The Last York Prince [AU]

The Truth Will Hurt

(Richard returns to Bedford on a mission

A/N: Just a reminder, these three are all under 18. Well, Richard will turn 18 in August.

A/N 2: I think I found the perfect face claim for Robyn. If anyone can suggest for the Barnleys, that would be nice. I did mention Drew's hair a couple chapters back)

Richard, Drew and Robyn arrived by the stream, shovels in arms. Richard remembered the night Lord Jasper told him of who he was and Richard reacted by running off here, where he first met Melusina.

"Search for a black rock. There should be a ring underneath it", said Richard.

"If I find it, can I have it?", Robyn asked, jesting.

"Seriously, you cunt", Drew sighed annoyingly, rolling his eyes.

"Come on, before someone sees us", Richard began to search for it.

Richard searched in the water while Drew took his left and Robyn on his right. They turned every black rock in sight, until Drew shouted.

"I found it!", Drew plucked the ring and held it up.

The trio began to dig on the ground. They dug and dug until Robyn hit something hard. Tossing the shovels aside, they used their hands until they uncovered a small coffer.

Richard pulled it up and studied it. The coffer had his father's boar symbol on it. He used the water to wash the dirt off the coffer and his hands.

"Come, let's head back".

Richard set the coffer on his study desk as he was surrounded by Freja, Christian, Drew, Sarah, Ralph, Herbert and Robyn. Richard was nervous, not knowing what's in it. He shakily inserted the key in and unlocked the coffer.

He opened it to find a scroll, a small white boar badge and a letter addressed to "My dearest child". Richard took the letter first and sat down to read it aloud.

"My dearest child,

I was excited to know your mother was carrying you. I knew what needs to be done to ensure you inherit my crown when it's time. I do not know yet if you are a boy or a girl, but I was happy nonetheless.

If you find this letter, that means I have lost and you have been disinherited. I told Elizabeth to care for you and should she needed anything, just show the badge and help will be given.

I will not ask much from you, only that you promise to care for your mother and our family. I love you, even when I don't know you.

Your beloved father,

Richard III".

Richard kissed the letter and held it close to his chest, tears welling up in his eyes. Freja set William in his crib before she approached him and hugged him.

Upon hearing that, everyone knew. Richard rolled out the scroll and gasped. He dropped the scroll to the ground.

"This is.....", Christian studied it.

"Which means...". Sarah gasped at the truth.

"Holy shit", Drew and Robyn looked at each other.

Ralph knelt down as his uncle had done many years ago. "House of Brackenbury will serve you until the end, Your Grace".

Richard shook his head. "I'm not him, Ralph. I'm not my father", he can feel the hot tears down his cheeks.

"This is proof, brother", said Herbert.

"Did you know about this?", Richard asked.

Herbert shook his head. "He must've not tell anyone. The lesser people know before the outcome of Bosworth was better".

Richard felt as if his life was a lie. It has always been a lie from the start. He didn't know what to believe in anymore.

"What do we do now?", Sarah asked.

Richard composed himself. He kept the scroll back and placed it in the coffer. He took the boar badge and pinned it to his tunic, also belonged to his father. He handed the coffer to Sarah.

"Place it in your father's chest. I want it hidden..., until it's time".

Sarah nodded and took the coffer away. The rest stared at him and wondering what was on his mind.

"Time for what, Richard?", Robyn asked.

"The right time, Robyn. I must bid time".

"Are you perhaps short of a marble?!", Drew was frustrated.

"They have been trying to destroy you ever since the day you were born. This is the right time! We strike them down while they are weak!", said Herbert.

"No! My mother wouldn't want that", Richard told him sternly.

"Why must you hold back? They would've killed you at any given chance!", said Drew.

"I owe Henry Tudor my life, Andrew! He could've killed me when he had the chance, but he didn't! I can't be seen stealing the crown, it would not be lawful in the eyes of God!".

"Then when, Your Grace?", Ralph asked.

"I do not know. Please, let me be. I must think", said Richard.

"I agree. We must process this and tread carefully", said Christian.

Everyone, except Richard, Freja and Baby William, emptied the room. Richard dropped to his knees and broke down while Freja hugged him from behind. Richard turned and held on to her as if she was his life.

"It's alright. I am here, my darling", she said.

They've lost one son, but Richard had loved her still. He would hold her, soothe her sadness with his kindness and gentleness and love. He told her it was alright and that he still loves her no matter what. Now, she must do the same for him.

"Freja?".

"Yes, my love?".

"Promise me, no matter what happens, you would stay by my side".

"Until death do us part, my love. I will hold onto that until the day I die".

(PS: If I'm not cryptic then where's the fun in it? 😉

PPS: if there's a couple days delay, don't worry, I just need to do some planning for the chapters and writing them)