𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄 || 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑾𝑯𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑬𝑵

𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑋𝑉

~The Woodvilles~

There was always one matter resting daily on Constance's mind and that was the one of her household, an ever growing, ever changing system that demanded her constant attention. There were the accounts to see to, as well as the attendants, pages, maids, keepers of the royal wardrobe and many more including her Ladies in waiting who were the current occupants of her thoughts.

Bathed in morning light, she sat by the hearth with the Duchess of Exeter, a little table between them as they discussed the matter at hand.

"So, who do you wish to be one of your ladies?" Anne asked as she lay out cards painted with miniatures of the noblewomen at court, each candidates for the Queen's household. Constance sighed as she looked over them, fingers shuffling the small paintings around, eyes gliding over each pale face and bright gown "You shall have to pick at least one for Ned is plotting a marriage for Margaret!"

"I know" Constance replied, groaning a little as the baby in her belly shifted beneath her gown. In the three weeks since her husband's return, Edward had become fixated on a foreign alliance for England now the country was relatively at peace.

It was another fine way to secure his crown, as well as bringing an avenue of trade, and with Margaret being his only unmarried sister at eighteen, she was the one to create that alliance. Margaret's marriage had been a constant topic between the Queen and her husband, a hot brand they liked to toss between them when it came to selecting candidates.

She, of course, put up the candidate of France and was glad that Edward seemed to be swaying towards her idea but, of course, there were others who sought to form an English alliance for their countries, Spain perhaps "I shall take Isabel Neville" She continued at last, pushing the miniature of the eldest Neville girl in the Duchess' direction.

She was still young at twelve, Constance supposed, but it was time she learned how to run a household of her own and attend on her Queen.

Anne nodded, adding it to the miniatures of the current Ladies in waiting.
"What about Annie?"
Constance shook her head.

Little Annie was only eight and, though sweeter than strawberries, still as timid as a mouse! No, to put her in a position of such high servitude was almost cruel.
"I shall make her my little protege" She decided "A ward of sorts? It would please Richard"

"It certainly would" Anne conceded "Any chance to raise his family pleases him" She sighed a little "Well, you have me, my two sisters, Katherine, Isabel Neville....that makes five and Margaret may leave soon which leaves us with four, are there any others that appeal to you?"

Constance shrugged a little, the sea of noble faces all appeared the same to her when she thought and the advancement of her pregnancy had blurred her ability to concentrate. She was more focused on the babe in her belly and caring for him.