The Last York Prince [AU]

Brewing

(Christian taught Sarah something, which led to Robyn being jealous. Richard celebrates his son and niece's first birthdays and something bad nearly happened)

LATE 1501,
MIDDLEHAM CASTLE:

Richard and Christian piled up the presents that came from Stockholm and from Richard's supporters. Sarah was already up and about, making a cake for everyone.

Arthur and Catherine has sent theirs from Ludlow, as well as Lizzie and Henry, Meg and Mary, the Poles and even from Burgundy. Richard looked up to his father's portrait and smiled.

"I'm overdoing it, aren't I?", he chuckled to himself.

"They made it to one year without any health complications. That's a big achievement, I dare say", said Christian.

Herbert had arrived two days early at Richard's request. Richard wanted to celebrate both of Teddy and Anne's birthday together since they were only born a month apart.

Herbert came in, wanting to offer help. He was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts in the room.

"What's all these?", Herbert asked.

"Those are Anne's and these are Teddy's", Richard pointed out.

"Holy shit", Herbert was taken aback.

"I know", Richard chuckled.

"They are of royal blood, what did you expect?", Christian snickered.

"I got her this. What do you think?", Richard passed a red velvet box to Herbert.

Herbert opened the box and gasped. It was a beautiful pearl necklace.

"I doubt she could wear it yet", Herbert commented.

"Well, it won't be long before she sprout", Richard shrugged.

"I got your son a cap, if that's any consolation", said Herbert.

"I got them these", Christian set two small steel boxes on the table.

Richard and Herbert admired the talented handcraft of the boxes and each box had Teddy and Anne's names engraved to them. When they opened it, there were two steel bracelets - each contained ancient runes.

"I had our family jeweller to make these. The runes were ancient runes for protection", said Christian.

"They're beautiful, brother", Richard smiled.

A knock was heard and Celia came in, curtsying before stepping forward with a fussy Anne. Richard thanked Celia and took his niece from her.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?", Richard cooed her.

"You're spoiling her", Herbert chuckled.

"Papa!", Anne waved.

"No, you can hug papa any day. I don't get to see you often, y'know", Richard stepped away and Anne began to squirm.

"Papa! Papa!", Anne giggled when Richard's stubble tickled her face.

Freja entered with Teddy in her arms and Hilda behind them. Herbert and Christian bowed before her and Freja smiled at them.

Teddy was set down and he ran towards Richard. Anne was set down and Teddy hugged her.

"Annie, play!", Teddy pulled her to his pile of toys at the other end of the room.

Freja greeted her husband with a kiss and gasped at the sight of the gifts. She called the children to her.

"Annie, Teddy, come. Look at all the presents", said Freja.