The Lies of Kings

George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence

                                   -1478-
"Brother, he wants your throne," Richard repeated. He had been telling Edward IV this since their brother, George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence, got back from fighting in the War of Roses.
"I'm not going to throw my brother in prison for something you suspect. I need more than that Richard."
"He told me himself brother. I'm trying to protect you and your throne." Richard thought he was finally winning Edward IV over.
"Let me ponder it and I will come to a decision," Edward finally told Richard after a long pause. Richard III was giddy when he walked away from Edward IV, his plan was unfolding nicely. As soon as George was gone he could start his work on Edward IV.
"Oh, Richard I need you to prepare to leave for war," Edward said just before Richard turned the corner. This was not good for Richard, it could ruin his plan for good. He'd have to start all over again. He had to rush his plans and get out of going to war.
Richard III paced his private quarters, trying to figure out how to get rid of George and the King. After pacing the room for a while, he finally decided to stage a conversation with George. He had to act quickly though before he left for war. Richard stood down the hall from Edward IV's quarters waiting for George to come. He timed it precisely, George would walk pass a little while before Edward gets done with his sons, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, archery lesson.
"George," Richard called, "George come walk with me."
"Yes, brother?" George asked as he approached the area where Richard III was standing.
"We don't talk much do we brother?" Richard asked.
"I suppose not," George responded with confusion. Richard started walking toward Edward IV's quarters.
"How does it feel to be the second in line?" Richard asked him just as Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury ran past them to their rooms.
"I suppose it could be better," George responded, smiling at his nephews running down the hall.
"Wouldn't it be great to have the throne for Clarence?" Richard asked just before Edward IV walked around the corner.
"To have the throne for Clarence would be nice," George answered not knowing that Edward IV was standing behind him.
"My own brother wants to take my throne," Edward IV stammered making George turnaround in surprise.  "My very own brother..." Edward repeated.
"Edward... no. Richard was asking if it would be nice to have the throne for Clarence."
"Richard go get one of those guards."
"Edward, don't do this," George pleaded. "It wasn't what it looked like, I don't want the throne." George got down on his knees and begged Edward IV more. When the guard came he had to pry George off of Edward IV and drag him down the hall. Richard III was smiling as George was being dragged down the hallway. When Edward IV turned around Richard III looked distraught.
"I'm sorry I didn't believe you brother," Edward IV said to Richard. Richard III just nodded and walked off trying not to skip down the hallway laughing.