𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄 || 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑾𝑯𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑬𝑵

𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑋𝑉𝐼

~Summer Fates of Bitter Joy~

Constance took great joy in the court celebrations that filled the long summer days of heat and smiles. It meant constant opportunities to be by Edward's side and that made both of them happy; to present a United front that was true to the court, finding that as her pregnancy progressed, the King became like a worried Mother in some ways!

Whenever they would walk, it was with his arm firmly around her waist, supporting her and the babe, constantly telling her that she could lean upon him if she had need to. Every minute he would ask after her health, searching for any signs of illness or tiredness in her face and at meals he took to feeding her morsels of food, making sure that she was eating plenty for herself and their child.

The day of the court hawking was one of brightly coloured splendour, with the sun shining down on the fields of emerald green surrounding the white and gold tent where tables were laid.

Silver plates piled with food topped them and the court ate merrily as numbers of their ranks stepped out for the merry competition. Hawks circled in the clear, blue sky and whistles from their owners pierced the air, calling them down from great heights.

The Queen, King and their closest courtiers sat at a table at the front of the tent, watching their friends with glee and excitement. Dickon was currently against one of the Woodville boys, both watching their hawks circle around one another before they tried to coax them back down. Unfortunately for the young Duke, his bird decided to settle itself in a tree branch while his rival's swooped elegantly down onto the Woodvilles's arm.

A round of applause filled the air and Constance heard William Hastings chuckle beside her, his laugh a deep rumble from his broad chest.

"Poor Dickon" He exclaimed and Edward joined his laughter, despite sending a sympathetic look in his little brother's direction "Still the Woodville will have a fight on his hands if he wishes to win against George! He has none of Dickon's chivalry and he doesn't like to lose!"

"Nor do you, husband!" Katherine countered from his side, pressing a fond kiss to his cheek which Will grinned at.

"Indeed, and Woodville's name is John" Edward said with a grin "Really, Will, I don't know why you're so against them!"
Will simply shrugged, biting into a chicken leg.
"They irritate me" He mumbled and Constance could not help but secretly agree.

There was something unspeakably irritating about the Woodville clan that had invaded court. While they were the epitome of manners and grace, their sense of airs and grandeur could serve to do nothing but annoy, as did their simpering manner towards royals, especially the King.