The Last York Prince [AU]

Decisions

(Lizzie must decide soon...

PS: I'm stalling, I know 🤦🏻‍♀️)

Lizzie watched forlornly through the window as Richard adjusted the bow in Harry's hands. Her heart ached, wondered what would become of her son.

Margaret Beaufort understood what Lizzie felt. She didn't like the bastard, true, but to kill the boy, who had a weak claim, in order to secure the throne was a bit too much.

"Why Spain is worried about him when he has no rights to the crown?", asked Margaret.

"The people support him for the love of his father", said Lizzie.

"We can send him away", Margaret suggested.

"To where? He is in much danger that way and Burgundy can snatch him at any given time", said Lizzie.

"I've suggested that many years ago", said Margaret.

Unbeknownst to them, Sarah heard every single word they said as she picked up the trays from outside of the council room. She rushed back to find her father and told him of what she heard.

"Are they going to kill Richard?", Sarah was at the edge of tears.

"I will not let that happen. Wipe those tears away and pretend you didn't hear anything. Leave Richard's safety to me", said William.

That night, William snuck out to see Edward. He told Edward of what Sarah had heard.

"You really think the queen is going to kill her own son?", asked Edward.

"To keep the crown? Who knows? You and I both don't know her personally, we could never know what she's thinking. The fact that Spain wants them all dead is what worries me", said William.

"Why should you be worried? Your concern is only for the prince", said Edward.

"Don't you understand? Richard loves his cousin and was willing to put his life at risk to write to John. What makes you think he won't offer himself to be the sacrificial lamb to save Warwick?", said William.

"I must convey to the duchesses; have them to plan an invasion", said Edward.

"In the mean time, you must prepare to escape, my friend".

A FEW DAYS LATER

Richard could sense people watching, not just Margaret Beaufort's ladies. This time, other courtiers.

As he was entertaining his younger half siblings by reading in funny voices, he could feel eyes burning into him as they watched him.

Richard was summoned to see the king not long after. He left his half siblings in the care of their respective caretakers while he went to see the king in the king's study.

Richard bowed before Henry, who dismissed everyone from his sight. He had asked Richard to pull the chair and sat near him.

"Ever since we got back, your mother is more worried than ever, with Burgundy having Warbeck as their pawn and Spain refusing to help us for the time being", said Henry.

"Did they say why?", asked Richard.

"They said Arthur and Catherine are too young to be married. They requested for papal dispensation and that could take time", said Henry.

"They want assurance; makes sense", said Richard.

"I don't think that's the case", said Henry.

"How so, Your Grace?", asked Richard.

"I think they're not convinced that I could keep the crown", said Henry.

"You fought off Burgundy and Warbeck before. I'm sure you can do so again", said Richard.

Henry smiled at the boy's confidence. "True, but so as long as he is alive, this crown will never be safe".

"I'm sure we will catch him", said Richard.

"I've received news of another possible attack. I'd send you back to Wales with Arthur..., but I'm worried about the other children, my mother and yours", said Henry.

"I'll defend them with my life, Your Grace. They are my family, my blood; I'll do whatever it takes", said Richard.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE BATTLE

Margaret Beaufort and Lizzie gave their blessing to Henry. Henry said his goodbye to his children before turning to Richard.

"I'm trusting you to keep them safe", said Henry.

"I promise to keep them safe", said Richard.

Margaret knew half of the courtiers, especially those who rally with York, supports the boy to be Lord Protector while Arthur is appointed as acting king. Lizzie will remain as regent to guide the Prince of Wales in his duty.

Margaret approached Richard as Lizzie ushered the other children in. "What do you suppose will happen if Henry loses?", she asked.

Richard turned to her, frowning at her question. "He won't. I have faith in my king".

"Your king? You think I don't know what you're up to?".

"What am I up to then, Your Grace?", Richard was seething with anger as he spoke to her.

"You've been secretly writing letter to your other bastard brother in The Tower, don't think I don't know that. You're planning to use this as an opportunity to strike Henry from behind", said Margaret.

Richard laughed and that took Margaret by surprised. "I have nothing, but respect and gratitude towards your son. I have nothing, but love for HIS children who are my siblings. My blood. Why would I throw everything away? What do I get? A cursed crown?!".

Richard walked away, satisfied with Margaret's reaction when he said 'cursed'. He wanted her to know that he knew what had happened..., or at least make her think that way.

THAT NIGHT

Richard helped to make sure the children went to bed as they're told. After that, he went to his room, only to be summoned by his mother.

Richard entered the Queen's chamber and bowed before his mother. Lizzie smiled and hugged him.

"Thank you, for looking after them", said Lizzie, releasing her son from her embrace.

Richard smiled, looking so much like his father. "I'd do anything for them. I'd laid my life down just to make sure they're safe, Lady Mother".

Lizzie nodded. "I simply would like to wish you good night. I love you, Richard; always".

Richard bowed. "And I love you as well, Lady Mother".

Lizzie nodded and Richard left her chamber. Lizzie dropped to her bed, crying.