The Last York Prince [AU]

Recovery

(Richard recovers, but soon will be betrayed once more by someone close)

Henry has Richard to be transported back to London for recovery. People gathered to give their blessing as Richard journeyed back to court, unconscious and aided by William.

Teddy and Sarah were brought back to court by Sir Richard Pole. Maggie was more than happy to be reunited with her brother again.

"Maggie!!", Teddy greeted his sister with a hug.

Maggie held him in her arms for as long as she could before her husband told her what had happened during the battle with Warbeck. Maggie felt her heart dropped.

"He's alright, Margaret. Resilient, I must say", said Pole.

As Richard's carriage arrived in London, crowd gathered for their York prince. Some were in tears, seeing his condition. William made haste before the crowd made it difficult for him to reach the palace.

BURGUNDY

Margaret, upon hearing the news, felt the upmost disappointment and defeat. She knew and understood Richard's motive, but she couldn't help, but hoped that the usurper would die that day.

"The duke, how is he?", she asked her spy, worried about her nephew.

"They say he's expected to recover".

"Warbeck?".

"Captured by Tudor. He was sent to The Tower".

Margaret felt uneasy by the defeat. She ordered her spy to keep a close eye on London.

LONDON

Richard sometimes came back to consciousness before slipping back out. It occurred for a while and the physicians said its normal for him to do so.

Everyone took turn to sit with him, but it was mostly Maggie, Teddy and Richard's half siblings that were there for him. Lizzie and Henry stopped by occasionally, observing on Richard's conditions.

Lizzie weighed in on her conscience. What she's about to do would ensure an alliance, but at the cost of something great and she hoped one day, Richard would understand.

Arthur would read to Richard in various languages he had learned. Princesses Margaret and Mary would sing him songs while Harry would tell him on all the things he had learned.

"Why is Richie not waking up?", Harry huffed.

"Your brother was badly wounded, Harry. He needs rest", said Henry.

"Don't worry, Harry. I have faith in our brother. I pray he would live long with us", said Arthur.

*

Maggie was sowing when Margaret Beaufort came in. Maggie curtsied towards My Lady The King's Mother.

"I'm afraid he's not up yet, my lady", said Maggie.

"Perhaps, I was wrong about him", said Margaret.

"About what?".

"I always thought he would snatch the crown from my son. What he did on the battlefield, it was noble of him".

"Richard would never do that, my lady. He loves the children so much. He never cares about the crown. He doesn't want it".

"I shall pray for his recovery. He has done so much for his king and country".

Maggie felt weird about her sudden change of behaviour. Nevertheless, she nodded.

*

Richard would wake up, sometimes, he would take some soup and ale. Other times, he tried to get up, but couldn't.

"You're supposed to be resting", Arthur said, sternly.

"I'm getting bored laying in bed. I want to get up", said Richard.

"You must stay down. Mother and father said so. You have to be strong again, so we can play like we used to", said Princess Margaret.

"We don't want you to get sick again", said Harry.

"He's not sick, Harry. He's just badly wounded", Arthur corrected him.

"I know that!".

Richard chuckled, but groaned at the pain. Lizzie came in, smiling seeing her children all together.

"Now, children. Let your brother rest. Time to go back to your lessons", said Lizzie.

All the children huddled at Richard, refusing to leave his side. Richard patted their heads, laughing slightly.

"Listen to Lady Mother. Go on, I'll be fine here", he said.

Lizzie waited until the children had left. She sat down by Richard's side.

"How are you feeling?", she asked.

"Terrible. I want to go out", said Richard.

"You will, when you recover. They don't want your stitches to be undone", said Lizzie.

"I'm sorry for the way I behaved. I know you were doing what was best", said Richard.

Lizzie kissed his forehead, a rare moment for them both. "Rest, my son. Don't think too much".

Richard nodded, smiling a bit. Lizzie kissed his hair before leaving the room.

Not long after that, Henry came in. He sat down on the chair next to bed.

"How are you feeling?", asked Henry.

"Horrible, Your Grace. It's sunny outside. I want to go horseback riding", said Richard, peering at the window.

Henry chuckled. "Perhaps when you are well".

"Where's Warbeck?".

"In The Tower. I have yet to decide his fate".

"Are you going to execute him?".

"Do you believe in the curse? If I kill him, I'll be dooming my sons, but...".

"But?".

"Your mother told me it was your father who had ordered their deaths. I was miles away in Brittany. How would I know?".

"So, what I heard that night was a lie?", asked Richard.

Henry shrugged. "From my mother's reaction, it seems true".

"If my father had done it, then John and I are the next one to die".

"Can't it be reverse? The curse...".

It was Richard's turn to shrug. "Your Grace must understand, if you were in my grandmother's place, won't you do anything to get your sons back?".

"I suppose you made a point there".

"I want to know what you'll decide on Warbeck..., and Teddy too".

Henry stared at the York duke in front of him. He understood what Richard meant - who wouldn't be worried when their kinsmen's life were hanging by a thread?

"Rest, Your Grace. Let me worry about those matters", said Henry.

Henry left and William entered, bringing a wash bowl and a washcloth. He set the items down on the nearby table.

"William, where's Teddy?", Richard asked.

"He's staying with his sister. Lady Margaret has taken him back to Salisbury", said William.

"Send a letter to Margaret. Tell her to stay cautious", said Richard.

"Why?".

"I don't know. The way he said it. Just do this for me, William".

MEANWHILE

One morning, Teddy was playing in the garden while Margaret tended to her children. He was more than happy to be with his sister again.

Lizzie arrived in Salisbury. Margaret greeted her, although she was surprised at the queen's sudden and unannounced arrival.

"Maggie, I wish to speak to Teddy".