The Last York Prince [AU]

Children

(Arthur journeys to Ludlow with his newly wedded wife and part ways with Richard)

EARLY 1502

The soon to be 17 year old (come August) Richard carried his one year old son, Teddy as he made sure all that Arthur needed for his journey back to Ludlow were more that suffice. Teddy squirmed to be put down and Richard asked Sarah to watch over his son.

While Sarah and Teddy chased around, Maggie joined Richard. "Are you sure you do not wish to come?".

"I think it's time he learns to govern without me. I think it's time for him to learn to trust his instincts".

"More like people playing him as a puppet".

"You will not let that happen, dearest Maggie", Richard smiled.

"I know you probably hear this too often, but you remind me of your father. I miss my family, Richard. I want things to be the way it used to be", Maggie whispered.

"You may hope, Maggie. One day, everything will be back to normal".

"William often told me to stop rebelling against Tudor and yet, here you are, giving me hope", Maggie chuckled.

"I will not be a usurper, Maggie. I have something in mind..., I'm just bidding time. Besides, I've already won Arthur's affection", Richard smirked.

"Bidding time? How long, Richard? They've already made an attempt on your son. How long?", Richard didn't say anything to Maggie about the poisoned cloths he received.

Before Richard could respond, Lina arrived to handed Richard an inventory list of Catherine's belongings. "Thank you, Your Grace. It is sad that you do not join us to Ludlow", she said.

"I'll make trips there, Lina, do not worry. I have estates to manage, duties to perform and I have a family now. My cousin Maggie and Sir Richard Pole will take over on my behalf. All I ask, is for you to look after them as well", Richard smiled.

"You need not to tell me that, Your Grace", Lina gave a curtsy bow before leaving.

"You trust them?", Maggie asked once Lina left.

"To be seen. I do not know them that well".

"If they can't?".

"Well, we can manage", Richard bowed to her and went off to chase his son.

Maggie went to visit Freja, who was sowing Teddy's new clothes and caps with Hilda. Maggie sat by Freja, who set aside her workings for a moment.

"How are you?", Maggie asked.

"I am well, thank you", Freja smiled, but only for a fleeting moment.

"What troubles you then?".

"I'm afraid that my next child will be a long time coming. I do not want to disappoint Richard, Maggie", Freja looked down to her hand, twiddling with her ring that Richard had gave on the day they got married.

Maggie sighed and tucked a loose strand behind Freja's ear. "Richard is..., quite odd, to say it so subtly. He loves you, Freja, so very much and he doesn't seem to mind if the next one is a long time coming. Teddy is only one year old. I'm sure Richard understands".

"People talk, that's why", Hilda chimed in.

"They said the queen, a Plantagenet can give birth to many babies, just like her mother. I want to do the same, but...", Freja sighed.

"Hush now, do not compare yourself to others. What matters is that Richard loves you. Everyone sees it, Freja".

"Even people talk behind his back, saying how unnatural it is when he refused to take a mistress when I was great with child!".

Maggie chuckled. "Richard had seen enough. He is like his father, a chivalrous knight. He would never dishonour you. He rather die than doing so".

"Oh, Maggie, what if I can't give him more children? I'm so frightened", Freja wiped her tears.

Maggie hugged her. "Richard doesn't care all those. He prefers to have you with him, with or without children. It's a privilege for him to be able to wed you and have children, so cherish it".

Richard walked in, with Sarah holding Teddy. He frowned to see Freja sobbing in Maggie's arms.

"Is something wrong?", Richard asked.

Maggie asked Sarah and Hilda to come with her, to let them speak alone. Sarah set Teddy in his crib before leaving the room.

"I'm sorry I'm not with child yet", Freja confessed.

Richard sat next to Freja, chuckling. "You just gave birth, a year ago! I can't force you to push a baby out every year".

"People talk".

"And they will talk because one, it is their nature; two, they are nosy and three, they have nothing better to do", Richard caressed her blushed cheek.

"Are you not mad?".

"Why would I be? Teddy gets to spend time more with us before becoming an older brother. You will have more time to recover. We're not in some fight or race to see who can have more babies in a year".

"You are an odd man, my love".

"And you, ma cherie, are stuck with me till death do us part", Richard smiled.

They were about to kiss when Teddy flung one of his toys towards his parents, but it fell to the floor instead. Teddy was already sulking and about to cry.

"I forgot to mention he was hungry", Richard tried his best to look innocent.

Freja's sorrow turned to laughter, shaking her head as she got up to pick her son up. Settling back on the bed, she unlaced her front bodice and fed her son.

Richard kissed Freja as Teddy held onto one of his fingers. "Do not fret, my sun. My dearest sunflower, I will love you for all eternity. No one can have my heart; it is yours forever".

THE NEXT DAY

Arthur hugged Teddy before his siblings. He said goodbye to his parents and to Freja.

"Take care of my brother. Don't let him do stupid things", Arthur chuckled.

"Excuse you", Richard mumbled under his smirk as he shook his head.

"Take care, Your Grace. Take care of one another", Freja grasped both of Arthur and Catherine's hands.

"And you as well, Freja", Catherine hugged her.

Arthur hugged Richard the longest. "I wish you would come".

"I will see you, brother. Do not worry", Richard kissed his forehead.

Arthur took Catherine by the hand and together, they journeyed to Ludlow to begin their new life.

Henry and Richard stood side by side as they watched the carriages left London. Most had returned back to court, except them and some guards.

"I'd like to speak to you about your son", said Henry.

"What about him?".

"I would like to recommend a list of tutors for when he will breach his nursing from his mother", Henry handed a piece of paper.

"I will educate my son and I will choose who will tutor him".

"I know about the attack. Your mother told me".

"Which is why I prefer to keep him close to me".

"Have you come to a conclusion as to who had done it?".

"...Not yet...".

"I can offer assistance should you require it".

That gave Richard some ideas. "I am grateful for your help, Your Grace".

"I've informed Lord Stafford. If you need any help, do not hesitate to inform him".

Richard bowed as Henry left to return back. Richard stood there, slowly smirking.