Dawn was just breaking on that cold day when a strange orange light set the roofs of London aglow. Citizens crossed themselves as they emerged from their doorways and glanced up at the heavens. As the sun rose high in the sky, a black orb began to slide across its golden surface and a shadow fell over the earth just as, at the palace of Westminster, the light of Richard’s life also began to slide away. He murmured the non nobis, Domine, as he felt the soul slip from Anne’s frail body, and all of London was plunged into semi-darkness. It is a sign, he marveled and bowed his head. Sweet Jesu, receive her soul, and I pray You do not forsake me now, for I am truly alone.

Kind hands gentled him away from Anne’s still form, and, as Anne’s women prepared her body for burial, he allowed himself to be led from the darkened room to his own chambers. There, Bess was waiting to greet him with soothing words and comforting arms. He saw his son John among the other councilors watching him anxiously, and Richard reached out a hand to him behind Bess’s back.

Taking the hand, the young man said, “Courage, Father. We are here to give you courage. The queen would have wanted that, and England needs you.”

Richard nodded. “Thank you, John.” But privately he thought, England can wait.

Chapter 29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

1485

Anne Neville, daughter of the earl of Warwick and queen of England, was given a resplendent funeral and buried on the southern side of the high altar in Westminster Abbey. Richard’s spirits were so low in those weeks following Anne’s death that he could not bring himself to commission a tomb and effigy yet. He could not have known his procrastination would mean Anne’s grave was never marked.

“Have you lost your wits?” Richard spat at Catesby, who cringed at his king’s fury. “I shall do no such thing. Now leave me, all of you.”

All but Francis bowed and retreated. He put up his hand to stop Richard’s admonition and put his finger to his lips. “My lord, Your Grace, I beg of you hear me out. But first, I pray you lower your voice. These are dangerous times.”