The Wars of the Roses

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

I think a lot more people would go for this, esepcially as it allows Richard to then be regent until Henry dies, and basically removes the Queen, who cab now be executed as a traitor.

One last phase of the civil war, at the very least. Play this in the Parliament, and then off to the North to face the Scottish and Lancaster armies one more time.

Hopefully Richard wins, kills or captured the queen, and kills or captures most of the enemy Lords.

Worst case is they lose and Richard is killed.

He might have tried this to begin with, but of course. Yet it may work...we shall see.

Oh Richard. Just make a plan and stick to it, that's all that is required.

Shrewsbury makes good points and had York gone for this approach in the first place he wouldn't have seen so many nobles run off to join the Queen and this would have long been settled. But now he has made his hubristic grab for the crown it's a bit too late for that. York has managed to find the worst of both options and what is worse this will encourage people to think that with a bit of pressure he will lose his nerve (again!) and back down on the bigger issue.

Much of the reason that I adhered so closely to real history thus far was to drill down and show almost exactly why things ended up where they did. I could have dreamcasted the best way it might have worked, but what fun would that be? (Besides, you folks are good enough on that front so I don't have to.) Richard throws down his gauntlet and does all the right things to take his crown as it ought to be. Yet it did not happen that way and hopefully I have highlighted the many ways that was the case. And no doubt one of them lays squarely at Richard's own feet. He is perhaps too reactionary when he should have been proactive. I'd suggest that he may be learning, but the above scene does suggest that he is open to yet one more salvo of compromise when he sees possible defeat in front of him. What is it that the kids say? Go big or go home? Yeah...Richard seems to always start that way but never finishes it. At least so far.

 

[coz1]

Westminster, October 1460​

Though the Bishop of Winchester William Waynflete was no longer named as the King’s Chancellor, he remained his confessor and did what he was able to keep Henry’s spirits as high as he might. This would be more than difficult on this day as he stood to the chamber door of the Queen’s apartments. After a deep breath, he knocked and a weak voice called for him to enter.

The Bishop found the King staring out the window and when he did not turn, Waynflete offered a bow and then spoke cautiously, “Your Grace...I fear to come to you with what may only be considered depressing news.”

“Our cousin has won his case?” Henry questioned softly without turning.

“Not as such...” the Bishop stepped to the table and placed a document upon it, “...yet I do believe that you will not care for the end result in any ways.”

King Henry finally turned and spied the parchment, “What is that?”

“It is called an Act of Accord, Your Grace,” Bishop Waynflete replied, “After much debate by those Lords still sitting to the Painted Chamber and in consultation with the Commons, it has been declared that Richard, Duke of York shall be now named as your heir presumptive and more called once again the Protector of England.”

The King was confused, “We do not understand.”

The Bishop pointed to the document, “Due to the love for Your Grace and the respect to the oath made to you, this Parliament has decided that on the matter of succession you shall enjoy the crown for the rest of your natural life. The acts of the previous Parliament have been rescinded and going forward the Duke of York shall be entitled, called and reputed from henceforth, very and rightful heir to the crowns, royal estate, dignity and lordship. Or so it says.”

“I...” Henry was almost speechless, “...am still King?”

“Indeed, Your Grace,” the Bishop gave nod, “And the Lord of York has once more sworn allegiance and says that for his part he would abide by all the conventions and compacts to which they did agree.”

He could only stare at the parchment, “We are...astonished. Yet...what of our son the Prince?”

With sadness, the Bishop lowered his head, “Prince Edward has been...replaced...in the royal line, sire.”

“Replaced?” the King was again confused, “So it is to be Richard and then our son Edward to follow when I am gone to God?”

The Bishop shook his head, “Nay, Your Grace. The Prince has been...completely disinherited and the heirs to Lord Richard would follow after him. The Earl of March, then Rutland...et cetera.”

Henry turned to look out the window once more in anguish, “I cannot fathom it.”

“A strong contingent of Lords has signed on to it, Your Grace. The Duke of Norfolk and his son the Earl of Surrey. The Lord Treasurer Viscount Bourchier and even his brother the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Earls of Salisbury, Warwick, Kendal and Suffolk as well as Barons from Audley and Bonville to young Lord Strange. All Lords temporal and spiritual still in session have sworn their oath to uphold what has been agreed.”

The King turned with a pained eye, “And you, sir?”

“I do not sit the House of Lords, sire...” the Bishop answered, “...but were I there, I would have so sworn.”

It seemed as if Henry’s entire soul was lifted from his body and transported somewhere else and he struggled to find a chair. Bishop Waynflete assisted him and the King looked up weakly, “How shall I express this to my wife?”

“On that score, sire...” the Bishop attempted to show some cheer, “...there is a positive development. The Queen has written to you, discreetly of course through her chamberlain the Bishop of Durham.”

“Has she?” the King tried to smile but could not.

The Bishop gave nod, “She has indeed, Your Grace. At the now she is to Kingston upon Hull and holds with her several forces on loan from the King of Scots. She does not say of any other, but it may be assumed that the Earls of Devon and Northumberland could also be with her from what I have heard.”

“That...is not good,” Henry looked across the room at the Act of Accord.

Bishop Waynflete found a curious eye, “What mean you, sire? Is it not good news?”

“It is well that she is alive and safe...” Henry held his gaze to the parchment, “...yet if I sign that document, I would do so fully knowing that it means naught. For she means to carry on with this struggle.”

“Would that not be your wish?” the Bishop questioned.

Henry showed a heavy sigh, “I have never wished for any of it. If we could but have peace...God would smile upon us.”

“I fear...” the Bishop knelt before the King, “...that the events of these last years are and will remain inevitable.”

“Quite,” the King allowed a nod, “And these deliberations...they have unleashed a dynastic dispute that will hold far reaching consequences. It weakens the concept of legitimate title and fosters all ambition for those whose might may be greater than their right. If we do not put a hold to it now, there will be more battle and the victor of each will be seen and felt as an indication that God does approve of their actions.”

The Bishop was now confused, “So you mean to sign this Act of Accord, Your Grace? To live fully by its words?”

Henry carefully stood and walked slowly to the table. He rested as he pressed his palms before the document and sighed once more, “Do we hold choice?”

“Of course you do, sire,” the Bishop stood as well, “Given time, the Queen’s force of arms may rescue you and render these points moot.”

Henry picked up the document, “That I am in need of rescue suggests that I am no thing more than a captive, my Lord Bishop. While I do not fear for mine own life as the Lord of York would not harm me, others may perish in my name and I could not allow that. I could not live with God’s anger should I allow it. No more.”

With that, he reached for a quill and dipped it to ink. Then he scribbled his mark to the page as simply Henry. With almost a sigh of relief he looked up, “We must needs the seal, my Lord Bishop. Please send for the Bishop of Exeter. We shall write our wife the Queen and tell her that she must bring our son to us in all haste. We shall warn her that if she fails to do so, she will be denounced as a traitor.”

“Are you certain, Your Grace?” the Bishop questioned strongly.

Henry stood taller and looked to him with a weak eye, “We are still King, sir. And those are our words.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Yes! Yes!

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Henry puzzles me. Over and over again.

 

[El Pip]

I agree entirely with Kurtie. Henry is making York look like a model of consistency and determination.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Yes! Yes!

So I take it you're excited.

Henry puzzles me. Over and over again.

I think he rather puzzles himself.

I agree entirely with Kurtie. Henry is making York look like a model of consistency and determination.

That is a rather low bar.

 

[coz1]

Hull, November 1460​

She was furious! Throwing the letter directly into the fire, Margaret screamed and then promptly moved to pour herself wine. Those around her knew of her temper and waited as it was some time before the Queen composed herself. After drinking a full goblet, Margaret poured again and then turned and spoke to them as calmly as she might, “This...will..not...stand!”

Bishop Booth had rejoined her as she traveled south from Scotland and knew well the contents of the note, “It may well be a ruse, Your Grace. An attempt to fool you.”

“It is not!” Margaret stormed around, “It holds the secret marking of my Lord husband...the spineless fool of a man!”

The Earl of Northumberland Henry Percy tried to calm her, “Surely if His Grace is able to get word to you, then he is secure in his safety.”

“His safety?!” Margaret showed a wide eye, “He has signed away our entire fortune and worth, sir! My son is disavowed as if he were no thing but common and base! Instead, the fool has granted York his ever desired role as heir and commands me to bring to him the Prince that he clearly cares no thing for!!”

The younger Lord Clifford stood next to the Earl, “That cannot be, Your Grace! How could the King do such a thing?”

“You spend a lifetime with him, sir!” Margaret continued to fume, “I have and he can make no decision at all! Clearly this was not his and instead that of York!”

Northumberland allowed a slight smile, “He could not do what he wished, madam. York declared for the throne yet lost. In his time of need, he was deserted yet again. He is unloved.”

“That much is certain!” Clifford followed in anger.

“Yet how could you do it, Henry?!” Margaret called out in anguish, “To disown your own son!”

Bishop Booth looked up from his desk, “I am certain that the King was forced, Your Grace. No man would do such as this. Surely not one as pious as His Grace.”

“You do not know York as I do, sirs,” Margaret moved to the fire with determination, “He holds such a tether to the King and Henry very nearly requires it. I cannot understand! Why would he love one that loves him so little?!”

The Earl of Northumberland stepped forward, “It be no matter, Your Grace. As we have marched, we have gathered a goodly amount of men from Cumberland and elsewhere. More flock to your side. The Earl of Westmorland has reached out as have the Barons Neville and Latimer. More will follow to disabuse this Duke of his claim.”

“It be not enough,” the Queen paced back and forth in thought, “We require more. Lord Ros has come to us and thus we must send him on errand. He must find his brother Somerset and have him meet us at the now. We hold little time of it.”

Bishop Booth replied, “The Duke of Somerset is at the now already marching north, Your Grace. It is said that he is joined by the Earl of Devon and they are already through Bath and onto Coventry.”

“That is good,” Margaret continued to think, “Very good. Yet what of these others? I am told that the Earls of Oxford and Arundel did not care for this agreement.”

The Bishop answered, “Arundel fled the Parliament, my Lady. Yet Oxford did stay and it appears that he has affixed his name to the document.”

“Coward!” she replied with spite, “Yet what of these other Barons? Where be Welles or Stanley? Dudley and Rivers?”

Lord Clifford answered, “I know not the others, my Lady, yet Baron Rivers remains in custody of Warwick to the Tower. He was to be released when Lord Salisbury gained back his sons, yet of course they have reneged on their deal.”

“As to the others, Your Grace...” Northumberland followed, “...I could not say. I fear that we may not be able to trust Lord Stanley for his brother did fight with Salisbury to Blore Heath.”

Margaret sneered, “And he himself was noticeably lacking!”

“Indeed,” the Earl continued, “And Lord Welles has just seen his step daughter the Lady Beaufort married to Sir Henry Stafford.”

The Queen found a slight smile, “Well that is good news. Sir Henry would surely assist in rounding up the Staffords for our cause. Good for you, Jasper!”

“I have written the pair,” Bishop Booth suggested, “As yet we have heard no reply.”

Margaret flew into a new rage, “Why are there so many weak men to this Kingdom?! They would not act until doom looks them directly to the eye!”

“Your Grace, I say again...” Northumberland remained calm, “...we hold already near to ten thousand soldiers. That is no small thing, especially at this time of year when the campaigning season is considered over.”

She shifted back to the fire, “They look to bounty and by God, I shall give it to them. We shall march to York and then on to Pontefract gaining as we go and I shall take great pleasure seeing the tenants of these Lords despoiled! Somerset shall meet us there and then we will march together to London and deliver the King from these enemies!”

Lord Clifford seemed to enjoy the thought as he offered, “York will respond, my Lady.”

“Indeed he shall,” Margaret returned the grin, “And when he does, we shall defeat him with our might and protect my son and his inheritance. This will not stand. I will NOT allow it!”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

How is he going to ruin it for us this time...

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

My son is disavowed as if he were no thing but common and base!

Ahem...he is...

 

[El Pip]

“Yet how could you do it, Henry?!” Margaret called out in anguish, “To disown your own son!”

If nothing else she is committed to the lie. She is still confusing "Hating her and all she stands for, not least her bastard son" with "Cowardice", which is perhaps understandable as she is comprehensively deluded about herself and how she is perceived.

On the actual meat, well if Margaret was the sort of person who was actually faithful (in all senses of the word) to her husband and King then we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place, so of course she is going to ignore him and fight. Equally York has made enough enemies that she probably will be able to scrap up some allies on the march south. A large battle looms.

 

[HistoryDude]

I was amused by York's refusal to say Margaret's name.

This compromise looks good, so I expect it will collapse immediately. Unless Margaret can screw herself over even more?

Isn't this the correct succession? Margaret, your son isn't biologically Henry's - did you forget that he actually was "base"? Or are you just ignoring your sin and hoping it continues unnoticed?

I wonder how Margaret's support would change if her child's actual parentage was revealed...

 

[Historywhiz]

If nothing else she is committed to the lie. She is still confusing "Hating her and all she stands for, not least her bastard son" with "Cowardice", which is perhaps understandable as she is comprehensively deluded about herself and how she is perceived.

On the actual meat, well if Margaret was the sort of person who was actually faithful (in all senses of the word) to her husband and King then we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place, so of course she is going to ignore him and fight. Equally York has made enough enemies that she probably will be able to scrap up some allies on the march south. A large battle looms.

Might not even be a lie in her warped brain. Given how she treated Somerset the Elder when he tried to emphasize his paternity in conversation with her, she could just see Edward as the child of the Queen and King with Somerset as sperm donor.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

How is he going to ruin it for us this time...

It's Henry...he may find a way...

Ahem...he is...

Not in her mind.

If nothing else she is committed to the lie. She is still confusing "Hating her and all she stands for, not least her bastard son" with "Cowardice", which is perhaps understandable as she is comprehensively deluded about herself and how she is perceived.

On the actual meat, well if Margaret was the sort of person who was actually faithful (in all senses of the word) to her husband and King then we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place, so of course she is going to ignore him and fight. Equally York has made enough enemies that she probably will be able to scrap up some allies on the march south. A large battle looms.

Comprehensively deluded. That just about says it all. As for the other...

I was amused by York's refusal to say Margaret's name.

This compromise looks good, so I expect it will collapse immediately. Unless Margaret can screw herself over even more?

Isn't this the correct succession? Margaret, your son isn't biologically Henry's - did you forget that he actually was "base"? Or are you just ignoring your sin and hoping it continues unnoticed?

I wonder how Margaret's support would change if her child's actual parentage was revealed...

I'm not sure Richard (or Cecily for that matter) have mentioned Margaret by name for some time. I know as I wrote, I started making certain that they and others did not.

And indeed, that should be the right succession.

Might not even be a lie in her warped brain. Given how she treated Somerset the Elder when he tried to emphasize his paternity in conversation with her, she could just see Edward as the child of the Queen and King with Somerset as sperm donor.

Good memory. And it is quite possible that she has convinced herself that both she and the Prince are pure.


To all - The previous scene was needed, but somewhat short. And the following one is a bit longer but also needed. Sort of two sides of the same reaction, if you will. And leads us to (as many in the know) the denouement of the chapter. I'm going to post this one in a moment and then the finale (in two parts) Fri. and Sat. Chapter 20 started one way and ends in...well another way. Coming up...

 

[coz1]

Baynard’s Castle, December 1460​

It seemed odd for the Duke of York. After the events of the last two years, including victories and humiliating losses and exile and then a swift reemergence that was not entirely satisfactory yet it did allow this. Here he was together again with his entire family and had once again regained title as Protector as well as finally being named heir to the King. He wanted to enjoy it but that woman would not allow it.

Cecily had absolutely beamed as she sat the high table during the feast and looked out at her children. Anne remained somewhat sad at the absence of her husband the Duke of Exeter. None were sure why as they cared for him not, yet the Duchess of York had taken her eldest daughter aside and reassured her that the family would eventually accept him once again. Elizabeth however seemed quite happy with her husband the Earl of Suffolk, especially as he had recovered from illness and sided with Richard during his trial. Margaret was simply pleased to have her siblings around her.

And their sons...Edward was now nineteen and quickly growing into a leader, respected by many of the older Lords for his sunny disposition and fine handsome looks and charm. Edmund too was growing into a man right before her eyes. Showing signs that he had learned much during his time with his father in Ireland, the brothers appeared to be two sides of one very fine coin. If one had any fault (which Cecily could not see) the other complimented it well. And then George and Richard, finally free from fear and once again taking to their studies, both martial and classically.

Though still under great stress, Richard of York showed all pleasantries during the feast and even teased his children. As the servants finally began to clear the tables, Cecily stood and clapped, “A fine time was had by all yet now it is time for your Lord father to retire for the night. He has much still to do.”

“Oh...mayhap one more moment,” the Duke looked to his wife with a plea.

She smiled and kissed his cheek, “On the morrow, husband. My ladies...let us ready for our fast. And George? Take Dickon with you and complete your lessons before bed.”

There was some grumbling, but each child in turn gave nod and kissed their father leaving him with just Edward and Edmund. The three made their way to the well stocked library at Baynards and Richard immediately went to the fire as Edward poured himself and his brother more wine, “Are you sure you would not have one, father?”

“I had hoped to have a peaceful time during the Mass of Christ,” the Duke looked into the flames, “Yet it shall not happen.”

Edmund accepted his cup and looked to his father, “So it is true that the Queen masses a force to the north?”

“Of course it is true,” Edward replied, “Did you think she would give up so easily?”

Richard snorted, “None of them do. Tudor rises up in Wales and harries our own to there, while I am informed that the Duke of Somerset rides out with his own men as well as the Earl of Devon. I am quite certain he brings with him the men he used when he tried for Calais.”

Edmund looked to Edward first before asking, “Yet father, the King is here with us. And has told them to stand down. Does that not make them traitors at the now?”

“You are very bright, Ed,” Richard looked to him, “And sometimes you are naive. As we were never done until this point, neither will they in their efforts.”

“Yet father...” Edmund suggested, “...you hold the royal arms at the now. An ability to raise men under the King’s banner and more to that, the arsenal at the Tower.”

Edward found a chair to sit and crossed a knee, “Had you not backed down to these Lords, father…you might be King yourself.”

“You will never cease!” Richard looked at his son sharply and then back to the fire, “I held little other choice.”

Edmund too looked askance at his brother, “And it was what papa always stated he desired. To be named heir to the King and first voice to Council.”

“I suppose some solace, father,” Edward answered and took a drink.

Richard kicked at the logs with his boot to spark them, “It would come with the position, my sons. One does not undertake this role without knowing others will aim for you.”

“As they would if you were King,” Edward suggested, “Yet at the least you would hold the powers of state behind you.”

Richard did not turn, “Your impatience proves your youth still, sir. One may say that I rule already. In fact, many do and do not care for it as always. Yet I did promise that I would act during this entire ordeal and I did not tell a lie.”

“What mean you to do, papa?” Edmund questioned.

“I shall do what any sovereign would do in the face of rebellion...” Richard replied as he looked to his sons, “...which this very much is. I shall snuff it out.”

“It is to three fronts, it seems to me,” Edmund suggested.

Edward downed his drink and stood to pour another, “Not quite. I am certain that Somerset moves north to meet with the Queen. There is chance you may cut one or the other off before they meet, but once they do...”

“It is all costly, sir” Richard shifted to his eldest son, “Whether it be one battle or three, we must win them all.”

“You require at least two armies, father,” Edward answered, “Many stand down from our landing. While I am certain that cousin Warwick could raise another in time, it seems we have little. Did you not say the Queen was already marching to York?”

Richard narrowed his brow, “She does. And with an army of Scots to her back. That will not sit well in the southern lands. Even with Northumberland and his ilk...the south still hold a great fear of the northern men.”

“Then perhaps we should wait, papa,” Edmund suggested, “Hold for a time while we raise a host, and then be prepared as they march on London.”

Edward held his gaze to his father, “That is not an answer. Is it? If you hold, then Tudor marches over the Severn. You would still maintain two fronts, and much larger than they are right now.”

“Warwick has taught you well,” the Duke finally accepted a cup, “You are true. As before, we may have won a victory but we have not yet won the war.”

Edmund was quick to suggest, “Then send one of us to Wales, papa! Either myself or Ned. I would be proud to take such a command.”

The Duke sipped slowly at his wine while he eyed his eldest son. When he was done, he answered over his shoulder, “I think Ned, sir.”

“Yet papa...” Edmund argued.

“Edward is more experienced, sir,” Richard cut him off, “And mayhap he can waylay Somerset on the way. It is said the Lord was to Bath, but I cannot say how far more he has traveled.”

“I fear it would not be so peaceful if we met in this day,” Edward replied.

“I care not,” Richard answered his son, “One way or the other, it would be a boon to halt his progress.”

Edmund considered, “Perhaps also send the Earl of Warwick. Make it a sure thing.”

“No thing is a sure thing,” Edward smiled at his brother and then looked to the Duke, “And I would surely do whatever is asked of me...father.”

Richard turned back to the fire, “Your tone once again escapes me, sir. In any ways, we needs must have the Earl of Warwick to here in London. This is our power base at the now, and he must hold the King safe. Yet I shall take some guns from the Tower. I know not entirely what to face in the north and whatever else we hold, it must go there.”

“What of the men of Wales, father?” Edward suggested, “If you are truly heir, should you not be Prince to that place?”

“One trouble at a time...” Richard considered it yet then turned with alacrity, “...yet there are some to Wales to be used. Look ye to the Devereux. Also to Herbert. If Warwick’s man says it right, Black William is once again up for the highest bidder.”

Edward skewed a brow, “Can he be trusted?”

“No one can,” the Duke answered with strength, “Yet the men of Wales are loyal to him. If there be fight there, you will want him on your side.”

Edmund seemed to agree but looked to his father, “I can go with him, papa. Keep Ned safe.”

“I need not handling,” Edward stood tall and answered, “In any ways, I should think father would want you with him.”

“Ned...” Edmund looked to his brother, “...I know that you think that I am somehow the favored son, I am not. Papa holds four and he loves us equally. Mayhap differently. Yet all of us nonetheless.”

Edward smiled to his father, “He loves his natural sons, to be sure.”

“By God, Ned!” Richard held strongly to his collar, “Why must you persist?! It is none but rumor and always has been! How could you ever consider your Lady mother in any other way?!!”

The Earl held his smile, “Rumors persist, father. As the Queen must answer for hers, I would very much like to answer for mine. I know that I am an honest man. I always wish to be.”

Richard held a firm look to his son but slowly stepped away. He offered a slim smile and then turned to Edmund, “I would indeed wish you with me, sir. I shall also take the Lord of Salisbury and his son Thomas. We must make out for Sandal on the morn, so be quick about it. Gather what you may.”

As Edmund gave bow and left to pack, Edward looked to his father, “I mean not to peck at you, sir. I simply wish to know the truth about it all.”

“You are now nine and ten, my young Lord,” Richard replied with a brief smile, “And I should think the happiest nineteen years of my life. No matter what I have or ever will accomplish in this life, none could match my first. That, sir...is you. I have raised you and made you into the fine man that you are this day. A man for which to be proud and follow. It is a thing that I singularly lack, my son. And if we be different in almost every manner...then I would have it none other way.”

Edward tried to hold back his emotion as he wiped a quick hand to his eye, “Those are fine words, father. I be not certain that all are honest. Yet I accept them and love you still.”

Richard allowed his son to take a spot again by the fire and sit in silence for a time. He then gave a slight nod and turned to refresh his wine, “We both have a rather large task before us, sir. I trust your actions in every way. If you can treat with Somerest, fine. If not, then you must make for Wales. Seek out the men I tell you. Take Lords Audley and Grey with you.”

“Of course, I will do,” Edward watched the flames of the fire.

Richard took a quick drink and continued, “I shall sally forth and hope those guns will make it from this weather. The roads are terrible.”

The young Earl turned to him, “Do you truly think we will win, father?”

“Why should we not?” Richard looked to his son with shock, “The bitch cannot take her army past the Trent if it be full of Scots and northerners. Every person to here and all over will cry havoc. They already despoil ours lands to the north.”

“Yet it may be large,” Edward suggested.

Richard mused and then answered, “And we shall meet them. Your place is to Wales. We shall do ours and then find each other back to here.”

“None can ever be simple, can it...papa?” Edward stared back at the flames.

The Duke of York looked to his son with a kindness, “I have never found it to be in my lifetime, sir. Yet when I spy your face again...I shall tell you anything you may wish to know. And it will all of it be true.”

 

[HistoryDude]

At least the Yorkists acknowledge that Margaret remains a threat.

Can they use the fact that she's invading with a force of foreign Scots as propaganda?

 

[Bullfilter]

Have been going through a big RL distraction of late and you have been right busy, sir! Just few quick observations on the more recent, climactic (until the wars reset themselves for v1.2, 1.3, 2.0 etc).

Then he scribbled his mark to the page as simply Henry.

At last.

With almost a sigh of relief

He’s not the only one, in universe of in the audience!

We shall write our wife the Queen and tell her that she must bring our son to us in all haste. We shall warn her that if she fails to do so, she will be denounced as a traitor.”

Yes! Heads on blocks required. Maybe quartering for a few of the worst. Margaret can ask for one of those fancy French swordsmen.

Margaret screamed and then promptly moved to pour herself wine

Would that she poured herself, headfirst, into a large barrel of a good Malmsey wine and not emerge for a good while.

“York will respond, my Lady.”

“Indeed he shall,” Margaret returned the grin, “And when he does, we shall defeat him with our might and protect my son and his inheritance. This will not stand. I will NOT allow it!”

Yes: heads on pikes and blocks, peace restored, wars over (for a decade or two, at least), and France back on the menu, boys!

Ps: and then another chapter appeared when I refreshed after posting comment - I’ll end up as addled as Henry! Will have to get to that later.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Win the battles, give the Lords on the queen's side one last chance to back down (no seriously, the king ordered you to heaven to, back off or you'll be branded a traitor) and those who don't, join the queen in the dungeons.

There to be ransomed and accidented away.

 

[El Pip]

Must admit this did ring alarm bells. A military man, surrounded by loving family, making plans for the future and promising to do things when gets back from the wars. Cliche would suggest York is a dead man walking. He may be fighting Margaret and the Tudors, but his greatest enemy is narrative convention.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Must admit this did ring alarm bells. A military man, surrounded by loving family, making plans for the future and promising to do things when gets back from the wars. Cliche would suggest York is a dead man walking. He may be fighting Margaret and the Tudors, but his greatest enemy is narrative convention.

He's bascially fulfilled his narrative function now, and Edward is in a place where he will ambitiously and ruthlessly go for the crown, and even has the claim of the current king backing him up.

Does mean the war of the Roses goes on and gets bloodied instead of stopping once the Queen dies but...eh. drama + OTL history.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

At least the Yorkists acknowledge that Margaret remains a threat.

Can they use the fact that she's invading with a force of foreign Scots as propaganda?

You bet they will. Anything and everything to use against her.

Have been going through a big RL distraction of late and you have been right busy, sir! Just few quick observations on the more recent, climactic (until the wars reset themselves for v1.2, 1.3, 2.0 etc).

At last.

He’s not the only one, in universe of in the audience!

Yes! Heads on blocks required. Maybe quartering for a few of the worst. Margaret can ask for one of those fancy French swordsmen.

Would that she poured herself, headfirst, into a large barrel of a good Malmsey wine and not emerge for a good while.

Yes: heads on pikes and blocks, peace restored, wars over (for a decade or two, at least), and France back on the menu, boys!

Ps: and then another chapter appeared when I refreshed after posting comment - I’ll end up as addled as Henry! Will have to get to that later.

Great to see you catch up even with RL stuff going on. Heaven knows, I work at a fast pace. If you wait until the end of the weekend, you'll likely get the rest of the chapter in one full brush. And I don't think it is too much spoiler to say that heads will be on pikes and blocks. The question is...whose heads? We'll have to wait on the Malmsey.

Win the battles, give the Lords on the queen's side one last chance to back down (no seriously, the king ordered you to heaven to, back off or you'll be branded a traitor) and those who don't, join the queen in the dungeons.

There to be ransomed and accidented away.

There was never a chance that Margaret would agree or even pay attention to the orders of the King regardless of who has the crown. Just won't happen.

Must admit this did ring alarm bells. A military man, surrounded by loving family, making plans for the future and promising to do things when gets back from the wars. Cliche would suggest York is a dead man walking. He may be fighting Margaret and the Tudors, but his greatest enemy is narrative convention.

I'll have to be careful how I answer this without giving away spoilers. Let's just say that as mentioned before - GRRM Martin based much of his SOIAF work on this period and these characters. For that reason, I rather purposely mirrored some of that in the scene above. As well, for those that know the real history here will be ahead of those that do not. As you suggested before...December is coming.

I will, of course, discuss this more after the next chapter (so remind me) but while I am not attempting any cliches, they are cliches for a reason. And much like rules, they are meant to be broken.

He's bascially fulfilled his narrative function now, and Edward is in a place where he will ambitiously and ruthlessly go for the crown, and even has the claim of the current king backing him up.

Does mean the war of the Roses goes on and gets bloodied instead of stopping once the Queen dies but...eh. drama + OTL history.

I'd rather say the equation is (OTL history + Drama) / my brain = this work. Hopefully. But then again, I don't do the maths so good.