The Last York Prince [AU]

War

(Henry declares war with France. King James IV of Scotland has other plans)

MID 1513 TO LATE 1513, ENGLAND

Henry and Catherine announced that they will go to war with France, with or without Spain's help. Richard read the letter that Ferdinand had sent - taunting his own flesh and blood.

"Must we respond to that?", asked More.

Richard didn't answer, instead burned the letter in the hearth. "No, we only feed his ego".

"I shall captain the forces into France", said Henry.

"It's a mistake for you to lead the army, Your Grace. You'll leave the country without an heir and England would be exposed", said Surrey.

"You suggest the king stay here and what? Embroider or something?", Charlie chimed in.

"When the king leads his men, he increases their strength ten fold", said Wolsey.

"And ten fold is the calamity if he gets an arrow to the throat or the heart..., or get his cock blown off", Surrey argued.

"The general is right about one thing. There's still supporters of Prince Richard", Wolsey spoke, looking at Richard.

"Are you suggesting something, Wolsey?", Richard frowned.

"Rumours are flying about, Your Grace. While your loyalty is unquestionable-".

"Yet here you are, questioning it. The reason the Yorks aren't rebelling is because of me", Richard cut the cardinal off.

"But England will be left without an heir", Wolsey pointed out.

"But the heir is here, within me", Catherine announced.

The men bowed to Catherine. "I trust Lord Gloucester, cardinal. I know he has true and good intentions and he would never harm us. Ricardo's only interests is England and the safety of its people", Catherine defended Richard.

"Which is why I will leave my brother as Lord Protector, as he always has been".

Richard stepped forward. "Henry, I think we should take Surrey's suggestion. Let me lead, you stay here and protect England".

"No, brother. You've had your fair share of war and glory. Now it's my turn to show them what a king I am".

"At least, let me come with you".

"No, it is my pleasure that you guard my wife and son, keep England safe. Please, brother, do this for me", said Henry.

Richard bowed his head, reluctantly agreeing to him. "I am a servant of England, Your Grace. She will be safe in my hands".

"Men, To Lord Protector", Henry raises his goblet to Richard.

*

Richard was worried, of course. He could hardly sleep at night, wondering if it's the right thing to let Henry go to war on his own.

Freja set Henri in his crib before sitting down on the fur rug by the hearth, next to Richard. She rubbed his back, silently telling him that all shall be well.

Richard wasn't the only one worried. Catherine too and that put anxiety to everyone, especially Richard, Maggie, Lina, Rosa and Freja.

"It is dangerous for her. I am worried for the baby", said Lina.

"You must distract her then. Talk about something else", Richard suggested.

"We have tried, it is not working", said Rosa.