Richard clutched at Kate’s hands, and his throat constricted. He wanted to weep for his beautiful daughter, but it seemed he had no more tears. Kate gently opened his hands and put into them a folded strip of velvet containing a long lock of shining auburn hair tied in black ribbon.

Richard gazed at the glossy tress and touched it reverently. “Ah, my sweet Katherine! Never was a father prouder of his poppet.” He looked up at the mother of his beloved child and asked, “How did she die?”

“’Twas the sweating sickness. She came to visit me from Wales and apparently she brought it with her…”

“Aye,” Richard interrupted harshly,” I know all about the sweating sickness that Richmond’s mercenaries carried with them. Now I have even more reason to run the bastard through.” He looked down at the auburn tress and carefully folded it back in the material, tucking it into his doublet.

“Wear it for luck when you fight, Richard. Katherine will keep you safe.”

She moved closer and rested her head on his shoulder, and there they sat for a few quiet moments mourning together until, with growing fury, Richard pushed her aside, picked up his crown and flung it at the crucifix on the wall. Fearful, Kate rose and backed away.

“Richard…Richard I beg of you…Contain yourself! What has happened to my gentle Richard?”

“What happened?” he spat back at her. “What happened?” He picked up the dented circlet and shook it at her. “This happened! This crown has brought nothing but death. First Ned, then Anne, now Katherine.” His heart was cold stone, and his back ached. He kneaded his shoulder with his thumbs. “Now I know I am cursed. God has marked me, and I am finished trying to appease him.” Confronting the emaciated Jesus whose hollowed, agonized eyes bored into him from the cross. Richard snarled, “Look not on me thus. I, too, have sacrificed and suffered. I suppose You will not be satisfied until I am dead? I wish Richmond would walk in here this minute and put an end to me.” He gave a harsh laugh. “Then I could join Lucifer in the flames of hell, where I belong.”

Kate dared to touch him then, but he flung her aside, needing to be alone.