I had a horrible writer's block. I am sure everyone knows how that is. Thanks to the people who got me out of it and to the author who's helped me brainstorming and with sources and to the rest who've also helped me with ideas.
Vader's mistress recommended me to read the song of ice and fire by George Martin and I did, I downloaded the audio books to my ipad and it's helped me, giving many ideas for the main characters. Gregory's books also helped, whatever you think of her, this is not a forum for discussion and I will not put up with flamers of any kind, these are my preferences. She lists every source at the end of her books. I recommend all of them.
Last, thanks to everyone who has reviewed, keep reviewing!
"It's not over" Edmund cautioned Mary as they advanced to London. The rumors of the three suns –a vision Edward, their knew king claimed had struck him during the battle- had reached London. People were sowing golden lion banners with golden lilies on a blue background. Or so she was told. She wasn't sure what to believe anymore.
She chose to keep riding with the triumphant Yorkists after their defeat of Jasper Tudor's forces and the queen's in Herefordshire in a battle that would be known as the battle of Mortimer's Cross. He inspired his men with this "vision" of the three suns at dawn, a vision he had sown on a new standard. The three suns triumphant –the ballad was. The three suns of York.
"What about Richard?" She asked aloud, not as she intended, but she never thought things through and Edward and Warwick who rode on each side of the young earl, grimaced.
"What do you mean mistress Hill about Richard? What about him? He's not interested in politics, he only cares about loyalty, a man like that is not useful but then again, what would you know about such things. You who grew in haystacks and palaces of shit." Richard Neville said with derision.
Mary closed her fists. "I grew in turbulent environment, you could say it was just as turbulent as the battlefield." She shot back then turned her attention to their destination.
They would meet other dangers but she did not care. She had set the kingmaker in his place and how good it felt. This was the man, the turncoat who betrayed his own house, used his own daughters to place his family in the position of the first family in England. No different than what Thomas Boleyn and Thomas Howard had done. She already hated him.
They heard of Lancaster victory, small victories –Edward their new king claimed, but significant ones Mary thought if it gave hope to the remnants of the queen's and Jasper's forces. Yet this hope was not enough against the tide of the mighty suns of York.
The sun in splendor –they shouted. Warwick's forces, what remained of them after some hard losses and pyric victories in the West, came South to join them.
It was over. It was really over and for the first time Mary found herself smiling, genuinely smiling. Perhaps this was her destiny, to settle into the calm life serving the Yorks. Perhaps this was her destiny –to serve.
Edward could no longer claim that he was marching to protect his king. This had become a battle of life and death, a battle for the crown and he needed authority to claim his right to wear the crown. Thomas Kempe, an opportunist and a man who was always sure to be on the winning side, was the bishop of London and he was the first amongst the clergy to declare Edward their chosen king. When he asked the people of London their opinion and they replied with shouts of jubilation, Edward knew victory was all his.
"We must make plans." The kingmaker said. Mary listened hidden behind a curtain. She was interested to know what these men had to say about their future realm. Part of her wanted to be involved so she hid like a spy, and listened attentively to every word they said.
"Of course we must but cousin the coronation can't take place until I have Margaret and Henry executed and their prince as well."
Mary felt a pang of guilt, her heart beat fast. Kill an innocent child? She shook her head. Why was she surprised? These were the Yorks we are talking about, and they were known for treachery and kin slaying.
"Margaret of Anjou's forces have moved to Dunstable and we've lost her trail after the battle at Herefordshire. With her armies scattered and Jasper Tudor going into exile, we have nothing to fear. The Lancasters are all but defeated."
"But their king still lives cousin. He must bend the kneel or else I will always live under his shadow. As king I cannot have my reign challenged."
"I understand but we have already exhausted our resources fighting His Grace's battles, we must recuperate. The people are tired of bloodshed and to be completely fair, it would be unjust to put them through more."
"Fine then, it will be as my lord earl wishes. Anything else?" Edward asked gruffly, annoyed he had not gotten what he wanted. He passed his hand through his reddish brown hair.
"I have a suggestion." Edmund saying, although he knew the suggestion would have come from their cousin sooner or later if he hadn't made it.
"What?" Edward asked more annoyed. He wanted Henry and all his line extinct. As long as they lived they were a threat to his throne. Why couldn't they understand that?
"Brother our cousin is right. We must make plans, soon as we can for your coronation. You can have a second coronation afterwards but for now, for the sake of leaving it clear who rules Englnd, you should have one."
"That's a great idea, I couldn't have thought of a better solution myself." Warwick commented.
"Where will it take place?"
"Westminster Abbey of course is the first choice but who knows if the people are truly loyal. There could always be Lancasters amongst us."
"There could," Edmund agreed, "but it's highly unlikely. Your Grace, you've won, and when that crown is placed on your head, you will be our unquestionable ruler."
Edward smiled at that.
The coronation was done in haste in Westminster Abbey as Edmund had suggested. Two months later they received news that Margaret was rebelling again and assembling a larger army and worse was that Jasper Tudor was training these men.
"Her army is composed of mercenaries and brigands and it doesn't surprise me that Tudor's forces are a bunch of Welsh men who know no better but to rape and pillage."
"My father is descended from the Welsh." She said but he didn't hear her. He continued to talk about his battle plans. His family had been sent for to join them in London, jubilant as the rest of its citizens.
Mary immediately took a liking to the Duchess Dowager that was quickly crushed when the Duchess realized with alarm the affection her second son had for her.
She pulled her into a corner and said to her –If I find you digging your nails into my son I will take your valuables from you. To which she responded –Madame, I have no valuables. But she only laughed and left her all alone with her companions. Mary asked Edmund to change her but he remained adamant to keep her amongst her mother's ladies. He said it was the safest place to be and then his brother had said that she would benefit from such a woman like their mother.
She couldn't blame the Duchess Dowager for feeling that way about her. Once she was in her position when she saw her husband eying Bess the way a lover eyes his mistress, but this was her son and besides, she was not some ruthless harlot set on ambition like her father's mistresses. She just wanted a plain and simple life. Was that too much ask?
"Edward and Richard will mark North. Once and for all we will settle this matter. No mercy, no white flag, whoever wins."
"What about survivors?" Edmund said nothing. Mary paled. "You mean you will just kill all of them?"
Again Edmund said nothing.
"Edmund!" She started saying his Christian name, as they both had become accustomed to each other. "There are innocent men there, men with families, with hopes-"
"That is what war is Mary. And besides, don't you want peace?"
"Yes but not at this cost. There must be another way."
"There is no other way!" Edmund cried and Mary was taken aback by his tone of voice. She took a step back. Edmund sighed and walked towards her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Their faces were only inches apart. "Look Mary if I could, I would have peace, I would spare all the men these useless wars. Truly I would but this is no idle world we live in. This is no song where men save maidens and restore the peace to their country. This is bloodshed, war is all about power and profit. But for once, just for once, we might change that. We might finally achieve peace."
Oh my lord earl now who is the dreamer –she thought but said nothing.
"You truly believe that the sun will always be in splendor?"
"The sun in York will always be in splendor." He said, it sounded like a reverence. Then he did something that surprised them both. He kissed her.
She was unsure what to think but a smile crept on her lips and she blushed. And god knew what made her act like a foolish love struck maiden but she said with an open smile, "I shall wear this like a badge of honor."
"I will hold you to that promise great lady." He said then left her chambers and rode away with his brother and cousin.
