The Last York Prince [AU]

Confession Part 2

(Henry's final hours and before he leaves this world, he has one last confession

A/N: I know, in TSP, he died while taking a bath and his mother was nearby, but I decided differently)

APRIL 1509

23 year old Richard made the journey to London with only Drew with him, leaving the rest in Bedford. The king's steward took Richard to the king's chamber.

The minute Harry spotted his brother, he engulfed Richard in a tight embrace. Richard gently rubbed his back, telling him that everything will be alright. Catherine and Margaret Beaufort were close by.

"Father wants to speak to you", said Harry.

Richard went in and Henry dismissed everyone, so they were alone when they speak. He coughed and Richard passed the goblet to him, which he thanked Richard for it.

"I may not be long, Richard. I fear for my son. I fear..., he might not be ready for all this. I never prepared him and I didn't think that he would be king".

"None of us thought he would be king. We all had hopes for Arthur".

"When he's king, he will want to marry Catherine. I don't think it's a suitable match. She is Arthur's widow".

"I think, when Harry sets his mind on it, he will have it either way, Your Grace".

"I have appointed you Lord Protector until he reaches the age. It won't be long. I..., my mother..., I want you to help him rule. You will be his primary advisor".

"Your Grace, I shall serve until the end".

Henry pressed his hand on Richard's cheek. "Your mother always tells me how much you look like him, but did anyone ever tell you, when you smile, you look like Lizzie?".

Richard smiled and Henry chuckled, "I miss your mother. When I see you smile, I see her, Richard and it kills me. I wasn't the kindest to her at the beginning, but I tried my best for her. I know she loves your father, even until the end".

"Your Grace, you have a place in her heart. The two of you went through a lot and I do believe she loves you too".

"I wonder..., I often wonder, Richard, had I lost that day in Bosworth, how would things turned out? Perhaps, when he eventually dies, you would've been a king. Maybe not married to Freja, perhaps to Catherine herself. I know you would help my son to lead my kingdom to glory".

"I apologise, for as long as I live, if I have offended you in some ways".

Henry shook his head. "No, no. You have been a good and obedient son. How I wish you were mine. Jasper had loved you as he had loved me. Arthur had loved you. He fought to have you by his side. I love you, Richard. Thank you for everything".

Richard kissed his forehead, but then, he noticed something gleaming around Henry's neck. He frowned as he picked up the familiar rings that once adorned around William's neck.

"These are William and Alice's rings", Richard looked eye to eye with the dying king as his eyes darkened with anger.

"Richard, let me explain-".

Richard tightened the chain around Henry's neck, choking the king. It was him. The man who often called him 'a son'..., the very man that tried to kill his first born and killed William in the process.

"It was you. All these years I thought it was your mother, but I won't be surprised if she's your accomplice", Richard hissed.

"Rich-Richard!", Henry tried to claw his way out, but he was sick and dying with very little energy left.

"I will destroy everything and it's too bad you won't be there to save them", Richard tightened the chain.

Henry slowly lose consciousness and Richard could feel the king's breath began to slow. Richard released his hold by snapping the chain off the neck, letting the king to breath.

"Richard..., let me..., explain", Henry coughed non stop.

Richard walked out and turned to the king's steward. "The king is in pain. Give him the medicine and make sure he sleeps. No one is to disturb the king".

Richard walked away with Drew while Harry was tailing behind them. He needed to know what his father said.

"Richie, wait! Tell me what did he say?", Harry left Catherine's side to intercept his brother's steps.

"He appointed me your Lord Protector".

"Impossible!", Margaret's eyes grew wide.

Richard chuckled and turned to the old woman. "Your son doesn't trust you to advise Harry. He fears you might bring this kingdom to ruins, hence my appointment as Lord Protector".

"I will not let this happen!", Margaret was beyond furious.

Richard laughed this time, surprising everyone, but Drew. "Poor Margaret Beaufort, the queen without a crown. I pity you and I will pity you when your son dies. You will scour to see who would help you to control Harry".

"Lady grandmother wouldn't do that", said Harry.

"Oh, Your Grace. You don't know her like I do", said Richard before walking away with Drew.

When they've reached the privacy of their quarters, Richard asked Drew to sit down. He took off his jacket and opened the window, letting the summer wind blew in.

Richard retrieved the chain with William and Alice's rings and handed it to Drew. Drew was shock to see it and asked where did he find it.

"The king was wearing it", Richard's voice was as shaky as his hands right now, trying his best to suppress the anger that's boiling within.

"The king? Wait, he was the one? He was the one who sent the assassins? But why? I thought..., I thought he..., he said you weren't a threat! I thought it'd be his mother!", Drew tried to keep his voices down.

"She could be the one whispering it to his ears. I will not be surprised if she's an accomplice to all this".

"But why? I'm not surprised if it's Beaufort. You have done so much. You fought Warbeck, you brought the army to fight for him, you have to watch Warbeck and Teddy die because of Spain and you suffered so much more", Drew felt even more puzzled, holding the ring close to him.

"Drew, I will always be a threat. Unless Harry has sons, I will always be a threat to House Tudor".