Kingmaker

Lack of Sleep #1

In silence, Ava watched as the Prince of Wales marched his army away from hers. She sat in silence on her mount, several of her men standing around her. She shivered slightly as she watched them, her cloak draped around her shoulders in some attempt to warm her. The Prince rode towards her, only to be stopped by her soldiers before he could get within striking distance. "You accuse my men of stealing, then exile us?"
"My men wouldn't misplace their weapons and armour. Each of my men knows where their armour and weapons are at all times. We have never had an issue like this before. So your men are most likely the ones to blame. Now step back" Ava's voice had taken a dark turn to the nice one she had had just moments earlier when speaking to her troops. "Shame really. You would've been a fine ally. But in stealing from us. You're stealing from Lancaster" commented one of Ava's soldiers at her side. The Prince looked to the soldier. "You allow yourselves to be led by Yorkshire blood" "She's Lancastrian now. She's gave blood, sweat, time and energy for Lancaster. She almost gave her life defending our King, and us. She's Lancastrian" commented the soldier again, arguing against what the Prince was saying. "Do not speak of York and most certainely do not speak of me amongst them. Lancaster has my vows. Both to the Crown, and to one of its knights, and Earls. You speak of my name in such a manner, you speak of Sir Richard also" Ava once again narrowed her eyes at the Prince, touching her hand to the hilt of her sword. A mild threat. But also a warning for the Prince to watch his words.
Sir Richard had seen and heard the confrontation between his wife and the Prince. He rode to her side, watching the Prince. "I think you've said enough Prince Edward. Leave here. Should Lancaster need you again, we will have a messenger sent to you" With that, the Prince rode off in silence with his army trailing behind him. Ava glared at each of them as they rode past her. She spotted several men with her swords, and some wearing her armour. She'd let them go this time. They'd only be shot down by York anyway for wearing the very noticeable Lancastrian armour.
Sir Richard watched Ava for a moment once all the soldiers had left the castle grounds. Once again, he had seen her talked of under York, and she had resorted to her sword for what seemed like comfort. Maybe she'd benefit from just being talked to. Talked to by himself, Plantagenet and some of their older generals. They'd been doing this a lot longer than she had, and she seemed to be struggling a little. She seemed to struggle most when her patience was tested. It was obvious though that she had been raised by the sword and turned to it when she felt she had nowhere else to turn. With a sigh, Sir Richard moved his horse alongside hers; leaning closer to take her hand in his gently. "We'll talk about this inside. It's getting cold" he said softly, gently tugging the reins of her horse to turn them towards the stables. Ava sighed, following Sir Richard to the stables. The knight helped her down from her horse, knowing it was still difficult with broken ribs.
As he helped her down to the ground, Ava looked to him; a frown upon her lips. "Do you think we can trust the Prince?" The look in her eyes said she was nervous. She'd lost the trust she once had in the Prince, and was now questioning whether he could be trusted or not. He could. But, now she needed proof. And with his soldiers having stolen from her own, she was struggling to trust him again. Maybe the men misunderstood their allegiance and thought they could share armour and weaponry. But that just wasn't the case.
With a sigh, Sir Richard wrapped an arm around Ava's waist; drawing her close as they walked back towards the castle. "It's questionable right now whether we can or not. I'd rather not trust him, but we'll see. For now, don't dwell too much on it. We'll sort out some armour and weapons for your men. They won't be without armour and weapons. I promise. Until then, we need to eat, and get some sleep. I'd like for you to have one full meal today. You've not eaten a proper meal for days. I'm worried, Ava" sighed Sir Richard softly as they now entered their room. Ava had remained silent, but now she looked to Sir Richard with tears in her eyes. "I'm just so worried... And I can't forget Llane... And the attack from York... And I fear they will target you next" Ava had gripped onto his tunic ever so slightly as she had spoken, earning a soft look from Sir Richard.
The knight gently cupped her cheek, wiping the tears from her eyes. "You don't need to forget Llane. Or the attack. Fight for Llane, let the attack make you stronger. And if they target me, I will fight them, Ava. I will fight them, and I will win" he said softly, pulling her gently into a hug against his chest. "Don't fear them too much, Ava. Have faith in Lancaster. Have faith in your army, and those around you. I'll be by your side through it all. Lancaster will stand by your side. And Lancaster will provide for you" He spoke softly as he held her close. From time to time, he saw her emotions get on top of her. Sometimes, he thought she just needed someone to talk to and someone to listen to her. She had every right to fear York. She had every right to be nervous, and have worries. He knew she wasn't really wanting to forget Llane. Just to forget how he died. But even then, she couldn't. Because York had caused it. York had been the ones to take his life. York weighed heavily on her shoulders now. More than they had done before. It was unbearable at times. But it reminded them of what was happening around them. Of Lancaster and York. Of the red rose and the white rose.
Sighing softly, Sir Richard remained with her in his arms. "Forget eating for tonight. Let's get some rest, and tomorrow. We'll talk some more with Plantagenet. I'll stay with you. Maybe sleep is what we need, Ava. It's been a long few days. Your men will rest easy tonight" When Ava nodded against his chest, he pressed a soft kiss to the side of her head, just keeping her close.
These past few days had been long indeed. Maybe they just needed sleep.
Lack of sleep played havoc with the mind. It played havoc with emotions.
It was never going to be a good thing. The lack of sleep.

[Authors Note: This part took over 5 hours to write. I don't know why. Maybe I'm the one that needs sleep as well as my characters. Maybe I should take a hint from Sir Richard and get some sleep myself. But in all seriousness. Sleep, folks. Your brain needs it]