Princess Eleanor of Lancaster, the daughter of Margaret of Anjou and King Henry VI, finds herself in a dire situation after her half-brother's failed rescue attempt from sanctuary. With no options left, she is forced to accept Edward's terms and mov...
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Dear Princess,
I hope this letter finds you well. I bring news from the frontlines that Carlisle has been retaken by the forces of the York king. Our rightful king and the Scottish forces have been forced to retreat. However, amidst these trying times, there is still hope. Many loyal supporters have initiated rebellions across the north, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to our cause.
Eleanor's hands trembled as she tightened her grip on the parchment, her frustration threatening to consume her. With a swift motion, she crumpled the delicate paper, creasing it in her palm. The sound of paper crunching echoed through the quiet chamber, mirroring the crushing weight of her disappointment.
How could her mother, her own flesh and blood, forget about her in such a crucial moment? This was the golden opportunity for her mother to swoop in and rescue her from the confines of the abbey. The news of the Scottish forces raiding along the border had spread like wildfire, forcing the soldiers who had been guarding the abbey to rush off as reinforcements. It was the perfect distraction, the perfect chance for her mother to finally come to her aid and to be reunite.
For those couple of days, she prayed fervently, hoping that the forces would come and rescue her from the abbey. In her dreams, she would often envision the long-awaited reunion with her family. She could vividly hear her father's voice, offering heartfelt gratitude to God, and she could feel the comforting touch of his beard as he kissed her forehead. Her mother, enveloping her in a tight embrace, exuded the familiar scent of her sweet perfume. And then, Edward 's voice would resonate with longing, expressing just how much he had missed her. Lastly, there was Henry, who may not have uttered a word, but his embrace conveyed all the unspoken affection and yearning.
As she tossed the paper into the fireplace, Eleanor couldn't help but think about the additional ladies-in-waiting that had arrived at the abbey five days ago. The usurper had sent four ladies from the Neville family, and Eleanor suspected they were spies sent by the Earl of Warwick. She had a feeling they were listening in on her conversations with her Lancastrian ladies-in-waiting.
Eleanor wasn't surprised by the arrival of the Nevilles, but it still made her blood boil. She had warned her Lancastrian ladies to be cautious and keep their discussions confidential.
What made things even more unbearable is everyone in the abbey has changed their tunes and are pleased with usurper's gifts especially the priest and clergy members. She knows that her ladies are happy as well and have quickly befriend her new ladies in waiting.
While she has been miserable, the Yorkist spies follows her everywhere. She never had anytime to be alone since their arrival. Every time she's forced to put on a fake smile for them, her face stings with the bitterness of it all. As much as it pained her to admit, the one who trained those Yorkist ladies must have been a master because they surpassed even her own ladies.
