The Golden Age

Chapter 1

Bribery

-

London, Palace of Westminster

Arthur rather disliked these meetings. While not officially a member of the Court or Parliament, the Queen thought it would be good if he attended. While her Council would give her advice -never orders, God forbid- on the matters of religion, the growing Spanish influence and the welfare of her citizens and economy, he would be forced into a corner, told to keep his mouth shut and his ears open.

He stares out a window for what feels like the hundredth time in the last hour. The Thames and London spread to the edge of the ocean, dipping out of sight behind a blazing sunset. His head leans against the window as he imagines the smell of the sea and the feel of the water on his skin. Slowly, he loses himself in the days he spent on the high seas, with nothing more than the sun daring him to chase it.

“What would you have me do?” The Queen’s suddenly sombre tone wrests him from his memories. “Hang half the people of England? Or perhaps just imprison them?”

The Council cast doubtful looks at each other. Arthur sits up a little straighter, his attention piqued. Perhaps this meeting was about to get more interesting.

“We must act! Every moment spent in standstill is perceived as weakness.” One councilman pleas with her. He dare not speak any more plainly for fear of having his own neck hung.

Elizabeth places her hands on the table, fingers splayed over numerous reports and accounts. “If my people break the law, they will be hung. Otherwise, they are protected.” Her voice is decisive and leaves no room for argument. The chamber is silent save the quiet rustle of paper.

Sighing, Arthur turns his attention back to the window, bored once again. The council ends on a tense note and the room quickly empties save for the Queen, her guard and Arthur.

“Lord Kirkland,” the formality catches him off guard. “Please, tell me, what did you think of the proceedings?” She waves him over and he steps towards her, inclining his head.

“Uh, they were good.” He says.

Elizabeth smiles and shakes her head. “Ah, ah. Manners.”

“Your majesty,” He bows low, “I do believe they were quite satisfactory.” He attempts to put on the most pompous tone his can muster.

“I should have you killed for your cheek.” She says, but her smile gives away her amusement.

“Always.” He bows again.

“But let us be forthright.” She gently stands from her throne and talks his arm, leading him out of the council room, “What would you have me do Arthur? Should I let Mary take the throne? The church is heralding her as the true Queen and me as the bastard offspring of a false king.”

He is silent as they walk through the palace. Many stop to bow in the Queen’s presence before continuing about their day. She nods her head at only a select few, keeping her attention focused at a point in front of her.

Finally, Arthur manages to assemble his thoughts. “I think we should be careful. From what I know, Philip isn’t a war hungry monster. He believes he is a man of God, so he’ll need a reason so attack us.”

Her blue eyes search him. “You don’t think my Protestant beliefs aren’t enough cause for war?”

“I think they’re a reason for war,” Arthur pauses for a moment, lowering his voice, “But he still needs a reason to declare war. Whatever that may be, I think that should be our biggest priority.”

The Queen lets go of his arm, not looking at him. He stands uneasily, wondering if he has said the wrong thing. Maybe he should start listening to the meetings…

“A fair analysis.” Elizabeth says, giving him a fleeting grin. “You might just learn yet, young Arthur.”

“Thank you…” He mutters, letting out the breath he had been holding.

“Which brings us to our next subject.” She beckons him to follow her. “The matter of your lessons. Sir Walsingham tells me that your tutors have not had the pleasure of your presence as of late.”

The pirate coughs. “Has he now? I was under the impression I had paid off my teachers to keep their mouths shut.” He attempts a smile but the Queen is clearly not pleased.

“Why do you do this to me Arthur? What do you have against learning the court?”

“It’s too stuffy.” He complains, slightly lame.

Her lip twitches. “Stuffy? A royal court? Why that’s simply absurd.” She reaches her chambers and places a hand on her door, “It matters not. I will be taking charge of your education now, and believe me, I’m am not easily bribed.”

“What?!” His temper suddenly fires up. “You can’t do that! I am not your personal little boy you can simply order around! I was a captain of a pirate ship! I deserve a little more respect than this!”

“You will master the ways of court Arthur.” She says coldly, “This is my final say on the matter.”

“And if I chose not?” He asks stubbornly, crossing his arms and hunching his shoulders. There was no way he was going to bow to the will of this noble, no matter that she was the Queen or not. He was a pirate and by God if she thought he was going to abandoned it so easily-

“Then I will return you to the gallows from which I plucked you from.” His jaw drops as she slides into her room, “I expect you here at the break of dawn. Practice starts tomorrow. Good night Lord Kirkland.”

The door shuts and he scowls at it. Muttering angrily to himself, he stomps away. Of course Elizabeth would threaten him with death if he didn’t follow one little order. She’ll protect the Catholics that are openly trying to kill her, but she’ll kill her own country just because he doesn’t use the right fork at the dinner table.

Sighing, he leans against a wall. This was only the beginning of a very long, very painful year for him and he knew it.

Author's Note

Here we are! First chapter and I just finished the entire outline today.