~A Seat of Power where we Shall Sit~

November 1472....

Wrapped in a cloak of heavy velvet, with gloves by her side on the satin coverlet, Catherine watched as her final possessions were removed from the bedchamber. Tapestries had been stripped from the walls, the furs stowed away and even the fire had been quenched just moments ago, leaving the room with an ever dwindling warmth pricked with a chill.

Maids came in and out, carrying away gold and silver caskets containing her jewels and coronets that would be placed in locked chests during the long journey to Bamburgh.

Two days prior, she and Margery had observed each and every one, a task that proved long as there were hundreds! She'd selected the ones she wished to keep for the ride North (to attend dinners and such with nobles they stayed with) and wrapped them in pouches of white silk before handing them to her Lady. Margery would keep them safe, she was sure. The rest had been wrapped in silk too but by maids before being carefully packed; stowed away in their guided cages.

Three weeks it would take them (at best) to reach their new home and for the past days, Catherine wondered how her children would fare. While she was sure Joan would do naught but sleep and feed, Henry was a different matter. She remembered how he'd longed for freedom when they were imprisoned in the Tower and his appetite for adventure had only grown since then!

Their days of travel would be monotonous, hours of riding along dusty roads in chilly air with nary a word spoken before the sun set and they halted at a Manor House. There they would stay before repeating the same routine at the next sunrise! No doubt the eager little boy would voice his complaints and Catherine wondered if Richard would let Henry ride with him for a while instead of trapping the four year old in a carriage with baby Joan!

After all, the time was coming where Henry would have a horse of his own and she knew her husband longed for that day. She sighed and brushed the gloves at her side, the golden stitching, outlining the ostrich feathers on black leather, glinting in the sunlight.

What would dear Edward think of her new station as Lady of the North? 'Not as high as being my Queen would raise you, mon coeur' She could almost hear him say and smiled, heart aching with sadness and the slight relief that she could now remember him with fondness; not only tears.

With a sigh, she returned to her task of watching the metal caskets (each containing a fortune) be carried carefully away.

Richard had certainly been generous to her over the years and the number of gowns and jewels she owned certainly attested to that! She had all her heart could desire and was certainly not an individual who lacked elegance or glamour in her dress. No, although it was dangerous to say so, some said she often looked a Queen in her fine silks and headdresses!

'I am to be Queen of the North now!' She mused, thumbing the sapphire pendant around her neck 'and Richard is to be my King!' They would find peace at Bamburgh, she thought with a small nod, there was no reason why they would not. Richard for one would certainly be happy, still young at twenty yet with more power than most men accumulated in a lifetime!

Of course she knew he was not the particularly ambitious type but that didn't mean he did not enjoy the power bequeathed to him and she knew he would take delight in organising his own council! At last he would be able to imitate Edward almost in full, just like the little boy she'd first met wanted to do.

"Leave it!" She suddenly snapped, rising from her bed when a servant took the remaining wooden box into her hands. The girl flinched at the harsh tone of her Mistress' voice, her large doe eyes of soft brown begging for forgiveness. Catherine shook her head in apology and glided over "Put it down" She instructed gently and the girl did as she was bade, quickly placing the small box on the dressing table and sweeping a quick curtsy.

The Duchess waved a hand in dismissal and she hurried away, closing the door behind her. In merely a second or two, Catherine was transfixed, staring at the little box in silence as she sunk down onto the velvet covered chair beside her. It was the last of her possessions still within the castle walls, apart from her gloves on the bed whose commissioner had also gifted her what was inside.

Slender hands reaching forward, her wedding ring glistening, she opened the lid and felt a small smile slide onto her lips at the sight of the ruby ring laying on a small bed of purple silk.

"You will be the one thing I leave behind" She whispered as the gold slid, cold, into her palm when she picked it up. Her eyes flicked to the jewel studding it, it's crimson hue as dark as the Prince's blood, the blood she had not spilt the night he died. Two silent tears glided slowly down her face and she gave a heavy sigh, feeling her smile fade.

Yes, she had to leave this ring, leave Edward, behind when she went to Bamburgh. Otherwise, he would follow her like a mournful ghost and that she truly couldn't bear, especially when she thought of him, most of what was conjured to mind was the cold, pale body lying beneath smoothed out covers.

No, she couldn't bear that torment and knew the ring would be waiting for her upon her blessed return, just as Edward would be waiting for her in heaven. She would see him again, embrace him again, even if her heart belonged to Richard and always would.

Bringing the ring to her lips, she bestowed a gentle kiss to its ruby centre, a promise and farewell all at once. "Oh my poor darling. Though we have always been apart I will miss you" She whispered before placing it back into its box and closing the lid with nary a sound.

"What is that, my love? We must depart"

Catherine turned at the sound of Richard's voice, smiled softly at him and he smiled back with a curious tilt of his head "What is that?" He repeated, peering at the little box, and she sighed, rising from her stool and pulling on her leather gloves.
"A memory" She replied "One I must leave here"

Curiosity swam in Richard's eyes but he only nodded, holding out an inviting hand to lead her into a new world of power and majesty.

"Come, ma belle, or our children shall grow restless! Henry is already itching to ride a horse of his own!" Her light laugh echoed around the chamber and she slid her gloved hand into his. She could well imagine the image his words conjured and knew their son would almost explode with joy when he rode with his Father later!

"Horsey horsey horsey!" She could hear him cry, his little hands grasping the reins Richard tried to show him how to hold properly! While he could not wait for their son to grow up, she didn't want him to, she wanted Henry to stay her sweet boy forever, the tiny child she could cuddle in her arms.

"He will make a fine knight" She said as they walked along the hallways of their home, the walls stripped of tapestries and almost bare of coffers. It was strange to see it so empty, with the only noise now echoing from the courtyard. The sound of hooves on cobble flew through the windows, along with impatient whinnies and Henry's little laughs that made Catherine smile.

"Ah, he's found the horses then!" Richard chuckled.
"Aye! Let's hope Margery keeps him away from their hooves" A stern order for Henry to get into the carriage cane from the said lady a moment later and Catherine smiled, lifting her skirts as she and Richard descended down the winding staircase to the great hall.

It too, was almost bare, with only a few servants hauling the last tapestries outside and the shutters all bolted, blocking out the light.
"It feels like a tomb" Catherine whispered, staring up to the rafters that were drenched in darkness, their wooden beams appearing long coffins beneath the earth of airy blackness.

"It's not a tomb, my love" Richard replied, linking their arms; their shoes tapped rhythmically on the stone floor "We shall return, not to pay our respects but to live! You know it and I do too!" They entered the sunlight.

"I do, my love, but I have hope for our new home"
She thought of Bamburgh, the very home she had suggested, an imposing fortress by the sea that had seen victory and defeat, just like their family.

"Mother! Mother come and look!" Henry called from the carriage and Catherine smiled, ushering Richard on to his horse while she went to their son. The air was crisp and cool, almost stinging her soft skin with a breeze that made her eyes water. She was glad she wore her gloves and cloak and thankful the carriage had heavy curtains that would serve to keep out the winter air.

Just like the ones that had first taken to Westminster fourteen years ago....

Sitting next to Margery, with Roland at his feet and covered with furs Henry held baby Joan in his arms, her sweet little face peaceful amongst the bundle of blankets she was wrapped in "I rocked her to sleep" He said proudly, making his Mother's heart warm in the winter chill "She was crying but I made her happy!"

"Ah, my sweet love" Reaching into the slightly warmed carriage, she cradled his cheek and let a smile touch her lips when he nuzzled into her palm "You are a true knight" Henry's chin jutted out proudly, exactly in the way Richard's did and he held his little sister closer, kissing her button nose.

"My Joaney" He cooed and Margery's arm slid around his shoulders, enveloping him within the warm folds of her heavy cloak.

"They shall be safe with me, your grace" She said and Catherine gave a nod, smiling once more at the precious jewels that were her children before she departed. A strong black stallion stood next to Richard's white one, a page holding its reins in one hand and taking hers with the other as she ascended the mounting block with the grace of her rank.

Swinging her head over the supple leather saddle padded with velvet, her deep sage skirts of soft silk rustled around her as she arranged them, answering her husband's smirk with one of her own.
"You ride astride, my love?"

"I always have, have I not?" She replied "It is much less dangerous than the fashionable side saddle and much more comfortable! While I know I must look a Duchess, Dickon, I would rather not break my neck in the process!" He laughed at that and clicked his tongue, commanding his horse into a brisk trot that had her follow with a grin.

She knew he'd made her smile to forget the sadness of leaving their home and while it did not leave completely, the sting was mildly relieved. The carriage rattled along the courtyard cobble, the sound of hooves filing the air and Catherine did not look back, not once. She forced her gaze into her husband, on the dark curls crowning his hair and the hand that rested on his left thigh while his other held his reins.

'He will keep us safe' She told herself firmly as they rode under the raised portcullis 'He will keep us loved'

꧁꧂

December 1472, Bamburgh, Northumberland....

The sky was not clear and the sun did not shine on the North of England, but it was a pleasant day all the same, filled with a hope that thrummed between the household travelling towards Bamburgh Castle.

Atop a vast stone cliff and with an impenetrable curtain wall, held strong by rounded towers, it appeared like the Camelot of Arthurian legend.

A towering stone keep in the east bailey would serve as their main home and the Gloucester flag already flew above, the murrey and blue of York with Richard's boar, fluttering in the wind. Large buildings lay inside the walls where guests would stay, housed in countless sumptuous rooms made light by large windows crafted with the finest glass.

There was little in the way of a garden, vastly different to Haddon or Fotheringhay, but there were extensive greens across the bailey where stone had not been placed around the stables and along the rear wall. It was lined with guns, cannons ready to fire at one sign of the enemy.

Below, the deep sea crashed in cobalt waves onto the dark golden beach, the air filled with the pleasant scent of salt that assailed the travellers senses as they approached, carried on the Northern wind. The children could play on the sands, when they were older of course, but what adventures they could have on the dunes and in the shallows!

There were two gates, one to the west and one to the east where a gatehouse loomed over any newcomers, the gate made of thick wood and metal strips studded with small spikes. Bamburgh truly was a seat of power, one only had to look at it to know, compared to it, Fotheringhay was a mere drop in the ocean of grandeur.

Richard's eyes glinted at the sight, if only his Father could see him now....

"He would be proud" Catherine murmured from beside him, her golden hair whipped wild in the wind beneath her hood. She was apt at recognising then boyish yearning for approval and pride in his eyes and knew then was the perfect time to voice it. His Father would be proud, just as she was. Richard never tore his eyes from the castle but she could see how he flushed at her words.

"Do you truly think so?"

"No, I was teasing you" Dark blue eyes turned to hers, that same childish yearning glimmering in their depths so that she did not have the heart to tease "Of course I mean it, Dickon! You are the second most powerful man in the Kingdom, your four year old son is an Earl and your men follow you with a firm loyalty not even Edward could break! That would conjure God's pride, let alone your Father's!"

A rather sheepish smile flickered on Richard's lips as he turned to the castle once more and he sat up slightly straighter; chin jutting up as they approached the gates. They opened without a word from his lips, as if by magic, a display of the command he held and Catherine's eyes widened at the side of Bamburgh inside its fortified walls.

She had known it would be vast but not as much as it was, with its buildings almost stretching into the distance so that the private chapel at the far end of the bailey was not perfectly clear to the eye!
"Tis fit for a King" She mused and the guards around her nodded, their banners snapping in the wind that only dropped somewhat once they were inside the walls.

Richard rode ahead, surveying their new home with an added confidence now the pride of his kin had been reassured. He took it in, smiling unabashedly (for once in public) and beckoning to his wife after a moment. She approached readily, reigning in next to him while their gazes wandered up the great stone keep that seemed invincible to all.

A small smirk lit her lips and she leant to the side.
"Would you like to explore?" She suggested "Like we did at Fotheringhay" Though he was meant to act the great Lord, he was still just twenty and his fingers tightened around his reins in an attempt at restraint from fun.

If they took to exploring they would end up running around the castle like children, laughing and calling to one another at the tops of their voices like children. But, he supposed as Catherine peered at him with a youthful glimmer in her eyes, what would be so wrong with that?

His men were gathered around them, and he swiftly waved them away.

"Take an inspection of the beach" He ordered and they were more than happy to obey, turning their horses around and speeding through the gates they'd entered through with grins on their faces "There" He chuckled lowly, watching the baggage train begin to enter the castle grounds, along with the carriage containing the children.

"Shall we slip away?"

Richard grinned at Catherine's mischievous suggestion and nodded, jumping from his saddle as she slipped from hers and grasped his hand. After many weeks in the saddle the feeling of solid ground was welcome beneath her feet and she relished it, picking up her skirts and tugging Richard along the green towards the keep doors.

"So eager?" He asked with a laugh, helping her push on the heavy wood until it swung open and a torchlit hallway was revealed, shards of light from windows falling on the opposite stone walls. They were not adorned with tapestries but Catherine knew that would soon be put to rights and the somewhat hardness of the keep gave her a sense of excitement. Of adventure!

"Come, my love!" She giggled and began to run along the hallways just as she'd done at Fotheringhay, eager to explore every room, every stairway and finding they stretched on forever! Richard was close behind, just as curious with his boots pounding a rhythm as familiar to her as her own heartbeat. Her own tapped along the stone stairs beneath her feet, her gaze peering upwards to where the spiral staircase came to a halt at the very peek of the keep.

The banister her hand held was beautiful, with leaves and snakes carved on the painted iron, twisted around it. At the top lay another hallway and Catherine leant on the nearest wall with a laugh as she tried to catch her breath.
"Too tired already, my love?" Richard teased, his years of training making their long run no strain on his stamina.

He could go on for hours!

"You know I don't have your strength, Dickon!" She panted, a hand at her pounding chest "You are a knight!"

"And you my fair lady" He returned "If you need me to carry you the rest of the way around I shall be honoured to do so!" Catherine's light laugh bounced off the pale stone around them, echoing along the halls until it dwindled into silence.
"No need for that! My sense of adventure overrides any weariness I feel!

Her voice trailed away as she looked up, her eyes finding a small wooden hatch almost hidden in the ceiling above. Curiosity pricked, she reached up only to find her fingers couldn't reach and they curled around air "I'll wager that leads to the roof" She whispered and Richard arched an eyebrow beside her.

"And I'll wager there are much more convenient ways to get there, Cate!"
She sent him a smirk over her shoulder and motioned for her to take her waist, to lift her high so she could solve her mystery.

"When have I ever been convenient?" She returned as he obeyed, chuckling at her eagerness when he lifted her high and she pushed at the hatch, giving a little huff and all her strength before it moved. Light flooded down onto them, filling the stairwell and the stairs below like the wind that immediately began to whistle in their ears "I was right!" She exclaimed triumphantly and took hold of the rough stone either side of her and pulling herself into the icy air.

"Are you planning to somehow get your skirts up there too?" Richard's voice teased from below and she scoffed, tugging her skirts up behind her before she pushed herself upright only to be pushed sideways by the wind.

"Are you coming?" She yelled over the roar of the wind, fingers clinging to the nearest set of battlements that were icy "It's beautiful up here!" And truly it was for over the ramparts, the opposite to the stone she pressed herself against lay the sea, a vast expanse of blue against cloudy grey. Behind her the village of Bamburgh lay, most silent because the people had retreated inside!

A moment later, Richard hoisted himself through the hatch, grimacing as his shoulder sent a spark of agony down his spine. Catherine went to his aid when he let out a hiss, using what little strength she had to help pull him up. The wind blew back his hair from his face and he smiled once more basking in the cold breeze that appeared to ease his pain.

Slipping his hand into Catherine's he led her to the front of the keep and leant over the parapet, looking on the land and beach below.
"Look" He murmured, tugging her closer and coaxing her to lean over too "Look at our boy" A smile touched her lips.

On the green, Henry played in his cloak of deep crimson and the little hat the Lancastrian King had given him. With Margery close behind, he constantly paused to look around at his little sister who was sleeping in her arms before running on.
"He loves it" Catherine chuckled "And little Joan will love it too"

"As will any other babes we have" Richard added, tucking her snugly against his side "And we will too, I have no doubt"