Chapter Text
“How’d it go?” Anne asked, from her place on the couch.
Richard stared at her for a long moment then shook his head.
Anne’s expression was nothing but sympathetic. “I’m sorry.” She said. “I take it he chose to stay at Blackthorn?”
Richard nodded, “I… I abandoned him. He has every right to…”
“I know.” Anne said, “Still I’m sorry for how this is affecting you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Anne didn’t say anything in response to that, though Richard knew that she was doubting his words. “I’m fine.” He said again in earnest. “You should head back home.”
“You are my home.” Anne argued, “You and my kids. But my kids are all grown up and can take care of themselves. You need me right now.”
“I don’t need to be coddled,” I muttered. “I’m fine. I can stand on my own two feet.”
“The stitches on your face haven’t even been removed yet.”
“I’m fine Anne.” He turned to his desk, filled with paperwork. Updates on the war with the Dutch. The plague that was harkening ever closer… Richard looked up at Anne. “You should go. With the plague…”
Anne shook her head. “I have time. Besides, you took an axe to the face, lost two fingers, were caught in an explosion, and are dealing with the rejection of your son. You are not ok. I can stay for a little while longer.”
Richard sighed and shook his head, “Christopher has every right-”
“He does,” Anne said. Richard stopped speaking, surprised “But that does not mean that you are alright.” She finished.
Richard stared at Anne and looked out the window. “We knew this was a possibility. That he’d want nothing to do with me.” He stared out at the sun that was slowly making its way to the western horizon.
Anne nodded, “We did.”
“I just.” Richard sighed, “I had hoped it would be because he was happy. Not because I-” He cut off and stopped speaking.
Anne tilted her head, she didn’t push. Richard didn’t expect her to. After so many years, she had learned when to push, and when to wait.
“They beat him,” Richard said. “I… left him in a place that abused him.”
“You didn’t know,” Anne said sympathetically.
“I should have.” Richard said, “I should have made certain the type of place I was leaving my son before I left.”
“You would have.” Anne insisted. “But you were pressed for time. You did the best you could with the time you had.”
Richard looked back at Anne. “Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?”
Anne stared at him for a long time, Richard knew that she was likely trying to figure out how best to say what was on her mind. “I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I think…” She sighed, “I think the best you can do for your boy is give him time and try to do the best you can to make it up to him.”
Richard took a deep breath. “Any suggestions?”
Anne smiled, “I think helping him keep his home, was probably the best thing you could have done.” she said honestly.
“What do I do if he never wants anything to do with me.” Richard turned to look at Anne. Her gaze was sympathetic.
“That’s his choice,” Anne said. “And you respect it, as best as you can.”
Richard looked back out the window, the sun setting on London, setting the entire city ablaze in a pink glow. He’d heard reports of the plague coming closer and closer to the city walls. The nobles were getting nervous, and soon they’d likely have to leave.
Still.
“I’ll do my best,” Richard said. “I always do.”