The Last York Prince [AU]

Alliance

(Richard needs the final three to ensure his plan to work)

Richard had sent Robyn ahead to Scotland, Suffolk and finally, to London. He had hoped he could endear his sisters and Catherine to his side and he had hoped Charlie had not gone to Henry on this.

Richard waited and waited. To his surprise, Charlie and Mary were the first to arrive, followed by Catherine and Oviedo and lastly, Meg herself.

Drew shut the door after Meg went in. They spotted the coffer and the fact that Richard was wearing a white boar pin on his tunic gave them some insights to what he's about to say today.

Mary hugged Richard. "I heard about your son. I'm so sorry", she sobbed.

"Thank you, Mary".

"A son? I didn't know Freja is with child", said Meg.

"She lost it, Meg. Henry did it", that event will haunt Catherine forever.

"He couldn't accept that your brother has healthier sons and decided to teach him a lesson", said Charlie.

"That pig...", Meg was already red in anger.

"I would like to thank you all for coming today. It's been tough these past couple of years, considering..., Henry and his moods".

"Brother, what is that?", Mary asked, pointing at the small coffer.

Richard took deep breaths. He placed the small key on top of the coffer. "Meg, remember when you asked me what lady mother had given me on her deathbed?".

Meg approached first, taking the key and opened it. She saw the scroll and letter. She took the letter and sat down to read it.

"Oh my God...", Meg gasped and turned to her brother.

Mary snatched the letter and read it with Charlie peering from her shoulder. Both stared at Richard, wide eyes as Mary passed the letter to Catherine. Catherine and Oviedo read it and their responses were no different than the others.

Richard open the scroll and let them read it. It confirmed their suspicions after reading the letter.

"Is this true?", asked Meg.

"I've asked several priests, even Reggie Pole. They confirmed it to be true".

"Tell me, Ricardo, was this why God has not granted me any son? Henry Tudor has snuffed you from your rightful place and now, He is punishing us or is this what your mother's curse meant?", Catherine set the letter down.

"No, Henry Tudor won the battle, he had the right to be king", said Richard.

"The curse?", Meg asked.

Richard shook his head. "It can't be Henry Tudor. He was all the way in Brittany. He wouldn't have known".

"It was lady grandmother then", said Mary.

"No one knows, Mary. It could've been anyone and not my father or yours would've known or responsible for it".

"Then, why do you summon us?", asked Charlie.

"I think you know why, Charlie".

"You want to be king", Oviedo stated what's on Richard's mind.

"It's not how I want my life to go, but given Henry's direction for this country, I have to do something, Oviedo".

"If you become king, what would happen to my Mary? She will lose her inheritance!", said Catherine.

"And us too", said Meg.

"No! Richie will not do that to us!", Mary defended her brother.

Richard stood up. "I pledge my promise today. If you swear fealty to me, I will grant you what you need. Mary, Meg, I will give you the inheritance that Henry owed you two. Meg, I promise you, I will appeal to Rome for your divorce to Angus when I'm king. Catherine, your daughter will be secured to her inheritance. Like Henry Tudor, I will cement the claim by betrothing your daughter to my oldest son, Henri".

"I stand by you, brother. Always and forever", said Mary.

"As long as we can rid of Boleyns and their irks, I'm in", said Charlie.

"You will fight for it? My divorce?", said Meg.

"I'm already liaising with Albany. You'll also have shared supervision on your son's rule with the Scottish lords. They are scouring the land to find him. Do not worry, I will deal with him".

Richard turned to Catherine and grasped her delicate hands. "Sister, I promised Arthur I would care for you, no matter what. I love you, as a brother. Your daughter is of my blood and the way Henry has behaved..., God knows what would befall you two. I only want what's best for you, for Mary and for England. I promise to care for both of you until my final days".

Richard stored the scroll and letter back. "I know you probably don't trust me. Meg, Catherine, I will be true to my words. I do not want to usurp, but I don't want Henry to drag England down this path. This obsession for a son and those he surrounds himself with, our head could be the next to decorate the city walls at the behest of his new 'friends'".

Meg took her brother's hands and placed each on her cheeks. "These hands had often comforted me. These hands that gave me away to where I am now. I know, I wronged you that day. I've said things that mother made me promised to never say, but you were there to welcome me home, even when you were still angry with me. You often told me to always stand my ground and never let anyone told me to do things I do not want to do. I am and always be your sister and I put my trust in you, Richard Plantagenet".

Mary stepped forward, taking Richard's left hand and placed it on her cheek. "You gave us courage and strength. You encouraged us to follow our hearts. I am happy where I am, Richie. I know Charlie Brandon is not your first option, but you relented, knowing that I am happy. You have risked your life many times, threatened with executions, just to make sure we have a peaceful life. I love you, Richard Plantagenet, my brother and my protector".

Richard hugged them, kissing their temples just as he used to do when they were young. "Thank you, girls. You have no idea how much this means to me".

"I give you my support, but please don't kiss me", Charlie felt awkward for a moment.

Richard glared at him, but chuckled a bit. Richard turned to Catherine, who hesitated at first. He knew she had to give up her destiny if he wished to be king.

"I must..., think of it first. There's a lot at stake", she said.

"Goodness sake, Cate! Are you seriously doubting my brother?", Meg rolled her eyes.

"No, Meg. We can't force her. She's right, there's a lot at stake right now. She's about to give up something she has fought for years", said Richard.

"But you mustn't tell Henry!", said Mary.

"Whatever has been spoken in this room, stays in this room. That goes double to you, Brandon", said Richard.

"You have my word, Your Grace", Oviedo voiced out.

"You have been kind to me always, my dearest Ricardo, so I shall keep this to myself", said Catherine.

"My lips are sealed", said Charlie.

"I will have Scottish men on ready", said Meg.

Richard had faith that they keep it to themselves. It wasn't until Richard heard the news of Stafford's arrest that he thought it could endear Catherine to his side.