Empire of Dreams

*24*

I apologised heartily to Mary for missing her birthday and assured Elizabeth I would bring back any rare maps the Archduke would have.

"Don't forget you're still my little sister" Mary fondly said, patting my cheeks.

A flash of annoyance passed Elizabeth's features before she walked up to me.

"You know I'll always be there for you, right?" Elizabeth asked before bringing me into an embrace.

"Of course I'll think of you both. And I'll miss you both. Be well, I shall see you soon" I assured them before walking to the carriage. They waved from a distance as the carriage with me and Queen Anne started moving.

The road was a busy one as we passed most of the towns on the way. Anne's eyes glistened with an indescribable emotion as she watched from the window.

"You know, I am sometimes amazed to think that I was once the queen of all this" she said without looking away.

"Well, you are an amazing human being so if any one deserved it, it was you" I assured.

"All the queens deserved it, you know. Queen Catherine of Aragon was one of the wisest and most faithful people to ever live. Her wisdom and maturity have been inherited by Mary. Queen Anne Boleyn was a riot. She turned the palace upside down and she stood up for what she believed in. Queen Jane Seymour was kind and caring, soothing the wounds of the people after fate had its way with the previous queen."

"What about you and your successors?" I asked curiously. I had always been fascinated by the queens, though my mother me better than to just go around asking about them.

"I was a rejected piece Jane. I was barely settled here when Henry decided he didn't like me much. Some days after my arrival he met Catherine Howard and in her he found the chance of redemption. He wanted to correct what he did wrong with Anne. I think his reasoning behind choosing Catherine Howard was the same as the reason behind why she faced such a cruel death- she reminded him of Anne. Catherine was my friend and we would've gone on to be on good terms but I wouldn't deny she was insecure due to the favour the young princesses showed me. The last queen, Catherine Parr, is much like me, I should say. She too believes in peace and harmony and favoured the king's children."

"Do not be saddened. You were there for Elizabeth and Mary when no one was. I know of the terrible childhoods they had. They earned you favour and kindness. Aunt Catherine is very close to me and she has always talked highly of you"

"But the twist here Jane, is that who sits on the throne has no relevance to the people of England. They do not care for us. What they care about is how the country works. They care about how much the person sitting on the throne does for them and it is our duty as the Kings and Queens to sacrifice for the country."

"I want to tell you something"

"Tell then, Jane dear, what is it?"

"King Edward wants me to inherit the throne. He wants me to be the next Queen of England. I can't help but thinking about that thing you said at our first meeting. That poem...." I awkwardly left the sentence unfinished.

Anne moved to take my hands in hers and said, "I possessed the sight since I was young. I would just know things without any reason. I saw Catherine Howard's execution during her brief but glorius period when she had all of King Henry's attention and love. I would also like to tell you more about what I see for you three in future.
You can be the Queen, Jane. In fact you will be, but it will end with either the great unification of the country and the royal family or it will end in a bloody massacre which only one of you three will survive"

"How reassuring " I commented sarcastically.

"You should take care Jane and take any decision after considering it carefully. You may be the best Queen for England but to get to the throne securely, you need to make the people of England see who you are and what you want. Mary is loved by the people. She has always been considered the true heir and hence she would have an advantage over you.
Elizabeth's wrath and thirst for vengeance may make her a bad queen but she has both the support and strength required to get the throne"

"What makes you think I would fight my sisters for the throne?" I interrupted harshly. Even the thought of hurting Elizabeth or Mary was painful for me.

"I am not asking you to fight them, Jane! I am asking you to fight for your country to which your loyalties are tied!" Anne was back with her commanding nature. She may be kind and sweet but once she believed something was right, she insisted on making everyone see her point.

I would've replied, but footman notified us of our arrival at the estate. I removed the curtains from my side of the window to look at it.

It was dark outside but the estate glowed up beautifully and the fountains reflected the glittering lights. The gardens were perfectly maintained, not a leaf was out of place and waiting for our arrival was the whole Conway family.

Anne gave me a look which meant I know you would rather fight me right now but you know that I am somewhat right. Also, look at this wonderful estate. I gave Anne a look in return which meant the estate truly is blissful but you must throw that thought of yours out your mind!

We were now in front of the arch which led up to the estate. The air smelt strongly of something sweet, probably some type of flower. It reminded me of Sia who had an extensive knowledge of all kinds of flora. The Archduke grinned at my sight. His parents had serious but gentle faces. It was no secret that Archduke Leonard had bestowed great wealth and titles on his nephew but he never showed his sister much respect or care. I was also not aware exactly how to address her but I decided on using Lady and Lord. Lastly my eyes fell on the younger siblings of the Archduke.

I was aware that Liselle and Weston were twins and both only three years younger than the duke but their faces held an innocence and cheerfulness which I hadn't ever seen in my life. On Liselle's face was a beauty of a flower yet to bloom of someone who hadn't yet seen the world but was anticipating it excitedly. Her happiness radiated all around her. But Weston was different. He was just.... pure. He was as pure as melody which could bring tears to your eyes and fill up your soul with the greatest joy and pain at the same time.

Then I looked at the Archduke who was smiling at me. He was the reason behind this purity and innocence of the twins and suddenly I respected him a thousand times more. He had given his siblings something I never had.