Queen Anne Of Scotland

CHAPTER 13: MEETING THE REAL ELIZABETH

When Anne had dressed for the meeting she was led into a large room with dozens of people in it, but it wasn't like the warm and welcoming room like that of the ball room, but it was a cold damp room. And as Anne walked in she felt the icy gazes of the courtiers.

Anne! said a familiar voice.

Anne looked at the end of the room and beheld Elizabeth, she sat on her throne in a dress that covered the whole seat, her brow was arched and her gaze told Anne that she thought herself higher than any person.

Do come in! Said Elizabeth with a fake smile touching her lips. Now that we are all now assembled let us start.

The meeting started out with some very dull conversation which I shall not attempt to write, but by and by they finally came to the subject of Queen Anne's situation.

And now. Said Elizabeth. we shall discuss the war between Ireland and Scotland. Anne dear will you not tell us of your situation?

Anne arose and addressed the counsel.

Good people of England. Said she. This is a dark time for my dear country, with our alliance broken with France we are opposed by two brutal forces. My commanding general has just learned that Ireland has made a alliance with Italy. If we do not stop this outrage then not only will Scotland be destroyed but the war shall spread to other lands, and I am sure your beloved England is the next target.

There was some murmuring amongst the counsel when Elizabeth silenced them with a wave of her hand.

You are a wonderful speaker Anne, perhaps you should consider trying more of it.

Anne could hear a few people chuckle.

And how sure you are that England is next, that must have been a figment of your generals imagination, or perhaps you mean to scare us into joining you, now that I think of it, perhaps you are the reason Ireland has declared war, for you are very young, foolish and a very easy target.

At this remark the whole room was filled with the sound of laughter, but Anne was furious.

Is this her answer? she thought. My country is in danger, my people are in danger and she has the nerve to mock me?

'Is this the words of the mighty Elizabeth?' Anne cried out.

The room fell silent.

My people are in danger and you DARE to mock me! Where is your honor? I once believed England to be a mighty nation, but I now see that it is a place filled with foolishness, you prey on the suffering of others, and laugh at there short comings.

Guards! Cried Elizabeth. Take her away, lock her in her chambers.... No throw her in the tower.

But before they took Anne, Elizabeth had a thing or two say.

The day that England ever helps a Scotsman is the day England falls.

That day is closer than you think. Yelled Anne. Because if Scotland falls, you fall with us!

Elizabeth's eyes raged with anger and hate.

Take her away!!!! She yelled at a guard.

And Anne was taken to the large tower that many a queen had meet her doom.

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Anne paced back and forth in the damp dark cell in which she was held. Her dress was torn and tattered, and her hair was in a tangled mess, but that was nothing compared to the anger that burned within her soul. She had a gash down the side of her head from the guards pushing and dragging her as she gasped for breath on the hard stone floor, for three days she had endured such torture.

Two days had passed without the slightest sign of human life, except for the strange man that brought her her meals, but there was never a word uttered. The man with the tray of food was a tall lean fellow with a quizzical brow and uncommonly handsome features, his attire was tattered and well worn, but underneath the dirt from years of labor was a young man that wanted a second chance in life, he only needed the opportunity.

One evening when he had brought Anne her tray, Anne decided to try her luck at getting a conversation out of the man.

Excuse me! She said in a hasty attempt to gain the mans attention.

He stared at Anne as if contemplating weather or not to answer.

Yes? Was his reply.

If it isn't to much trouble to ask, how long have I been in here?

Three days.

Three days? Anne whispered to herself, then turning to the man she asked. What is your name?

Charles Bradford, and I know your name her esteemed majesty Queen Anne, your well mannered to a commoner such as myself, I expected you to be very high and mighty. He smirked.

Do I amuse you? She asked.

No I suppose I'm in need of a good laugh.

Well ask my maid Margret she'll tell you I'm a old nag.

I wouldn't believe it for a second. He said still smirking.

Anne couldn't help smiling at this man that made her find laughter in even this dark cell.

So why on earth would a handsome girl like yourself enrage the Queen?

Anne stared at him, did he just state that Anne was pretty? Surely he didn't mean it. But she could not hold in the temptation to ask what he meant by it.

Did you just call me handsome? Said Anne attempting to not look at him

Do I offend your majesty? Said Charles with a smirk.

No. Said Anne this time looking at him.

Surely you have been called handsome before probably by some prince I would expect.

Anne suddenly remembered what Edward had told her the night in the garden and she felt a sudden pain in her chest and tears sprang to her eyes, if Edward really cared anything for her then he wouldn't leave her to rot in this cell.

When Charles noticed a tear fall down her pale cheek his face softened.

I'm sorry your highness being stuck in a prison makes a man forget his manners at times.

No no your alright, its just Prince Edward once told me I was beautiful but if he loved me or even cared about me I doubt I wouldn't be in her for more than a minute.