York's Hope.

Chapter Sixty Nine - Celebrations

-3rd Person-

The morning after the wedding Catherine was not as happy as she thought she would be. Her marriage to Arthur had yet yo be consummated, Which Harry caught to take immense fun out of. He and Charles Brandon were the first to knock on their door that morning, teasing his older brother."

"What's going on?" Ned jogged over "Did you ask him, did I win?" Ned questioned his elder brothers

"Arthur did you actually jump over your fear of girls and bed your wife?" The others laughed

"Gentlemen, last night I was in Spain." Arthur lied. Ned cheered raising his fist through the air

"You own me a hundred crowns Harry. I told you he would. Arthur, thank you, thank you so much for giving me the chance to beat Harry." he grinned

"You're welcome brother." Ned slapped his brothers head

"Loser!" Catherine called for her ladies and gave orders. Arthur noticed the look Harry gave Catherine and closed the door. "Lo...." Ned trailed off standing still his eyes flickered back and forth

"Ned?" Harry asked "Ned" he shoved his brother breaking Ned out of his trance, he looked spooked

"What Happened?"

"No...nothing. Nothing." Ned walked away and found himself at his mother chambers. He knocked then entered. Hope sat by the fire embroidering. "Mother." he bowed

-Hope-

I looked back to see Ned, he looked frightened, haunted I have seen that look. I stood up and made my over to him.

"You saw something didn't you?" I ask "You have the sight, you are very rare. It is normally passed down the female line. Tell me what did you see?"

"I...I...it was blurry." i nod

"It sometimes is, that is when we have to rely on what we feel, what did it feel like when your saw the blur?"

"Cold and dark, there is two thing I remember. Princess Catherine was sat on the throne but something about it felt different. I then saw father, he was in terrible grief, he was sat in his chamber hollowly." he mumbled

"Come sit by the fire, the first time is always the most difficult. It brings truths that are hard to reconcile. I will be in the next room, knock if you need anything." I assure him leaving him to reconcile but close if he needed to talk.

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I was now dressed and ready for the days celebrations. Ned had come around to feel much better than he did when he arrived. Now I took the steps up to the balcony where my husband was waiting.

"Our newlyweds look refreshed, don't you think? Well reasonably." I slapped his arm making him laugh slightly

"At least they are not at each others throats like we were when we first wed. They will learn to love one another and they will do they're duty to their country." I reply taking his arm. "Just remember digression is not your friend."

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the first day of the union between the crown of England and the Kingdom of Spain. When we look upon these two young people, we look upon the future of the throne and to their heirs" Everyone clapped "Arthur, Catherine. You are both descendant of the first Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt. England and Spain united in you." Another clap

We then headed inside  for the feast and entertainment. I sat where I had sat for many years on the one of many chairs united under the term 'Queen's throne'. Catherine  sat between Henry and I while Arthur was across the room having a conversation. When he had finished he came over and offered his hand to his wife. I smiled at the sight. The two mumbled something i could not hear to each other then she took his hand. I saw that Maggie had arrived. I stood and went to talk to her

"A long journey to this day, but it is here, by God's will." I breath in happiness

"And by the King's will your Grace, and by yours."

" Must every word you say to me be a rebel, Maggie?" I ask annoyed with her already.

"Must every word you say to me a threat? I know nothing about any plots against you or his Grace." she retorted just as Teddy came over.

"Mother, sister." he bowed with a joyous grin, he hugged his sister

"Teddy it is so nice to see you, come we shall reacquaint ." she left my side then said something to Catherine. I returned to my seat and continued to watch the dancing Catherine left and that is when the twins started to tease and joke with their brother. I shake my head in amusement. I loved the boys but sometimes they could become quite the handful. Catherine returned and Harry danced  with her . When the song was finished Harry and Arthur exchanged words, when the elder pushed the other

"Arthur Tudor!" I scolded "We will have none of that from you." there were gasps and I looked up as the Scottish delegation had arrived.

"You disgusting heathens, you dare to foul this day?" Catherine spat

"Enough, Catherine." I say walking over "They are our guests."

"Welcome, gentlemen. Welcome." Henry came over and greeted. I guided Catherine away

"I admire your fire Catherine but before you insult anyone you must question their appearance. Unless it's Lady Margaret the insult her all you like." I tell her

"You do not like My Lady, The Kings Mother?" she questioned sitting down with me

"Lord no. She is an most untrustworthy women if you ever met one. But she is his mother and we have enough enemies as it is without having her at arms length. We must stand united ."