Ruling alone... how wonderful....

Keeping the conversation of never marrying going with Amy's husband on page 29, Autumn 1558.

The Princess blinked in surprise. "indeed? Everyone else think I should Marry at once."
"Why ever Marry when you can be the absolute ruler? No man could ever rule as you shall. The only thing a man would do is strip your power from you."
"You're Right. Need a man I not"
Elizabeth keeps confident on the outside but inside her mind races. Thoughts of Sir Dudley creep into her mind and she is saddened by the thought of living her life without him or anyone for that matter.

As Elizabeth grows older in the movies she is depicted as becoming more stern and becomes more pale. Is this because of her growing commitment to being Queen, or is she becoming a cold person who is alone.

Correlation not causation- Question

A good lie requires a backstory. In order to thoroughly convince someone of the legitimacy of a lie, one must point out side details that back their argument, out or pure coincidence. There is no clear historical evidence that Elizabeth I ever had an affair with Robert Dudley, however The Virgin's Lover suggests other wise. Philippa Gregory can be blatant about it at times, and other times refrains to small hints that could be dismissed as coincidence.

What details does Phillipa Gregory use, to convince us that Elizabeth and Robert are having an affair, without being blatantly obvious about it?

Queen of non-decision making

"It was like a game of chess; he saw her turn her head and puzzle how she could outwit him (195)."

"But I will always be Queen,"she said. "You will always be my courtier (196)."

‘Queen’ Elizabeth? Hardly

“Robert, I don’t know how to do this.” she said, in a small voice. “I can’t even remember how to get to the King’s rooms from the great hall. If someone doesn’t walk before me I’ll get lost. I don’t know how to get to the gardens from the picture gallery, or from the stable to my rooms. I... I’m lost here.” (Gregory, Pg. 35)

This quote was the moment I realized there was something very wrong with this novels depiction of Elizabeth. The way she delivers this line- ‘in a small voice’- paints her as helpless and frightened, which is the complete opposite of Queen Elizabeth. We see her here, nervous and quivering and relying on a man to guide her. Granted, it’s in a fairly mundane situation, and it’s entirely possible that the real Elizabeth could plausibly have gotten lost; but I refuse to believe she would openly act so helpless. This is where I realized Elizabeth in this book was going to be nothing but a typical helpless damsel, and it only gets worse from here...

Elizabeth, Nice For What?

While reading Queen Elizabeth's letter to the King of Scotland I could not help, but be reminded of this song. When she said she had his best holds in her hands, and conserved them and rendered them to him she had to be nice, for what?

Sit down...Be humble

Does Queen Elizabeth present heself as humble in her letters to appear inefior or superior?

Does she care to make herself look humble in front of other people to get their respect or does she just want it to seem like she's humble because she knows she's above others.

A Fan-fiction based on Elizabeth's letters

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Devereux,_2nd_Earl_of_Essex

PS. - It has been a long time since we have last had time to enjoy each others company in my bedchamber. Please hurry back to your motherland safely and victoriously. It is so disheartening to be surrounded by graybeards and fanny peckers. They are the scum on a Catholic's shoe. I long for your favorable discourse and comforting words. As a loyal subject I value your opinion and as a loyal friend you are by no means less than my most trusted of advisers. It ales me to keep secrets but they call me the "Virgin Queen." I must keep up appearances or risk losing any respect I have garnered from the men who look down on my femininity. I hope you can understand that I do not deny you publicly out of malice but for the people of this country. I have had many suitors and I still wear the frog brooch I got from one of them. I am wearing it now as I write this. But I fear I have gone on far too long with my terrible scribbles. I hope that God blesses your return with victory and comfort.

Your dearest,
Elizabeth R.