I don't own the White Queen.
Prologue
Celsa is born in the Count House of Aix-en-Provence. They have the title and noble blood, yes. Sadly, they often have no money.
The Hundred Years' War had taken a toll on their house for years. It continued after her father, Anne de Louis, Count of Aix-en-Provence, had to make a living with his merchant permit given by King Louis in tribute to their long-overdue years of service.
They sell wines, imported spices, and fabrics to many ports.
Her lady mother had died giving birth to her little brother. Her line came from the humble origins of a merchant's daughter.
Celsa is the eldest daughter of the family and has a little sister, Anne, and the third child is the firstborn son, Albert, heir to Count status. Her new baby brother is her secondborn and is named Louis.
They are a close-knit family and love each other dearly.
Celsa prayed to God to have her find a husband to wed for the protection, status, and wealth to help her family. She desperately prayed every day.
That is, until the opportunity arises.
"What?!" Celsa's voice sounded surprised. "Lady Bona of Savoy is rejected by the ne king of England."
Her younger siblings looked curious, except Louis, who was babbling around the room.
They have been hearing the news that King Louis wanted to arrange a marriage for his sister-in-law, Lady Bona of Savoy. She is highly sought after, but men back down after the king orders that no man is worthy of her hand. They figured with his wife and Queen Charlotte of Savoy and Bona of Savoy wed to the King of England. They can form an alliance that can withstand "the Mad King" Henry the Sixth and "the Bad Queen" Margaret of Anjou.
However, Edward Plantagenet, also known as Edward IV King of England, rejected the marriage under the secret revealed he married a common woman named Elizabeth Woodville. She is a Lancastrian widow whose family was once allied to Margaret of Anjou.
Celsa knew that her mother, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who is of noble blood, but Richard Woodville was of humble origins despite his title Baron Rivers, it would be hard to accept a woman who is an upstart.
Celsa knew that despite her father's blood and nobility, there were some criticisms of her mother's humble background. However, her father would improve their standings in court and social gatherings.
"I also have another piece of news from the King." Anne stood up, and he walked to his daughter Celsa. "We have a rising opportunity. You, my dear daughter, will be a new duchess of Gloucester."
Celsa gasped. Her a duchess?
"Me, a duchess?"
"Yes, to young Prince Richard Plantagenet, who has been named Duke of Gloucester. And Lord Warwick, "The Kingmaker' will greet us and escort our family to England."
"Yes, father." She nervously replied. Was this her prayers being answered? Perhaps she can use this status to help her family get a better life.
She can only pray to God that she survived this.
Reviews are welcome.
Anne was an epicene name at that time of the century.
Celsa in Old English means "Victory." The names Celsus and Celsa mean "dignified, elevated, proud, noble".