I finished getting ready for the parade through the town, dragging the boy behind. I heard Maggie talking with the boys.
"Well, he must believe it to be true but then he wouldn't...." i cut her off
"What are you saying to my sons?" I question her, the all turned the gaze to me "Boys come outside. Quickly now." I clap my hands and the run past me.
"Hope, have you spoken to him?" Maggie asked
"Why would I? He is nothing like my brother." I dismissed her then I followed the boys outside and helped secure Arthur on his horse.
"Arthur, you mustn't listen to Maggie or anyone else who believes that he is your uncle. They chose someone who had York looks to add to the deception. He is an enemy to our country and will try to take what is rightfully yours. That's all." he nodded and I went to mount my horse. Once I was on my my gown sorted, we were ready. I rode out next to Henry and through the streets of the city, people gathered to the side yelling with what I presumed was rotten veg ready to throw.
"Behold the enemy of England, the York Pretender! The boy who's be a thorn in England's side."
"Spit at him! Throw stones!" Harry called out
"He is horrible to our mother and father! Your King and Queen!" Ned added
"He made you go to war and lose your Kinsmen!" Lizzie shouted "He tried to cost your beloved Queen her husband, your King!"
"And he has cost you dear in taxes" Lady Margaret reminded them
"I do not blame you, good people of London. I do no blame my sister, she must protect her sons." the boy spoke
"He is a liar and he insults the memory of your Queen's departed brother!" Alexander yelled rowing the crowd more
"My sister is a natural Queen and there will be no pleasure in taking it from her." I scoffed
"Take it from her? Hear his gall!" The people became quiet
"Our mother hid me on the night the soldiers came for you." He spoke to me directly but I did not turn around "You didn't say goodbye, as you were angry with me, both of you were." we were halted by a crowd who stood in the way
"Let us through! Let us through there!"
"You always thought our mother loved me more than you, despite being the apple of our fathers eye." people began thudding their cups "I miss you Hope. I miss you Lizzie. I wish that you would speak to me as you once did. I forgive you."
"Enough!" I yell, practically scream. Everyone fell silent. and turn my horse to face the boy "Enough. You speak to me as if we are kin, you think you know me?" I question
"You are..."
"I am your Queen! Nothing more, pretender." I turn back around "Clear the way. Now!" people parted and we continued on and then back to the palace. I storm through the corridors to my quarters. I enter and slam the door behind me. I struggle to breath, I drop to my knees, I lift my hands to see they are shaking. With fear or with anger I cannot tell.
The next day i observed Morton arriving back with a woman and child in tow. Maggie came up next to me and looked out of the window as well.
"Cathy Gordon?!" Maggie was surprised
"Why is she here?" I questioned looking back at my cousin, then i saw my sister enter. I held out my hand and she took it.
"Share your strength with me sister, I think I may need more than I have." I glanced back at her
"Of course." she gave a small smile which I returned.
"Lizzie, I have never thanked you for remaining by my side since I became Queen. You know that I am forever grateful you did not leave me." I took her other hand
"I do not need thanks, you are my twin. To be parted for too long we both know hurts us to our very core. We share each others pain and no matter who we are married to, we are each others strength." she kissed my hands
"Come." We left my rooms and made our way out into the hallway. I stopped being Lady Margaret with Catherine Gordon and her babe.
"Curtsy to the Queen." I heard Lady Margaret. She curtsied, the was escorted away. We followed a moment later
"What is he doing?" I hear the Gordon girl question as I turn the corner
"Working clearly." I reply "His claims are false, he is a servant."
"He is your brother."
"Lady Margaret. I honestly never thought I would say this but I think I have finally met someone who irritates me more than you." I chuckled "Why not inform her of her situation?"
"Your marriage is annulled. It was made under false pretences." she informed the girl.
"What?"
"You shall resume your maiden name and your son called a bastard. But you will be treated in accordance with your royal birth." Lady Margaret continued
"So I am your prisoner?"
"You are our guest." I say clasping my hands together
"What if I don't want to be your guest?" she retorted
"Then you may leave your son and freely return to Scotland." Lady Margaret answered as two nurses arrived "What name have you given him. He will be attended to by midwives." said women stepped forward to remove the baby from her grasp.
"No. No! No! You will let them do this." I sigh and turned on my heal walking away
"You are of royal birth. It is the custom."
"He is your nephew, Edward!" she called as I continued on my way.
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.
