Elizabeth Mortimer, called Kate Percy (
tiltingwithlips) wrote2012-11-19 07:04 pm
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[werewolf AU] A long night
King Henry is ill, most likely dying, and the kingdom has known so for some time. For now, at least, the English are thinking more about succession than about rebellions, past or future.
The palace in London is still and quiet tonight. The air is heavy with tension, thick with the smell of worry.
The palace in London is still and quiet tonight. The air is heavy with tension, thick with the smell of worry.
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He glances at Harry, marking again how much of his stance he ascribes to this bite: the stiffness, the hostile stillness. "I have come alone," he says, and closes the space between them, palms raised. "Confirm it thyself if thou wilt."
Harry looks to Kate, then glowers at Hal. He has naught to say to him; better to be sure of him. He stalks away.
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"I am glad to see so, lord."
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"Can such things be, lord? There is many a hurt given our families by yours."
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"Even so, sir, I confess it."
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"They will make me king in the morning, my lady. They will lay the ropes of office 'round my shoulders, and crown me some days after."
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She's watching him closely, now.
"It is not impossible to wait the night in one's chambers, though I grant you 'tis unpleasant."
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He hugs his elbows. "And you? Open fields for the Percys come moonrise?"
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"My help, you will have," she says at last. "And, I pray, my trust you will earn. and I pray I shall deserve yours."
Given that he came here alone, after all, it would seem they have some measure of his trust already.
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Harry makes no answer. He glares past Hal's shoulder at Kate.
Hal thins his lips. "My father offered thee a royal pardon, Harry. Your uncle Worcester paid the price for misrepresenting him."
Still Harry says nothing.
Hal sighs. "I'd not revoke that pardon, for all the battle took place."
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"Harry? My lord."
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Hal bows his head. "I have a little honor, sir, and more than I confess I've shown. Yet let me prove myself." He turns back to Kate. "Lady Percy, on the battlefield, I had some words for thee, if memory serves us both."
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Harry scoffs. "And we're to be grateful that you said nothing?"
Hal watches Kate. "For years, I have said nothing. By my life, I'll not do otherwise now."
Harry shakes his head and looks away.
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"I do thank you for your forbearance, but I can take little comfort in it. If you had found it out before, who else might have?"
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"My word on the matter shall be final wheresoever I am king. I pray you, I have no other recourse: the pair of you are the only souls in England who know of my condition."
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"My father," he says at last. "And my lands."
"Preserved and pardoned, for all their sins," says Hal quickly.
"That is between us," says Harry. He sets his jaw. "Edmund Mortimer."
Hal sucks in a breath. "Back to Lord Mortimer again," he says quietly. "He wed the daughter of our affirmed enemy."
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