Her Majesty’s Secret Service

033. The Hunt

A few days ago, in the evening.

Mary had thought Prince Eric’s approach had an ulterior motive until he first approached her.

Surely, it was to hear her response to his proposal.

His sudden visits, claiming the weather was nice for a walk or that he just thought of her, seemed like obvious ploys at first, which she didn’t quite like.

Initially, she went on walks with him reluctantly, but as they became more frequent, she began to open up to Eric.

Moreover, their conversations during these walks were nothing but trivial chatter about the pleasant weather, the beautiful flowers, or the delicious meals. It was a complete departure from the stiff interactions she had with Philip every time they met.

Eventually, hearing the nearly twenty-years-older Eric declare his love for her, Mary couldn’t help but be swayed.

If only Eric had treated her with half, no, even a quarter of the respect, she wouldn’t have considered breaking off the engagement.

Tired of Philip’s rude behavior every time they met, Mary had had enough.

‘It’s not yet public, so calling off the engagement shouldn’t be too problematic. Judging by Philip’s actions towards me, he seems to dislike the engagement as well. The problem is… Karl, perhaps.’

—

Karl sent Felipe to propose marriage for various reasons, but chiefly to prevent England from drawing closer to France. Even if the proposal were to be broken, he needed terms that would reassure his cousin Karl.

“If I promise not to ally with France, Karl would not object to dismissing this proposal. Yes, Steve also seemed opposed to this marriage, and thinking about it, marrying Felipe would disrupt the balance of the continent… It seems better to remain unaligned with either Spain or France….”

Having decided to break off the engagement, she began to notice flaws one by one.

“Marrying Felipe would cause more than a little backlash. At first, I thought it could be resolved through negotiation, but now I see Bishop Steve was right. There’s no need to provoke opposition. And wasn’t it obvious that Spain, controlling the lowlands, would raise the wool tariffs? Using our marriage as an excuse. I don’t think Karl would do that, but seeing Felipe’s attitude, he might well do so. Indeed, it’s right to break off this engagement.”

It was amusing to recall Bishop Steve’s words now. Mary nodded in agreement with the advice Steve had given her, now that she wanted to break off the engagement.

—

Summoned by the Queen, Eric came to her room. Strangely, neither the servants nor the maids were in sight.

Wondering if she had sent them on some errand, he entered the room where the Queen was waiting and saw her deep in thought.

“What are you pondering so deeply, Your Majesty?”

“Ah! Eric, it’s nothing. What were you saying?”

In front of Eric, Mary always composed her voice. At first, she spoke as usual, but lately, she refined her voice in his presence. If she didn’t, the joy of their conversation would be marred by the reminder of their age difference, a habit she had formed.

“Ha-ha. I mentioned I’d like to take you to Sweden. Richmond Forest here is a fine hunting ground, but the forests of Stockholm are truly beautiful, especially around November.”

Recalling the day before she told Felipe she would break off the engagement, Mary snapped back to reality at the sound of Eric’s voice. She saw Eric, looking out at the garden, smiling brightly.

“I would love to visit someday. Sorry, my affairs have been delayed…”

Her conversation with Bishop Steve had gone on longer than expected, delaying the hunting party’s departure. By the time they arrived at Richmond Palace, the sun had already begun to set.

“It’s alright, Your Majesty. Talking with you is better than any hunt.”

“Ah… Eric, you really are…”

Unlike Felipe, every word from Eric was to her liking. Every time Mary saw Eric, she felt reassured about her decision to break off the engagement.

“But Your Majesty, didn’t you have something to tell me?”

“Oh, that’s right. I got distracted by other thoughts.”

—

—

In truth, Mary had not yet responded to Eric’s proposal. Previously, she was entangled in talks of marriage with Spain, making it impossible to answer Eric. But now, circumstances had changed.

“Once before, you proposed to me? Today, I wish to give you my answer.”

“Yes…?”

Eric replied with a trembling voice. It was a tremor of disbelief, surprise, or something indescribable.

“I will accept your proposal, if you are agreeable.”

“Is it true, Your Majesty?”

“Indeed, it is. We shall discuss the detailed conditions after the banquet this coming Sunday. And then, I will announce our engagement.”

Eric opened his mouth as if he had been waiting for these words.

“Thank you. Your Majesty, I will surely make you happy.”

“Ah… Eric, you always please me with your sweet words, like Logan’s cooking. Where else could I find someone like you?”

“I acknowledge that friend’s culinary skills, but my feelings for Your Majesty…”

Just as Eric was about to speak, Mary’s firm voice silenced him.

“Eric, call me by my name now.”

“Ah… Yes… Mary.”

“That’s right, Eric.”

Awkwardly, Eric called out the queen’s name, and Mary, seemingly content, uttered Eric’s name.

Their eyes met as they called each other by name. Was it because it was their first time doing so, or because their gazes directly aligned? They looked at each other with awkward expressions.

“I… Uh…!”

Trying to break the awkward silence, Eric started to speak, but the words never made it past his lips. Mary rose from her seat, approached Eric, and soon sealed his lips with hers.

For a while after, neither servant nor maid sought the queen’s chamber. It seemed as though the chilly November wind skirted only around the queen’s room.

—

While the queen was away on a hunt, Bishop Steve faced the nobles.

Bishop Steve, among six in total. Their ranks were evident: a privy councilor, the Earl Marshal, Lord Treasurers—indeed, high nobles of some influence.

“Thank you all for coming despite your busy schedules.”

The winter wind seemed to have frozen the bishop’s face. His expression and voice rigid, Bishop Steve rose to greet the nobles.

“So, what urgent matter has us summoned so hastily? Has Her Majesty decided upon a date to announce her betrothal to Felipe?”

It was Earl Russell, the Keeper of the Privy Seal, who responded on behalf of the others. Those gathered were Catholic nobles, convened in advance to address any issues that might arise when the queen announced her betrothal.

“Not so, Earl.”

Of course, they knew why the bishop had summoned them. Seeing the bishop’s urgent call so soon after the queen had left for the hunt, they all assumed it was about the announcement date.

“If it’s not that, then why the urgent summons?”

An inquiring voice was heard. It was older than that of Bishop Thomas, belonging to Thomas Howard, the 3rd Duke of Norfolk.

“My apologies for the difficult journey, Duke. This matter requires your particular assistance.”

Bishop Steve, bowing respectfully to the duke, surveyed the seated nobles before speaking.

“First, allow me to apologize for the abruptness of this summons. To get to the point, Her Majesty has decided to break off the betrothal with Felipe.”

“The queen has come to her senses, thankfully.”

All seemed to agree with Duke Howard. In their view, marriage to Felipe would have brought nothing but negative consequences to England.

“It’s good news, but have you called us here just for that? Without sending someone?”

The owner of the discontented voice was William Paulet, the Marquess of Winchester and Lord Treasurer. Bishop Steve looked at him calmly before speaking.

“The queen has proceeded unilaterally once again. You’ve all heard about the Prince of Sweden, haven’t you?”

Earl Russell frowned at Bishop Steve’s words.

—

“You’re not telling me you’re proceeding with a marriage proposal to the Swedish prince, are you? Please say it isn’t so, please.”

“Exactly, Count, your words are correct.”

“What?!”

Count Russell’s voice was followed by Bishop Steve’s sharp retort. Count Russell, along with the other nobles, each showed their reaction by sighing or frowning.

“I’ve heard rumors of the Swedish prince consorting with Her Majesty the Queen, but converting? This is madness, to think that after Felipe, now a Grand Duke who believes in heresy?”

“Will you keep this a secret as well, or will you announce it? If you’re going to announce it, when might that be…?”

“Damn it… The heretics are still in a festive mood because of the Queen’s last protection decree, but if this story gets out, it’ll be chaos.”

As the other nobles began to voice their opinions, the room grew noisy. Bishop Steve opened his mouth to quell the commotion.

“The announcement of the betrothal will take place at the welcome banquet for the Swedish delegation this Sabbath, within the week. So, about two days remain. It seems you plan to announce it immediately upon returning from the hunt.”

“Ha, you’re determined, I see.”

“Who else but the daughter of His Highness Henry could stir up such a storm?”

Sighs from the nobles were heard. Bishop Steve continued with a stern face.

“Her Majesty the Queen’s autocracy has gone too far. The marriage to Felipe, yes, that could be seen in a good light. After all, it’s a Catholic royal family. But a marriage to a heretic, and to a royal family that supports Lutheranism? That’s unthinkable.”

“So, what are you planning to do?”

“We must resolve the matter. If we show that the citizens of England do not want a Protestant monarch, surely Her Majesty the Queen will break off the betrothal?”

“Easier said than done. How?”

It was Duke Howard’s question. He had been pleased to hear of the broken engagement with Felipe, but now the thought of serving a heathen Grand Duke made him frown.

“There’s a student I taught long ago, named Edward Courtenay.”

“Edward Courtenay? Are you talking about that arrogant fellow who goes around demanding to be called a Grand Duke? I heard he quieted down after the rumors about the Swedish prince spread.”

“Yes, I plan to make use of that boy.”

—

—

“What is that supposed to mean? Use that insolent man?”

“It seems he has not yet given up on the position of the Grand Duke. He’s been gathering people in secret, or so I’ve heard.”

“Gathering people? Where?”

“In Kent. Not too far from London.”

“Bishop, how do you propose we use someone who doesn’t even understand the subject? You’re not suggesting we actually help him with something, are you?”

“You know well. We must assist Courtney.”

The Duke was dumbfounded by the words of Bishop Steve, a close confidant of the Queen. Was he suggesting they commit treason? That Bishop Steve.

“Have you lost your mind? Are you suggesting we start another civil war? It hasn’t been long since the roses united…!”

“Civil war? You exaggerate, my lord. What I desire is for Her Majesty the Queen to recognize the wishes of her subjects. First, hear me out.”

Bishop Steve explained his plan to the nobles. The scowling faces of the nobles, who had thought Steve was preparing for rebellion, began to relax as the story unfolded.

“For this matter, I ask for the cooperation of Duke Howard and Marquess William. Well, have you all made up your minds?”

After finishing his tale, Bishop Steve’s expression remained stern. The nobles quietly nodded their heads in response to Steve’s firm voice.

—

Footnote:

*The Earl Marshal was a hereditary title bestowed upon the Duke of Norfolk’s family, overseeing the College of Arms, also known as the office in charge of heraldry. The Earl Marshal, or what you might call the heraldry enforcement squad, was responsible for catching those who used heraldry without permission and collecting taxes from them.

The position of Earl Marshal is still inherited by the Howard family today.

—