The Last York Prince [AU]

Elizabeth Rose

(A/N: I know, historically, Henry Brandon died in 1522, but this is an AU, so he lives.

The king and queen welcomed a new baby)

SUMMER 1525

14 year old Henri pulled the string back and released the arrow, hitting the centre target. His two companions, six year old Henry FitzRoy and 11 year old Hal Brandon clapped at his 'bullseye'.

Westminster had been quiet since his mother had to enter confinement. He had filled his time with the boys doing archeries, horseback rides and learning languages, but mostly he's in privy council meeting, debating with his father regarding the management of the country.

12 year old Astrid Katheryn, on the other hand, walked hand in hand with her nine year old cousin, Mary and her mother, Catherine, Duchess of Buckingham. The two girls were looking for flowers for the queen.

Three years had passed since her marriage to Stafford. Catherine felt it was more easier than being Henry's wife. Mary got along with Stafford just fine and had been an active big sisters to her new siblings.

10 year old Ragnar, on the other hand, along with 10 year old William Smyth and his soon to be five year old cousin, Richard Barnley were spotted behind the pillars along the hallway. The trio eyed their treasure - the ajar door that led to the privy council meeting.

They crept in, while the king and his men were busy talking about the celebration of the new prince or princess. Ragnar, hiding behind the big pot, thought he was being clever and invisible, until......

"Ragnar, come out from your hiding. William, Richard, you two", the king turned to the potted plants he had recently placed.

Ragnar, scowled as he emerged from his hiding place, along with his two companions. "I was being careful".

"Not careful enough", Richard chuckled.

"Now, sit down, all three of you and listen", Richard pointed out.

Richard Barnley noticed his father looking rather crossed, standing next to the king, and quickly hid under the table, earning laughter from the privy council. Meanwhile, Robyn and his son gave each other a high five.

Catherine brought Astrid Katheryn and Isabella into the confinement room, where Freja laid in her shift and one of Richard's jacket. She smiled and hugged the girls.

"Mama, when are you coming out? It's not fun without you", Astrid Katheryn pouted as she set the lilies on the bed.

"Have patience, Astrid. It will not be long", said Catherine.

"Ragnar keeps pulling my hair", said Astrid Katheryn.

Freja chuckled. "You are older than him. Either you ignore your brother or you can tell him off".

Catherine placed her hand on Freja's belly. "Whatever it is, we shall pray for you".

Freja placed her hand on top of Catherine's, smiling. "Are you happy, Catalina?".

Catherine smiled back and nodded. "Edward treats me well. We are happy".

"I'm glad to know".

The birth came a few days later. Richard abruptly adjourned the council meeting and broke into a sprint to his wife.

As a king, traditionally he was not allowed during the birth of his child, but Richard pushed his way in to be by her side. He held her hand and gave her strength.

Stafford, the royal children and the rest waited outside. Henri paced back and forth, reciting prayers for his dear mother and sibling.

It was a while before the first cry was heard. It was loud, indicating that it was healthy and strong.

"It's a boy!", Ragnar said, confidently.

"No! It's a girl! I don't want another you running around and pulling my hair and dress", Astrid Katheryn stuck her tongue out.

"Now, now, children. Whatever it is, as long as it is healthy, I think that should be enough", Stafford tried to calm the children.

Richard came out, his jacket and liveries were long gone and in his arm was his new baby. His silk shirt was covered in a bit of blood, but he bore the biggest smile.

"It's a girl", Richard sobbed, happy to meet his new daughter.

"Ha! I win", Astrid Katheryn gave a smug to Ragnar.

Henri approached his father to meet his new sister. She had dark hair, pink skin and thick lashes.

"Have you decided on a name, Papa?".

"Elizabeth Rose".

Princess Elizabeth Rose Plantagenet was baptised three days later. Her godparents consisted of Maggie Pole, Reginald Pole, the Staffords and the Herbets.

She was the shy among Richard's children. She was often found hiding behind her mother's skirt or her father's tall stature, but she was loved all the same.

Richard called her Lizzie, after his mother. Lizzie had dark hair and eyes like her father. She loved books and was often found in the library as she grew older.

Freja often see Richard in her youngest daughter. Her determination, her pride and most importantly, her steadfast loyalty.

Before she turned 14, she had already mastered French, Latin, Italian, Swedish and Spanish. She loved books and her father the king showered her with whatever books she ever wanted.

"But my favourite, by far, is this", she showed Richard the book that bore the signature 'R Gloucester'.

On her 15th birthday, she received a present from her aunt in Scotland. It was a journal with the same signature of her favourite book. With that, she got a letter from her.

"My dearest Lizzie,

Your father had given me this prior to my marriage. It had belonged to your grandfather and I think it's a high time I pass this back to you.

I learned many things from it. I even read it to my children when they were young. My son, King James, implements some of your grandfather's trait into his rule.

I hope you will be happy always. You are blessed with two parents who loves you no matter what, who would do anything for you and would protect you from harm.

I wish you many happy years, my dearest Lizzie.

Your most loving aunt,
Margaret R".

Richard has yet to decide who shall marry his dearest Lizzie. Richard watched Lizzie, as she buried her nose deep into the books that were her treasures, her brows furrowed trying to read and understand Greek.

"My dear Rose", Richard called out to his youngest daughter.

Lizzie looked up and smiled, the one and only thing she inherited from her mother. "Yes, Papa?".

Richard shook his head. "It is nothing. I simply love your smile. It reminds me of your mother".

Lizzie hugged her father. "I know".