Chapter 17 Coronation Day Life in the palace was sad for Tom.
The kingdom was still mourning King Henry, and Elizabeth and Jane's sorrow made Tom upset as well.
But in spite of this, Tom was learning to enjoy his life as the future king.
He could read books whenever he wanted.
He could demand that Elizabeth or Jane come see him whenever he wanted.
He could eat all the food he desired.
He was even enjoying the ritual of getting dressed and undressed.
He loved his expensive clothes and ordered more.
He was especially fond of hearing the call, Make way for the king, whenever he walked into a room.
Did Tom Canty ever think of the rightful prince?
The boy who was still lost in the world somewhere?
For the first few days he was wracked with guilt and worry.
However, those feelings soon faded away.
His concern about his mother and sisters faded away, too.
When he did think of them, their dirty rags and messy hair, he felt a shudder.
Eventually he barely thought of them at all.
On the morning of the coronation, Tom awoke to music.
This music was entirely for him.
This was the day he was to be crowned king.
The entire country was rejoicing.
Tom felt very happy indeed.
When Tom arrived at the church, he was led to the front of it.
He looked at the people gathered all around him.
They were all happy and excited.
They cheered his arrival and called for a King Edward.
Tom's heart swelled with pride.
He felt there was nothing more important than becoming King of England.
Suddenly, Tom saw his mother.
He was shocked.
He threw his hand in front of his face, palm facing outward to block his view.
It was the gesture his mother remembered.
She knew instantly that this was her son.
He pushed her way to the front of the crowd and grabbed his arm.
She began to cry.
Oh, my child, she wailed.
Thank goodness you're safe.
I've prayed for you every night and every morning.
She looked up at him, her face filled with joy.
Tom was just about to say, I don't know you, when a guard pulled her from Tom.
The guard threw her to the ground with a stern warning.
When Tom saw his mother fall, his heart nearly broke.
All of his pride quickly washed away.
For the first time in weeks, Tom did not want to be king.
The crowd continued to call for King Edward, but Tom could not hear them.
He felt trapped again.
The only thing he could hear was his own voice.
The words, I don't know you, repeated over and over in his head.
Lord Hertford noticed Tom's downcast eyes and sad look.
Your Majesty, he whispered, people will notice that you are unhappy.
That will not do today.
You must rejoice so they may rejoice.
Tom looked at Hertford.
He was afraid he might start to cry.
But that woman, he said quietly, is my mother.
Lord Hertford gasped.
The king had gone mad again.
They all thought the boy was recovering.
It must be the excitement of the day.
We must keep him close to us, Hertford thought, in case he says too much.
Hertford led Tom to the throne.
The throne sat on a special stage so everyone in the church could see him.
Tom sat down very slowly.
He looked around him.
The crowd was quiet as they waited for the crown to be placed on his head.
The only sound Tom could hear was his own breath.
It was very loud.
The Archbishop of Canterbury picked up the royal crown and walked over to Tom.
He held the crown above the boy's head and said a short prayer.
Just as the archbishop was about to lower the crown, a voice called out.
I forbid you to set the crown of England upon that imposter's head.
I am the true king.
A group of guards immediately surrounded Edward.
They were trying to drag him from the church when they heard another voice.
Stop, Tom called.
Let him go.
He is the king.
The crowd began to mumble and stir.
What on earth was going on?
No one had ever seen anything like it.
Hertford stepped to the front of the altar.
Do not panic, he called out His Majesty as merely having one of his spells.
Pay him no mind.
Hertford pointed to Edward, who was still surrounded by guards.
Take this beggar out of here this instant.
Do not touch him, Tom said.
On my command, I say let him go.
The guards let go of Edward.
I tell you, he is a true king of England.
Edward walked to the altar and climbed the steps.
Tom ran to meet him.
He gave the boy a big hug.
I'm so glad you've finally returned, he said.
Tom was surprised at how relieved he felt now that the game was over.
Everyone in the room gasped when the two boys stood side by side.
They were identical.
Could it be true that the King of England was living as a pauper?
Had they almost crowned a pauper as the King of England?
This is very confusing, Hertford said.
I'm not sure what to do.
Ask me a question, Edward said.
Ask me anything to do with court.
So Hertford and some of the other lords asked Edward questions.
He answered them all correctly.
Tom was feeling excited.
It looked like he would soon be able to go home.
At last, Hertford said, It is very impressive, I'll admit.
However, our young king could do the same.
This is not proof that the beggar is the king.
The Lord Protector stepped forward.
I have a question, he said.
If you are the true king, you will know the answer to it.
Where is the royal seal?
It has been lost for several days now.
Edward looked stunned.
He could not remember the last place he had seen the royal seal.
Tom, noticing his confusion, tried to help him along.
Please, your majesty, think hard.
I'm sure it will come to you.
What did you do on your last day in the palace?
Edward looked at Tom.
He appreciated this boy's help.
Perhaps he was not as bad as he thought.
Well, I was working with the Lord Hertford in my room.
We had the royal seal then.
Edward looked pleased with himself.
I left my work on the desk and went outside to exercise in the yard.
That's when I saw you at the gate.
Edward nodded to Tom.
We went back to my room for something to eat.
We changed our clothes.
Then I ran outside to talk to the guards.
Edward paused for a moment.
Wait, he cried.
I remember now.
Before I left the room, I hid the work in the royal seal.
Edward told the Lord Protector to look in a secret drawer at the back of his desk.
He would find the royal seal stored there.
Everyone in the church waited quietly while the Lord Protector and some guards searched the desk.
Tom and Edward stared at each other with wide eyes.
Neither could believe that this strange time was almost over.
They both said silent prayers that the royal seal would be found.
The Lord Protector ran back into the church.
He held the royal seal high in the air.
Everyone began to cheer.
Long live the true king!
Long live the true king, Edward!
Tom stepped away from the throne.
He took his robe off and held it out for Edward.
The Lord Protector pointed to Tom. guards.
Take this fraud to prison.
No, Edward said firmly.
If it weren't for him, I would not have my crown again.
No one shall harm this boy.
He is a true friend.
No, Edward said firmly.
If it weren't for him, I would not have my crown again.
No one shall harm this boy.
He is a true friend.
