The Last York Prince [AU]

Deviation

(Richard plans on going elsewhere, while Edward intends to bring Richard to his York family)

Edward stared at the young man before him. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but I have a mission to complete".

"Yes, I understand, but I don't serve my lady aunt and grandmother. As such, I am free to do whatever I want", said Richard.

"My family's lives are in your aunt's arms. If I don't complete my mission, they'll be in danger", said Edward.

"And with that, I hope you can forgive me, my friend", William grabbed the candlestick by his side and struck Edward unconscious.

"Tell the captain to drop Mr. Lincoln off and set course to our destination", said Richard, looking towards Burgundy as they approached fast.

MEANWHILE

Lizzie found Henry by the burnt cell that was once held Warbeck, Teddy and her son, Richard. She spotted him reading a letter in his hands.

"Can you tell me about the curse?", Henry voiced out, sensing her presence.

"Why does it matter, Henry?", she asked.

"Just tell me, Lizzie".

"They took my brothers to The Tower. My uncle assured my mother and I that it was for their own safety, but my mother never believed him. So, she and your mother staged a rouse to distract his men so they can rescue my brothers, but it went wrong somewhere. After that, they were never seen again. Some said my uncle killed them to assume the throne and some said...", Lizzie stopped and sighed - could she point the finger to My Lady The King's Mother?

"What would happen if they are responsible over the deaths of your brothers?", Henry asked.

"Death shall take their sons and their sons' sons, leaving their line to a barren girl", said Lizzie.

"I don't know what to believe", said Henry.

"My mother was devastated, Henry. Even I doubt the validity of her curse", said Lizzie.

"It's not just that...", Henry passed the letter to Lizzie.

Lizzie paced as she read it. She gasped, upon reading that part before sinking to the ground.

"If it's true what Richard said..., then our sons are already doomed from the start", Henry's eyes began to tear as he thought on the fate of his children.

"No! It's not true, Henry!", Lizzie said, eyes watering like her husband's.

"You're telling me that bastard son of yours is lying?! If he's lying, he wouldn't be bothered to send me this, proclaiming his innocence!".

Lizzie broke down while Henry marched away. Lizzie composed herself and ran after her husband.

"Henry, wait! Please, listen!", she pleaded.

"I have to know. I need to know, Lizzie!", Henry didn't stop.

Maggie was already under house arrest after Richard's escape. Her husband vehemently denied her involvement with Richard, as per Richard's request in order to protect Maggie.

Margaret Beaufort was on her way to the chapel with her ladies when Henry stormed in. The ladies quickly stepped aside as the king grabbed his mother by the throat.

"Tell me it wasn't you! Tell me it's all a lie!", Henry screamed at her mother as some of the courtiers tried to pry the king off of Margaret.

"Henry, stop it!", Lizzie screamed.

Henry let his mother go and Lizzie went to his side, trying to calm him down. Henry ordered the courtiers to leave, leaving just him, Lizzie and Margaret.

"Tell me it's not true, mother", said Henry.

"What's not true?", asked Margaret, confused as to what just happened.

Henry snatched the letter from Lizzie and tossed it to Margaret. She read it and felt horrified.

"He's lying, Henry! Why should you trust him?", Margaret defended herself.

"How coincidence that the night my uncle died was the night he heard all those? How convenient that he died after you have confessed to it?!", said Henry.

"Henry, I would never have done such thing", Margaret said softly.

"You killed them! You've doomed my children! I don't need to know if Richard is lying because your reaction upon reading that letter was all the confirmation I need", said Henry.

Margaret broke down upon hearing Henry's words. "Henry, please..., I didn't know if they would kill them. Y-yes, I gave out the order..., but I wasn't sure if the order was executed on that night", she cried, clutching her son's leg.

Henry tugged his leg free, angry of the revelation. "You are not to speak to me or show your presence to me ever again", he said before walking away.

MEANWHILE

Margaret Of York and Duchess Cecily stared at the unconscious and bound Edward Lincoln. On the rope, there was a note.

"Dearest Lady Aunt and Lady Grandmother,

Forgive me. I could not help but to do things on my own. I will not be your pawn as you have done to Cousin Maggie.

I will take my cousin Warwick to safety. I have a plan which that could secure his safety and that of my own, but I must do this alone.

Whatever happens, please don't come for me. Don't worry, I'll try not to die recklessly. I'll be in touch every now and then, just so you wouldn't be worried.

Yours truly,
Richard Plantagenet".

Duchess Cecily chuckled. "Oh yes, he has Edward's spirit in him".

THAT NIGHT, ELSEWHERE

Richard sat next to Pepper as he watched the moon above. The night mist concealed his presence in the woods. Richard was twirling a dandelion that he found on his way here when he heard footsteps approaching.

William returned with a couple of lords from when Richard had met in Middleham. They were surprised to receive word from Richard, thinking he had escaped England.

"You caused quite the ruckus, Your Grace", said one of them.

"What happened while I was away?", asked Richard.

"The king had read your letter and was quite enraged. Is it true? Did his mother really killed The Princes of The Tower?".

"I heard her confessed that night. From the way the conversation went and from what had happened today, it is most likely she is the true culprit", said Richard.

"What do you propose to do now, Your Grace?".

"Remain calm for now. I know what to do", said Richard.

"But..., do tell me. What happened to the king's mother?".

"The king nearly killed her! He was so angry. He even ordered her ladies to be stripped away from her services".

Richard chuckled. The curse either work or he was in luck.

"Return home, my lords. Leave this matter to me", said Richard as he blew the dandelions into the air.