Ignoring Grey, Richard swung himself up easily into his saddle, settled his horse down and addressed the throng. “Loyal Englishmen, as decreed by my brother, our dear late king, I am protector of our new sovereign lord and of his realm. I thank you for your duty and service in escorting him thus far, but it is time for you to return to your homes. His grace of Buckingham and I shall safeguard the king’s triumphant entry into London. Now I charge you all to pledge your allegiance to our new sovereign. Long may he reign.” He turned to Edward. “God save the king!”

“God save the king!” rose from the throats of the thousand loyal Englishmen as they all knelt to give young Edward homage. Richard Grey and his entourage could not but warily follow suit.

“Gentlemen,” Richard instructed Grey and Vaughan, “take me and my nephew back to your lodgings.” He moved his horse close to Edward’s. “Your uncle is safe, but I will explain why we must detain him.”

Edward’s face registered uncertainty and even fear. He did not know his Uncle Richard well, but he knew Rivers very well. One could not blame the boy for wishing his erstwhile guardian there. Richard recognized the boy’s dilemma instantly, and leaning over to him, he patted Edward’s hand. “I see it is a surprise to you that I am to be in charge. ’Twas your father’s wish that I be protector. Your mother and your uncle were fully aware of this royal appointment, yet they did not see fit to tell you, did they?” He saw Grey and Vaughan exchange meaningful looks, which, to Richard, verified their duplicity.

Edward shook his head. “I had not heard. Mother said she would help me rule, with Uncle Rivers and my stepbrother Dorset to help.” He stuck out his chin defiantly. “I am the king, and I want my other uncle to ride with me, my lord.”

Richard took a deep breath; this was not going to be easy. “Let us remove to the inn where we can speak in private,” he coaxed. Then he turned to Rob. “Take Grey and Vaughan back to Northampton and keep them locked up with Rivers.”

Edward protested when he saw his stepbrother and chamberlain removed and guarded, but again Richard assured him it was for his own safety. “What will become of them,” Edward whimpered. “They have done nothing wrong.”