York's Hope.

Chapter Fifty Two - The Boy Arrives

Upon our return to England, we were given the news that the boy had arrived through Scotland, he was close to invading. We rode fast and hard back to the palace.

"How Many?" Henry questioned as we rode into the courtyard to be met with the Lords "How many does the boy have with him?"

"We believe it is 4,000." Richard Pole informed us as I reigned my horse to a halt

"All Scottish or have others joined his course too?" I question 

"They say the boy has 1,400 mercenaries from Germany and Flanders." Stanley answered. I dismounted and we headed inside

"A tax was levied to raise funds to pay our men. We are mustering." Morton explained

"But the Cornish are up in arms about the attacks and men must be dispatched to quell them too." Pole continued we stopped and turned to him "Well, they feel the Scottish are so far from their boarders and they shouldn't  have to pay for a war that isn't their concern."

"The leaders are camped on Blackheath hoping the men of Kent will rise with them." Stanley added

"So I cannot muster from Cornwall or from Kent. Anywhere else? Is Essex with me? Suffolk or is all of the south and southwest lost to me?" they had no answer "Send men to quell the Cornish and have the rest ready to ride North with me."

"And Spain, are Spain with us?" Morton inquired

"Mark the names of those who do not come, they are against me. Hire mercenaries to boost our numbers. We have no allies." He left with Morton and Stanley

"Where are my children?" I asked, Sir Pole turned to answer me

"Prince Arthur and Edward along with Princeess Margaret are in the tower, Your Grace for safety. Prince Harry returns from the pilgrimage with My Lady the Kings mother. They are under guard. Your sister and her family are in her apartments."

"Thank you." I went to join my husband his armour was brought out

"I will dress the King, you are dismissed" the bowed and left.

"Hope?"

"My knowledge is beyond what you could imagine. If there was something I could know, I most likely know it. It's one of the first things I remember my father actually teaching me." I began to help him get ready, I fixed his armour in place and made sure he was dressed. I handed him his sword then his dagger both sheathed

"I have never gone to battle without Jasper."

"His spirit is with you Henry, it rides out with you onto the battlefield. As does mine." he took ahold of my arm

"I will return to you a victor." He promised then sealed it with a kiss. I was walking him out when Harry and his Grandmother arrived

"I prayed Henry, I was obedient to the Lord. But now the boy has come against you."

"Harry, come." I held out my hand. He took it and left his Grandmother, standing between his father and I. Henry smiled at us then left for battle.

"You will be sent to stay with your siblings and your cousins. When the threat is over I will come and get you. Sir Pole will take you." I told my son. Richard stepped forward and Harry left too. I asked for my sister to come to my chambers there was a small knock and she entered

"Thank god your safe."

"Henry might not be. I'm  not sure if I am to be honest. Something happened." I told her

"What?"

"I lost time. The last thing I remember was helping teach the children Spanish when I saw Maggie. Queen Isabella, said I had given her a warning but I don't remember what it was. I don't even remember suggesting the match or making the journey. After Maggie the next thing I remember is waking up on the ship."

"Did you have a seeing?" she wondered sitting down.

"It's the only thing that makes sense, but I've never lost time before. The only person who could help is locked away in a abbey who's plotting against my husband." I sigh "Speaking of, I had a thought, it is mad but it's something she just might do."

"Send help to the Henry and Alexander like she did with father." she stated "We are twins and it does happen." she smiled slightly

"Yes, it does." i grabbed a chair and put it up against the door "It's been a while since we've done this.  I then went to my jewellery box and lifted up the false bottom I took a lock of Henry's hair out and grabbed a bowl then a knife. I placed the items on the table then dropped the lock of hair in. I cut my hand then handed the dagger to Lizzie who did the same. We held bloody hands and I close my eyes.

"Protect our loves we call to thee, protect them, protect them." we mumbled

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I ran out hearing that they were back. Lizzie and I ran to our respective husbands.

"Henry!" I beamed 

"It is over, he withdrew." he picked me up and twirled me around as we kissed. "He did not have the will to fight me. He could not bring himself to take up arms against God's own anointed King."

"He ran?" I asked "Then he is not a York, no York man would ever run from battle. No one will believe his claim again. oh Henry." I giggled

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We laid in bed together his arms wrapped around me, nothing but happiness and content between us.

"I never thought we would have this." he whispered in my ear.

"But, we do. No one shall ever take it from us." I turned round as straddled him "Or I shall slay them down with my sword." he laughed and rolled me over.