The Wars of the Roses

[El Pip]

The King's recovery is a Christmas Present for the realm! Of course there are some presents that are gratefully received, bringing joy and advantage to the recipient, while others presents are... none of that.

The initial signs are good, the King's reaction to Margaret is promising, and hopefully York is true to his word and is happy to hand over things back to Henry. If nothing else it will completely spike Margaret's guns, hard to portray him as power-grabbing if he politely does give up his role at the first reasonable chance.

My worry is that as the King is not quite 100%, something Arundel will happily confirm, York might disagree on quite when the 'first reasonable' chance is. He may even be right as the King will need time to recover and a rushed return to full duties will likely damage his health, but it will be so easy to twist and misrepresent and there will be no shortage of people rushing to do just that.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

My worry is that as the King is not quite 100%, something Arundel will happily confirm, York might disagree on quite when the 'first reasonable' chance is. He may even be right as the King will need time to recover and a rushed return to full duties will likely damage his health, but it will be so easy to twist and misrepresent and there will be no shortage of people rushing to do just that.

Could always make him head of the council again after the regency gets thrown off. And have the king write down some bloody orders in a writ for if things go bad again.

 

[El Pip]

Could always make him head of the council again after the regency gets thrown off. And have the king write down some bloody orders in a writ for if things go bad again.

That would work perfectly, so I fear a large Margaret shaped problem will appear and stop it happening somehow. Because given the title of this work things are going to go very badly wrong, it's just a question of the details of exactly what.

 

[coz1]

I've taken yet another extended break from the forums of late, but I am still working on this story rest assured. In fact, I had 2 portions already written before real world events took over. Now, after yet another bout with the dreaded Rona and a several months long planning and culmination of my little sister getting married, I do believe it is time to get back to it. Yes? I do apologize for not doing the fb-fb as I should since August, but certainly all good words. Thank you and I hope you will continue to follow. The next chapter starts soon, as in tomorrow. And it's a corker! To reset, Henry has just recovered and how will that play out? Hmm.

Thanks all for reading and following (and thank you all for the votes in the ACAs despite the lack of material for the quarter.) Ever onward!

 

[DensleyBlair]

Good to hear from you as ever, coz! Glad to hear you’re well (particularly after another Rona bout… my sympathies!) and getting back down to writing. Look forward to reading when it comes.

Thanks all for reading and following (and thank you all for the votes in the ACAs despite the lack of material for the quarter.) Ever onward!

Not that a vote was ever in doubt as far as I’m concerned, but I was very aware when filling out my ballot just how much my choices were skewed towards the start of the quarter – ie the only time I was actually really active here over the past three months. Couldn’t quite believe how quickly it flew by in the end!

 

[Bullfilter]

Welcome back my dear @coz1 good to see you slinging your guns again. Just coming back from a RL delay myself.

 

[coz1]

Chapter 9: St. Albans

* * *

St. Albans, May 1455​

Thomas Clifford, 8th Baron of Clifford, was in an uneasy mood. How had it all come to this? He was a staunch adherent to the crown and when King Henry seemed to recover, all should have been well. Is that not what York had stated he desired? That was what everyone desired. Yet within months, events took over and all was right back where it had been prior to the King’s illness. Bitter fighting between the Queen and York with the Lord of Somerset always in her corner. Mayhap it would have been better had the Duke of York killed him in the Tower.

As he barked orders for his men to move slowly into the small town, he looked to his rear and spied the Duke of Buckingham on his destrier. Somerset could not have been happy with that. In fact he was not as Edmund Beaufort surprised him, “Waiting for the conquering hero?”

“My Lord Somerset,” Clifford tapped his helmet in greeting, “I thought you near to the church.”

Somerset stepped forward with his son Henry by his side, “We held need to make certain all was prepared.”

“I have it well in hand, my Lord,” Clifford answered as he looked to the young man next to the Duke, “Yet...do you think it proper to bring this young Lord to such action?”

“He is near to twenty, sir,” Somerset responded with pride, “It is time for him to make his mark as I have made mine. Do you not think?”

Some mark Clifford considered to himself before showing a smile, “Then we are well met, my young Lord. I should be careful around those of Northumberland’s tribe, but your worth shall count to our left.”

“Any word on the forces of York?” the Duke questioned.

Clifford looked ahead over the large ditch that marked the original fortifications of the town long since deteriorated. He could see St. Peter’s Street through the town backsides, but no other movement, “My runner tells me a force is spotted close to Key Field, but little else.”

“And Buckingham takes his sweet time heading out from Watford,” Somerset turned his head before looking back to the Baron, “It is as if neither wishes a fight.”

Clifford dipped is head, “In truth, my Lord, I think that no one does. The King has made it clear and they continue to hold talks...in a manner.”

“Please...” Somerset looked to his son with a laugh, “...how many words needs must be said before the evidence is clear? One betrayal becomes another in a long line and I think it to end this day, sir.”

They were interrupted by the Duke of Buckingham as he trotted to a halt next to them, “My Lord of Somerset...what are you doing to here? Did I not order you to meet with the Lord of Northumberland to the church? St. Peter’s Street is a major road within the town and it must be protected. There are women and children that would require sanctuary as well. Why do you dawdle?”

“So you do think a fight after all?” Somerset asked with a smirk

Buckingham was in no laughing mood, “I think that whatever happens, we shall be prepared. Need I say more?”

“And where be the King?” Somerset questioned further.

The elder Duke sighed as he dismounted his horse, “Were you where you are supposed to be, then you would know that King Henry holds court to the market place. I know well that you dislike that I have been given command, but that was the wish of the King and your worth is required to the church.”

Lord Clifford tried to soften the rancor, “As commanded, my Lord, I have instructed the ditch to be fortified and arrayed for defense.”

“Good,” Buckingham turned to him with a nod, “We know not where be Warwick in all of this and it is my understanding that York already holds more archers than we.”

Somerset pressed, “If you had put out the call earlier...as I suggested...and held to Watford longer, then we may see the services of Oxford and others. I am told that Lord Cromwell is on his way and so too Sir Thomas Stanley.”

“Sir!” Buckingham snapped at him, “As hereditary Constable of England, I am given this charge! I tire of this bickering and strongly suggest that you return to your hold! If you may do no more than second guess, then perhaps you are better off taking sanctuary to the church yourself!”

The Duke of Somerset looked to his son before turning back, “You are too peaceful, my Lord. Already duped by York once, do you think to find the better of it now?”

“I will find the better of you if you do not do as said,” Buckingham replied with irritation, “As there are many roads into this town, there are many roads that led us to this place. You have been no assist in that. Yet if you are truly honest to the King...then please...take your son and your men and hold fast to the church. When York arrives, there will be talks...but I am tired of talking. To him...and to you!”

After a moment, Somerset finally relented. He led his horse away with a simple, “As you wish.”

“He smarts,” Clifford suggested as they watched the Duke move back to the church.

Buckingham turned his eye back to the town, “He might. He’s been to The Tower for a year. This is as much a battle of wills between himself and York as anything other.”

“Yet York declares against the King!” Clifford answered with force.

“No...” Buckingham corrected, “...he does not. Not yet. And God willing...he will not.”

Clifford questioned, “You think him to try for peace once more? After raising what sounds like three thousand or more? Northerners too, my Lord! He has not come here with such strength to parade before the King. He means to press his issue. Otherwise...why are we here arrayed as such? He means for battle this time and I am afraid that Somerset is correct. No amount of talking will end this.”

“Thomas, you are a smart man,” Buckingham placed an armored clad arm to Clifford’s shoulder, “A veteran of the French wars and a good commander. That is why I name you as my second. Yet unlike others, I do not consider talk as cheap. I know York. Know him well. He holds no desire to fight the King. He only wants one head and I am inclined to give it to him...yet I cannot. King Henry won’t have it. So...I will hold as long as I might. And then?”

“And then?” the Baron asked.

Buckingham showed him a steely eye, “If he chooses to fight then we will meet him with all of our might. He makes the choice and we will answer.”

 

[Bullfilter]

“He smarts,” Clifford suggested as they watched the Duke move back to the church.

It would be better if he had smarts.

“Thomas, you are a smart man,” Buckingham placed an armored clad arm to Clifford’s shoulder

Yes, unlike Somerset, whose vanity will mix with York’s overweening pride to create a nasty alchemical reaction at last. Or so it seems.

Buckingham showed him a steely eye, “If he chooses to fight then we will meet him with all of our might. He makes the choice and we will answer.”

Is this then finally the brink rather than yet another false crest? It would appear so. And yet …

 

[Historywhiz]

Round and round and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows!

 

[Midnite Duke]

York would destroy a kingdom for a petty grievance. Welcome Back and thank you.

 

[HistoryDude]

York would destroy a kingdom for a petty grievance. Welcome Back and thank you.

Not really. In this timeline, at least, York's considering civil war because he thinks that the heir isn't King Henry's son - and he's right.

I don't think that talk will work. I wonder if York will voice his suspicions about Queen Margaret to King Henry?

There seems to be conflict within the Lancaster ranks...

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

The only thing holding the realm together at this point is Henry being alive and well. There won't be a peaceful regency next time round, it'll be all out civil war.

And the Lancaster side have the disadvantage of being increasingly obviously wrong in protecting the Queen and the 'heir', who is still not recognised by the king, and their dwindling number of supporters. If York is smart, he'll wait for the king to shift position or fall ill again, and then take over. Doing this now seems a bit too early.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

It would be better if he had smarts.

Yes, unlike Somerset, whose vanity will mix with York’s overweening pride to create a nasty alchemical reaction at last. Or so it seems.

Is this then finally the brink rather than yet another false crest? It would appear so. And yet …

Somerset never had smarts. Just place. A failing of the Beauforts but not all of them. I'm sympathetic to them, to be sure. Just not a fan (and it likely comes out in the writing.)

Round and round and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows!

It may or may not stop. Truly nobody knows. Yet this may be a breaking point.

York would destroy a kingdom for a petty grievance. Welcome Back and thank you.

Good to know you have not lost your distaste for York and his wife. My future writing is not likely to change your mind.

Not really. In this timeline, at least, York's considering civil war because he thinks that the heir isn't King Henry's son - and he's right.

I don't think that talk will work. I wonder if York will voice his suspicions about Queen Margaret to King Henry?

There seems to be conflict within the Lancaster ranks...

The conflict in Lancastrian ranks is historical. The question of the Prince's paternity less so, but it was there. I'm trying to tread a fine line with Richard's POV on that latter fact.

The only thing holding the realm together at this point is Henry being alive and well. There won't be a peaceful regency next time round, it'll be all out civil war.

And the Lancaster side have the disadvantage of being increasingly obviously wrong in protecting the Queen and the 'heir', who is still not recognised by the king, and their dwindling number of supporters. If York is smart, he'll wait for the king to shift position or fall ill again, and then take over. Doing this now seems a bit too early.

On point #1, yes indeed. On point #2, it remains a question if Henry has recognized his heir, but let us assume he has. Would that matter?

As for early, it is historical. I'm still pretty close to the RL timeline. We are still a bit away from when things change up (but they will. )


To all - First of all, thank you all so much for jumping right back in! It is always a worry. Been a few months and do the readers remember what was going on? Thankfully, as always, I have the very best readers in all of AARland!

Secondly, I wanted the first 2 posts of this chapter to read back to back because I wanted to do a flashback thing and see how we got to the first post. Which we will do and I am working on. Two more sections worked upon but it will culminate in catching up to the first. As usual, it will likely read better to those reading after the fact. Hopefully.

Thirdly, I am living with this today which cannot be bad...

A man could do worse. That's my Max on the left and Angel (aka Da Baby) on the right and we wrote a thing this morning.

Continuing on with the chapter and the next episode arrives in just a moment when I can find the right pic to head it up. As above, thanks again for the support, the reading and the comments! You folks are truly the best!

 

[coz1]

Westminster, February 1455​

Richard of York burst through the chamber door with a loud thud as it hit the wall, “You cannot be serious!! We are to call that recovered?!!”

“It is an astonishment,” Salisbury quickly followed, “That may be no doubt, my Lord, yet the King does return.”

“With a stutter...or some such...” Richard turned with an eye of wonder, “...a mind still at a flurry...walks as if to find a bed already! Naught but a weak calf, even if no longer mute!”

The Earl moved to Richard, “Dickon. The time has come. We knew this would not last forever and now we most hope that our alterations will show proof. You know what happens next.”

“Christ’s Keys!” Richard wailed with as much annoyance as sorrow, “Why now?! We were well on the way! Everything starting to row together…

“And no more!” Salisbury was quick to agree, “I know it well.”

Richard looked to him deeply as he pressed his arms to the Earl’s shoulders, “Do you, brother? You’ve held a fine time this year...with your sons...everything all at the taking since I’ve subdued Northumberland. Even my own wily son in law. What have you lost in this endeavor that you will not gain again when it ends?”

The elder Neville stepped back with a curious eye, “I see you there, my Lord of York. A handsome fellow, by all accounts, and mostly a fine and true man. Good father of many children and husband to a great Lady. A leader. Of men and business both. And yet you have one...fatal...flaw.”

“My hubris! I know!” Richard yelled as he walked to the window of the chamber to regain his calm.

Salisbury allowed a slight laugh, “No, my Lord. Your birth line is insufficient.”

Suddenly Richard laughed as well and it grew until he was doubled over. Raising his arms as if to hug Salisbury, he instead pressed with strength to the Earl’s shoulders, “From one French whore to another, my friend...I was never so lucky!”

“Not when the whore is royalty,” Salisbury held Richard’s arms with understanding, “Not every cunt is the same.”

Richard heaved a heavy sigh, “Dammit, man. Just...damn!”

“I know it...and they will be calling for us soon,” Salisbury led Richard to a chair, “We should consider our words, should we not? Though she be not present to Parliament when Henry showed, the Queen is sure to be with him to the Palace. And the Prince.”

“This is Buckingham’s doing,” Richard sat without letting go of his great irritation, “He plays for place as he found his own powers...insufficient. Hah! He holds many of the same problems as I.”

The Earl held out a cup, “He may drink better this night. You had better have this. If Margaret is back...so too is Somerset. You well know it. And if Buckingham makes play to take my role...or more...then we must find a different solution.”

“Yes...if the King is returned, who is to be his Lord Chancellor?” Richard questioned as he looked into the fire.

“Which you know will not be you,” Salisbury suggested.

Richard kept his eyes to the flames, “Which I know will not be me.”

“And so...who shall it be?” Salisbury questioned.

“It cannot be Somerset!” Richard answered firmly.

Salisbury stood over Richard and allowed, “He was passed over before as Protector. Do you think they will want him now?”

“She will want him...” Richard grumbled, “...and she will find a way if the King remains addled.”

“She will,” the Earl readily agreed, “And so you must find a way round her. What is it that Henry loves most? Holds so much more greatly to his heart?”

Richard knew it instantly, “His church.”

“Exactly,” Salisbury gave nod, “And there is where we find our next Lord Chancellor.”

The Duke chuckled as he looked up to his brother in law, “You wily devil. You’ve had Bourchier in your back pocket the whole time, haven’t you? Make him Archbishop and then he is primed should the King recover. That is...that is well played, my good friend.”

“But you must sell it to the King,” Salisbury winked, “You are, after all, the man’s brother in law.”

“Damn it all! Do you truly think she will be there?” Richard asked.

Salisbury was certain, “Of course!”

“Do you think that he will be there?” Richard asked more forcefully.

“Don’t think they’ve had time enough to release him...” Salisbury gave nod, “...yet your guess is as good as mine.”

Richard grumbled again under his breath, “Buckingham surely...and those of Somerset’s men...Wiltshire a definite...oh, brother! I shall have to put on a mummer’s act the likes of which you have never seen. I would call it humiliation, but...we have done well. I believe some southern Lords may care for our actions and may well say so to the King. The north? I cannot say. Your son?”

“My son?” Salisbury questioned.

“He has done well with Burgundy,” Richard gave nod as he stood to warm himself by the fire, “If he is not recalled home yet...call him home. He would do good to see his family.”

The Earl gave quick nod, “I shall. And you should be ready...you will likely lose Calais in your portfolio.”

Richard looked to his brother in law with a fire in his eye, “Let them have it. What I require does not sit across the channel. I have tried...I have tried! They will not listen to me. But I will not be tender hooked by a whore! Somerset will be restored. And yes...we may play at gaining the Archbishop another title...yet play that is. At the now, I am of one mind and one mind only. I want him out in the open...fair prey. Henry will release him and then he will do his mischief. As will she. And then we will see his mettle. His true worth.”

“You speak of action, brother,” Salisbury cautioned.

“Yes I do,” Richard showed a rare smile as he happily threw an arm over the Earl’s shoulder, “Action and acting. I will show the kindest words ever this night and will formally resign my commission to this office. King Henry will...in his way...say that I have governed England most excellently and nobly, miraculously pacifying all rebels and malefactors according to the laws. And he will say that I have resigned my office much honored and loved.”

“You do not know what he is now,” Salisbury followed.

Richard kept his smile, “Oh, but I do. Brother...I know him still. And we had better get ready. There is much work to be done!”

 

[HistoryDude]

The continent is lost, but the Yorkists have a plan.

An appeal to the church is a good idea - Margaret can’t attack them without looking impious and possibly making many more foes.

 

[Historywhiz]

The continent is lost, but the Yorkists have a plan.

An appeal to the church is a good idea - Margaret can’t attack them without looking impious and possibly making many more foes.

I think you misunderstand - this is three months prior to the St. Albans chapter. Whatever plan they had failed so spectacularly that York has gone full “I want Somerset’s head and if I have to burn England to the ground so be it.” I imagine we’re going to get one more half dramatic/half farcical chapter filling in between February and May 1455, then back to St. Albans, which…

Ok, I confess, while reading Somerset’s Wikipedia article I did find out accidentally what happened at St. Albans on May 22nd 1455 OTL. If this is anything like that, things are about to get very messy very quickly.

P.S.: If you have no idea of what I speak, don’t look - spoilers and all that…

 

[Idhrendur]

Your updates are always worth waiting for. I'm glad you've recovered and life is a little less busy. Even if it was busy for good reasons.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

The continent is lost, but the Yorkists have a plan.

An appeal to the church is a good idea - Margaret can’t attack them without looking impious and possibly making many more foes.

There is very little that would stop Margaret, but quite true - it does not harm the Yorkist cause to have an Archbishop as Lord Chancellor. Henry is far more likely to listen to him that some other.

I think you misunderstand - this is three months prior to the St. Albans chapter. Whatever plan they had failed so spectacularly that York has gone full “I want Somerset’s head and if I have to burn England to the ground so be it.” I imagine we’re going to get one more half dramatic/half farcical chapter filling in between February and May 1455, then back to St. Albans, which…

Ok, I confess, while reading Somerset’s Wikipedia article I did find out accidentally what happened at St. Albans on May 22nd 1455 OTL. If this is anything like that, things are about to get very messy very quickly.

P.S.: If you have no idea of what I speak, don’t look - spoilers and all that…

It is difficult to suggest "spoiler" when this is known history for over 500 years, but indeed...if one does not want to be spoiled, then stay away from wikipedia and the like.

Your updates are always worth waiting for. I'm glad you've recovered and life is a little less busy. Even if it was busy for good reasons.

That is very kind. Thank you for sticking with me even with my pauses.


To all - I am still suffering from some post-Covid crud but at the least, it has allowed me to stay home and do some writing. I'm about half way through the chapter now and about to get to the juiciest bits. The release schedule for this chapter will likely be slower than I have done in the past, but I wanted to get these two opening sections out close together due to the time jump. @Historywhiz is correct above...we will be returning to St. Albans before it is over.

Once again, thank you all for reading and staying interested in this story after the time off. I am happy to be back and writing and most definitely pleased to see all of you return as well! As I've said for many years...I have the very best readers in all of AARland! That is why I continue to write.

 

[coz1]

Greenwich, March 1455​

He was known as Black William. It may have been his dark looks, both of hair and skin, but it may also be due to the fact that he was never the most reliable in his affinity. Like the Stanley’s, his worth was made by following what he considered the winner in any given conflict and it had served him well. While Sir William Herbert’s keep of Raglan was in Usk under the lordship of Duke Richard of York, and he served as Sheriff of Glamorgan for the Earl of Warwick, he also earned an annuity from Edmund Tudor, the Earl of Richmond and the King’s brother. In short, he was a highly prized voice and influence within the Welsh marches and that was why he was here this day.

William had perfected the art of saying little but hearing much and so he held back in the hall of the Queen’s prized residence of Greenwich. He saw her as most others did. Sitting to her raised chair above all others with her young son bouncing to her lap, she beamed with pride and joy. Why not? Her husband the King was back to his proper place and so too was she in her desired worth. And she remained a beauty despite the past year and more where she was put aside. It did not hurt that she was flanked by her favorites. The Duke of Somerset remained close to her seat and all of those in attendance were not there for any other reason but to find that same favor.

As he sipped to the French wine provided, he was amused to spy another that was an outsider but perhaps also highly prized. Queen Margaret had not been idle as she moved back into power. Placing his cup aside, he moved gracefully through the guests and sidled up next to the Lady. With his high pitched Welsh voice and a pleasing grin, William jested, “My Lady Tankerville...you are far away from Normandy.”

Lady Antigone looked to him with some disdain, “And you are not to Wales, sir. What of it?”

“Where be your husband, my Lady?” he asked with more humor.

She did not share it, “To Powys as may be expected. I think you know him well.”

“And so why are you to here and not him?” William questioned, “I should think the Queen would require his voice and not your own.”

“I was invited, sir,” Antigone answered, “I could not explain your presence. Unless you hope to change your allegiance.”

William smiled, “I remain curious. The Queen seems rightly back in, does she not? And I am honorable and loyal.”

“Are you?” she questioned with a sneer, “There are many people to here and I do not recall such a showing by yourself the last time she held court.”

“It has been too long,” William responded with a bow.

Antigone smiled to other guests as she replied, “I should think you to Sandal Castle, sir. Or Middleham to hold faith with Salisbury. Or Warwick. You serve him well, I think. Is that your purpose here today?”

“Like you, I was invited,” he answered, “It would appear that the Queen serves all interests and would hear them as we hold thoughts.”

“And what are your thoughts?” Antigone asked, “Are you reconciled with King Henry’s restoration, or do you spy for your employers?”

William offered another pleasant bow, “My Lady...I serve Plantagenet. And how is your brother?”

With a cool stare, Antigone answered, “That you serve Warwick, I’d assume that you know more than I about his whereabouts. He is missed by me, but not by this crowd, I can assure you. What is your interest?”

“Not forgotten then,” William replied with a grin as he looked to the Queen, “There are many here that would not be forgotten. All wishing their place. Look you there to the Duke of Somerset.”

“He is released,” she answered, “Hale and hearty and willing to serve as always. Holds his children close and his wife is a favorite of the Queen.”

William questioned, “More favored than you?”

“You tire me, sir,” Antigone replied as she offered her own bow, “Mayhap you will find your answers elsewhere this night.”

As she walked away, William laughed. He was soon joined by Jasper Tudor, “What humor do you find, sir?”

“It is no thing,” the older knight responded, “An old friend and a niggling thought is all.”

“Well, it is a fine night, is it not?” Jasper suggested, “Queen Margaret is back to her place and more...the King is back to his, yes?”

William offered a bow to him, “Indeed that is true, my Lord of Pembroke. I am told that the Lord of York answered readily when His Grace...reappeared. Yet...where had he gone?”

“You need not my words on the subject, sir,” Jasper answered, “I think that you know the truth of it. All know from Wales to the north...His Grace is recovered and we are all restored.”

“That is an interesting way to put it, my Lord,” he replied with a curious eye, “I do not see your brother here...either brother, in fact. Yet I do see so many others. Wiltshire there...I hear that he is named Treasurer. Buckingham...I thought friend to the King, but yet...here is he to find friendship with the Queen. Even Exeter there, having such a fine time as is his want...released and enjoying his life.”

Jasper Tudor smiled, “The Queen merely throws a celebration to rejoice at her husband’s recovery. That is all.”

“Is it?” William questioned, “Did you not support York when he placed Somerset to The Tower?”

“My brother and I both supported York as Lord Protector, but that time is at an end,” Jasper replied, “Or do you still hold to such?”

“There will be much questioning at that over these many days,” William Herbert replied, “Is it all happy families, or shall we return to...where we were?”

“And where were we?” Jasper asked with a sharp eye, “At some point, you and yours will have to answer...whom do you serve?”

“I serve His Grace,” Herbert answered.

Jasper allowed a smile, “She will want that answer, sir. Follow me and give it to her.”

As the younger Tudor brother led the way, William Herbert kept his eyes to the Queen. He could feel her beautiful eyes on him as he was brought to an antechamber of the hall and he gave Queen Margaret a flourished bow, “Your Grace.”

“I may be young, my Lord...” Margaret accepted the bow with a smile, “...yet I am not so foolish. I know well to whom you answer and that is why I desired your presence this day.”

William stood tall with exclamation, “You wish to know if I am honorable...”

“I know that you are not,” Margaret cut him off, “Yet I do know that you hold much power. Both within the Yorkist camp and in Wales. My question...my duty...is to find out who is more important to you? Your King or the man that wishes to usurp him?”

William Herbert stood tall, “There is no man that would wish to usurp our King, my Lady Queen. In truth, we are all rejoicing that His Grace returns to us in full. That is all that has been desired.”

Edmund Beaufort moved from behind the Queen to ask his own question, “And yet, you have powerful benefactors, sir. York...Salisbury...Warwick!”

“One is Lord Protector...or was, my Lord Somerset,” Herbert answered, “Another Lord Chancellor...or was.”

“And now no more,” Somerset replied with a smile, “Things have changed.”

Black William answered readily, “Have they? The way that I see it...we have merely changed hands and the King is all that keeps us sound.”

“Are you pleased with that?” Margaret questioned.

“It pleases me that His Grace is to his rightful throne,” William responded to her, “That is all that has ever been wished and no man can say otherwise.”

Somerset stepped closer to him, “And yet so many do.”

“You may have been mislead,” Sir William looked to the Duke, “After all...you have been away for some time. Unfortunate, surely. Yet the Lord of York wishes no thing but the betterment of the King. As he has said so many times over. If you wish to forgo calamity, you would believe him.”

The Queen was not interested in that argument as she too stepped to the knight, “You will serve this King or you will serve no other...sir! The time for choosing is over. If you have mark to make, now is your time!”

William showed a brief smile, “And here I thought I was invited to a party.”

“You were invited to serve...sir!” Somerset followed Margaret, “As all else here do!”

“Then I show no change in spirit,” William answered as he bent to a knee, “I serve His Grace the King.”

Somerset was quick to follow, “And so then do you serve Her Grace the Queen.”

“I serve the crown...if it please you, my Lord,” William replied.

Margaret softened as she moved to raise him, “You will do fine under the Crown, sir. There are many lands to Wales needing a proper rule. And my son will need a man such as you when he takes on his role as Prince to that place. The Tudors believe in you and so shall I. If you are honest.”

He grasped her hand with a truth to his mind, “I would never betray my home.”

“Then do not betray her!” Somerset admonished.

Black William smiled as he looked to them both, “I live to serve.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Narrator: he did not live to serve.