King Richard's Private Chamber

I had retired for the evening after a very long series of celebrations and I was waiting for Elizabeth of York to come as she wanted to see me.

I stand outside thy Kings chambers for thy longest time. I have come too far and in too deep now to go back. Thy guards are a long distreet distance away. I have a new gown of rose on as I do not want my uncle to think I am not cleanly. I have not put my matching headdress on. My hair is out long full and fair and thy guards have noticed this. It is not seemly for a Lady of any position to be out of her bedchamber without her headdress. I am at thy point of not caring. I have feelings for two men, both of whom are forbidden. I have done terrible things that I can not change to become Queen on thy throne of England and Wales. Tis my destiny. But others have done far worse.
Henry Tudor has asked thee to pull out of this plan. Does he really have feelings for thee like he confessed too ?
My uncle has declared that he feels thy same. I will not seduce him - yet.
I straighten my gown and knock on thy oak doors. I wait for an answer.

I hear a knock on my chamber door then in a soft voice i say "Enter" I say and I see the door open and my young niece walk in without her headdress.

I pose myself as I hear thy uncle say enter and i enter thy chambers silently.
Suddenly my thoughts wonder if I should have worn my matching headdress as my uncle's eyes are in deep surprise and lingering on my golden hair. I smile sweetly and curtsy.

Ye wanted to see thee your grace. I apologise for my appearance, but I did not have a handmaiden to fix my hair and headdress. I hope I have not caused ye offence?

I try not to blush and take thine eyes off my handsome uncle. Curious at his words I sit down. What papers could these be?

Does everything fare well your Grace?

"I am well thank you Elizabeth please sit down I want to show you these and I want you to tell me about them" I say to her showing her the papers Stanley had given me o the betrothal to Henry Tudor and it's approval by the church in Rennes.

I align my face perfectly. My God, Henry has fulfilled his promise.

I read through thy papers in front of thee and I frown and I look up at my uncle in feigned dismay. 

I know nothing of this uncle. Surely, ye do not think I am conspiring with thy enemy? 

My uncles face is not one of delight as before when we were dancing, he is looking at thee in suspicion and near anger.

I see her look up from the letters and then I show anger as I was not sure i believed what she was saying.

"Elizabeth you say you know nothing about these letters or the reason why Henry Tudor would declare a betrothal to you? I cannot permit this marriage to happen and I must say dear niece that I am upset that you did not inform me that you were writing to him. I can only thin k he is trying to turn the country against me but should he try anything I will be ready for him and I will strike him down. What do you have to say niece?

I knew nothing of this uncle and I am not writing to thy enemy- what makes ye think I am? It hardly matters anyway as if he is planning an attack , he will not win. He has arranged this betrothal himself to cause derision between us and my family. Ask Lord Thomas Stanley for advice. Have ye any proof of my treason?

I arise from thy table and go to stand near thy door.

I see her rise and head for the door.

"Wait Elizabeth. I know that I can trust thee but I need to know everything about this Tudor boy and I would like you to help me with something niece if you are willing to help as I trust thee will you help me?

I look ar my uncle in askance.

I know not about this uncle and I know nothing about this Tudor. I can not help thee. I did not do this

I looked at my niece and she had seemed very confident in what she was saying.

"Elizabeth if you knew the location of this Tudor boy you would inform me write away I hope. I am informed that letters have been seen going to your chambers Elizabeth why did you not tell me about them when I asked? Please stay at court and continue to serve my wife.

Uncle I am writing to my Lady mother and my younger sisters. I am hardly going to write to Tydder our enemy, and I have not a clue where he is.

I soften my voice and reach out a hand to my uncle.

I have feelings for another, logically I am not going to betrothe myself to thine enemy when a special dispensation to thy Pope can be arranged should thy need arise in thy future.

I finish speaking and lower thine eyes. I await for my uncles reply.

"I am so pleased that you have told me that you have no connections with this Tudor my dear niece for it would have upset me greatly to hear and know that one of my closest family whom I trust would betray me. This man you have feelings for Elizabeth I do hope that he is a York and I am to discuss possible marriages for you too niece and you are to remain in my sight at court at all times whilst still serving my wife is this clear?" I say to her touching her hand.

I try to hide my expression at the feel of his touch on my hand.

He is indeed a Yorkist.

I look up at my uncle whom seems to have claimed down somewhat.

How am I to marry if I am betrothed? I do not think staying with thee at court all thy time will be a problem your grace

I lower thine eyes.

I look at my niece

"I will find a way for this to be annulled as it was never legal anyway and it distresses me to hear more of it. We are heading to Warwick Castle Elizabeth you will accompany us there and I am glad that you will remain in my sight at all times. Do you know anything of this Tudor?

I mask my face as I look up at my uncle.

I will make sure everything is in order and be ready for Warwick Castle your Grace. I was not informed of anything. I know nothing about Tudor, only that he is a threat to your throne.

I look at my niece and think for a moment then I speak to her.

"I know that I can always trust you to do everything Elizabeth and you may have your mother coming to join court too I have not decided yet.

I curtsy.

Thank you your Grace.

I smile at my niece.

"You are most welcome my dear niece.