Richard paled. If the rumor of the boys’ death had reached Westminster sanctuary, then it must have spread throughout London—and thus, how far outside? Was this what the rebellion was about? Then it was a lot more serious than mere discontent over taxes.

He stared out of the window weighing if he should tell these few loyal friends what Buckingham had done. He had confessed harboring the secret to his chaplain, but no one else knew the atrocious truth—except Buckingham, of course. How long before the man’s silver tongue divulged the deed and then blamed Richard? Dear God, I could be brought down by such a lie! He resolved to reveal the secret now. How much better for his friends to hear it from his lips than to discover it for themselves upon their return to London. Besides, he needed help to handle the unrest.

Rob broke into Richard’s thoughts. “What does the Grey Mare want now, Your Grace?”

“She wants her sons restored to her,” Richard said quietly, still with his back to them all. “It is the one thing I cannot do for her, God help me.” He turned and dismissed the gentlemen of the chamber so that only Francis, Rob, Will Catesby and Ratcliffe remained, all staring at him curiously.

“Why is that, Richard?” Rob spoke first.

Richard rasped in a low whisper, “Because they are dead.” Crumpling the parchment, he threw it on the floor. “They are dead, God forgive me.”

After the initial shock, the close-knit group of loyalists debated a course of action. It was Catesby’s nimble mind that latched onto the one possible, plausible pathway to dispelling the rumor. “You said Buckingham told the boys’ servant that he was taking them to safety at your behest, am I right? Then who are we to deny that ‘truth?’ You sent Buckingham to remove them in secret somewhere—let us say ‘abroad.’ At that point, Buckingham must see, like the worm he is, he will be off the hook and acquiesce to save his arse. Who will dispute you? You are king, and who will dare demand of the king to show the lads’ faces?”

Francis let out a low whistle of admiration. “If that story is circulated immediately, no one will believe Harry if he now comes forward to say you had him murder the boys. It will sound ridiculous.”

“’Tis a plausible story indeed, William,” Rob Percy agreed and grinned at the young lawyer.