The Last York Prince [AU]

Return of the Duke

(Richard resumes his duties and now, on the fence whether to go against Catherine or fulfils Arthur's final wish?

*bold: I assumed a lot of nobles and royals keep journal, so I'll just put a disclaimer here. Feel free to correct me)

Richard found Meg in his study. She was staring at the portraits above the fireplace.

"What was he like, Richie?", looking at THAT portrait.

Richard stood next to her and looked up. "To be honest, I do not know".

"Mother never speak of him".

"And she made the right choice. Why speak of him?".

"Why not? He was a king. He was her uncle. He was YOUR father".

"Why do you want to know so bad?".

"Just curious", Meg shrugged.

Richard walked to the shelf and pulled out a book. "This was supposedly his journal. You can read it if you want to".

"You're giving this to me? What's the catch?".

"Don't let anyone see it. Keep it in good condition. That's all I ask", Richard smiled.

Meg smiled back and hugged him. Freja opened the door and walked in.

"There you two are. Come, let us go".

Richard helped the ladies into the carriage before he ascended his own horse. He led the entourage back to the palace.

Freja opened the window and leaned by the beam. "My lord, how I've missed you", she smiled.

"Dearest, we have only been apart for a minute", he chuckled.

She extended her hand and Richard took it, placing his lips on it. He let it go and took a hold of his rein.

Margaret watched the love between the Gloucesters. Freja was batting her lashes and biting her lips while Richard was blushing and almost giggling.

"What is it, luv?", he asked.

Freja shook her head. "Can't I simply..., flirt with you?".

"My dearest sunflower, I do not wish to set a bad example to my sisters", he chuckled.

"Oh what's so bad about it? I am your wife", she giggled.

"God, you two", Meg rolled her eyes, chuckling even when her eyes were fixed at the journal.

"How does it feel to be in love?", Mary asked, sitting next to Freja.

"You'll feel as if you're in the clouds", Freja answered while looking at her husband.

"You would know. Every time you see your love, you would feel safe and at home", said Richard.

"Do you think I will find one, Richie?", asked Mary.

"Who knows? Maybe".

"Only few are lucky to have such privilege", Margaret chimed in, her minds wandered to Jasper.

Richard wanted to scoff, but he kept his composure because of his sisters. He remained quiet for the rest of the journey, minus the occasional winking at Freja.

They arrived with Lizzie greeting them, as if she knew her first born son would come. She hugged him the longest.

"Come, we have much to discuss", she beckoned.

The king had went out to hunt with Harry. Margaret excused herself to chapel while the girls went to their lessons.

Lizzie had Freja to sit next to her while Richard sat opposite them. "How are you? Both of you?".