~Where Our Loyalties Lie~
The Burgundian Court....
As the York party were escorted through the gilded halls of the Burgundian court, Constance couldn't help but feel a familiar warmth blossom in her chest. She had taught Margaret well it seemed when she draped the English court in glittering glamour for it was glamour the Burgundian court seemed to possess too!
The halls bore the same elegant chaise lounges, draped in velvet for nobles to sit upon in all their splendour and wooden snakes and dragons ran up the bannisters just like at Châteaux de Moulins! The very place where her marriage to Edward had been made....
Her husband walked confidently at her side, one hand in hers, the other placed firmly on the bejewelled dagger hooked to his belt. His chin was raised, each step determined and not once did he turn his attention to the crowds of courtiers that unabashedly stared at them.
The hushed mutterings behind ringed hands echoed all around the vast corridors but Constance found she couldn't blame the curious men and women! She knew her family was a topic for all Europe to feast upon and she doubted many would've refrained from gossip when Marguerite of Anjou went to the French court after fleeing England!
Besides, their opinions didn't matter, it was their ruler's who did.
The servant clad in blue and yellow who'd greeted them led them to a set of guarded ornate doors at the end of a hallway and Constance glanced over her shoulder to where Marie was. She smiled. The young Princess didn't seem to care for the incessant whispers and bobbed happily along between her Uncles, one hand holding up her skirts, the other looped around Richard's arm.
She seemed more relaxed than she'd been in months !but that was understandable, her Mother supposed, looking forward again, court life was all she'd ever known!
The two armoured men guarding the chambers ahead stepped aside and bowed, opening the ornate doors to let the party glide through without a word. They were led into a small reception chamber, richly furnished to an extent that made even Constance stare in wonder! A fire raged in the marble hearth and, in its amber light, everything glinted - every inch of gold, every precious jewel!
"If you'll wait here, your grace, her grace the Duchess shall be with you shortly" The servant said, bowing low and Edward waved him away, all too ready to assume a position of command again. God, it had been too long since he held it!
"Well" George quipped, picking up a golden goblet from a nearby table covered in purple velvet "She certainly doesn't live badly does she?"
"Shut up" Richard muttered, rigidly sinking down onto one of the chaises by the fire "The last thing we need tonight is your mouth moving us into an early grave"
"Or you two tearing each other apart" Edward added, staring up at the ceiling which was painted into a pretty map of the heavens "So as I said before we departed. Stop it"
"Oh you needn't stop their squabbling on my account, brother! They've been at it for eighteen years!"
Edward spun.
"Margaret!"
There was no ceremony, no blare of regal trumpets or awkwardness, only the calls of a brother and sister and the flash of purple velvet running across the room. Edward caught his little sister with ease, a riotous laugh leaving his lips, mingling with her lighthearted giggle as he swept her from her feet; spinning her around and around!
She clung to him, only demanding to be put down when her head whirled and even then she beamed up at him just like she'd done as an adoring child! She was certainly a true woman now, he thought, and the glint of her wedding ring confirmed it but, apart from that, Edward found his sister much unchanged!
Her brown eyes still glinted with mischief, her dark hair still shone in a curled river down her back beneath a crown, her smile was still their Father's own - perhaps she was like their Mother in that way for Cecily never seemed to age!
"I expect your husband shan't be joining us?"
"No! He has decided to hear my reports before he wades into this war!"
"So you are to act as his spy?"
Margaret chuckled, giving a roll of her eyes.
"That's what he thinks!" She quipped "but you know as well as any that I shall sing your praises to the heaven's!"
"As long as your husband hears!"
Another laugh.
"It's good to see you, Ned" She said gently, a rather sad smile appearing on her lips before it brightened at the sight of the little girl appearing at his side "Ah! And my darling niece, I hope you like your gown?" Young blue eyes shone as the Duchess gathered her skirts, kneeling, and Marie gave a little twirl.
"It is beautiful, your grace, thank you!"
"Oh please, call me Aunt Meg as you used to!"
"Aunt Meg!" Marie repeated and Margaret smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind the Princess' ear.
"You are just like your Mother, ma petite"
Stroking a finger along the curve of her cheek, she rose and finally turned to the fire where Constance stood "Sister!" The two were together in an instant, locked in an embrace only two women of their world could understand "By God it is good to see you....safe"
"As safe as we can be" Constance replied, drawing away as their hands intertwined "My son is still at the house" Margaret sighed, smiling again. She had to admit, she'd been hoping to see her little nephew.
"Your son! Our hope"
"So you are still a York then?"
The sound of George's voice made her turn sharply to see he'd sauntered across the room to her side but she only raised her eyebrows, gently cupping his cheek. Whatever anger she felt, now was not the time for it to shed.
"More than you are, brother. I am disappointed in you, make no mistake, but am glad you're safe. Our family cannot take another death" She drew him into a quick hug but like a gust of wind, was away before he knew it and pulling Richard into a much more enthusiastic embrace!
"Dickon!" She squealed and he swung her around, much like Edward had done "Let me look at you, little brother!" Automatically, he stood up a little taller and she brushed her hands across his shoulders with an approving nod "Ah, you've grown! You're a man now!"
"I've been a man for some time, sister"
"He has!" Marie chimed in "He can lift me easily!"
"Can he?" Margaret asked, looping her arms through Richard and Constance's "Well, little one, you can tell me all about it over dinner!"
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They came to talk of politics but once they entered Margaret's private rooms, the exiles found they had little room to speak! Their mouths were full, not of words but the wonderful food brought forth on silver platters; the most to have reached their lips in months.
The meat was rich and covered in sauces, the pastry melted like butter on the tongue; so unlike the coarse version that coated their market pies. Spiced oranges were served and caramelised apples to eat alongside almonds! The wine was expensive, the Duchy's own fine make, and a favourite all around! It lessened their nerves and (out of the sight of her Mother) Edward even let Marie have a cup.
"For good luck" He told her with a wink and she'd grinned from ear to ear! She was perhaps the only one who had not stopped chatting throughout dinner, although more than once had to remind herself of her manners! No sooner had she put a slice of orange into her mouth or a piece of ham, another story to tell her Aunt Meg would spring to mind and she'd chew quicker than she ever had!
The adults laughed around her, even Dickon was cracking jokes, and while she understood few of them (particularly her Father's) her little giggles could be heard throughout! Here, at the court, amongst such splendour and her kin, it was almost like they'd return home.
What tales she could tell her baby brother!
At long last, Margaret lifted her third cup of Burgundian red to her lips and looked out over the table from where she sat at the head. Constance, Edward and Marie sat to one side; her little brothers to the other.
"So" She began "I suppose we should get to, business as it were?" At once, all adult eyes looked up to hers (Marie continuing to feast on a custard tart) and Edward placed down his goblet with a clink. The easy atmosphere died away, Margaret's words a dagger to their joy, and the exile's minds returned to the matter at hand.
England.
How to take it back from the hands that'd once given it.
"We need an army...."
"I know" Margaret answered, holding up a hand as if to slow Edward down "I know you do, the only question is how to get it"
"Well, that is easy" George drawled and Dickon rolled his eyes "You convince your husband"
"There's nothing easy about it, brother. Charles and I are a partnership, not a love match. If you think I can convince him through a night of bedding, you are wrong. I must use words, just like you"
"We will have no aid from France" Edward murmured bitterly "Hell, they sided with Warwick and the Anjou bitch! When my wife is one of their own!"
"Perhaps if you'd wed me to France as Constance once suggested then an alliance would still stand" Margaret replied, earning a narrow-eyed glare she only returned. Never once would she agree with her brother on her marriage or how it came about, through a King's lust turning him against his Queen "You see, that is what happens when you let your cock lead you brother"
It was a decidedly cruel remark and even as she spoke it, a twinge of guilt pulled at her heart but no matter what the circumstances - she had no liking for Woodvilles. As far as she was concerned, they were the root of her family's ills and it was Edward who'd let them fester in his court!
"I didn't come here to be lectured" He snapped.
Margaret simply smiled, running a finger around the rim of her cup.
"No but I would be letting Mother down if I didn't lecture you and we both know I can't allow that" Out of the corner of her eye she caught Constance smirking, just ever so slightly. Edward sighed.
"You haven't changed, Meg"
"I do hope not" She laughed "Speaking of your cock, where is the Woodville whore you keep to satisfy its wanderings? Last I heard she was in sanctuary with her bastards?" That earned her another little glare but she didn't care. When she'd heard of Elizabeth's second bastard making an appearance at court she'd wanted to fly across the channel and throttle her older brother! The fool!
"She and our sons are in sanctuary, yes, and I doubt they shall emerge until I hold the throne once more" 'Better they don't merge at all' She was tempted to say.
"Her brother is one of your retinue is he not?" She decided on instead "Anthony? I remember he pledged his allegiance to Connie when the last rebellion arose? What of him now?"
Now, all eyes turned to Constance and a little sigh passed her lips as she considered her words. It was true, Anthony had sworn his allegiance to her during the first rebellion but ever since Elizabeth brought her second son to court, their brittle amicability had been lost
She did not forget he'd stood by his family that day, avoiding her eyes while she was humiliated and that told her all she needed to know. He was a Woodville through and through. In exile they treated one another with civility, they had to, because they both had far greater worries.
"I tolerate him" She answered and Margaret nodded "We all have to tolerate one another and Anthony is....I believe he is a good man at heart. He will fight for Edward and for now that is all I have concern for"
"I agree" Dickon voiced from across the table "We have no time for rivalry, Meg, what we need is men and your husband's support but he was reluctant to give us shelter, let alone an army!"
He was certainly right in that.
"Well" His sister replied "It helps that you three stand united again. It gives men common cause and my husband reassurance the House of York is not on the brink of falling!" She sighed and raised her thinly plucked eyebrows. United or not, taking back England would be no easy feat when Warwick and Queen Marguerite were the foes her family had to face!
Any aid given would be a risk to Burgundy, a fact her husband knew well, so she would have to make it a risk worth his while "Trade" She suggested "That what was my marriage was based on and perhaps could be expanded? Less tax and an increase on trade between England and Burgundy"
"And your husband would be convinced through that?" Edward asked. Margaret smiled.
"My husband is a man of business, dear brother, let me set the terms of this agreement and I think I can buy you your army" His blue eyes flickered with anticipation at that and he was suddenly standing from his seat. One hand stroking his chin, he paced back and forth behind the table, deep in thought as he considered his sister's words.
"What terms would these be?"
"Honestly, Edward, do you think I would set terms that wouldn't benefit you also?"
"You know she wouldn't" Constance remarked and Edward began to pace again, patting Marie's shoulder as he passed. This agreement was not only for him but for her too, her future, and to secure that he knew he would give almost anything.
"Very well then" He murmured and a wave of relief seemed to spread around the room, coaxing Constance to take up her goblet again; draining its contents "Do what you must"
"I will do what needs to be done" Margaret replied with a firm nod before her lips split into a smile once more and she pushed back her chair "Now! I believe there is dancing and food in the gardens! Stay here if you wish but I believe Marie may enjoy a little run about the maze?"
At the suggestion of adventure, the little Princess practically leapt from her seat and was tugging at her Father's sleeve in a second.
"Please, Father! Will you take me? Can I go?"
Who was he to deny such a sweet jewel?
"Of course!" He replied warmly, taking her hand "I think it shall be fun! Dickon? George?"
"I'll stay" Richard answered, making George snicker "The court has an extensive library I think will be quite interesting!"
"Then George can go where he pleases!" Margaret decided, pushing her skirts behind her as she looped an arm through Constance's "and you shall come with me, sister! We have much to talk of!"
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The soft crackle of burning wood bound in metal carriers set about the garden filled the air; tinged with the scent of smoke. Courtiers swanned here and there, the man carrying goblets, the ladies carrying armfuls of silken skirt often hooked around their elbows to prevent the expensive material being ruined!
Guards stood dotted about, holding torches as oppose to pikes to light the way for their lords and ladies, some guarding the silken tent inside which lay an array of food to date any appetite. Fruit tarts, roast swan, structures made entirely of sugar all waited to be devoured along with, of course, an abundance of wine!
It was no surprise George ventured there first.
The Court gardens were as splendid as the palace and similar to its French counterpart too with bushes clipped into dancing animals; a maze possessing a thousand twists and turns! That was where Marie played, her Father on her heels, without a care in her little head and her Mother and Aunt were there too!
Margaret knew the maze like the back of her hand (it's earthly, sage walls a favoured retreat of hers) so it was only a matter of minutes till she and her sister were settled comfortable on the bench in the centre; skirts spread around them. There they talked, separated from the rest in their own little world.
The walls of the palace had eyes and ears but in the maze there was naught but the air to hear them! Any other company would be announced by footsteps!
Constance learnt Anne had been moved to Baynards Castle with her family (a great relief) and Beth had given birth to a healthy son with Isabella and Katherine at her side.
Edmund she'd called him.
Edmund De'La Pole.
Every so often Marie's little giggles would reach their ears and they would smile at the deep chuckle of Edward that always followed.
"He adores her, truly" Margaret remarked after one such laugh and Constance smiled, folding her hands in her lap "But that is no surprise. No son raised by Cecily Neville would discard his daughters! She'd have their heads!"
"I can easily believe that! He calls her the pearl of his world"
"Speaking of sons" Margaret leant in a little closer, taking one of Constance's hands into her own "How is your son, sister? I long to meet him! Ah" She grinned "and I can see from your face he is well!" The pleased flush that appeared on Constance's cheeks whenever her son was spoken of intensified and she beamed, nodding.
"He is well! He grows every day! He can sit up and pick up his wooden blocks! He adores Marie, as she does him and his laugh" She sighed happily, thinking of the little giggle that was the coo of an angel to her ears "oh his laugh is the sweetest, Margaret! He is so perfect but....I admit that only makes me fear for him more"
Her smile fell to a frown and Margaret frowned too, gently squeezing her hand. While she had no children of her own (but adored her stepdaughter, Mary, Constance's niece) she believed she could understand some of the fear the Queen felt from the time her Father died and there was no certainty in the world....
What she would give to provide her sweet sister with even a fragment of certainty!
"You could stay in Burgundy until Edward is secure?" She suggested "I will have you and the children moved to rooms at court and...." Constance shook her head.
"I can't...." She whispered, the decided words leaving her mouth before she'd had time to think of them "I have been parted from Edward and my children once, I will not be again!" Her heart clenched at her mind's painful memories "I may be a fool to go where I know war to be but where Edward goes I go and where I go, my children go"
"I understand that well enough" Margaret conceded, though her sister's words brought a heaviness to her chest "The fear of having one's family taken can rival few others but...." She forced a small smile to her lips "but you must know, if aught goes awry then baby Edward and Marie should be brought straight back here! We will wait until the little one is older and when he's ready, we will take the throne for him"
As she spoke a firmness seized her voice, an echo of her determined Mother, and Constance knew that while Margaret may now be of Burgundy, she would always be of York! Her heart was a white rose in full bloom, her veins, stems lined with thorns ready to strike at any who sought to harm the precious petals of her family.
She would claim an army for them, no man on earth would stand in her way!
"God, I wish you could return to England with us when we go"
"I would that I could, sister" Margaret laughed and it was not a difficult thing to imagine "But unfortunately my marriage keeps me here and it may be for the best if, as I said, aught goes awry....which it won't!" She added quickly, squeezing Constance's hand again "Edward is quick and brave and lucky! Marguerite of Anjou once said he had the luck of the devil"
The luck of the devil, Constance mused. It was a strange turn of phrase, to associate something of such advantage with the entity of evil. Although, from Marguerite's perspective, Edward was able to hop about the country here and there and take all she held dear with a smile so perhaps she was right? The Queen raised her eyebrows to herself.
"Wherever his luck comes from, I just hope God blesses him with keeping it"
"It is God that gives it!" A voice said and the two women looked up to see Edward striding towards them with a happy Marie sat on his shoulders. She'd finally tired of running "The Anjou bitch is simply wrong! I am England's rightful king and I shall sit upon my throne. Who am I, sweeting?"
Marie grinned down at him, playing with his hair.
"England's rightful King, Father!" She answered dutifully "And Baby shall come next and you shall make me a Queen!" Edward grinned, ever proud of his little girl.
"See!" He exclaimed, looking at the two women on the bench "She's already more intelligent than Marguerite and Warwick put together!"