The Last York Prince [AU]

Lord Protector

(Richard governs England while Harry, now Henry VIII mourns for his father and prepares himself to be king)

EARLY MAY 1509

The noblemen weren't that surprised to find Richard already waiting in the room. He was sitting at his usual seat, chin hooked on one hand while the other was tapping his fingers on the table occasionally.

The lords weren't sure if he was angry or simply bored because they can never tell. They took their respective seats while Margaret wasn't present - a sign of her defiance, refusing to be there unless she held the absolute power.

"Gentlemen, in a few, short weeks our new king will begin his reign. For now, he mourns the death of his father and at the same time, preparing for his coronation..., and wedding. Now, as Lord Protector, I intend to make sure the transition between power is smooth and without interruption", said Richard.

"What about Margaret Beaufort?", asked Surrey.

"...She will want to turn against you. Rumours have been spreading that you are raising an army during this weak time", Surrey added.

Richard burst out a laughter, causing some of the lords to feel surprised by it. "My lords, if I'm raising an army now, why would I be sitting here?".

"I have to agree with him. If Gloucester wants it done, it will be done", said Stafford.

Richard turned to Stafford, raising his brow. This came from the man who supported Beaufort.

"Now, onto the business of the day", said Richard.

Richard kept it simple for them. The lords all agreed with what needs to be done.

"Your Grace, forgive me for asking, but is it sanction? Our king to the Spanish princess? She wedded Arthur", asked Boleyn.

"Wolsey?", Richard turned to the cardinal.

"According to my investigation, all that I've interviewed, the claims were that..., she did not lay with Arthur".

"So..., is it legal? For Henry to wed her?".

"I would advise against it since she is Arthur's widow, consummated or not..., but the king has made up his mind".

"That settles it then. We have the dispensation, so no more questions need to be raised".

"What about Beaufort? We have concerns here, my lord", asked Surrey.

"You saw what she did to Dudley", said Boleyn.

Richard woke up to the news of Lord Edmund Dudley's execution. This was no doubt Margaret Beaufort trying to cover up her tracks.

"Now that you mentioned it, Thomas, let's discuss about that. We know her. We know how she can use whatever leverage she has to get the king to go against us and possibly have our heads. She has ruled England through her son for many years now. Do we really want someone like that around us? She has dirts on all of us", said Richard.

The lords murmured and nodding to each other. Stafford felt bad betraying a woman who once housed and educated him, but at times like this, who knows, perhaps he could be next.

The door burst open and Margaret entered, head held up high. "Out of that chair..., bastard".

Richard stood up, but didn't move. Instead, he frowned as he studied her, which confused Margaret.

"My Lady..., are you alright?", he asked.

"What nonsense is this? Of course I'm alright!".

"You look..., deathly pale. Shall I send for a physician?", Richard tilted his head, appearing to be calm, yet curious.