The Last York Prince [AU]

Uncanny Alliance Part 2

(Richard and the rest discuss about Wolsey. Mary resists at first and Henry makes Richard to make Mary submit to his will. The first hint of *cough* CatherineStafford *cough*)

LATE 1514

Mary ran her hands to the fabric presented to her, which was a gift from Richard, for when she was to be presented to France by Louis. She took it and placed it over her shoulder so the fabric draped across her body.

"Sister, you must tell me where Richie gets all these beautiful cloths".

"You know your brother, he has his ways", Freja smiled as she picked some jewelleries to match.

Mary was measured and fitted for her wedding. She also requested that the dress must match her brother Gloucester's black colour when Wolsey weds her to Louis. Richard delivered and Mary's new dress was in red, gold and of course, black.

Catherine arrived with her ladies, Lina, Rosa and Maggie. "Ricardo has very fine taste when it comes to fabrics and colours. It pleases Henry that he has worn less mourning colours lately".

Freja could only smile. "Perhaps, only I agree that he looks good in dark colours".

"You're not the only one, Lady Gloucester", said Mary Boleyn, daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn, as she giggled with other ladies.

"I also think he looks much better with lighter colours. It brings out that charming smile of his", said Lina as she picked up a bracelet.

"Oh please, my brother can wear a rucksack and you ladies will chase after him no matter what", Mary giggled with the ladies.

"But only one lady will win his heart no matter what", said Bessie Blount with a smile.

Freja blushed. Despite being married to Richard for more than a decade now, they still looked like newlyweds by others.

"Maggie, you're the only one here who knew his father, right?", Mary asked.

Maggie nodded. "Yes, he took care of my brother and I after..., our parents died".

"What was he like?", asked Lina.

"Was he like what people had said?", asked Anne Boleyn.

"Or was he like our Lord Gloucester?", Rosa was intrigued.

"Oh, do tell, mother", Ursula pleaded.

"Oh, Richard and his father are no different. Chivalrous, great warriors and tacticians, loving husband and father. He..., he's not...", all the memories of her beloved uncle flooded in and overwhelmed her.

Freja quickly grasped Maggie's hands. "Now, now, ladies. Today is a happy day. Perhaps, Maggie can tell us that story another day, yes?".

"I agree", said Catherine, "It is a joyous occasion. We must celebrate and be happy".

MEANWHILE

Richard lost count on the many times he had refilled his goblet. He, Surrey, Stafford and Sir Thomas Boleyn sat in Richard's private quarters.

"Archbishop of York", Richard chuckled.

"He's reaching too high. The king only listens to him now", said Surrey.

"And More", Boleyn chimed in.

"Please don't mention his name in my presence, Sir Thomas", he still hasn't let go of the draft Ursula had given.

"Henry may listen to him, but Gloucester and I know him better. We know his true heart", said Stafford.

"He may turn the king against us", said Surrey.