“I thank you with all my heart, my uncle and lord protector,” Edward cried, doing his part. “I also thank you right well, Mayor Shaa and your company for your loyalty.” He maneuvered his horse around in a circle to encompass the throngs gazing in curiosity at their new king and shouted: “May God bless you all. I promise, under Duke Richard’s guidance and with God’s help, to fulfill my duty to you as your king.”

As he got to his feet, Richard caught Edward’s eye and gave the lad a quick smile and an imperceptible nod of approval. He is just like his father, Richard thought wistfully. He has them in his thrall. Jesu, how I wish I had half of Ned’s presence or George’s charm. Instead I am pinch-faced and crookbacked.

Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

June 1–15, 1483

Despite the lack of funds due to the Woodvilles’ thievery of the king’s treasure, Richard was able to demonstrate his administrative capabilities within the first few days. By the time the council formally proclaimed Richard protector and regent, he had won most of the members to his side. Jack Howard called him “masterful” to his son, Thomas, who was also appointed to the council. Richard gave the chancellorship to John Russell, bishop of Lincoln, and soon the rest of the spiritual lords ranged behind Richard’s protectorship, including Bishop Stillington of Bath and Wells, once a close friend to George of Clarence. Only one, John Morton, bishop of Ely, equivocated.

As with any change in government, guarding a kingdom’s borders was paramount, and Richard quickly gave his northern ally, Henry Percy, earl of Northumberland, captaincy of the Scottish border. Then he sent a naval force into the Channel to find Edward Woodville’s fleet and offer his mariners a pardon if they abandoned Woodville. Most of the rebel fleet gladly complied, preempting any threat of a Woodville alliance with France.

A new date for the coronation was set for June twenty-second, and to keep Edward safe from any possible Woodville coup, Richard moved the king and his servants to the royal apartments in the Tower—the best garrisoned palace in London. In truth, Richard made the decision, but it was Buckingham who proposed it. More and more, Hastings and Richard’s close friends watched jealously as the royal cousin wheedled his way into Richard’s confidence.