Kingmaker

Roses #2

"What was it like for you under the white rose, Ava?" inquired Neville as he and Ava walked slowly now beside the lake in the castle grounds. Her back would've seized up even more if she had remained seated. The injury had gotten to the point where it could leave her bedridden; or the slightest movement in the wrong direction, or at the wrong time, would seriously hurt her. She very rarely let it affect her, and very rarely voiced that it was hurting. Mainly because it always felt as though it was 'old news' to everyone, and if she brought it up. She was often told to silence and stop mentioning it.
"For me, being under the white rose... It just felt so displeasing. When I used to live with my parents, they had a tutor try to teach me about the House. Despite me being in a family of high standing. They sometimes spoke of you, and when I turned away or argued what was being said. They often muttered that I must be Lancastrian. At the time, I believe it was after one of the jousting tournaments at which we first spoke. They judged me harshly afterwards. Often said that I was a disgrace to the House of York, and to the Woodville name. I said that if I was such a disgrace, why fight so hard to keep me in York. Their response was that it would scar the Woodville name if I defected to Lancaster. Yet, here I am. Though I guess I am hunted now for the action. But for me overall. Being under the white rose. I was caged. Sheltered. Sought after by Sir Henry Stafford. He still seeks my hand to this day. I regret the times when I squired for him and danced with him at banquets. I was young and stupid at the time, I suppose" When Ava spoke, she didn't keep the hint of spite out of her voice for the House of York. Her voice may have taken a sour turn when speaking of Stafford. But one could change their tone at any time to cover things up.
It was true though. She did regret the times she had spent with Stafford. Even if he had not, she had. Maybe some part of her heart still felt for him. But the rest of it sought Neville. The House of York had done a good job of making her love knights, to put it bluntly. She loved men of high standing, and those with some form of power. Men older than her, but not by too many years. The House of York had also done a good job of making her as hard as nails when it came to arguments and defending herself. One of the only things they had failed to do. One of the main things. Was to keep her loyal to them, and them alone. Her loyalty rarely faltered. But the past few weeks, it had faltered more and more.
As Neville gazed upon her once more, his quirked an eyebrow. "Sir Henry Stafford. That man. I often caught a glimpse of him and yourself at the tournaments. He looked upon you as though you were diamonds. I have never seen the man act in such a manner. But I know there is more to him than that. And. The House of Lancaster will not treat you as they did. We will not cage you. Or treat you like a child. We will not force you to do that which you do not want to do. And I, nor Plantagenet will force you to squire for us. A squire, though they work closely with the knights, are somewhat of low standing. If we do ever bring you to tournaments, it will be your choice what you do there. So long as it is all in the name of Lancaster, and will not sully our name. As for the banquets. You dance with whomever you wish. But if a knight asks" He turned to her now, stopping them beside the lake as the sun beamed over them. "Say yes" he bowed to her ever so slightly. Indirectly saying that he would be one of the knights to ask her to dance at banquets. She didn't even need to speak for him to know that she would say yes to him. It may seem cocky, but he knew how Ava felt about him. And sometimes, words just weren't needed.
Ava offered a kind smile, bowing slightly in return to Neville. "Sir Richard, it would be an honour to say yes to dancing with a knight of Lancaster" The knight, in response to her words, took her hand gently when she rose from her bow. Drawing her slightly closer to him. "You will find that, though we are knights. We can be most gentle when we have to be" He chuckled softly when Ava's cheeks grew pink; he assumed at their closeness and that he was holding her hand. He didn't want to embarass the girl, but it was adorable to see her reacting like this. Gently, he entwined his gloved fingers with hers, gripping her hand softly. "Ava. The House of Lancaster are glad to have you. Myself most of all. We will speak with the King today, but I am sure he will confirm your allegiance with us. Once it is all done, we will arrange everything for you to stay here in the castle with myself and Plantagenet. Then we can continue your training. You were aiming to be a knight, were you not?" he smiled kindly to her, seeing her eyes brighten and a smile form on her lips.
Again, she didn't need to speak. Neville could see the answers in her eyes. One day, he hoped she would see the answer in his.

[Authors Note: I am in so much pain. It's not even funny. This is why I don't go out in the sun without my hoodie.
Ava and Sir Richard Neville are getting closer!]