The Last York Prince [AU]

Goodbye Sister

(Meg is angry at Richard, prompting her to say things she doesn't mean. Richard, heart broken by her words, comply to her demand.

A/N: the part when Richard stood over James' body was inspired by the movie Troy, the scene where Achilles returns Hector's body to Priam)

Richard was in his tent when a messenger came from London. Freja had given birth to a girl, whom she named Astrid Katheryn. He praised the Lord for this blessing and prayed she lives until her old days.

Richard stood over the body of James IV. He tried his best to compose himself, feeling the guilt of the king's death, knowing that his sister was now a widow and that his nephew had lost a father. He understood how they feel and he couldn't help but to weep as he covered the body with clean linen.

"I'm sorry, brother. I'm so sorry", Richard wiped his tears.

Richard, with Herbert, Drew and Robyn, carried the body onto a cart. Richard hooked the cart to Pepper and guided her into the night, with the moon and their torch as their light sources.

Catherine and Surrey watched as Richard and those closest to him headed out in the night. She caressed her stomach, the child restless in her.

"I pray they come back alive or the king will decimate Scotland into a wasteland", said Surrey.

"Meg would not let them harm him. He is her brother and we know how much he loves his sisters", said Catherine.

MEANWHILE

Stewart's men came running. "Duke of Gloucester is approaching with three men".

Meg frowned. Why three men? Was this a trap? Stewart nodded and told them to let Gloucester through.

Meg saw the sorrow on her brother's face and knew. Her husband is dead and her now infant son is king.

"Why have you come?", Stewart asked.

Richard hopped down from the cart. The rest dismounted their horses and helped to carry the body inside. Angus pushed all items off the table, clearing it for them to place the body of their king.

"I have come to return your king. I am sorry for your loss", said Richard.

"Why? You could've taken him to London, to be paraded to the people", said Angus.

Richard shook his head. "He was an anointed king. As such, he deserves a king's funeral. I do not wish to revoke him from that and dishonour him by parading him to the people".

Richard saw Meg, who approached the table. She uncovered the linen and wept at her husband's body. She looked up and saw his brother.

"You dare to show your face to me? After you slain my husband and my people?!", Meg was angry.

"I did not kill him, Meg".

"How dare you use that name?! I am Queen of Scotland and you are no more than a bastard, like your crippled father!", Meg let out her anger.

Richard turned to her and everyone in the room saw the fearless Gloucester now with a heartbroken expression. Heartbroken by the words of a grieving widow.

"I never ask for any of this. You think I want to be born into this world? If I have the option, I rather not be who I am right now", said Richard.

"I hate you, Richard Plantagenet. I hate you! You killed my husband! I hate you!".

"I didn't..., sister, please...", Richard pleaded, trying to approach his sister.

"Touch me and I will kill you. I will kill you the same way my father killed yours. You're not my brother. Your father had dishonour my mother and had you. My father should've ended you years ago".

Richard stepped back and wanted to say something, but words were stuck in his throat. His own sister....

"Farewell then, Margaret Tudor", were all he said before leaving the tent.

Drew approached Richard, seeing his hands shook and at the edge of tears, but Richard took deep breaths and held back the tears. He can't let them see him in this vulnerable state.

Stewart ran out to stop them. "We thank you, Lord Gloucester, for returning our king. We are indebted to you".

Richard turned and Stewart saw the tears. "All I ask is that you care for my sister. Help her rule. That is all I ask, Lord Stewart".

"Please forgive her. She is grieving. I give you my word that we will withdraw".

"I have grieved the lost of my kinsmen for defending Tudor. No one has apologized or acknowledged my sorrow. No one had offered my father a burial that befitted his status as king. They tossed him in a hole, Stewart. They buried him alive. Tell me, what of my grief?", Richard's voice were hoarse and broken.

Stewart looked down, unable to answer. Richard hopped onto the cart, but he turned one last time.

"If you don't hold your end of the bargain, I will slaughter every Scot I see in sight and I will set your country ablaze. Do you understand me?", Richard's voice was now serious.

"Duly noted, my lord".

Richard rode back to camp, followed by Herbert, Drew and Robyn. Catherine and Surrey were informed that Richard was approaching. Catherine saw the heartbroken duke immediately went to his tent.

"What happened?", Surrey asked.

"The queen said things. Her words hurt him", said Herbert.

"Like what?", asked Catherine.

"She called him a bastard, called his father a cripple and wished that her father had killed him when he was young".

Catherine frowned and was disgusted by Herbert's explanation. "How could she say that?!".

"She is grieving, Your Grace. It's quite understandable", said Surrey.

"But to hurt Ricardo with such words? When he has shown her nothing but love?!".

"What's done is done, Your Grace", Richard appeared.

"Your Grace...", Surrey wanted to speak, but Richard stopped him.

"Brother, we leave for Saleby in the morning. Robyn, at first light, ride to London and inform my wife that I will be at Saleby, to hold funeral for Ralph. Drew will be coming with me. Surrey, you will take the queen and our men back to London", Richard gave instructions to Herbert, Drew and Robyn.

"What about here? What if they attack?", Catherine asked.

"Stewart gives us his word".

"And you believe him?", Catherine frowned.

"I told him if he doesn't, I will kill every Scot I see and set the country on fire", Richard said, nonchalantly.

Surrey nodded. With that tone and what just happened, he dared not to go against Gloucester.

At first light, Robyn rode off first. Richard had placed Ralph's body in a simple coffin that he himself had made. They had embalmed his body to preserve before heading off to Saleby.

Richard arrived and greeted the Brackenburys. He paid for the funeral and promised them he'll pay an annuity so they may keep the land.

Freja arrived, escorted by Robyn, with Hilda, Sarah and Henri. In her arm was their new daughter, Astrid Katheryn. She had wept, knowing how important Ralph was to her husband.

"I'm here, my love", she gently rubbed his back.

Hilda passed Henri to Richard. Henri clutched his father in an embrace and Richard held his family in his arms, feeling at home once more.