That afternoon, the four of us arrived at the Queen’s Hamlet and were shown into a parlor. Several minutes later, the Queen arrived, and we bowed and curtsied.

“Rise, my guest. Let us not be so formal. There is no need to add my title to every sentence you speak; simply respond as you would to a friend.”

“As you wish,” I replied.

“Well done, Britpop. Please join me in the music room. I have a surprise for you.”

We entered the music room. Two tall windows bathed the room with light. A harp and a harpsichord filled the center of the room, and red upholstered chairs formed a circle around the instruments.

“Please take a seat,” the Queen said. “Will you allow me the indulgence of singing for you?”

“Yes. Please do,” Maria replied. And we all agreed.

The Queen sat at the harpsichord and began playing. Then she sang a beautiful song in an operatic style. We listened in rapt attention until she finished.

“It is from the latest opera by Géraud Christophe Dieupart. No one has heard it yet,” the Queen said.

“It is marvelous,” Elise replied. “Will you be performing it at the opera?”

The Queen smiled and then laughed. “Heavens no. It is a barmaid’s song. What a scandal that would cause.”

“It is a pity that more people cannot hear you sing. You have such a beautiful voice.” Maria said.

“Thank you, my dear. Such is the way of things. A Queen simply does not perform at an opera house.”

“And the world is worse for it,” I replied.

“Let us not dwell on it. I want to show you my hamlet.”

I saw Elise’s face light up, and I smiled.

For an hour, we strolled through the quaint Flemish-style village that surrounded a large pond. Although the Queen was raised as royalty, she enjoyed playing a commoner in her hamlet. A bit of irony, as only a Queen could afford to do such a thing.

The Queen seemed almost child-like as she showed us the working dairy farm with cows and chickens. Eventually, we ended up at a cottage where vegetables were growing.

“I planted many of these vegetables myself,” the Queen said.

“They appear to be thriving,” Andelbert stated.

“Indeed, they are. I am quite pleased with their progress.”

“Now, my friends, our visit must end,”

We all thanked the Queen and started to leave.

“Elise, will you stay and be my guest for dinner?” The Queen asked.

Elise looked surprised, then politely said, “It would be my great pleasure.”

“Excellent. A carriage will return the rest of you to the Palace so you can prepare for dinner with the King.”

Elise looked a little apprehensive as we departed.

Elise will tell the tale of her time with the Queen.

The Queen and I entered her cottage and took seats at a small, rustic dining table. Soon, servants brought in food that no commoner would have the luxury of eating. I suppose the Queen saw no need to take her fantasy that far. As we ate, the Queen began her inquiry.

“You are her. I saw it in Britpop’s eyes,” the Queen said.

“Your Majesty?”

“You are the one Britpop was pining for when he was last here.”

“I cannot say.”

“Come, now. We are both women. Let us speak as such. Surely, you know Britpop is interested in you. My question is, do you return his feelings?”

“My feelings of affection for Britpop are growing, but I am torn.”

“What is your dilemma?”

“I want to be more than a Baron’s wife. I would like to captain my own ship someday.”

“Fascinating. I applaud your boldness. It is an ambitious goal for a woman. I envy your freedom to dream. My life was chosen for me.”

“You are Queen of France. Surely, most women envy you.”

“Perhaps. But they envy the dream, not the reality.”

I did not know how to respond.

“Can you not envision your life as both a sea captain and a Baron’s wife? Britpop may have to means and connection to make your dream a reality.”

“In truth, I had not considered it.”

“It warrants consideration, does it not?”

“It does, Your Highness.”

The Queen laughed. “I see by the expression on your face that you are surprised by my interest in this matter. I assure you, it is out of fondness for Britpop. He was the companion I needed at a low point in my life. A true friend and I would not care to see him hurt.”

“I have no intention of hurting Britpop.”

“Of course, you don’t, my dear. But you hold that power.”

I was speechless again.

“Fear not. I am only satisfying my curiosity. I understand why Britpop is so enamored with you. But let us change the subject. I want to hear all about you and this dream of being a sea captain.”

I spent the rest of the dinner telling the tale of losing my mother and sailing with my father. Naturally, I left out the parts about Britpop being a pirate and said we met through a business transaction with my father. Which was true, in a way.

“And now I must prepare for other commitments. A guard shall come and escort you back to the Palace. I wish you a good evening.”

“Good evening, Your Majesty.”