Chapter 4

The escalating conflict between North and South in the United States stemmed from diametrically opposed visions for the nation's future. Northern industrialists, particularly those involved in westward expansion, championed capitalist development and vehemently opposed the expansion of slavery. This directly challenged the Southern agrarian elite, whose wealth and power were inextricably linked to the institution of chattel slavery. Their attempts to perpetuate and extend this system westward ignited a decade of violent clashes. The formation of the Republican Party in 1854, explicitly dedicated to the eradication of slavery, served as a pivotal moment. This party, representing burgeoning industrial interests, further exacerbated tensions. The ensuing struggle for control of Kansas, a battleground for the expansion of slavery, foreshadowed the imminent national conflict. Lincoln's presidential victory in 1860 proved the final catalyst. Southern slaveholders, perceiving their way of life irrevocably threatened, launched a secessionist rebellion. Seven states swiftly withdrew from the Union, establishing the Confederate States of America with Richmond as its capital. The Confederate army's surprise attack on Fort Sumter ignited the Civil War. This dramatic upheaval captivated Europe. Even amidst the pressing concerns of Dutch domestic politics, Prime Minister Thorbecke found himself riveted by the unfolding American drama. His bewilderment at King William IV's cryptic comment—"Lincoln has my eyes and ears beside him"—was palpable. The king's revelation of a covert Dutch influence within Lincoln's inner circle sent shockwaves through Thorbecke, exposing the startling reach of Dutch intelligence and the profound implications of this clandestine connection. The Netherlands, it seemed, had penetrated the very heart of the burgeoning American power.

William IV's grave demeanor hinted at the exceptional standing of the chess piece in question. Its significance transcended mere gameplay; the King's solemnity underscored its profound importance. The lack of communication from the cabinet's intelligence apparatus pointed to a clandestine operation, one orchestrated by the Royal Dutch Intelligence Service. This revelation left Tolbek utterly astounded. William II's proud declaration, "Elihue B. Washburn," sent a jolt through the room. The name itself resonated with power. The Chairman of the U.S. Congressional Trade and Appropriations Committees – a position of immense authority – was the source of Tolbek's bewilderment. But that was only the beginning of Washburn's impressive profile. This man was the architect of Major General Grant's meteoric rise during the Civil War. Washburn's insightful recommendation to President Lincoln propelled Grant to the forefront of the conflict, setting the stage for his military triumphs. William IV's pride was entirely justified. Washburn's reputation in the U.S. Congress was legendary. His unwavering commitment to meticulous and scrupulous work, particularly in land development, had earned him widespread acclaim. Newspapers chronicled his unwavering integrity. Numerous attempts by activist groups to influence or intimidate him proved utterly futile. This steadfastness, widely publicized, amplified his standing, resulting in an overwhelming victory in his election to the chairmanships of both the Trade and Appropriations Committees. His unchallenged ascent speaks volumes about his character. His dual responsibility over trade and budget allocation was a testament to public trust. His impeccable performance vindicated this faith. He acted as an unwavering bulwark against corruption, implementing stringent measures to prevent the misuse of public funds. His resolute stance against outside influence earned him the moniker, "Guardian of the Treasury," within the United States. Even before the Civil War erupted, Washburn established himself as a staunch Republican, joining the party in 1854. In the pivotal 1860 election, President Lincoln, recognizing his exceptional qualities, appointed Washburn as a key advisor on campaign strategy. Washburn remained an implacable opponent of any expansion of slavery and the fracturing of the nation. In 1861, Washburn's prescient warning averted a perilous plot against President-elect Lincoln during his journey to Washington. This timely intervention cemented Lincoln's trust and admiration. It was this close relationship that ultimately allowed Washburn to elevate Ulysses S. Grant to stardom, securing his promotion to Major General.

William IV's clandestine pawn proved unexpectedly potent. This strategic maneuver was nothing short of brilliant. The Prime Minister, Tolbeck, understood instantly that a mere Congressional committee wouldn't suffice for such an influential figure. William IV, unconcerned with petty limitations, aimed far higher. The question loomed: would this hidden asset ascend to Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, or even the presidency itself? Tolbeck's mind reeled. A US president as a Dutch king's secret weapon? The audacity was breathtaking. The implications for the Netherlands were staggering, a lucrative advantage no one could have foreseen. His very being trembled; he dared not meet William IV's gaze. William IV observed Tolbeck's reaction with profound satisfaction. This precise response was the desired outcome – the reason for revealing his covert operation. Tolbeck, his future collaborator, needed to grasp the scope of this clandestine power, to understand the potent tools at their disposal to outmaneuver global rivals. This was not merely information; it was empowerment. This subtle revelation was William IV's calculated encouragement. With this concealed backing, Tolbeck's trajectory would transcend a mere secretarial post under Grant; a transformation of seismic proportions awaited. William IV's ambition was audacious: to propel Tolbeck to the pinnacle of American power, the presidency itself. This audacious scheme aimed to secure lasting economic advantages for the Netherlands, drawing immense wealth from the American giant to bolster the nation's weakened state. Once his expansionist plans in India and the Pacific were complete, the Netherlands would stand unassailable, no longer requiring such covert actions.

Washburn's burgeoning faction within the republic represents a significant shift in American power dynamics. His actions will rapidly cultivate a potent pro-Dutch influence in America, forging a conspicuously overt alliance between the two nations. William IV's revelations, initially met with stunned disbelief, ignited a fervent ambition within Tolbeck. No longer content with a secondary role, he now boldly envisions himself as a pivotal player on the world stage, measuring himself against giants like British Prime Minister Henry John Temple, Bismarck of Prussia, Archduke Rainer Ferdinand of Austria, and American Secretary of State William Seward, even daring to include Napoleon III in his ambitious calculations. His perspective has expanded dramatically. Drawing a sharp breath, Tolbeck gazed upon William IV with profound admiration, his voice charged with sincerity: "Your Majesty, the Kingdom of the Netherlands stands poised to astound the globe." "Indeed," William IV responded, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "And that triumph will depend on the unwavering support of my loyal associates." A hearty laugh resonated through the room. "But before global dominance, let us ensure Europe is suitably invigorated." Embracing William IV's audacious scheme, Tolbeck's heart pounded with a mixture of trepidation and exhilaration. "Your Majesty speaks truth," he declared, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "A profound calm has settled over Europe—a calm that is long overdue for disruption." … Across the North Sea, in the opulent splendor of Buckingham Palace, London, a stark contrast unfolded. The lingering golden hues of sunset cast a deceptive glow upon a young man, barely in his twenties, lying unconscious in a hospital bed. His youthful face, usually vibrant, was now starkly pale, drained of life. Nearby, a woman of mature grace sat vigil, her composure a carefully constructed façade. Though outwardly serene, her striking eyes betrayed a tempestuous internal conflict—a simmering cauldron of anxiety and profound fury. This woman, accustomed to wielding immense power, concealed her emotions with practiced ease. Yet, anyone familiar with her knew that this unsettling calm masked an explosive rage, a potential cataclysm poised to shake the very foundations of Europe.

A barely audible, "What's happening?" escaped her lips, the fury simmering beneath a veneer of composure. Her gaze, unwavering, remained fixed on her son, Prince Edward's, ashen face. The exquisite woman, outwardly serene, betrayed a flicker of anguish in her usually tranquil eyes; a nascent inferno ignited within their depths, shattering the decades-long calm that had only been broken by her husband's cousin, Prince Albert's, recent demise. Trailing in her wake, a strikingly beautiful young woman, barely twenty, visibly tensed. This captivating creature, usually radiating confidence, now displayed a palpable fear in response to the inquiry from this formidable acquaintance. As the esteemed woman's personal attendant and confidante to her eldest daughter, this charming individual possessed an intimate understanding of her mistress's temperament. This chilling tranquility was a harbinger of a cataclysmic rage; an eruption of wrath capable of obliterating anything – individuals, nations – that dared to obstruct its path. The recent, swift annihilation of a small Indian subcontinent kingdom, leaving behind not a soul nor a single creature, served as a chilling reminder. The kingdom's fatal error? The audacity of rebellion on Prince Albert's birthday.

A profound sadness consumed her; she silently wept for those who had dared to offend this formidable woman. Her gaze, fleeting yet intense, rested on Prince Edward, his frail form confined to the hospital bed. A storm of complex emotions raged within her. She understood, better than anyone, the precariousness of his position. His standing in the Queen's heart was tenuous, a fragile thing preserved only by Prince Albert's dying wish to spare him. This near-fatal illness had dramatically altered Edward's prospects; his potential usurper, now laid low, was but a shadow of his former self. Yet, such was the Queen's devotion! To provoke her would likely result in indifference; but to challenge her surrogate son, Prince Edward, was to invite utter annihilation. He had become her untouchable talisman, a sacred shield. Any who dared to cross him would face her wrath—a force capable of shattering families and toppling kingdoms. Drawing a deep, steadying breath, the magnificent queen banished her tumultuous thoughts. With a voice barely above a whisper, she revealed the grim news: "Reports have arrived. Edward, entangled with a woman, a victim of jealous rage, was apprehended on London Bridge, brutally assaulted, and left unconscious." The Queen's confidante recoiled, her eyes widening in astonishment. A subtle frown creased her regal brow. "Merely an accident?" she inquired, her tone laced with skepticism. "Mother," the Queen continued, "the assailant's confession implicates those who resented Edward's impending meeting with Princess Alexandra of Denmark." The words hung in the air—*Denmark*, *Princess*, *Edward*, *rival*. A whirlwind of implications surged through Queen Victoria's mind, painting vivid scenes in her keen intellect. Her eyes shimmered with a multitude of emotions. Then, with a gentle warmth, she turned to her daughter Alice: "My dear, is there someone who holds your affections?"