The Last York Prince [AU]

Allegiance

(Lords pay their respect towards Richard and this doesn't sit well with My Lady The King's Mother)

Richard was able to get up now, with William and Drew helping him. As they walked out, courtiers bowed to him.

Richard sat out in the garden, letting the sun soaked into his skin while he read a book. Lords and ladies came to him to show respect as an honour for what he has done.

One in particular that intrigued him. William knew the man and brought him to meet Richard.

"This is Ralph Brackenbury. His uncle had served your father and was one of his commanding officers", said William.

"Did he die at Bosworth too?", asked Richard.

"Yes, Your Grace. He fought side by side with your father until he was killed. My mother and I managed to regain some of our family lands, but not the one that your father had granted to him", said Ralph.

"What can I do for you, my lord?", asked Richard.

"Allow me to serve you as my uncle had served your father".

"There's not much to do, Brackenbury, but I'm glad for your loyalty".

"Loyalté me lie", said Brackenbury.

"Loyalty binds me", Richard smiled.

Margaret Beaufort and her son the king watched as courtiers paid respects to Richard. Too many for their comfort.

"It's too much, Henry".

"Well, he has the York charm with him".

"It's dangerous. If Spain sees this, what will they think!?".

"And what would the people think when I kill the very person that saved my life when majority of these people were once loyal to his father?".

Richard still have to sit down, instead of dancing with his siblings. They danced, laughed and celebrated all night long.

THE NEXT DAY

Richard struggled a bit to dress himself, careful to not undo his stitches. He walked out to sit under the apple tree.

As he read, he sensed a presence close by. He peered from his eyes to see Margaret Beaufort approaching.

Margaret stopped and waited. "You may be a royal duke, but that doesn't mean you can be rude to me".

"Forgive me, my lady, but as you can see, I'm not allowed to move as much in fear of ripping my stitches", he said without even looking at her.

"Just because courtiers are paying court to you, that doesn't make you powerful. Remember who you are and how you got here".

"And you need to remember, if it weren't for my..., kind heart, your son would be dead".

Margaret's blood boiled, but she kept her cool. "Have care of how you speak to me, bastard. It may be your last".

"You should have cared on how you treat people. It may backfire you someday", Richard flipped to another page of his book, eyes still averting her gaze.

Margaret huffed. "Enjoy your sunshine, Your Grace". The lasts two words were uttered full of mockery before she picked her skirt and walked away.

William and Ralph came as soon as they saw Margaret. They helped their lord to his feet.

"What did she want?", asked William.

"She threatened me", said Richard, dusting the leaves from his shirt.

"Should we tell the king?", asked Ralph.

"Her words over mine? Want to guess who's side will he choose?".

Richard heard the singing at night, but as he gotten older, he had learned to tune it out. Nevertheless, he remained vigilant.

Margaret's words and Henry's demeanour worried Richard to no end. He tried to hide it, but Lizzie had sensed it.

Richard became wary of the people that tried to befriend him. He feared they might be a spy for Tudor and he might not be safe this time.

Pole shared Richard's concerns. He too was afraid on Teddy and Maggie's welfare. They are Yorks, therefore, they were a threat to Tudor.

Margaret Of York was updated regularly on London. Her spy and William would exchange informations in disguise in town. William must be extra careful since he was caught the last time.

That night, while everyone slept, Richard stayed up. He sat by the fire and dangled his pendant over the flames.

"Margaret Beaufort, I solemnly swear I will destroy you. Until you die, I will not rest. Until I have my vengeance, I will not rest".

*

Margaret woke up into an empty field. Her heart raced, uneasy of her surroundings.

She walked up to see a man in silver armour. He had his back to her and she could only see his dark, wavy hair.

When the man turned, Margaret gasped. It was the dead Richard.

"What have I done to deserve this? I just want to show England what a king I can be", he said.

"You're dead! No, you're dead!", she yelled, running on the opposite direction.

She halted when she saw two young boys. Their mouths were bloodied and they looked as pale as any dead person could be.

"No! It wasn't me!!".

She ran and finally, she stopped at a field full of dead people. At the center, a shadowy figure appeared to be crouching.

The shadow crept to her, rising to its full height. Margaret stepped back and tripped onto one of the bones and fell back.

"I didn't do it. Have mercy, please!", she pleaded.

"Where's your mercy when you murdered those innocent people?".

"I didn't think they'd do it. I never thought they would've done it", she sobbed.

"Time to pay for your sins!", the shadowy figure devoured Margaret and she woke up with a gasp.

Margaret got up and quickly prayed. The window suddenly opened and the cold air blew the fire out.

She looked out to see the full moon and the hair on her arms and the back of her neck began to stand up. Was this a sign?