~To Court, Once Again~

June 1475, Westminster....

"So send out commissions and muster your men, we will take France!"
Richard forced himself to smile as the royal court erupted into cheers at their King's announcement.

Edward stood beside him on the dais in the great hall, dressed in cloth of gold, crown on his head, looking as pleased as ever with himself as he basked in his subject's continued adoration.

George stood to on the other side of Edward, though moved as he spoke, placing his arms around his brothers shoulders.

"Three sons of York!" He boomed with a wide grin on his face, though Richard clearly grimaced, wanting nothing more than to shrug the cold hand of his elder brother from him.

There was to be another war, another uprooting of himself and his family from the North and that could all be traced back to the man who now had his arm around his shoulders. George had pushed and pushed over the past year for a French war and, much to Richard's dismay though not surprise, Edward had drank it all in as enthusiastically as a cat might lap up cream.

As soon as Christmas was over, the King had began to muster his army, had raised taxes beyond belief causing much dismay among the people. There had even been rumours of an uprising in the midlands during February!

Eleanor had been right.
England would have to win a victory such as Agincourt to quell the people's anger.

"And none shall divide us!"
Richard almost scoffed as George spoke again, catching the eye of the Queen and finding she shared his grin expression. For once they were in agreement, though the Duke did not linger on the cold, blonde woman he near hated and finally shrugged off his brother's hand, strolling from the dais as quick as his dignity would allow.

"I say, Dickon!" He stopped in his tracks as Edward called out, sighing heavily as he turned back towards the dais.
"Ned?"
"Write to Leena, would you? Have her brought to court, I would have her with us on this!" Edward grinned, nodding to his little brother before his attention was diverted to George and Richard was free to make his escape once more.

He walked over to a table in the furthest corner of the great hall, lifting a silver goblet to fill it with wine only to place it down with a thud and an irritated sigh.

God how he wished Eleanor were there! She would know what to do (for he certainly did not) and she always seemed so capable of soothing situations between his brothers! Had she been present at court she may have been able to delay the war! Perhaps even postpone it indefinitely had she merely five minutes to speak to Edward without George hovering nearby like a lion watching its cub.

She would be at court, Richard was sure of it, had he asked her to be there, her loyalty to him was something that he had come to treasure, but alas she could not for when he had left Middleham in late May she had just given birth!

After a rather easy labour (compared to her others) that had only lasted a single night, she had delivered a healthy, though slightly early, child. A second son with a tuff of golden hair to match his Mother's family curling on his head!

Richard found a smile touching his lips as he thought of his beloved newborn boy. They had decided to call him William after William the Conqueror, thinking that naming their children after founders of dynasties may be their new tradition!

Eleanor had, of course, been overjoyed with their new baby and Richard had insisted she stay at Middleham until she was fully recovered from the birth, despite her fervent declarations that she would come with him to court just five days after William's life began! She had insisted over and over that she needed to be by his side, that it was her duty as his Duchess!

However, the night before he left, she had turned over into his arms, quietly thanking him for making her stay put for once, admitting that she would have hated to be separated from her babe so soon. He had soon realised that her enthusiastic speeches about coming to court had been a matter of pride more than anything, a show that she was strong and not weak nor in need of bed-rest for weeks on end.

She hated to be separated from any of her children and in truth so did he. Unlike Edward, who preferred to see his children at dinners and dances, Richard like to have them all gather in the solar in an evening where he and Eleanor would sit together on the chaise by the fire, his head on her lap as she read to him in her melodic voice.

Eliza and Katheryn would often take to comparing their new prices of embroidery (a skill Anne had diligently taught them over the winter) while Bess tried to create her own little army from John, Issy, Matilda and baby George.

The little redhead would order for them all to March around the room, using John's bow (though he relinquished it each evening with a reluctant frown) as a staff for pointing. She almost sounded like a general as she barked orders!

She was a little easier on baby George than the rest, often holding his hand so that he could make small steps for at eleven months old he was only just beginning to discover the mystical art of walking!

Richard sighed again as he recalled the moments he held so dear to his heart, once more longing for his Northern country, his friends and the loving embrace of his wife. His love.

He near jumped out of his skin as he felt a delicate, yet decidedly firm, hand curl around his wrist, almost sending the silver goblet flying. Suspicious gaze darting up from the table cloth, his nerves only became more terse as his eyes settled on Elizabeth Woodville.

"Brother" she greeted with a smile, though it was one that did not reach her eyes. Richard was not sure if her smiles could ever be genuine, even when they were offered to those she truly loved. He knew he was not one of those 'lucky' few.

"Your grace" he returned, carefully choosing not to reciprocate the family endearment. Her green eyes darkened a little at the small slight, though her smile remained the same, had become an ever present feature when she was in need of something from someone.

"I do not believe I ever congratulated you on the birth of your new son?" She said smoothly, releasing his wrist from her grasp and acknowledging his thankful nod with a short one of her own "what do you think of this war? With France?"

"What do I think, your grace?" Richard asked, slightly puzzled at her request. She had never sought him out for her voice of council before, had never asked for his opinion on anything since that he came to think of it.

So why did she now? What did this woman want from him?

"That is what I asked, is it not?" Elizabeth returned primly, finding her nonexistent patience with her husband's younger brother was already ebbing. Truth be told she had rather liked Richard at first and had admired his loyalty but after his return from exile she had seen a change in him. She could see the blatant distrust in his eyes every time he looked at her and something akin to a buried resentment.

And his distrust of her made her distrust him.

But if she was to have her way, as she was determined she would have, she must press onwards. Richard looked tempted to roll his eyes at her words and the pair both found themselves fervently wishing that Eleanor were there to help them. Though quite obviously with different aims in mind.

"I....I think that I shall follow my brother in whatever cause he sees fit to chase" the Duke said at last, as careful with his words as he had been with his greeting.

Elizabeth inwardly sighed. Another profession of loyalty! Was she ever to hear anything else from Richard? Still, his loyalty meant he would want to protect Edward which was the basis of her aim of seeking him out in the first place. To keep Edward safe.

"Well I do not like it" she murmured, playing with the large rings on her fingers. Perhaps a shared confidence would gain her her desire? Glancing over to where George and Edward stood, arms around each other's shoulders as if nothing had ever been amiss between them she scowled before her eyes flicked back to Richard's face, pleased to see disapproval similar to hers on it as he looked at his brothers "George has asked for the regency of France" she stated.

Richard was immediately alarmed, shaking his head as he glanced back and forth between his sister in law and George.
"The regency of France?" He repeated, keeping his voice as low as he could to try and cover his worry "surely Edward shall not grant it?"

"I hope not" Elizabeth confessed "although I think you already know that well, brother!" She lowered her voice further "my point is that if Edward wins France and George is given the regency then he shall surely come against us! Against you and Leena! Leena and your children!"

She resisted the urge to smile again as she saw her words had had the desired effect.
Family.
That was how to sway Richard.
"Do you really think he would dare?" Richard muttered, taking up the fallen goblet from the table and filling it with wine, taking a short sip.

Even if George were to incite another rebellion surely he would not hunt down Eleanor of all people! They were friends! Close friends! Eleanor was perhaps the one person that could successfully manage to control George to a certain extent! And she seemed to be the one of the few people he truly loved other than himself! He would not harm her if he were held at sword point! And besides. They had his daughter in their care.

"I do" Elizabeth said, once more laying a hand on his arm "which is why we must keep Edward from fighting...."

"What?" Richard moved away in surprise "you intend to keep Edward from fighting? For him to win no victory at all?" The Queen's confidence faltered a little and she withdrew her hand. Now she was on unstable ground. Richard was a seasoned battle commander who took pride in victory and also in keeping promises. Edward had promised a victory for England, how on earth could she have forgotten?

"Only to keep England at peace! Or we shall have civil war again!" She hastily explained, though could sense her brother in law was becoming more adverse to her idea by the second.

"We may have war if Edward does not win, your grace" He returned sternly, making Elizabeth fall completely silent for once. She hadn't thought of that "He has promised his people a French victory and I have already said that I shall stand by him no matter what I feel on the subject. But I think that promises should be honoured so if you have sought me out to be your ally in opposing the inevitable battle that is to come then I apologise but I shall not support you" he placed down his goblet onto the table, bowing curtly while the Queen merely stared at him with a rather shocked expression on her pale face "good day, your grace"

꧁꧂

July 1475, London....

A hand absentmindedly playing with the royal blue curtains that shielded the nobles inside the carriage from the outside world, a small smile curved Eleanor's lips as she watched the girl in front of her.

Eliza was keeling up in her seat, her cloak thrown carelessly aside as she peered out of her window, mesmerised by the hustle and bustle of the London streets! She had never been to a city before and her young curiosity was at full force; had been throughout the entire three week journey from Middleham to the capital!

She had been all but bouncing off the walls of the carriage when it had rolled through the city gates, a wide smile that resembled her Father's (when he was in a good mood) spreading across her lips. Eliza seemed not to care about the smell of the streets that made her Aunt's nose wrinkle in disgust nor the constant shouting of the people as they called back and forth to each other. It was all a great adventure to her!

And besides, she was going to see her Father again!

The last time she had seen George had been at baby George's christening where the Duke had traveled to the North from Warwick castle to attend the celebrations and be appointed his little namesake's Godfather. Eliza and he had spent most of his week long stay together, either playing in the gardens or in the nursery. In the evenings he would come to her room to bid her goodnight, tucking her into bed and even reading to her.

Once night she had plucked up the courage to ask about her Mother, playing with the locket around her neck as she did so, worried that George may become angry at her request. But he had simply gathered her small body against his, sitting her on his knee before proceeding to tell Eliza everything she could possibly want to know about her Mother!

Suddenly the woman in the portrait of her locket was no longer a mystical fairy with golden hair and soft brown eyes that her mind simply imagined. She was a real person. Her Mother. And it was clear from the way he spoke, that George adored her.

Now Eliza began to bounce again as the carriage rolled into the courtyard, the sound of the hooves of the many horses that accompanied them clattering against the cobble stones. Royal trumpets blared, announcing the arrival of the Duchess of Gloucester and Eleanor sighed, straightening her necklace and the cuffs of her gown before smiling at her five year old niece.

She wished there did not have to be a ceremony each time someone arrived at court for it alerted everyone of her presence. She wanted nothing more than to flop down into her bed with Richard and sleep yet knew she would have to give her time to greeting various courtiers and relatives.

"Will Father come to see me?" Eliza asked excitedly as she clambered down from her seat, tugging at the latch on the carriage door. Eleanor chuckled as she stood, waiting for one of her soldiers to open the door before she took Eliza's hand and they stepped into the courtyard together.

"Aunt Lyanna!"
The Duchess was immediately met with the squealed greeting of little Lizzie as the nine year old Princess dashed down the steps in a swirl of pink silk, her red hair flying behind her. Mary and Cecily were hot on her heels with little Fortuna bouncing down the steps in a whiz of barks, ecstatic to see her old mistress once more.

"Lizzie!" Eleanor laughed as she whisked the young girl into a fond embrace, enveloping her in her thin summer cloak as she fondly kissed her forehead "Mary! Cecily!" The two other little girls beamed up at her, each vying for the attention of their beloved Aunt, though it was their eldest sister that easily claimed it.

"Fortuna has missed you!" Lizzie declared as she whisked the small white Talbot dog from the floor, holding her out to the Duchess who grinned, hugging her old hound to her chest.
"And I have missed her!" She replied with a laugh, trying to hold the wiggling dog that was trying to excitedly lick her face "though it looks as if you have taken good care of her!"

"We have! We have!" Mary and Cecily chorused happily before the voice of their Mother made them turn back towards the steps.
"Girls!" Elizabeth called with a smile as she glided down to the courtyard "back inside if you please!"

The three girls immediately obeyed, Lizzie taking Fortuna back as she ran back into the palace with her sisters. Eleanor felt Eliza's small hand curl around hers once again for at the sight of her royal cousins she had taken to hiding behind her Aunt, her usual confidence unsteadied for a moment.

The elegant blonde that now swept towards her and the Duchess made her want to shrink back even more, though Eleanor gently pulled her forward, placing her free arm protectively around her shoulders.
"Oh Leena!" Elizabeth cried, drawing her little sister into her arms as relief flooded through her, not noticing the dark haired girl that was staring up at her "you have no idea how pleased I am to see you!" Eleanor simply shook her head with a small smile on her face.

"I am pleased to see you well too, sister" she returned before nodding towards Eliza "I have brought a little visitor to court with me, Lizzie" the Queen's gaze flicked to the five year old at her sister's side, suddenly widening as she saw a little raven haired Bella staring up at her.

"Eliza" she breathed, looking back up at Eleanor who nodded "why have you brought her with you? I know that she lives in the North with you now but...."
"To see George" Eleanor stated. She had known she would need courage for this moment, for the time when she would come face to face with her older sister. But she had a duty to Eliza. A duty to her brother in law. And she would not be swayed from it.

She could see the warmth suddenly leave Elizabeth's eyes and her smiling lips straightened into a terse line. It was as if summer had suddenly turned to winter and Eleanor half expected it to begin snowing!
"George" the Queen repeated quietly, though her voice held an edge of danger to it, almost a warning "you have brought Bella's child to see George"

"I....I am here to see my Father, your grace" Eliza said, feeling her Aunt glance at her proudly as she spoke, making her back straighten, though she felt the urge to hide as Elizabeth turned her gaze on her. She slowly tilted her head to one side, assessing the young girl before her.

"I see" she said at last before a sudden smile appeared on her face "well, I wish you the best of luck, little one" quickly glancing up at her sister, eyes momentarily lingering on her neck, she began to walk back to the steps, her head held high before she turned and Eliza felt Eleanor suddenly tense "oh, and congratulations on your new son sister. I hear he is called William? A fine name....I wish you had chosen such for your first"

"I wasn't aware that you held power over what I name my children, your grace" Eleanor snapped in return, surprising herself (and Elizabeth) with the shortness that filled her tone. The Queen stared at her, an almost bemused expression on her face before she gave a terse nod of her head and swept up the steps.

Eliza stared up at Eleanor, noticed that she was staring absentmindedly at her sister's back, as if in a trance.
"Are you well, Aunt?" She asked in a small voice as Elizabeth disappeared from sight. Eleanor nodded and looked down upon her niece with a reassuring smile.

"Of course, dear!" She replied brightly "pay no attention to my sister, she was being a silly old bat! Now, let us go and find your Father!"