The Last York Prince [AU]

Painful Loss

(A/N: we passed 1000 votes!!! 🥳 this post was meant for tomorrow but I wanna celebrate getting 1000 votes 🎉

Henry in one of his manic moments, which prompts Richard to finally make THE decision)

EARLY 1521

Henry watched from afar. He watched his dear and loyal brother playing with his sons. Healthy sons and daughter running around being chased by their father.

He couldn't count on Catherine to give him sons. Whispers flew in his ears - his brother could one day overthrow him and make himself king.

He could. Richard had the army. He's more popular amongst the people and noblemen. He has two strong sons and his wife was a royal princess. He's a Plantagenet, a claimant to the throne and he has sons while Henry had one girl.

Richard supported Catherine, much to Henry's surprise when he laid out his proposal to annul his marriage to Catherine. Richard pleaded for Henry to come to his senses and told him that this could all bite back, fearing Spain's repercussion.

Catherine watched as Henry stared at Richard and his family. She knew that look. She must do something.

Richard was oblivious, of course. When he's with Freja, their children, Henri, Astrid Katheryn and Ragnar and their wards, all problems seemed to have disappeared and only happiness remained.

Catherine laid out her concerns for Richard. She fears what Henry might do to him and the little ones. She looked at them and cried, wondering what fates would befall them if Henry decides to punish them.

Many of his kinsmen died for Tudor to sit on that throne. Edward Stafford was recently on the list, for his close friendship with Catherine, and Richard's fear now has grown into a considerable amount after what Catherine had said.

Richard grew restless, but he was clever to hide it from Henry. Henry, however, plotted on what's the best way to break his brother.

Richard informed his closest confidants. Robyn made the suggestions to send the children first, then Freja to Burgundy, which Drew and Sarah wholeheartedly agreed.

"I have a bad feeling. I do not know what Henry is thinking lately", said Richard.

"Forgive me for overstepping, Rich, but your brother is not well. See what happens to those who opposed him? I do not want you to be next", Drew spoke.

"My brother is right. If you die, we all shall perish and that includes your wife and the children", said Sarah.

"Drew, Sarah, in three days, you two shall bring the children and Celia to my aunt. She will keep them safe. I will send Robyn with Freja after two days. Speak this to no one", said Richard.

Richard said goodbyes to his children, who silently left court early morning. Freja waved them goodbye, tearfully.

"We'll see them again, darling. Do not worry", Richard kissed her temple.

Freja placed his hand on her belly, silently telling the news. "I'm worried, always. I'm worried if this one is a boy and I fear the king's retribution".

"He cannot harm you, my love" (*insert John Cena's "Are you sure about that?" meme).

"The way he looks at us? Those people that whisper in his ears? I do not want your head to rot on a spike nor any of our children".

"He won't. If he does, he will pay for it. I swear it, my love. Your brothers are on their way here. If anything shall happen to me, they will take you back to Stockholm".