The Last York Prince [AU]

The Plan

(Richard's plan is set to motion with a tiny trick in the end)

Londoners, in the wee hours of the morning, all came out. They were armed with whatever they have, pulling down the Tudor Rose flag and hung the Gloucester's heraldic badge - the white boar and crown.

The Londoners, in addition to some of Gloucester's men, all over the city took down the soldiers patrolling, but heeding the advice of their lord to not shed any blood. This proved to work when one soldier escaped and went to report it.

MEANWHILE

Richard rested his head on his father's tomb that he recently improved. He had been there since last night, praying for today's outcome.

"Father, I pray that you would be by my side today. I know this is not what lady mother would've wanted, but I cannot let this country go down that path. I'm afraid. How many more people must die for his selfish needs?", Richard sobbed at the end.

He had loved Henry, ever since the day they met. Henry..., no, Harry was innocent. God knows the power he held had corrupted himself and that those around him had done much worse.

"Richard?", Margaret of York called out to him.

She walked to him and placed her hand on top of the roses that Richard had placed earlier. She kissed the tomb, shedding tears as she missed her dear brother.

"We are Yorks, Richard", she sobbed a little.

"We do not quake in fear, lady aunt. We do not".

"You're doing the right thing, nephew. What your brother is doing, who knows where it could've led. Do those people really deserve to die? I know you want to make the right decision".

Richard's mind raced back to Edward Stafford. Will he make there in time? He chuckled. His father had executed Stafford's father and yet, today, he will rescue the son..., if he makes it back on time.

Richard stood tall. He was fortunate to be born healthy and without any health complications like his father. He wore his father's armour, now painted black and gold and kissed The Book of Hours before handing it over to his aunt for safe keeping.

Richard rode to the meeting point. He descended his horse and took deep breath before addressing the men who will fight for him today. His remaining closest friends - Drew, Robyn and Herbert, and his three brothers-in-law stood near him.

"Men, today..., today is the day I take back what's mine. I do not..., I do not wish to be a usurper, but I do not want what the king is doing to our country. He is treading onto dangerous paths with dangerous men whispering in his ears. All of his faithful servants, peers of the country were executed by those who wished to rule England through him. We will not let that happen!".

The men raised their swords, shields, spears and other weapons high and cheered. They chanted his name - long live King Richard!

"Shed as little blood as possible, if you can. I do not wish anymore death on our land. May God bless us on our mission. Move out!", Richard moved back to his horse and headed to the point he needed to be.

Richard stood at the top of a hill, where he could see London. Drew, Robyn and the Svensson brothers approached Richard.

"Are you ready?", asked Erik.

Richard sighed. He knew it's either this or God knows what else his brother might do next. He turned to his in-laws and two trusted friends.

"I'm ready. Let's do this. Sound the horn".