Everyone seemed to know my destiny before I did. I am their Hope, I am His Hope. Hope is what I was names and Hope is what I shall bring. To my father, to my family, to my King.
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Anne Neville was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, the bells rang out in name of her death. I stood near the gate watching as Richard mourned his wife.
"Richard?" I asked
"She wasn't supposed to die. Not now, not yet. Maybe it was broken heart because of me." he told me
"Richard you mustn't."
"I cannot talk to you Hope. They are saying I killed her so I could marry you." he continued
"But that isn't true." I walked forward to him
"They are saying that I poisoned her. And all the Lords are for joining Tudor. He is bringing an army against me. You have to go Hope, take Elizabeth too." he insisted but I didn't want to give up not when he questioned the future with me. Or the possibility of it.
"Richard please."
"I am not Richard! I am your King. Now go." he ordered "Go!" he yelled and I took my leave. I went to join my sister and took deep breaths.
"Hope?"
"His love in me is wavering, he has ordered for us to leave." I took her hand and left the abbey. "He is grieving I understand that but what if he wins and we lose."
"We will know in time, like you said the battle is coming. We will soon know you you shall marry."
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Richard had sent the two of us to Lady Margaret and Lord Stanley. When we arrived Lord Stanley was kind enough to show us around his home and gardens making polite conversation with us.
"Thank you for taking us in my Lord, you are most kind to my sister and I." I thanked him
"Not at all, my lady. My wife and I were happy to accommodate you." he replied causing me to chuckle
"I doubt that very much. Lizzie and I are still privy to court gossip. We have ears on what is spoken about us. About me." I say "Women must protect themselves in what way they can even if that should mean ruffling a few feathers."
"I understand." he gave a brief nod.
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Lady Margaret had asked me and Lizzie to pray with her in her chapel. We knelt with our hands clasped and our eyes closed. That was till I opened mine
"We won't intrude on you for long Lady.." she cut me off
"We do not speak in Gods house. And you will pray five times a day that my son forgives you for your sin. And that God will make you worthy of his hand." she went back to praying and I looked to my sister, I shake my head and prayed once more
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I was at the chapel once more when I heard horses. I looked out of the window and saw the royal guards. I grinned and went to find Lady Margret yet before I reached her I wiped away my glee.
"I saw the Royal guards outside. Is there word from Richard?" I wonder. she chuckled slightly
"He's using you, you fool. To shame Henry and rob men from his side. But your so vain you think he loves you." she retorted and I sighed
"He does love me, my Lady." I went to pour myself a drink
"You're a whore."
"Aww, that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said." I grinned "And that is coming from one of the adore Princess' of England."
"You are monstrous in the eyes of God for what you have done with him." I sat down across from her
"Which is what? Lady Margaret let me ask you this, do you know why I was my fathers favourite? Why he taught me things he was supposed to teach my brothers?" she said nothing
"He taught me what he know because from the moment I was born if not before he saw me on the throne. Even when he had my brothers I wore the crown. Now I have tried to run away from it, I swear on my life I have but losing my brothers broke me, losing my father changed me. There is a battle to be won and either way I'm poised to be Queen and return my family name to one of meaning. Yet you call me the monster when you murdered my poor innocent brothers." She reached over and grabbed my face
"You know nothing."
"I know plenty. I know that no matter which way the wind blows I will wear the crown of England and be Queen." I pulled away from her
"My son will never marry you." she denied and I smirked at her
"Yes he will, if he wins having me is the only way people will support his backside on my fathers throne. You need me, you need the love people have for me as does Richard. It will be the last time you have the gaul to sit in my presence without permission." I left to see my sister
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Lizzie and I were returned to my mother at Gafton. She embraced us upon arrival
"Thank god you are safe" We pulled her away and I gave her a sot smile as we were lead inside. Later on we heard footsteps enter the library. Mother entered with...
"Richard!" I gasp running over and embracing my brother "You are safe!"
"Yes dear sister." He returned the embrace. He the greeted Lizzie. While they talked I stood outside watching the sunset. I'm sure the battle will have started the victor to be decided. My future to be decided.
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I sat in chambers staring at myself in the mirror the close it came the more I was afraid. Mother entered
"Hope?"
"Mother I'm afraid" I admitted
"You must continue to be strong. You will marry Henry Tudor." she kissed my head "And you will be Queen of England as I once was."
