James Lancaster was many things, some called him arrogant, others called delusional and there was those who though him nothing more than a bastard, all of them were true to some extent or another. However there was one thing that James was not and that was heartless, no, there were many things which could be said about the exiled Prince, but being heartless was certainly not one of them, especially when it came to children. When the news arrived from Seabel about Princess Elizabeth’s untimely death, he had been genuinely remorseful, not because he believed he was at fault for the child’s death by all accounts she had died of the sweating sickness, quite a common cause for all children’s deaths in the realm. However he did feel remorseful for wishing them harm in his darkest days, a time not so long ago when it felt everyone in the entire world was against him and he had stooped so low as to pray for the death of all the Rayleigh’s, the two small girls included, wishing for the end of Charles and Harriet was one thing, but to wish the deaths of two innocent little girls was utterly incomprehensible and only now could he see this.
Technically Elizabeth was his niece, Cecily too, they were of Eleanor’s blood and had the circumstances been different he could have perhaps loved them as such, however things were how they were, they were Rayleigh’s, Charles’ flesh and blood more so than Eleanor’s and for that reason he could not allow himself to feel much for them, at least not in public. That had been the main reason James had almost seemed impassive when he received the news during a council meeting a few weeks going, his advisors and supporters could not see him pitying the Rayleigh’s, any of them, even the children, they would see it as a weakness and weakness was crippling these days.
“How plans developing with the Emerald Isles?” James asked suddenly, stopping the Lord who had been in the middle of speaking about some irrelevant nonsense once again. As expected the man, a certain Lord McGuire had seemed startled if not a little annoyed at James’ interruption, although this did not fail the Prince, “Well my Lord?” he pressed his fingers drumming lightly on the arm of his chair.
McGuire cleared his throat as Henry looked towards his brother with a disapproving glance, then again no amount of glances or quiet words could sway his brother stubbornness and downright rudeness at times, James had a Kings mentality but without the official titles and he would have to sooner rather than later that his men may still defect against him, he was not King yet. “Well, your grace…preparations are good, although we have heard that the Rayleigh’s have sent their own ambassadors to King Kaven’s court, it is not unlikely that they will do what they can to push Charles’ younger sister Margaret towards the Prince.”
James merely nodded, absorbing the news, although his reaction was not one people had suspected. There was neither temper nor flare, just simply acceptation of the news, “well that was to be expected. However I don’t feel we have anything to worry about, I remember this Margaret Rayleigh and she was nothing compared to our Sara.” He spoke confidently, his faith in Sara’s appeal unwavering, it was no secret that the youngest Lancaster was a beautiful woman, the perfect woman in most respects and to James the pair were already as good as married. By all accounts Prince Lewis had been infatuated with his sister and this had only instilled James’ confidence with the alliance. “How is there any other news?”
“Actually you grace…” Lord Belmont rose from his seat, a letter clutched within his grasp, “I have some news from my nephew in the Rayleigh’s court, it would appear that the Princess Elizabeth has died of the Sweating Sickness.” The news stunned the men sat around the table and James himself was knocked back by the news, his hawk like emerald eyes took in people’s different reactions, some looked almost rejoiced and others made a quick cross upon their chest out of respect for the young girl. James himself did what he could to seem impassive, he nodded releasing a heavy sigh as he contemplated what to do with information, “This news must not leave this room and by no means must this be repeated to the Queen, I do not wish to cause her any distress in her current situation.” The Lords agreed most nodding and mumbling under their breaths, but all ultimately decided it would be best not to distress James wife at the risk of another miscarriage.
That had been weeks ago and still James had to find away to tell Eleanor that her niece had died, it was something that he thought about daily; on one hand he wanted to tell his wife, she deserved to know but a part of him feared what the grief would bring, could it bring about another miscarriage? Eleanor was so far along he had hoped that they were past most dangers, but the threat constantly remained and that scared James more than anything. As he walked along the corridor towards his wife’s chambers the thought remained heavily at the forefront of his mind, although all thought were cleared suddenly at the sound of a high pitched scream resounding down the halls.
Eye’s wide with fright as James recognised his wife’s high pitched tones; his legs seemed to react before his mind and he took off running towards the direction of the scream. “Eleanor!” He screamed, tearing open the door to her dining room, freezing at the sight of his wife upon the floor, “Eleanor!” he roared once again, rushing to her side, dropping to his knees at her side and gathering her into his arms, “Go get the physician now!” he ordered a still startled Jonathan. “It’s okay my love, I am here” he soothed rising to his feet once again and rushed towards the door which lead into her bed chambers, placing her upon the bed immediately, his hand grasping hers, “Come on love, you’ll be okay!” James spoke hastily, unsure whether the words were more for his benefit and reassurance than Ellie’s.