Richard thought so too, but not so much for keeping silent as for plotting to oust the rightful protector. In Richard’s eyes, the man’s loyalty was now doubly suspect. At the May council meeting, Hastings had sworn to uphold Richard as protector and regent until Edward was crowned and able to assume kingly duties. Richard was king in all but name. But now it seemed, just as Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan had attempted to deny Richard’s right as protector at Stony Stratford, Hastings was plotting to do the same.

Richard made up his mind. He must do what was right for England, and he must protect himself and his family from whatever Elizabeth Woodville was conspiring. That very night he had John Kendall write an urgent letter to York, beseeching the loyal city to give him aid: …we heartily pray you to come unto us to London in all the diligence you can after reading this, and with as many as you can defensibly array, there to aid and assist us against the queen, her blood adherents and affinity, which have intended, and daily do intend, to murder and utterly destroy us and our cousin of Buckingham and the old blood of the realm… John Kendall paused in his writing and looked up. “You are certain, my lord?” he asked.

Richard nodded. “It has come to my attention that the queen’s astrologer has been busy plotting my chart, and you know they are not doing it to pass the time.” He did not mention his excruciating back pain at night and his suspicions that the queen was putting a curse on him.

Kendall gave a low whistle of surprise. “Then let us hurry and finish this,” he said, dipping his quill in the ink.

“I will send Ratcliffe to York, so they know I am serious,” Richard said. He dictated a few more lines and subsided into his chair, listening to Kendall’s scratching. His mind wrestled with all the pieces of information he had been given in the last few days and where it all led. He suddenly saw clearly what should be done.

Hastings must be punished.

“What will you do?” Anne asked, her face pinched with worry. “Hastings served Edward loyally. Are you accusing him because he took a mistress? Be careful, Richard. You, too, committed adultery.”