The Last York Prince [AU]

Interrogation

(Henry grants something to Richard that could possibly be a threat to Tudor themselves)

Richard and Freja spent their free times together, watched over by Maggie and sometimes, Margaret Beaufort or her ladies. At times, Meg and Mary would follow behind, wanting to know who is the person would steal their brother's affection from them (Little Harry just can't have it).

The Tudor siblings poked their heads slowly from the bushes to see their half brother and this person by the fountain, laughing and talking. Meg had to admit that she was beautiful and radiant, almost like the sun.

"Who is she?", Arthur whispered.

"You're with Richie all the time. You should know", said Meg.

"You think I'd know? I wouldn't ask if I knew".

"I like her, she's pretty", said Mary.

"Everything is pretty to you. I don't like her. She's taking Richie from us", said Harry.

They looked back to see the pair gone. The siblings looked at each other, frowning at where could they've gone.

"Shouldn't you lot be at your lessons?", Richard's voice startled his siblings as he appeared from behind.

"Oh, we were..., uhm...", Meg stuttered a bit.

"We were given the afternoon off", Arthur chimed in.

Richard raised his brow, smirking at their mischievousness. "Then why are the masters and ladies looking for you?".

Faintly, they heard people calling out to the royal children. All four began to scramble into different directions, trying to escape their tutors and nursemaids.

"They are charming", Freja commented, giggling at the sight.

"Wait until they pull something out of their sleeves, let's see how charming they are", said Richard.

"Am not!", Meg yelled from the distance.

Henry and Lizzie laughed at their children, except Mary, for their attempts to try and steer Richard away from Freja. Mary, on the other hand, would ask Freja to dance and play with her.

"She would make a fine match for Richard", said Henry during luncheon.

It was not music to Margaret Beaufort's ears. For Richard to reproduce, it would be a threat to her house.

Lizzie, however, was happy Henry would grant this to Richard. "I don't expect this from you. I know, in the past, you assumed he was a threat to you".

"He was, but he has proven his loyalty and one of my greatest ally. It's high time for him to be married soon".

"I doubt the emissary would grant it".

"On the contrary, Lady Mother, it is he who blessed this. He wanted to see his niece marry off and she has come of age. I think it's suitable for them".

Lizzie grasped Henry's hand gently. "Thank you, Henry", she said.

Henry kissed her hand lovingly. He wanted her to be happy.

Lizzie only found out from Maggie about why Henry had given his blessings - Freja herself was a bastard daughter of a royal duke. In Henry's eyes, Richard and Freja were equal.

"I don't think Richard minds, Lizzie. To be granted such privilege when previously...", Maggie was trying to reassure her cousin.

"I want what's best for my son, Maggie. If this is what's best then I must agree to it".

"She is nice, Lizzie. She is most understanding about his circumstances".

"It is not circumstances that I'm most worried off, Maggie. Margaret Beaufort sees this as a threat. What if she gives birth to sons, healthy and strong? You know she won't allow it".

"You have strong sons, Lizzie. You know Richard wouldn't even think of having the crown to himself".

"By marrying her, he can rally the Kalmars to his side through his wife. I heard she is the beloved daughter and sister. Surely they will champion him to the throne".

"I wonder if it's you or Margaret Beaufort that disagrees", Maggie sighed.

MEANWHILE

Richard sat with Arthur, overseeing his studies as Richard went through a few documents Henry wanted his opinions on. Arthur set his feather down and sat up straight, trying to look superior.

"Brother, I wish to say something to you".

Richard set the papers down to pay attention to the Prince of Wales. "What is it?".

"On..., behalf of our siblings, we would like to express that you haven't been spending much time with us lately. We would like to say that we're not exactly happy", Arthur trying to sound serious at his half brother.

Richard chuckled and smiled. "I'm sorry if any of you feel that way. It wasn't my intention to neglect any of you. Freja and I..., we're getting to know each other. I promise I'll make time for all of you".

"I understand if one day, she'll be your wife. I understand one day, you'll have a family of your own. I just want you to know that I love and care for you".

"I love you, Arthur. I love Meg, Harry, Edmund and Mary all the same. Nothing, not even Freja, can change that", Richard smiled.

SOMEWHERE ELSE

Freja was sitting down with the ladies doing needlework when Meg arrived. She sat next to Freja as she began to do her stitchings.

"I understand you and my brother are..., becoming close", said Meg.

"Your brother is charming. He is very good at poetry and dancing. He also speaks highly of you and your siblings, Your Highness".

Meg felt a bit embarrassed - of all the bad things she thought about Freja, Richard was speaking good things about them to her. She nodded and looked down to her work.

"I understand..., if you're jealous of your brother paying attention to me. I have that similar experience with my siblings", said Freja again.

"They fight for your affection?".

"I'm the only girl. My father and his wife has three sons before she passed away. My mother was one of his mistresses and I was his only daughter. My brothers would often fight for my attention, but they love each other no matter what. Richard is the same, he still loves you".

"I think my brother has a hard life. He's been through so much and I just want him to be happy".

"I do not know much about that, but if it comes the time when I do in fact marry him, I intend to make him happy", Freja smiled as she lovingly combed Meg's hair with her fingers.

Mary entered the room and quickly ran to Freja, who picked her up and let the princess sat on her lap. Meg smiled seeing how Freja interacted with Mary and knew Freja was the one for Richard.