The Coronation of Edward V

[Pontifex Maximus]

THE CORONATION OF EDWARD V OF YORK

The coronations of England's Kings had always been splendid affairs. On the chosen day, Humphrey Bourchier rode from Lambeth to the Tower to begin the customary Vigil before a coronation. At the gates of the City, he was received by the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen, clad in scarlet robes, accompanied by 400 from the Court of Common Council and the most prominent of the citizens. The solemn and gorgeous procession wound its way slowly through the City streets whilst the people cheered the royal figure of Edward, a thin and bony youngling, still too young to be a man but not yet away from the grasp of childhood. Woe the kingdom whose monarch is a child, that is what the Scriptures say.

As the King ceremoniously walked to Westminster Abbey from his palace nearby, the proper men carried the proper royal appendages of power, symbols important to history as well as politics. Despite recent unpleasantness, no shadow or pall was cast on the occasion. Edward's coronation appeared as if it would be altogether a pleasant affair. The Greys and Woodvilles were present in great number, and seemed to be handling most of the ceremonial procession, but the major peers were given their traditional roles, including the Earl Marshall, Norfolk, or the dukes of Exeter and Suffolk. The queen was acompanied by scores of ladies.

The solemn and splendid ceremony was conducted in Westminster, the cradle of the English Monarchy, by Humphrey Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by the bishops of Winchester, Ely, Durham, Worcester and Salisbury. Edward was now clad in the Anointing gown; a simple and austere garment worn during the anointing. It is plain white, bears no decoration and fastens at the back. The King's neck, head and shoulders received the annointment with the holy oils; the spurs were fastened on his feet; he was handed the Sword of State and the Globus Crucifer and clad in heavily embroidered, purple clothes and mantle. Finally, amidst the triumphal hymns sung by the abbey's choir, once the king is fabulously garbed with the coronation robes and sitting on the Coronation Chair over the Stone of Scone, the Archbishop of Canterbury raised the crown from its velvet bed and over his own head:

"In the Name of God, I crown thee: Edward, the Fifth of His Name, EDWARD KING OF ENGLAND, KING OF IRELAND, KING OF FRANCE, and DUKE OF AQUITAINE."

And placed the souvereign's crown upon Edward's golden locks. The choir then sings a Te Deum:

Te Deum laudámus: te Dominum confitémur.
Te ætérnum Patrem omnis terra venerátur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi cæli et univérsae potestátes.
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim incessábili voce proclámant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra majestátis glóriæ tuæ.
Te gloriósus Apostolórum chorus;
Te Prophetárum laudábilis númerus;
Te Mártyrum candidátus laudat exércitus.
Te per orbem terrárum sancta confitétur Ecclésia:
Patrem imménsæ majestátis;
Venerándum tuum verum et únicum Fílium;
Sanctum quoque Paráclitum Spíritum.
Tu Rex glóriæ, Christe.
Tu Patris sempitérnus es Fílius.
Tu ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem, non horruísti Vírginis úterum.
Tu, devícto mortis acúleo,
aperuísti credéntibus regna cælórum.
Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, in glória Patris.
Judex créderis esse ventúrus.
Te ergo quǽsumus, tuis fámulis súbveni,
quos pretióso sánguine redemísti.
Ætérna fac cum sanctis tuis in glória numerári.

(https://youtu.be/KJehwQL5nAU)

With the coronation concluded, the peers and notable attendants would be ushered to the feast, where the festivities would truly get underway.

[Gandalfus]

It had been a rather frightening affair, to ascend to the lofty heights of kingship alone; anointed with sacred oils, donning Saint Edward's crown. Taking fealty from every peer present - a tedious task that involved the clasping of hands and the repetition of the same vows, over and over. But now, it was finished. The halls of the Abbey had emptied, with the coronation celebrations beginning within the halls of the adjacent Palace of Westminster.

Great tables of foodstuffs had been laid out in the grandiose hall sometimes used to host Parliament sessions. It was very formulaic, with all seated in order of precedence; the royals, the great nobles of both the peerage and clergy, and then finally the lesser barons and landed knights that had been significant enough to procure a seat at this celebration in the highest corridors of power. Edward, newly crowned, sat at the very head of the largest table, the one which had been occupied by only the most powerful and significant of England's nobles. Already, the politics had begun, for it was natural that such an event would be a prime opportunity to take the measure of the new government and the King that sat as its figurehead. A fragile peace was in place, for the Dukes of Gloucester and Clarence were allowed to be present at the side of the king, but it was all too clear who the victors were - the Queen's party, with the now Lord Protector and Duke of Bedford Anthony Woodville, sat to the right of the King, providing a stark example of the rewards available to those who share the confidence of the true master of England.

[Mary The Quene]

Ralph Neville is ofcourse present at the feast, the feast ofcourse is a perfect opportunity to gather allies to reclaim his rightful inheritance from a certain Montagu, and now that the attainment has been lifted it would only be a matter of time. Thus so he seeks out to speak with Lord Holland and Lord Grey, at different times ofcourse.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Archbishop of Canterbury led his the procession out of the Cathedral and soon he retired to prepare for the ensuing feast. Soon thereafter his brother and nephew arrived before him. The newly made Duke of Aumerle and his son Thomas came before the King's box and bowed. "Your majesty, congratulations on your coronation. May your reign be long and prosperous. May I present my son Thomas, who is of an age with your highness." A sandy blonde youth stepped forward an bowed. He was dressed in rich clothing, befitting his rank as the heir to his father's estates and titles. His voice cracked "It is an honor to meet you, sire." he said

----------

Edward's younger brother, Thomas Bourchier, also arrived with his wife, Mary Woodville and they went to the royal box to pay their respects.

----------

The Bishop of Durham arrived from the coronation as well. John Sherwood had played only a small role in the ceremony and what he most looked forward to was the feasting. Having just returned from raids along the Scottish border, he was looking forward to indulging in some southern luxuries before returning to Durham.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Along with the Bishop of Durham came Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland and Cumberland. Though he was no friend of the Woodvilles, the Queen Regent had still allowed him to remain Lord Warden of the Scottish Marches. Recent raids into the North had brought new intel of their northern neighbors readiness. He approaches the royal table, paying his respects to the King.

"Long may you reign, Your Majesty."

===================

John Neville, Marquess of Montagu, paid his respects to the King as well but relatively kept to himself. His removal from the council entirely and now an official proclamation allowing Sir Ralph to possibly regain his northern inheritance had put John in a sour mood. Even George Neville, who had returned to London for both coronation and his case for the Earldom of Worcester, was in a sour mood hearing more of his inheritance would be shaved away.

==================

The Duke of Clarence remained quietly beside his brother. After paying his respects to the King, he took his seat quietly for now, drinking wine as he watched the proceedings from his seat. For now his mind contemplated what would become his future with his heir in London and himself retiring to his estates in Worcestershire.

At some point during the coronations feast, George spies the newly elevated Duke of Aumale. A thought occurred, he had forgotten entirely on rewarding Bourchier for his words of advice and honesty. He approaches Aumale casually, with his best smile on his face.

"Your Grace. Seems you got what you wanted in the end I see. I must offer my congratulations on your elevation."

Indeed, congratulations on an honorary and empty dukedom.

===================

The young John Plantagenet, eldest son and heir of the Duke of Clarence, arrived late last night and stayed with his father. Their relation seemed rather chilled upon hearing of his up and coming status within the royal court. Which was why the Earl of Warwick came alone, and not with his father. Escorted by a retainer from Warwick Castle, the young Earl approaches to congratulate the King who he remembered from his childhood.

"Long may you reign, Your Majesty."

He says as he bows to the King.

[Gandalfus]

Ralph Neville is ofcourse present at the feast, the feast ofcourse is a perfect opportunity to gather allies to reclaim his rightful inheritance from a certain Montagu, and now that the attainment has been lifted it would only be a matter of time. Thus so he seeks out to speak with Lord Holland and Lord Grey, at different times ofcourse.

Holland gave his nephew a look of acknowledgement.

"Ah, Sir Ralph. I heard the good news. Congratulations."

The Archbishop of Canterbury led his the procession out of the Cathedral and soon he retired to prepare for the ensuing feast. Soon thereafter his brother and nephew arrived before him. The newly made Duke of Aumerle and his son Thomas came before the King's box and bowed. "Your majesty, congratulations on your coronation. May your reign be long and prosperous. May I present my son Thomas, who is of an age with your highness." A sandy blonde youth stepped forward an bowed. He was dressed in rich clothing, befitting his rank as the heir to his father's estates and titles. His voice cracked "It is an honor to meet you, sire." he said

----------

Edward's younger brother, Thomas Bourchier, also arrived with his wife, Mary Woodville and they went to the royal box to pay their respects.

----------

The Bishop of Durham arrived from the coronation as well. John Sherwood had played only a small role in the ceremony and what he most looked forward to was the feasting. Having just returned from raids along the Scottish border, he was looking forward to indulging in some southern luxuries before returning to Durham.

"Cousin, I thank thee."

Said the King, aware of their kinship despite not knowing either Aumerle or his son.

"I'm certain there could be room in my household for him my lord, if you wish it."

Along with the Bishop of Durham came Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland and Cumberland. Though he was no friend of the Woodvilles, the Queen Regent had still allowed him to remain Lord Warden of the Scottish Marches. Recent raids into the North had brought new intel of their northern neighbors readiness. He approaches the royal table, paying his respects to the King.

"Long may you reign, Your Majesty."

===================

John Neville, Marquess of Montagu, paid his respects to the King as well but relatively kept to himself. His removal from the council entirely and now an official proclamation allowing Sir Ralph to possibly regain his northern inheritance had put John in a sour mood. Even George Neville, who had returned to London for both coronation and his case for the Earldom of Worcester, was in a sour mood hearing more of his inheritance would be shaved away.

==================

The Duke of Clarence remained quietly beside his brother. After paying his respects to the King, he took his seat quietly for now, drinking wine as he watched the proceedings from his seat. For now his mind contemplated what would become his future with his heir in London and himself retiring to his estates in Worcestershire.

At some point during the coronations feast, George spies the newly elevated Duke of Aumale. A thought occurred, he had forgotten entirely on rewarding Bourchier for his words of advice and honesty. He approaches Aumale casually, with his best smile on his face.

"Your Grace. Seems you got what you wanted in the end I see. I must offer my congratulations on your elevation."

Indeed, congratulations on an honorary and empty dukedom.

===================

The young John Plantagenet, eldest son and heir of the Duke of Clarence, arrived late last night and stayed with his father. Their relation seemed rather chilled upon hearing of his up and coming status within the royal court. Which was why the Earl of Warwick came alone, and not with his father. Escorted by a retainer from Warwick Castle, the young Earl approaches to congratulate the King who he remembered from his childhood.

"Long may you reign, Your Majesty."

He says as he bows to the King.

The King gives Percy an inclination of the head, likewise with Montagu. He didn't know what else to do, considering that he had never spoken to or even met most of these men. However, he paid more attention to Warwick, whom he had a clearer memory of.

"Cousin Warwick. I am glad of your presence."

John was a hostage now... Or rather, a ward of the crown and companion of the King.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Duke of Clarence remained quietly beside his brother. After paying his respects to the King, he took his seat quietly for now, drinking wine as he watched the proceedings from his seat. For now his mind contemplated what would become his future with his heir in London and himself retiring to his estates in Worcestershire.

At some point during the coronations feast, George spies the newly elevated Duke of Aumale. A thought occurred, he had forgotten entirely on rewarding Bourchier for his words of advice and honesty. He approaches Aumale casually, with his best smile on his face.

"Your Grace. Seems you got what you wanted in the end I see. I must offer my congratulations on your elevation."

Indeed, congratulations on an honorary and empty dukedom.

Edward gave a sneer in response. "Indeed, it would seem that we are equals now." He said with some disdain. "Though you are incorrect in one regard, I did not get everything I wanted." The deal struck with the Queen was a bargain that was done at this point, done and completed. Edward would look before he leapt next time, because it would appear that the Queen's pawns are expendable to her.

"Cousin, I thank thee."

Said the King, aware of their kinship despite not knowing either Aumerle or his son.

"I'm certain there could be room in my household for him my lord, if you wish it."

Edward answered for his son. "Such a generous offer could not be refused, Majesty. Perhaps he will be a friendly and useful companion for you. I remember my own boyhood friends fondly, and how quickly they become lifelong friends and sources of aid and support."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Edward gave a sneer in response. "Indeed, it would seem that we are equals now." He said with some disdain. "Though you are incorrect in one regard, I did not get everything I wanted." The deal struck with the Queen was a bargain that was done at this point, done and completed. Edward would look before he leapt next time, because it would appear that the Queen's pawns are expendable to her.

"There are some differences though. I must retire now to my estates and keep good behavior from now on. Yet you will continue to be in the Kings good graces."

George turns slightly, taking two cups of wine from a passing servant and offering one to Bourchier.

"Nonetheless, you still achieved one goal."

He raises his cup before drinking from it.

"What will you do now, Your Grace? Since it seems you are still needed in London and at the Kings side."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"There are some differences though. I must retire now to my estates and keep good behavior from now on. Yet you will continue to be in the Kings good graces."

George turns slightly, taking two cups of wine from a passing servant and offering one to Bourchier.

"Nonetheless, you still achieved one goal."

He raises his cup before drinking from it.

"What will you do now, Your Grace? Since it seems you are still needed in London and at the Kings side."

"I shall remain and serve the King." Edward replied as he drained another glass of wine. "Better to be close to the font of all power than far away from it. Besides, Essex is close, I shan't be here the entire year. It falls upon me to take up where my brother left off. I need to reclaim any scrap of position lost by his sudden death. Firstly, I must secure a marriage for my son and a place at court."

[Gandalfus]

John and Edward were born in the same year, making them equal in age. Both four years away from their ascension to manhood. John was had a mixture of features, inherited from both Neville and Plantagenet families, yet inherited the Plantagenet reddish-gold hair and droopy eyelids. He was not tall though, average height and thin.

John musters up the best smile he could for his cousin.

"Your Majesty, it is good to see you again. It's been almost several years hasnt it? When both of our fathers went to war in fact."

"Uhm, I think so.." Edward wasn't sure. He'd spent a long time at Ludlow, but it was possible that he'd met Warwick briefly at some point, though he couldn't remember exactly when. He noted their similarities in appearance; John resembled his own brothers quite closely.

"But it is good to see you well. I have not been in London for too long, I fear." Though he hated all this, he found the fact he didn't know anyone to be even worse.

Edward answered for his son. "Such a generous offer could not be refused, Majesty. Perhaps he will be a friendly and useful companion for you. I remember my own boyhood friends fondly, and how quickly they become lifelong friends and sources of aid and support."

"I am sure he shall be. There will always be a place for close kin at my side, my lord."

Replied the King, with a courteous smile. Many royal companions had gone on to be stalwart friends and allies in the future, with families such as Montagu owing everything to their friendship with the Crown.

"I hope to count upon your own guidance, my lord, for I am still as of now too young to rule alone."


----

@Della: Holland gave a nod, his thin lips tugging into a slight smile.

"Mayhaps you can reclaim your inheritance, Sir Ralph. It has been long overdue."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"Uhm, I think so.." Edward wasn't sure. He'd spent a long time at Ludlow, but it was possible that he'd met Warwick briefly at some point, though he couldn't remember exactly when. He noted their similarities in appearance; John resembled his own brothers quite closely.

"But it is good to see you well. I have not been in London for too long, I fear." Though he hated all this, he found the fact he didn't know anyone to be even worse.

John glances down at his father when the King mentions having not been in London for long. It was quite clear that there was a row between father and son presently.

"Indeed, it is unfortunate that your entry into London was delayed. But now you are here, Your Majesty, crowned and in full regalia, as the proper heir of Edward IV should be."

John knew he was to be kept in the Kings Household and still would reside from time to time in Hanworth.

"I will do what I can to be useful as a resident within your household, sire. Though I mostly pray and read scripture too often as my father said."

[Mary The Quene]

@Della: Holland gave a nod, his thin lips tugging into a slight smile.

"Mayhaps you can reclaim your inheritance, Sir Ralph. It has been long overdue."

Neville smiled for once, it seems finally his line would get back what he is entitled to, at the expense of those juniors.

''Indeed, the sooner my rightful inheritance is back in the right hands the better, at the expense of that Montagu ofcourse.'' The seniors are the future, the juniors but a relic of the past.

[Mary The Quene]

Holland gave his nephew a look of acknowledgement.

"Ah, Sir Ralph. I heard the good news. Congratulations."

Neville made a nod while taking of his hat.

''Ah, thank you, my lord Exeter, at last the stain of attainment has been washed away, now is time for the next step''

[Lucius Malfoy]

John and Edward were born in the same year, making them equal in age. Both four years away from their ascension to manhood. John was had a mixture of features, inherited from both Neville and Plantagenet families, yet inherited the Plantagenet reddish-gold hair and droopy eyelids. He was not tall though, average height and thin.

John musters up the best smile he could for his cousin.

"Your Majesty, it is good to see you again. It's been almost several years hasnt it? When both of our fathers went to war in fact."

[Alexandrine]

Elizabeth of York was a happy woman, she had little reason not to be happy. She was now not only the daughter but also the sister of a King of England. Her mother had her sidelined at Eltham, but she had overwon their enemies nonetheless. Apparently, she had no need of her eldest child. But she was proud, proud of her brother. Who had done so well today. She was glad for him; a coronation made sure that his reign was secure.

While watching her brother take this path to kingship she had realised, to gain power at court, she realised that she was not entirely depended of her mother. Building up a close relationship to her brother Edward, would gain her so much more in the long term. But she didn't like plotting that much, certainly not on a grand event like this. She could not imagine anyone plotting today. The whole realm was far to busy with being in joy for such trifles. She certainly was. With a cup in her hand, Elizabeth enjoyed the feast merrily.

[Jokern]

The Duke of Norfolk sat at his seat tasting and enjoying the fine wines being brought in, his place among the dukes the closest to the king due to the order of precedence - discounting the Woodvilles that had been seated among the royal family. The coronation had been a pleasant affair, though had left the duke a bit tired. Nevertheless, it would be inappropriate if he did not go and give his oath to the king.

So John rose and paced over to the royal table together with his sons, waiting for the cue of lords to thin. Finally they stood before the king, and the three Mowbrays bowed.

"Congratulations to a successful coronation, Your Majesty. May your reign be long and prosperous. I am John Mowbray, Duke of Norfoll, your ever humble servant."

---

Baron Howard sat chatting among the other barons, together with his family and his Fitzroy ward. As one of the most recent baronies created, they had been placed at the far end of their table, far away from the king. Thomas also suspected bringing his ward Henry, bastard son of Edward V, had contributed in some way, but that was best left unsaid.

After some pleasant conversation with Viscount Bourchier, Howard decided to go and greet his Boleyn in-laws. He spotted Sir William Boleyn not far off, smiling at his brother once they saw each other.

"Brother dear! How are you? I did not see you at the coronation, we must have missed each other."

---

Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Bourchier, had been conversing with Baron Howard before the man had to excuse himself and find some cousin or other to greet. The young viscount had not been as content during the coronation as others may have been. It was not on purpose, as he had tried to be positive during the whole affair - but whenever he had laid eyes on his younger Woodville half-brother, dark and hateful feelings stirred inside him. In the end, the coronation and the current celebrations were leaving a bad taste in the mouth for Arthur.

He rose and looked around. If he was there, he might as well be productive. He looked around and quickly found the man he was looking for. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Humphrey Bourchier. His wife's uncle and current primate of the Church in England. Arthur walked up to the archbishop near the king's table, all the while trying to avoid eye contact with the Woodvilles seated there, especially the Queen Dowager.

The viscount made a slight bow to the archbishop.

"Your Grace, congratulations to the coronation. It was quite grand, as befits a king of England."

[Mary The Quene]

Baron Howard sat chatting among the other barons, together with his family and his Fitzroy ward. As one of the most recent baronies created, they had been placed at the far end of their table, far away from the king. Thomas also suspected bringing his ward Henry, bastard son of Edward IV, had contributed in some way, but that was best left unsaid.

After some pleasant conversation with Viscount Bourchier, Howard decided to go and greet his Boleyn in-laws. He spotted Sir William Boleyn not far off, smiling at his brother once they saw each other.

"Brother dear! How are you? I did not see you at the coronation, we must have missed each other."

Henry FitzRoy, the twelve year old bastard son of his late father, sat with his ward Thomas on the bench close to the table. Henry, ofcourse had been dressed well for this special occasion, it was not every day a king was crowned of course. Henry wanted to go and meet that brother of his (he had never seem him before) whom he already took a like of, he was ofcourse raised as loyal and obedient to his half siblings by the Howards.

''May i go and see my brother, the king, please Lord Howard?'' Asked Henry impatiently, he wanted to get to know his brother.

Baron Howard sat chatting among the other barons, together with his family and his Fitzroy ward. As one of the most recent baronies created, they had been placed at the far end of their table, far away from the king. Thomas also suspected bringing his ward Henry, bastard son of Edward V, had contributed in some way, but that was best left unsaid.

After some pleasant conversation with Viscount Bourchier, Howard decided to go and greet his Boleyn in-laws. He spotted Sir William Boleyn not far off, smiling at his brother once they saw each other.

"Brother dear! How are you? I did not see you at the coronation, we must have missed each other."

''Ah brother, we must have missed each other indeed'' Said Boleyn with a smile, Boleyn appeared well dressed with a hat decorated with gold. ''I am fine myself, thank you, and how fares my brother?'' Asked Boleyn, perhaps this feast was an excellent opportunity to seek an ally for his claims.

"In due time. For now, you shall need to rebuild the good name of your father's family.. Prove yourself a loyal servant, and so forth."

No man was anything other than self serving, in Holland's eyes, unless they were a fool. But, one had to put on the front of being an altruist or idealist sometimes.

''Hmm, i seek a full restoration, my name is clean now and i myself am nothing but a loyal servant of the Crown, nothing that prevents my restoration'' Said Neville, why would he be denied all of his inheritance?

[Jokern]

Henry FitzRoy, the twelve year old bastard son of his late father, sat with his ward Thomas on the bench close to the table. Henry, ofcourse had been dressed well for this special occasion, it was not every day a king was crowned of course. Henry wanted to go and meet that brother of his (he had never seem him before) whom he already took a like of, he was ofcourse raised as loyal and obedient to his half siblings by the Howards.

''May i go and see my brother, the king, please Lord Howard?'' Asked Henry impatiently, he wanted to get to know his brother.

---

''Ah brother, we must have missed each other indeed'' Said Boleyn with a smile, Boleyn appeared well dressed with a hat decorated with gold. ''I am fine myself, thank you, and how fares my brother?'' Asked Boleyn, perhaps this feast was an excellent opportunity to seek an ally for his claims.

Thomas looked at Henry before glancing over at the king's table. The most prominent Woodvilles were seated next to Edward V, and it was not hard to imagine their reaction to the offspring of Margaret Percy showing himself in public. However, Thomas' sons were relatives of the king through their late mother, Margaret Woodville. The Howards would probably survive any backlash, and Thomas thought it was only right that the two half-brothers met.

"Alright, you can go as long as you promise to behave as you've been taught. Remember, your brother is the king and must be addressed with 'your majesty'. Do you want me to come with you?"

---

"I am fine, thank you. It has been an enjoyable day, and something I think the whole kingdom needed after those tense days after the king's passing. I was with Lord Clarence in London during the whole commotion, and I think I've finally recuperated a little. I long to go back to Ireland, though. Those green hills are a beauty, I've become quite infatuated with the place. If you ignore the occasional raids and cattle thefts, of course."

Howard's estates in Ireland were by far the greatest assets of the family, having basically doubled the income. There were still lands left for the taking though, and any potential expeditions for more would need allies.

"My Lord Norfolk, you honour me." From what he had heard of Mowbray and his ilk, they were formidable men. First peer of the realm, by virtue of both the prestige of his Dukedom and role as Earl Marshal.

"Are you well? I do not know much of anywhere outside of London, I am afraid." Asked the King, pensively. He wanted to make a good impression on the Kingdom's greatest magnate.

"I am well, thank you, Your Majesty. East Anglia has been peaceful and prosperous under your royal father's reign, which I hope will continue in the future. It's not far from London, but quite different. Flat marshland and bogs, to be sure, but thanks to that quite fertile and populous. I humbly invite Your Majesty to my home at Framlingham, with enough hunts and feasts to feed an army."

Norfolk turned to his sons and gently pushed them forward so they could exchange words with Edward. They were slightly older than the king, Edmund being his elder by just a year.

"May I present my sons, William Mowbray, Earl of Surrey, and Edmund Mowbray."

The two made another bow, slightly smaller than their first one.

"Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty."

"I thank you" Humphrey replied, squinting as if to make out the man's face. "Ah, Arthur, and how is my niece?"

Arthur nodded in reply, glancing back at the table where his wife was seated.

"She is doing fine, Your Grace. Our estate in Colchester is close to the rest of her family, so there is no problem in visiting them from time to time."

The Bourchiers had been quite welcoming of him, and he had come to consider them family, even more so than the royal father he rarely met.

"I... do not know if this is the right time and place, Your Grace, but I need your aid in an endeavor of mine."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"My sons original betrothed, a sister of the Duke of Beja and Viseu was almost a decade older than him. Age matters not when advantages can be gained." George swirls his cup which was empty of wine, his mind contemplating a suitable dowry. "For my daughter's hand, I will gladly offer five thousand pounds to you, Your Grace. I believe that is a very generous offer."

Edward almost choked on his wine. "Most generous indeed." the duke replied. "I accept your proposal, George." Indeed with such a sum, how could he refuse? That amount of money may prove much more useful than a title, after all. "I must ask, what do you intend to do now that things have gone rather...sideways for you in London?"

Arthur nodded in reply, glancing back at the table where his wife was seated.

"She is doing fine, Your Grace. Our estate in Colchester is close to the rest of her family, so there is no problem in visiting them from time to time."

The Bourchiers had been quite welcoming of him, and he had come to consider them family, even more so than the royal father he rarely met.

"I... do not know if this is the right time and place, Your Grace, but I need your aid in an endeavor of mine."

"I am glad to hear it." Humphrey replied, playing with the enormous gold ring he wore as he nodded and listened further. "How can I help you, my son?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Edward almost choked on his wine. "Most generous indeed." the duke replied. "I accept your proposal, George." Indeed with such a sum, how could he refuse? That amount of money may prove much more useful than a title, after all. "I must ask, what do you intend to do now that things have gone rather...sideways for you in London?"

Then I hope to meet my future son-in-law. And I know Margaret's mother, Isabel, would have approved of such a match.

George sighs, noticing his still empty cup. As a servant proceeds to pass with a jug, Clarence stops him with his arm, pointing to his empty cup with a glare. He waits till it is refilled before speaking further.

Well, return to my castle in Worcester. I still have to see my son, Edmund FitzClarence, off to Ireland and ensure he is married. There is still the matter of Margaret's education and watching over my infant son, Roger.

The Duke of Clarence drinks from his cup before looking at Bourchier.

Certainly, someone will keep me up to date on the goings of London at least. And maybe, one day, once my name is restored, I will seek to return to Ireland or wherever His Majesty needs me.

It seemed John had perhaps taken him a little too literally.

"I am sure I can aid in that, Warwick, if you should wish it." Edward offered, gently. He himself was not looking forward to marriage, and so didn't wish to impose it upon anyone else.

John takes a look around, noticing the various nobles here. All of them foreign in appearance, but noted by their names.

I know my father has considered some possibilities, Your Majesty. The Talbots, FitzAlans, and Hastings were noted among them.

The young Earl returns his gaze to Edward.

As the son of George Plantagenet, I suspect I may not be an attractive choice, but certainly my inheritance will make some pine for me to take their daughters.

He bows courteously to the King.

Yet, if Your Majesty desires to give me other possibilities, I will gladly listen and obey. Otherwise, I will seek my own bride.