The Last York Prince [AU]

Visitation

(Henry speaks to Lizzie regarding her son and his plans regarding the newly appointed Earl of Warwick)

DECEMBER 1498

Richard opened the door to see thick snow covering Bedford Manor. He grabbed his thicker jacket and slid on his boots before going out.

William and Drew has gathered the woods and Richard was helping them to cut the woods. Sarah and the rest of the kitchen maids began to make hot meals for the poor people in town.

Christmas was around the corner and Katheryn had arrived to visit. The Plantagenets traveled to Leicester to Greyfriars, to visit Richard III's tomb.

LONDON

Henry watched as the snow fell from the sky. Lizzie entered and closed the doors.

"You wish to see me?".

"Did you hear any news regarding your son?".

"Arthur is doing well in Wales. What's wrong?".

"How quick it is for you to forget him".

Lizzie sighed. "I never once had forgotten my children. Richard is too young to understand and one day, he will. Then, he will forgive us".

"Too young to understand? How is it a boy who was able to command the army at the age of 13 can't understand your motive, wife?".

"Why the sudden interest of him?".

"I've been thinking about welcoming him back to court. I fear Arthur will never forgive us for what we have done".

"I doubt Richard will accept our invitation so soon".

"One can only try".

Later, Henry summoned Ralph Brackenbury to his study. Ralph, who was about to leave court to head back to his family home in Saleby, walked with the guards.

"Your Grace summoned me?".

"How is your master?".

"His Grace..., fell into despair the first few months after the execution. He refused to eat and drink ale and wine only. William Barnley managed to talk some sense into him after a few tries".

"What has he been up to?".

Ralph shrugged. "He maintains Bedford Manor. He goes to church to pray. He reads and studies on his own".

"Which church?".

"The one near Bedford..., and Greyfriars".

Henry chuckled. Of course, he would go there.

"Has he been to Warwick or Gloucester?".

"He was in a terrible state after the execution. I doubt he could be in mixed companies anytime soon".

Henry passed a scroll to Ralph. "Please pass this to your master. It is important he receives it by hand".

Ralph looked at the scroll, sealed with wax that had the Tudor rose emblem. He tucked the letter into his pouch and bowed to Henry.

LUDLOW, WALES

Arthur stared out of the window. This will be the first year Richard won't be celebrating Christmas with him.

Arthur summoned Maggie to see him alone. Arthur had to make sure it was just him and Lady Pole.

"Are you still angry with Richard?".

Maggie didn't answer. She looked down, guilty ate her up the last few months. She knew that it was Tudor's plan to mock Richard. She figured it was Beaufort who suggested it to the king to make it seemed the young Richard usurped Teddy's position as Earl of Warwick.

"I asked you a question, Lady Pole".

"I feel guilty, Your Grace. His stable master wrote to me and I burned every letter that arrived to me. I should've been by his side. I know he was innocent".

"I plan on visiting him. I thought you would like to join me".

"That would be delightful, Your Grace".

Arthur looked out to the snow that covered Ludlow. "It is the season of forgiving after all. My brother loves me. I'm sure he will return".

BEDFORD

Richard had packed the presents he had got for the Barnleys. He quietly set them under the pine tree located at the servant quarters.

He had gotten them new clothes and new dresses for Sarah. Richard even bought a new jacket for Edward.

Richard bought wine and poured some for Duchess Cecily, who was resting in her room. She patted the space next to her and Richard sat there.

"We do need to cut your hair", she said, pointing to Richard's hair.

"I will soon. Perhaps before Christmas".

She caressed his cheek. Looking at him as if looking at her own deceased son.

"I fear I won't be long, Richard".

That made Richard frowned. "Please don't say that, lady grandmother. Don't go just yet".

"I am but an old woman, dear. Soon, I think it's time I go".

Richard hugged her, shedding some tears. Duchess Cecily gently combed his hair while holding him close.

"We all die sooner or later. It is just a matter of time".

"I'm not ready to lose you, lady grandmother".

"I wasn't ready to lose your grandfather or any of my children, yet, they've gone to Heaven first. You are a brave boy, Richard. You can go on without me".

Richard stayed and watched over her. Duchess Cecily passed in her sleep not long after that.

Richard informed William and they made preparations to travel back to Fotheringhay. Richard told Edward to send words to Burgundy and Drew to Wales to inform Maggie.

Duchess Cecily was buried with her husband and son Edmund. There, Richard was reunited with Maggie.

All were dressed in black. Richard looked like a prince with his finery and livery collar.

They stood in silence, praying with the rest for their grandmother's soul. Maggie didn't know how or what to say.

Katheryn nudged her little brother, to talk to Maggie. Richard gave a small nod as he continued to pray.

Once the service is over, everyone gave the condolences to the Plantagenets. Maggie took a deep breath before finally approaching Richard.

The two stood face to face. Silently, Maggie hugged Richard, sobbing. Richard hugged her back, relieved to have her by his side again.

"I'm so sorry, Richard. I should've been there for you".

"It's ok. I'm sorry too. I thought..., I thought I could save Teddy. I was wrong. I didn't expect that to happen".

From afar, Henry watched as Maggie and Richard interacted. The more it goes on, the more it made him guilty. A lot of people had to die for his legacy to be cemented in history. A lot innocents had to suffer for the crown on his head. Was it all worth it?