The Wars of the Roses

[TheButterflyComposer]

How much of Wales do the Yorkists control? Is anyone supporting the queen?

I wonder if the addition of his children to the House of Lords will mean anything.

Makes him a lot more attractive a bet because the succession is secure and in time, the king will have sons and later brothers who are all supportive and powerful Lords in their own right.

He's basically doing exactly what he should do just before triumph, promise a lot of rewards to his key supporters.

He may also keep up such rewarding with later good behaviour from current uncertain, neutral or less hostile enemies, as there is much of Wales, Ireland and even Scotland and France to carve up yet.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

How much of Wales do the Yorkists control? Is anyone supporting the queen?

I wonder if the addition of his children to the House of Lords will mean anything.

Wales is/was basically controlled through three powers - York, Stafford and Beaufort along with crown lands with native Welsh supporting one or the other. With Beaufort (and Jasper Tudor) fled, the Yorkists have the upper hand now, especially as Richard has named Black William Herbert Earl of Pembroke in place of the attained Jasper. That is likely why Richard has named young Henry Tudor as ward of Black William. It keeps Sir Henry Stafford/Margaret Beaufort in check.

As to the second part, TBC has that about right below.

Makes him a lot more attractive a bet because the succession is secure and in time, the king will have sons and later brothers who are all supportive and powerful Lords in their own right.

He's basically doing exactly what he should do just before triumph, promise a lot of rewards to his key supporters.

He may also keep up such rewarding with later good behaviour from current uncertain, neutral or less hostile enemies, as there is much of Wales, Ireland and even Scotland and France to carve up yet.

It really is one of the biggest things York has going for him. Not only is he a good administrator (as he proved while Lord Protector) but also has a fine brood of children even after the death of Edward. Much more stability. And indeed, to the victor go the spoils. Especially as you mention, there is more on the plate ahead.

 

[coz1]

Penshurst Place, August 1461​

“My Lady...you cannot!” Margaret Beaufort cried as she held tightly, “He is my son!”

Cecily Neville tried to comfort her, “You may try Your Grace, madam...and I am afraid that it is the King’s wish.”

“He is my only child!” Margaret pleaded.

The Duchess now Queen pressed firmly, “He is of the blood royal and should hold a household of his own. Is that not what you may desire? Lord Herbert is a fine guardian and will teach him in the ways of the Welsh. My Lord husband sees that as his future.”

Margaret held just as closely, “My Lady...please!”

“You will hush yourself!” Cecily became firm, “Who may choose what happens to their children? Mine own is deceased! Keep yourself, woman!”

“I nursed him to health!”

Cecily smiled, “And we are thankful for that.”

“Henry!” Margaret looked to her husband.

Sir Henry only bowed to Cecily, “His Grace is most proper in his judgment.”

“Very good,” she answered with a nod before calling forth her men, “See the boy packed and on to Pembroke, sirs. My Lord husband the King has provided generously.”

Young Henry was near to four years in age and Margaret held to him tightly as she bent to a knee before him and tried not to cry as she spoke, “My sweet child. You must behave yourself and do as these good men say. I promise that I shall see you as often as I might. Be not afraid.”

“Yes, madam,” he replied simply and kissed her cheek.

Margaret did finally begin to cry as Henry was led away and Cecily appeared comforting, “Now, now...be not so tearful, dear girl. He will be well cared for as befits his station. I am of a notion to press my husband to see your child named Earl of Richmond as was his father before him. Is that not something that you would like?”

“Yes...yes, of course,” Lady Beaufort brushed away a tear, “I have longed for it.”

“Then it is settled,” the new Queen offered a hug, “Now be of good cheer and pride.”

Cecily offered her a kiss also and then moved to leave. Yet she turned again and waited. It took a few moments before Margaret and Sir Henry realized it before offering belated bows. She then gave nod and left the couple to themselves.

Sir Henry was first to speak, “There was no other choice. Richard is right in. Undoubted King and he already gives preference. Few may believe that they stripped Jasper Tudor of his titles when he was attained just for them to be given to that blackguard Herbert.”

“I fear it is punishment for us as we did not show our favor early enough,” Margaret turned away and held to herself.

“Yet we did not go against him nor give comfort to the Queen,” Sir Henry answered.

Margaret turned and pointed towards the door, “That is the Queen. Do not forget it.”

“I know it well, madam,” Sir Henry replied as he moved to her, “His Grace holds well my words and asks for them often.”

She narrowed her brow, “Did he ask you about this?”

“No,” Sir Henry was firm, “It was not a question.”

Sadness fell over her face as she looked out the window in pain, “I am forever to be forlorn from father to son. God does test me.”

“My Lady...” Sir Henry tried to comfort her, “...you did say and I will assist you in every way...we shall see him often. If he is raised to Richmond, he and we are that much the better. And I am promised that his annuity is more than adequate. This is preferment. You must look at it as such.”

She remained cold to his touch as she continued to stare out the window, “Do not forget my last name, sir. My cousin of Somerset is also attained and in hiding. His brothers are also on the run and the youngest was only just now released to his poor mother. Anyone holding the Beaufort name is at risk and my son is as much Beaufort as any other.”

“Surely the King would not harm a four year old boy,” Sir Henry suggested, “And the remembrance of his own son causes him to be much forgiving and understanding.”

Margaret thought about it for a time and then showed a raised brow, “I did note a kindness to Edmund...his son. Mayhap I should write to him and show our appreciation. It would be good to have an ally.”

Sir Henry offered a nod, “Fine advice, my dear. And I suppose he’s now the Prince.”

“Yes...I suppose,” she considered it.

He then pulled her closer and kissed her cheek, “Come now, Margaret...let us do as the Queen says and be of good cheer.”

“Yes...” she offered a weak smile, “...yes indeed.”

 

[Rensslaer]

@coz1 so now I am on page 62 of 78 at present. Closing in. And we've just begun your 10 posts in 10 days at Northampton - an exciting time!

The King intends to treat or fight... Or both. The suggested marriage with Isabella is hanging on the result. The Queen schemes, as always.

I'm on the edge of my seat.

Some magnificent scenes leading up to here. I've probably read 6 or 8 of them today alone. I loved the feedback to feedback where you mentioned your drama background and noting motivation for each character. Also that your scenes are written like a movie script, which is how I did my scenes in Fire Warms. I approve.

Thank you!

Rensslaer

 

[Rensslaer]

Oh, and the King's army setting up for battle in a swamp... That's sounds like the beginning of a military horror story.

Is that historical? Granted it sounds like they don't have a lot of choice. I trust that high ground might be less beset, but...

I mean the weather affects both sides. But it limits mobility. Whoever knows the last of the land best might prevail.

Anyway. <shivers>

Rensslaer

 

[HistoryDude]

An alliance with Edmund would be politically advantageous...

A Tudor is attained? Really? That's a risky move that encourages them to rebel, isn't it?

What's Margaret of Anjou doing in all of this?

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

@coz1 so now I am on page 62 of 78 at present. Closing in. And we've just begun your 10 posts in 10 days at Northampton - an exciting time!

The King intends to treat or fight... Or both. The suggested marriage with Isabella is hanging on the result. The Queen schemes, as always.

I'm on the edge of my seat.

Some magnificent scenes leading up to here. I've probably read 6 or 8 of them today alone. I loved the feedback to feedback where you mentioned your drama background and noting motivation for each character. Also that your scenes are written like a movie script, which is how I did my scenes in Fire Warms. I approve.

Thank you!

Rensslaer

Excited to see you get so much closer. Not far now.

Oh, and the King's army setting up for battle in a swamp... That's sounds like the beginning of a military horror story.

Is that historical? Granted it sounds like they don't have a lot of choice. I trust that high ground might be less beset, but...

I mean the weather affects both sides. But it limits mobility. Whoever knows the last of the land best might prevail.

Anyway. <shivers>

Rensslaer

The Battle of Northampton is written from the historical record. It had rained for days and is one of those battles that weather definitely played a part.

An alliance with Edmund would be politically advantageous...

A Tudor is attained? Really? That's a risky move that encourages them to rebel, isn't it?

What's Margaret of Anjou doing in all of this?

Well, there really is only one real Tudor right now so it's not like a large number will rise in rebellion. That said, it would be better to have Jasper in custody. As for Margaret...we'll get to her soon enough.

 

[El Pip]

Catch up on the last two chapters. A slightly wobbly moment in the bath with Warwick, something that will probably require handling with more finesse than Richard possess. I'd say he needs a good Lord Chancellor type figure to handle such things but that sort of very close relationship can only really be handled one-on-one. From a character point of view it is good to see Black William still managing to rise to the top, though I still haven't forgiven him for not killing Margaret when he had the chance.

And so to Wales, a phrase never said with enthusiasm by anyone. By the end Margaret B has perhaps started to realise she is getting off very lightly compared to what could have happened, maybe a small sign of progress.

 

[Bullfilter]

That was not what the Earl of Warwick expected and it showed. King Richard looked to him with a curious eye, “Do you find that a trouble?”

It won’t just be Warwick who may find trouble in the future, if Richard demonstrates his usual lack of finesse.

Anyone holding the Beaufort name is at risk and my son is as much Beaufort as any other.

True. Threat and opportunity.

“I did note a kindness to Edmund...his son. Mayhap I should write to him and show our appreciation. It would be good to have an ally.”

Will we have another Queen Margaret down the track? Or will a third husband be a bit too much of a reach?

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Catch up on the last two chapters. A slightly wobbly moment in the bath with Warwick, something that will probably require handling with more finesse than Richard possess. I'd say he needs a good Lord Chancellor type figure to handle such things but that sort of very close relationship can only really be handled one-on-one. From a character point of view it is good to see Black William still managing to rise to the top, though I still haven't forgiven him for not killing Margaret when he had the chance.

We did not think things would go entirely smoothly for Warwick, did we? For an ambitious man like the Earl, some things are never good enough. It must smart to see so many given preferment after everything he did (and lost) for Richard to gain the throne.

And so to Wales, a phrase never said with enthusiasm by anyone. By the end Margaret B has perhaps started to realise she is getting off very lightly compared to what could have happened, maybe a small sign of progress.

One thing that fascinates me about Margaret Beaufort was her ability to "survive" for as long as she did despite the changes surrounding her.

It won’t just be Warwick who may find trouble in the future, if Richard demonstrates his usual lack of finesse.

Of course, now that he is King he does not have to convince nearly as much. Sod it if people don't like it.

True. Threat and opportunity.

Will we have another Queen Margaret down the track? Or will a third husband be a bit too much of a reach?

Considering that she had 4 in OTL, why not?

 

[Rensslaer]

Still catching up steadily.

So... The death of Buckingham. It is sad. He's been a noble and true counselor. He had tried at times to tell the King what he needed to hear, though such advice was not taken. Loyal to a fault. I have difficulty blaming him - that's what the times taught. And always honorable and fair. Maybe less toward the end. It was remarked that he's been fooling himself.

I didn't see anyone remark upon the previous scene and Norfolk taking sides. Am I mistaking that he sent his own soldiers in? Or was this an agent? Still - if I recall correctly Norfolk was the one hanging in the background. "I am your man ... when you win." Yes? Interesting and thrilling to see him enter the action.

Rensslaer

 

[coz1]

Still catching up steadily.

So... The death of Buckingham. It is sad. He's been a noble and true counselor. He had tried at times to tell the King what he needed to hear, though such advice was not taken. Loyal to a fault. I have difficulty blaming him - that's what the times taught. And always honorable and fair. Maybe less toward the end. It was remarked that he's been fooling himself.

I didn't see anyone remark upon the previous scene and Norfolk taking sides. Am I mistaking that he sent his own soldiers in? Or was this an agent? Still - if I recall correctly Norfolk was the one hanging in the background. "I am your man ... when you win." Yes? Interesting and thrilling to see him enter the action.

Rensslaer

Indeed, Norfolk has been hanging back until that moment but took the chance to rid himself of a bother, namely his step-father Lord Beaumont. Perhaps his mother might gain more inheritance.

 

[coz1]

Blackness Castle, Scotland, October 1461​

She looked to her face in the dirty mirror and traced the lines that started to cross her brow and under her eyes. Each one a reminder of all that she had been through. She would be thirty and two in less than six months and wondered if she would still be beautiful. Would she still be alive?

A knock came to her door and Margaret was quick to pinch her cheeks and reach for her wine, “Entre!”

Bishop Booth entered and offered bow, “Your Grace, the Queen of Scotland would wish to know if you have found your lodgings desirable.”

“I am certain that she does,” Margaret replied as she held her own gaze, “Yet I wonder where is the King? He did tell me to bring him one last I was to here and that I do. And he is not here.”

“Yet he is generous at any rate,” the Bishop gestured to the chamber, “Has done all he might to see to the comfort of yourself and His Grace King Henry.”

Margaret started to cry but pinched herself again, “Speak not to me of him.”

“Of course,” he answered.

Yet she turned with swiftness, “Where is he?”

“He is to the chapel, madam. With Prince Edward.”

“Mon Dieu!” Margaret looked back to herself and sighed, “He will poison my son.”

Bishop Booth held to his papers, “The Prince does quite well to here in our short time, my Lady. He grows strong. A life in both church and state should follow him, I think.”

“And how do you propose we go about that?” she questioned with defeat, “Tell me, my Lord Bishop...what have we here?”

Booth bowed his head, “My Lady, you are far from undone. If I have ever seen a stronger woman to my lifetime, then I have not seen a one. I find word from the Lord of Somerset that he is received by both French and Burgundian courts. He would not be there unless of you. And the King of Scotland, be to your presence or no, does love you.”

“You paint a picture of a rose, sir,” Margaret felt to her cheeks, “We went into this with support all around. And now? Northumberland is dead and his son sits to the Tower. Devon executed. Wiltshire? The fool! All hope we had to the north...to the west? It is gone. Even Tudor hides. They all hide if they support us.”

“Yet that means that they do still support you, Your Grace,” Booth replied, “And not all are in hiding. While some have been attained and stripped of their lands, this new King does pardon many...”

When she turned with a wicked eye, the Bishop altered his speech, “This false King, my Lady.”

“There is not one that supported that holds any power at the now,” she stated plainly, “They are of no use.”

The Bishop tapped his notes, “Ah...not mayhap a supporter, madam, yet one that did not take a side.”

“Speak not to me of Stanleys and Staffords, sir!” Margaret stood, “Vultures waiting for their scraps!”

“No, madam...” he paused, “...I think of more de Vere to Oxford.”

Margaret laughed, “Did he not sign to this damnable Accord? And I did not notice him when forces were arrayed.”

“He is no longer a young man, my Lady,” Booth instructed, “And he is careful. Yet I do also know that he and the Duke of Norfolk hold competing interests in East Anglia and have for some time. As it appears that Norfolk does finally take a side...”

She looked over the Bishop’s shoulder, “Did we ever doubt?”

“And so you may see at least one, Your Grace,” Booth answered, “He is also respected.”

Margaret sighed as she looked back to him, “I suppose it is something. May we reach out to him...discreetly?”

He gave nod, “I assure you, Your Grace. Sir Ralph Percy still holds to Bamburgh and I remain with mine own to Durham. If word needs must be sent, then we shall do so for your very worth.”

“I wish Somerset were here,” she answered as she sat back to the dressing table and held to her wine, “Yet...maybe not. He is so upset.”

Bishop Booth gave bow, “We all are, madam.”

Margaret sighed again, “Very well. Send off this word to the Earl of Oxford. Let us see what he may say?”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

The Yorks need to rally round and ride up north fairly promptly. Strike while the iron is hot and their enemies are in complete disarray.

 

[coz1]

The Yorks need to rally round and ride up north fairly promptly. Strike while the iron is hot and their enemies are in complete disarray.

It would be a good idea. Though there are some competing thoughts on this. To wit...

 

[coz1]

Westminster, January 1462​

The Earl of Warwick stood there and stared for a long time. King Richard had commissioned a portrait painted of his first son Edward soon after the death but as the artist did not have the subject in front of him, it was little more than a suggestion of his cousin. In fact, it did not resemble Ned at all. It had been nearly a year since his death, but the Earl could clearly see his sunny face as perfectly as his own hand before him. Such a waste, he thought to himself.

“All would have followed you, my Lord.”

“What was that, sir?” Richard questioned as he entered the solar.

Warwick turned and offered a bow, “No thing, Your Grace. Was just pondering the portrait.”

“Terrible likeness,” the King moved to his desk and tossed down some papers in disgust, “I should have the man hanged.”

“None would blame you, sire,” the Earl allowed.

Richard shrugged, “I would, yet I hope to be conciliatory. Especially as my daughter gives birth. I should be a happy grandfather.”

“That is glorious news, Your Grace,” Warwick smiled, “What does Lady Anne call the child?”

“For herself,” he answered, “Thanks be to God that it was a daughter or she might have named another Henry.”

The Earl chuckled, “Then you are twice blessed.”

“I shall be soon enough,” the King bent to read over some few papers, “My Lillibet is with issue herself and should give birth some time soon.”

Warwick gave nod, “I am certain that the Queen is overjoyed. She has shown a great loss these months and this should pull her fully from her torpor.”

“Yet who or what shall pull me from mine?” Richard questioned as he bent close to the fire to read a document, “It seems far too many leave us than arrive.”

“Alas, poor Norfolk,” the Earl shifted to pour a goblet of wine, “It seemed that his end was too swift.”

“The man was barely forty and five, sir,” Richard looked up briefly with a sharp eye before returning to his reading, “It was a cruel twist of fate, his illness. He was valued well.”

Warwick allowed a nod, “We should all hope to court value, sire.”

“Then why have you not located the Duke of Exeter, my Lord?” Richard stood taller, “At last notice he was to Scotland with the Queen and yet the man calling himself Duke of Somerset is received in continental courts. Far too many continue to run around and cause mischief. And Holland now has a child...can you believe it?”

The Earl grinned, “He was never impotent, Your Grace. Recall that his bastard child did find you and give rescue.”

“Do not remind me,” the King shifted to a settle and rested his weight, “I should not have lived to see the death of my son. That wound remains far too fresh.”

Warwick stepped closer, “I think for many of us, uncle. Though we found victory, it was at great cost. As you miss your son, I mourn my father still. I did never think that I would, yet...I rather find silence now when I should wish his persistent advice.”

“Damnable man,” Richard mused as he looked to the fire, “Salisbury never did hold his tongue.”

“No,” the Earl agreed with a smile, “He did not.”

Richard stood again and picked up one of his papers, “Yet he would not rest idle. What think you of this? Our new King of Burgundy has declared war upon Savoy. He cites excommunication as his casus belli.”

“I think it more to do with Louis le Dauphin, sire,” Warwick suggested as he took the note and studied it, “Louis is married to Charlotte of Savoy. There may have been a falling out between friends.”

Richard skewed an eye, “Or le Dauphin wishes to take what he wants of his wife’s heritage and uses Charles as assistance. You know these two better than I. What is their game?”

“I could not say, uncle,” Warwick handed the note back and gave honest answer, “We were led to believe that the court of Burgundy would be open to your accession, and yet we have been closed off from them since Charles gained his own crown.”

“I like it not,” the King slapped the mantle, “It was hoped to find them to our side when we attack for Normandy.”

Warwick gave nod, “Yet they are but one, sire. Champagne thrives and is a natural enemy of Burgundy and France. Your policy has always been to keep all close and yet divided.”

“It was not my policy but yours, sir,” Richard looked to him sharply, “Much good has it done.”

“This Duke...this so-called King...” the Earl answered, “...has always been his own man. As you are, Your Grace. He may remain sore that we slow walked the match of his daughter Mary to Edward. Or that you did then pre-contract Edward to Isabella of Castile.”

Richard did not like the answer, “It’s all rather moot now, is it not? There is no Edward to marry.”

“No, uncle...yet you do hold other sons,” Warwick replied, “And I did report that Louis was interested in a match of his son François to your Lady Margaret.”

The King laughed, “Well that won’t happen. I don’t think his father will ever die at any rate, but if I am to take back Normandy, I need not another French marriage.”

“Yet Edmund, sire...” the Earl tried to tease from him, “...is of age and needing of a wife. He is eighteen, uncle.”

Richard scoffed, “And the girl Mary is naught but four! Better she be matched with George...or Dickon even.”

“On that note, sire, I rather hoped to match George with my daughter Isabel,” Warwick replied, “He grows to three and ten and she is very close at eleven.”

The King narrowed his brow, “A sneaky way of putting it to me, sir. Do you not gain preference enough? Have I not tasked you with and given you fully the reins in the north? Do you not show dazzling abundance with my leave? You would wish to bind yourself to this House more closely?”

“You mistake me, Your Grace,” Warwick bowed, “It was merely a thought due to their ages and place. Of course a foreign marriage is more appropriate and useful.”

Richard shifted back to his desk and sat, “I shall have to consider George and Richard...and Margaret for that matter. Yet Edmund...I think to hold Castile to their bargain. This Isabella is now ten or thereabouts and if we are to move against France, we should need Castilian assistance in the south. I hear already of rebellion to Bordeaux. Easily snuffed out, but we have not the time nor energy to spare in that place when we are needed to Normandy.”

“And to Scotland, it seems,” the Earl of Warwick produced a letter from his sleeve, “The main reason for my coming. While we contend with Exeter or Somerset to places elsewhere, Margaret of Anjou continues in her efforts to here, Your Grace. From her hiding in Scotland, she has reached out.”

The King took the letter and read before looking up with an unkind eye, “This is de Vere?”

“Indeed, sire,” Warwick gave nod, “The Earl of Oxford has never been particularly kind to you and...it appears that he has accepted the call.”

“How do you come by this?” Richard questioned in disbelief.

Warwick allowed a smile, “If I do nothing for you, Your Grace, it is to root out these pretenders. It is somewhat bittersweet to suggest...yet the Lord of Norfolk’s death may have allowed our finding. One Sir Thomas Tuddenham.”

“I know him,” Richard allowed, “A scoundrel, yet holds many lands in East Anglia and Norfolk.”

Warwick gave nod, “Indeed. And often at odds with the Earl of Oxford these many years.”

“Was Suffolk’s man back in the day,” the King suggested.

The Earl continued, “The very one. And has now found a new benefactor with the death of Norfolk. This letter was taken from him as he rode north with a William Tyrell and one John Montgomery. If proof is needed for the plot, it is here.”

Richard read the letter again before looking up with anger, “She thinks to host an army again from Scotland as she raises Oxford to her side? She must be mad!”

“It is a precarious situation, sire,” Warwick explained, “The north is not yet put down and Percy remains. So too my cousins to Neville. I have placed my brother John to it, but they remain restless. If you were to include whatever Jasper Tudor may bring with him...”

The King waved a hand, “I fear him not. Herbert does well to Wales and keeps the Tudor boy under hold.”

“That’s as may be, Your Grace...yet I may only counsel that it be no good thing to have one of your liege Lords conspiring with the Queen of whores,” the Earl replied.

“I cannot believe it,” Richard slapped a hand to his desk, “Oxford is an old fool. He never rides out. Always claims an illness.”

Warwick held up the letter, “Yet this proves that he does commit. He and his son Aubrey de Vere. It is promised by these words.”

King Richard fumed as he considered it and finally answered, “I have tried to be conciliatory. Pardoned many...Hungerford and Latimer...even Baron Rivers. I hold the Percy boy to the Tower yet he lives as if a King. In my very apartments! I even gave pardon to young Beaumont!”

“And Lord Hastings is grateful for his largess at their expense, sire,” Warwick allowed.

Richard showed a stern eye, “He may be, yet mayhap I have been too kind.”

“I would not say, Your Grace,” Warwick replied, “Yet all required is for you to speak your word and I shall call for the Earl of Worcester. As Constable, he shall root it out further and find out the truth. I believe him to be more than happy to do so, sire.”

“Yes...” Richard considered, “...Tiptoft would certainly do the work. Yet I should not like to harm the Earl himself.”

Warwick questioned, “Even if he is a traitor?”

“Very well,” the King finally allowed it, “Call them in and do the thing. We shall find out. If de Vere is guilty, then we shall know it.”

The Earl bowed, “I shall make word at once.”

As he moved from the solar, King Richard called out, “And nephew...no more on this business of Georgie and your daughter. It is too close in any way. We shall find her a proper match.”

The Earl of Warwick bowed again and left with grumbling under his breath. Edward would have allowed it.

 

[HistoryDude]

Oh, does Warwick have a spy network? That could prove very useful - especially since it doesn't look like Margaret knows about it.

On the other hand, this news of Burgundy is interesting. A marriage with Mary would be good, especially if she is her father's only heir. Burgundy's new relations with Somerset are worrying. We wouldn't want to let Margaret's children inherit Burgundy, would we?

 

[El Pip]

I fully understand Richard's priorities and even sympathise with them, war with/in/to France is a noble aim that unites every Englishman worthy of the name. And yet, I fear he is trying to run before he has walked. The Queen of Whores (excellent naming from Warwick) needs to be dealt with, ideally by a full trial and traitors death to prove she was a wrong un and flush out some of her supporters, because she absolutely would get angry and start ranting names. Her trial would also be a chance to make it legal and official her son is indeed a bastard, now that doesn't remove the threat entirely but Kings named Richard have historically known what to do about inconvenient children with rival claims to the throne, so I'm sure he will think of something.

Another little crack in the relationship with Warwick, not entirely Richard's fault I feel. Edward was still a mostly blank canvas who Warwick can imagine would do anything, it is hard to be compared to an imagined perfection. Mildly surprising that Richard is handling it better than Warwick but it makes for an interesting dynamic I suppose.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Castile turning against France? And, unless Enrique IV of Castile has a male son, soon there is going to be a charming civil war around la Beltraneja...

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Oh, does Warwick have a spy network? That could prove very useful - especially since it doesn't look like Margaret knows about it.

On the other hand, this news of Burgundy is interesting. A marriage with Mary would be good, especially if she is her father's only heir. Burgundy's new relations with Somerset are worrying. We wouldn't want to let Margaret's children inherit Burgundy, would we?

Never forget Sir Fulk. He's still out there and taking stock for his master.

Warwick is definitely considering the marriage game. York's intentions are nearly single minded at the moment.

I fully understand Richard's priorities and even sympathise with them, war with/in/to France is a noble aim that unites every Englishman worthy of the name. And yet, I fear he is trying to run before he has walked. The Queen of Whores (excellent naming from Warwick) needs to be dealt with, ideally by a full trial and traitors death to prove she was a wrong un and flush out some of her supporters, because she absolutely would get angry and start ranting names. Her trial would also be a chance to make it legal and official her son is indeed a bastard, now that doesn't remove the threat entirely but Kings named Richard have historically known what to do about inconvenient children with rival claims to the throne, so I'm sure he will think of something.

Another little crack in the relationship with Warwick, not entirely Richard's fault I feel. Edward was still a mostly blank canvas who Warwick can imagine would do anything, it is hard to be compared to an imagined perfection. Mildly surprising that Richard is handling it better than Warwick but it makes for an interesting dynamic I suppose.

York might be underestimating Margaret (as he has often done.) He really wants Normandy back as he told the Lords when he took the crown.

And indeed, I liked that little bit at the end where Warwick thinks that Edward would have allowed a thing that we know IRL, he certainly did not.

Castile turning against France? And, unless Enrique IV of Castile has a male son, soon there is going to be a charming civil war around la Beltraneja...

Has Castile ever been for France?