banners of gold.

HENRY HASTINGS .AND THE LORD SAID, LET THERE BE LIGHT. SO HE SPARKED A FIRE IN HIS CHEST AND SET THE UNIVERSE ABLAZE. HE LOOKED AT THE COSMOS, RUBBED THE ASH BETWEEN HIS HANDS, AND HOPED THAT HE WOULD NEVER FORGET: THAT HE DIDN’T HAVE TO LOOK FARTHER THAN THE ELEMENTS IN HIS BLOOD TO FIND ALL THE PLANETS. AND ALL THE STARS. THEY WERE BURNED INTO HIS EXISTENCE. BURNED INTO HIS HEART. NEVER ONCE FADING INTO THE DARKNESS. FOREVER BLAZING AMONG HIS DESIRE FOR SURVIVAL.

[ycrkblood]

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[dukehastings]

henry was not entirely ungrateful for the reward of his loyalty but when it came to the late evenings discussing politics in the throne room ( among several unsavoury characters ) gratitude would often dwindle. there were matter that could be left to the morning — or at least that is what ran through his mind when the time grew closer to his son’s bedtime. his wife enjoyed settling thomas to sleep, but equally, he found it right to return to say goodnight every evening. even if it was between meetings or occasions.

this would be the first time ( in some time ) where he did not make it back in time. still, he attempted to do so. the very minute that he was able to be excused, there was no delay in his rush to make it back to their quarters — a short journey compared to most. immediately when he entered their rooms, he began to speak openly without thought, “i know i am terribly late, but you must know it was an incredibly tedious me-” he’d been walking to their bedroom, stopping in his tracks, and his words. little indication told him what was occurring, yet he knew that something was wrong by the quiet. “darling,” his gaze now absorbed in her, “what’s the matter?”

[dukehastings]

DANIEL + HENRY.

“Malaysia has such warm weather, I’m glad for the mild English weather,” Daniel hummed opening his eyes as he turned to the person next to him. “Have you ever traveled?”

“Is it not muggy over there? Hopefully the rain shall hold off for you visit... otherwise it might become a similar climate.” Henry mentioned in a jesting tone, offering a smile to show that it was the case. “I have traveled in Europe, especially when in my younger years. Though is this your first time away from Malaysia?”

[dukehastings]

CATHERINE + HENRY.‌

Finally seeing her children stop, she hurried over, lifting Elizabeth onto her hip and placing one hand on George’s shoulder to ensure he wouldn’t run off again. “Thank you.” She mouthed to the man. “I apologise, they’re usually not as… riotous as this, I just don’t think they’re ready to head back inside just yet.” She explained with a small chuckle. “But yes, we’ll all have a big slice of cake before going to nanny and the tutor, won’t we?” She grinned down at her offspring.

Upon seeing the movement of her lips, Henry offered a genuine smile — almost as if to say that he understood the situation entirely. “No need to apologise, my lady. There is something quite freeing about running down these long corridors, or so I imagine. My son often likes to see how fast his little legs will carry him along them.” He added, slight chuckle passing his lips. “Ah, the nanny and tutor! I can see why freedom looks like the better option, but surely the cake will be a good incentive. Do you need any help to the hall?”

[dukehastings]

EDWARD + HENRY.

Edward didn’t know the last time he allowed himself a day outside the throne room. Wondering the fields and allowing the grass to slip through his fingers he wondered how he allowed himself to go so long to roam free, even for a moment.

Henry had not intended to stay out so long, but his son seemed to be enjoying the long grass that made the palace seem far from reach — and for that reason alone they remained in the outdoors. It was only when he caught a glimpse of his elder cousin that all smiles ceased. The boy had been running around carelessly which resulted in arriving toe-to-toe with Edward, unaware of the connection they shared, due to the bad blood between old lines in the family. Both cousins had never been on good terms ( not that they’d spoken enough for a true judgement ) so upon seeing the other, the Duke placed hand on his son’s shoulder; half protective, though mostly to pull him away. “Forgive me, cousin.” He greeted, “He is still finding his feet, but I assure you that we will not disturb you again.”

[dukehastings]

HOWARD + HENRY.

It was a small section of the library, that staff was allowed to use. So few of them could read it did them little good to have the run of the place. Simple books, translations of the Bible, the latest publications on their crafts was all they needed. He himself had not learned to read as a child, it was a skill crudely learned whilst serving in the wars. Slowly, one book at a time, he was improving. He sat now, towering frame curled into a corner of the castle, off limits to all, used by off-duty guards to escape, to pursue interests they perhaps shouldn’t without others seeing. His concentration was interrupted by the sound of footsteps, someone rounding the corner, no matter how much he had tried to tuck himself away he would not be hidden, he was too noticeable. “You are not supposed to be down here” He called out, wanting to reveal himself before he was discovered, “But then again neither am I. I will not tell, if you don’t” 

There were soft steps on the wood flooring of the palace as Henry made his way towards a secluded area of the library. It was all in the hopes to clear his mind from the chaos that came from within the throne room — or to hide away from his uncle, who was currently pressing him to up his allowance. Only when he turned the corner to see the other did he stop in his path, and quirk a brow. “Am I not?” He questioned, not sure if anywhere was off-limits to him; save certain individuals’ chambers. “Then I suppose it is worth us agreeing to keep this between ourselves.” His sentence was hardly finished before he was slumped in the chair, papers placed on the table in front of him.

[dukehastings]

HELENA + HENRY.

given the gorgeous day, the last thing that helena wanted to do was spend the day inside going over notes for her latest diplomatic duty. her brother had just given her a fresh stack of information about an upcoming dinner at the kendal estate and the event coordinator just so happened to be the young helena lovell. as she made her way outdoors, she noticed that someone had settled in her usual nook. approaching the individual, the woman cleared her throat. “sorry to bother you, but i was just coming out here to do some work…”

English summers could often be fickle, so when the opportunity came about for Henry to do some work outside, he took it. If it had not been for the clearing of her throat then he might have continued to be absorbed in his reading — instead, he was quick to his feet and ready to offer a smile. “No matter... it would seem we have the same idea.” He mentioned, moving some of the papers beside him to the other side. “Surely there is room for us both to work?”

[dukehastings]

CATHERINE + HENRY.

“George! Elizabeth!” Catherine called after her children with a slight chuckle, after spending the morning running around the gardens and the fields surrounding Whitehall, she had decided that it was time to head back inside for some lunch and for George to go back to his tutor for a little while. The children on the other hand were not so keen on this idea and were running in the opposite direction, towards an oncoming figure. “Come on darlings! Don’t disturb other people, why don’t we go get some cake hm?” Was she proud of resorting to bribing her children? No, was it necessary? Absolutely.

Henry spent his morning attending to matters surrounding the family estates. It was something he’d been educated in for the majority of his life, and yet his stress levels would always quickly rise when faced with the task. Still, ( on this particular day ) he could feel a sense of relief as he walked out into the hallway — all issues handled with an afternoon to spare. His sense of direction took him in the way of his son’s tutoring room, but he had not expected the approaching individuals to halt his path. “Cake? Now doesn’t that sound delicious?” He responded, eyes looking over to Catherine as if to motion to her. “I’m sure your mama will not be sparse if you help her.”

[dukehastings]

GEORGE + HENRY.

“Excuse me!” George called out, pausing to grab the item off the floor before jogging to catch up with the other. “Excuse me! Sorry to disturb you, but I think you might have dropped this.” He explained, holding the item out for the other to see. 

“Forgive me, I di-” Henry was about to respond, but ceased his words when laying eyes on the familiar face of the other. “George Alexander, it has been some time. Thank you for retrieving this for me, I’d be lost without it.” He mentioned with a smile, extending his hand out to the other. “How long has it been? Nine, ten years?”

[dukehastings]

have you seen HENRY HASTINGS, the twenty-five year old duke of york. word around court is that they're they’re judicious & altruistic but i’ve also heard them described as vindictive & impetuous. 

*king charles song from horrible histories playing in the background*

Henry is the firstborn child, and only son of the Duke and Duchess of York, with two younger sisters following him.

His family were royalist so growing up he was taught that one day the throne would be restored to England, but whenever that day did come, he would have to fight for his King. It was his father who would often tell him that he would need to put the needs of York and his country first, leading to Henry putting his own feelings aside for others. 

Throughout his childhood, not only was he groomed to be the next Duke of York, but his father ensured that his son was able to fight. There was no secret that the family supported the reinstatement of the monarchy ( with them being forced to pay recompense fees of £446 / nearly facing exile ) and so there was always a fear that a war could be at their doorstep at any point. 

When he was fifteen, he fought in the Battle of Worcester, becoming one of the few royalists that survived. It was then that his family took to safety in Scotland ( after already being in their family home in the North ) and remained there for the next nine years. His father would not give up their family lands. 

It was during this time that he grew closer to the daughter of another royalist family. Although the family shared a common bond, there were some historical issues between their lines, as well as Henry was already betrothed to another — deeming it unwise for him to be affectionate with somebody he could never marry.

Upon Oliver Cromwell’s death, Henry was positive that another war would occur due to the weak hold that Roundheads had on England. If he was going to die in battle then he wanted to be married and to have a child to continue the family line — or at least that was what he told his parents. He’d fallen in love and wanted to affirm it with his marriage to somebody who was not his betrothed. It went against his usually need to please, but he did it rashly without any regret. 

From his marriage, he has fathered a son, who is his pride and joy. He was hesitant at first ( especially when his wife nearly died giving birth ) but now he is very much the doting father. There was recent talk about having more children until an event in the family led them on a different path.

Charles’ being reinstated has led to his family’s return to York ( as well as the English court w/ favour ) although when Henry was called to court, there was attack by the Roundheads on the family estate. His father was still weak from an old wound at the Battle of Worcester, and whilst the attack was unsuccessful in gaining hold, it led to his passing. 

With the death of his father, Henry inherited the titles of York and Inverness, and his son made Baron Killyleagh. There has been some difficulty for him after losing his father — not to mention the sudden weight of responsibility. He can only celebrate that his father’s wishes were achieved, even if part of him still wants vengeance upon anybody associated with the rebels, despite the pardoning of some. 

[victoriasdaily]