The months had fluttered away, as summer bloomed into autumn and autumn withered into winter. Little happened politically or socially but the kingdom was failing. The poor suffered; disease and famine plagued the land impoverishing and starving the lower classes. Many farmers flocked to the city to beg the king to help them; most turned away without any comfort of even a chance to plead their cases. While the poor died and starved, the king feasted and drank, bestowing expensive gifts to all his favourite courtiers. The queen also had reason to rejoice; she was pregnant.

‘How sure are you of the queen’s pregnancy?’ The duke of Conidoor muttered to his daughter. Cassandra scoffed lightly as a smile grew across her pretty face, since joining the court Cassandra had grown confident. She stood before his desk in his private chamber in their castle home. Only the pale winter mourning sun lit the dull stone room. More of a cell than a room, thought Cassandra as she stood proudly before her father. He sat scribbling on pieces of paper furiously, not even showing he knew of her presence had it not been for that question. Cassandra scoffed softly by this sign of disrespect. Cassandra had been called home by father to discuss matters unsubtle for court, there were spies everywhere and the Lillyworths had many enemies since becoming favourites. She looked at him with an irritated but calm face.

‘Very, my lord father, she has been sick often and has a mighty hunger for apples.’ Cassandra answered back looking directly at her father’s balding head. Her father bit his lip remaining silent for a moment, his hunched over frame suddenly became tense and the scribbling stopped.

‘What does the king make of this?’ He asked after a long silence looking up at his eldest daughter, the duke was no fool. If the queen was pregnant it gave the Lillyworth’s eight months to create a bastard and have a claim to the throne, a golden opportunity for the Lillywhites. Cassandra’s gaze was drawn to the window as her father spoke.

‘He is joyous naturally’ Cassandra said slowly as if fixated on the view. She started walking towards the window and looking out onto the garden, her fashionable and elegant dress dragging behind her over the cobbled floor. The heavy snow was building up as the mourning grew older. She suddenly changed her light floating tone to a serious one as she watched the snow fall down lightly ‘But I suspect he is not optimistic, the queen has miscarried many times since the birth of the twins’ Cassandra said looking towards her father for a reaction. She got one, he was surprised but looked unconvinced, the small slit like eyes watched her carefully as she turned back to the window, Her long golden hair masking her face from the scrutinizing glare of her father.

‘How do you know this?’ he asked quietly, he dared not even raise his voice in his own home. Cassandra smirked again, she felt untouchable and grand about her position right now, not only the king’s mistress but now her father was at her feet. She tossed back her golden hair and looked at him haughtily over her pale shoulder. Was that fear in his eyes? Cassandra thought with glee or distrust?

‘Because she claims to be pregnant often yet there are no children and she’s old enough not to bear children’ Cassandra said calmly looking towards him. Her father made a disapproving noise. At this moment it was all too clear she resembled her mother in wit and beauty. It stirred uneasiness inside him.

‘And the king does he still bed you?’

‘Daylily’ Cassandra replied without shame giving him a long deviant stare. In society’s eyes she was great then him now, she was the blessed favourite of the king he was only a duke. Also the king spent more time in her bed than on the throne, something she was very proud of. Her father looked towards his desk forlornly; something Cassandra didn’t believe was possible for him. If she didn’t know better she’d say the scene was pulling her heart strings. But they were Lillyworths, they had no emotions unless it gained them something.

‘Good girl now sire a bastard’ He said with sudden emotion to his voice. Cassandra found herself unnerved by the tone in his voice but didn’t dare show it. ‘What other news do you have from court, what about that Yorkthird girl?’

‘We do not speak. She refuses to acknowledge me to be anything but a common whore’ Cassandra said coldly. In truth the last few months Cassandra had pleaded for Estella’s forgiveness but was met with silence. Stony stubborn silence. The duke tutted in irritation before putting his head down and began scribbling furiously.

‘Ignored that milk faced brat, she has no future. Her family will marry her to some lowly noble; don’t concern yourself too much with her. Remember your duties.’

‘Yes Lord father’ Cassandra said turning to face him, giving him an elegant bow. The mention of Estella’s name triggered a sudden memory ‘My Lord father? I have some troubling news about the Yorkthird girl’ she said mustering every ounce of innocence in her voice. The duke sat up, raising his eyebrows questionably. Cassandra walked towards the door; look over to him once she arrived there. ‘Well. It seems the king’s brother has taken a liking to her’ Cassandra said quietly. The duke nodded but returned to his work. Cassandra knew he would not forget the information and his judgement on this matter was to be trusted for now. She looked at him expectantly.

‘You may leave’

Cassandra left the room quietly. Her long white gown following behind her and her white fur shawl wrapped around her slim torso with her golden hair cascading down her shoulders. She had matured in not just appearance but personally too. She was not longer a little girl; she was a woman, she was a Lillyworth.

*~---~*

‘Can’t you find it within yourself to forgive Lady Lillyworth?’ Richard asked as he and Estella walked around the castle grounds. He’d hate to admit it but he was freezing, but he’d do anything to spend time with Estella. Estella chewed on her bottom lip. She wanted to forgive Cassandra but her morals told her otherwise, He’s married, it’s adultery she told herself to stop her from forgiving Cassandra. It deeply upset Estella but she had to stand by her morals.

‘No Richard, its wrong what she is doing’ Estella answered slowly making her way through the thick snow, her red dress soaked as she marched along the castle grounds.

‘Do you not forgive those who have sinned?’ he asked casually as the snow started to fall again. Estella laughed causing a strand of dark hair to fall onto her face. Richard relaxed more as he watched her giggle softly.

‘I need sinners so I can look like a saint’ she smiled but it faded almost instantly. In court there was little room for saints. ‘I forgive, but too easily’ she said somewhat sadly after a short silence but smiled again she link his arm. ‘How do you feel about being an uncle again?’ she asked looking up at him brightly.

Richard laughed heartily but his incredible eyes remained serious and dark. ‘I think it doesn’t suit me too well, the queen and I don’t see eye to eye’ he confessed pulling her slightly out of the way of ice. Estella nodded in agreement and using her free hand held up her skirt slightly so she could play with it as they walked.

‘Well perhaps fatherhood would suit you better’ Estella offered placing a hand on his arm while narrowly avoiding another patch of ice. Richard merely laughed as they made their way around the grounds, huddling close together for warmth. Estella had to admit it over the last few months Richard became one of her closest and dearest friends, something rare at court. As they walked Estella felt a tiny spark of excitement at being this close to Richard, but she simply dismissed as the cold having an effect.

They walked around the grounds until they were faced with the sight of Edward’s children playing in the snow. Estella smiled, warmed by the sight of the children’s euphoria at the sight of the snow but then looked towards Richard. His face remained stony and set. She walked onwards not wishing to cause Richard any more discomfort, he followed her quickly not even acknowledging his nephews and nieces. They walked into the castle but continued to walk around the labyrinth of corridors. Estella look beautiful today, her long black hair fell down her back curling at the tips setting against the blood red dress made even redder by the paleness of her skin. Had it not been for the brightness of her dress she’d be mistaken for a ghost. Richard cut a striking image too, choosing to wear a grey outfit complementing his iron grey eyes. ‘I dare say King Edwards enjoys fatherhood, he has seven children now, no?’ Richard nodded uncomfortably. ‘What have you against our queen?’ she asked quietly pulling him into a narrow staircase. Richard was now suddenly pressed against Estella in the tight space. Chest to chest, they stood while Estella looked up at him expecting an answer. Richard felt suddenly breathless, faced with Estella pressed up against him. Her wide eyes, her fell lips and not to mention her plentiful cleavage were too much to bear, he felt dizzy and full of lust. Before she even repeat the question Richard’s lips crashed down onto her own. Despite the lack of space, his arms snaked their way around her waist and hers in turn around his neck pulling him towards her, Deeping the kiss. The kiss became more passionate as his mouth trailed down her pearly neck. Estella instinctively closed her eyes but suddenly forced them open again. Someone was coming down the stairs. With a sudden strength Estella pushed him away and straightened up. Slowly a finger walked down the spiralling staircase.

‘Good morning Estella, ‘a familiar and velvety voice called out. Estella’s gaze remained rooted on the ground but she quickly and nervously bowed. Louise suddenly stopped as he descended the stairs to gawk at her, making the blood rush to her cheeks. As he stood there looking at her, she braved a look at his hand. His hand hadn’t healed well from her first night at court; there still were tiny scars all over his palm. ‘My gods, you look beautiful today’ he said walking over to her and kissing her hand. She nodded her thanks as she was pushed against the walls of the staircase. They really weren’t designed for three people. Richard looked at his brother with venomous glare from what Estella could see. She couldn’t take the situation anymore, especially with Louise in the room. Ever since that night he’d taken her into his rooms just to compliment her he’d frightened her. Behind that charming attractive smile lay something she feared.

‘Excuse me my Lords’ she said trying to escape. The brothers let her go and watched as she hurriedly escaped back to her room, her red dress fluttering behind her as she quickly marched to safety. Louise felt Richard’s stare on his back, it made him smirk with accomplishment. Louise knew all too well what Richard felt since that party at the decreased Lord Wilson’s house, but this was just too much fun. Louise slowly turned around to face his baby brother with his trademark arrogance. Louise raised his arms slightly so he stood like a messiah before Richard.

‘She’s beautiful, no?’ Louise said with a charming smile. Richard shook his head slowly, to tense to do anything else. Richard moved so he was face to face with his brother. He could smell the violent odour of alcohol on Louise’s rosy lips, he sneered in disgust. Was it the alcohol or his sheer arrogance that made him act like a complete twat?

‘Stay away from Estella, I’m warning you Louise’ Richard said through his teeth, looking up at his brother. Louise snorted in Richard’s seemingly empty threat, as if Richard could do anything, thought Louise with a smirk. Richard shoved his taller and older brother out of his way, pinning him to the wall with surprise. Louise’s bravado disappeared as he felt cold stone assault his soft skin and lack of muscle. Louise turned to face Richard with a look of an angry alley cat but then it fell into an irresistible grin.

‘My, haven’t you grown?’ Louise asked now leaning comfortably against the cool wall. Richard scoffed towards Louise. Richard walked passed him slowly but stopped before him. Richard quickly seized Louise by the neck, in an instant the cat was back fighting and hissing at his baby brother. Richard gave him a deadpan stare, his tightening his grip slightly as every moment went by. Richard moved his face forward so he and Louise were cheek to cheek.

‘Stay away’ Richard whispered harshly into Louise before letting go of his neck. As Richard walked out of the room, rearranging his collar Louise collapsed into the ground. Louise smirked triumphantly. You may have won this round Richard, but I will win the game.

*~---~*

Lucy sobbed over the basin of water, the pain was too much. Her hands had caused Benny harm, her beloved Benny! As soon she entered the room she washed her hands, everyday without fail. Again and again until her hands became red raw and chapped. The salt from her tears mixed into the open wounds, making her yelp in pain. But she deserved it. She had caused the one she loved pain with this talon like hands. She hated herself for her temper; she hated herself for her shame and tears and now her hands. They were as ugly as the pain they inflicted. She scrubbed and scrubbed her hands, not satisfied until they bled. In a strange way the pain was comforting, like she had control over something for once. Soon she could no longer feel her hands; they were numbed by the shock and the cold water she had used repeatedly. She collapsed onto her bed with a dull thud, ringing the little brass bell of a servant to undress her. She stood idly while she was undressed and dressed into her night shaft. She didn’t even care if they saw her hands; if she was honest she didn’t care about anything at the moment. She curled up into her bed longing for sleep. The queen no doubt would search for her, but she claimed illness. She needed to be alone with her thoughts, namely of Benny. He still plagued her mind. Eventually they started to speak again, but Lucy could never forget what she had done. She had attacked her love. Estella and Molly thought she was foolish for claiming love, but Lucy was in love. Benny seemed fond of her too so why hide her love any longer? The real reason was Lucy was too frightened of the rejection. Her heart was fit to break at a cruel word from him let alone a rejection. Lucy plunged her head under the cover, wishing the world would go away.

*~---~*

Cassandra sat on the back of her grey mare trotting out of the stables. The snow had stopped falling so heavily so decided to ride around the grounds of her home. The winter’s air was crisp and pure in contrast to the royal residence. The mare stirred awaiting a command for movement. But Cassandra just perched contently on her back looking around her at the beautiful countryside.

‘Need a hand miss?’

Cassandra looked down to see a familiar face. A handsome, blonde curled, young face. John Pattersby! Cassandra felt her heart skip a beat. It really was the young stable boy she had fantasised over for so long! But she composed herself. Smiling the winning courtiers’ smile, the one the king loved so much, she looked at him under the thick forest of eye lashes.

‘Oh yes please. Maybe you help me down? I forgot my gloves’ she said softly without any of the Lillyworth charm. John Pattersby nodded eagerly placing two careful hands around her slender waist, lowering her slowly down onto the ground. Cassandra felt the fluttering of her heart against her ribcage as he stood over her, his blonde curls falling over his face. ‘th-thank-thank you’ Cassandra stuttered as she looked into those wonderful eyes. John Pattersby nodded his head and got back to work inside the stables, leaving Cassandra dazed and confused. Maybe having a break from court wasn’t so bad at all.

*~---~*

Louise breezily walked into the king’s meeting room as politicians made their way out, collecting their documents then walking briskly out. At the top of the table King Edward sat lazily tossing the red wine around his golden goblet. Light flooding the room from behind him from the stained glass windows, almost blinding louise as he floated across to the table. Edward gave Louise a sideways glance by kept his eyes on the liquid. There were talks of an uprising and discontentment in the land and he was at a lost on how to mean them. Louise took up a seat closed to his brother, still wearing that trademark smirk. King Edward nodded he was aware of his presence before toying with his wine again. Louise cleared his throat before placing his feet on the table making Edward groan in irritation. Louise ignored him.

‘I have something I want to ask you on Edward’ Louise cooly towards his god like brother. Edward glanced towards him, his handsome face now looking unexpectedly towards Louise. He’ll want more money Edward mused glumly. Louise continued regardless of Edward’s expression. ‘I want to marry’ Louise said keeping steady gaze on Edward. Edward openly stare in disbelieve at Louise, placing the goblet down.

‘Who?’ Edward demanded across the table, taking a swig of wine. Louise scoffed giving him a sideways glance while toying with his gold chain.

‘Lady Estella yorkthird’ Louise said genteelly before flashing Edward a genuine smile. Richard may have won the last round, but he was going to win the game.