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Chapter One

London, England - 1603

An ebony royal carriage bearing the golden coat of arms of the Netherlands stopped in front of the Tower Hotel portico. Prince Raoul Rousseau, Stadtholder of the Netherlands, stepped out onto the rocky Butler’s Wharf. While Prince Camden assisted Princess Juliana from the carriage, Raoul surveyed the surroundings.

The wharf was wet from an early morning rain. A rainbow shimmered in an oil slick along the pavement. The scent of fish wafted through the salty ocean air and stung his nostrils. Sea gulls chased after dock workers dressed in stinky garb carrying the fresh catch of the morning to markets along the docks.

They had arrived too late to get a hotel closer to the upcoming event. Every hotel, hostel, and palace overflowed with guests for the coronation of England’s new king—King James VI of Scotland—to be crowned as King James I of England and Ireland.

Every Englishman Raoul had talked with was elated at the death of Queen Elizabeth. At last, England had a real king on the throne. Now that a man was on the throne, everything was right with the world. Things were as they should be, and anything was possible.

Raoul checked on Prince Camden’s progress. Princess Juliana disembarked from the carriage and Prince Camden motioned to Raoul to join them. Before they reached the hotel door, a loud sound of gunshots pierced the air. Raoul pinpointed the source of the shots. Smoke rose over a large English galleon anchored in the harbor.

A crowd gathered along the docks to watch the ship. They ducked down with each gunshot. Four crewmen from the ship jumped into a skiff and rowed swiftly to the shore. When the people realized these were pirates, there were screams of terror and the people scurried away from the docks.

The four pirates docked the skiff. Three of them helped the fourth pirate onto the docks. They held onto the fourth pirate, dragging him along as they hurried along the docks towards the Tower of London.

Raoul, Prince Camden, and Princess Juliana watched the mesmerizing scene. The fourth pirate struggled against the captors, twisting, jerking, and screaming obscenities. Suddenly the hat flew from the captive’s head revealing long blond tresses. A beautiful feminine face looked at Raoul. It was Angelique—a lovely murderess from his past.

Raoul gasped. He turned to Prince Camden. “It is Angelique. We must go after her. Get Princess Juliana inside.”

Prince Camden took Princess Juliana’s arm and pulled her through the door of the hotel. She never took her eyes off the pirates until she disappeared inside the hotel. In minutes, Prince Camden emerged with guns drawn. Raoul drew his gun and they ran after the three pirates who held Angelique captive. The crowds scattered before them as they cleared the way by firing into the air. Angelique turned and glared at Raoul. Their eyes met just as the three pirates dragged her inside the tower. The massive doors slammed shut.

When Raoul and Prince Camden arrived at the tower, the guard refused to let them enter. The door was locked and guarded. Raoul protested, “I must see the woman those pirates took into the tower. I have the warrant for her arrest signed by me Prince Raoul Rousseau, Stadtholder of the Netherlands. I demand that you release her into my custody.”

The guard grunted. “I am sorry Prince Rousseau, but you must secure a release from the king and pay the fines. Then you can claim the prisoner.”

Raoul protested. “That could take days. There is no king in authority.”

The guard said, “Then you must wait until after the coronation.” With those words, his face turned to stone.

Raoul and Prince Camden turned and began walking back to the hotel. Just as they passed the tower window, Raoul looked up to see Angelique staring at him in disbelief as she clung to the bars on the window. For a moment, time was suspended. Raoul saw tears streaking down Angelique’s face. Her sky-blue eyes were wide with terror and her silent words whispered, “Help me.” Then the guards pried Angelique’s fingers from the bars and forcibly dragged her backward and up the stairs to prison.

Raoul stood paralyzed staring at the window. His heart ached within him. All he could think about was his past with Angelique and that one luscious kiss they had shared.

Raoul had been on an assignment for King Henry IV in France. It was his job to capture a criminal that was stealing priceless paintings from the Louvre. He thought that Angelique and her husband Sir Jay Fontaine were involved in the heist. He knew that Angelique found him attractive. He took advantage of her and pretended to fall in love with her. He hoped she would fall for him and implicate Sir Jay, but it didn’t work. Angelique knew that he was in love with her friend, Gemma. She had been right. Raoul recovered the paintings and he then married Gemma. Sadly, Gemma later died during complications of childbirth.

Angelique had tried to turn her life around. On the night of their last heist, while Sir Jay was stealing the infamous Mona Lisa from the Louvre, she abandoned Sir Jay and reached out to Raoul for help. He found her hiding in the lavender field and convinced her to come to the Netherlands where she could start a new life. She followed him to the Netherlands where she sought a respectable life and searched for a decent man to love, but then her old mate, the infamous pirate Jamal, was captured by the Huguenots and jailed. Angelique had panicked, for she knew Jamal’s knack for breaking out of prisons much stronger than those in the Netherlands.

The Huguenots that ruled the Northern Provinces of the Netherlands were unaware of Jamal’s tactics. They wouldn’t be able to hold him long for he was vicious and cunning. Angelique took matters into her own hands and poisoned Jamal, freeing the world of a vicious pirate. She escaped with Sir Jay and they fled to Fiji.

Raoul was responsible for Angelique. It was his warrant for her arrest that had put her in the tower. She had poisoned Jamal, the infamous pirate of the seas. She had done what no man could do and had gotten away with the act. To Raoul, she really was a hero, but as a ruler of the law, he had no choice except to issue the warrant. This was his chance to take her into custody and return her to the Netherlands where the crime had occurred.

Why hadn’t she remained in Fiji where she and Sir Jay had lived after their escape from the Netherlands? Why was he here in London just as she was taken to the tower? Fate was not on his side. He should forget about her. She was not the type of woman that was suitable for royal life. What was he thinking? He could never marry her; yet she had constantly been on his mind since Gemma’s death. He felt safe from temptation if Angelique remained in Fiji. Now she was here in London, jailed under his warrant. It was his duty to take charge and take her back to the Netherlands to stand trial for Jamal’s murder. Justice must be served, even if it protected the wicked.

Sometimes he hated being a ruler. This was one of those distasteful moments. His stomach roiled, and he ran into an alley and threw up.

Prince Camden turned his back until Raoul had regained his composure. When Raoul returned to Prince Camden’s side, together they walked back to the hotel. When they reached the hotel entrance, Raoul turned to face him. “I am not ready to go inside. I need time to think. I spotted a tavern a few doors down along the wharf. I’ll be back in time for dinner.” Raoul then turned and walked away.

Chapter Two

The Devil’s Tavern

Raoul opened the door to the Devil’s Tavern just as two drunken sailors exited. He held the door for them until they had cleared the walkway. He entered the dark establishment. The tavern floor was covered in flagstone, which complemented the pewter bar supported by rustic barrels. Portions of a ship’s mast formed pillars at each end. The space was dim but uncrowded.

He ordered a glass of ale and lounged at a table near the back of the room. Those sky-blue eyes flashed before him. What was Angelique doing in England? Why wasn’t she in Fiji with her husband, Sir Jay Fontaine? Why was that one kiss haunting him? He closed his eyes for a second and felt the touch of soft lips on his, demanding his attention. She wanted him. That kiss made him want her. He sought her lips repeatedly until a memory broke through the madness. He was pledged to Gemma.

Raoul had loved Gemma from the first time they had met. He had rescued her from a runaway horse that had bolted when a black panther screamed in the nearby forest. That’s when their love began, but it was cut short when Gemma died last year during the birth of their third child, Miguel Marlowe. Her death left a hole in his soul that no one else could fill. Could he ever love another? Love was risky.

He groaned. He had no intention of getting involved with Angelique. He would secure her release from the tower and take her to the Netherlands to stand trial. It was likely she would be executed. Suddenly he had a vision of that lovely head of blond hair hanging over a scaffold, her sky-blue eyes cold with death. He shivered.

A hand touched his shoulder. A tall rugged looking man stood at Raoul’s table. “May I join you sir? I do not care to drink alone.”

Raoul waved the man to take a seat. He settled into the seat across from Raoul. “My name is Edgar Taylor. I own the Devil’s Tavern. I believe you are new to the wharf?”

Raoul gave his name. “I am here for the coronation. Do you know what all the ruckus was about on the wharf a few minutes ago?”

Edgar Taylor sipped his drink. “A man was murdered on the ship. One of the crew, a woman, shot and killed her husband. Three of the crew dragged her to the tower. It seems she already had a warrant on her head for another murder in the Netherlands. Do you know about that?”

Raoul groaned. “Yes, I do. I’m the one who issued the warrant. I am here to take her back to the Netherlands to stand trial.”

Edgar Taylor smiled. “That’s good. She should be prosecuted. Piracy is a menace that grows worse each year. Today’s murder occurred in English waters. Ten years ago, that would never have happened.”

Raoul nodded. “You are right. I noticed that trade and piracy on the high seas is expanding. Many of our countrymen have turned to piracy to increase their fortunes.”

Edgar Taylor laughed. “Many people think that pirates come from low-born families and riff-raff, but they do not.” Edgar Taylor leaned forward as if to press his point. “The most dangerous ones are noblemen from rich families. Privateers turned pirate. Most of them are of Welsh, English, Dutch, and French origin. They capture human beings and sell them into slavery to the Ottoman Empire, who is the richest and most powerful. They practically rule southwest Asia. It is a dangerous world on the high seas.”

Raoul asked, “What do you think of the new Scottish king?”

Edgar smiled, “After living for seventeen years under Queen Elizabeth, who refused to name an heir to replace her, I’m glad we have a man on the throne. The Protestants love that James is a Protestant and has Prince Henry, Princess Elizabeth, and Prince Charles as possible heirs to succeed him. Those heirs insure stability for the country. The Catholics falsely believe that he will be their savior. They believe that he will reduce their recusant fines for refusing to join the Protestant church.”

Raoul asked, “What do you believe about King James?”

Edgar’s face turned sour. “I prefer an Englishman on the throne. We have a few eligible candidates of English descent suitable to rule England like Lady Arabella Stuart, or Edward and Thomas Seymour. King James has the upper hand because of his mother Mary Queen of Scots, who was the rightful heir. We English have never liked the Scots. Their manners are crude, their ways are strange, and no one here speaks Scottish. It is a delicate situation, but Sir Robert Cecil favored King James, and no one cares to defy Cecil. King James will be crowned at Westminster on Monday, July 25th.”

“Yes, and I must wait until then to claim my prisoner.” Raoul finished his drink. He rose and threw some change on the table. “Thanks for the drink and the informative conversation.” He walked out the door.

Raoul sighed. Had Angelique really killed Sir Jay? If so, it would be her second murder. He had hoped she maintained her sanity and not let herself be drawn into a life of crime. Luckily, the English were unaware of the first murder where Angelique had killed Jamal. It could just be a cover-up to protect the ship’s captain. Either way, it made his task of securing her release more difficult, especially if they became aware that this murder was her second one. He hoped she knew to keep her mouth shut until he could get her released.

Raoul was restless. Seeing Angelique made him nervous. It was his fault she was arrested. He had to handle this situation before it escalated.

Back in his room at the hotel, he dressed for dinner. He would have to explain all this to his half-sister, Princess Juliana. She wouldn’t like what he had to say. The princess had handed over the throne of the Netherlands to Raoul because she wanted to raise a family with Prince Camden and not be bothered with affairs of state. She had trained Raoul in all matters of government and encouraged him to be the stadtholder. He enjoyed being in charge. He liked having control. He decided to keep the part about Angelique killing Sir Jay, to himself. He wanted to first talk with Angelique. She might have a different story.

Raoul rushed downstairs to join Princess Juliana and Prince Camden at the dinner table. He pulled out a chair and sat down.

Prince Camden said, “Do not bother viewing the menu, we’ve already ordered for you. What made you late?”

“Nothing. I just wanted some time to think.”

Princess Juliana asked, “Is Angelique all right? I shiver when I think about such a lovely girl being in the Tower. I’ve heard ghastly stories about people who never come out of the Tower alive. The torment drives them crazy.”

Raoul sighed. “She is all right for the moment, but I fear it will take some time before she can be released.”

“Why is that?” Prince Camden asked.

“There is no one in authority until King James VI is crowned. He is on his way to London, but it may be weeks before he arrives. He is making this a leisurely trip, to give the people time to see about Queen Elizabeth’s burial before he arrives.”

“Oh, dear.” Princess Juliana said.

Raoul said, “You two do not have to stay. I can handle it.”

Prince Camden said, “We wouldn’t think of leaving you alone. Something worse might happen. We are here to help you.”

Chapter Three

Tower of London

The yeoman warders, one in front and one in back, directed Angelique through two entrance doors, up two spiral staircases to the second floor of the tower to her cell. She was surprised at the neatness of the space. The wooden floors shone from polish, no spider webs dangled from the ceilings, and light infused the space through the various windows set within dormers framed by pointed arches. One fireplace, located on the inner wall, infused warmth into the room. One dormer held a small toilet. Her cell was quite spacious and filled with light. It held a single bed, a desk, and a dining table with benches. Several round posts made from a ship’s mast supported the ceiling. The warder explained that they lived in the tower and their wives were responsible for the upkeep of the cells. She was to call for a warder if she needed anything. They walked away, closed the door, and turned the key in the lock.

The click of the key turning the lock shattered Angelique’s confidence. She rushed to the largest window and stared outside. From her position, she could see the river Thames with barges floating along the water. Below her on the green, people walked back and forth to different buildings in the tower complex. Several warders, going about the business of the day, passed by the tower dressed in their navy-blue and red uniforms. The unique uniforms consisted of a navy-blue hat with rounded brim defined by a red band. The jackets were of the same navy color and boasted a red crown in the center and bordered with red stripes. The pants were navy with a single stripe down each leg. It was just a normal day to them, but not to Angelique.

She moved a chair beside the window to look outside. Even though the cell was clean and spacious, claustrophobia struck her. She was a free spirit who thrived in open spaces. She dreaded nightfall. She stared out the window turning her mind to more pleasant thoughts.

Seeing Raoul on the wharf created hope. She was certain he saw her and had tried to come after her but failed. She saw the dark look on his face as she looked through the prison bars. Surely, he would get her released. He had the power. How long would it take?

When she saw him with his tawny hooded eyes and pouty lips, she recalled that one luscious kiss they had shared. He had faked the kiss to prove he loved her. She knew better. He wanted her to implicate Sir Jay in stealing the Da Vinci paintings from the Louvre. It didn’t work. He loved Gemma, and Angelique could do nothing to change that. When she saw them together at Nassau Castle, she knew that he belonged to Gemma. Raoul would never be hers. She decided to leave the respectable life behind and do what she must to build a life with Sir Jay. Jamal got in the way. He was always interfering with her plans. Sir Jay idolized him and followed Jamal’s orders. Her only hope of happiness was to rid herself of Jamal. So, she poisoned him, and she and Sir Jay fled to Fiji.

The years in Fiji were great. They kept enough of the treasure from the Flower of the Sea wreck to support a lavish lifestyle. They built a grass hut on stilts in the shimmering waters of the South Pacific Ocean. They made close friends. They tried to make a family, but Angelique never conceived, not once. It felt as if the world was against them. Sir Jay finally grew restless and organized this trip to England. Seafaring trade had flourished. They lay siege to over fifty ships bursting with gold, silver, and exotic materials from the east. Things exploded when they entered English waters.

She recalled what happened that day. She had yelled at Sir Jay, “I cannot be caught in England. I have a price on my head. I will remain on the ship while you and the crew scout out the tower.”

Sir Jay’s face flashed a deep crimson. “This heist is important to me. I need your help. All you must do is get inside the Tower of London and find out the exact location of the jewels. I will do the rest. Just trust me.”

Angelique shook her head. “I can’t do it. This scheme is too dangerous. What if you can’t get me out?”

Sir Jay squirmed. “You question whether I can steal the crown jewels and now you doubt my ability to rescue you from the tower. When did you quit believing in me?”

Angelique stood erect with her hands on her hips. “Have you forgotten that escapade in France where you were almost caught stealing the Da Vinci paintings. That didn’t turn out well did it?”

Sir Jay squirmed. “I remember that you deserted me when I stole that last painting. You ran off to the Netherlands with Raoul. Did you think that he would marry you?” Sir Jay gritted his teeth. “You are nothing more than a wanton woman playing pirate with a bunch of dirty men.”

Angelique slapped him.

Sir Jay pulled his gun and pointed it at her. One of the crewmen caught his arm and wrestled with him over the gun. The gun went off, hitting Sir Jay in the stomach. He was dead in minutes.

Angelique screamed. “Jake, what have you done?”

The other members of the crew came over to investigate the shots. They saw Sir Jay lying on the floor. Jake motioned for the crew to move out to the deck. They huddled together discussing the problem.

Jake returned with two of the crew who picked up Sir Jay’s body and carried it away.

“What do you think you are doing?” Angelique yelled.

Jake said, “They are getting rid of the evidence.” Jake held her while she watched the three crewmen tie cannon balls to the body and dump it overboard.

Angelique struggled against Jake, but he was too strong. “Let me go,” she screamed.

Jake whispered into her ear. “I heard you and Sir Jay talking. You have a price on your head. Me and the crew have decided to collect that price. We are taking you to the Tower of London to collect the bounty.” He dragged her onto the deck and the other two crewmen helped him put her into the skiff and rowed her ashore.

Angelique shook her head to shake off the memory of the happenings of the day. She burst into tears. She cried for an hour. When she opened her eyes, night had fallen, and the cell was dark. For a moment she didn’t know where she was. She stood up and stumbled toward the bed and threw herself on it. She curled up into a fetal position and sobbed.

When the tears subsided, she thought that she should pray, but she didn’t know much about God or religion. Would He even hear her prayers? Her father was a Catholic, but religion had never interested her. It was too restraining. She wanted to travel the world and enjoy life. She wanted a family with two or three children because she had always been alone.

She was a single child whose mother had died when Angelique was only six. Her dad put her to work at the fish market at the docks in Marseille where she worked cleaning fish and waiting on customers, mostly fishermen.

She liked working at the docks and listening to the fishermen tell of their adventures on the high seas, especially when they encountered pirates and got into sword fights. They showed her how to swing a sword. She loved every minute of her time at the docks.

No. God wasn’t the answer for her. She only had Raoul. Yet she doubted that he would rescue her if he discovered she was being held responsible for Sir Jay’s murder.

Chapter Four

Holyrood Castle – Scotland

King James VI of Scotland sat on his mother’s bed staring at a sapphire ring which he had received this morning. He smiled. The ring held great significance for him. It meant that Queen Elizabeth I had died. Now he would be crowned King of England. His coronation was set for July 25th. There was plenty of time to make the trip, but he wanted to leave soon.

He talked to his deceased mother, Mary Queen of Scots. “Mother look what I have achieved. I have gained the throne of England which should have been yours, but now is mine. You will sit on that coveted throne through me, your only son. What a legacy you have left me. My only regret is that you were executed before you fulfilled your destiny. That tyrant, Queen Elizabeth I, is dead. I will fill her place as ruler of England. She cannot harm you anymore. Rest in peace.” He dropped the ring into a pocket of his doublet and walked out of the room. A great task lay before him, for he would now be King of Scotland and King of England and Ireland, thanks to his heritage as the great-great grandson of Henry VII, King of England, and Lord of Ireland.

He returned to his quarters on the far side of Holyrood Palace to look for his wife, Anne. They had to prepare for the journey to England. Queen Elizabeth’s funeral would be over by the time they arrived. They must hurry.

He found Anne in the kitchen planning tonight’s dinner menu. He went to her side and kissed her cheek. Then he pulled the ring from his pocket and showed it to her. Anne gasped. She slowly stood and hugged him. Her face glowed.

“When do we leave?” she asked.

“As soon as possible.”

“You must bring our son home from Stirling Castle. He must go with us,” Anne ordered him. “I refuse to go without him.”

King James grimaced. “I’d rather leave him at Stirling Castle under John Erskine, Earl of Mar’s tutelage. He needs direction and instruction if he is to replace me as king.”

Anne glared at him with a demanding look in her dazzling green eyes. James knew that look. He turned and walked out of the room. He headed to Stirling Castle to get his nine-year-old son, Henry.

Stirling Castle was the most impenetrable castle in all of Scotland. It was situated on Castle Hill and was surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. Its main function was to tutor Scottish kings from birth to the throne while keeping them safe from their enemies. He hated to interrupt Henry’s training, but Anne insisted on taking him with them to England. James disliked arguments and avoided them at all cost. He readily complied with her request.

King James had been brought up by the Protestant Church in Scotland, the Kirk. He had lived in the security of Stirling Castle under the direction of the Earl and Countess of Mar. He was taught literature, languages, the arts and sciences, affairs of state, and swordsmanship. He had learned discipline and how to bear correction from the cruel George Buchanan who often beat him to mold him into a god-fearing king.

James was highly intellectual and was responsible for having ‘The Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible’ published in English. He wrote a book on the ‘Divine Right of Kings.’ He demanded absolute obedience from his subjects. As the country’s sovereign, he believed he could not be attacked or limited. He hated the English idea that parliaments made the laws. He believed that kings were higher beings who made the laws and were accountable only to God. He was committed to peace and avoided religious wars. The English would not like his idea, but that was how he would rule.

King James disembarked from the carriage and struggled up the castle entry ramp, his body weak and his step ungainly. A guard directed him to the great hall where he waited for his son. This hall held many memories for him. It was here where Henry’s lavish baptism was held. James had insisted that a huge ship be built inside the hall. Fish was the last course of the meal, which was served to the guests from the model ship. James smiled. The model boasted real canons that fired like a real ship. The guests were delighted at the display.

The hall had five fireplaces and an extraordinary unique vaulted wooden ceiling. Tall windows filled the hall with light. Two thrones sat at the end of the hall where he and Anne had gloated over the royal celebration. Many feasts and dances had been held here, but without James. He hated social events. He realized that people found him boorish and rough with strange ways of speaking and eating. His thick and deep voice added to his aloofness. He had only stayed long enough to fulfill his obligation to his guests. He would often wonder around the castle viewing the tapestries and portraits until the guests left.

Despite his strange ways, James was a poet. He was part of a band of poets who called themselves ‘The Castalian Band.’ He was a practicing member of the group, which included William Fowler and Alexander Montgomerie. They would follow him to England and be part of the literary community in London.

John Erskine, Earl of Mar, stepped through the door holding young Henry’s hand. When the boy saw his father, he ran into his arms. King James held him tightly for a few minutes then set him down. Henry tugged on his hand. “Can I see the unicorn?”

James smiled. “Yes.” He led Henry to the king’s presence chamber where the mysterious hunting painting hanged.

Henry stared at it for a time, mesmerized by the hunting scene. He asked, “What is it called?”

“We call it ‘The Mystic Hunt of the Unicorn.’”

“Will you teach me to hunt Father?” Henry asked.

“Yes, my son. We will start when we get to England. We can hunt the unicorn there. It is a land of mystic beauty and different kinds of animals which we do not see in Scotland.”

“Great.” Henry jumped up and down as they walked to the carriage.

When he and Henry arrived at Holyrood Castle, King James found the draft from Cecil proclaiming his accession to the English throne. Sir Robert Cecil, Queen Elizabeth’s counselor, had been communicating by secret correspondence to King James for over a year. He was anxious for James to begin his reign. James was excited. He loved to be in control. The only person who ever overruled him was his wife Anne. He smiled at the thought. The only thing that disturbed James about his marriage was that Anne was secretly Catholic. He had kept that fact from Cecil during the negotiations. He worried that Cecil would oppose Anne, for England was totally Protestant and hated and feared the Catholics. It was sure to create discord between James and Cecil. How he hated conflict and discord. King James sighed. He would avoid the subject until after his coronation.

James walked to his desk. He wrote out orders for his trip. He wrote notes to several lords to secure lodgings along the route to London. He intended that the trip be leisurely, not stressful. He wrote separate instructions for his groomsman to pack hunting supplies. Hunting was his favorite pastime. He would take Henry on his first hunt. He had heard the wild game in England was plentiful and challenging to hunt. James planned to enjoy the trip.

Chapter Five

Holyrood Castle, Scotland

Queen Anne handed the dinner menu to the cook. “I will be in my sitting room if you should need me.” The cook nodded her head.

Queen Anne strolled to the sitting room off her bedchamber. It was her favorite place to hide when she wanted to be alone. She sat in her plush armchair near the window. Outside the sun shone upon the grass in the inner courtyard. A large fountain spouted water into the air and showered down to fill the huge water bowl below it. She stared at the water display and was soon lost in memories.

Things were not right between her and James. The romance was gone. Ever since Henry was born, Anne had struggled and fought James over the Scottish tradition that took her son away from her. Henry was their first baby and she wanted to care for him, but James had other ideas. She had only been allowed to hold the baby for a week. Then James took Henry and placed him into John Erskine’s care, and locked him away in Stirling Castle. Outraged, Anne refused to speak to James for a month. She went to Parliament demanding custody of the child, but they refused her plea. She could visit Henry whenever she wished, but she wasn’t allowed to bring others with her. She could only bring two attendants with her when she visited Henry. It was a safeguard against kidnappers. It deterred her from kidnapping the child herself.

Anne moaned. James had been romantic when they first met. She had married James by a proxy, George Keith, at Kronborg Castle in Denmark. The castle rested on the northeastern tip of the island of Zealand. She missed gazing upon the shimmering waters of the wide channel of water called—The Sound—which separated Denmark from Sweden. She felt landlocked in Scotland with the surrounding mountains and rough terrain. She sighed with longing.

After the marriage ceremony, she and George Keith had set sail for Scotland. The weather turned fierce and raged against the ship until they were forced to disembark at Oslo for refuge. When James got word of the situation, he had called for national fasting and prayers for her safety. He had sent a search party to look for her, but with no success. Finally, James came after her himself, risking his life and the lives of his men. When he found her, he took her by the arms and gave her a Scottish kiss, gently butting his head against hers. She was overwhelmed by his romantic soul. That soul was gone now. He spent his time ruling Scotland and hunting. He was always hunting.

She spent time running the household and having children. Besides Henry, there was five-year old Elizabeth and three-year-old Charles under her care. Motherhood had been hard for her. She had two miscarriages in the last two years. She blamed their marital woes for the two deaths. She feared they would grow further apart once James became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He loved being in control.

They were formally married at the Old Bishop’s Palace in Oslo. Great celebrations followed the nuptials. Then they sailed for Scotland. James went to hear a sermon by Patrick Galloway in the Parish church. Anne didn’t enter Scotland until five days later. She entered Edinburgh in a solid silver coach and James rode beside her.

Anne’s coronation was held in the Abbey Church at Holyrood. Her gown was opened by the Countess of Mar, and the minister Robert Bruce poured a good amount of oil on her breast and arms, anointing her as Queen of Scotland. The chancellor Maitland placed the crown on her head. She swore an oath to always honor the Protestant faith above others. Even though she was raised in a Protestant country, she was secretly drawn to the Catholic faith. She refused the Protestant communion offered to her when she was anointed Queen of Scotland.

She called for her hairdresser, Beatrix, to fix her hair before young Henry arrived. Beatrix set Anne’s honey blond hair in a tall bouffant. She placed a green pendant necklace around her neck that enhanced her dazzling green eyes. The hairstyle complemented Anne’s slender figure, making her appear tall and majestic. Would young Henry recognize her? She hadn’t seen him in a month. She was elated that he was going with them to England. They would have plenty of time to get reacquainted.

Just then, the door burst open and young Henry ran to her. Anne knelt and took him into her arms, squeezing him against her. Her heart rejoiced.

James watched in silence from the doorway with a mournful expression on his face. She turned to her son, “Do you want to play with Elizabeth and Charles?” Anne asked.

Henry smiled. “Yes, Mother. I have missed them.” Anne stood and took Henry’s hand. She glared at James. She and Henry walked past James without looking at him. James strolled behind them in his awkward gawky way, with unsteady steps and hands clasped behind his back.

Henry swung open the door to the playroom. He screamed, “Can I play?”

Elizabeth jumped up from playing with her doll and ran and grabbed Henry’s hand. “Come with me. You can play with Charles.” They knelt on the floor beside Charles forgetting about their parents watching from the doorway.

Dinner did not go as planned. James occupied Henry’s attention with tales about hunting trips. Anne interrupted, “Henry, do you enjoy your studies at the Castle? What have you learned?”

Henry smiled. “I learned about Grandfather and his search for the magic unicorn. Father has promised me we could hunt for it on the way to England. Isn’t that wonderful!” Henry turned to James. “Tell me the story again, Father.”

James gave Anne a triumphant gaze, and then he lost himself in the fairy tale which he had created for Henry. The story continued throughout dinner. Anne ate in silence. She left the table when she finished. Neither Henry nor James noticed her absence.

Anne rushed to her sitting room and threw herself into the plush chair. Beatrix followed her. She pulled up a stool and sat beside her.

“I am sorry, milady. Is there anything I can do to comfort you?”

“No, Beatrix. I must find a way to engage Henry. I am alone.”

Beatrix laid her hand on Anne’s. “Just think, milady. When you get to England you can fashion England’s court to your liking. You can invite artists, fashion designers, and people of high society to your court. You will be surrounded by ladies and gentlemen who will adore you. You are a queen. You will be queen of the English society. You can do anything you desire without James’ consent or interference.”

Anne’s face lit up. “You are right Beatrix. I have been fighting with James over this issue with Henry for too long. It is his job to mold Henry into a man, not mine. I will focus on what I can do, not what I am not allowed to do.” Anne jumped from her chair, waving her arms as she paced the floor. “I am truly excited about being part of the grand court in London. I am certain I will make many friends. I will concentrate on establishing the most alluring court in all of Europe.” Anne smiled. “You can help me.”

Beatrix laughed. “I can hardly wait to get started. What do you have in mind?”

Anne thought for a moment. “Get a pen and make a list of all the dignitaries, lords, and princess’ we should invite to our first English ball.”

Why hadn’t she thought of this plan? She had been queen of Scotland for fourteen years. She had planned many balls and events at the Scottish court. She could do that in England, but on a grander scale. The first English ball must be stupendous and immense. Her heart fluttered with excitement.

Beatrix returned with a pen and paper. Together they made a list of the most famous and alluring guests they knew.

Anne placed her hand on Beatrix’s arm. “Write a letter to a couple of our friends in London. Ask them what the ladies in London are saying about me being the new queen. What are they expecting? Knowing what they want and expect will make our planning go faster.”

Anne had forgotten about young Henry and James ignoring her. Instead, her heart came alive as she and Beatrix planned the grand ball.

Chapter Six

Tower of London

Angelique sat in the window alcove of her cell, when the click of a key turning the lock caught her attention. She stood and watched the warder enter and began setting the table with breakfast.

The warder smiled. “Good morning, milady,” he said as he positioned the food on the table. “It is a jolly good day.”

Angelique took a few steps toward the warder. “Good morning, Carleton. I was sitting in the window alcove enjoying the sun.” She walked to the table and viewed the food. “Breakfast looks delicious.”

Carleton laid the morning newspaper beside her plate. “Our new king arrived this morning. He is residing at Sir Robert Cecil’s castle for a time before he enters London. I thought you might enjoy reading about him.” He checked the table one last time and then left her alone to eat her breakfast.

Angelique sat at the table. She chewed on a slice of bacon as she picked up the newspaper and read the headlines:

King James and his entourage left Edinburgh on April 5th on their trip to London. Along the way, the lords with whom King James had arranged lodgings received him with lavish hospitality. The wealth of the land amazed King James. The third day out, he paused their progress to London to take young Prince Henry on a hunting trip. He had a small bow and arrow made for him. King James taught him how to shoot. Young Henry managed to kill a couple of squirrels. King James smiled with delight.

Hundreds of noble English ladies flocked to Theobalds Castle to get a glimpse of Queen Anne. They described Queen Anne as elegant and glamorous. Prince Henry and Princess Elizabeth waved at the crowds while Prince Charles clung to his mother’s hand. Other subjects flocked to the castle to see King James who briefly appeared for five minutes waving to the crowds.

Angelique laid down the paper and concentrated on eating breakfast. She nibbled on a slice of toast covered in strawberry jam. A mug of tea warmed her insides. She ate the sautéed potatoes and a couple pieces of bacon plus a few crumpets. She devoured a small bowl of black pudding which was made from blood, pork fat, and oatmeal—an old English favorite. It was quite filling. She only wished there was papaya, which she ate every day when she lived in Fiji.

She returned to the window seat to watch the crowds rushing to work. The king had finally arrived. Maybe now she could get out of here. When was the coronation? She rushed back and checked the paper for the date. The coronation was set for July 25th. That was over two months away.

Angelique screamed as she paced the floor, waving her arms in the air. How could she exist in this tight space for two more months? She needed a project to occupy her time until Raoul could free her. She remembered her quarrel with Sir Jay. He had wanted her to get inside the Tower of London and scout out the location of the crown jewels. Maybe she should locate the jewels and determine if Sir Jay’s scheme was feasible. The jewels were somewhere here in the tower, but where? How well were they guarded? Was there an escape route? She searched her room for a piece of paper but found none. She must ask Carleton to bring her some when he brought her dinner. In the meantime, she grabbed a few crumpets and a cup of tea and sat in the window alcove and thought about the crown jewels.

Carleton brought dinner around four p.m. He spread the food on the table in his usual fashion whistling as he worked.

“Thank you, Carleton. The food looks tasty, but I am not hungry. Could we take a tour of the tower and walk around the grounds, or is that forbidden? I would enjoy getting to know you better.”

Carleton smiled. “I apologize, milady. I had forgotten about walks. You must be feeling cramped and desolate. Of course, I can arrange a short walk. I must handcuff you to my wrist to keep you safe beside me if that is acceptable to you.” He pulled a pair of hand cuffs from his uniform pocket. Angelique hesitated, but then extended her left wrist. Carleton clamped the cuffs on her wrist and led her to the cell door.

Outside, Angelique turned her face sunward. She lagged. Carleton stopped and allowed her to enjoy the sun’s warmth as it heated her face and stimulated her senses. She basked in the sun’s rays. What a glorious feeling. The sun invigorated her soul and body. She had been in the cell only a short time and she was already losing vitality. She shivered.

Carleton asked, “Are you all right, milady?”

Angelique said, “Sorry, Carleton. I was enjoying the sunshine. I didn’t realize how much I have missed it since I’ve been in the cell. Let’s continue our walk.”

Carleton nodded. She drew closer to his side. She took notice of the location and where each building was situated. As they walked, a large group of people passed them.

Angelique asked, “Who are they?”

Carleton said, “They are tourists, here to view the tower and the crown jewels.”

Angelique gasped, “You let them view the crown jewels?”

“Yes, milady. It is a tradition.”

“But isn’t that risky?”

Carleton smiled, “Yes, it can be, but we are confident our warders can handle any attacks.”

Angelique smiled. “I would love to see the crown jewels. I hear they are exquisite.”

Carleton stopped. “They are infamous for their beauty. I can arrange a viewing for you, if you wish.”

Angelique jumped like a child. “Oh, Carleton. You are sweet. Please arrange a viewing for me. I promise to be most grateful.”

Carleton’s face glowed red. “Very well, milady. I will take you to see the crown jewels tomorrow after breakfast before the crowds arrive.” Carleton smiled. “If you are ready, we must now return to the tower.”

Angelique smiled and hooked her arm around his pulling him closer. “I am ready, Sir.” She looked into his eyes until he blushed. She looked away. This might be easier than she had thought.

She turned to Carleton before he left her cell and asked, “Would you bring me some paper? It would help me to pass the time if I could write some letters.”

Carleton grimaced. “It is against policy to provide inmates with paper...but for you I will see you have plenty.”

“Thank you, Carleton. You know how to treat a lady.” She smiled and curtsied for him.

He blushed. “Good night, milady.” He left the cell.

After dinner, several sheets of paper appeared underneath the cell door along with two pens. Angelique took the paper and sat in the window seat and planned the heist of the crown jewels. She worked on the plans until darkness filled the cell. She had taken the plans as far as she could. She must see the crown jewels before she continued.

Carleton arrived at her cell early the next morning. They talked as she ate breakfast. She told him what happened on the ship and how Sir Jay was killed. He accepted her explanation. He touched her hand in compassion.

“I am sincerely sorry, milady. I’ll do my best to explain your innocence to the court.” Carleton stood. “Let’s go see the crown jewels.”

Angelique rose and extended her hand to receive the handcuffs. Carleton surprised her when he led her downstairs to the basement. She would never have guessed to look in the basement for such priceless treasures. A lift with iron bars took them down to the basement floor. The lighting was dim. Carleton led her a short distance down a dark hallway which ended in front of a reinforced door covered with a large metal grille. He rang the bell by the door. A Yeoman Warder dressed in the navy and red uniform opened the door and greeted them.

Carleton explained. “This is Talbot Edwards, the keeper of the jewels. He and his family live one floor above the basement. He is responsible for the safety of the jewels.”

Mr. Talbert bowed and took Angelique’s extended hand. “Follow me, milady.” She and Carleton walked behind the warder into the room that held the jewels.

Sparkling light greeted them as they entered.

Mr. Talbert said, “The jewels create a dazzling light which comes from the diamonds and gems surrounding it.”

Angelique was fascinated. Every piece was exquisite in its own way. Some pieces were larger than others, but the ensemble glowed with majesty.

Mr. Talbert explained as Angelique viewed each piece. “There are one hundred and forty objects included in the regalia: plates, trumpets, maces, crowns, orbs, armilla, spurs, ampulla, spoon, walking stick, armlet, and monde. Twenty-three thousand stones grace the objects. A Cullinan stone of five hundred and thirty carats were set in the Sovereign’s Scepter with a cross. The imperial crown holds the Stuart Sapphire, St. Edwards Sapphire, and the Black Prince’s Ruby . . .”

Angelique walked around the counter with glass sides that displayed the jewels. Some pieces were recognizable but when she came to one piece that surprised her, she pointed to it and Mr. Talbert would explain it to her.

She stopped to point to a long metal object.

it.”

“It sounds dangerous,” Angelique said.

“Yes, milady. It is an effective battle tool.”

Angelique pointed to a round sphere. “What is this?”

“That is an orb which symbolizes kingly power and justice. It is the emblem of royal power. It is made of precious metal and jewels. It is basically a sphere with a cross on the top. The ball is a symbol of the universe as a harmonious whole. It is associated with Jupiter and the emperor as his representative on the earth.”

Angelique pointed to a golden flask. “What is this?”

“That is an ornamental flask used to store the expensive perfume of the queen. It has two handles on either side and is decorated with royal images.”

“Ooh look at this huge stone. What is it?” Angelique asked.

Mr. Talbert walked up to the counter for a closer look. “That is the Cullinan diamond, it is the world’s largest gem diamond. It is named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, who discovered it in a mine. It is colorless but quite gorgeous, don’t you think?”

Angelique straightened having bent over the glass cabinet too long. “I am impressed. These jewels are breathtaking.” She turned to Carleton. “I’m ready to go now.”

Carleton thanked Mr. Talbert for giving them a personal showing of the jewels. He took Angelique’s arm and placed the handcuffs on her wrist. He had been kind to let her view the jewels without binding her.

Now, she understood why Sir Jay had been eager to make the jewels his own. These were captivating. She wanted them. She laughed. She knew just the person who could help her steal them.