[werewolf AU] A long night

[tiltingwithlips]

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.

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[valiantrebel]

"And my lord of Northumberland?"

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."

[tiltingwithlips]

Kate's eyebrows go up.

"Harry? My lord."

[valiantrebel]

"I like it not," he says shortly. "And I've little enough to offer thee. It is my lady wife has the most to teach thee, as I've not seen any inclination to learn what becomes a king."

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."

[tiltingwithlips]

Dry: "A very few."

[valiantrebel]

"Did you not wonder how it was I recognized you?"

[tiltingwithlips]

". . . Not then," she says, warily, "for there were other matters on my mind."

[valiantrebel]

"My lady, your father's house is not unfamiliar to me. I heard rumors when we were children."

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.

[tiltingwithlips]

Kate's cheeks might pale a little, in spite of the reassurance.

"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?"

[valiantrebel]

Hal does not think that others will have had his sources, but he lets that be.

"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."

[tiltingwithlips]

She glances again to Harry. She may give her word again to help -- but she would rather have her husband with her in this.

[valiantrebel]

Harry's thumb moves in circuits over the pommel of his sword. He can see his silence unnerves the prince. His own insides roil, but perhaps he has learned a little calm since he was bitten: his brain is not the buzzing, enraged hive he suffered the last time he was at court.

"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."

[tiltingwithlips]

"And so may be your best chance to make peace with the Welsh!"

[valiantrebel]

"Peace with the Welsh, after hundreds of years?" Hal crosses his arms.

Harry shakes his head. "My care is for my wife's brother. Your father pardoned all others who fought with me."

Hal looks to Kate. "I cannot say how quietly it may be done. If we must pardon all rebels, I must have Lord Percy at my side to make it known."

[tiltingwithlips]

"If it is in my power to see that done, I will."

[valiantrebel]

Harry starts. "Shall I pawn my honor in hopes of his good rule?"

Hal laughs softly. "Ah, gallant Hotspur, how my father wished you had been his son, to always be nothing but what you are. Give ear to me: my wayward years were not so idly passed as you think. I am still a king son -- even such a king as you thought my father. It does not mean nothing. Come to the coronation and affirm my transformation all the more."

Harry shifts on his feet. "The other pardons first. I'd see them in writing, with your seal, before we meet tomorrow."

"Good cousin, it is done." Hal turns to Kate. "Lady Percy, I look to you for the evening's revels. How shall we gather and when?"

(Harry is also looking to Kate, with we'll discuss this later radiating off every foot of him.)

[tiltingwithlips]

Kate, for her part, is trying to ignore Harry's looks.

"I do not know the palace as well as you, my lord, but I warrant there is a back door to the streets somewhere." She takes a deep breath. "Are there any here that you have trusted with this secret, sire? It will go much the easier if you've an ally with hands to help you home in the morning."

[valiantrebel]

"My brother John is much accustomed to aiding me in and out; he's as stout as you think me aimless." He takes a breath. "The crypt will be quiet: my father will lie in state here tomorrow. I will meet you at that door, already... as we will be."

[tiltingwithlips]

She raises her eyebrows. "If it please you. I warrant I need not tell you that you will be better served to be there before moonrise. A wolf may not draw notice in the streets, but in these halls . . ."

[valiantrebel]

"Trust that I know that much, Lady Percy."

"If we are concluded," Harry interjects.

"A question, if I may." Hal looks back to Kate. "Will it always hurt so much? Is there anything that will alleviate the change?"

[tiltingwithlips]

"Only time." She meets his eyes. "But it will ease. And eat well before the moon rises."

[valiantrebel]

He nods. "If that is the truth, I will take it to heart. I thank you both again." For a moment, he seems ready to offer his hand, but Harry's glare fends him off, and he is left to worry his palm.

"The court thinks me here alone and in prayer, but I cannot delay long. There is a door through that confessional. It will lead away into the archives, and from there out to the yard. Where might I send the record of these pardons?" he continues, as Harry opens his mouth.

[tiltingwithlips]

Kate glances at Harry.

"Let it be Alnwick. They will be gladdest to receive them."

[valiantrebel]

"Very well. The rest of the country will have seen you at Westminster by the time it reaches them."

"Let us not be too hasty," says Harry. He nods to Hal. "Until tomorrow, then."

[tiltingwithlips]

Kate -- hesitates.


"Sire," quietly, "I pray your father has found peace."

[valiantrebel]

Hal straightens.

"My thanks, Lady Percy. I have hope that I gave him cause."

He glances at Harry, who still has his hand on his sword. Harry's mouth twists down, but he does dip his head and murmur "God rest him."