~The Freedom of Choice~

9th of June 1484, Middleham Castle, England....

"Come, sweetheart....speak to me" Constance murmured, stroking Aliénor's hair as she sat by her in the castle's nursery, nestled together in the window seat. Aliénor drew, she painted, she gave cuddles and kisses and often had her little hands intertwined with her sisters or her Mother's - but she did not speak.

Not one word.
Not one syllable.

She was wearing a soft pink gown with white embroidery, Constance had kept to her word and made new gowns for each of her girls, but even though Aliénor been delighted, not a word had passed her lips.

"Please...." Constance whispered but the nine year old shook her head, keeping her eyes fixated on the brightly coloured pages of her Bible "Please, my love, it is your birthday! Shall you not speak to me?" At last Aliénor looked up but her rosebud lips remained sealed as she sat up a little and pressed a kiss to her Mother's cheek.

That was all and she returned to her book. Tears pricked Constance's eyes. Why would her little girl not speak to her? To her, her Mother? Aliénor had grown in her womb, taken her first breaths in her arms, been be purest of delights after the sorrow of little Edmund's death and yet, the Woodvilles had stolen her voice and she could not regain it.

Nodding slowly, Constance drew a small velvet purse from her sleeve and placed it in the girl's lap. Aliénor's hands curled around it, gently loosening the top; allowing her fingers to dip inside. After a few moments, she pulled them out, a handkerchief of white linen between them, bearing beautiful flowers around the border, including York roses with streaming suns.

In the corner, stitched in purple thread lay two letters, perfectly intertwined. A and E. Edward and Aliénor.

"So that you and your Father may always be close" Her Mother said and Aliénor exhaled a shaking breath, nodding before looking to her again, pressing another kiss to her cheek in thanks "I wish that I could heap jewels and gowns upon you as your Father and I used to but I have them not. Happy birthday, my sweet love"

Giving her hair one last gentle stroke and kiss, she rose, slowly walking across the chamber, until she reached the door; turned back in the hope to see her daughter smile one of her rare smiles but she was fixated once more on the pages before her.

Constance sighed, her heart sinking as it always did when she left her darling girl and stepped onto the stairs leading from the nursery, travelling down, down, each step becoming heavier as the seconds passed and she reached the bottom of the empty stairwell and the small space between it and the corridor, separated by a small stone archway.

Leaning back against the wall, she allowed her tears to flee from her eyes with a quiet sob, smothering it with her hand. She could hold her little girl but she did not have her. She was still the captive of the Woodvilles, their thorny vines wrapped around her neck, stripping her of words and life.

Was this why they had returned her daughters? To force her to look upon their changed faces - Isabella's forced maturity, Aliénor's silence? At least Cecily had been left virtually unharmed. But she'd not been shielded from Katherine's screams or being struck by the awful woman appointed to 'care' for them. She would likely carry those memories for life, memories forced upon her by that scheming harlot!

Screwing her eyes shut, she tried to conceal her cries, tears dripping onto the floor. When would Aliénor speak? Would she ever speak? Was she lost to her forever?

"Connie?"

Her bleary eyes opened to see Richard stepping through the archway, presumably in search of the girl she'd just left to keep his promise of helping her speak once more.

He'd been trying just as she did but that past week she'd seen him rarely as he'd been plotting the revolt of Middleham with the Scropes and those loyal to them "Connie, what is wrong?" His hands found the tops of her arms, squeezing gently as he stood before her, one moving up to gently cup her cheek "What ails you?"

As if his touch were fire she moved sharply from his grasp, vehemently shaking her head.
"She won't speak! She still won't speak, Richard! Not a word! Not even to me!"
"She needs time, Connie, we must give it"
"I do not have time!" She cried, tears spilling anew down her cheeks "I want her back, Richard! I want to have my baby!"
"Oh, Con...."

She sniffed, stepping up and then down from the first stone step, fingers wiping at her face.
"Fourteen babes I've carried in all. Five never took their first breaths, two died in their cradles, only one has made it to see the days of adulthood and I can't....I cannot bear the thought that she will be the only one...."

"Do not think so, Connie!"
"I've never loved anything in the world the way I love my children and I'm scared, Richard, so so scared they will be taken from me again, not only into Woodville hands but the hands of death! I already fear that Elizabeth has killed another of my children in Aliénor, not in body perhaps but in spirit....I am so afraid I have lost my sweet girl!"

He reached for her again and this time, his grip was firmer, his eyes determined as they searched her face, fierce protectiveness rooted within them; a need to care, to reassure.

"No one shall ever take them from you again! I swear it to you!" He whispered "I shall follow you to the ends of the earth and the back, I shall fight for your son, my dear nephews, and your daughters. I will crush our enemies and I swear to you upon my honour there shall not be one Woodville left to poison this kingdom when I am through! I promise I shall not fail! I will never fail you, dear Connie!"

His voice was so sure, so sincere, his words the sweetest honey of truth pouring from his lips. He was so loyal, she thought, his touch so warm and safe, his face, while tried, still handsome. He was not Ned but he was real, he was alive, and he had made her heart stir from eternal death. She wanted, nay, needed, his comfort. She needed him.

Holding back another sob, she surged forward, desperately pressing her lips to his. She could feel and hear his sharp intake of breath, the way his body stiffened and his hands dropped from her arms. She'd screwed her eyes shut, fearing rejection or scorn, or both, and for a brief moment, her heart clenched with pain before she felt him relax, hesitation and shock leaving him.

His lips, warm and surprisingly soft, responded to hers and his hands came to rest upon her face, gently cradling her cheeks, drawing her closer. She felt utterly consumed by his kiss, body and soul, his affection replacing the blood in her veins, making her alive again and loved, so very loved - special. It felt right but then....

Edward....

She tore away, clutching at the crucifix around her neck
"I'm sorry....I'm so sorry...."
"I'm not"
Her gaze shot to meet his. There was not one trace of regret within those dark blue of his eyes, not one ounce, only a deep and true affection swirling with desire.

"Richard...."
"You must see the way I look at you, I cannot help it"

She sighed in despair, those looks warmed her to the bone - night after night she had cursed herself for it.

"Yes, yes I have, by God I have"
"And you look at me the same way in return" He declared "You dance with me, you hunt with me...."

"Because I want to!" She cried, flinching at her own voice as she remembered anyone could be near, could be listening, Grey could appear at any moment.

"And that?" He asked, seemingly uncaring of prying ears, thoughts only for her, but when he saw her look of panic, he lowered his voice, taking a step toward her "Did you want to do that?"

Her fingers fell away from the bejewelled cross.
"I....I...." She stammered, scrambling to find an excuse yet she could not deny her feelings, not with him gazing at her in adoring earnest, filling her heart with warm delight and painful guilt "Yes. Yes I did"

He raised her chin with a gentle finger, his body almost pressed against hers once more.
"Then do not apologise for it"
"Richard...."
"Connie"

Their lips met again in heartfelt passion, arms wrapping around one another, melting like hot butter into one another's sweet embrace, clasping to each other's clothes so they may never part but life did not work in such a perfect way. Approaching footsteps made them spring away from the embrace, gazes locking in longing and fear as a serving girl walked by without a glance toward their stone archway; a basket of apples in her arms.

Silence passed between them for seemingly endless moments, hearts beating wildly.

"I must go" Constance whispered, her hand curling around her crucifix once more "I must go" And she swept away into the corridor, forcing herself to breathe as her body trembled. She was sure she could already feel her soul descending into hell. What on earth had they done?

༻᯽༺

10th of June 1484, Laarne Castle, Burgundy....

The castle was richly decorated, the arms of England and Brittany draping every wall, Es and As intertwined and alongside one another emblazoned at every turn. There was not one corridor that did not glint with gold and that was how it should be, all thought, it was after all the day of a royal wedding and celebrations had been held in the days prior and would continue in the days after!

Marie, dressed in her bejewelled finery, entered the Lady Anne's room with a smile, chuckling at the sight of the little girl before a mirror, having the last touches added to her attire - though her heart stung with pity. Anne's heavy gown almost drowned her, it seemed, though it was a perfect fit, the heavy jewels adoring it looking as if they would weigh her down to the floor like an anchor.

"Your grace!" She exclaimed as she caught sight of Marie in the mirror's reflection, turning (with great difficulty in her many layers) and performing a deep curtsy.
"Rise, sweet girl" Marie said gently, still smiling as she glided over "You look very beautiful"

A pleased blush blossomed on the girl's cheeks and she cast her gaze to the floor, smiling, playing with her rings. It was true what Marie had said, Anne was a sweet girl, a very sweet girl she'd come to find over the few weeks before the marriage, and (just as in the reports) her mind was keen and clever!

Her wedding gown was fashioned from cloth of gold with a soft square neckline, the border of which was adorned with alternating rubies and diamonds atop red velvet. Her sleeves were close fitting with bell cuffs, turned back to show their cloth of silver lining and decorated with gold stitching and polished pearls about the hem. The gown bore a long train and a girdle lay around her small waist, made of golden symbols of roses and ermine, a heavy diamond hanging from the end.

Clasped around her neck was a golden collar, engraved with holy symbols, set with all manner of precious stones with pearls dangling from it. A string of pearls lay beneath, dipping into her bodice. Her golden hair was loose, freshly washed, brushed into a shining curtain to her waist, and on her head lay a circlet encrusted with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.

"You shall make a fine Queen"
"Thank you, your grace"

"Oh please" Marie chuckled, waving Anne's attendants away "I insist you call me Marie! In a matter of hours we are to be sisters after all" The girl nodded eagerly, clearly glad to have properly gained a new friend at this foreign court and followed as Marie motioned her to the nearby window where they both sat, skirts spread around them.

"Then you must call me Anna, if it please you!" She said before blinking in remembrance "Or Anne! Father says that is what I must call myself now I am to be Queen of England and Anna is not English"
"That is is not" Marie returned "but Anne suits you well. Just think, you shall be Queen Anne and the whole court shall look upon you in admiration"

A soft smile graced Anne's lips.

"I am not so sure if I desire to be looked upon by all" That was understandable, Marie thought, she was so young and to know each move she made would henceforth be under eternal scrutiny was (for most) not a particularly pleasant thought, but she would grow used to it - there would come a time where she could not remember any different!

"Are you nervous?"
Anne's blue gaze flicked up to meet hers and Marie could see a glimmer of hesitation within them, evaluating weather she could divulge such personal feelings before she answered.

"Yes...." She lowered her eyes once more "I have spoken to King Edward but little since our betrothal a fortnight ago and am afraid that he does not like me, that I shall not please him as a good wife should!"

"Oh, my dear child" Marie's gentle hands took hers "Edward shall grow to feel friendly affection for you, I have no doubt but you must remember, that he is nervous too!"

"He is?" Anne frowned "But he is a King" Marie giggled at that, the display of sweet childish innocence.

"He is a King, soon to be your King, but while he is ordained by God, he is still as mortal as you or I, still as human and still young. As you shall gain a husband this day, he shall gain a wife and you are as unknown to him as he is to you! Besides, you shall be wed but you shall not be expected to be a true wife to him until you are at least fourteen, a lifetime away for you! There is plenty of time to learn to be the perfect wife and Queen and you shall learn from the best! My own Lady Mother, the Queen Regent, to whom I shall present you when you are called to England!"

Suddenly the girl's face brightened a little.
"You are to go to England?"
"I am to lead the army alongside my brother"
Her eyes widened in pure surprise, shining with reverence.

"Truly?"
"Truly, my dear. It is my belief that women can lead as well as men do, but they rarely give us the change to prove it"
"Now you shall prove it!"
Marie smiled at her increasingly chirpy tone, squeezing her hands.

"I shall" She affirmed "And soon too, with your marriage and the support of your Father's forces, we are all but ready to set sail and place my brother upon his rightful throne!" She nodded, her smile widening a little "And you upon yours, sweet Anne. Your coronation shall be one of great splendour and you shall make a most beautiful Queens!"

Anne grinned sheepishly, blushing again.
"I shall do my best, Marie"

༻᯽༺

"Now, my handsome King, are you ready to be wed?" Marie walked into her brother's chambers to see him alone, standing before the great mirror set near his bay window, feet apart, shoulders back, a hand on the hilt of his bejewelled dagger, shining in his wedding finery of cloth of gold and countless precious gems, a heavy mantle of the same cloth and adorned with ermine over his doublet.

Their Father's crown lay atop his head and he looked almost exactly like him. It was a sight of joy and pain all at once.

"Of course I am" He replied without turning "I am ready to do the duty of my station and circumstances and do that which would please you and God" She was more than glad he'd changed his tune on that score!

"He shall smile upon this union" She assured him, strolling to his side, adjusting the heavy chain of office upon his shoulders like their Mother would: with pride and affection "Just as I smile upon you, my King" Bowing her head, she sunk into a curtsy but quickly found herself raised and Edward pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"You need not curtsy to me when we are alone. Not ever. You are my sister and, after all, not my subject!"

"That is true" She conceded with a sad smile "but the Lady Anne shall be, she is to be your Queen"
"A fact I am well aware of" He replied curtly making her arch an eyebrow.
"I expect you to treat her well today, to behave gallantly and pay her every respect. She is nervous"

"Nervous?" He echoed, frankly incredulous "She has an entire day to float around in all her finery, drinking and dancing while I must cement an alliance and endure tedious conversation!"

"She is to be wed to a stranger of a strange land" Marie returned, fingers gently brushing his shoulders before holding them firm "I know you are too but at least you are able to process this a little better! She is much younger than you and don't" She held up a hand "say you know because I know you know. My point is, she is not so used to have all looking at her as they will be. You can compose yourself, carry yourself with great dignity and command. Anne is yet to truly learn such things, you must aid her"

Edward let out a sigh but nodded his agreement.
"Very well, sister, it is, after all, my duty as a knight and King to be courteous towards all ladies, even if they are practically still in the cradle"

"Indeed it is and I have every confidence you shall fulfil that duty, now" Reaching up, she gently cupped his face, raising up slightly onto her toes and pressing a kiss to his cheek "I know you are nervous, though you do not say it. I can see it in your eyes, Neddy, but do not fear. You can rise to this challenge, I know you can, and that our Father is smiling down upon you this day and he shall give you the strength you need, he shall be with you"

His cocky facade falling, Edward nodded, leaning forward and allowing his forehead to rest upon Marie's for a few moments, a soft smile curving his lips.
"Thank you" He whispered "You shall always be welcome at my court!"

She burst into laughter.
"I should hope so!" She replied, pressing another kiss to his cheek before leaving his side "I shall see you in the chapel, brother, and I know you shall look every inch a great King!"
"The greatest if I have my way!"
"I have no doubt you shall!"

༻᯽༺

Laarne Castle Chapel....

The entirety of the court was gathered in the chapel, inside and out, those within stood in neat rows of pews, necks craning to see the front. On one side, at the front, Marie stood with her husband, two of her three brothers, Margaret, and Peter of Bourbon, on the other, the Duke of Brittany's men.

Before the alter stood Charles of Bourbon in his fine cardinals robes, a heavy golden cross around his neck and Edward in front of him, one hand on the hilt of her sword, the other lying at his side.

His gaze was fixated on the man before him, something to steady his nerves on as he heard the rustle of nobles clothes, turning to see the Lady Anne upon her Father's arm, walking slowly down the isle (for dignity or the weight of her clothing, none could tell) her ladies following, one carrying her train.

The little girl, wide eyed but smiling, kept her sights on her betrothed, and when she reached the alter, her ladies dispersing to take their seats, she sunk down into a deep curtsy to which Edward turned and offered a bow.

Taking his young daughter's hand, Francis held it out to Edward and, after a moment of hesitation which only those who knew him best could spot, he took it with an amiable smile, guiding Anne to her feet.
"My Lady" He greeted "You look very beautiful"
Marie felt her heart swell with pride, what she would give so that their Mother could see him! She would be proud of him too!

"Thank you, your grace" Anne squeaked in return, a deep blush colouring her cheeks as they turned to Charles and he stepped forward, performing the sign of the Holy Cross over the couple's head - the guests followed.

"This is a fine day. Mere weeks from now we shall land on English shores and take what belongs to our boy" Margaret murmured into her niece's ear as the Cardinal began the ceremony and Marie's smile widened, nodding in agreement.

Tears pricked her eyes as her Uncle began to recite the holy vows and the couple faced one another again, Edward responses sure and clear with the perfect confidence of a King as he promised to have and to hold his wife, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health until God saw fit to take them to eternal paradise. His expression was affable as he looked upon the the little girl before him; hand never straying from hers.

When it came time for him to bestow her wedding ring (a gold band encrusted with diamonds, a small thing that would likely need replacing as she grew) he took it from the cushion offered by a pageboy and raised Anne's hand a little more so all could see such an auspicious moment, keeping his head held high as he placed it upon her thumb.

"In the name of the Father" He then moved it to her index finger "and of the son" to her middle finger "and of the Holy Ghost" and finally, to her ring finger, sliding it gently on "with this ring, I thee wed"

In the corner of her eye, Marie could see the Duke glance her way and turned her head to see him nod to her, a gesture she returned with a small smile. It was not only a sign of an agreement but one of respect, of approval, and he had bestowed it upon her.

"Then by the power vested in me by our Holy Mother Church, I do now pronounce you man and wife!" Charles declared and Margaret's hand slipped into Marie's squeezing as the guests burst into applause and the couple turned to face them, still hand in hand.

It was done, a treaty had been sealed, a leap towards victory made and to the court of Burgundy, as well as the rest of Europe, England had a new Queen.