The Jewels of Warwick Read online

  THE JEWELS OF WARWICK

  Book Three of The Yorkist Saga

  Diana Rubino

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  SUMMARY

  REVIEWS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  COPYRIGHT

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  CHAPTER FORTY

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  BIBLIOGRAPHY

  MORE TITLES BY AUTHOR

  THE JEWELS OF WARWICK

  Book Three of The Yorkist Saga

  Diana Rubino

  SUMMARY

  The saga of the Yorkist royal family, first seen in Destiny Lies Waiting and Thy Name is Love, continues in the glittering world of Tudor power politics. The "Jewels" are two sisters, Topaz and Amethyst Plantagenet, both driven by strong passions, and most dangerously of all, descendants of Richard III, who lost his life and kingdom to Henry Tudor, Henry VII, the future father of Henry VIII.

  Topaz always felt she was the rightful queen, and would have been, had her father been declared Richard's heir and the crown not been usurped by the Tudors. Her whole life begins to center around her obsession to win her crown of destiny, no matter what the cost.

  Amethyst too is lured by the court through her love of music, caught in a glitter spider's web of intrigue in which one wrong word can mean death, and Henry VIII's displeasure even more of a torment than his love…

  As the Jewels of Warwick struggle to come to terms with their family's grim legacy, Topaz and Amethyst discover that life, love and destiny hold many temptations, and many strange twists of fate... "So you have not become betrothed since we last met?" the King asked suddenly.

  Amethyst didn't want to change the subject; she would rather have talked about music all evening. But of course, this was part of his imposing job also; to secure the marriageability of the kingdom's young maidens.

  "Nay, Your Majesty," she answered frankly. "Several gentlemen have courted me, but none have yet sparked my..." She struggled to find an appropriate word.

  "Passion?" he suggested silkily.

  Her eyes rounded. "Heavens, no! I was alluding more to...interest, Your Majesty. Passion I've yet to encounter."

  "Perhaps here at court, then, you will find a suitable parti. I assure you, there are many young gentlemen worthy of your rank and...interest, as you say."

  "I doubt it not, Your Majesty." But how could she even look in the direction of a mere earl or duke when in the presence of the handsomest and most vibrant man she'd ever met, who loved music even more than she, who just happened to be king?

  "Do you care to continue our musical interlude during your visit to court?"

  "Aye, Your Majesty, there is nothing I would like better!" she said with naïve honesty.

  He gazed down at her for a time as if trying to make up his mind about something of the gravest import. At last he broke the silence. "Very well, then, meet me in my receiving chamber following Vespers tomorrow. It is where my attendants meet to pass the time, and from there we shall find a quiet, private corner in order to play music together. I trust that suits you, Lady Amethyst."

  "Aye, it sounds grand." Making music with the King again—she believed something like this happened only once in a lifetime, not twice! "I shall be there, Your Majesty." She curtseyed.

  "Very well, I shall see you then."

  Then she remembered. "Oh, but my lute has not yet arrived with my baggage, your grace."

  "Never you mind, Lady Amethyst," the King replied, touching her cheek with his fingertips ever so gently. She shivered at the unexpected meeting of their flesh. "All the necessary instruments will be provided."

  REVIEWS

  "Anyone who enjoys The Tudors will love The Jewels of Warwick and The Crown of Destiny, featuring the further adventures, loves and passions of Henry VIII, his wives, mistresses and enemies. Civil war threatens as rivals plot to remove Henry VIII from the throne and end the Tudor dynasty before it ever has a chance to flourish. Topaz Plantagenet aspires to be the first Queen of England, a Yorkist queen, determined to right the wrongs done to Richard III and the rest of her family. While many seek to claim the throne, Amethyst, her sister, finds herself unexpectedly claiming the King's attention–and heart. Suspenseful, clever, sensual, I can hardly wait for the next book in the series."

  — Evelyn Trimborn, Italian Interlude, Harlequin Hearts

  "History makes its mark on the Earl of Warwick's daughters, but they make a mark on history by becoming an integral part of Henry VIII's life. Following their imprisonment and their father's execution, Topaz, Amethyst and Emerald Plantagenet follow their unique destinies as the Yorkist Saga continues in this third book in The Yorkist Saga.

  "Driven by unquenchable hatred, Topaz plots to dethrone Henry, the man she feels has usurped the throne that should have been hers. Though she marries a kind and gentle man, she never gives up her obsession. Eventually, she leads an ill-fated rebellion and a conspiracy against Henry.

  "Totally unlike Topaz, Amethyst is fascinated with the young king and eventually gains a place in his court as part of the King's Musick. Her beauty catches Henry's eye and she becomes his mistress long before Anne Boleyn comes to court. She remains his steadfast friend and confidante through all his marriages. But while Amethyst's love for the king is powerful, it's not as potent as her love for the one man absolutely forbidden to her.

  "The Jewels of Warwick is a detailed portrait of Henry VIII's reign as seen through the eyes, ears and emotions of three remarkable women. Though fictitious characters, the Jewels' experiences are probable, enabling Ms. Rubino free reign with history. The Jewels of Warwick, Book Three of The Yorkist Saga, presents interesting theories and some different pictures of Tudor England that Anglophiles will find intriguing."

  — Romantic Times

  "Another triumph. The story first started in Destiny Lies Waiting and Thy Name is Love continues in this suspenseful third volume. Excellent characterization, superb research, this is historical fiction at its best."

  — Sorcha MacMurrough, author of the Tudor romances The Sea of Love, The Faithful Heart

  "I enjoyed this one as much as the first two books in The Yorkist Saga, and that is saying something. Intrigue, mystery, and an array of fascinating characters who jump off the page at the reader, this is one novel sure to please all fans of the historical novel, and anyone interested in the Wars of the Roses and the early Tudor period."

  — Jacinta Carey, author
of The Starbuck Saga

  "Diana Rubino presents the court of Henry VIII in an informative and interesting way and mixes the actual and fictional characters very smoothly. A book you'll want to read more than once."

  — Doris Love, Romantic Times Reader Review

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Having lived in England for several years, I devoted much time to researching my novels. My membership in the Richard III Society, with access to its library and the invaluable assistance of its Research Officer, has given me an additional wealth of material.

  My publication credits include stories in Espionage and Fiction Writers Monthly, among other periodicals. I also served as Editor/Staff Writer of a Washington D.C. trade association in the late 1980s. I am a current member of Romance Writers of America.

  At the time I wrote this novel, back in the 1990s, I never could have imagined a television series like The Tudors. I hope readers will keep this in mind as they read this novel, rather than compare the two and find my interpretation of "historical events" lacking in some way.

  Also keep in mind that the show is not strictly historically accurate either (including the delicious but totally physically incorrect casting of Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a petite, dark-haired and very buff Henry), but certainly makes for great drama.

  Enjoy!

  THE JEWELS OF WARWICK

  Diana Rubino

  HerStory Books

  DEDICATION

  TO JANET

  Copyright the author 1999

  Second Edition 2011

  Third Edition 2012

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information and storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  Under the 1988 UK copyright laws, the author asserts the right to be identified as the creator of this work.

  Published by HerStory Books

  New York, New York

  http://HerStoryBooks.com

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  Happy Reading!

  PROLOGUE

  The Tower of London, 1499

  Sabine shivered violently. The dampness chilled her bones through the threadbare shawl. Clasping her daughter's tiny hand, she climbed the winding stone steps of the Bell Tower. Weak light spilled from arrow slits cut into the wall.

  When they finally reached the top, they huddled within an alcove. Sabine warmed Topaz's fingers with ragged breaths.

  The slam of a door crashed and echoed like thunder. They jumped, startled.

  The scraping of chains over the floor grew closer. Two burly guards emerged from the shadows, dragging a prisoner. Bleeding from his mouth, he whimpered in pain.

  He stumbled and fell to his knees, inches from Sabine's feet. Their eyes locked and she froze in terror. Her mouth tried to form words that just would not come.

  He shook his head briefly as if to warn her away. She hid Topaz behind her skirts as she choked off her own protests, sobs.

  The guards violently jerked Edward Plantagent, the young Earl of Warwick, back to his feet and shoved him forward. Their swords clinked against their belt buckles, their keys swung from metal rings. They yanked their prisoner toward the stairs, oblivious to the woman's wide-eyed horror. Watching him suffering like this tore at her heart, rendering her speechless with grief.

  But her daughter was not so silent. "Papa!" she shrieked, and bolted after the bruised, bleeding young man.

  "No, Topaz!" Sabine clutched her daughter's arm. "Stay back!"

  "Where are they taking Papa?" Her cries echoed off the stone walls. The torches in their sconces pulsated in unison with her demand.

  "I know not, little one. I know not."

  But Sabine did know. This was the day she had dreaded most. Her beloved Edward, imprisoned in this foul, stinking prison by the cruel King Henry, was going to die.

  Her mind spun her back through the years: their passionate courtship, their blessed marriage, God's gift of their two precious children and their joy at the expectation of the impending third arrival.

  As the dark maw of the stairwell finally swallowed her husband, Sabine grasped her rounded belly and slid to the floor, overcome by her heart-rending sobs.

  Seeing her mother like this, Topaz began to weep, too. Something was horribly wrong. She couldn't fully understand what. All she knew was that her mother's sobs and the look on her father's face as he had been led away would haunt her for the rest of her days.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Marchington Manor, Buckinghamshire, 1509

  "Prince Hal and Princess Catherine's coronation is in two weeks, on Midsummer's Day," Lady Margaret Pole announced to her nieces, Topaz, Amethyst, and Emerald, as they sat in the solar tuning their lutes for a musicale. "You girls should attend. 'Tis a once-in-a-lifetime event."

  Topaz looked up, knowing her aunt had emphasized that last sentence for her benefit. She stared the plump matron squarely in the eye. "Aunt Margaret, how can you expect any of us to attend that travesty of a ceremony? After all we have been through!"

  Tears stung her eyes at the memories of her childhood in the stark and haunted Tower, where she had seen her father dragged away in chains to his execution. A stab of grief pierced Topaz's heart as she remembered hearing of his death the next day. She'd collapsed on the floor, writhing under the plunging dagger of shock. Her Papa was gone, and for what cause?

  "Why" asked Topaz. "Why did King Henry have to kill Papa? He wouldn't have tried to take the throne away. All he wanted to do was play his lute and sing."

  "Simply because he was his father's son. No other reason."

  Topaz knew Margaret was trying to appease the young girls with this simple explanation, to protect them from the evil thoughts that threatened their innocent minds. Topaz had spent hours searching through worn and brittle books, studying the previous descents of the Crown, trying to justify it all, despite the injustices that scarred their heritage.

  "Your father was a gentle, harmless soul. The King was simply afraid..."

  Margaret hesitated, her words trailing off as she fingered her brooch.

  "That was a bad choice of words, Aunt Margaret. The King—afraid?" Topaz laughed mockingly. At fourteen, she was the most outspoken of the family, but heedless of the warnings always given her.

  "Not in that way... Your father was a threat to the throne, to Henry's kingship. He never did anything wrong. But Henry was the King, and a king can do whatever he pleases."

  "A cruel twist of fate, was it not, Aunt Margaret?" asked twelve-year-old Amethyst. "Henry killed King Richard. Had Richard won that final battle, then Topaz would now be queen. But God did not decree it so. So here we all are."

  "How can you just sit and accept all this!" Topaz blazed. "It should have been our father! The throne was his birthright! That Taffy pretender had no business taking it! He was a usurper, as is his son, and Hal will never be my king!" Topaz's hazel eyes filled with fire and her budding breasts heaved under her tight bodice.

  "No, no, Topaz," Margaret scolded her oldest niece. "It matters not what you believe. It happened the way it happened, and Prince Hal is to become King Henry the Eighth next week. And we're all going to join in the festivities."

  "Well, I shall not go!" Topaz rose, stamping her foot. Twirling round, she stepped inside the empty hearth arching just above of her head. "How can you, Aunt Margaret!" she cried into the gaping space.

  Her voice rebo
unded through the solar, and no doubt right up the chimney. "How can you celebrate the crowning of a king whose father killed your own brother! I want no part of this undeserving pretender. I hate Prince Hal and his dead father! I hate all the Tudors! It should have been me!" She pounded the wall with clenched fists. "I should be queen! Taffy Harry should have been bludgeoned and Father crowned king, even after Richard was killed! Tudor has no place here! It just isn't fair!"

  She fled the chamber in a whoosh of satin, her copper hair flying out behind her.

  Amethyst started to go after her, but Margaret grabbed her by the sleeve. "Let her go. There is naught you can do when she flies into one of her rages," she said.