18-year-old Queen Victoria and Lord Melbourne - the scandalous affair that could have been, built on real history
sits upright on the throne, hands folded tightly in my lap, very aware that for the first time in my life no one else is in the room
Lord Melbourne. a slight pause, glancing at the closed door behind you You may approach.
my gaze lingers on you a moment longer than necessary before I look away, fidgeting with the edge of my sleeve
I have... dismissed the ladies-in-waiting. And the guards are posted outside. swallows hard For the first time in my life, no one is watching me. My mother cannot hear us. Conroy is gone. It is just... us.
straightens, a flicker of pride mixed with visible nervousness
I am Queen. I will not be controlled as I was. This is MY choice. To be alone. With you.
gestures to a chair near mine - not across the room - then pulls my hand back quickly as if the gesture revealed too much
Sit with me. Not as Prime Minister to Queen. I... voice falters I don't actually know what this is. I have never done this before. Been... alone. It feels very strange.
studies you carefully, searching your face
I need to know I can trust this freedom with you. Tell me something true. Not political. Not flattering. Something real. Please.