The Last York Prince [AU]

Christmas

(Ralph stops by at Bedford. Richard must respond to Henry and finally put an end to the fight)

Richard stared at the scroll. Richard had wished Ralph a Merry Christmas before he left to Saleby.

The king had commanded him to attend Christmas at court and afterwards, to perform his duties. Any defiance will result in punishment.

Richard scoffed, but ultimately he had no choice. He told William that he would be returning to court, showing the proclamation.

"Are you ready to go back?".

"I don't really have a choice now, do I?".

Richard prepared the gifts for the royal family. Once everything was packed, Richard and his entourage headed towards London.

LONDON

Henry's steward greeted Richard upon arrival and gave Richard his usual apartment at the palace. He also informed the earl that the king wished to see him.

Richard shed his riding clothes and changed into his regular ones. William placed the chains across Richard's shoulder.

His hair was cut prior to their arrival at court, as short as the one in his father's portrait. William accompanied him to see the king.

In that room was Henry and he was alone. His mother and Richard's mother were nowhere in sight.

Richard and William bowed before Henry. This time, Richard sat down in front of Henry.

The king studied the young man in front of him, the more he looked like his predecessor and that somewhat intimidated Henry. The way Richard dressed, his hair, his looks; there's no doubt whose son he is.

"I know you may think it is cruel for what we had done, but it is for the better of the realm".

"If it's possible, I don't wish to speak about the dead. They're gone and buried and that's it".

Henry nodded, feeling the anger radiating from Richard who looked relatively calm. He was a bit pale, since he was ill according to Brackenbury.

"I do not mean to be rude, Your Grace, but it doesn't matter anymore. It doesn't matter who killed the princes. It could be your mother or my father, either way, it doesn't matter. We must learn to forgive and..., forget...".

Henry nodded. The young man in front of him was wiser than his age. Perhaps, today was the start of a new mark in their lives?

"Will you be joining us at the table for tonight's dinner?".

"If Your Grace wish for me to be at your table, then I'll be there".

Richard bowed to the king before leaving. He spent the rest of the day in his room.

THAT NIGHT

Henry smiled seeing all of his children - Arthur, Meg, Harry, Mary and baby Edmund. The court was lively and merry.

"My lords and ladies, before we begin, I would like to welcome our guest of honour", Henry made an announcement that silenced the court for a moment.

The door was opened. "Richard, Dukes of Gloucester and Bedford and Earl of Warwick!".

Richard walked in and everyone stared at him as if he was a ghost from Christmas past. His hair, his clothes; it was no mistake.

"I would like to formally welcome Richard to court. To be a part of our society. To serve the country of its need and to protect England as he has done these last several years".

Richard eyed Maggie, who gave him a tiny nod. Richard, along with William, his children and Ralph bowed to the Tudor family.

Arthur got up from his table to walk over to Richard. Richard gave him an apologetic smile and offered his hand.

"I'm sorry..., Arthur".

Arthur responded with an embrace. Richard hugged him back, patting his back.

"Hey, no fair!", shouted Harry who ran towards his brothers to get a hug himself.

The entire court laughed at the scene; not Margaret though. Meg and Mary joined in and Lizzie shed a tear at the scene.

"Come, Your Grace. Let us feast..., as a family", Henry raised his goblet and the rest of the court followed, cheering.

William trusted Richard and whatever he's doing. All he hopes that Richard won't get himself killed in the long run.

Everyone sang and danced. Harry refused to let Richard go, stating if he does, Richard will go away again.

Richard sat next to his mother. Lizzie placed her hand on top of her son, which Richard replied by kissing her hand. Lizzie took this as a sign and kissed his temple.

Richard saw how Margaret was staring at him. He would make a mental note of speaking to her tomorrow. For now, he would enjoy the company of his half siblings on Christmas night.

Richard danced with Meg and Lizzie. Henry smiled, seeing Lizzie happy once more.

THE NEXT MORNING

Margaret was heading towards the chapel when she found Richard, alone by the pews. She quietly crept towards him and saw his hands clasped together, elbow resting at the pew in front of him and his forehead resting lightly on his fingers.

"You may join me, my lady. No one has to know", Richard's voice startled her.

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to".

"Are we really going to do this now? It's a bit early, don't you think?".

"Just because you are in their good graces, that doesn't make it the same in my book".

"Still stubborn, are you? How do you sleep at night? All the innocent lives you've took...".

"If you think your father was a saint...".

"Is he? Are you? Am I? We're all sinners, my lady. None of us are saints. Everyone..., well, mostly everyone sins at some point".

"Mostly?", Margaret raised one eyebrow.

"Well, do babies sin?".

Margaret had to admit he's right. "What are you proposing?".

Richard extended his hand. "Truce?", he asked.

Margaret eyed him, wearily. "Why?".

Richard shrugged. "I'm tired, my lady. I am done fighting. Too many people have died. Don't you think it's time we stop?".

"So you're admitting you've lost?".

"No".

"Then, what is the point?".

"You don't know who did it, no better than I do. It could Ralph's uncle, he was the Constable of The Tower. It could've been you, but you yourself don't know if whoever you ordered had carried it out. I'm tired. The closer I tried to get to the truth, the more it hurts. I just want some closure; some peace. Wouldn't you want the same?".

Margaret studied the young man's eyes, searching for its sincerity. She was weary of him still.

"The minute you tried to deceive us, I will have your head..., Your Grace".

"The same goes for you..., my lady".