Kingmaker

Llane Richard Neville #1

The winter sun rose on the morning of the execution. The young general that had stepped out of line weeks earlier had been sentenced to death after he had been tried as a spy of York. His attitude was a telltale sign of his intentions within Lancaster. It remained unclear how the general got in the army. Some believing he sneaked in during a march and had remained unseen, mistaken for one of the many generals that had been there previously.
Now, the ground, covered in a sheet of thick, glistening snow would be spotted with blood. The young general dragged through the snow none too kindly by Sir George Plantagenet, and Sir Richard Neville. The execution had been restricted to the castle grounds, only visible to the King and the soldiers. Ava stood watching from a distance, the general she had come to know as Edward stood at her side. As did many other soldiers, forming a sort of protective wall to her sides and behind her. She would watch the execution. Even if she could give birth to her child any day now, and standing in the cold wasn't good for her. She would see this man hung.
The young general swore and screamed of York. Making threats he wouldn't be able to carry out, sending ripples of laughter through the army that watched. He spat in Ava's direction, men around her drawing their swords. Sir Richard punching the general in the mouth hard enough to break a few teeth. Ava merely watched him, her hands resting lightly atop her stomach, her baby kicking. She could feel him moving an awful lot. Just as Sir Richard was about to pull the lever to hang the general, Ava doubled over slightly. Gripping her stomach. A sharp pain shivering through her.
"Sir Richard!" yelled one of the guards that held onto Ava's arm to keep her standing. Plantagenet waved the man off. "Go. She cannot give birth in this cold" he said, watching as Neville rushed to Ava's side. "Go ahead gentlemen. Get me a nurse and have them prepare warm blankets and washcloths" ordered Neville, gripping Ava's forearm; wrapping one arm around her waist. As they left, the general snorted; "That baby will die in this cold" Instantly having the lever pulled by Plantagenet with a sneer before he followed after Sir Richard and Ava. He would guard the room they would be in.
They rushed into the castle, Ava crying out in pain as their child came closer and closer to entering the world. She had been in slow labour some time. The pair were eager to meet their baby now as they entered a warm room that had been prepared by Ava and Neville's own soldiers. Once she was ready, Neville gently pulled off her boots and jodhpurs, along with her underwear. It was only right that he did it, and not someone else.
It took mere minutes. 20 at the most, with a cry of pain, their child came into the world. Ava dropping her head back in a sigh of relief as a nurse instantly cleaned the newborn, before laying him on Ava's chest. "You have a little boy, Ava" she smiled softly, backing away to leave the new parents with their baby. Ava felt tears roll down her cheeks as she cradled her son against her, Neville at her side. "Llane Richard Neville" smiled Ava, looking to Neville at her side. Earning a smile and a nod. "Perfect" he whispered gently, kissing Ava's lips softly. Their son was healthy, a strong little boy. Nurses cleaned Ava up, and did everything they had to do, checking mother and baby.
The few soldiers that had remained in the room came to see the newborn, congratulating the parents. Clasping hands with Neville, and hugging Ava very carefully with their armour. Plantagenet had came in to see the newborn also. Smiling. "A little boy. Congratulations"
Neville smiled now, sitting on the chair beside his wife and son. "We have a son under our name now, Ava. He will be raised in the castle with good food, toys, horses and many friends. He will have a good life" he smiled, watching as Ava fed their son. She nodded softly at his words. "He will be protected. I will pay the best men from my army twice their normal pay to protect our son. No harm will ever come to him" she whispered, tears filling her eyes. "Will we be safe, Richard?" she asked now, looking to him. Sir Richard gained a slight look of uncertainety. "I hope so. We will fight to defend him, Ava. If any man advances aggressively. He will be cut down. I promise" He leaned to Ava. "I promise" he whispered again, pressing a soft kiss to her lips once more.
Ava handed their son to Neville now with a soft smile. Watching as the new father cradled his son against his chest, smiling and speaking softly to his son. Ava stood from the bed to get dressed once more. Pulling her underwear, jodhpurs and boots on. Not wanting to remain unarmed, she even returned her sword to her side. She stood to Neville's side, smiling as he gently pulled her to sit on his lap. He cradled their son in his arm as he wrapped the other around Ava's waist. He silenlty hugged her close, smiling softly as she rested her head against his.
They had a family now. Whether or not they would be safe was yet to be seen.

[Authors Note: It would've been tedious to play out a pregnancy. So fast forward! And the little boy is here! Llane Richard Neville. The name Llane, taken from the Warcraft movie of course. I couldn't think of anything else. And Richard, the name of his father. A decent name, really.
Will they be safe?]