The Last York Prince [AU]

Discovery

(Richard makes decisions)

Lizzie and Henry were walking at the garden one afternoon. According to the gardeners, the newly planted roses were gifts from the young Duke of Gloucester.

"It's very thoughtful of him", Henry commented as he took a whiff of one of the red roses.

"Your uncle raised him well. For that, I'm thankful", said Lizzie.

Then, they heard giggles coming from the big apple tree. Henry and Lizzie saw Arthur, Harry and Margaret underneath it.

"I wonder what they're up to", said Henry.

As they approached their children, they can eavesdrop on their conversations. They also noticed the apples scattered around the children.

"Richie, that one!", Margaret pointed high up.

Upon hearing her first born son's name, Lizzie quickly looked up. Through the leaves, what she saw nearly made her heart dropped to her stomach.

"RICHARD PLANTAGENET!!", she yelled, startling the children and her husband.

"Yes, Lady Mother?", Richard poked his head out from the leaves.

"What on Earth are you doing up there?", Henry asked.

"I wanted some apples, father. For lady grandmother. Richard volunteered to help me get some", Margaret confessed.

"Why didn't you ask from the cook? Surely they'll give you some", Lizzie was furious.

"We could, but they were busy. So, we were looking for alternatives", said Arthur.

"So, Richie volunteered!", Harry said excitedly.

"Get down here this instance! Royal dukes don't climb trees!", said Lizzie.

"Give me a minute", said Richard.

Lizzie felt as if she couldn't breathe seeing her son climbing down the trees as carefully as he could. Richard landed safely and dusted any of the leaves that got stuck on him.

"Promise me you'll never be reckless ever again", said Lizzie.

"If I have to go to war, I can't promise anything", said Richard.

Lizzie turned to Henry. "A scout told me this morning. Warbeck is on the move and he has a large army", he said.

"You're taking Richard with you?", asked Arthur.

"The men will rally with him and I need all the support I can get", said Henry.

"No! He's just a boy, Henry!", Lizzie grasped Richard in her arms.

"I've made up my mind!", Richard broke free from his mother.

"Richard...", Lizzie began to tear up.

"It's the only way! If this is what it takes to keep all of you safe, then I'll do it", said Richard.

"I just need him to rally the men. That is all, Lizzie", said Henry.

Lizzie walked away, leaving them behind. Henry could only sigh.

"I mean no offence, Your Grace, but I just..., want it all to stop", said Richard.

"You're not wrong, Richard. I'll talk to you mother. Keep an eye out for them, alright?", said Henry before he walked away.

"Do you really have to go?", asked Harry.

"I have to keep you safe, all of you. I'm tired of war. I want it to be done with it", said Richard.

"Why can't I go?", asked Arthur.