The Last York Prince [AU]

Grievance

(It is one after another. Will Richard and Freja be happy?

A/N: if I wanna go with history, Edward of Middleham died and his parents were away, as to TWQ, where his parents were nearby, but I'm going with TWQ just for more emotional effects. Please don't kill me, it has to be done. Plus, there's no such things as healthcare in 1500s)

LATE APRIL - EARLY MAY 1502

Maggie remembered the day she ran through the hallway to get her aunt and uncle. She remembered telling Queen Anne that her cousin Edward wasn't breathing anymore.

"Edward, is it the pain?".

"I'm the King of England and you'll breathe for me!".

"Edward! My boy!", her uncle's desperation was echoed and the way Richard held his only son reminded her of that fateful day.

Maggie had followed Richard and Freja back to Fotheringhay. She watched as the young parents grieved, knowing their healthy son suddenly caught The Sweat and passed away.

Drew was already en route from Ludlow to Burgundy to deliver the news. The royal family had followed suit after learning about the death of Edward Jasper Plantagenet and Anne Herbert.

Richard and Freja kissed their son over and over again before setting him into the small coffin. Freja held onto his little jacket, crying inconsolably.

"We shall interred him with his family here, in Fotheringhay", said Henry.

Richard shook his head. "I thank Your Grace, but I've made preparations for Leicester, if Your Grace wouldn't mind".

Henry knew that Richard wished to bury his son with his father. Henry nodded and this time, it was his turn to help Richard carry the small coffin of Teddy to the carriage.

Both Lizzie and Freja were saddened. Lizzie had lost her son merely days ago and now, her only grandson had departed this Earth.

Herbert agreed to bury Anne in Leicester, closer to Katheryn. The Greyfriar Church and its townsfolks all mourned the death of a York prince. They offered their prayers to the Plantagenets as the procession headed towards Greyfriar.

Richard interred his son with his father in a tomb he had erected for the late king and buried Anne with her mother. The service wasn't as lavish as Arthur's, but it befit Teddy's and Anne's status as descendants of a king.

Margaret Beaufort watched as the boy she once hated broke down mid service. He used to see him as a composed man, but today, all walls had fallen.

Richard and Freja held onto each other. Christian had sent a messenger to Sweden to inform the news to his father.

"Can we go back to Bedford, Richard? Please...", Freja whispered, begging her husband.

Richard simply nodded, too grief stricken to speak. They didn't even had the chance to say goodbye to their only son.

Henry held Lizzie in his arms, who was sobbing, despite trying her best to compose herself. He knew how much the child meant to her.

After the service, Richard and the king spoke outside. Henry hugged Richard, he must looked strong for everyone.

"You must be strong. You are young and many more will follow", he assured his stepson.

"If Your Grace don't mind, I'd like to retreat from court life temporarily. I don't think I can do my duties in this state", Richard spoke.

Henry nodded. "Your mother and I shall pray for you".

"I'm sorry, Your Grace. Arthur..., I never thought he would go first".

"God loves him more. It is the way it has to be".

"How are the children taking it in?", Richard turned to see Meg and Mary hugging Freja.

"Death is a natural part of life. While we may grief, we must move on. We shall pray so that their souls will be delivered to Heaven, so they may find peace. We too must pray for guidance, to move on in life".

"Thank you, Your Grace".

Stafford approached Richard and hugged his cousin. "It wasn't meant to be, cousin".

"Thank you, cousin. I'm sorry, you had to travel a lot because of me".

Stafford smiled warmly. "We are family. After all, your son was named after me, so I don't really mind", he tried to lightened the mood.

Richard wanted to sock his face so bad for that stupid joke, but he ended up breaking down again. Stafford hugged him once more.

"He's with your father now, Richard. Try to find comfort in that".

Maggie approached him next. She had said her condolences to Freja and now, hugged her cousin.

"Thank you for being here".

"I'm here, Richard, for you always", Maggie whispered.

Teddy and Anne were struck down with The Sweats, according to the physician. Some of the servants of Fotheringhay got it too and only a few had passed. Richard had asked Ralph to assist with their funerals and Richard supplied the financial means.

Henry went back to the tomb of the man who had to die for him to be king. He didn't know the king very well, but he bowed in respect and for the love he had for his stepson and step grandson. He left a white rose and returned to his family.

Richard found Herbert at Anne and Kathryn's graves. He hugged Herbert, now, with Anne's death, nothing had connected them.

"I'm here if you ever need anything. We will always be brothers".

"Thank you, Richard. I shall be your ally, even with the death of my only child".

Richard had to shut Fotheringhay and decided to return to Bedford. The townsfolk of Bedford had heard of the news and offered prayer for the young Teddy.

Richard helped Freja to their room. He unlaced her dress, leaving her in her shift and carried her to bed. She was grief stricken, what mother wouldn't be?

"I shouldn't have left", she murmured.

"No, I shouldn't have asked you to come to Ludlow".

"Are you mad at me, husband?".

"Why would I be?", Richard frowned.

"Our only son is dead. I'm not yet pregnant. I fear I have failed you as a wife", Freja sobbed.

Richard pulled her in his arms, rubbing her back and kissing the crown of her head. "We are young, my sunflower. We will have another. It may be a long time coming, but I do not mind. I do not mind if we don't have any. As long as I have you, I will be alright. We will be alright".

Freja held the jacket close. She missed her son and it was hurting her heart. She cried until she fell asleep. Richard held on to her as his own tears lulled him to his slumber.

MEANWHILE

Margaret of York was informed of the arrival of Andrew Barnley. She went to see the young man and saw him in black clothes.

Her heart became unsteady, seeing the young man's solemn face. Drew knelt before her and told her of the news.

Philip held his step grandmother as she broke down in tears. She never even had the chance to meet her brother's grandson and The Sweat had taken him already.

She cursed the Tudors. She cursed the ailment that they've brought with them the day they decided to challenge the throne.

(Just to clarify: Richard III had three kids, two illegitimate and one was Edward of Middleham, and Lizzie had 10, although we know only three made past their teen years. Even Elizabeth Woodville had 14 kids.

So, don't worry about our Richard and Freja. There'll be light at the end of the dark tunnel for them)