FRAGMENTS OF A DYNASTY
Summary: Henry is uncertain and rather frightened about marrying Elizabeth of York. He seeks advice on how to win her over before the big day.
Pairings: Henry/Elizabeth, slightly Jasper/Margret, implied possible Richard/Elizabeth.
She was so beautiful and terrifyingly regal that he had chosen to wait two months before marrying her.
Of course he had been busy doing all the kingly business. He had to meet with Parliament, secure loyalty oaths, arrest threats to his throne, arrange a coronation, start working on laws, start taking care of the treasury, build up a privy council. He had been too busy to get married, not scared.
And yet a small part of him had been frightened that she would despise him for killing her uncle. That she would loath him, for killing the man that she – was rumoured to have – loved. She could easily claim to have true royal blood and attempt to overthrow him with her rage and hatred. It happened over a century ago with another queen who felt mistreated by her husband. Granted she was French and therefore was passionate and difficult by sheer nature. She was so much more than any woman he had seen. His mother may have been guided by God but Elizabeth gives out the impression that she is a Goddess in her own right.
It's quite frankly terrifying.
"I do not know what to do," he confessed one day to his Mother and Uncle.
"Court her," Jasper's immediate answer was, "you need to woo her and learn who she is to be able to win her over."
"How?"
It was pathetic to admit that he – a king who had won his crown in battle – had no idea how to court a woman. He had always been too busy with his studies or battle planning or wondering about his Mother to think about a woman in such a way.
"It should not matter," his Mother said briskly. "You should concentrate on private matters after the wedding, we shall need an heir."
Henry knew that. He needed a son desperately to secure his dynasty but he was not sure how to do things...what if he hurt Elizabeth? What if he could not do it in the end? He could not risk the chance of being impotent.
"My Lady as more experience in these matters," Jasper said, "But even she would tell you that a woman would not say no to a little gift here and there, some sweet words whispered and the gentlest kiss like so," he bowed to Henry's mother and took her hand placing a gentle kiss upon it as if she was a queen herself.
He had only just gotten to know his mother again but in the short time he had spent with her he had never seen her turn so red.
"It is a shame that the roses have died," Henry said looking at the barren garden. "I could have given her some white and red ones."
Both his mother and uncle nodded their approval. "It would give the exact message we want the country to hear," his mother said. "I suggest you ask her to dance tonight. It's cheaper that way."
"I never knew you were a miser," Henry would swear on his soul that his uncle was using a teasing tone. He never believed his uncle could tease his mother considering how highly he had thought of her.
His mother sniffed. "I am merely pointing out that the treasury is almost empty because of our wars. Elizabeth of York had always been treated as a princess, she might expect jewels and silks but you cannot give them to her. You cannot afford to."
"Do not worry, My Lady Mother," Henry said. "I will not waste a penny on her unless it is for the Twelfth Night or our Wedding."
His mother blessed him with a small smile that lit up her whole face. She looked younger than she did moments before. "Ask her to dance," she commanded. "I must go that Elizabeth Woodville wants to discuss wedding plans."
The disgust in her tone was evident. Henry barely knew his future mother in law but from the rumours, her appearances and what he had been told by his own mother, he knew that she was a passionate ambitious woman that almost rivalled his mother in manipulating events. They have both been the Lady of opposite houses for over a decade. It would take centuries for them to completely forget their rivalry.
"I shall escort you," Jasper said offering her his arm. "Remember Henry, court your lady and wed her soon. Your Lady Mother is quite right, we do need an heir."
"I will Uncle, do not worry within a year we shall have an heir in the nursery," Henry said trying to appease his two most favourite people in the world.
"Oh you shall," his mother said with a large smile that was closer to a smirk, "both you and Lady Elizabeth of York are from very fertile stock."
As soon as they were gone Henry sighed and sat down on the cold marble bench. As loving and supportive they can be his mother and uncle was not the best at giving him proper advice. He is fully aware that his Uncle Jasper has never been married and his Lady Mother while been married thrice has never been courted, had never made a love match. As silly as it might seem, he wanted his wife to love him, he wanted her to want him, to desire him. It would make it all so simpler for them all if she did.
"Your Majesty?"
A soft voice called him from his thoughts and it took all self control to not jump off the bench.
The Lady Elizabeth was standing before him. All in her beauty and grace that has intimidated him over and over.
He stood up and gave her a shallow bow, "My Lady," he murmured, "I did not expect you."
"I was in need of fresh air and took a walk, Your Majesty," she said curtseying deeply. "Do you wish to be alone?"
"No!" he said quickly, "I would quite enjoy your company, My Lady, we are soon to be wed and I wish to know my wife." He offered his arm to her and he was pleased to see her give him a soft sweet smile before she accepted his arm. "I was hoping that tonight we could dance, I have not had much practise and I heard you enjoyed dancing very much."
"I do, it would be an honour and pleasure to dance with Your Majesty," Elizabeth said quietly, her smile never wavering.
He still didn't know what was going on in that sweet head of hers! It frustrated him that he cannot know what she is thinking! Did she like him? Was she simply speaking as a courtier would? Was she secretly wishing him dead or sinfully desiring him as he was her? If only God had gifted him with the power to read minds!
"It is me that has the honour and pleasure, My Lady," he said just as quietly. From the corner of his eye he could see a member of his privy council waiting for him anxiously. "I am afraid I must leave you, My Lady, it was...pleasant to walk with you. I shall see you at dinner," without hesitation but with a lot of uncertainty he grabbed her hand gently and placed a kiss upon her knuckles. He was pleased to see the faintest tinge of pink in her cheeks. "Farewell for now," he said.
She curtseyed. "Until dinner, Your Majesty," she said.
He found himself eager to marry her. Not now though, he was too scared she would hate him, but in a couple months he will be able to mask all his fears and worries to be a good husband. Whether or not she wants him.
Just two months and then they will be man and wife.
King and Queen.
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