THE YORKS: THE GLORY OF THE YORK DYNASTY

4 years later

NARRATOR:

After a four-year span, Lady Calliope and King Richard II, now in their nineteenth year of life, have embarked on divergent courses. It is the year 1523.

lADY CALLIOPE POV:
Brussels, Belgium - Royal Palace

More than four years have passed since the unforgettable events transpired. I have not set mine eyes upon my beloved mother for four long years. As long as my father draws breath, I am denied her presence, yet we have exchanged messages through the written word.

I have heard tidings that she is soon to enter into wedlock with a wealthy and influential nobleman, the Duke of France. Whatever the verity of these reports, I do pray for her happiness, and I am resolved that she be spared the cruelty she endured at the hands of my father.

By the way, Sandra did not ascend to the throne as queen. Two months hence the dissolution of my parents' union, she succumbed to a grave malady, a circumstance celebrated discreetly among my siblings and me.

At present, my father dwells in solitude, bereft of a consort. No suitor responds to his proposals of matrimony, regardless of the European monarchies to which he turns.

My three brothers have immersed themselves in rigorous military training, yet our sibling bonds remain unaltered. Their affection for me remains steadfast, despite my relinquishment of the title of princess. In essence, I shall forever be a princess.

Now, I take leave of Belgium, to traverse the expansive ocean en route to England. There, I shall expose myself to diverse cultures, augment my knowledge, and elevate mine education.

Of course, I shall not be a mere noblewoman in that land. I shall serve the British noble court, the British crown, and the administration of the House of York Dynasty.

Word has reached mine ears that my godmother, Queen Amanda, the mother of my godbrother King Richard II, who presently reigneth over Great Britain, hath already been informed of mine intentions.

I standeth outside the palace, accompanied by my attendants, ladies-in-waiting, who provideth their assistance. My carriage awaiteth me at the location of the ship that shall convey me on this journey.

Lady Carlot: Your Royal Highness, we shall sorely miss you.

Lady Marie: Indeed, Your Royal Highness. I do entreat you to take excellent care of yourself in that foreign land. The British are no different from the men here in Belgium, and they are wont to judge women harshly.

Me: Ha! Thou art quite the jesters, verily. It is not as if we shall never again cross paths; perchance it shall be some time ere we meet anew. Fret not, for I shall look after myself, and, moreover, I possess strength. No man shall dare to challenge me.

And we shared in laughter.

Lady Samson: But, ere all else, hast thou bidden farewell to thy brothers, the three princes?

Me: Ah, yes. The eve ere this, ere they departed for their martial training, and they sent me many a golden coin. I am assuredly capable of putting these coins to good use there.

Lady Diana: Hast thou informed His Majesty, thy father?

Then, my countenance shifted.

Me: He is already aware. Furthermore, even if I had not apprised him, he himself hath urged me to embark on this journey. But I undertake this not for his sake, only for mine. He saith that I remind him greatly of my mother, owing to our striking resemblance.

Horseman: Your Royal Highness, we should go now. They await us at the port. Mayhap we shall be beset by a tempest, by the grace of the Almighty.

Me: Very well, farewell, my ladies.

(We embraced)
And I ascended the carriage, haha. Farewell, Brussels, adieu Belgium, greetings, England.

END OF POV -
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RICHARD II POV:

Six years have passed since I became the absolute monarch of Great Britain. Impatience hath seized me, for I long to be in the company of Mary, my wife in name only. Verily, we have begotten a son, Prince Edmund, yet the tenor of our relationship is far from amiable.

I find myself now in my chamber, surrounded by noble elites, royal courtiers, dignitaries, and advisors.

Me: That shall suffice for our conclave; ye may now take your leave.

And they dispersed, leaving me in solitude. Mary approached me.

Mary: My beloved King, I shall prepare for thee suitable attire for the evening.

Mine eyes surveyed her.

Me: Nay, I shall retire to a different chamber. Expect me not.

Mary: But, your Majesty-

Me: Mary, prithee, depart.

Mary: But-

Me: DEPART!

And she left in haste, her tears to no avail. Tsk!

END OF POV -
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And here, this chapter hath reached its conclusion.