Chapter 19 : Bad news from the queen

Whakaari Island (White Island), New Zealand

The first meeting in the House of Commons had proceeded uneventfully, but Arthur did not share in the joy of the occasion. The news that arrived shortly after completely altered his mood: Queen Victoria's health was deteriorating rapidly, and according to her doctors, she might not survive until winter.

Although Arthur had anticipated this fateful outcome, the reality of the news was unbearable to him.

In recent years, Queen Victoria's health had progressively declined, and some political decisions had been delegated to the Crown Prince. To this heavy burden was added the pain of losing yet another child. The Queen, who had always displayed exemplary strength to the world, seemed inwardly shattered. The void left by the Duke Arthur had been such a devastating blow that, despite her resilience, even she appeared unable to endure it. The memory of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, and the children who were no longer with her was what still kept the spark alive in her heart. That same memory had driven her to undertake a long journey to Whakaari Island.

Upon receiving the news, Arthur wasted no time in sending a warship to take him to the island, where he knew his grandmother was spending her final days.

After two days at sea, he finally arrived at the island. Queen Victoria resided there, withdrawn from political life, isolated due to her failing health.

Princess Beatrice, Arthur's aunt, greeted him with an expression full of emotion. Upon seeing her nephew, Beatrice's eyes welled up, and in a trembling voice, she said, "Arthur, go, your grandmother is waiting for you."

As he entered the modestly furnished room, Arthur saw Queen Victoria lying in her bed. A single glance was enough to notice the change in her. Her face was thinner, her eyes sunken... she seemed to have aged decades since the last time they had seen each other.

"Arthur! My child, come to your grandmother!" exclaimed Queen Victoria in surprise as the door opened.

"Grandmother!" Arthur replied, stepping forward and tenderly taking his grandmother's wrinkled hands.

"Arthur, how are things in Australia? Are you settling in?" the Queen asked, with a faint smile as she gently stroked his forehead.

"I'm well, Grandmother. Thanks to the guards you sent, I took control of all of Australia relatively easily. Now, under my leadership, we've established a dual monarchy government, elected the House of Commons, and are preparing for cabinet elections," Arthur replied, trying to reassure her with a smile.

"A dual monarchy?" the Queen murmured, surprised. "Is there no opposition?"

"Not at the moment. The premiers of the original colonies have no military power, and I've given them positions in the interim cabinet. So far, there's been no open opposition to the system," Arthur explained after a brief pause.

"And all the guards remain in Australia?" the Queen asked, her tone more serious.

"Yes, Grandmother. Although most Australians support me thanks to speeches and policies, I've kept the guards there as a precaution," Arthur nodded.

"Well done," Queen Victoria said with an approving look. "As a ruler, even in peaceful times, you must never let your guard down. It's good that your reforms are going well, but remember, even if everything seems calm now, you can't predict what might happen. Opposition can arise at any moment."

"You've come at the right time, Arthur. We recently received a new group of servants. You and Louise need more help in Australia. When you return, take some cooks, doctors, and servants with you. As a ruler, don't let the prestige of the royal family diminish," Queen Victoria continued thoughtfully.

"Yes, Grandmother," Arthur replied, seeing the concern in her expression and unable to refuse.

"Grandmother, how have you been feeling lately?" Arthur asked, softening his tone to change the subject.

"I'm old, Arthur. I can no longer walk. I wanted to stroll along the beach, but I ran out of strength just outside the mansion. My legs ache, but it's all right. Perhaps this way, I'll be able to meet your grandfather and your father sooner," the Queen said with a resigned sigh. Her sorrow was evident, though she tried to mask it with a bitter smile.

"Don't say that, Grandmother. You'll surely live many more years. I'll even bring your great-grandchild to see you," Arthur quickly replied, trying to comfort her.

Queen Victoria chuckled weakly, shaking her head, but she didn't press the matter further.

"Would you like me to take you for a walk around the island?" Arthur suggested, determined to lift her spirits and give her a moment of peace.

"All right, let's go to West Beach. Albert and you always liked that place," the Queen agreed with a gentle smile.

Princess Beatrice helped the Queen settle into her wheelchair, while Arthur called for the Queen's personal physician, Dr. Makoto. In a whisper, he asked, "Dr. Makoto, how is my grandmother's health?"

Dr. Makoto glanced around cautiously, then stepped aside and replied in a grave tone, "Your Highness, the Queen is not suffering from any specific illness. However, the diagnoses indicate that her health has reached its final stages. Her Majesty will likely only hold on until autumn. To speak prudently, I don't believe she will survive much beyond that time."

Arthur felt the air leave his lungs upon hearing those words. Even though he had feared it, hearing the official confirmation made his heart sink.

"Is there nothing that can be done, Doctor?" Arthur asked desperately.

"No, Your Highness," the physician replied with a sigh. "The Queen's health follows the natural course of old age. With current medicine, there is nothing more we can do."

The answer was clear and cruel. Though Arthur had already sensed it, hearing those words struck him deeply.