~My House's Victory, my Husband's Love~

October 1485, Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire....

Still bathing within the heavenly glow that being cheered through the streets brought them, Eleanor smiled as she caught Richard's eye in her dressing table mirror.

Ever since they had departed Middleham to begin their journey south, they had gone to bed each night with their ears ringing with their people's cheers and white rose petals entangled in their hair. Only the Lord knew where the people of England found the flowers so late in the year but they seemed to have them in abundance and they rained down upon the royal procession like small blessings from God!

The sun shone so brightly that some considered the Almighty to be smiling down upon England, glad to see the Tudor's vanquished! Golden rays bathed the land from Dover to Hadrian's Wall, illuminating the whole country with an angelic light that warmed the royal couple each new day, even though the season had turned to winter.

In each city they rode through, each town, each village, there was naught but white roses in sight, decorating doors, windows, the sleeves of gowns and doublets that were, more often than not, bright murrey and blue. No red roses were in England it seemed, as if they had all been gathered and burnt upon the Middleham battlefield, buried with the defeated leaders of the Lancastrian and Tudor cause.

Dead and gone they were, their blood red petals dried up and turned to brown while their enemies flourished under the care of their York sun.

Church bells rang from dawn till dusk, filling the air with merry chimes while choir boys sung on polished Cathedral steps and knelt humbly before the King and Queen when they came to take mass.

"Never have I seen such a show of love!" Eleanor had murmured when she and Richard visited York Minster, the relentless cheering of the people hardly muffled by the thick stone walls. In front of them knelt their son, George, who often rode between them during their journey south (his siblings behind), practically bouncing in his saddle with excitement as he waved and smiled.

"We are beloved by all, Mama!" He whispered with undeniable excitement, breaking his prayers for just a moment to throw a grin over his shoulder that was so like his Father's it made both of his parents collapse into laughter!

Now, as Eleanor smiled at her husband from her dressing table at Berkeley Castle, she once more thanked God for sparing her family, for sparing her. Richard removed his doublet before he came to her, flinching just a little when he shrugged the sumptuous material from his shoulders but it seemed to bother him little and he strode over to his wife, placing a delicate kiss to her hair.

"I love you, Leena" he told her and she leant into his embrace, breathing deeply as their fingers intertwined. "I always will"

"As I love you, my dearest darling" Eleanor replied, placing down her hairbrush and standing so that she could let Richard wrap his arms around her. She breathed in his familiar scent, relishing the smell of fine leather and the lingering one of roses that seemed to encase them both.

Together, they wandered to the bed, entranced in a spell their love weaved effortlessly around them, one they would happily lose themselves too. She pulled back the covers, slipping beneath the cerulean silk and holding out her arms to the man she loved; welcoming him into her embrace.

꧁꧂

7th of November 1485, Windsor Castle.....

It was late in the night when Eleanor finally returned to she and Richard's chambers at Windsor castle but the candles and fire still burned bright, warming the rooms. She had been at a council meeting where they had discussed the hunt for Tudor, mapping out all the places that he could be and sending out scouts and troops to try and capture the traitor.

Usually Richard would take care of such a duty but Eleanor had insisted that she take over as King for now and, finding no objection in the slightest, Richard had allowed it. It was a tiring task but she did not mind and (while it angered her, how could it not) the Queen found she was not driven to madness by the loss of Tudor!

For she had her husband back and alive.

After sending out new scouts, the meeting diverted to the discussion of the Victory procession the next day, a much more joyful occasion by everyone's standards! The city of London was to be decorated with no expense spared, flags of murrey and blue hanging from every window, pennants bearing white roses, golden Phoenix's, white boars to be pinned wherever they could be!

It was planned to be a magnificent sight and Eleanor was satisfied that England would not soon forget the next day's splendour when she finally retired that night.

During the weeks that Richard had rested, they had established a routine, a simple one that guided them through their evening until they went to sleep.

She would go over to their bed and bestow a gentle kiss upon his lips before her ladies would come and ready her for the night. They would removed her gown, kirtle, shift and the rest of her garments, place a nightgown over her head and brush her hair until it shone, Marie plaiting the silken tresses.

Once she bade them all leave, she would select a book and nestle herself in the window of their chamber, sometimes reading aloud while Richard listened; a small smile on his face.

Le Morte de Arthur was a favourite of theirs they had found and so the royal chambers were often filled with tales of Knights and King, Queens and witches that made them feel young once again.

Night after night they repeated this, settling into it comfortably until Eleanor's movements became like second nature to them both. Richard would automatically tilt his chin up for a kiss, would greet each of her Ladies in turn, even making conversation with them to pass the time! After all, there were only so many people he saw during his weeks confined to bed and as soon as he dismounted his steed each day he was whisked to a bedchamber to rest.

The King and Queen never lay together, though they slept side by side, Richard was deemed too weak by his physicians and the last thing Eleanor wanted to do was hinder his recovery.

But oh how he craved her.
The first three weeks after he had returned to Middleham he had wished for nothing apart than to hear her voice, see her face smiling down at him each day, to feel her soft lips upon his before he slept.

Now, he wanted more, he needed more.

As his body and his mind mended, his desire for Eleanor began to return too, little by little, night by night he felt himself burn under the covers beside his wife, fingers itching to reach out and take her like he had done so many times before. He wanted her naked body clasped close to his, her long hair loose, hanging like a silky copper curtain of curls around them both.

He wanted to be lost in a world only she could give him the key to and when Richard saw her the night before the victory procession, the way her figure elegantly swayed, illuminated by the candlelight as she waltzed to the window, book in hand, he felt his body stir; knew he knew he could wait no longer.

"Leena, my love?"
She looked up from the painted pages, eyeing his figure that was propped up against the headboard.
"Do you need something, Dickon? Are you in pain?" He nodded and she immediately jumped to her feet, running to the tray of potions and powders that the physicians kept laid out. She only stopped at Richard's amused laughter, placing down the bottle that she held. "What? What is it?"

He pulled his hand from the warmth of the covers, extending it to her.
"Lie with me"
He could hear the shaking breath that escaped Eleanor's parted lips, one of excitement and a desperate longing long dampened down for the sake of his health. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

"I do not want to hurt you" she breathed, her words holding not a shard of firmness so that they could not be less believable if they hadn't been spoken "the physicians said that we must see you well before we make love again"

"But I am well!" Richard chuckled, letting a small smirk settle on his lips "well, well enough to lie with my wife" Another shaking breath escaped Eleanor as she felt a familiar wetness pool between her thighs, her fingers gripped her nightgown while she pressed them together "and I want you, Leena, do you not want me?" She nodded her head in lustful silence "Then come and have me, love"

It was only a moment before she dared to step forward, walking slowly across the room with desire growing stronger within her with each moment. Too long had they been apart, too long had they kept their desires for one another at bay.

They had their victory.
They had their crowns.

Now was a time for only them where pleasure was to be claimed.

Raising her hands to the font of her nightgown as she approached the bed, Eleanor tugged on the silk strings and let the material slide from her body, leaving her naked. The lust that flared within Richard's eyes as they wandered up and down her body made her smirk, dare to run a hand over the swell of her breasts, down her body, gently brushing between her thighs.

A strangled groan escaped his throat and Eleanor tossed back her head, allowing her hand to slip between her legs; fingers moving in slow circles so that bolt of pleasure shot through her veins. She trembled, her eyes fluttering shut before a soft whimper left her lips.

"Leena" It was more of a plea than a command and the desperation that deepened his voice forced her to movement, making for the bed and tossing back the covers. She grinned when she saw he was already naked and more than ready to have her.

Richard pulled her into his lap, laughing at the sudden burst of energy that surged through her at such slight contact. Her arms wound around his neck and she pressed her body flush against his, legs spread around his narrow hips while she kissed him with a fierce hunger.

All hesitance seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Her fingers delved into the soft hair that curled at the nape of his neck, tugging gently so that another groan left him and he clutched her tighter to him "Never did I think I could love as much as I love you" he whispered, breathing deeply at the feeling of her hardened nipples against his scarred chest as her kisses began to wander down his neck.

"I want you" she said, crying out as Richard slid an eager hand down her body and between her thighs, gently pushing two fingers inside of her. A single pinch of pain was a reminder of how long it had been since they last lay together, but it didn't matter to her.

Her breaths shuddered again while he guided her hips, helping her to ride his fingers and watching as pleasure consumed her features; nails digging into his shoulders.

She felt something inside her tighten, a pleasure filled coil that wound in the pit of her stomach as she rocked her hips back and forth. Richard's lips ghosted across her exposed throat and his free hand reached for her braid, tugging impatiently at the ribbon that held it.

Eleanor shook it free, letting her hips now move of their own accord, dragging her towards climax at an alarming pace while she fell apart in her King's arms. She had longed for this, for an eternity her body had yearned for her husband's touch, for his love and at last they were to be one again.

It was in that moment that she realised he truly was with her again, that he would not fade away in front of her eyes or disappear when she left a room like she spent her days fearing he would. Her Richard, her love, was alive and she would never let him go again.

She let her head fall back, wanton moans passing her lips as Richard crooked his fingers inside of her and she felt the tension brewing deep within her finally snap, sending her into a world of blinding pleasure that consumed her whole.

Crying out out his name before sinking into his arms, Eleanor's body shook, hips jolting forward. Richard's arms encircled her and she felt his fingers comb through her hair as he did before they went to sleep, but she was not tired, she craved him, she wanted more.

"Ride me" Richard murmured against her ear and Eleanor moaned softly against his shoulder at the enticing thought, nodding. She would give him anything he asked for that night.

Raising herself up onto her knees, she placed a hand on each of her husband's shoulders and groaned at the feeling of his cock between her thighs. He was as ready as she was so when he grabbed her hips and took the tip of one pale breast into his mouth her eyes flew open in surprise.

Eleanor cried out at the action, grasping onto his curls once more to hold his head in place, feeling herself grow wetter when his teeth grazed her nipple and her body shook with pleasure.

"I need you inside me" she breathed and Richard smirked, moving onto her other breast, teasing it with his tongue. He relished the moans that tumbled from her pretty lips "Richard...." Her final plea was cut short as he pulled her down on him, thrusting upwards in one smooth motion that had her near screaming with pleasure.

Eyes rolling back while a wave of blinding passion washed over her, Eleanor yelled his name before she began to move her hips, her body eager for the pleasure that only he could give. Moaning at the feeling of Richard's rough hands roaming her body, tracing the slope of her hips, the swell of her breasts, she rode him and relished the noises that escaped him.

"Eleanor...." he moaned, pulling her body flush against his once more; wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her neck "my love....my Queen" he slid a hand down her body, fingers caressing the point where they were joined and Eleanor snapped her hips, clenching around him.

She was sure the whole castle would be able to hear her but she did not care, she wanted them to hear, she wanted them to know that she and her husband were together again.

And nothing would ever tear them apart.

꧁꧂

8th of November 1485.....

With a mischievous gleam in her eye, Eleanor watched as she poured the hot wax onto the folded parchment in front of her. Picking up her silver seal, she brushed her hanging sleeves out of the way and pressed it firmly into the crimson liquid that quickly cooled beneath the cold metal of her royal insignia.

Her words inside were safe, she was satisfied of that, and so passed the letter to the page who stood nearby.
"For my jewels" she instructed (though the words would mean little to him) and the boy nodded, bowing before he scurried away.

Eleanor allowed a smile to touch her lips, if that letter reached its destination, the outcome could prove very interesting indeed, just as she would wish it. The whole country would find it interesting in truth, it would likely be an event that would send shockwaves throughout Christendom!

"What amuses you so, wife?" Richard asked as he entered to see her grinning at her desk. She shook her head, admiring the fine robes of cloth of silver that he wore, studded with jewels; his crown on his head. Healthy colour stained his cheeks as he smiled at her, he looked almost back to full health!

"Nothing, love, what brings you to our chamber? Are you seeking more pleasure? Did you not have your fill last night?" They smirked at one another but Richard shook his head.

"You will lead the victory procession, my love"
She spun around, copper curls flying while a look of surprised surfaced on her features.

"Me?" She breathed, Richard chuckled.
"Indeed, who else?" He asked, raising her from her velvet stool and into his arms "I am the King but this is your victory and the people want to see you celebrate it, as I do. This is your victory, Leena, and you shall lead the procession as you truly should"

"Truly?"
"I would not have it any other way" he told her, adjusting the chain of office on his shoulders "and nor would the people! Never has there been a Queen so loved! Do you know what they call you?"

It was her turn to laugh, she nodded.
"Yes, the Golden Queen!" She could not help but giggle, the nickname still amused her, and she gave a little twirl, her skirts and sleeves of cloth of gold flaring out beneath her in an elegant swirl "hence my gown! I thought it would be good to make their words a reality and besides, it gave me an excuse to commission a new gown!"

Like a little girl she grinned and ran her hands along the fine material, she had truly taken joy in designing this gown and would relish every moment she wore it! Jewels decorated the front of bodice, diamonds, pearls, fashioned into delicate white roses with topazes as their shining yellow centres.

It was just as it had been on her gown for the procession of 1471 when she had rode with Edward and he had kissed her, much to the delight of the people!

Only now she was not just a Royal Duchess but a Queen and her hanging sleeves were trimmed with the finest ermine, her neck adorned with the finest diamonds and a crown was upon her head; hair flowing loose beneath it in a river of fire.

The Golden Queen of England

She smiled, taking Richard's hand and brushing her lips along the rings that adorned his fingers.
"Cor meum tuum est" she whispered, feeling her heart swell at the small grin he gave her.

"My heart is yours" he translated; mind ever keen from years of tutelage "I remember when you could hardly speak one word of Latin apart from your prayers"
"Aye, I am rather fluent now, am I not, my Lord?"

"You are perfect" he told her, bringing her closer to press a tender kiss to her forehead; lips warm against her skin "as you always have been"

꧁꧂

Fondly patting the neck of her destrier, Eleanor smiled. The magnificent animal had seen her through the day where England's fate rested upon her shoulders and now she only thought it fitting that he should share in her victory! Sitting up once more, she beamed at the crowds that chanted her name.

"Queen Eleanor! Queen Eleanor! Queen Eleanor!" They called, yelling until their voices were hoarse and even then they did not stop for they would happily sacrifice their lives for her, their voices mattered little!

Riding confidently at the head of the procession, Richard, their friends and children behind, Eleanor waved and basked under the shower of white, paper rose petals that rained down upon her while she rode through the city of London.

There had been people lining the roads to the capital ever since the first rays of dawn struck the earth, white roses in hand, their garments murrey and blue. In their hundreds they had left their homes to see their Queen and let up a roar of adoration when she finally rode out of Windsor's magnificent walls, enchanted by the sight of the beautiful redhead dressed in cloth of gold.

Their very own golden Queen and they loved her all the more for it.

Adults smiled at her, waving and calling out their loyalty, their eternal thanks for saving their beloved England, youths looked up to her, adored her, wished to be her and the children wished for her to simply look at them and smile that beautiful smile that made her green eyes glisten.

She gave as many smiles as she was able that day, delighting in the excited squeals that greeted her each time she smiled at a little girl or boy, waving merrily like they did to her. She tossed coins from the pouch on her saddle all the way to the city, watching the gold glimmer in the air before it hit the earth and relishing the delighted cries that erupted from the people!

And then it had begun to snow.

Delicate and beautiful flakes of purest white floated down from the dusky clouds that gathered in the winter sky, covering England in a blanket of perfect ivory. Eleanor smiled up into the heavens as snow rested on her hair and lashes, melting into delicate droplets of icy water when they touched her pale skin.

It was as if God himself were rejoicing that day, showing his infinite pleasure, blessing the noble house of York by showering England in the glorious colour of its insignia.

By the time the royal procession had entered the city, all was covered with snow and the air was cold but the icy chill did nothing to dampen the warm (and unwavering) will of the people to see their Queen ride by! No, in fact more and more poured out of their homes, hung York pennants from their windows and painted phoenixes on their doors!

Eleanor's ears rung with their enthusiastic and loving chants, they called for her, for Richard, for their children! There was not a single soul in London who did not rejoice that day and the Queen revelled in their exultance!

As they drew closer and closer to Westminster Palace, where their court awaited, Eleanor turned around in her saddle to see Richard gazing at her as if she were an angel on earth.
"Come, my love!" She called, holding out a hand to him, beckoning "be with me! As I believe was once said, we stand together and then we are strong!"

Richard laughed merrily, grinning at her but he did not spur his horse forward.
"Do you not wish to ride by yourself, love?" He asked and Eleanor shook her head.

"No, Dickon, I want to be with you, forever, and I never want to let you go again!" She turned for a moment to throw another handful of coins to the grateful crowds who roared once more, fingers reaching upwards to catch the golden circles. A light laugh escaped her at the sound of hooves and she found her husband beside her, taking the hand she held out again and pressing a loving kiss to it. The people erupted into cheers again.

"You're not even cold, Leena! You're warm!" He exclaimed and Eleanor tugged his hand to her lips, bestowing a kiss as he had done.

"How could I be cold on a day like today?" She replied, beaming around at those that clamoured for one simple look from her "I am all but on fire with my happiness, Richard! You are with me again, our children are safe and England will blossom under your York sun once more! I mourn those we have lost but not today, today I celebrate their lives and know they are smiling at us from their seats in heaven!"

"Even George?"
She gave him a small smirk.
"Even George!"