#richmonduke

Belle was to be a lady in waiting to the Princess Mary. Meeting the Duke of Richmond had been by chance. “My lord.” Belle finally spoke, her voice light and soft.

“you are most certainly my son,” he remarked with a broad smile. he was both humble and wise, traits which henry incorrectly believed he also exhibited. “i envy you, and the freedom you must have. still, if you ever require a position at my court... i am sure i could find a place for you.” henry was indeed lucky, being the firstborn son granted him the valuable position of being recognised in lieu of no other heirs being given to the king. bastard or not, he was a boy... and if push came to shove, henry considered naming him. still, he needed more education, needed to be tested and fortified.

                     “YOU are such a good boy,” she said fondly, hands combing through his hair, before Bessie held tightly to her little Henry and embraced him. “Let us go inside, it is too cold for my old bones out here. How do you fare? And the Lady Mary?”

                     OH, how carrying the King’s child came with perks and also consequences. She loved His Majesty dearly, and in some ways, still did, despite his current marital misgivings. “There is nothing more IMPORTANT to me than you and your siblings.” Bessie reached and smoothed out some of his hair, smiling fondly at her oldest child.

the words alarmed him, drawing his sharp gaze. “what do you mean? are you ill? unwell?”

‘He is only half of your blood, your majesty… his mother a mistress. Surely you can find advice elsewhere.’ Her advisers were weary of their queen and she knew it well. Oh, how she missed the days of chasing her brother through the gardens and running in and out of the halls at court. Henry was more than a half-brother, raised side by side—regardless of what others though, he was her brother and no other could tell her otherwise.  She had sent for him after requesting to be left alone for the remainder of the evening, and as the doors open a smile graced her features. Something that hasn’t happened in days. “Henry…” A sigh of relief at the familiar face passes her lips, she moves from the window she’s been staring out to greet him with a gentle hug. “I am glad you have come.”