Author's Note:

Has it been almost two years since my last update?! Jeez, I am sorry but I have been in a bot of a writers block ever since I got sick. I will try to update this again soon.

Chapter VIII: 1472 – 1475

The House of York was restored to the throne once again, and peace reigned. All that was left of Lancaster was a small Tudor boy who fled to Brittney who's claim was descended from a bastard.

Queen Elizabeth was pregnant, yet Mary could see the royal couple were at odds. Why couldn't Edward have his family and his wife? Of course, Mary kept a wary eye on George, who wanted the throne for himself.

Yet she looked to her happiness. Lionel settled at Warwick castle as the new Earl of Warwick with his cousin Richard guiding his hand. Yet, for all their success, the second York boy was not satisfied.

"George is at it again," Richard complained as he led Mary for a turn around the gardens. "He is demanding that he be given the whole of the late Countess of Warwick's fortune because he is married to her eldest child."

Mary couldn't believe the second York boy. He was salty because little Lionel was not disinherited for being a traitor's son and kept his father's title. Edward was merciful when it came to his little nephew. Not only was Lionel favored, but there was talk of marriage already between his eldest daughter Elizabeth and her son.

Anne, fresh out of mourning, was ready to be married again. Richard agreed with Mary that they would allow Anne to choose her husband. "Does he forget that she has a second daughter entitled to half of that inheritance?" Mary asked, rolling her eyes at the thought of Isabel's husband.

"He wanted to be named Anne's guardian, but naturally, the King refused. Anne was placed into your care as her loving stepmother." Richard loved seeing Mary with Lionel, Anne, and Isabel. She was only about ten years older, but she loved them like her own.

He wanted to have many children with Mary as many as God allowed them. As long as he had his wife and his honor, then he would be content. "I will speak with Anne about the possibility of marriage. I want her to be happy."

"And she will be," Richard promised.

Mary kissed Richard's cheek before excusing herself. She walked to the Queen's chambers, and Elizabeth greeted Mary with a smile. Mary curtsied to her Queen before hearing little Lizzie, and Cecily called her name.

"Hello, my little princesses." Mary fell to her knees with her arms wide open, allowing both girls into her embrace.

Little Prince Edward also recognized his aunt's entrance and began to make little noises wanting her attention. His nursemaid walked to Mary with the impatient prince in her arms.

"Come here, my prince." Mary took Edward into her arms and kissed his warm cheek. He would become a strong King one day. "He grows fast."

"Edward wishes for him to be housed in Ludlow," Elizabeth said, taking a sip of her ale. "I won't let him go." She motioned Mary to take the seat next to her.

Mary gave Edward back to the nursemaid before taking Elizabeth up on her offer. "It is a royal custom, Lizzie. You need to pick the right guardian for our little prince."

"You should like Richard."

"Is he wrong? It would break Tudor loyalties, and the Welsh people will love him." Mary took a sip of ale offered to her. Their mother also sat down before kissing Mary on the cheek.

"I want Anthony to be his guardian," Elizabeth said.

Mary heard her mother agree with Elizabeth before she set down her ale glass. "I believe it is time for Anne to marry again, and I have found the perfect husband for her."

"Who?" Elizabeth asks.

"Our brother Anthony has been her constant companion through her transition back to court life. He will be honorable and make her happy. I believe they could love each other. The horror my late husband put her through is indescribable. Yet, I believe she can be happy with our brother."

"I will put it to Edward.' Elizabeth agreed with Mary. Having Anne married to Anthony will tie the girl to the River's family, and her fortune will also help.

"We must marry you to Richard first." Mother said with a sly smile on her face. "I believe you are only a few weeks along."

"How?" Mary was going to ask her mother, but she knew better. Her mother knew things.

Her Lady Mother laughed. "You and Richard aren't precisely secret about anything. We must arrange something in the next few weeks, so there is no doubt the child is legitimate."

Elizabeth nodded her head, agreeing, yet was not happy at all about Edward's announcement about Mary and Richard's engagement last night. The whole court was scandalized. Now, a new wedding was to take place and another contender for the throne of England besides her son.

Mary kissed her mother's cheek before bidding Elizabeth leave. She wanders the corridors to Anne's bed chambers. "Anne?" She knocked.

"Lady Mother?" Anne answered the door, and Mary kissed her cheek. "Are you well?"

"I am." Mary walked across the room to Anne's windows to open them up.

"Is it true, Lady Mother?" Anne asked her stepmother after she heard the rumors. Word traveled around the court rather quickly. Another Woodville girl was marrying into the royal family and the widow of the Kingmaker to boot.

Anne was happy for her stepmother because she was so happy after the horror of marriage to her father. Yet, she was jealous because she wanted to marry Richard ever since childhood.

Now, he was out of her reach forever.

Mary understood Anne's shock, the whole court was buzzed with gossip, but Mary didn't pay much attention. Edward gave his blessing, and the country was at peace. "It is true, Anne. The King gave his consent to the match."

She stood up from her vanity and kissed Anne's forehead. "It is also time to settle your affairs. To solve the dispute of your late mother's fortune, the King has decreed that it is time for you to wed."

"I see. Who am I to be sold off to?" Anne still remembers the horror of her marriage to her late husband. He was cruel and abusive.

"I believe you have already made your choice, little Annie," Mary said with a smile on her face. Anne blushed, thinking of Anthony Woodville. "You have my blessing, and the King has promised to honor any request you make."

"We would be sisters," Anne said.

"I would love you as sister and mother. Be overjoyed because you can marry any man of your choosing." Annie smiled before kissing her mother's and rushing off to find Anthony Rivers. Mary smiled. Almost all of her children were happy. She only hoped with Isabel's new pregnancy, that her other daughter could also find happiness.

Mary went back to her chambers, caressing her belly. She carried a boy for Richard. Mary could feel it, and now, they would be happy.

The King decreed that it would be a massive event for all of England to see. Mary thanked the Lord that her pregnancy was not too far along, so she fit into her wedding dress. The dress was of silver thread with pearl beads lanced into the bodice with a crown of white roses was adorned on her head. The event was to show the world that the House of York was reigning supreme. Mary rode in a golden gilded carriage with the crowds of London cheering.

She smiled and waved in return. Her only regret was that her father was not alive to witness this. Her next boy would be named Richard for her husband and her beloved father.

Mary walked down the aisle way with the whole of the court attending. She saw Richard waiting for her, causing her heart to flutter. It was happening. Her seeing was coming true, and she would be happy as Elizabeth was with her husband.

She knelt before the priest as he began to the ceremony. Richard held her hand as they said their vows. The priest finished, and they both walked back down the aisle way as the new Duke of Duchess of Gloucester.

The court gathered back at the palace with Mary and Richard sitting in the high table. Their wedding feast was off to a great start. "This is all so beautiful," Mary whispered to Richard, who gave her a swift kiss.

"You are beautiful." Richard could see that Mary was glowing; something was different about her. His new wife whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened in surprise. Mary spoke of a child, his child. "You have made me the happiest man in Christendom."

He gave Mary another kiss on the check. Jacquetta Woodville watched her second eldest daughter kissing Richard and smiled. She looked so happy, and she deserved it. After the horror of her marriage to Warwick, it was justified she marry for love.

Anne Neville was sitting beside her new betrothed, her son Anthony laughing. The second York boy watched the whole charade in disgust. He was outed of the Neville inheritance as soon as Anne married her son. Their wedding was a few weeks away. Now, with her children's lives secure, Jacquetta could join her beloved Richard.

She sighed in content.

Mary and Richard decided to return to the North for the birth of their child. Mary was devastated at the thought of leaving Lionel for so long. Yet, Anne promised to watch her brother while her stepmother was going to give birth to her next child.

Her marriage to Anthony Rivers was celebrated a few weeks ago. It was decided that Anthony would become the prince's next guardian so that Anne would be moving to Wales with the prince's party. The King invited Lionel to join his cousin's household as a companion. Mary was delighted that her son was going to be a playmate with the future King of England. Yet, her little boy would be far away. Mary trusted her brother and Anne to watch and raise Lionel alongside Prince Edward.

On the eve of their departure from the court, Mary went to say goodbye to her mother. "Lady Mother?" Mary announced herself in her mother's chambers.

"Come on in, Mary." Her mother was sitting in front of the fire watching its flames dance.

"We are about to leave." She kissed her mother's cheek. "Are you alright?"

sighed and caressed Mary's stomach. "Journey North and enjoy your new happiness, my sweet girl. I am so very proud of you."

Mary could tell that her mother wasn't telling her something. She made her mother a promise to write as soon as they got home. Mary walked out of the courtyard with Richard waiting for her. Edward came up to them both. "Safe journey to you both."

He hugged Richard goodbye and kissed Mary on the cheek. "Come and visit with my newest nephew soon."

"I will, Your Grace," Mary promised before Elizabeth walked up, her pregnancy was showing. "Goodbye, Elizabeth. We will come to London soon."

"Goodbye, dear sister." Elizabeth hugged Mary. Richard nodded goodbye to the Queen for helping his wife into the litter. Mary waved goodbye to her family and settled down into the journey. She said goodbye to Anne and Isabel earlier in the morning. Lionel was already at Warwick castle, and he would be making his journey to Wales soon.

After the birth of their child, Richard promised to have Lionel come North to visit, or they would make the journey before revisiting the court. The trip North took a few weeks, but looking upon Sandal Castle, Mary was happy to be home.

Sandal Castle was one of the headquarters of the Council of the North. It was easy for Richard to deliver the King's Justice while his wife was pregnant with his first child. Mary settled into her new chambers, before sitting down in front of the fireplace, at peace.

Her child kicked to remind her he was there. "Be at peace, little one. We are home, and all is well."

Over the next few months, Annie wrote about her happiness in her marriage. She hoped to be with the child soon and would write as soon as the Lord God blessed them. Elizabeth wrote about their mother's illness.

Mary could scream at her mother for withholding her health. Mary would have stayed at court to care for her, but alas, it was too late. She couldn't be there when her Lady Mother passed away. She was too big with a child to make the journey.

Richard monitored the North and the King's Justice while Mary ran the castle and worked with the people in the surrounding villages.

Late one night, Mary awoke in blinding pain and by morning, delivered a healthy baby boy. Mary was named Richard after his father and her beloved father. She wrote to her family about the newest member of their family.

She got a reply with the newest prince's birth and death and her mother's passing. Mary cried for days until she had no more tears. Another year slowly passed before their son was old enough where Mary could make the journey South.

A lot happened that year. Isabel gave birth to a baby girl named Margaret, while Annie gave birth to a baby boy named Richard. Both found happiness in raising their children, and Mary was happy for them.

They arrived at court with the King greeting them. "Brother!" He hugged Richard and kissed Mary on the cheek. "Sister."

"Your Grace." They both greeted the King before Mary started to make her way to the Queen's apartments. Elizabeth was heavy with the child again and greeted Mary as soon as she entered the Queen's chambers. "Come sit!"

Mary passed her sister's ladies before passing Margaret Beaufort. The fanatical woman eyed Mary with her dark eyes. "My lady." She curtsied to Mary before going to do something else. The woman always gave Mary a cold stare, and Mary quickly brushed it off before going to greet her sister.

"You have certainly gotten bigger."

"Edward and I believe its another boy." Elizabeth caressed her stomach.

"Another prince of York." Mary congratulated Elizabeth.

Over the next week, Mary helped prepare for Elizabeth's birth. She had missed the last few, but now, she could be a comfort to Elizabeth after their mother's passing. "Okay, push!" Mary said, caressing Elizabeth's hair as her sister gripped her hand.

"I need mother here." Elizabeth cried. "I am afraid."

"Lizzie, I am here. I promise." Mary moved Lizzie's hair out of the way, as she continued to push. The baby finally came out, "Oh, it's a boy!"

"My Richard."

All was silent. No cry came from the prince. "Where is his cry? Why isn't he crying, am I cursed? Will all my children die now?" Elizabeth cried.

"It's alright, Lizzie." The midwife handed the silent prince to Lady Margaret. Everyone stared at the Lancaster woman who held the baby, who glanced at all around them. "No!" Mary whispered as she comforted Elizabeth.

Suddenly, the prince let out a loud cry, causing everyone to jolt awake. "He lives." Lady Margaret handed the boy back to Elizabeth.

"You willed my boy to life. I'm sorry. I am in your debt."

"I only wish to serve Your Grace." Lady Margaret withdrew as Mary handed a clean cloth to Elizabeth. They both wrapped the infant prince, who continued to show how loud he was.

"You see, Lizzie. Mother was here with us all along."

Mary helped Elizabeth clean up. After some time, Elizabeth returned to court as Queen, and then there was talk of war with France. In their chambers that night, Mary lay next to Richard. "We will take France, and George can take the regency."

Mary sat up, "That is a recipe for trouble and war, Richard."

"Perhaps he will be calmed now Isabel is with child again." Richard wrapped his arms around Mary.

"Well, Isabel will have to share the joyous news."

"Another child?" Richard asked, surprised. Mary kissed him, "God blesses this family."

"A few weeks. I wanted to be sure before I told you."

Richard kissed Mary most tenderly. In her heart, Mary was beside herself. In the following weeks, the men were leaving for war with France. Mary insisted on staying in the capital, waiting for Richard to return.

Anne also joined them from Wales with her little Richard in hand. He was the sweetest little boy and proved to be one of her favorite nephews with his silliness. Lionel also came to court. He grew and was almost eight years old.

Lionel had a wonderful reunion with his mother, but all that faded away once he met Princess Elizabeth again. Both cousins hardly left each other's sides. Mary came up to the throne and curtsied to Elizabeth. Her sister allowed her to sit in the next throne next to her.

"Lizzie is dancing with Lionel again," Elizabeth said, watching her daughter dance with her cousin.

"Yes. They are."

Mary later received a letter from Richard, telling them about the war in France. She sat by the fire, reading the news.

Mary,

Our campaign is a farce. King Louis has offered Edward terms of peace, and he has taken them. His daughter is to marry the French prince so that she will be the next Queen of France. Also lots of gold. I have always been heart and soul for my brother Edward, but now I can't meet his eye. We are now merchants haggling at a price. George's ambition interrupts this peace with rage.

Edward should beware of him from this day.

After I return, we will journey North so you may give birth to our child in safety. I miss my boy, and I know you miss him too. I have also arranged with Anthony and Edward to allow Lionel to journey home with us. He will stay the summer before returning to Warwick castle to learn more about his estates before returning to the prince's household.

Richard.

After a matter of weeks, Mary sat with Elizabeth and the girls when they received word that the King had returned from the war.

Mary followed the girls out into the courtyard, where she rushed to Richard. "Richard." He stepped down from his horse and kissed Mary. He caressed her growing stomach.

"He laughed and said I was a fool for chivalry, while he stuck his nose in the trough." Richard led Mary away from the royal family. He wanted Mary all to himself. He had remained faithful to his wife, but he also knew he needed to tell her about the children.

"I need to tell you something," Richard said once they got back to their chambers. "During your marriage with Warwick, I had a mistress. She had two children."

Mary's face dropped, and she kept her composure. "How old?"

"Five and four, a boy and a girl."

Mary understood that it was before their marriage, but why didn't he tell her of this beforehand? Did he not trust her? "They must join Richard in the nursery at Sandall Castle. Their mother must stay here and may visit them during the holidays, but I will not have her there. I would care for these children as long as there aren't anymore."

"I have not seen her in years, and I have a wife to keep me company at night." Richard kissed Mary again. "I thank you for this, Mary."

"Children are innocent. I couldn't hate two innocent children." So it was done. Richard's bastards were sent for and joined the nursery with their little brother. Mary would raise them and provide good marriages for them both.

Mary entered her confinement at court. Richard knew from his arrival that it was too late to return North. He wouldn't leave his wife's side, so he visited her daily. "I hate this," Mary said in the darkness. "There is no light."

"It is for the baby." He kissed her goodnight.

Mary lay back on the pillows before she received a letter from Isabel. It informed her that they were returning home to await the birth of their child. Isabel said she loved and missed her. They would all be together soon.

Mary soon heard that Isabel gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Edward or Teddy, but was sick. Mary couldn't leave her confinement but sent Anne to check up on Isabel. Mary was sitting up in her bed, reading something when Annie burst open the doors.

There were tears on her face. "Mother…Izzy is dead."

Mary couldn't move. She dropped the book she was reading and stared at Annie. "No…no, she can't be dead." Hot tears came down her eyes as Annie embraced her stepmother. Both women cried for the loss of Isabel.

"You must go and fetch the children. Take them and Lionel to Warwick castle, away from danger." Mary said after she calmed down to Anne and Anthony. The two of them informed her that George might have poisoned Isabel to secure a powerful new wife.

He was also starting rumors about Elizabeth and her witchcraft. Mary would go herself, but confined to this bed caused problems. She wanted her grandchildren away from that monster and somewhere safe.

Late into the night, Mary cried from the pain. Elizabeth awake knowing Mary was in labor. The Queen rushed into the chamber and held onto Mary as she held onto her. "Push! The baby is almost there."

Mary screamed again as the baby came forth from her body. "Oh, it's a girl!" Elizabeth said.

"My Jacquetta," Mary whispered as the midwife handed them the little girl. She screamed until she lay in her mother's arms. "She is beautiful."

"She is." Elizabeth also said, kissing Mary's forehead. "Go tell the Duke that he has a new daughter."

The maid rushed to the chamber here, Richard and the King were waiting. "Your Grace. The Duchess has delivered a healthy baby girl."

"Congratulations, brother!" Edward hugged Richard, who returned the embrace. The Duke raced out of the chamber and came into the room. Mary was cleaned up, hair braided and held onto their daughter. "My lord." Mary greeted Richard. "Meet our daughter, Jacquetta."

Richard took the little bundle into his arms. The little girl had dark hair like his. She was perfect in every living way. "She is beautiful, just like her mother."

Mary smiled as the Queen departed the chamber, letting the new parents bask in the beauty of their child. Richard spoke not of George, or anything else. He wanted the outside world to disappear, and bask in the beautify of his new family.

Lionel was called the next morning to meet his little sister. He held Jacquetta in both hands as she slept. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, after Princess Elizabeth. "I will protect you from anyone who would harm you."

He kissed her forehead, sealing the promise.

The children were sent to Warwick castle, as Mary was kept in her confinement until she was churched. Richard came with news every day. George was arrested and charged with treason. He was secretly plotting the death of the King, so he was condemned to die.

He chooses to be drowned in a barrel of wine. Richard tried to save his brother, but couldn't. George died a traitor's death, and as Mary was churched, she found Richard kneeling in the church hall. He was crying.

Mary went up to him and held onto him. "I love you, Richard. I know you loved him too." Her husband returned the embrace. George killed her father and brother, but at that moment, she couldn't hate the poor man. He was his keeper and made the wrong choices. Now he died for it. Yet, he was her husband's brother, and Richard mourned him. "Let's go home and enjoy our children."

Richard nodded before kissing Mary tenderly on the lips. They would enjoy the peace that came with the death of George, Duke of Clearance. Now, everything was ending, and something new was beginning.