the heir's secret

Her plan

I splash the cool water on my face in one swift motion, letting it drip down my skin. I pick up the towel beside me with my eyes closed so that no water blinds me. I rub my skin dry and then look in the mirror, I wish I didn't have so much acne on my face. I used to cover it with that white cream that is now fashionable but since a woman at court many years back died from lead poisoning because of it I have not worn it since. I stop looking at my flaws in the mirror as a maid walks past me fanning herself with her hands. It is very hot, the hottest summer I can remember in a long time. Elizabeth usually likes taking walks in the summer but this year she has stayed mostly inside behind closed doors, where she can walk around in a thin nightgown and no one can know, though to be honest I have been doing the exact same thing, I wish women didn't have to wear so much clothing, you almost boil in the summer. Slowly I empty my wash basin and then walk back up the stairs, stopping at a few wide open windows to let the warm air hit my skin. When I reach Elizabeth's chamber I walk inside to find it empty. She must be in the library. I go to walk back out but something makes me stop, a few papers sitting on her desk that I had not seen before. My curiosity takes over and quietly I shut the door and sit down at Elizabeth's desk. Slowly I read her letter,

The lady Elizabeth

My name is Sir Thomas Wyatt. You may remember me for I used to be at your
Father's court. You were always so kind to me and every man I know believes
You should be the rightful Queen. I understand that you are banished and cannot
Show your face but I know you have spirit.
I am starting a rebellion. We have had enough of Mary's rule and her Catholic ways.
We are going to start simultaneous uprisings throughout England, getting support
Wherever we go for God knows we are not the only ones who want her
Overthrown. We already have the promise of French support but we need you.
You can win any rebellion for you have the people's heart. I beg you to support
Us. For we cannot win this without your grace, mercy and strong willed princely
Fortune. Please, do not let England drown.

Sir Thomas Wyatt.

I let the letter fall from my hands. A rebellion?! Lord this is much worse than I ever thought.Mary has only reigned a year! This is disastrous. Suddenly I hear the door open and I look up to see Elizabeth looking at the paper before me. I jump up in shock making the wooden chair fall back, landing on the floor with a loud bang. I fumble to pick it up as Elizabeth watches without saying a word. I decide to quickly leave and I try to move past her but she puts her hand on my shoulder, stopping me. Slowly she shuts the door and looks at me.

"I didn't know you were so curious." She tells me as her eyes study my face.

"I am when it comes to you." I reply. "I'm just always so worried for you, I'm sorry, I truly am."

"No need to be. I was going to tell you anyway." She replies quickly as she realises just how ashamed I really am about what I had just done.

"What should I do?" She asks me.

"If you help them and the queen finds out she will execute you, and I will be executed to."

"No wars are won by standing to the side!" She interrupts, "what queen would I be if I chose the easy option, the option that is the safest. Sometimes we must take risks."

"But Elizabeth, this could threaten everything you have, I think you should just wait." Elizabeth walks past me, completely ignoring my council.

"I must do this, it is God's will. There is no other way to overthrow her." I go to speak but decide not to. I know from experience that when her mind is set nothing you say will change it. Quickly she sits down on the chair and begins to write her reply letter. I watch as she dips her quill in the ink with each sentence, writing the letter that may seal her doom.

"Elizabeth, tell him to burn the letter after he has read it."

"I already have." She replies without stopping her writing. Well at least she is accepting just how dangerous this is. After she has dripped hot wax onto the letter and pressed on her seal she looks at me. "You do understand why I have done this, don't you?"

"I think it is too dangerous."

"It must be done." She replies, But I notice the hurt in her eyes. She is always much happier when she has my support but I cannot support what may kill us. I must pray to God that everything goes well for if it does and Thomas Wyatt defeates the queen, Elizabeth will become Queen of England.