The Last York Prince [AU]

Permission

(Richard has been summoned to Burgundy and Henry reluctantly let him go)

Richard placed three roses on top of his sister's tomb. Little Elizabeth never thrive and her death saddened her family members, especially her parents.

Richard was praying when Henry walked in and knelt next to his step son, who had his eyes closed and hands clasped to each other. They prayed for Little Elizabeth for a while.

Richard finished by sighing. He got up and offered his hand to Henry to stand up. Henry gladly took his hand and stood up.

"I would like to discuss something with you", said Richard, handing the letter as they walked out of the chapel.

Henry stared at the letter before handing it back to Richard. "Words do travel fast", he commented.

"With all due respect, Your Grace, she is my aunt. She has to know who I'll be marrying. If it pleases you, you can send Sir Richard Pole with me".

"I fear I don't trust him. There's a lot of rumour flying about a rebellion and it involves Lady Pole".

Richard scratched his head. "If it's alright, I can leave Mr. Barnley here. I'll ask him to find out and crush the rebellion before even it began".

"You're leaving your trusted spy with me?", Henry chuckled.

"I trust Mr. Barnley can look after himself. Besides, he knows his way around. His son can come with me and I shall take Lord Pole as well. Perhaps..., if I'm being honest, we can find out if there's truly a spark. Separating them would be a best option for now".

"Very well, permission granted".

Back at the palace, as Richard packed his things, Harry literally climbed into his trunk. "I want to follow Richie. He gets to go everywhere", Little Harry whined.

"Harry, your brother will only be gone for less than a week", said Lizzie, gently while rocking Edmund in her arms.

Richard ruffled Harry's red curls. "I won't be long, Harry. I'll be home soon, alright? Now, run along. You have lessons to go to".

Harry reluctantly followed his nursemaid, leaving his brother and mother alone. Lizzie watched as her son packed for his journey to Burgundy. She didn't like about this meeting, but she can't deny Margaret's peaceful request to see her own family.

"I'm sorry", Richard's words took Lizzie aback.

"For what?".

"For what I said. It was never my intention to be rude, Lady Mother".

"I'm merely worried. There are rumours flying and I don't want them to use you".

"I won't let them. I'm done with war. I don't care if Tudor holds the crown. He has won it by conquest and I refuse to usurp it or let anyone usurp it", Richard shut the lid of his trunk and sat on it.

Lizzie combed her son's dark curls. "I've often dream to see my son, who one day will be king".

"That will be Arthur, Lady Mother".

"That was unplanned".

"It has been done and Arthur will rule England when the time comes".

Lizzie sighed. "I never intended this life for you".

Richard held out his arms and Lizzie gently set Edmund in Richard's arms. Richard smiled lovingly at his brother and kissed the babe's forehead.

"But I am content. True, it was rough the first ten years of my life, but I am happy to be here. I want to be happy".

"And you will be, I promise".

Richard wouldn't hold on to her words that much, but he simply nodded. Lizzie kissed his forehead lovingly before taking Edmund and leaving to let him finished packing.

Richard later met up with Arthur during archery. Richard was teaching Arthur how to read the wind before firing an arrow.

"Do you promise you'll come back?".

"Yes, Arthur. I will come back", Richard chuckled.

"I can't be king without you".

"You'll be king with or without me".

"I don't trust the lords. I can't...".

"You're going to have to. It's a gamble, Arthur. Trust yourself that you'll be a great king".

"Is that how you do it?".

"I'm not dead yet, perhaps yes, that's how I do it".

THE NEXT DAY

William made sure Drew had everything he needed. Drew, on the other hand, wasn't stoked about the trip.

"What if it's a trap?".

"Son, let us pray it is not".

William handed a sword to Drew. "Promise me, you would keep yourself and Richard safe".

Drew placed his hand on top of his father's. "I swear on mother's grave, father. I won't let you down".

Before heading to the docks, Richard spoke to Robyn alone. Robyn, who had his hair groomed and cut, looked so much different than the first time Richard had met him.

"You remember what I asked?".

"Look out for suspicious people and listen to what they had to say?".

"I won't be long. Look after William and Sarah. Report to me when I get back".

"But..., if the worse comes?".

"Take Sarah and head back to Bedford. Do you remember how to get there?".

Robyn nodded. "I'll look after them. I promise".

Henry summoned Richard to his studies. Richard noted how he was uneasy.

"I ought to cancel your trip".

"What would Burgundy think? They'll think you're holding me hostage", Richard chuckled.

Henry approached Richard. He was getting taller, like how Edward IV was.

"I don't often admit this, Richard. I do sometimes see you as my son. I know..., I am not your father. I know..., who had to die for me to wear the crown. I know..., I didn't trust you before, but I have come to terms to trust you with my life. To trust you with the children, especially Arthur to be under your care when Lizzie and I aren't around. I am forever in your debt, Richard Plantagenet".

"Know this, Your Majesty. I am the one who is supposed to be grateful. You allow me to live and thrive. You blessed my soon to be union and let me continue my line. Your trust means the whole world to me".

"I want you back here. Don't spend too much time there".

Richard etched a smile. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. This is my home and I'll always come home".