4 Tom is king

Chapter 4 Tom is king "The king is dead?" whispered Tom, when he was told by Lord Hertford the next morning.

A stream of lords and ladies then entered the room. They stretched out their hands and cried, "Long live the king!" "I am king now?" Tom gasped. "Does that mean any command I give will be obeyed?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," said Lord Hertford. "Then hurry to the Tower," said Tom. "Tell them the king says the Duke of Norfolk shall not die."

A man rushed to obey his orders. "A good start to a new reign," said Lord Hertford, smiling at him. And everyone cried again, "Long live the king!" After that, servants flooded into Tom's room. "Your Majesty," said a servant, bowing low, "it is time for you to dress."

Tom watched in amazement, as one servant, then another, knelt before him. They slipped garment after garment over his head. It took an hour before he was fully dressed- in purple satin from top to toe.

"The date for your coronation has been set," said Lord Hertford. "It will take place three weeks from now. There is just one small matter." "W-w-what's that?" asked Tom. "We have been unable to find your father's Great Seal. Can you tell us where it might be?" "The Great Seal?" said Tom. "What does it look like?"