The Last York Prince [AU]

Blessing

(Margaret Beaufort speaks with Richard of her concerns)

Richard was dressing himself with the help of Drew and Robyn when William came in. Robyn was progressing well in his tasks and soon he will be able to take up the job of a spy.

"My Lady The King's Mother wishes for you to join on her morning walk before breaking fast", said William.

Drew and Richard frowned, where as Robyn remained neutral. "Why, father? What is she up to?", asked Drew.

William shrugged. "Something about your little Kalmar bride".

Richard knew it will come to this point. Drew draped his chains and Richard walked out to the gardens.

He greeted Margaret Beaufort with a courtesy bow and Margaret replied with a curt nod. They walked about for a good couple minutes in silence before she spoke.

"I assumed you know why I summoned you".

"I thought I was invited for a morning walk", Richard chuckled.

"This is not the time for your insolence! I'm here to speak about your bride".

"I didn't realise she is to be my bride".

"Don't play coy. I know you and Henry have spoken".

FLASHBACK

Richard knocked and entered the king's study room. Henry set his feather down and invited Richard to sit down.

"How is she? I noticed you and her are quite close".

"She is charming, Your Grace. Although, Harry thinks she's evil for trying to take me away from him", Richard chuckled.

"He's too young to understand, but his efforts were hilarious".

"Perhaps I should do the same when he'll meet his match", Richard smiled.

"I'm here to speak to you about your betrothal to Freja".

Richard's smile slowly faltered. Henry understood the young man's concerns.

"Are you afraid?".

"I want to save her from any heartache. She seems like a lovely lady. I doubt I am worthy to be her companion".

"You do not wish to be married?".

"If my father was responsible, my children will not be safe. I barely live the first 10 years of my life".

Henry sighed. "Why do you still believe in that?".

"You don't?".

"I believe in God. I believe in Him to protect us".

"My mother doesn't seem content with your decision though".

"Mothers..., they never quite agree with our choices".

"Maggie told me of her disagreement. Why would she think that?".

"She fears the lords might use you to get the crown. I know there are some that's still..., wanted to see you as king".

Richard chuckled as he shook his head. "I can never gain her trust, do I? I mean, I was imprison, I nearly died...; what more do I need to prove to her?".

"I'm more surprised my mother doesn't say anything", Henry took a big sip of his wine.

"I'm waiting for her to summon me soon".

"At the end of the day, you are a royal duke and you are expected to marry. It is my command. You have proved to me how loyal you are to me, time and time again, despite there were times I was suspicious of you. I know I've wronged you many times. You deserve this. She seems in love with you".

Richard didn't say anything as he stared out of the window. He feared for the future for Freja. There were so much she needed to know before he takes her as his wife.

"Well, Your Grace?", Henry anticipated an answer.

"I will speak to Freja. She must understand what lies ahead if she wishes to marry me".

"I shall wait for your answer, hopefully soon".

PRESENT

Margaret turned to the young man she once despised. The hate had simmered down lately.

"Are you worried about me? Are you worried that your children might not be safe?", she asked.

"If my father was truly the culprit, what do you think will happen? If he truly is, my children are already doomed".

"You used to think I did it".

"Did you?".

"How are we to know? Perhaps the Tudor house are already doomed".

"That's funny coming from you".

"Perhaps I should trust you more. Perhaps, I should trust my son's decision of letting you live and become who you are today".

Richard raised his brow. "Who are you and what have you done to the real My Lady The King's Mother?".

Margaret Beaufort smirked. Up ahead, the spotted Freja, Mary and Maggie by the roses. Margaret Beaufort gave permission to Richard to excuse himself.

Richard walked up towards the ladies. Little Mary spotted Richard and ran towards him.

Richard caught her and spun her around. Maggie smiled as her cousins and Richard's soon to be bride interacted, as if they were already married and Mary was their daughter.

LATER

Richard was summoned to the queen's room. When he arrived, guided by Meg and Mary, their mother was stitching by the window.

The trio bowed before the Queen of England. Lizzie had Maggie take the girls out for their lessons so she could speak to her son alone.

"Has Henry given his blessing?".

Unlike Margaret Beaufort, Richard can't afford to sass his way around his mother. "Yes, Lady Mother..., although..., I haven't said a word to Freja".

"Why is that?".

"The curse.... I do not wish for her to suffer my fate".

"Why do you think the curse applies to you?".

"Isn't that what you told the king?".

"I had to say what needs to be said. I don't know what else I could do".

"So which is it? Did my father ordered your brothers' executions? Was it Beaufort? If Warbeck was truly your brother, then...".

"NO! He is not my brother! My brothers are dead".

Richard chuckled. "Your Grace, the king has commanded I am to be married to her. I dare not to go against him anymore".

"Richard, all I want is what is best for you", Lizzie got up to touch his cheek, but Richard backed up.

"You've killed Teddy. You've killed my brother, John. I couldn't save them and I would blame myself and you if your curse takes my children away from me. You've always been selfish, Lady Mother".

"I had to do what I must", Lizzie began to tear up.

"I am merely following my heart, as you've done. I will marry Freja..., with or without your blessing", Richard bowed to her before walking away.