The Last York Prince [AU]

Rehabilitation

(Richard begins to heal and move forward)

Ralph, William and Edward were sharpening their swords when Richard exited the house and walked towards the backyards. Drew quickly dropped his sword and went to help Richard.

"You're not supposed to move around!", Drew scolded Richard.

"I can't sit in the room all the time. It'll turn me into a madman", said Richard.

"You can watch, but you're not ready to practice yet, Your Grace", said Edward.

Richard had gained some weight, but he was still weak. His depressive state rendered him to be emotionally unstable.

"Shall we, Edward?", William readied in his stance.

Ralph joined Drew and Richard as they watched the two middle aged men duel. Despite their age, they were still agile, but not as fast as they used to be.

"Any news from London?", Richard asked.

"Nothing much, but the royal family seemed to be joyous, especially My Lady The King's Mother. Although, I couldn't say the same on the Prince of Wales. He's quite distraught and resents his parents and Beaufort for their actions against you".

Richard loved his siblings dearly and they loved him too. "One day, he will understand".

"He marched out, but before that, stating, when he's king, he'll restore you and have you as his royal advisor".

Richard smiled and chuckled. "Anything else?".

"Spain has honoured their end of the bargain. When the time is right, the Prince of Wales will marry the Infanta of Spain".

*

Slowly, with their help, Richard gained back his strength. He used to wobble when he walked, but after a while, he could walk on his own.

Sometimes, he would see the townspeople who would pass by Bedford Manor. They would wave and smile towards Richard, in which he replied kindly the same.

Richard spent a considerable amount of time praying for the souls of his lost family members - Teddy, Warbeck, John, his grandmother Elizabeth Woodville and his father Richard. He even prayed for Jasper Tudor's soul; he was Richard's guardian for the majority of the young man's life. He sometimes included his siblings in his prayers, hoping one day to see them again.

Once he was a bit stronger, Richard would ride into town with William and his children. Ralph would follow behind, if he's not presence in court, and Edward would join, if he's around.

The townspeople would give their blessings to Richard. He, in return, would give alms to the poor people and prayed with them at the church.

Richard also began to work on the garden of Bedford Manor. He would buy both flower and vegetables seeds at the market to plant at the manor.

*

Richard secretly received the book collection that was once belonged to his father. Apparently, according to Ralph, there were still some that rally with Richard for the love of his father, although not publicly outward.

Drew and Richard cleaned up the mess in the study when William came in. In his hand was a portrait covered with a black cloth.

"I know you don't know him, but as a son, you should honour him".

William uncovered the portrait - it was the picture of Richard's father. William hung in on the wall, next to Jasper's portrait.

"Thank you, William".

"He would be proud to have you as a son. I would know because I have been here, watching you grow. This was one of the earliest portrait. I don't want the ones Tudor had butchered".

Drew studied the portrait and then, turned to Richard. "I can bet he'll look like his father when he's older".

"Well, he has the York's best traits", William chuckled, ruffling his son's hair.

"Where was he buried?", Richard asked, eyes staring into the portrait.

"Greyfriars in Leicester, from what I heard".

"You think we can go there?".

GREYFRIARS, LEICESTER

The priest was about to call in for the night when he heard footsteps. He frowned, who would be up at this hour?

He walked towards the main area and the door was opened. Fearing intruders and thieves, he grabbed a stick and readied himself.

He walked around, staying vigilant. He spotted a figure and went to approach it. It was then he set his stick down when he saw a young man, kneeling in front of the tomb of the deceased York king.

He heard the rumours of a surviving son of Richard III. Could this be him? He approached the young man.

"Forgive me, father. I never mean to intrude at this hour. I just don't want people to know I'm here", the young man turned to the priest, showing himself.

The priest dropped his stick. It was as if he was seeing the York king again.

"It's..., it's alright, child. We understand it".

Richard turned to the tomb and continued to pray. The priest decided to join in the prayer.

"What is your name?".

"Richard".

"Is this your first time here?".

Richard nodded, hands clasped together to say prayer for his father. The priest too joined in and prayed for the York king.

"Father, may I light a candle for him?".

The priest nodded and took Richard to the alter. Richard handed him a pouch before lighting the candle for his father.

"It's too much, Your Grace", said the priest, weighing the pouch in his hand.

"Consider it as alms for tomorrow's mass".

"Won't you stay, Your Grace? We have lodgings and we would love if you would attend mass at our little church".

"It's a bit dangerous. Perhaps in the near future, I do hope to come again..., to see him".

"You are welcome here anytime, Your Grace".

Richard nodded. He adjusted his cloak and bid the priest farewell before leaving.