Mother had sent me yet another letter, asking for me and Lizzie to come visit her. I folded the letter back up just as a beaming Henry holding a letter.
"Ah. My men in Burgundy have unmasked him. The boy is the son of a boatman from Tournei and his name is Perkin Warbeck." once he said that name it felt as if a dagger was plunged into me Perkin Warbeck, Perkin Warbeck. "Writing my letter to Scotland will be a joy. Let's see how it pleases King James to learned he has shamed his cousin by marrying her to sir no one from no where. Scotland will throw him back to where he came from and Europe will deny they ever met with him." he chuckled as I found it hard to catch a breath
"Hope? What is it?" he questioned.
"My mother writes to me again. Bids Lizzie and I to visit." I threw the letter into the fire. "I am going to see my sister. Maybe walk through the markets like we used to."
"I will have a guard ready for you." I gave a watery smile and take my leave. I invite Lizzie with me, she agrees and we walk through the market.
"It's the Queen!" "Look, the Queen! Princess Elizabeth!" people parted as we walked through. The started cheering as we moved along. I handed out bread and fruit.
"Thank you, your Grace." I came across a little girl, I crouched down
"Hello, Little one. What's your name?" I ask
"Mary, your Grace." she gave a little curtsy
"That is a very beautiful name. Would you like some bread for your family?" she looked up at who I think was her mother and nodded. I handed her a loaf and a couple of coins
"Thank you Your Grace."
"You are most Welcome, Mary." We made some purchases and then headed back to the palace. Though I headed for the gardens
"You seem troubled, Hope. What is it?" My sister questioned seeing my expression
"The boy in Burgundy is called Perkin Warbeck son a a boatman from Tournai" I told her and I saw the expression of shock cross her face "Henry received word from his spies."
"That isn't possible." she breathed
"It felt as if I had been gutted when he spoke the words, the name and I froze in fear. Then it was if I was a child again Lizzie, like we had done something wrong and we lied to not get in trouble. I told him of our mothers letter instead of telling him the truth of that name. Why can't I be honest with him, Lizzie? He is my husband and I love him."
"You will tell him, I think you just needed to tell me first and come to terms that the impossible might have just happened. And I am sure that you will tell him." she reasoned
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The children were having their Spanish Lesson outside today since the weather was beautiful.
"Hope!" I turned around and saw Maggie coming over with her husband, the two parted and I went to met her "We haven't had a moment to speak in private since I returned from my trip to Burgundy."
"What shall we speak of? Traitors to mine and my husband reign? The nightmares my son has had since he witnessed the beheading of a man he loved? The same man who betrayed him and his family." I wondered "I was told you went to visit my mother again." I sigh
"She wants to see you Hope. Both you and Lizzie, she is unwell." Maggie replied
"Why would I do that? Ever since we came back here she has repeatedly betrayed and conspired against me and my husband. I Know she still writes to the Duchess, though we have abandoned our attempts to stop it. I suggested that we have the monks make copies so we know the web she weaves." I brush off her response
"She did show me a letter she had just received. Everyone in Europe has accepted him. Everyone came to the wedding, well a part from Spain your Aunt writes 'Isabella is so lofty with her new found wealth and self importance..." i cut her off
"Spain did not attend? You are sure of it?" I question
"That's what it said in the letter." she answered and I smirked taking my leave and heading for the council chambers. The door opened and I strolled in, everyone stood as I walked past them to my husband.
"We should settle Arthur's betrothal, to the Princess Catherine of Aragon. Alone of all of Europe, Spain refused to meet the boy. Maybe it is because they have no interest with their new ventures but..." I trailed off
"You've always insisted Arthur is too young and that he will choose his wife for love." he replied
"Yes, well I changed my mind. It has been known to happen. Besides it is rumoured that she is beautiful." he hummed "It would give him something good to think of and ally us with the strongest force in Europe."
"If Europe backed the boy they would have matched him with a far more powerful wife than the third cousin to the left of the ruler of the poorest land in Christendom, it simply isn't a threat." Stanley responded
"Well it would hardly hurt, would it?" I added
"The Queen is right. If we can come to terms with Isabella of Castile, then none would dare to wake that sleeping giant now or in the future. It would be the best deterrent ." Henry agreed
"And the Dowry would be significant" Morton added
"We will not leave it to a letter. We will go there in person." he looked up to me and I smiled softly
YOU ARE READING
York's Hope.
FanfictionEveryone 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.
