The Last York Prince [AU]

Worried

(A/N: we passed 800 votes guys 🤩

Richard must get his family away from court)

Stafford had heard it too. He watched how silent Richard was throughout the wedding and feast. Even when toasting, he was still and quiet.

"Your Grace?", Boleyn frowned to see Richard being silent.

Richard snapped away from his thought and turned to Boleyn. "I'm sorry, what?".

"You barely touch your food, you hardly drink and you don't even say a word. Are you alright?", Boleyn asked.

Richard was uneasy. He watched his son played with his cousins while Freja was gossiping with the ladies. His eyes landed at Henry as his brother watched Richard's son running about, chased by his cousins the Poles.

"Rich?", Stafford spoke, gently tapping Richard's shoulder.

"I'm really sorry, gentlemen. I don't feel well and I think I would like to retire", Richard got up from his chair, ignoring Boleyn calling out to him.

"Henri, come!", Richard called out to his son.

Henri was quick to run to his father's side and left the feast with him. Freja excused herself from the ladies and picked up her skirts to chase after her husband and son, followed by Hilda, Robyn and the Barnleys with Astrid Katheryn in Sarah's arms.

"Richard, wait!", Freja called out to him.

Upon entering their private quarters, Richard locked the doors. He quickly discarded his new clothes and he was sweating like crazy.

"You mustn't listen to him. Your brother was just trying to get Mary to marry the French king", said Freja, gently rubbing his back.

"What did he say?", asked Drew.

"If I don't get Mary to submit to his will, I will end up like my cripple bastard of a father", Richard sat down and laid his head on the table.

"Holy shit", Robyn was shock.

"What if he doesn't mean?", Freja tried to stay positive.

"I doubt it. He's no better than his grandmother", Sarah complained.

A knock was heard. Everyone froze, worried, until they heard the familiar voice.

*

Stafford got up after Catherine left the feast. He caught up to her and Lina, who were on their way to Gloucester's quarters.

"You heard it too?", Catherine asked, a worried look etched on her face.

"Yes, unfortunately".

"I must assure Ricardo that Henry means no harm. They are brothers..., they must stand together", said Catherine.

"I agree with Her Highness. Surely, the king didn't mean it. His Grace is his brother and His Grace loves the king", said Lina.

Stafford eyed Cathrine, but he quickly shook the thought out of his head. Now was not the right time for that.

They arrived and Stafford knocked, but there wasn't any answer. Stafford called out as he knocked again. They waited a while until the familiar blonde hair that was Drew, who opened the door.

"If you're looking for him, he's not well. He asks not to see anyone".

"I'm calling out his bluff, I know that's lie", said Stafford.