The King's Bed

The author, a first rate historical novelist, takes on the story of the illegitimate son of King Richard III, and weaves a tapestry of historical fact with fiction, creating an arresting tale steeped in period detail and historical persons and events. The author tells the story of Dickon Broome, a young orphan who always wondered who his father was, and weaves his story together with that of Tansy Marsh, daughter of a well-respected innkeeper, the owner of the White Boar. Her father is loyal to King Richard III, and Dickon Broome, traveling with the King's entourage, is on his way to join the King at Bosworth Field and meet the forces of the Usurper, Henry Tudor. They stop at the White Boar just before going to battle. It is there that Tansy and Dickon meet. On the brink of his brave last hurrah at Bosworth, the King tells Dickon that he is his father. Though the King does not survive the battle at Bosworth Field, Dickon does, but he must keep the knowledge of his paternity to himself or his life could be forfeit to Henry Tudor, the victor at Bosworth Field and the newly proclaimed King Henry VII of England. Dickon, however, does share his secret with Tansy, as she saves his life in the aftermath of the battle. From there, their relationship would blossom into an enduring friendship. There would then come a time, when Dickon would have occasion to save Tansy's life. The very fates that conspired to keep them apart would eventually bring them together. This is a story that those who like historical fiction will very much enjoy. The characters are well-drawn, and the events that transpired are based upon historical fact and legend. The author's note at the end of the novel provides details of some of the origins of the historical framework of the book.