The Last York Prince [AU]

Siblings

LATE SUMMER 1494:

Jasper awaited Henry's judgement. This..., Perkin Warbeck..., had claimed to be Richard of Shrewsbury, the second son of Edward IV of England and now, the Holy Roman Emperor has recognised Warbeck as the true King of England.

If it were true, this could pose a threat to Henry. This pretender could muster an army, defeat him and take his crown.

"Burgundy is supporting him?", asked Henry.

"Yes. They are convinced that this is Edward's son, Richard", said Jasper.

"What about Richard? The one with us?", asked Henry.

"Perhaps, they think he's a lost cause. That's why they rally with Warbeck", said Jasper.

Henry nodded, pondering on his thoughts for a moment. Then, he remembered something.

"You think it's a good idea to tell the children who Richard is?", asked Henry.

"Won't that speculate in court? Your mother won't be happy", asked Jasper.

"You said it yourself, uncle. He's more than content to be 'just Richard'..., and Lizzie herself didn't marry him", said Henry.

"People will want him on the throne", said Jasper.

"If it's true that Warbeck is Shrewsbury, then our Richard is second in line, should he be legalised as the old king's true born son, but since his legitimacy is questioned, surely, Warbeck will be favoured", said Henry.

"I only follow what you think is right", said Jasper.

(THE NEXT DAY)

Henry sat down with his wife and children, minus Arthur, who will arrive soon from Ludlow. Lizzie frowned as to why Henry summoned Arthur to come back home in the midst of a chaos.

"Today is a special day", said Henry.

The children looked at each other. Harry tilted his head in confusion.

"I want all of you to meet your brother", said Henry.

"But Arthur will not be here until tomorrow", said Lizzie.

Then, the door opened. Lizzie's breath stopped for a moment as she spotted her first born son.

Richard was surprised when Jasper said he had an early birthday gift for him. Richard followed him and now, he's in a room with his mother and half siblings.

"Remember your curtsy, Richard", said Jasper.

"Come, Richard. Step forward", Henry beckoned.

Richard stepped forward and bowed before the royal family. Little Harry tilted his head, inspecting the older boy in front of him.

"You mean..., Arthur is not the oldest?", asked Harry.

Henry turned to Lizzie, smiling lovingly to her. Lizzie was tearing up with joy.

"Why, Henry?", she asked.

"Because I love you, Lizzie", said Henry.

Lizzie knelt down and held out her arms. Richard hesitated at first, but slowly let the Queen, his mother hugged him.

Lizzie couldn't describe the feeling of having Richard into her arms once more. "My boy..., my sweet boy. I've miss you", she sobbed.

She took a good look at him. Richard had his father's dark curls and eyes. A spitting image.