have you seen HENRY HASTINGS, the twenty-five year old duke of york. word around court is that they're they’re judicious & altruistic but i’ve also heard them described as vindictive & impetuous.
*king charles song from horrible histories playing in the background*
Henry is the firstborn child, and only son of the Duke and Duchess of York, with two younger sisters following him.
His family were royalist so growing up he was taught that one day the throne would be restored to England, but whenever that day did come, he would have to fight for his King. It was his father who would often tell him that he would need to put the needs of York and his country first, leading to Henry putting his own feelings aside for others.
Throughout his childhood, not only was he groomed to be the next Duke of York, but his father ensured that his son was able to fight. There was no secret that the family supported the reinstatement of the monarchy ( with them being forced to pay recompense fees of £446 / nearly facing exile ) and so there was always a fear that a war could be at their doorstep at any point.
When he was fifteen, he fought in the Battle of Worcester, becoming one of the few royalists that survived. It was then that his family took to safety in Scotland ( after already being in their family home in the North ) and remained there for the next nine years. His father would not give up their family lands.
It was during this time that he grew closer to the daughter of another royalist family. Although the family shared a common bond, there were some historical issues between their lines, as well as Henry was already betrothed to another — deeming it unwise for him to be affectionate with somebody he could never marry.
Upon Oliver Cromwell’s death, Henry was positive that another war would occur due to the weak hold that Roundheads had on England. If he was going to die in battle then he wanted to be married and to have a child to continue the family line — or at least that was what he told his parents. He’d fallen in love and wanted to affirm it with his marriage to somebody who was not his betrothed. It went against his usually need to please, but he did it rashly without any regret.
From his marriage, he has fathered a son, who is his pride and joy. He was hesitant at first ( especially when his wife nearly died giving birth ) but now he is very much the doting father. There was recent talk about having more children until an event in the family led them on a different path.
Charles’ being reinstated has led to his family’s return to York ( as well as the English court w/ favour ) although when Henry was called to court, there was attack by the Roundheads on the family estate. His father was still weak from an old wound at the Battle of Worcester, and whilst the attack was unsuccessful in gaining hold, it led to his passing.
With the death of his father, Henry inherited the titles of York and Inverness, and his son made Baron Killyleagh. There has been some difficulty for him after losing his father — not to mention the sudden weight of responsibility. He can only celebrate that his father’s wishes were achieved, even if part of him still wants vengeance upon anybody associated with the rebels, despite the pardoning of some.
