The Last York Prince [AU]

Elizabeth Tudor

(We welcome Elizabeth Tudor, who may not be queen in this timeline, but nevertheless was greatly love by those around her. Will Henry and Richard ever reconcile? Will Elizabeth be the bridge to reconnect these two brothers?)

AUTUMN 1533

Henry wrote countless letters, begging Richard to let him come to London. He wrote that he comes in peace.

Anne went into labour and gave birth to a girl. Henry cannot said he was disappointed, but he had resigned his fate.

His new daughter reminded him of his oldest, Mary. He wrote to her, telling her of the good news and had asked her to speak to the king on his behalf.

LONDON

Mary sighed as she read her father's letter. She passed it to her stepfather before sitting next to her husband on the queen's throne.

Catherine felt proud to see her daughter on the throne, even as a regent. Richard had kept his end of the promise and one day, her Mary will be queen.

Stafford sighed as he read the letter. Henri tapped his fingers on the armrest.

"Do you think he repents, Uncle Edward?", Henri asked.

"Perhaps...", said Stafford.

"Herbert's report mentioned him being quite pious as of late", said Norfolk.

"Pious like his grandmother? We know how she was", said Henri.

"Henri, please..., give him a chance?", Mary's voice softly pleaded.

Henri sighed. "My Lord Norfolk, write to my uncle Lord Herbert. Tell him to bring my uncle Henry to London".

Henri and Mary bumped into Lizzie outside the king's chamber. She brought her ladies, including Alice Barnley, hoping to have dinner with her father.

"No good?".

The eight year old shook her head. "Papa won't move. He barely eats and all he does is stare at mama's portrait. I'm scared to upset mama if we leave him like that".

Henri turned to his wife. "Could you take my sister with you? I'll talk to him".

Mary took Lizzie back to her room so they can eat together. Henri pushed the door opened to find the room in a disarray with his father sitting by the fire, knees to his chest and staring at his wife's portrait.

Henri sighed and sat down. He sat in the same manner of his father and stared at the portrait in silence.

"I'm sorry, my son. I'm incapable of ruling at the moment", Richard finally spoke.

"Uncle Henry hasn't stopped writing. He begs to see you. He wants to present his daughter, Elizabeth to you".

Richard didn't say a word, merely humming. Henri studied his father. Richard has lost a considerable amount of weight and his pale skin made him look sickly.

"Lizzie wanted to have dinner with you. She worries if you don't eat, mama will be upset with us all".

Richard softly chuckled. "Your mama would've been angry if she sees all this".

"I understand your love and devotion for her, but do not torture yourself like this, papa. If you love mama, you wouldn't do this. She would've wanted you to move on and be happy".

Richard turned to his oldest. Henri bore his mother's eyes and heart. He smiled and kissed Henri's forehead.

"What about your Uncle Henry?", Richard took the letter from his son.