“Ah, but they have, Your Grace,” Richard said respectfully, leading Edward’s horse back to the inn as Rob’s group rode out of the town. “I don’t expect you to understand now, Edward, but they look to their own selfish needs and not for the good of England.” He could not believe how agitated he was, wishing he could disappear as he was wont to do at Middleham. He thought a few quiet moments might calm him. “Please go with my lord Buckingham,” he told Edward, “and I will see you shortly.” He watched Harry put his arm about the young king and lead him into the inn.

He walked around the side of the building to think. It was only then that he fully comprehended the real danger he might have been in had he not acted quickly. All the stress in his body seemed to shift to his right side and into his crookedness, and he leaned against the wall for support. Why did this all have to be so conflicted? Again he found himself questioning God’s plan for him. Despite his prayers, penances, and generous presents to the church, Richard still felt God’s displeasure every time he was helped into his cleverly fashioned doublets and harness, tailored to hide his affliction in public. Could not this transition of kingship go smoothly? So far, it was hell. Who could blame Richard for believing he was being tested yet again. He kneaded his stiff shoulder and, feeling the bony protrusion under his fingers that had worsened in the last year, he grimaced.

Was the groan he let out then for the pain in his back or for the ache in his heart?

After a small repast, Richard tried to mollify the young king. He first expressed his own sadness at the death of his beloved oldest brother and expressed his deepest sympathies for the loss of the boy’s father. “I was a little younger than you when my father was killed, and so I know what a shock it is to lose a father. Your grandfather York was a wonderful man, and he would have been proud of you, I am sure.” He saw a glimmer of interest in the young king’s eyes. “He taught us that the most important virtue in life is loyalty. Loyalty, by the grace of God, to family, king and country. It is why I chose loyaulte me lie—loyalty binds me—as my motto.” Edward had listened attentively, and Richard was cheered.