Historical novel based on the life of Elizabeth of York. The story starts with Elizabeth being woken by her mother when she’s about four years old. Quietly, but hurriedly, they are fleeing the castle for sanctuary. Edward’s rule is being challenged and his queen fears for the safety of his heirs. They flee to the church where they are housed until Elizabeth’s father returns victorious. Unfortunately Elizabeth’s life is lived in fear of invaders and later, imposters. When her beloved father dies at an early age, he appoints his trusted ally Richard as regent for his young sons, Edward and York. But it soon becomes apparent that Richard has designs on the throne for himself. Elizabeth’s mother again takes her children into sanctuary. Richard’s men come and demand that her youngest son, York, be taken to the Tower to join his older brother Edward (Ned), in preparation for his coronation. Reluctantly, the queen agrees. Neither of the princes are ever seen or heard from again. Richard seizes the throne and keeps it until Henry VII returns from exile, rouses the people, and kills Richard in battle. Part of Henry’s plan to establish his reign is to marry Elizabeth, who is the rightful heir to the throne, except that at the time women could not rule alone.
During her life, Elizabeth is haunted by the fact that no one has ever discovered what happened to her brothers, for if either of them could be found alive, Henry’s claim to the throne could be undermined. More than once, imposters mount insurrections which have to be quelled. Elizabeth would dearly love to see her brothers again, but she fears what would happen to her husband, and their children if either of her brothers should come forward. She and Henry have numerous offspring, the first boy, Edward, is good, studious and pious, but sickly. He is removed at an early age from court, to study and train, but his health remains poor. He is betrothed to the princess of Spain, in a royal chess match which allies England with a potential enemy. But Edward’s health is misdiagnosed and he dies soon after the marriage. Fate has played a big hand here, because the spare is Henry VIII. From birth a boisterous, lively and ambitious child, he is well suited to being a king.
One thing I found hard to follow in the book was all the different characters with the same name. Many Elizabeth’s, Margaret’s, Edward’s, Henry’s. Not being British, it all got rather confusing at times. Still, a good story. I look forward to reading more of Alison Weir’s works in the near future.