grace?”
“You’ve cocked it up, nephew...” Richard turned to refresh his wine, “...though love you still I do. Yet your brother the Archbishop is out.”
“He is the most capable administrator!” Warwick protested.
Richard turned back with a mean eye, “I did not fight this long to allow others to do for me what I may do for myself. If you catch an eye of my cousin within me...then you would be mistaken. I hold a son who then now holds his own son. The line is secure. We are very well in here, sir...and he is rightly out!”
“You would allow Bourchier his place then?” the Earl was incensed, “Trade one Archbishop for another?!”
Richard allowed a sly grin, “Not that it is any of your business, but no. Yet he has always been a protector of mine even as Bishop of Ely. You may recall that he was instrumental in this endeavor as much as any, and as such should hold your respect. But I say again no. Stillington out of Bath. I have already secured his promise and I believe the Bishop to do a fine job.”
“He is...” Warwick tried to count, “...my God...he nears to seventy in age, sir!”
“That is correct,” the King gave nod, “Sixty and seven in fact. A wise man and one that I believe I may trust with the privy seal and all else. I would ask if you would object, but I do not care.”
The Earl of Warwick showed a pained eye, “You wound me, uncle. For again...I would always do all that I might...”
“Yet I have seen your like and find it wanting! For you want too much!!”
“I would do all I might, Your Grace,” the Earl again announced.
Richard moved close to the fire and sat with a clear eye, “Then do this so that my Lady wife and I should enjoy a peaceful season of Christ with our children and theirs. There is a man...and I would wish his head. I move closer still to my goal but one thing still does vex me. It is Jasper Tudor and his ties to the whore in Anjou. We shall never know peace as long as that remains.”
“What...what would you have me do?” Warwick was unsure.
“Hold still your pride, sir,” Richard replied in earnest, “Do what is asked and no more. Tudor is in Brittany and I know that you hold your connections. I wish him before me. Find him and bring him here. Use your influence and your charm with this Francis. And do not allow it to be another envoy. I request you, sir.”
Warwick showed a bow, “I wish not to fail you.”
“Then do not,” Richard answered quickly, “You are rightly spanked, nephew. Yet I remain with a heart full of love. Do this for me and then...we may speak of other things.”
The Earl offered another bow and retreated from the hall. Cecily stepped closer to her husband by the fire, “Should you not also send Norfolk? He is a charming fellow. Mayhap Suffolk as well. Keep them away from Edmund for the season so we might have him for ourselves?”
“Mowbray was wasted to Burgundy, my love,” Richard craned his neck to spy her face, “And do not do that to me again.”
Cecily grinned as she pinched his cheek, “I know you better than yourself, sir.”
“Aye...you do,” he answered as he held her hand.
“Do you think he will accomplish it?”
Richard eyed the chamber door, “He had better.”
“And must you be so harsh?”
He stood and pulled her close, “This Kingdom has lacked for leadership, Cis. I shall not be that King.”
“Our nephew bristles at your embrace, Dickon,” she suggested.
Richard kissed her gently and then answered, “Good.”
She brushed his cheek, “Do you mean to entertain his wish of George and his daughter?”
“I’ve told him...and I shall tell you...” Richard pulled her to his lap by the fire, “...never. I am not yet done with this Charles of Burgundy even if he thinks he is. I wish not to match with him ever...but he is a power and one that I may need. You know well what bargaining chips these boys are.”
Cecily leaned into him with a worry, “But not George. He is so...petulant. Wanting of our affection.”
“Much like that one out there...” Richard pointed to the door, “...he must be made to learn a patience. All good things in time.”
“And our Dickon?” she questioned, “What of him? The both of them are of age and our youngest is almost preternatural.”
“Just as well,” the King grinned, “Keep him close to home. After all, he does seem to please the Princesa. We need her and her brother to Castile.”
Cecily showed a sour eye, “Yet what of Edmund, husband? You two held a brilliant fight the last time he was to court and since...this child... is borne...you have not seen him.”
“The child has a name, Cis,” Richard suggested.
She felt a tear, “I know. It remains too difficult.”
“Then I shall not challenge you,” he whispered into her ear and then kissed her again, “Our Edmund will be well and fine. I shall tend to him.”
Cecily pulled away, “As you did with our nephew?”
“My love...” Richard showed a kind eye, “...take a care for our daughters, two of which remain to our shores. Please allow me our sons?”
She scratched lovingly at his bald pate, “Though troubled still...we are blessed.”
“Yes we are, Cis,” Richard kissed her once more, “By God’s grace...yes we are.”
The Queen looked over his shoulder in question, “And that one? Shall he be blessed? He remains my brother’s son.”
“We shall pray for it this season, my Lady wife. Yet should he wish some other? He will gain his answer.”
End of Chapter 27
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