“Henry of Richmond is no threat to you, Cousin. The Beauforts, by decree, cannot inherit the crown. You have more to fear from your brothers’ sons than that Tudor spawn.”

Richard stopped mid-drink and put down his cup. “My nephews? Why should I fear them? I am king because they cannot be. What nonsense is this, Harry?” Richard pushed his cousin to know why he would even mention the boys.

Harry poured more wine. “I know Stillington swore they are bastards, but suppose Dorset succeeds in securing them and whips up sympathy for their cause. There are still those who believe you were seeking the crown from the moment you took Edward at Stony Stratford and that Stillington was paid to lie.”

“Christ’s nails!” Richard exclaimed, rising from his chair. “I thought we were long past those rumors. You do believe Stillington, don’t you? You were there when he came. I believe him, because Edward’s lust makes that pre-contract with the Butler woman plausible. Did you know, by the way, that Elizabeth held him at knife’s length before she got his promise to wed? If it weren’t so tragic, ’twould be funny.”

“I do believe Stillington, Richard, but there are enough who do not. Those boys are your blood and thus your greatest threat.”

“Well, my lord Buckingham,” Richard snapped, tired of the subject, “what do you expect me to do? Maybe you could, but I can’t murder my own flesh and blood!” Hadn’t Henry shared his blood? Christ, it always returns to Henry, he thought. He gripped the silver goblet hard and focused on the present. “Should I send them away—somewhere secret until my reign is more established? I do not want England to face yet another civil conflict.” He looked directly at Harry. “Aye, mayhap that is what I should do. When Anne and I are well on our progress, and London is quiet again, it would be easy enough to send them somewhere remote. Now that Brackenbury is constable of the Tower, he must know a safe place north of the Tees to house them.”

Harry shrugged. “Why don’t you leave it to me to arrange. You have enough to occupy you before you set off.”

Richard nodded absently. “I would be very grateful.”