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Author
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Topic: The White King's daughter
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted August 29, 2017 08:45 PM
  
Papa offered me his arm and I took it the music began as soon as he took me in dance, with all the Lords and Lady's. A formal but lively dance was begun.
I felt special to be at the age of nine engaging in such a dance with all the adults. I looked over to Mary and Cecily sitting with Grandmother, they didn't seem jealous, indeed they seemed to busy at some sugar plumbs to be. Little Richard and Anne were there too, their wet nurse walked my brother with one arm and held my baby sister in the other.
"Cake!" Little Richard kept chiding and I giggled as I crossed to my next dance partner. I looked up somewhat surprised to see Uncle Dicken.
We'd always been close, ever since that day on the horse, and sometimes I look back and ponder if even then we had been best friends. I think it was our love and admiration for the King that drew us close to one another. Indeed his now two year old son had been named for my father, as Papa had named Little Richard for him.
"Is Aunt Anne here?" I asked.
"Oh, no Bess, she is in York, she and Edward."
However, my ******* cousin Katherine had come, his daughter before he married Aunt Anne. But John, his ******* son hadn't. Aunt Anne had always been sickly, she was not the truest beauty in the world. Her hair was straight and red and she was the thinnest woman one could have ever gazed upon. You could have stood her by a pillar to a stable and perhaps not been able to tell which was the leaner. I think Uncle Dicken had forbid her go to court for this reason. He was always so worried for her, especially when she fell with child, one of those women where any pregnancy might be her undoing.
"Does she know?"
"Yes she does know, and she is so happy for you." He smiled but some worry traced his face for her. And with that I felt myself aggressively yanked to Uncle George as my next partner.
Grandmother Cecily had not come. Grandmother Cecily despised my siblings and I, and my mother. You see, Grandmother Jaquetta had been a Lady in Waiting to Margaret of Anjou, the woman who had lopped off the head of the Grandfather I never knew. And stuck it on the gates of London with a paper crown long before I was born. And there was always a bitterness in the woman's heart that her eldest son had married a Lancastrian widow.
Grandmother Jaquetta had even been a childhood friend of the haughty Queen selected to go with her to England.
Anne Hastings, daughter of Will Hastings had been selected to be my Chief Lady in Waiting for when I would go to France to take my place as their Queen. And though that did not happen, Anne Hastings is my chief lady in waiting to this day in my reign as Queen of the English.
"Bess!" She hollered when the dance was done. Will Hastings shot her a sharp glance, she had spoken out of turn. But Papa laughed. "Go and play with your friend Bess," said Papa. And the adults began another dance.
This time, Anne Hastings, Cecily, Mary and I formed a circle and twirled ourselves around and around. Cecily was five and so to make her feel special as the youngest we would chide; "lean back Cecily," every once and a while and she would do so and the three of us would pick her up with our circle causing her to laugh every time.
I noticed from the corner of mine eye Uncle Dicken and Papa sitting close to one another at the raised large wooded table gazing occasionally at us girls and smiling.
"Bess," I heard Grandmother Jaquetta's voice and she placed her old feeble hand upon my shoulder and led me to a secluded room.
"It honors me that my granddaughter should go to be the Queen of the land of my birth, oh I cannot begin to express it," she spoke gleefully. She sat me down at a table with a chair on either end and from her sleeve pulled out a deck of cards.
"Are we to play straights?" I asked confused.
"No, no Bess, came her thick French voice. "I am to read thee a fortune."
"Grandmther," I warned. "Fortune Telling is a sin against God." I look back, my father was a ***** monger but pious strictly against the use of fortune telling. However, mine own husband has never taken a mistress, but is very superstitious in his own right, he has a horoscope drawn for him every single month. It is queer to me how some men claim their piety but do the very sins the Lord God preaches against; adultery and fortune telling. However, in my experience the former has always proved more harmful to those around them. After all, what's a fortune to heartache?
She sat me down. "Come child." And she laid the blue golden trimmed cards in the middle of the table. She began to shuffle and laid down a card with a man and a woman looking into each other's eyes.
"Two of Chalises," she said and laid down another card that read something in Italian I could not make out.
"Crossed by the Fool. Mmmmm...Your father may have taken a gamble with your betrothal." She laid down another card beneath those two, which showed something that looked like a man on a ferry crossing the River of Styx.
"The six of swords. Oh, yes what grounds you is a very difficult journey ahead." I didn't like the sound of that.
She laid down another card. "The ace of Coins. This betrothal has been arranged for the purpose of your father's pride. Everyone finds it a new beginning indeed Bess, it truly is for this realm."
She laid down another: "the King of wands. See Bess, everyone around us feels that your father has acted too hastily." I listened fascinated. I looked down at the card known as the King of Wands. He held a rod between his legs sitting on his throne and grinning to himself. I was transfixed by the art. Later Grandmother would tell me they were called Tarocchi Cards and had come from the land of Italy.
"Mmmm Bess, your father loves you and everyone can see it. But I think mayhap the King of France flattered you so to your father and mayhap that had something to do with it." It was true those who flattered Princess Bess, too flattered Good King Ned, and I think this is why many adults paid me great compliments to win his favor.
She laid down another card. It frightened me, it showed a woman surrounded by eight swords, blindfolded. Grandmother shook her head and looked down wearily at it.
"You are bound by circumstance Lady Granddaughter it is in your future to always be bound by circumstance, but you won't find it a good circumstance, no Bess, you'll not.
The next card laid down was the Emperor. "You love him Bess, there is not a thing he could possibly do wrong to you."
"That is God's truth Grandmother!" I declared.
The next card looked like a woman from the Pagan world.
"Interesting," spoke Jaquetta, it would seem that the Popess has been laid down as the external influence. Meaning, you should be weary of the actions of over ambitious men. Through your whole life, this will be something you must always look out for. Keep the powers of woman alive as they toss you about this way and that for their own gain."
Her next card she explained was the Lovers. "You hope for the fairytale ending. Indeed we all do. You hope for the Prince of France and you to be true lovers as the storybooks."
The last card was the Empress. "Ah!" Declared Grandmother. "The Mother, yes! The Mother! you will be the Mother of a great Dynasty! Many great Kings and Queens of the Continent, England and the likes shall come from you Bess. You'll be a very beloved Queen! But Bess, I don't think it will be in France. But you will be a Queen." I peered up at her queerly. "Then what land shall I rule?" I asked. She shrugged.
"There seems a chance you will be Queen of France, you must always remember that the future may change depending on actions, this is merely a map to lead you to the best possible future. But it doesn't seem likely. Still, you may in fact take your place in that land."
I smiled at her. "I think I shall." And she patted me on the head. Fun fact: All the royals of England and Scotland are descended from Elizabeth of York and King Henry VII. They are their direct Ancestor and Ancestress. The Tudor Dynasty overthrew the Plantagenet one. In 1603 Elizabeth I the last Tudor monarch who died without child left the throne to her cousin; King James VI of Scotland who would become King James I of England. The Great Grandson of Margaret Tudor, daughter of King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth of York.
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 16, 2017 07:05 PM
March 1477I have always loved blue, its been my favorite color since before I could remember.
The rose of York was white, but the color of the arms of York were blue.
"The Three Elizabeths joked my haughty Aunt by the same name. She was a woman who appeared more as a man, husky in body, and deep in tone. The Queen and the Duchess of Suffolk had always gotten on very well. Despite her being the daughter of Cecily Neville, and the Queen the daughter of the chief Lady-in-Waiting to Margaret of Anjou.
We were mounted on white horses with a light blue to drape their bellies hanging from the saddles. But, we ourselves were to wear a mulberry wine red. All of us draped in the same way.
We were to be christened Lady's of the Garter, the three of us, Mary was still too young, but I, at the age of eleven was now qualified for such a title.
I peered over at Papa standing with his Lords, dressed in a light blue on one side of their hose, and a darker on the other. Their vests of course were a fleece the same color of the side of the lighter blue.
It intrigued me how my father more then any other English King before him it seemed was humble to St. George. Indeed the Queen had only two weeks before delivered of my brother, George, named for the Saint himself.
I watched them while mine Aunt, Mother and I passed by, they chattering on in a false merriness.
Uncle Dicken was there, and so too was Uncle George, Will Hastings, now the Duke of Buckingham, Uncle Anthony too as the Earl of Rivers. But Lord Stanley, the now Duke of Bedford was made to stand after him. And Bedford is a greater title then Buckingham. And even after my brother Thomas, now the Marquiss of Dorset becoming a handsome young man. It must have truly insulted him. But, he was the son of the original Duke of Bedford who swore allegiance to the House of Lancaster long ago. Thomas Howard, The Duke of Norfolk stood straight and proud. And mine Aunt Anne's husband did the same as Duke of Suffolk. And there were Earls of course that I did not know the names of. Uncle Anthony was not made to stand with them. However, I will always remember Ralph Scrope; The Viscount of Welles, a buffoonish and fat man and who I would come to know quite well several years later. Richard, my three year old brother, now the Duke of York was held by the King. The yellow haired boy was sucking on his thumb as Papa rocked him to and fro. And my Grandmother Cecily was present as well, a tight lavender hood hugged to her face, not one trace of hair was visible from out it. She was a stern looking woman, and I don't think she took much to now being the Dowager Duchess of York as her Grandson, was now the Duke.
I've always been well at reading the emotions of others and it seemed there was something bothering them. I immediately thought of Uncle Anthony and Thomas present in the company of the Dukes, to be raised not only to their status in all but name, but to gain their feuds as well. Though something seemed much too off this day.
I peered up, we were almost ready to set out as the rain gathered. I pulled up mine hood.
We'd set up camp in the forest as to ride into the isolated Windsor Castle where we resided then. And because of the great Hall Papa had dedicated to St. George at Windsor in particular.
Mine Aunt, the Duchess of Burgundy too had come, she was to be a guest of honor at the celebration.
Aunt Mag and Papa had never gotten along. Most likely because she was always so outspoken more then appropriate for a woman, even more-so then Mama. But it wasn't only that. And here was the thing, the seven children of Cecily Neville and my Grandfather Richard had taken sides long ago on which parent they favored. The only one exempt seemed to be Dicken, and now that mine Aunt Anne, the Duchess of Exeter, had died jut a year before, who had been partial to Grandmother Cecily, she was particularly solemn. Though of the five left, it seemed that Edward and Elizabeth as the only eldest remaining swore love to their father, the story's I hear of Uncle Edmund seem to the same. Margaret and George, the younger ones swore the same to Grandmother. Indeed, it has been said that the Duke of Clarene was always the favorite of her.
But, then there was Dicken, the youngest, and he seemed sympathetic to both. But in a choice between Papa's opinions and Uncle George's, he would have chosen my father, this I always did know. The servants of Windsor greeted us as we galloped into the gates. Windsor is a beautiful place, so isolated from all of England, peaceful. It was my favorite home as a child.
We were then led by the ArchBishop of Windsor into the chapel. The Tapestry Papa had paid for hung down in cloth of gold and red. The St. was adorned in a suit of green armour and the crimson dragon blared from below his lance. It reminded me too of St. Michael the Arch Angel, casting Lucifer into hell. It was royal though in all sense of the word.
After Mass was said. Mine Aunt, Mother and I were led to a small room where sat the King at the head of a large table which most surely could accommodate at least twenty or so body's 'round it.
The three of us knelt as he christened us.
Afterwards, we were to attend a feast, but I did notice that Papa, Uncle Dicken, Uncle George, Aunt Margaret, Aunt Anne and Grandmother Cecily were not present.
I was seated by Mary and I grasped her hand.
"We should go and listen to what Papa and his siblings are speaking of." I whispered to her.
Her eyes widened at a taboo prospect of spying on a King and his business, but I insisted. "I know how to eaves drop very well, Mary, now you don't have to come if you do not wish to, but I shall." My nine year old sister shrugged and hopped off of her stool. She was always a...plain girl, but given to adventure like myself.
"We are to use the wash chamber Mama," I said. But she gave her hand a wave, she was busy speaking with some Lord, and drunk from the French wine sent to England without charge. In her drunkenness she bore a refined and charmed smile.
I was eleven now, and no longer needed the eye of a governess to walk about. I actually earned this privilege early in life because of Nanny Berners death the year before.
I sat by her bedside. "Thou shall make a good Queen of France Princess Elizabeth," she said feebly, and passed.
Mary and I made our way to where Mama, Aunt Anne and I had been christened.
"Like this Mary," I whispered and lifted up my hair to press mine ear to the door.
"Now if you hear any footsteps towards the door, you must sprint in as quiet a manner as you can and throw off thy shoes in the process." She nodded and copied my gesture.
"Well, what say you to this?" I heard Papa's voice.
"I should think it should be if George wish it." I heard Grandmother Cecily's voice.
"For the love of Christ Isabel's not three months in the ground and already you speak of such things!?" I heard Aunt Anne shout. Yes, the Duchess of Clarence had passed the year before and Uncle George was very grieved of it, he'd even ordered the execution of two servants he though had poisoned her.
"Well, I do not!" Shouted Papa.
"My step daughter is a comely lass and what with gaining the Duchy of Burgundy? Why, Ned the family would keep peace, it would.
"Is that what you think?" Laughed the King. "Well, I do not trust snakes sister, and it seems there is one in this family."
"You speak to me of being a snake!?" Shouted Uncle George. "And who was it that lied to Dicken of where Anne Neville was!?"
"And who did convince me to send her there but you George?" The King retorted.
"Silence," came Grandmother Cecily's hoarse voice.
"You'll not tell me silence in my Kingdom!" I heard Papa shout.
"How dare you shout such things at your own Mother!" yelled Aunt Margaret.
"How dare the Dowager Duchess think herself above the King?" Asked Aunt Anne curtly in her hefty male voice.
"And he marries the daughter of the woman who attended the French ***** and killed not only our father, but our brother, the earl of Rutland as well!?"
"Such things are passed my children." I heard Cecily.
"Oh, passed, but not your dirty little secrets Mother." Came the King's voice.
Aunt Margaret laughed. "Secrets? Come, George, marry my step daughter who cares of what the King of England thinks?"
At that point I heard something hit the wall that seemed like it was aimed at Aunt Margaret's direction.
"I am your sovereign and I'll have respect from thee!" He shouted. "Nay, I oppose to this union." And then I heard his voice low...
"After all, God's not given my sister any children. For, her womb be as cold as her heart."
We heard them coming, and we took to our heels without shoes.
"What secrets does Grandmother Cecily keep you think, Bess?" Asked Mary later.
I shrugged. But one thing was for certain the conflicts between the King and the Duke of Clarence were about to come a head and I knew a bad wind was on the horizon.
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 17, 2017 01:55 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZsgM3FOOVM IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 17, 2017 03:00 AM
"Canter!" I yelled. And kicked mine horse. I felt for the first time in my life a freedom I can't quit describe. The cold spring air in my lungs was simply beautiful amongst the howling winds of early spring. To Fotheringhay we were to go, the family's childhood home in Northampshire. We made a trip here at least once a year and it was much warmer then Berkshire.
I was now to ride as a woman in mine own decree, indeed the following year I would wed the Daulphin, or two depending on the matter of affaiers.
Mary rode freely too. She had been betrothed recently as well to John, the King of Denmark at which she would leave at the age of twelve to wed the twenty-six-old Lord of cold and murky Denmark.
She lamented to me of it in Dutch, and I replied in French. Our parents had been made sure we studied diligently the customs, words, fashions, and mannerisms of the country's we would rule. However, Denmark is even grimmer then England, and it must have saddened my sister to see me in my colorful French garments and its romantic words.IP: Logged |
Randall
Webmaster Posts: 88024
From: From a galaxy, far, far away...
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted September 18, 2017 02:40 PM
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 27, 2017 05:35 AM
Of course my parents were prouder of me. Indeed, never before had an English Princess been betrothed to a Dauphine, and my mother would right at least seven times a year to the King, 'when should I send thee my Dauphiness?'
"Steady Whinny!" We heard an irritating and familiar voice. "We shouldn't disrupt the Queen of Denmark and the Queen of France!" Cecily rode up right between us.
"Hey, watch it!" I yelled.
She was seven now and she had thrown a fit to Papa that she should now be allowed to ride her own horse with her sisters.
Mama did not ride, rather sat herself in a carriage trudging along behind the family. with the nanny's of Richard, Anne and Baby George. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 27, 2017 06:26 AM
Cecily complained often to Papa.
"When do I get my betrothal!?" She would demand.
"As soon as I find a suitable match," he would reply and kiss her.
"Go away Cecily," said Mary. "Thou are too little to ride with us." Her under lip stuck out in a pout, even into adulthood she would do this.
"Papa!" She yelled. "The Queen of France and the Queen of Denmark think they are better then me!"
"Come ride with me up here Cecily, I'll throw them into the stables later. He always said this as a way to make Cecily feel better. But indeed all that happened was that my sister and I were sent to a room where she could not see and brought sweets.
She gave us a menacing smile and kicked her horse's belly to speed up. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 27, 2017 06:29 AM
This is actually sixty pages in Microsoft word. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 27, 2017 01:19 PM
"My boy!" Papa exclaimed to the six year old. We were in the indoors garden, Edward's favorite place at the Palace. Papa came towards him aggressively yet lovingly and scooped him up. Squeezing him.
"Oh! Stop! Please stop!" He yelled. And Papa set him down. "Ah, my boy, we'll be having fun before you know it!" They always did, though it took always took him awhile to warm up.
Edward seemed to grow more and more serious every year. He wasn't like us. He hadn't been raised around us. He was a stranger to me, what can I say? His face was long like Papa's, but his hair was dark like Uncle Dicken's and his eyes were blue like his. His lips always seemed to be sticking out a bit too much, and he walked and acted much older then six.
Uncle Anthony and Rich, as we called mine elder brother, were there as well. For, the two men were the Prince's Lord Protectors. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 29, 2017 12:50 AM
Nedan and Margaret, the children of Uncle George had come as well and they were busy at some porridge at the tables in the great hall. And even Eleanor and Arthur, my ******* Siblings. Eleanor was four years my senior, and Arthur five. Born to Edward by two mistresses. My father had also a ******* daughter named Grace, born 1472, but her mother had died young and for all my complaints of the Queen, she took the girl under her wing and raised her as her own. I daresay even loved her above her own daughter. Grace was not the beauty that me and my sisters were. She had muddy colored and greasy hair, throughout her life she would not keep to it well. Her body was scrawny and her skin was a paleness that bordered on sickly, though she was not.
But, she was a very docile and obedient girl, who clung to Mama.
Eleonor set her chests down as she entered. She was a bold girl of fourteen with golden hair and large brown eyes. And her personality was much like Papa. Beautiful too. Admittedly I looked forward to seeing her every year. She was married now, but her husband had not attended.
My elder brother Arthur was a handsome youth, who kept his hair short, ending at his ears. They told me that in youth Papa's hair was golden like Arthur's and Eleanor's but that age had darkened it to a chestnut.
"Ah! My Dear ******* Son!" He cried out.
"How now my Lord Father!?" He declared just as jovially. They exchanged a rough manly embrace. At fifteen, he was very mature, like five year old Edward. Though, in a different sort of way. I think it mostly because he had been brought up on his Grandfather's farm and refused to be treated like the Royal ******* he was. He used to tell me how he enjoyed to help the farmhands.
"Hard work brings reward Bess." He would say. His arms were muscular and his eyes were naturally droopy.
And so we were all assembled, the family save, Aunt Margaret who had gone back to Burgundy.
Though it wasn't until dinner time had come that I noticed the Duchess of Gloucester, her son and Uncle Dicken's ******* son and daughter were not present.
"Is not Aunt Anne coming Uncle Dicken?" I inquired.
"Oh she is, she should have been here by now in fact and there seemed to a nervousness crossing his face as he kept journeying outside the main gate to watch for her. Or on the balcony. He did not even join for the feast.
Margaret was three, almost four and Nedan was two. The whole of the night she had seemed to be bidding heavily for her father's attention, who would not give it, or only slightly. And Nedan was with his governess, a young girl who kept glancing across the table for a pleasing look from the Duke of Clarence. She sat at the table with us helping Nedan scoop his soup into his mouth. Both of them had light brown hair. I had to give pity to them. A father who did not pay them any heed, and a dead mother who had most likely never been able to love them as such.
Arthur sat beside Father at the head. And I was to sit in between Mary and Eleanor. Cecily sat beside Edward, and Mama sat between my five year old brother and ******* sister, always following her about like a lonely little pup.
Nedan and Margaret sat directly across from me, and Uncle George was seated on the left of Grandmother Cecily, at the opposite end of the table from the King. It happened to be that Grace was on Papa's right directly.
The little ones of Edward were seated by the little ones of Uncle George, these being Richard and Anne. They shared a nanny, and Baby George who had not yet opened his eyes was being rocked by a young girl as he gave out wails. Thomas and Rich were seated by Arthur, indeed the three had always gotten on very well, and Grandmother Cecily would not have had them sit close to her at all.
-I'll get to more later-
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted September 29, 2017 12:54 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtRpGszvINw&index=13&list=RDQM5IsMEeX30T4 IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted October 06, 2017 11:22 PM
Grandmother Cecily also had a special malice towards the concept of the girl named for her. Not that she really talked to us much to begin with. But to Cecily there certainly was not a glance...Ever.
"You give me no honor as thy Mother." She said to my father once.
He was cutting an apple and did not even look to her as he made his reply;
"I named a daughter after you."
"Your third born royal daughter."
"I named a daughter after you," he said again plainly and put the piece of apple in his mouth, crunching into it.
"I've an announcement!" He declared.
"To me my fourth eldest girl-child." And held out his arm for Cecily.
Her face perked up. And she ran to Papa.
Why would Papa not wait for Uncle Dicken's family? Well, it didn't seem to matter, Cecily's face was in a shock of adoration.
I think she knew what was coming and she was ready to learn the land she would be Queen of.
"I have betrothed my daughter to be the Queen of Scotland!"
Everybody clapped and marveled.
"Here, Here!" Sounded Aunt Elizabeth's hefty voice in that male way.
Grandmother even gave her a granddaughter a smile of congratulations.
"Oh Papa!" She cried out and threw herself in his arms. He laughed and kissed her head.
I was happy for her. Everyone was. Cecily's always been a vibrant thing who loves to be basked with attention.
The whole of the night the attention was naturally on her. Her endless questions about Scotland. But underneath the happiness they put on for the children, there were hidden things not wanting to come out. Almost as if the words could barely distract the tones. Or the other way around.
"What is Scotland like?"
"Not much different from England." Replied Papa.
"How not very different?"
"Eh, they're a more brutish sort one could say." Replied Arthur.
Being Princesses of England all we had known of Scotland was word of mouth and the fairy tales which seemed to originate from that place more then any other land we received books from.
"A good person to ask would by your favorite Uncle." Said George looking bitterly to Papa. The Duke of Clarence lowered his head first after he caught his expressionless face.
"I don't have a favorite Uncle!" Chided Cecily in a silly manner unaware of the act at all it was so swift.
"But why should I ask Uncle Dicken?"
"He's the Lord of the North Cecily." Said Mama in a non-begrudging manner it seemed. "Middleham Castle is in Yorkshire close to the border. It is thine Uncle who keeps peace there." She seemed a bit more apprehensive for her daughter then to talk of the Duke of Gloucester in a negative manner which today I honor her for.
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mirage29
Knowflake Posts: 8658
From: us
Registered: May 2012
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posted October 07, 2017 03:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by whitewitch111:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtRpGszvINw&index=13&list=RDQM5IsMEeX30T4
Fabulous mix!   ...  Enjoying the tour in History, and the rooms inside the Castle of your Creative Imaginations...   IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted October 07, 2017 05:59 PM
Thank you so much Mirage. <3 you should post some things, I never see that you do...Unless I am missing it. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted October 07, 2017 06:16 PM
Aunt Anne, ******* Cousin John, ******* Cousin Kate, and Cousin Edward had not yet arrived so Cecily and I stayed up late and waited with Dicken. I had now begun to drop calling him Uncle Dicken simply because it no longer sounded right to do so. Mayhap because Papa did and it just sounded more natural to me as a result.
"Scotland is full of hills."
"Hills?" Inquired my sister.
"As far as the eye can see and most of them are as big as mountains."
"I'll tell you truth Cecily." I took up. "Scotland is magical just like the fairy tales say."
"Isn't that right Dicken?" And at eleven years old I gave him a look to back me up on this one. For, I knew how Cecily would react, starkly different from Mary. I, the Queen of France, and she the Queen of Scotland.
He nodded. "That's right Cecily." He said. And squatted to her level.
"Once I saw a wisp."
"A wisp!" Her face marveled.
"Maybe, it wanted me to follow it."
"Did you!?"
"No, because it would have taken me to a beautiful place that I am not ready to go."
"Like heaven?"
"No, the Fairy Realm."
And my sister's eyes widened with a smile.
It was then that the gate was open and running in came Cousin Edward.
"Papa!" He shouted and ran to him as fast as he could. Dicken caught him up and gave him a spin.
I looked at Aunt Anne. Her hand was resting on her belly. She was pregnant. And Dicken appeared very worried at the sight of her.
He came to her and settled her into his arms "Are you all right Sweet Heart?" He asked.
"Yes, yes, the journey was a bit perilous but I am fine now.
The sight of her was queer. Such a protruding belly from what was a naturally thin physique did not quite seem to fit together.
"You are in your fifth month!" I marveled.
And she laughed. "No, three almost four."
"But that is too big a belly for three months," I said confused. And she laughed.
"Yes, well, I thinketh I should have some rest."
"Yes Sweet Heart. Yes." Said Dicken in a comforting and reassuring manner.
"Kate, John, Edward you three will be made to share a room."
"No! I want to sleep in Mama and Papa's bed!" Cried Edward.
"Now Edward, we talked of this, you are too old to sleep in our bed." Said Dicken in a firm tone to his son.
"No he's not," came Aunt Anne's gentle voice. She gazed adoringly and solemnly at her only living child.
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted October 07, 2017 06:25 PM
"Well then let us to bed." I said and flashed the Duke of Gloucester's family a smile. I decided to have a bath before bed, everyone was asleep, but not I.
"Should I provide more firewood beneath the tub, Lady Princess??" Asked the servant
I put a hand in the water, perfect.
"No, you have done good, thank you." He bowed his head and left.
I began to strip and yet, I felt a presence in the hall, pass me by. I looked and realized that the servant had forgotten to shut the door. I sloppily put my underdress on and went forward to close it.
And who but at the moment I had reached it, came the Duke of Clarence to stand in the way!
"Uncle George!" I gasped.
He made no reply but stared down at me in a dominant manner. Not like an Uncle, like a possession. Though as a child I couldn't quite place this feeling.
He curled his hand in my tresses gazing at it. Like a horse breeder to a prized Mare. And I shuttered in anxiety.
He turned and left. And down the hall I heard him utter quietly as if he meant for me to hear it; "To Bedlam or my bedchamber."
I got myself in the bath and though on it queerly.
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted October 07, 2017 06:43 PM
Aunt Anne was the daughter of the Earl of Warwick. My Great Uncle and God-father. Once, Papa and he had been very close, but Warwick became infuriated after the young King Edward did not take a French Princess as his bride as was arranged, instead the widow of a Lancastrian Knight. He had been a key asset in winning Edward his throne. For, Richard Neville was one of the greatest Generals England has ever seen I daresay.
The Duke of Clarence, married his elder daughter, Isabel and joined him when I was four. Their plan was to throw King Edward off the throne and put Mad King Harry back on it. In truth I think Uncle George only went along for the power he craved as King. An envy that had stirred within his heart for many, many years.
Aunt Anne was married first to Mad King Harry's son; Edward of Westminster. And when many of the Lords loyal to my father and himself fled to Burgundy, they were made to wed.
King Henry was once again crowned King Henry VI and would enjoy a reign lasting only six months before Edward came back.
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 07, 2017 07:30 PM
I would not know until years later her story, nor her history beyond that. But I always remember the Lords and Lady's always speaking of how perfect their marriage was. That he never took a mistress and was faithful and loving to her beyond words.
Secretly I always hoped that the Dauphine would treat me as such some day.
This would be her third pregnancy since Edward. And as all of them, it would end in loss, but thank God it happened long after I arrived back in London.IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 07, 2017 07:52 PM
The week was spent in merriment, it had actually come to everyone's attention that the King and Dicken had for five years been behind betrothing Cecily to the Scottish Prince, a year younger then her.
We as the family were gathered in the biggest carpet floored lounging room of the castle. And Cecily listened eagerly to everything they said.
"Why did you not say?" Asked Thomas. He was now mature enough to talk amongst such conversations.
"Politics lad," He replied. "Politics. Scotland is finally under control, thanks to my brother. And in five years, it shall be safe for her to go depart."
"la douariere Dauphiness de Francaise? Et la Duchesse de' Orleans, Je un quand?"
Grandmother and Aunt were talking and gazed at me as if I were a show off and a spoiled child, which maybe I was. But Papa smiled at me, marveling just how seriously I was
taking to my French.
"What does that mean Lady Daughter?" He asked. "It means, word for word, Papa, 'The Dowager Princess of France and the Duchess Orleans, I leave when?"
"Four years at the most, a year at the least Lady Daughter." He smiled.
Year old Anne crawled towards him with her thumb in her mouth. He took her on his knee.
I had the sense tht the King was sad that his favored daughter would be leaving soon, so he closened himself to his youngest at the time as a result. I felt an envy then and had to fore myself at not blaring at the silly concept of a one year old.
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 07, 2017 09:16 PM
---Skipping Ahead---April, 1491 "I would be alone with my Wife." Cath Gordon and Anne Hastings were undoing my hair when he had walked into my chambers unannounced.
They bowed and made their departure.
I folded mine hands at my knees in my bedding gown as he slipped into my bed.
"Come to me," he said. And outstretched his arms. I obliged. He began to undress me, kissing my shoulders and my neck, my lashes, and he lifted up my gown.
"I would see you naked." He said. And I took it off for him.
And now he was upon me, burying his head into my neck. He wanted me to love him and he was trying to be passionate. Though, I was too hurt by him. I made no noise nor objections as he relieved himself inside me.
Maybe a faint pleasure, but not much.
He rolled beside me and tried to kiss me. But I turned on my side away from him.
"Margie misses her happy Mama." He said. He knew when he spoke of my children I was more apt to be tender towards him and recreate the happiness that had once faintly been.
But it did not work. He stroked his thumb in mine hair and I allowed it, though I stiffened at his touch.
"Why don't you love me Bess?" He asked plainly in the darkness.
"Why don't you love me?"
I laid naked beneath the blankets, my wrist laid helplessly against a pillow. But my figure was away from him. The hot burning tears put a pressure on mine eyes, burning they flowed down my cheek wetting the sheets. I wanted to love him again. I did. But I couldn't not then. And I wept for the pain I knew he was in but could not console.
He left. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 09, 2017 02:35 PM
February, 1478"Happy Birthday Bess." Spoke my Father and handed me a pink bag with blue satin trimming. It was only he and I in his chambers and I sat on his bed.
It was a book. The Iliad.
"Thank you Your Grace." I replied humbly and he kissed my cheek as he sat down.
"Did you know it is the prequel to the Odyssey?" He said.
I stared at him queerly. I hadn't known the Odyssey had a prequel.
"Yes, it talks of the fall of Troy and how the Gods became."
I smiled at him and he pinched my cheek. "No telling anyone aye?" It was actually a day before my birthday.
"The Dauphine has sent you presents as well." He spoke. He was sullen, unhappy, I could tell. He was never good at hiding his feelings. Not from me anyway. I always knew.
"Papa," I said. "Will Uncle Dicken be here for my birthday tomorrow?"
"Yes, and many others will be too." He replied.
At the time I thought he meant that since I would be departing to France soon, as I was now twelve and legal to marry there would be many greats Lords and Lady's, of other country's even.
But the next day was a small party. My brothers had come from Ludlow.
"Beautiful Buxom Bessie." Mary admired of mine hips.
"Thank you Mary." I replied. I had always been the vibrant one. And Mary had always been the subtle one. My sister liked jewels and she always was sure that her gowns were encrusted with all types, all colors. Whilst I wanted books for my birthdays, Mary wanted jeweled dresses for hers. She was sewing and peered up from her bed to marvel at me. At twelve years old, I was a tall girl, plump with good childbearing hips. And though I was almost as tall as most men, I was still only to my father's chest. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 09, 2017 02:54 PM
The party was fun, though it seemed to be that Uncle Anthony and Mama were overly happy and prideful.
"Now here's mine." Spoke Uncle Anthony. "But you cannot have it until you say please."
I smiled at him knowing well what he meant.
"Sil-vous-plait?" I crooned.
And he handed me a purple henin.
"Thank you Uncle Anthony." I chided.
Uncle Dicken was not yet there, and really no one but my sisters, brothers, Mother and Uncle Anthony were either. Well, Anne Hastings was.
She made the mistake of resting herself on my shoulder.
"Anne Hastings!" Shouted my Mother. "Remove thine arms from off the Duaphiness's shoulders!"
The Queen took great pleasure that her daughter would be the Queen of France and nothing would ruin that for her, especially not an untrained spoiled child. But, truthfully Anne Hastings would have in any other regard not acted as so, these were just simply the people she had grown up around. It was then that a chest was brought to me from the Dauphine. From out it I pulled a red dress, with Purple frilled sleeves.
"Read the note!" My drunken mother urged happily.
"To me betrothed," I read aloud.
"Next year let it be my fortune to see you in a more tantalizing gown." And there had been drawn a face which appeared to be winking.
My brothers and sisters marveled, but truly they had no idea what this meant. And the heavily drunken Earl of River Queen of England howled.
"You make it appear as if you don't want it Bess!" Declared mine Uncle. "Then you shall always have his heart."
I walked back to my chambers afterwords, that is when the Marquis of Dorset stopped me, Thomas.
"I've a birthday present for you Bess!" He shouted and he was jiggling around. "I've a great present!" He hadn't been at the party and I was actually very curious.
I knew how men were when they were drunk and it did not spare my brother, now twenty three years of age.
"The Death of Clarence!" He shouted out and laughed. "The King's sentenced him to death!"
I felt my face go blank. IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 09, 2017 03:01 PM
My first thought was that it had been my fault. For the encounter at Fotheringay that last year. Maybe Papa had found out and was going to execute him for that reason. But he'd only said it in jest. Hadn't he? Truthfully with the way Thomas had put it, as if it were MY birthday present it made quite good sense in my mind.
He seemed not to care about the look of panic on my face and I made a sprint to my room."Dicken!" I shouted and ran towards him, he would speak to the King. I'd waited by the entrance to the Castle all day.
"Bess," he said. He could feel my flustered heart my shivering, my fear I daresay.
"Uncle George is to be executed in a fortnight!"
His face dropped. "A fortnight!" He declared. "My God, I must speak to the King.
He let me go and walked towards his chambers.
I ran after him. He knew, of course he knew, he just didn't know how soon. That was what had shocked him most of all. I think he thought he would have more time to speak to his brother on the Duke of Clarence's behalf.
Mama was on the bed, playing with Baby George as if to make the boy think he was jumping.
Almost as if he knew this coming, my father did not turn, his back was to us, pouring wine. And he knew it was Dicken. He knew.
"You can't do this Ned." He declared plainly.
"It's signed lad, his death warrant." And still the King did not turn.
"That cannot be accepted, he is your brother Ned, our brother."
Now finally Papa turned. I was taken to admire the once warrior physique. You can always tell when an aged man was a great warrior or not based upon if his stomach grows out from his middle or his top, and the King's was the latter. And he was covered by a golden robe. It was strange to see the Queen making her youngest child scream with laughter and she talking playfully to him seemingly blind to it all.
"You cannot do this," The Duke of Clarence declared again plainly.
"And why can't I Dicken!?" He yelled. "Threats against me! Threats against my family! He's been a thorn in our side for years and you as well as any Lord in this country knows it!"
"But he is our brother, Ned." Came mine Uncle again.
"Gloucester." the Queen said deviously. She set the baby boy down and offered her hand.
"I do believe you owe honor to thy Queen." And she held out her small heavily ringed hand.
At first he did not take it and looked to the ground in hurt pride. But, eventually he grasped it and kissed the garnet stone on her middle finger.
He turned.
"He doesn't deserve your loyalty Dicken." Declared the King. Without turning, he replied.
"And you do?" And walked on.
I looked to Papa briefly, his look was stern to hide the hurt those words had brought him.
"Oh Uncle wait!" I yelled, and ran after him.
"Let me go Bess," he said as I rapped both arms 'round his person as if to restrain him. He could have broke free, but made little effort.
"Please Dicken, please!" I moaned.
He finally looked to me.
I sniffled. "Dicken, he is the King, and he is our sovereign, and though you or I may not know it, he does what he does for our protection." He sighed.
"Bess," he said. "I love my brother, have loved my brother, and stood by him through thick and thin." Then his tone became low and angry. "But someday like me, you are going to realize he is not the God you make him out to be. And that day is going to shake you and your world to your core." He took back his arm, fastened his black cloak about him, and walked out into the storm. I stood watching, too shocked to speak. I surely did not regard my father as a God, did I? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYfJj4qlvAg IP: Logged |
whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 25, 2017 03:57 AM
Skipping ahead will go back and edit. February, 1484 "Bess," She spoke. I was the only one awake, reading the story of Job, the flames flickering reminded me that I should like to imagine myself as he. Though, the Lord had thus far not answered my prayers.
"What's it Jane Shore?"
"Thine Uncle is in the chapel." She whispered. And she was fearful.
I felt my face grow hot, it had been four years since last I had seen or even heard from him, and I tucked the book into my sleeve.
"Did he see you?" I demanded and I hoped she did not think I was angry at her.
"Thank God no," she spoke.
She placed a hand on my shoulder as I went towards the staircase that would take me down to the chapel. I held back immediately.
"Do what y'must Bess, but promise me you'll be cautious."
I nodded. But I didn't know what I was going to do. Halfway down I grabbed a torch and began to compose myself for what would come next.
The chapel was completely dark, and the only light came from my torch, faint in the darkness.
I didn't aspy Dicken, but I felt him.
"Whose there?" He called faintly. "Be it the Abbess or the Priest?"
I froze and couldn't catch my breath. He was coming towards me now, and in that moment I had realized that I was in my bedding gown without cap. and I dropped the torch in fear of my modesty which extinguished on the marble ground.
I heard him unsheathe his sword and charge, and screamed.
The next moment I heard my name, and he was holding me as I whimpered.
"Bess, how did you know I was here?" I was very shaken but I sunk deep into his arms. A man's protective fatherly embrace. But he was much shorter then my Father and so it did not feel as I wanted to.
So many things I wanted to say to him.
"W...What happened Dicken?" I barely stammered. He knew exactly what I meant.
"Where to start?" He chuckled and I felt a deep hatred momentarily.
"You killed Richard and Uncle Anthony." I said and began to cry.
"Bess.." He said in a protective manner.
"You killed Will Hastings," I exhaled in defeat and felt myself collapse. He held me.
"Bess..." he said gently.
And then the tears came swift. "You...killed...Edward and Little Rich..." I sobbed.
And he grabbed me to him. "No, no I did not, it is too much a story to tell you Bess, but no I did not." His tone sounded believable.
"Whether for purpose or negligence, you killed them!" I spattered.
"Bess, don't you think I would have done all I could had I known?"
I looked to him then and wiped my tears.
"Do you promise me?" I sniffled.
"Yes."
"Then say it again."
"Yes."
"You do promise?"
"Yes."
Each time he replied it was the same understanding but trusting gruff tone that he'd always had.
But I swore he gave a choked sound as if preventing his own tears.
"I hate it here Dicken!" I sobbed. "She's unbearable Dicken she is!"
"I know, I know she is."
"And she lied Dicken!" She lied to me!"
I felt him grow a bit angry.
"Anything she told you of your father, Bess, you don't believe he wanted to, you hear me? Your father did what he did for you and this country, just as I."
I knew what he meant. Boy Kings are too easily swayable, and England could not handle this again. And I cursed that the Woodville's and the Plantagenet's could not get along for it. For, we were all of York in the end. And he felt the same. I knew he did. And the shouting matches at Mama had exhausted me, especially trying to be the bigger one for the little ones as she taunted me about "Mine Saintly Father."
He hugged me tight as I explained.
"Bess, how about you to come to Court and be a Lady Anne? You and Cecily?" I suddenly remembered that he was now the King and I bowed.
"If it is what his Grace wishes." And there went the fury again that I had always had such great trouble restraining. But I swallowed it down. As I turned.
"Happy Birthday, Bess." He called in the darkness. Yes, I remembered, I was eighteen today with the Midnight.
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whitewitch111
Knowflake Posts: 3860
From: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted October 25, 2017 03:59 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFDYuO53BUk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h9MxNn8P7w
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