The Last York Prince [AU]

Friction Part 2

(A/N: I'm bored at work so why not?

Richard meets up with Sir Thomas Boleyn and his family and put up a smile. Francis sends his ladies to Richard)

Richard could feel the glare Henry cast upon him. The Englishmen dined with Claude of France while the Frenchmen and the Swedish dined with Catherine and Freja.

Many beautiful French ladies, sent by Francis, flocked the feast hosted by Claude. Some even gathered by Richard, giggling while playing with his hair and brushing their fingers against his skin.

"Come, my lord. Don't be shy", one of them giggled, her French accent was thick.

"We don't bite..., unless you'd like to".

"Thank you, ladies, but no. I'm in no mood for anything", said Richard.

"Come on, cousin. Just pick one and have fun", said Stafford.

"True, Your Grace. Her Grace doesn't have to know", Boleyn chuckled.

Stafford placed a hand on Richard's shoulder, stopping him from erupting his anger towards Boleyn. Richard finished his drink and got up.

Richard bowed before Henry and Claude, excusing himself from the feast. He spotted his sons playing about with FitzRoy, William, Björn and Ivar while under the watch of Celia, Hilda, Sarah, Bessie and the princes' nursemaids.

"Papa! Papa!", Ragnar ran when he saw Richard.

MEANWHILE

Freja sat down. To her right, were Catherine and Francis and to her left, her brothers and their wives. Harald had married a distant cousin named Ingrid while Christian, upon arrival back home, was married off to another relative, Anna.

Despite the men talking and boasting about their countries, Catherine noted how uncomfortable Freja was. She understood her worries, knowing this might anger Henry. Catherine placed her hand on top of Freja's.

"All shall be well", Catherine smiled.

"I fear your husband's wrath", Freja whispered.

"I see Sweden is a force to be reckoned with. I doubt Henry will do anything less he wants to incur your brother's wrath, not to mention Ricardo's aunt is in Burgundy. Adding to that, my nephew's father was Ricardo's nephew. Charles will not be happy if Henry dares to harm Ricardo".

"Is that Astrid over there? With Princess Mary?", Erik's question caught Freja and Catherine's attentions.

"Yes, that's her", Freja smiled.

"She will be perfect for Ivar", Gunnhild commented.

"Your sons look strong", Catherine commented.

"Thank you", Erik smiled.

Catherine watched as Astrid Katheryn played with Mary, together with Margaret Douglas. She turned to Freja once more.

"Promise me, Freja. If anything happens to me, you would look after Mary, right?".

Freja frowned. "Don't speak like that, Catalina. I know you're not happy with this, but please don't speak like that".

"I worry of what Henry might think. He hardly listens nowadays. I'm so afraid of him sometimes, afraid what he might do".

Freja gently squeezed Catherine's hand. "Richard won't let that happen. He made a promise, remember?".

Suddenly, Astrid Katheryn, Princess Mary and Margaret Douglas came running. "Mama, is it ok if we play with the boys? Papa is with them", said Astrid Katheryn.