~The Clockwork Princess~

27th of March, 1482, Burgundy....

Candles flickered all around the chamber but it was still dark, made almost pitch black by the stench of hopelessness that hung like a noose in the air, waiting to ensnare any who wandered into it's deathly embrace.

But there was only one soul that would ascend to heaven that night and it would be the soul of the Duchess of Burgundy, sweet Mary, at just twenty five. She would leave two young children, heartbroken, and her husband crushed beneath his grief. He was knelt at her side at that very moment, tying the knots of the noose of despair himself with his tears and pleas for her not to desert him, not now, not yet, not ever.

Riding had always been one of her favourite pastimes, holding an adoration for the thrill it sent though her veins but it had proved to be her downfall, her death. It had killed her - would kill her - one simple fall, one awkward land, one snap in her slender neck.....

And it was all over.

"What will I do without you?" He asked, voice hoarse from yelling at physicians and weeping by her side.

Mary simply smiled her knowing smile, one of the few things she was still able to do - not being able to move below her shoulders - and blinked.
"Live a little longer....many a year longer I hope" Maximilian shook his head fervently as if if he did it enough, all would be well again.

"I do not want to" He gasped through his tears "Not without you, I can't...."
"You must...." She blinked again, eyes flicking back and forth across his face "And you must....remarry" He shook his head even harder, about to spout a string of protests when she continued "and you will do it" She insisted "and I know who you should choose"
"No....no I can't, I won't...."

"You have to!" She rasped and he knew if she could squeeze his hand, she would be doing so "And I know who, my dearest love, my sweet sweet husband, the Father of my children...." He only kept on shaking his head, no one could replace his Mary, no one "You should marry my cousin, my cousin in England, Marie, see? She has the same name as me!" He sobbed.

"That does not make her you"
"And she is not me! She is strong, I have seen it! One day you shall be a King, an Emperor and you will need an Empress, a strong woman by your side to bear your heirs and give you council....a Mother for our children! She is of the greatest beauty, grace, intelligence and illustrious blood of any woman of my acquaintance, much like her mother, my beloved Aunt, Queen Constance. My Mother loved her well and so do I as I do my cousin of York! She is a grand match for you, she will bring you wealth and power, she will bring you greatness"

Maximilian sobbed harder.

"I do not want greatness....not anymore....all I want is you, Mary"
She smiled again, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes.

"I often find that it is the thing we want the most, we cannot have....and we must bear it, Max....you must bear it"

༻᯽༺

Christmas Day 1482, Westminster Palace....

Thirty nine summers Constance had seen and in the privacy of the King's chambers, the royal family basked in the comfort of Christmas - the warm fire, the hearty food, kinship. Constance sat in a comfortable window seat, dressed festively in red and green, surveying the happy party with a content smile on her face.

Edward was sitting on the floor by the hearth, his crown currently resting on young Cecily's head as she, Isabella and Aliénor gazed up at him, listening to his deep voice while he read to them. The girls were now nine, ten and seven and Constance loved to watch them, such happy little ones they were! Their brother, Dickon, wasn't with them but had instead chosen to march around the room like a knight, the six year old proudly holding the dagger the King had given him. He was a dear little thing she thought, sweet as honey

She glanced over at her eldest, her beautiful little love, Marie, sitting in the King's armchair. Although, at seventeen, she was no longer so little. During the years running her household in Gloucestershire, Marie had blossomed into a woman grown. She was well mannered, effortlessly graceful, fluent in six languages, master of five instruments, a flawless dancer with a taste for the latest fashions from the continent and possessing of a sharp witted humour.

She was tall and slender, beautiful curves shaping her young body, and with her Mother's smile and her Father's blue eyes, she was everything a Princess of England ought to be - or a Queen.

Marie always walked with her head held high and Constance's heart burst with pride whenever she saw her. She played host to her parents every summer when they stayed at Berkeley during their summer progress (a tradition as Edward had promised) and always stayed on with them and the court afterwards.

She inspired loyalty in her household and all who knew her with her kindness, warmth and determination which had won her the hearts of England! Amongst those who looked up to her were her brothers and sisters but chiefly Neddy who even then was sat by her, staring as if she were the most wonderful thing in the world.

He of course was no rough diamond by any means, growing into a strong young man at the age of twelve and nearing his Father's colossal height already so he towered over men thrice his age! Despite him possessing his Father's looks and humour, his mind was undoubtedly shaped by his Uncle Richard and Constance was sure she'd never seen a more thoughtful, yet determined, boy who was eager to see justice done in the kingdom and be the greatest knight known to man!

Well, apart from his tutor perhaps, Richard had sometimes seemed forty at the age of ten! He was one of the party, sitting locked in conversation with James, his son on his knee, and she was still surprised to see him! After George's death, Richard retreated from court (and Edward) entirely, remaining at Middleham where he and Neddy had resided since 1479.

He would be seen during the summer progress or sometimes at Berkeley if Marie was throwing a hunt but other than that, the King and Queen rarely saw the youngest son of York and their hearts grieved because of it. His Mother was much the same - but worse.

Cecily retreated to Raby Castle after the execution of her son and hardly emerged since. She did not attend the royal progress or court, she stayed with Marie or Beth (who had been given the wardships of George's children) to see little Anne, Margaret and Teddy but never when there was a chance of a royal visit. She wrote almost daily to Constance with the same love she'd always held for her but that was the only contact they had and Cecily hadn't spoken nor written one word to Edward in four whole years.

It was just as Constance feared - their family was broken, even if the damage was not as bad as her worst imaginings. Still, at least Richard had come to them for the Christmas season, perhaps it was a sign the rift between him and Edward was beginning to heal? As for her own brother, he had been returned to her side for little over a year after being away for three.

It was also death that took him far from her but not George's, no, it was Giuliano De'Medici's. Soon after George's death, news came of a brutal attack in Florence that had seen his chosen brother slain and cast him into misery. He'd set sail for Italy at once to comfort Lorenzo and the rest of the Medici family.

He wrote to Constance regularly (and it was clear to her he'd missed the creativity and beauty of the great Italian city) but she was overjoyed when he returned to England! She'd missed him terribly. 

After watching him for a moment longer, she returned her gaze to her family and then the little one year old in her lap.

Her youngest child.
Her third living son - Prince Charles of York - Charlie as he was affectionately called by the family, born on the 5th of December of 1481.

He was a smiling, merry little thing, plump with baby fat and almost always babbling away to himself. At that moment, he was sucking on the wooden poppet Marie had brought, watching the scene around him with curiosity in his green eyes.

"Do you like it, my love?" Constance cooed, pressing a kiss to his golden cowlick of hair "What about the gown your Father had made for you?" She brushed the light blue velvet with white roses stitched on it, paired with little cloth of gold sleeves "You are so very perfect, Charlie, my very own third son of York"

Thinking of Richard, she looked up and smiled when she found his son watching her with Anne's innocent eyes "Eddie?" The boy instantly sat up straight, blinking in surprise "Come here, child. Marie? Be a dear and take Charlie, I have something which claims my attention" Marie immediately collected her brother with a smile, kissing his brow and making a great fuss of him as she returned to her place by the fire.

With his Father's approving nod, Eddie slipped down from his knee and walked across the great chamber, bowing low before the Queen.

"My Lady Aunt" He said and she smiled, making him grin as she patted the cushion beside her and he clambered up "What is your will, Aunt Connie?" She found it adorable that he always called her that when they were together, proof Richard still spoke kindly of her. She pulled her nephew onto her lap.

"I have something for you" Reaching into her sleeve, she pulled forth a velvet pouch and handed it to Eddie, smiling as he reached inside and gasped in awe at the necklace he retrieved. The same necklace Constance had given Anne thirteen years ago "This was your Mother's" She said softly "I gave it to her when she was young and she treasured it until it was taken from her. Now, I give it to you to treasure, to remember her by"

The child looked up at her with wide eyes, little fingers running over the rounds of pearls and sapphires.
"Did you know her well?"
Constance's heart hurt at the question, no child should ever have to know their Mother through the memories of others. Still, she smiled.

"She was my sister, one of the dearest people to my heart"
"Was she kind? Papa says so"
There were few souls kinder than Annie had been.
"She was the sweetest soul that ever walked this earth and she loved you with all her heart"
Eddie hummed to himself, staring at the necklace and holding it up to the candlelight so the jewels sparkled.

"Mother will shine just like this in heaven" He said and hot tears pricked Constance's eyes "She's an Angel there"
"Yes, she is an angel, and she looks after you every day" Two heavy tears slipped down her cheeks.

༻᯽༺

"May I go now, Mama?" Little Dickon asked, swinging his legs back and forth under the table, hands tightly holding his seat. He'd been eager to go and see his elder brother train since he awoke and Constance smiled, raising an eyebrow when she looked over at his plate.

"Finish your bread and honey, my love, then you may go!"

He nodded eagerly and immediately picked up the last slice, trying to cram it into his mouth all at once! "You shall be eating bread and honey soon, sweet boy" She cooed, dabbing at the corners of Charlie's mouth with a handkerchief. He was always rather messy with his porridge in a morning but that did not deter Constance from taking breakfast with her boys every day without fail, dismissing the servants.

She loved watching him wrap his plump little lips around the beautifully carved spoon Will had made for him and babble happily to himself, swallowing every mouthful - well, most of it.
"All gone!" Dickon declared proudly, crumbs around his mouth and she smiled, nodding.

"You may go, my love, but be careful! You have only just begun to handle a sword!"
"And very good he is too!"
"Papa!" The boy cried with glee, hopping down from his chair and grinning up at Edward as he passed.

"Good morning lad" He greeted, ruffling Dickon's hair "Be off with you and learn with your brother!" Dickon scampered away and Edward took his seat at the table "And good morning to you my beautiful wife and handsome son!"

"Papa! Papa!" Charlie babbled, clapping his hands and wiggling on his Mother's lap.
"Yes, my love!" She chuckled "That is your Father"
"And your Father comes baring news!" He finished, holding up a letter. Despite his smile, he didn't sound over the moon and Constance tilted her head.
"What does it say? Who is it from, Ned?"

He raised his eyebrows, unfolding the parchment and she was sure she caught a flash of the Double headed Eagle of the Holy Roman Empire on the red seal.

"It is from Prince Maximilian" He confirmed and she frowned a little.
"Oh? The last we heard from him, my dear niece had passed, God rest her sweet soul" She crossed herself "She was too young to die, just as Annie was....what does he write to you now of?" Edward hummed.

"Well, you speak of his late wife and that's just it, Connie...." He hesitated, meeting her gaze "he wants to marry our daughter. He wants Marie" Her heart dropped and her eyes went wide with shock, even Charlie's babbling ceased.

"Marie?" She cried indignantly "With Mary barely cold in her grave? How...."
"No, my love! It doesn't seem so simple!"
She scoffed, placing Charlie in the crib beside her chair.
"How complicated can it be?"
"Quite, by what he writes"

Constance pursed her lips, frowning and strode over to Edward's side, snatching the letter from his hands.
"Let me see...." She scanned the lines one by one, reading each word with the upmost care until she found her heart slowing and her frown slacken. She blinked "Mary told him to marry our daughter?" He nodded, leaning back in his chair and looking up at her.

"On her deathbed he says....he says she knew he had to have more heirs, had to strengthen his line and could think of no one who would suit him better than Princess Marie of England whom, and I quote 'is of the greatest beauty, grace, intelligence and illustrious blood of any woman of my acquaintance, much like her mother, my beloved Aunt, Queen Constance"
"She truly said that...."

Edward's arm snaked around her waist, gently pulling her onto his lap where he took the letter back, placing it on the table.

"I do not think he would fool us in this...." He admitted, tilting up her chin with a finger, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips "He loved your niece, the entirety of Europe knows how devoted they were to one another, no, I think he speaks true, sweetheart, and besides..." She swallowed, sadness steadfastly replacing the anger she'd felt. Her little love was wanted by another across the sea - a renowned warrior and powerful man with powerful ties.....

"It would benefit England greatly" The hand on her waist tightened a little and Edward nodded.
"Not only in trade and in giving us a powerful ally but I believe he can make our Marie a Queen, I believe he will" Marie was seventeen, an age many Princesses were married and many much younger - Constance had been but fifteen. She was a woman grown and a Princess of England - it was her duty to marry and the time for that duty to be fulfilled had come.

Determined to keep tears at bay, Constance rose from Edward's lap, brushing down her skirts and clasping her hands tight.
"I suppose it is settled then" She said matter-o-factly as she turned to face him, his look of surprise only forcing her closer to the brink of weeping.

"You agree to the match?"
"I do" Her words were clipped, her agreement fast, forced out before her heart could find a reason for her to refuse when her head knew it was a good match. Still, she could afford her darling daughter a little choice "As long as Marie does, I would ask you to give her a little power in this"

"As you wish, my love" Edward acquiesced, still surprised at her agreement "although she knows her duty well" She did, she was the perfect Princess in every way and would do what was needed of her.
"That she does but she is also an impeccable judge of character and knows what she wants"

༻᯽༺

February 1483, Westminster Palace....

While Neddy returned to the North with his Uncle in January, Marie stayed in London, preparing for the wedding she had readily agreed to. The only reserve she'd held was if Maximilian would make her a Queen (as he was not a King) and when her Father assured her he would make her an Empress when he inherited the Holy Roman Empire from his Father, all was settled.

Princess Marie of York was to go to the Holy Roman Empire.

Constance watched with a mixture of pride and utter desolation as her daughter's wedding dress was fitted in her chambers. Marie was stood atop a pedestal, her ladies all around her, draping different fabrics over her beautiful form while the Princess laughed, a sounds more beautiful than the chatter of angels tumbling from her rosebud lips.

Constance still remembered the day she was born as if it were a mere night away....

"What do you think, Lady Mother?"

She blinked to find her daughter and her ladies looking expectantly at her and smiled, admiring the crimson cloth of gold draped over Marie's body.
"I think it beautiful, my love, it suits you well!"
"It shall have hanging sleeves!" Marie declared, turning to admire herself in the long mirror hung on the wall "Just like yours, ma Mère, and look" She held out a length of the fabric for her to see "it has open pomegranates! The symbol of my betrothed!"

Maximilian was five years her senior but to her that didn't seem to matter in the slightest "Cousin Mary loved him" She would say "I should think him a fine and kind man. Besides, he is known for his intelligence" She never spoke of harbouring any of her own hopes for love, knowing a coupling like her parents was rare, she simply wished for friendship - partnership.

"It will bring him joy to see it!" Constance replied "but you must make sure you have your sigil on it too! Your wedding cloak is to have two Ms intertwined with a sigil on each side. Have you chosen?"
Marie spun back to face her and her ladies rushed to stop the heavy fabric falling from her shoulders.
"I have!" She declared proudly "I shall take the Phoenix!"

Constance's smile widened. One only had to look at Marie to know it suited her, no matter what happened she would always rise from the ashes stronger than ever. That was who she was, who she'd been raised to be. A Queen.

"Why, that is perfect, little love!"
"I haven't chosen my motto" Marie continued, looking at herself in the mirror again, brushing a hand over the expensive material "but I shall do so once I'm married"

"Ah! You look most beautiful, darling niece!" Beth called as she entered, beaming "You are truly your Mother's daughter" Constance chuckled, shaking her head as her sister curtsied "I come baring a command. Your Lord Father has sent for you" Marie's eyes sparkled and she quickly shrugged the fabric from her body, reaching for her kirtle.

"Dress me!" She ordered "I must not keep my Father waiting!"

"Would you like for me to accompany you?" Her Mother asked as her ladies laced her gown but she shook her head.
"I shall be fine, ma Mère!"

When her hennin was once more pinned to her head, she set off through the palace, her ladies trailing loyally behind her as always.
"I wonder what he wishes to speak of?" Grace murmured.
"I suspect it is Marie's marriage" Cecily replied and Marie chuckled.
"Whatever it is I shall find out momentarily!"

They reached her Father's rooms and the guards bowed to her, opening the doors for her to enter. Edward was sat by the fire in his warm winter robes of sable and ermine, flicking through papers with a frown on his face. Marie sighed inwardly - it seemed he frowned much more than he smiled in the years since George died, though he always had a smile for her and it spread lovingly across his lips when he looked up.

She curtsied, returning his smile.
"Father"
"My beautiful daughter!" He glanced over to the doors as she approached, catching Grace's eye and giving a smile and a friendly nod before they closed "I see Gracie is with you as always?"
"Of course!" Marie laughed, sitting opposite him "She is my Lady and my elder sister!" He nodded, setting his papers aside.

"I am glad you are fond of one another, I am fond of her too, she is a sweet girl" Her was always careful to not overly express his affection for Grace, nor ever mention her Mother, which Marie supposed was for the sake of her own Mother, but he by no means neglected her just as he did not neglect any of his children - legitimate or bastard. Even though Arthur and Anthony were not often spoken of and seen far less he always ensured the estates he gave them would provide a stable income and sent them gifts.

As Grace had joined the Princess' household he saw her whenever he saw Marie, particularly at Berkeley where she dined with the royal family when they stayed. Even Constance had a fondness for the girl, most of which was borne from pleasure at how loyal she was to her own daughter but also because of her friendly, respectful nature.

"Now, I hear you had a wedding gown fitting this morning? Did it go well?"
Marie chuckled, nodding, it was funny to hear her father talk of gowns.
"The measurements have all been made and I have chosen a fabric, crimson cloth of gold bearing suns in splendour, York roses and Prince Maximilian's pomegranates" Edward nodded his approval.
"A fine choice" She preened under the praise, tilting her chin up a little.

"Thank you, Father, now, what did you wish to speak to me of? The wedding I assume?"
"You assume right, little lion!" He replied "I only wish to tell you that the Austrian court differs greatly from ours, there will be different customs, different traditions. To be successful as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire you must not only endear yourself to the people but make friends amongst the ability, powerful friends to secure your position"
"I know that, Father"

His eyes twinkled with amusement and he sat back in his chair, sighing slightly.
"I suppose you do, Marie....I sometimes forget how knowledgeable you are, that you are a woman grown and far more than simply capable of carrying out your duty" A deep coral blush stained Marie's cheeks at that and she couldn't help but beam.
"I will do you proud, Father" She assured him "Both you and ma Mère!"

"I know you will, sweetheart....now, there is one other thing I must tell you to do....you must prepare yourself for war. Always" Her smile faltered into a frown and she stared at her father with confusion.
"War?" She repeated "England is at peace"

"Not England, Marie" He replied "I refer to your husband. He will be crowned Holy Roman Emperor and you shall be his Empress but I know men like Maximilian, he is a warrior and he is ambitious. He will want to expand his empire. You may become a Queen of many lands before Emperor Frederick dies"
"Or I may be a Queen of nothing with a dead husband"

"Take heart" He said, reaching out and taking her hand. Even though she was grown, it was still tiny in his "He is intelligent and a great warrior. We cannot turn the wheel of fortune ourselves but I think Maximilian may be able to keep it turning on him" Marie nodded sternly, the cogs in her brain already turning, processing and working out the advantages and disadvantages of this new information.

It could mean riches greater than any ever seen or it could mean ruin and exile "You are intelligent, little lion" Edward said, making her look up at him again "If your husband has any sense, he will come to value your counsel and keep you by his side"
"Am I to go to the battlefield just as Eleanor of Castile did with King Edward the first?"
He tilted his head.

"If he allows it and it is what you think is best. But remember, you can hold even greater sway if you come to possess a regency while your husband is away. That would truly show the nobility how firm your position is"

That made Marie chuckle.
"You are a King. I did not think you would be wishing Queens to have more power!"
"Ah!" He squeezed her hand, reaching out to chuck her under the chin as he used to do when she was little "You are not just any Queen, you are my daughter and because of that I wish you all the power in the world" He arched an eyebrow "As long as you do not use it to come against England"

Even though she knew he was not serious, she shook her head vehemently.
"I would, never go against you and Mother, or my dear brother. My hand may be given to the Holy Roman Empire but in my heart, I shall always be a York"