The Wars of the Roses

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

From the Tower of London you can see a bit of England...

This made me spit my drink.

The more relevant question is, was she ever actually alive on the inside? I'm leaning no.

I suppose that depends upon the definition of "alive" as she certainly did live and well...in her mind.

Speaking of dead on the inside, Jasper Tudor clearly can't have that healthy a brain if he's still trying to be friendly with Margaret. Any possible benefit from those remaining spies is surely out-weighed by the fact everyone hates her and she will drive away more support than she will bring.

A lot of the reason Jasper has not featured much lately is that he is in hiding. He really doesn't want to be seen with any party. You could say that he is keeping his options open. Especially now that Cecily has control of his nephew.

Wait, Margaret still has spies in England? It looks like Richard needs to do a little... purging.

What pope is the Duke of Anjou ranting against?

The one that excommunicated him, of course. That was quite some time ago.

And there will always be spies.

If by spies they mean people who will talk to them...and by strong chance she will be queen again they mean not a hope in hell.

The question now is not if Henry gets the throne back, it's how long before all three get killed. And who Warwick would therefore back if he feels he's on the outs with Edmund.

No one with any sense (so anyone not currently being the former queen's lover) thinks she is a viable party anymore.

There were plenty of people back in this period that would "hold their powder" knowing that their true loyalties were still with Henry (and thus Margaret.)

There probably is a faction of people who know they are in serious disfavour (or worse) with Richard and so will back any rival, there are also those who still take their oaths seriously and so feel loyalty to Henry and his cause. John Morton from the previous scene is probably a mix of both, and his OTL trajectory proves it is not a stupid hope, he was in exile with Margaret but ended up as Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry VII.

That said conditions are far less favourable here so I agree it is much more likely to end badly, I also agree that if it was just Margaret alone then she would have no support at all. But while Henry and 'his' son still live she can probably find some support by pretending she is advancing their cause, however to be clear Jasper Tudor is still an idiot for backing her. He's not the loyal sort and not in so much trouble with Richard he needs to take such a desperate gamble.

And Dr. Morton is indeed a good example of this type of person. Or at least will be when he returns to England.

Yes but that's Chad Tudor and his amazing habit of making former enemies into loyal and competent administrators.

Here, Jasper Tudor is banging his head against the wall and hoping the extremely loyal and consistent former Queen (definitely) will reward him for his treason.

Again...Chad?

Always good to be reminded there's a pot boiling somewhere... and a woman that wants to put Richard's head in it.

Rensslaer

There is reason that this is called "Wars" of the Roses and not "War."

That conjures a pleasant picture .

Does Margaret truly inspire such loyalty or is it more like faux-loyalty because everyone involved fears the wrath of Richard?

Again I think it has much to do with loyalty to Henry and Margaret remains a pretty picture even with her losses. Yet some might still be inspired by her supposed strength when this began even if it ended up like this. Sure, there are plenty that know that their lives are over if they ever see Richard. But some still hold out hope for a return of Henry VI as King and see Richard as an usurper.

 

[coz1]

Baynard’s Castle, March 1465​

The Earl of Warwick bounded into the great hall at Baynard’s expecting a heroes welcome but the amount of people mingling around drowned out his entrance. Musicians played to the balcony and many were dancing to the center of the hall as noble Lords and Ladies stood speaking by the many hearths and tables.

Lord Wenlock nearly bumped into him from behind, “I did try to catch you, my Lord. The Queen has invited many for the victorious celebrations and there has been a throng for the past fortnight. You were too restless when you arrived and I was unable to tell you...”

“I may see it for myself, sir,” Warwick sighed and looked over the room.

“Ah, cousin!” a voice called from the crowd and Edmund finally parted two very pretty ladies to take the few steps to greet him, “You were too long in coming!”

“There was business still to the north,” the Earl offered a bow, “Yet it is now arranged. The treaty with the Scots is complete and nary a Percy shall be found, though I would love another chance at them should they wish.”

The Prince smiled and threw an arm over Warwick’s shoulder, “You have done us all well, cousin. We all do thank you. Mama would wish to see you, I know. She is to the solar with my sisters.”

“And when does your father return?” the Earl walked with Edmund as they fetched some wine, “It has been more than some time.”

Edmund gestured for Warwick to take the first offered cup, “There is still much to do within Normandy and he would see to it all. You know papa.”

“He should be very proud of his reward,” Warwick looked again over the crowd, “Tis a shame that he does not receive it here. Many do celebrate. Has the Queen considered the treasury in all of this?”

The Prince laughed, “You may ask her yourself when you see her.”

“To be entirely my pleasure, I am sure,” Warwick showed only a slight grin, “Yet I should pay my respects. However...do you not wish to see your intended? While the King remains abroad, so too does this Princess of Castile.”

Edmund looked away and played it off, “I think to love her fondly at a distance, cousin. I may yet not be ready for the spoils of war.”

“You grow no younger, sir,” the Earl leaned in close, “And she will grow older.”

“I had thought you against the match,” Edmund kept his eyes to the hall.

The Earl held a hand to his arm, “It is a moot point now, cousin. Your father has won his victory and there be no need for a French match, nor one with Burgundy.”

“For now,” Edmund gave him quick nod and then gestured, “Yet look here, cousin. Be fine and greet our Lord Rivers. I do believe you have met.”

“Of course we have,” the aged Baron stepped forward and gave bow, “The Earl knows me well. Harangued me on more than one occasion.”

Warwick lifted his chin with disdain, “So did this one’s brother. And it was entirely deserved.”

Lord Rivers showed a smile, “Yet those bad old days are over, are they not?”

“For most,” Warwick offered a haughty reply, “For those that lost their heads.”

Prince Edmund held out a hand, “I requested to be kind, cousin. Lord Rivers does pledge his worth and my father would take it with all pardon given.”

“My deepest thanks, my Lord Prince,” Rivers bowed again and then reached out his hand, “As does all of my family. You do recall my daughter Elizabeth?”

“Lady Grey?” Edmund reddened in the face as he grinned.

She remained a beauty even as a widow with two young sons. Lord River’s eldest daughter had for some time tried to ingratiate herself at court for any sort of recompense at the loss of her Lord husband. While her Baron father still maintained some wealth after the battles, the Woodville family was large and Duchess Jacquetta took up a large amount of his savings.

Elizabeth dipped her head with a pretty smile and Edmund gathered himself, “I have not spied your face since before the war, my Lady. Yet it does remain as beauteous as a fresh flower.”

“You flatter, my Prince,” she bowed, “Yet we are all so happy that you have returned.”

Warwick sighed, “Yes. We are all returned. Now...lest you desire to knock over a fruit stand later in the evening in which the Prince may be of some assistance...then run along. I would speak with him.”

She showed confusion but Edmund saved her, “You are naughty, cousin. I be certain that Lady Grey has quite some few words for my ears. I would hear them. Should you not visit mama and hear hers? The Queen does not like to be kept waiting. You know this.”

Lord Rivers did not waste the chance and ushered them into the crowd leaving the Earl to stew in contempt. Wenlock peaked over his shoulder, “You have been gone for some time, my Lord. The Lady Cecily...the Queen...she does rule the roost.”

“One should expect no less,” Warwick muttered.

Wenlock continued, “Yet be of good cheer for I hold someone that has words for you. Good words, my Lord.”

The Earl turned and in the shadows of the hall, Sir Fulk stood silently. Only for a moment before shifting behind the curtain. Warwick did not take a beat before following. As he exited the hall, Fulk stood next to a brazier burning to the hallway. The great spy dropped his cowl and grinned, “Greetings from utopia, my Lord. You have been well away.”

“So everyone reminds me,” the Earl leaned in close, “Now tell me what I do not know?”

Fulk gave a slight bow, “We have not lost track of all that we survey, my Lord. Your assets remain secure and the King should not return for a number of months.”

“I hold no wish to challenge anything at the now,” Warwick strongly whispered, “Yet I like not what I see. How long has this been going on with the Lady Grey?”

“The Prince?” Fulk grinned, “It is no thing but a play date, my Lord. I have looked. She is chaste.”

Warwick briefly turned back to the hall, “His brother held a fancy as well. And she is too beautiful to go without suitors.”

“The Prince is matched, my Lord...to a girl of nearly four and ten,” Sir Fulk suggested, “Whatever his desires, they are not for yours. However...there does remain George. During this time in which the King remains away, should you not pursue that Prince instead?”

The Earl frowned as he looked back, “Tell me not my business, sir. I would not like to see this Prince with that harlot. Chaste she is not. And it will complicate things. If he should know a lady of great spirit before his intended is even of age...the very King will not care for it.”

“Of course,” Fulk bowed.

Warwick leaned in closer, “And you mention my assets. Send the one we rescued to assist this new Princess. His royal duty is not yet done.”

“I fear he may have lost a step in his age,” Fulk replied.

The Earl smiled, “I said assets. Plural. One does keep the other, no?”

“As you desire, my Lord.”

Warwick looked back to the great party and spied each one in the room, “Some great man may spell out for us someday the true meaning of this utopia. What fools are we. This is not that. That is a hall filled out with two types of people, sir. Those that have and those that want. And the larger the hog, the bigger the teat.”

“You are philosophical, my Lord?” Fulk questioned.

The Earl did not turn in reply as he answered plainly, “I mean to have the largest teat.”

 

[HistoryDude]

I'm with Warwick here. That interaction between Edmund and Lady Grey looked suspicious. What are they talking about?

Assuming that Fulk is correct, then that's good. It needs to stay that way - the alliance with Castile shouldn't put in jeopardy.

 

[Rensslaer]

I feel like I'm missing some of the subtext here. I understand plots and nuance and shenanigans but with the language of the times and the specific types of plots unique to the time I know I'm missing some of what's here.

Don't change the way you're writing! I'll generally pick up what I missed from others who are more familiar.

Edmund is turning out to have quite an eye for the ladies. Perhaps because he never expected to get their attention but now he's the crown prince. Can he keep it in check? Does he care to?

I know little about the historical Ferdinand and Isabella relationship. Did he cheat on her and did she care? Sometimes in very political marriages they don't. Kaiser Wilhelm I and his wife didn't appear to care. She was not his true love and she would not be allowed to forget it.

And King Richard is gruff and careless in speech sometimes. So too is Warwick.

Interesting setup! Looking forward to seeing how it develops.

Rensslaer

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I feel like I'm missing some of the subtext here. I understand plots and nuance and shenanigans but with the language of the times and the specific types of plots unique to the time I know I'm missing some of what's here.

Don't change the way you're writing! I'll generally pick up what I missed from others who are more familiar.

Edmund is turning out to have quite an eye for the ladies. Perhaps because he never expected to get their attention but now he's the crown prince. Can he keep it in check? Does he care to?

I know little about the historical Ferdinand and Isabella relationship. Did he cheat on her and did she care? Sometimes in very political marriages they don't. Kaiser Wilhelm I and his wife didn't appear to care. She was not his true love and she would not be allowed to forget it.

And King Richard is gruff and careless in speech sometimes. So too is Warwick.

Interesting setup! Looking forward to seeing how it develops.

Rensslaer

If Edmund and her form a workable POLITICAL team, and support each other diplomatically and miltiary, and have several legitimate heirs, I suspect both will allow the other lovers. They're both ambitious, strong personalities and desirable in their own ways.

The only monarchs of England who didn't have a publicly known/suspected lovers since 1500 to around 1937 was Henry 7th (who couldn't really) and Edward Tudor (who was a young, sickly teenager). And George 3rd...maybe.

 

[Historywhiz]

The only monarchs of England who didn't have a publicly known/suspected lovers since 1500 to around 1937 was Henry 7th (who couldn't really) and Edward Tudor (who was a young, sickly teenager). And George 3rd...maybe.

While accurate, that’s kind of doing Queen Victoria a disservice since all her rumored affairs were long after Albert’s death.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Isabel of Castile did not take kindly OTL Fernando's lovers. She had one of them, Beatriz de Bobadilla, married and exiled to the Canary Islands. So, if Edmund has some extramarital affair, it's not to take long until he gets a nasty surprise.

 

[El Pip]

Edmund really should be bright enough to realise that even if his connection with Lady Grey is entirely innocent it will not be seen that way, a sign he needs someone he can trust to tell him such things without fear of retribution. Warwick could be that person, however as he clearly has another role in this plot Edmund needs to find an alternative fairly sharpish.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

I'm with Warwick here. That interaction between Edmund and Lady Grey looked suspicious. What are they talking about?

Assuming that Fulk is correct, then that's good. It needs to stay that way - the alliance with Castile shouldn't put in jeopardy.

I will leave that somewhat to the imagination right now.

I feel like I'm missing some of the subtext here. I understand plots and nuance and shenanigans but with the language of the times and the specific types of plots unique to the time I know I'm missing some of what's here.

Don't change the way you're writing! I'll generally pick up what I missed from others who are more familiar.

Edmund is turning out to have quite an eye for the ladies. Perhaps because he never expected to get their attention but now he's the crown prince. Can he keep it in check? Does he care to?

I know little about the historical Ferdinand and Isabella relationship. Did he cheat on her and did she care? Sometimes in very political marriages they don't. Kaiser Wilhelm I and his wife didn't appear to care. She was not his true love and she would not be allowed to forget it.

And King Richard is gruff and careless in speech sometimes. So too is Warwick.

Interesting setup! Looking forward to seeing how it develops.

Rensslaer

It was rare for a marriage of the time to be much more than political and convenient so there were extramarital affairs aplenty. In some places they were even accepted and officially known. Few were actually a union of love, though many grew into it over time. With so many young people moving around in the story at the moment, it seemed to me that there might be some "pairing off" as young people are want to do.

If Edmund and her form a workable POLITICAL team, and support each other diplomatically and miltiary, and have several legitimate heirs, I suspect both will allow the other lovers. They're both ambitious, strong personalities and desirable in their own ways.

The only monarchs of England who didn't have a publicly known/suspected lovers since 1500 to around 1937 was Henry 7th (who couldn't really) and Edward Tudor (who was a young, sickly teenager). And George 3rd...maybe.

Was Mary Tudor known to have lovers outside of her own fascination with Philip of Spain?

While accurate, that’s kind of doing Queen Victoria a disservice since all her rumored affairs were long after Albert’s death.

Good call.

Isabel of Castile did not take kindly OTL Fernando's lovers. She had one of them, Beatriz de Bobadilla, married and exiled to the Canary Islands. So, if Edmund has some extramarital affair, it's not to take long until he gets a nasty surprise.

We'll have to see how this Isabella turns out, but she's likely not far off from that as I imagine her.

Edmund really should be bright enough to realise that even if his connection with Lady Grey is entirely innocent it will not be seen that way, a sign he needs someone he can trust to tell him such things without fear of retribution. Warwick could be that person, however as he clearly has another role in this plot Edmund needs to find an alternative fairly sharpish.

Warwick does try and talk to Edmund, but at the moment, Edmund does not seem interested in hearing it. You're not wrong, but the ones the Prince surrounds himself with now are trusted and...also young.


To all - I am nearly finished writing the end of the chapter, so let's get the next scene out there. It could be confusing so allow me to give you a cast of characters:

Cecily Neville, The Queen
Anne Neville, The Dowager Duchess of Buckingham
Margaret Beaufort, Lady Beaufort
Anne of York, The Duchess of Exeter
Elizabeth of York, The Duchess of Suffolk

Hope that helps when reading.

 

[coz1]

Westminster, April 1465​

She played the matriarch because she was. Cecily Neville lorded over these women...her Ladies...and enjoyed every moment of it. To the solar sat her daughters, Anne and Elizabeth with their young children close by. So too Margaret Beaufort as she did her best to usher in and out the food and musicians. The Lady in waiting clapped to her man, “Be quick about it! Her Grace would find more wine.”

Anne Neville laughed and scolded the Lady, “He holds scarce the energy to match my little sister’s appetite!”

Lady Beaufort dipped her head in apology, “I did only wish to serve her, madam.”

“Be still, Anne!” Cecily grinned to her older sister, “Tis not I that wish the great bounty of Castile, but I think you! Since this Princesa has landed, I believe you to take her entire dowry.”

Elizabeth smiled as she held her goblet high, “It is very good wine, mama.”

“And you should take a care,” Cecily admonished her daughter, “You hold a little one.”

“Leave them be, Cis,” the Dowager Duchess of Buckingham smiled as she accepted a fresh cup, “She is right. It is tasteful and delicious. Much like the benefactor.”

Anne of York brushed at her little daughter’s hair as she chuffed, “I found her to be insufferable. Quite haughty even. Poor Ed.”

“Do not be so cruel, sister,” Elizabeth suggested, “She is still a little one yet holds a fire.”

“All can see it,” Lady Buckingham nudged her sister, “She is...a pip. Yet it should be good for Edmund, do you not think?”

Cecily sipped at her wine, “I rather think my Dickon is smitten with her. Since he has returned, all he speaks on as what wonderful elocution and manners. How perfect for our son! He has been charmed, I say.”

“She is a charmer,” Lady Beaufort suggested as she sat next to Elizabeth.

The Duchess of Suffolk smiled to all, “And her colorful dress! What a delight!”

“Well...she is a Princess,” Anne Neville answered, “Begging apology, my nieces, but she will someday also be Queen.”

“Quite right,” Cecily agreed with her sister, “And I shall know her measure soon enough. If she has charmed my husband, then she is only half done.”

Elizabeth showed a shock, “You would not be cruel to her mama?!”

“Never,” Lady Exeter suggested under her breath.

Cecily ignored her, “I would invite her in as I do all. Now tell, sweet sisters...what happens with your brother? Why is he so long with this Lady Grey?”

“Ed would never tell, mama,” Lady Suffolk reached for a treat and giggled, “He would be private as always.”

“I do not like that,” Cecily arched a brow and looked to Anne, “Is this true? You hear nothing?”

“Mama...” she replied plainly, “...he is your son. It is not to my ears.”

Cecily scoffed, “The two of you! A proper Duchess each. And yet you hold no idea to you? Your father has just returned and would know the mind of all his children. It is to you to care for your brothers. All of them.”

“Even Georgie?” Elizabeth frowned, “He is becoming a little brute.”

“Never you mind about George,” the Queen raised her head, “He is too old now to go on as he has. It is time for him to attend Ludlow with Master Prentice. And I like it not that Black William Herbert holds too much sway there. It is far too long...we should hold more of a presence.”

“Indeed Pembroke is a brute,” Lady Buckingham answered her niece, “Yet...he kept us all safe in Wales.”

When Margaret Beaufort snorted, the Duchess of Buckingham turned to her, “Pardon, dear girl?”

“It is no thing,” Margaret whispered before looking to the Queen, “Yet what of young Richard, madam? What have you to mind for your fourth son?”

Cecily arched a brow, “I have born eight sons...my Lady. Each precious to my eyes.”

“Begging apology, Your Grace,” Margaret demurred, “I mean to say...or ask...”

Anne Neville leaned in closer, “What do you ask, dear? Speak it!”

Margaret screwed her face into a frown before finding a brief smile, “I ask what is to be done with Prince Richard and his studies with the younger sort? For my son...he too is of an age...and may benefit...”

“A splendid idea!” Lady Buckingham announced, “My young grandson Henry is of near age as well. He is a Duke after all. Why not have them study together? As it has always been done. Did not one King study with another?”

Elizabeth showed agreement, “I should think Dickon to enjoy it. He is in need of a younger sort.”

“You sit and plan...”

Cecily was taken aback when her eldest daughter spoke, but Anne of York looked deeply to all of them, “...and yet you remain...so far away.”

“I believe that she may be broken, sister,” Lady Buckingham snickered.

“You would hush,” Cecily suggested silently and leaned forward, “What be your trouble, daughter? Is there some thing you wish to say?”

With a pause, the Duchess of Exeter answered plainly, “No.”

“Then it is settled!” Elizabeth was excited, “Dickon will train with Henry...”

She turned with a grin, “...and Henry...all should be well!”

“I would be ever appreciative, Your Grace,” Margaret Beaufort showed a bow.

Cecily looked them all over with a sharp eye and then gave nod, “Fotheringhay. If it was good enough for my husband, then it is good enough for these.”

“Yet...is the north safe, Cis?” Lady Buckingham questioned.

The Queen looked from her sister to her daughters. With a smile she then turned to Lady Beaufort, “My Lord husband returns. And he is the King.”

“Yes he is,” Lady Exeter quietly agreed.

“Yes...” Margaret Beaufort offered a reticent nod, “...he is.”

 

[HistoryDude]

Hopefully the English ladies warm up to Isabella. She needs to be encouraged to assimilate into English court life.

Cecily sipped at her wine, “I rather think my Dickon is smitten with her. Since he has returned, all he speaks on as what wonderful elocution and manners. How perfect for our son! He has been charmed, I say.”

Will this be a problem in the future?

 

[Historywhiz]

Our world’s Richard III and Henry VII going to school together and possibly becoming friends. @coz1 , you are a tease!

 

[El Pip]

“Yes he is,” Lady Exeter quietly agreed.

Lady Exeter is doing a strong line in crypto-prophetic mutterings and strange emphasises. It is possible she is just a bit broken of course, but I suspect there may be more to it than that, at least narratively.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

The Queen may have found a worthy rival in Isabel of Trastámara...

PS: Isa, kill the Lady Beaufort. Just for the laughs.

 

[Rensslaer]

@coz1 it occurs to me I have not commented on the latest. Usually I do quickly after, but it's women's politics and I feel out of my depth.

I do hope they don't snipe at young Isabella. She is quite a prize for the dynasty I would expect.

Looking forward to more!

Rensslaer

 

[Bullfilter]

A bit of scene setting here for Isabella’s entrance and the next gen of scions (and possible pretenders). Cecile continues to grate on my delicate sensibilities; the more so at time goes on.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Hopefully the English ladies warm up to Isabella. She needs to be encouraged to assimilate into English court life.



Will this be a problem in the future?

Let's just say that Isabella creates some ripples.

Our world’s Richard III and Henry VII going to school together and possibly becoming friends. @coz1 , you are a tease!

But of course.

Lady Exeter is doing a strong line in crypto-prophetic mutterings and strange emphasises. It is possible she is just a bit broken of course, but I suspect there may be more to it than that, at least narratively.

I really tried to tread a fine line as regards Anne. Her aunt calls her broken, but her life is a bit sad and her mother is no help. Maybe not broken, but bitter.

The Queen may have found a worthy rival in Isabel of Trastámara...

PS: Isa, kill the Lady Beaufort. Just for the laughs.

True enough.

@coz1 it occurs to me I have not commented on the latest. Usually I do quickly after, but it's women's politics and I feel out of my depth.

I do hope they don't snipe at young Isabella. She is quite a prize for the dynasty I would expect.

Looking forward to more!

Rensslaer

It was a difficult scene to write in two parts. First were the many titles to contend with and how to attribute them without it getting too confusing. Hopefully I succeeded in this part. The second was a gaggle of women when I am not now nor ever have been one. However, I grew up around many southern ladies and these are the types of conversations that I remember. I just drew from that.

A bit of scene setting here for Isabella’s entrance and the next gen of scions (and possible pretenders). Cecile continues to grate on my delicate sensibilities; the more so at time goes on.

And the intro to Isa is coming right up...

 

[coz1]

Ludlow, May 1465​

Richard sat atop his mount and surveyed the field. He smiled as he watched the young Princess of Castile take an expert shot at her target. She was sure of it and stomped into the high grass to inspect her kill. The King shouted from his distance, “Well done, Princesa!”

“The stags are out, Your Grace,” the Earl of Warwick suggested.

Richard grinned in response, “And so be the doe.”

“She takes to England well,” Warwick laughed, “Yet should she not be with the Prince instead of to here?”

“Edmund is...” the King sighed, “...taken to Lincoln of late. His sister and her husband, Suffolk. I have spoken to him little since my return.”

The Earl nodded his head in understanding, “Though he was gracious at the ceremony. Not an ill word said, uncle. I should think in time these two to be fast friends.”

“Who would not be with her?” Richard looked out over the field, “I can think of no better match. And to consider...you wished to foist another French Lady on me!”

“Your wisdom requires no explanation,” Warwick replied as he looked back to the castle, “Yet what of George? Is the Queen certain that he should be placed to here and not at Fotheringhay with the others?”

Richard spurred his mount to catch up with the Princess, “You know well not to task my Lady wife, sir. She will make her decisions.”

“Lo ves? La tengo!” Isabella shouted as she proudly held up the head, “The poor creature had no chance!”

“Most well shot, mi Princesa,” Alfonso de Palencia suggested as he was joined by the King.

Richard shifted in his saddle and dismounted with pride, “If you keep this up, little girl, there shall be no more stags to England.”

“Then I shall be more poor for it,” she answered as she gleefully stomped back to her mount.

Warwick smiled, “We shall feast most well this eve.”

“Tis not the feast,” Isabella grinned as she took to her saddle, “It is the hunt, mi Señor de Warwick. It is thrilling!”

As she rode off with the Castilian Ambassador, Warwick turned to the King, “Are these the spoils of war, uncle?”

“Never you mind,” Richard led his courser and allowed it to feed on the grass, “She is a treat and I, for one, am glad that she is to here. Her company is enjoyable, unlike some others.”

Warwick caused his mount to follow, “You speak on the recalcitrant.”

“I do,” the King turned to him swiftly, “Though the whore be banished and gone, there are still far too many that would lead her charge. Percy may be dead and your Neville cousins quite diminished, but there remain many in these Lancastrian lands that hold out some desire.”

“You could end that...” Warwick teased it, “...in a heartbeat.”

Richard flared his nostrils, “Do not speak on it! Though a beacon he may be, I shall not harm my cousin!”

“Then you will find those that follow him, sire. As long as he lives, he will...”

The King was forceful, “I said enough! The north of England be awash in misery after the Scots laid waste and we must help them. And we shall not do until we rid ourselves of these pernicious robber barons. I may revoke their license all I desire, but if they continue to act out? It is lawlessness, sir!”

“Is that not the job of Tiptoft, Your Grace? The Earl of Worcester?”

Richard was plain, “I am giving it to you, sir. As you rid the north of Percy, I would have you do the same to Coventry and the rest. Use the Stanleys...whomever you like. Yet I would be done with them. All shall be perfect when my son weds this Princesa and then...there are other items at work.”

“Other?” Warwick questioned.

The King smiled to him, “Be not so worried, nephew. I hold it all to mind. Your worth is valued. Is that not what you wish?”

“You know what I wish,” the Earl turned back to the castle as he answered, “George and my daughter. Is that too much ask?”

“I told you never to ask again,” Richard moved to mount his courser and turned to face Warwick head on with a rude eye, “I will provide for your daughters...the both of them. Yet you will continue to serve me. Is that clear?”

Warwick pressed, “I do not know why you will not listen? I have done all that you have ever required. Never questioned...”

“Did you not?” Richard laughed, “Your insistence? You did never have a qualm?”

The Earl sat taller in the saddle, “I am my father’s son and you would hear his counsel...until you did not.”

“I mourn your father every day, sir,” Richard trained his mount to pull along side and leaned in close, “And that was ages ago. I am happy to give, nephew. You would take it...with an open heart.”

The Earl of Warwick watched the King ride off to meet the Castilian Princess and he fumed.

Again.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I understand why Warwick takes it badly but he's actually well in favour. New lands in the North. Given armies to command. Trust to handle any remaining rebels. Able to give any and all council with a free tongue (a rarer gift in that age) to the king himself.

A pack of blessings lies on his back and still he cannot see.

 

[Bullfilter]

I agree with TBC: Warwick doth protest too much. But it is Richard’s way to give with limitations and conditions and Warwick’s to grumble about it and always want more. Anyway, Isa is off to a good start and has Richard charmed. While Ed goes oat-sowing?