Introduction:
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Jerome had sent another advisor, this time Charles More, Lord Chancellor of Parliament, begging me to plead guilty.
“Lord More, I will not plead guilty for I am not guilty of the charges my husband accuses me of!”
“My dear Lady Frances,” Charles said for the fifth time in a row. “His Majesty, The King, will order your death much quicker if you agree that you are accountable for several acts of adultery.”
“I am Queen of this country! You should be bowing down to me, referring to me as Her Majesty, Queen Frances! Philippa Neville does not deserve my title! She is a filthy, sultry mistress!”
“Lady Frances, before your marriage to His Majesty, you were his mistress and mistress to many others. Your borne seven bastard children! If being a mistress makes a woman unfit for the title of queen, then you too were also not worthy for the position.”
I didn’t know how to argue with that. When he spoke of my seven children I had taken to court with me before my marriage to Jerome, I felt like I would burst into tears. Who would watch over my children when I was gone? Not my brother, for he was to die with me. Not my sister, she was not speaking to me. Not my parents, they had been shunning me since my downfall. I had no one to give my seven greatest treasures to and that made me weep.
“Good Sir,” I whispered between the tears, “I will plead guilty if you release the men you accuse with me,”
“I’m sorry Lady Frances, but His Majesty has a warrant for their arrests. I cannot let them free without the permission of The King.”
I wiped my eyes. “Will you at least let my bastard children into the custody of The Baroness, Susanna Chamberlain?”
“The King must approve, as right now he is their guardian.” Charles More replied emoitionlessly.
“Then I shall beseech my innocence,” I responded without hesitation.
Charles More shook his head as he turned to depart. “Well, it shall do no good. Good day, Lady Frances,”
And once he was gone, I could no longer help it. I wept openly, letting the tears flow freely.
Author's Note: Hey everyone! I hope you liked this prelude! This takes place in a fictional country I refer to as New England Isle. I find it much easier than writing about real people. Tell me what you think and if I should write more.
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