Elizabeth: The Golden Age by TASHA ALEXANDER Read Free Book Online Page A

want?”
    “Merely the honor of finding myself in the presence of my queen, whose radiant beauty is the boast and glory of the English people.”
    “Yes, well, here you are.” Her eyes betrayed her amusement, but she kept her voice firm. She was no stranger to flattery. This man was handsome, moderately interesting, but he would have to offer something more if he hoped to gain her favor.
    “I’m just returned from a voyage to the New World, Majesty. I have claimed the fertile coast in your name, and called it Virginia, in honor of our virgin queen.”
    “Virginia?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. “And if I marry? Will you change the name to Conjugia ?” The royal entourage laughed with more sincerity than usual.
    Raleigh showed no sign of distraction, keeping his focus on her. “I ask for your gracious permission, Majesty, to return to the New World with your royal warrant, to found a colony under the laws and protections of England.”
    “A colony?” she asked. “A permanent settlement, Majesty, that will bring riches and honor to our country, that will expand our empire, that will—”
    “Yes, I understand,” she said, looking at the natives standing stiff in their European clothes. “Who are they?”
    “Americans, Majesty. They long to be your newest subjects.” He motioned to Calley, who led Wanchese and Manteo forward. “Have they no ruler of their own?” Elizabeth asked. “None to match England’s queen. Manteo is the chief of his people, yet even he wants to be led by you.” Raleigh’s smile was winning. Elizabeth studied the two men, fascinated, then held out her hand. Manteo took it, shaking it as the courtiers around them gasped, but Elizabeth accepted the courtesy with grace. “What do they think of your plans for colonization?” she asked. Raleigh came closer to her. “I have never encountered natives more friendly or helpful. They’re already learning English and realize there is much we can teach them. A colony would benefit them as much as us.”
    “A very optimistic view, Mr. Raleigh.”
    “An explorer must be optimistic, Majesty, or he’d never leave the safety of home.” She liked the brightness in his eyes when he spoke. “These gentlemen are welcome,” she said. “See that they’re treated well.” Raleigh motioned to Calley, who ushered Manteo and Wanchese out of the room. “I also come bearing gifts for Your Majesty, from the New World.” He nodded to his men, who brought forward the hampers as Don Guerau interrupted again. “The fruits of piracy, Majesty. The true property of the realm of Spain.”
    “Let’s see, shall we?” the queen asked, then turned to Raleigh. “What do you bring me?”
    “Mud and leaves,” Raleigh said. “Mud and leaves?” she asked, a hint of laughter in her voice. The courtiers tittered, but Elizabeth’s attention fell to Walsingham, who was watching the exchange with an interest that suggested concerns beyond the spoils of the New World. He would want her to be careful about antagonizing Philip and Spain. Raleigh bent down and opened the first basket. Don Guerau peered inside, suspicion covering his face, then scowled, drawing more muffled laughter from the audience. Raleigh pulled a dirty-looking vegetable out and waved it in front of the ambassador before turning to the queen. “ Patata , Majesty. You eat it. Very nourishing.” He pulled the lid off the second container and drew out a brown leaf as the Spaniard continued to track his every move. “Tobacco. You breathe its smoke. Very stimulating.” The courtiers were no longer concealing their amusement and their laughter—all of it directed at the ambassador—grew too loud to ignore. Don Guerau drew himself up, a vision of angry pride, deep creases on his brow, lips pulled down. His own king would never allow such a spectacle at court. “Forgive me, Majesty. I find the air has become stale. I am sensitive to the smell of open sewers.” A glare at Raleigh, a bow for