But relieved that he had someone of his own rank advising him in this crisis, Richard forgot Edward’s unfavorable opinion of Harry and nodded in agreement. The more he thought about Rivers’ odd action, the more it disturbed him. “I believe there is a conspiracy to prevent my joining the king, which can only have come from Elizabeth,” he said. “God’s bones…”

He was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Ratcliffe, who looked pale.

“What is it?” Richard demanded. “Has something happened to Rivers?”

Ratcliffe took his seat and collected his thoughts. “I stayed with him long enough to ensure Rivers was readied for sleep, but then I concealed myself in a niche near his room in case of any attempt to sneak away. Not fifteen minutes later, a man ran up the stairs and entered my lord’s room. In a great hurry, he carelessly left the door wide enough for me to hear him say ‘I have delivered your message, and your nephew, Sir Richard, bids me tell you they will make for London when the cock crows.’”

Buckingham jumped to his feet. “But this is treason.” He turned to Richard. “As protector, you speak for the king. Rivers is directly flouting you. The Woodvilles aim to secure the boy.”

“Calm down, Harry,” Richard said, although his frown increased. “To be fair to Rivers, treason is a stretch. I have not formally been appointed protector by the council yet. But I agree, the Woodvilles conspire to keep the king from me, that is clear. Friends, how do you see it?”

“What I perceive is that you are in grave danger,” Rob warned. “I am inclined to agree with my lord Buckingham about the Woodvilles. If you do not apprehend Rivers now and defend your protectorate, you could risk either civil war or losing your life.”

Losing my life? Richard thought, taken aback. But I am the Lord Protector. Surely Rob exaggerates. But the fear was planted, and Richard’s anxiety mounted.

“Arrest the man!” Buckingham growled. “If you allow him to get word to Stony Stratford again, his troops would turn and massacre us—they outnumber us two to one. Why do you think Rivers brought all those weapons?” Buckingham added, and the others loudly concurred.

Richard held up his hand. “If we are all agreed that there is a plot afoot to prevent my protectorate, then I have no choice but to arrest Rivers and Grey and seize control of my nephew.”

“Now you’re talking,” Buckingham enthused.

Richard rose. The decision was made, putting him back in control. “Then Rob, take an escort and rouse the earl. Hold him here until I send word. The rest of us should prepare to ride before dawn to stop the march south.”