The Last York Prince [AU]

Not A Goodbye

(Freja returns home. Arthur asks Richard a question. Richard notices Harry's jealous was growing rather alarming)

Freja took every word from Richard with great care. She understood the danger that lied ahead - her future husband had a claim to the throne and Spain had to kill three of his kinsmen to honour a marriage agreement between the Infanta and Arthur.

"Do you love me?", she asked.

"Perhaps I do and for love, I do not wish any harm on you".

"Then know this, Richard Plantagenet, I will love you and I will do my best as your soon to be dutiful wife. Perhaps..., it's a bit too fast, but I learn to always trust my heart and I know you are the one for me. Nothing in this world can tear us apart".

Richard sighed. He kissed her hands and placed them on his cheeks.

"I will promise to do my best to keep you and our future children happy and safe. I want them to have a life that I never have. I will love you and them until my last breath".

Richard escorted Freja until the port. He kissed her hand before she boarded the ship with her uncle. He stood there until the ship disappeared into the horizon.

Richard didn't return until supper time, where he was to dine with the royal family. Richard changed his riding clothes into one of his finer tunic and made sure he looked presentable.

He entered the room to find the royal children just arrived as well. He was announced in and Richard bowed before them.

Richard often sit next to Arthur, but Harry kept tugging Richard to sit next to him. Richard had to relent and sat between Harry and Margaret Beaufort.

"Has she safely set sailed?", asked Henry.

"Yes, Your Grace".

"Did you wait?", Meg gave a smirk.

"Of course, princess", Richard winked.

"She's amicable. Very pious and well read", Margaret commented.

"She's pretty", said Mary before eating.

"Will you write letters to her?", asked Arthur.

"Children, let your brother eat", Lizzie said, sternly.

"I'm glad she's gone", Harry stated.

"Harry, that's not nice", Meg scolded him.

"If Richie marries her, I'll have no one to play with!".

"What about that boy? Charles Brandon, isn't it?", said Arthur.

"...You haven't played with me for so long! It's always tutoring and it's boring!", Harry huffed.

Henry was about to scold his son when Richard shook his head. He turned to his little brother and pulled Harry to sit on his lap.

"Harry, when you're older, I'll teach you everything you need to know. You're young and there's so much a little boy like you needs to learn. I'm sorry you feel that way. I've been very busy, true, but I'm doing my best to serve this country so you have a safe home and you don't have to live in fear. I'm doing all these because I love you. I love all of you so much. One day, you'll understand".

Harry hugged his brother, sobbing and begging for forgiveness. Richard hugged him back, gently rubbing Harry's back.

"Perhaps I should take the duke to his room?", Richard asked.

"Yes, please", Henry nodded.

Margaret stood up with Richard and helped to put Harry to bed. Richard set the fruits nearby in case Harry woke up hungry.

"Richie..., do you love me?", Harry asked as he tried to stifle a yawn.

Richard smiled and kissed Harry's forehead. "Of course, Harry. I love you very much and I will always love you until my last breath".

"Come, Your Grace. Let him sleep", said Margaret.

"Please, Lady Grandmother, can he stay?", asked Henry.

"It's alright, my lady. I'll stay until His Grace is asleep", said Richard.

Margaret nodded and left the room. Richard took off his boots and laid next to Harry, who snuggled in Richard's arms.

Once Harry was in deep slumber, Richard made sure the blanket had covered him nicely before he quietly left the room. He returned to his own room, only to find Arthur in his bed, reading a book.

"I have questions".

"Can't it wait?", Richard frowned.

"How did you do it?".

"Do what?".

"You know..., court her".

Richard chuckled. "You're really asking me this question in the dead of night?".

"I'm to be married, just as you. You make it seems so natural".

Richard took off his tunic before he settled himself in bed next to Arthur. "You think I didn't stutter the first time?".

"Lady Pole said otherwise", Arthur set the book down on the table next to him.

Richard laughed. "I did. I was nervous, but I guess, we have so much in common that it just seems..., natural, I guess".

"Do you think the Infanta will love me?".

"You're a charming prince, well read and intelligent. What's not to love?", Richard chuckled.

"You're my brother. You're supposed to say that".

"What I said, whether I'm your brother or not, is true. You'll be one of England's greatest ruler and I have the upmost faith in it".

"I wish you were the Prince of Wales. People expects so much of me and I'm not even mother's first born".

"You are, Arthur. You are her first, legitimate son. You can't compare your life to mine, it's not the same. Among the reasons why I would like to hasten this marriage is that I don't accidentally get her with child and it ended up like me".

"Is it so wrong to be a bastard?", Arthur mumbled.

"You've seen what had happened to me. There's nothing wrong, but the life people like me have to face..., being a claimant to the throne, watching my love ones die before my eyes; you don't want my life, brother. I don't want it for my children or Freja".

"When I'm king, I wish to legitimise you".

"For now, you need to sleep".

Arthur chuckled and laid down next to Richard. The two boys soon fell asleep as the moon rose higher into the sky.