The Last York Prince [AU]

Hello and Goodbye

(I know there's a lot of mixed reviews on The Spanish Princess. If anyone wants to drop a fact that the show got wrong, please do. As much as this is supposed to be an AU, but I'm just curious. I will start to transition into that timeline into the next chapter.

Excuse my title haha, I'm terrible at it but I decided to put it there after a song)

LATE AUTUMN 1500:

Richard handed Robyn the letter to be sent to Stockholm, informing his in law that Freja will enter confinement soon. Robyn was already suited and packed to travel.

He attended the meeting with council in the morning and helped with Arthur, Meg and Harry with their archery lessons in the noon. Freja arrived, along with Hilda, Freja's maid in waiting and long time friend who has been with Freja since she was young, to join them.

After the wedding, Richard and Freja stayed in Bedford for about two months. Freja's family left to Stockholm after two weeks of the wedding.

After the honeymoon, the couple headed towards Ludlow for Richard to resume his duty. Freja helped Maggie in serving Arthur's household and she was doing a tremendous job, according to Maggie.

Freja became with child not long after she arrived in Ludlow. Richard made sure she had the best of care while Arthur wrote to his parents in London.

Lizzie watched Margaret Beaufort's reaction as Henry read the letter. Although her reaction remained neutral, Lizzie prayed for their safety, fearing what My Lady The King's Mother would do if the baby is a boy.

When they traveled back to London, a lot of people were lined up to see the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as they escorted Arthur. Maggie sometimes feared for the people's love towards Freja; feared that it could lead to the death of the last living York prince.

Richard placed his hand on top of hers, feeling the baby moved in there. He smiled, marvelled at the miracle that he and his bride had created.

"He's active today, husband".

"He? How are you sure?", Richard chuckled.

Freja winked before sending him off to tend to his younger siblings. She sat down, joined by Mary and Meg, who set her bow down to feel the baby moving.

"I pray that your child is a boy. I can't wait to meet him", Arthur smiled.

"I hope it's a girl", Harry mumbled.

Richard turned to Harry. He has changed as he grew older. Richard ruffled Harry's red hair, brushing off the comment.

"You think it's a girl?", asked Richard.

"I know it's dangerous, brother. Lady Grandmother once said you're a danger to the crown, but father said you're not".

"Our brother would never betray us", said Arthur, hitting another target.

"It's alright, Harry. We will not know until the baby is born and it doesn't matter. Boy or girl, I will love it still".

"Could you name him Harry?", Harry asked cheekily.

"I plan to name my second son Harry", said Richard.

"You should name your first son Arthur", Arthur chuckled.

Harry stick his tongue out to Arthur and Richard gently ruffled his hair. They ended the lesson just as Lizzie arrived with Maggie.

Suddenly, Drew came in running, looking white as a ghost as he called out to Richard. Richard set his bow down.

"What is it?", he asked.

"It's your sister! Herbert's messenger came and told me that she's having her baby and she might not make it", Drew spoke despite out of breath.

Richard turned to Freja, hand still on her stomach. "Go, I'll be fine", she said, eyes watering as she felt worried of Kathryn.

He gave her a passionate kiss before turning to Hilda. "Please take care of her", he said.

"Always", said Hilda.

Richard turned to Lizzie. "Lady Mother, I must take my leave. Please watch over Freja".

"I will. We shall pray for Kathryn too", said Lizzie.

Richard and Drew raced to the stable, where William was already prepared with the horses. Kathryn was in Bedford as Richard offered to let her give birth there for more comfort.

They rode fast, worried that the sun will go down soon and it'll be too dark to see the road. The trio arrived just in time as the sun set in the horizon.

Herbert was outside the room, pacing with anticipation. He heard the footsteps and turned to greet Richard.

"She's been in there for too long", said Herbert.

"Did the midwife or the physician say anything?", Richard asked.

Before Herbert could respond, the physician came out. "The labour has been long and hard, but the baby has just began to crown", said Dr. Roberts.

"But?", Herbert felt uneasy.

"Her temperature is rising. Once the baby is born, I will give her some medication for the fever and pray that..., her fever will break before sun rise..., or else...".

Richard felt weak. Every time he thought he had achieved happiness, he was quickly reeled back into the harsh reality.

It wasn't long before the sound of a newborn girl broke the silence in Bedford Manor. Sarah came out, partial of her dress had blood and she was carrying a small bundle in her arms.

"It's a girl. She named her Anne", Sarah passed it to Herbert.

Herbert shed tears of joy and kissed the babe's forehead. He showed Anne to Richard.

"She's beautiful, brother. Congratulations", Richard smiled as he laid his eyes on Anne.

"Kathryn wants to see you two", Sarah interrupted before excusing herself to go and clean up.

Once the ladies left, it was only Richard, Herbert with Anne in his arms, Dr. Roberts and a dying Kathryn on the bed. Richard grasped Kathryn's hand, praying for her to live long to watch Anne grow.

"I named her..., after father's wife", said Kathryn, her voice weak.

"I figured", Richard chuckled.

"William?", Kathryn called out to Herbert, who quickly sat down and showed her their daughter.

"She's beautiful, Kate. She looks like you", he was still crying.

"Promise me you'll care for her", Kathryn was shedding tears too as she laid eyes on her child.

"Don't say that, Kate. Please, don't leave us yet", Herbert sobbed, resting his forehead against her.

"I'm sorry, William. I'm so sorry", Kathryn caressed his cheek.

She turned to Richard. "Please, brother. Look after my child. I'm sorry I couldn't wait for yours to be born", she gave him a weak smile.

Richard kissed her hand. "I will, sister. I will always look after Anne".

Richard took Anne from Herbert. He held Kathryn's hand as he cradled Anne while Herbert held the other hand, silently praying for his wife to make through the night. They stayed until the sun rose..., until Kathryn gave out her last breath.