The Last York Prince [AU]

Decision, Decision

(Richard and Freja mourn their son. Richard convenes with the lords and his supporters.

PS: the beginning is inspired when Gunnhild from Vikings lost her child

Italics - Swedish)

Freja buried a small silver arm ring that Harald had made for her son. She wept as she covered the arm ring with soil.

"Sleep, my son. Sleep, my dear Richard. You have your beloved aunt and her daughter to care for you. You have your older brothers Teddy, William and Christian and your sister Cecily to watch over you, where you can be safe. You will not suffer anymore. Sleep, my son. When it's time, we shall meet again", Freja sobbed.

"Valhalla awaits you, my nephew", Harald looked up to the sky.

Harald and Christian helped their sister up and headed back to Bedford Manor. Richard was at the back garden, planting chrysanthemums in honour of his son, Richard.

Erik approached Richard after he finished planting. He and Richard embraced, letting Richard briefly cried.

"I'm a failure, brother. I couldn't protect my own family", Richard wiped his tears.

"Freja told me everything. You fought and you can't win all battles", said Erik.

"But I will win this war", said Richard.

"Are you planning your ascension? Took you long enough", Erik chuckled.

"Come with me, tonight, at Greyfriars. I will explain".

The duo headed back in, the same time Freja returned with Harald and Christian. Richard took Freja to her room while her brothers retired to the study to wait for Richard.

Richard helped Freja to unlace her dress, leaving her in her shift. He made sure the bed was comfy to her liking and pulled the blanket up.

"I miss our Richard. I miss Teddy, William, Christian and Cecily", Freja sobbed.

Richard took her hairbrush and gently brushed her hair. Her once fair skin was now pale, her sun like hair looked like wilted sunflowers and her eyes were red from her weeping.

"Sleep now, my love, my beautiful sunflower. Rest, darling. Let me do the thinking".

"I think you should listen to your aunt and Maggie. If you don't, God knows, my love. How many more of our family members will die? Poor Edward Stafford, his family suffer because he was helping Catherine in her hours of need. Where was your brother? With another woman. He couldn't care less that his own wife was suffering a miscarriage. All he cares about is his own pleasure", Freja voiced out as she laid down.

"Do not worry, darling. All in due times. Everything will fall to motion", Richard kissed her hair and let her sleep.

Richard went back to the study, where his brothers-in-law waited for him. They wondered what's in the tiny coffer on Richard's desk.

"What's in there?", asked Erik.

"The very key to claim back what is mine", Richard's fingers glided on the patterns.

"So, tonight?", asked Harald.

"Tonight, at the church. We shall convene".

"Whatever it is, we are with you", said Christian.

THAT NIGHT

Richard and his brothers-in-law entered the church ground through the south gate, from the woodlands. Before heading down to the meeting area, Richard stopped by at his father's tomb. He placed a single white rose and said a quick prayer before meeting up with the rest downstairs.

The three brothers were surprised to see many men and a few women gathered secretly at the church's underground hideout. Richard set the coffer in front of him and looked around.

"Where's my sister Margaret?", Richard asked.

Duke of Albany stepped forward. "She's rallying the men to fight for your cause".

Richard scoffed and nodded. "You do understand what's at stake if any harm comes to my sister or my nephews, right?".

Duke of Albany had seen Richard's wrath. He smiled nervously and bowed.

Margaret of York stepped forward. "Burgundy will give you our support, Your Grace".

"Scotland will give you our support as well", said Albany.

"My men pledged their support to your cause, brother", said Erik.

Then, the door opened and everyone turned while grasping their swords, in fear of being discovered. Richard told them to stand down when he saw Oviedo.

"Oviedo, I wasn't expecting you to agree", said Richard.

"It's not only me", Oviedo smiled and stepped aside for Catherine to walked in.

"Where's Mary?", Richard asked, worried.

"I sent her with Lina to your manor. I know she will be safe there. Henry plans to separate us. He had already arrested Edward!", said Catherine.

Richard stood at his original spot. "My lords..., and ladies, welcome. I apologise for the location, believe me, this is the safest place we can meet".

"We will be glad to fight for your cause, Your Grace", said Sir John Seymour.

"If you know my cause, surely you'll wonder. How a bastard like me could ascend the throne?".

The crowd mumbled, but was silenced when Richard took out a key and unlocked the coffer in front of him. He took out the scroll, holding it close to him.

"On my mother's deathbed, she silently gave me this...", Richard held out the key.

"...Her last words to me were 'Find Cecily', her sister, Lady Welles and so I did. She led me to this coffer, which contained this scroll...", Richard untied the string and rolled it out.

"...This is why I called upon my nephew Reginald Pole, who had finished his studies in Padua. To assure us all that this dispensation is legal and true...".

Reggie stepped forward and bowed before Richard. He took the scroll to examine it.

Reggie raised his head and nodded, confirming the authenticity of the document. The crowds began to argue, with one finger to his lips, Richard silenced the crowd.

"Now that my campaign has a foundation, I will cement my claim by betrothing my son, Henri to Catherine's daughter, Princess Mary. When I win the crown, Princess Mary and my son will be instated as Princess and Prince of Wales. Catherine has agreed to it".

"It's the only way I can secure my daughter to her birthright", said Catherine.

"I cannot let this go on. I do not want all the hard works of previous kings go down in flames, all for the sake of wanting a boy. I know it's hard for Her Grace to let such position go, but I assure you, Catherine, you will be cared for, unlike the last time".

"I will send word to Spain, requesting for aid", said Catherine.

"Only the Welsh Marches hasn't agree to our cause and it looks like we need to move on without them", said Herbert.

"So how do we proceed?", asked Henry Stafford, worried for his father.

Richard smiled and pulled out another scroll. "Here's what I have in mind".