In the cool dawn of June 1837.
Outside the palace, the world was still cloaked in darkness, the sun yet to rise. Silence hung over the corridors of Kensington Palace.
Victoria was still asleep.
Ever since she had finally been allowed unrestricted access to the palace library, she had fallen into the habit of reading late into the night. Yesterday had been no exception, and she now slept soundly beneath the covers.
Her lips curved faintly into a peaceful smile.
Recently, her life had been filled with nothing but happiness. Even in her dreams she never once imagined that this calm, comfortable life could end.
But fate rarely waits for someone to be ready to bear its weight.
"Victoria… wake up."
"Mmm… who is it…?"
Still half-asleep, she slowly opened her eyes as someone gently shook her shoulder.
The sky beyond the curtains was still dark. It was far too early to be waking.
Which meant something must have happened.
Victoria stifled a yawn behind her hand and looked up at her mother.
"It's still dawn. Is something urgent?"
"Well… yes."
Since John Conroy had been driven from the palace, the Duchess of Kent's attitude had changed considerably.
She could no longer control her daughter, and she had been forced—however reluctantly—to accept that Victoria was now far more capable than she herself had believed.
The change was small, but it was real.
Victoria even wondered if reconciliation between them might not be so far away after all.
"Please don't tell me something terrible has happened."
"In a sense… it has. Lord Chamberlain Cunningham and Archbishop Howley are waiting downstairs."
"The Lord Chamberlain… and the Archbishop of Canterbury… at this hour?"
"Yes."
If the Lord Chamberlain—the official responsible for royal affairs—and the Archbishop of Canterbury—the head of the Church of England—had come to Kensington Palace before dawn, there was only one possible reason.
Even before her mother finished speaking, Victoria's voice trembled slightly.
"Has… His Majesty passed away?"
"Yes. Change your clothes and come downstairs. The Prime Minister and the members of the Privy Council will arrive shortly."
Just last week she had spoken with him. He had encouraged her, telling her to continue her studies and prepare herself for the future.
And now that had been their final meeting?
Which meant that from today onward… she was—
For a moment her mind went completely blank.
Yet her body moved on instinct.
Victoria quickly changed clothes and hurried from her room.
The moment she entered the sitting room, the Earl of Cunningham and the Archbishop of Canterbury dropped to one knee.
"At 2:12 this morning, His Majesty King William IV passed into the Lord's embrace at Windsor Castle. From this moment forward, the sovereign of the British Empire is Your Majesty. All servants of the Crown shall faithfully support you as you assume the duties of the throne."
"May God's blessing rest upon Your Majesty's reign. All members of the Church of England will pray for you and for the future of this nation under your guidance."
Your Majesty.
Until now she had only ever been called Princess.
Hearing the new title for the first time felt like the world itself had suddenly grown heavier.
Victoria inhaled slowly, steadying herself.
The Lord Chamberlain spoke carefully.
"Your Majesty, if you permit, I can briefly explain the schedule that follows."
"…Please do."
"The members of the Privy Council will arrive shortly. Before them, Your Majesty will make the oath announcing your accession to the throne. The text of the oath will be brought with them. You need only read it aloud."
"I see… so I truly have become queen."
When she was younger, she had often imagined the day she would come of age and inherit the throne.
But now that the moment had arrived, she understood just how childish that dream had been.
The sovereign of Britain was not some absolute ruler who could bend the nation to their will.
The monarch was bound to uphold the law, protect the Church, and maintain political balance.
Was she truly ready to bear the weight of the crown?
She had studied politics, economics, religion, and society—but the more she learned, the more she realized how much she still did not know.
And yet she was to become queen now?
"Your Majesty, then—"
The Archbishop had barely begun speaking when the doors opened.
Four men entered.
Prime Minister Robert Peel, Opposition leader William Lamb, and two aides.
"Your Majesty. The Privy Council—along with the Lord Chancellor, the archbishops, and the Lord Mayor of London—has gathered in the council chamber. When you are ready, we will escort you there. If you require more time, please take it."
The Privy Council consisted of the most powerful figures in government and law. A new monarch traditionally took their oath before them.
The institution had lost much of its real authority over time, but the prestige remained.
Victoria knew all this.
Yet her heart still refused to calm.
If she had remained ignorant of politics, perhaps she would not feel such pressure now.
Just as a laugh was about to escape her lips—
She noticed someone standing behind Peel.
And nearly burst out laughing.
What are you doing here?
Standing silently behind the Prime Minister was a young man she knew very well.
Her friend.
Her teacher.
Her greatest ally.
Killian Gore, the Earl of Arran.
Had he really asked Peel to bring him along as an aide… simply because he thought she might be nervous?
Killian told me something, William IV had once said.He swore he would never do anything that could harm you.
The memory suddenly surfaced.
And just like that—
The anxiety that had been pounding through her chest vanished.
Right. What was there to fear?
All she had to do was read the oath and speak with the council.
And she certainly wasn't about to embarrass herself in front of the person who had taught her so much.
Besides, if she did, he might start treating her like someone who needed constant protection.
And being seen that way by someone a year younger than her would be… unacceptable.
Straightening her posture, Victoria addressed the Prime Minister calmly.
"Would you mind waiting a moment while I change? My current dress seems rather too bright. I think a black dress would be more appropriate."
"Of course, Your Majesty. We will await your return."
Victoria smiled gracefully and turned away.
See? It's simple.
Becoming queen had not changed who she was.
Only how others would treat her.
Though… I suppose Killian will start calling me 'Your Majesty' now.
What would he say the first time they were alone?
As she examined her wardrobe, Victoria found herself thinking about it.
* * *
"…Therefore, as Queen of this realm, I solemnly swear to uphold the laws of this nation, protect the Church of England, and safeguard the rights and liberties of my people."
Despite the suddenness of the moment, Victoria's voice was steady and clear.
When the oath concluded, the members of the Privy Council stepped forward one by one to swear loyalty to the new queen.
After Peel returned to his place, he leaned slightly toward Killian.
"She carries herself remarkably well, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes," Killian replied quietly."Even more composed than I expected."
"At first she seemed nervous. But to steady herself this quickly… I was worried we were placing too heavy a burden on someone so young. Perhaps I underestimated her."
"I told you, Prime Minister," Killian said with a faint smile."She has the makings of the greatest monarch in British history."
"Perhaps. But she is still young. If we're wise, we should secure a little advantage while we can."
As they watched the council sign the proclamation formally declaring Victoria queen, Peel rose.
At the exact same moment, Melbourne stepped forward as well.
"Well now," Melbourne said with a grin."Prime Minister, do you also have something to say to Her Majesty?"
"Indeed. I suspect we both do."
"Excellent. Then let us approach together."
The two men walked toward Victoria, who had just finished reading the proclamation.
"Is there something further I must attend to?" she asked.
"Not something that must be done today," Peel said carefully."But the sooner the better. Your Majesty will soon need attendants."
He was referring to the Ladies of the Bedchamber.
These women—often countesses or duchesses—served as the queen's closest attendants and advisers.
Which meant they were also political instruments.
Naturally, both parties wanted their own allies placed near the queen.
Victoria understood immediately.
"You're right. I will need attendants soon. We should begin selecting candidates."
"Then perhaps the government could recommend them," Peel suggested."It has traditionally been the practice."
Melbourne chuckled.
"Surely not. The Whigs hold the most seats in Parliament. The Mistress of the Robes should naturally come from our side."
"The Prime Minister represents the government," Peel replied.
"And the largest party represents the people."
Victoria raised a hand.
"I understand your positions."
Both men fell silent.
"This seems like an excellent opportunity to clarify something."
"Clarify…?"
"The monarch of the British Empire should remain politically impartial. The Mistress of the Robes will be chosen from the party that forms the government. As for the other ladies—we will appoint eight or ten and divide them evenly between the parties."
Neither Peel nor Melbourne spoke.
Objecting would make them appear greedy.
"If Parliament remains divided in the future," Melbourne asked carefully,"would Your Majesty follow the same principle?"
"Yes. And any party holding more than two hundred seats may submit recommendations. I am young and still learning. I would prefer to hear many perspectives."
Both men bowed.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
"Then we shall prepare the lists."
Victoria smiled.
"Thank you. I look forward to our next council meeting."
Once outside, Peel sighed.
"Well. That attempt to curry favor ended rather poorly."
Melbourne chuckled.
"She was telling us not to meddle with the Crown."
"I agree," Peel said.
Then he glanced at Killian.
"You were right. Once she gains experience… she may become quite formidable."
Killian smiled to himself.
After nearly five years of teaching her, did they really think she would be easy to control?
Though even he hadn't expected her to draw the line so clearly on her first day.
It was strangely satisfying.
As they walked toward the carriage—
Melbourne spoke again.
"Prime Minister… once Her Majesty dissolves Parliament, there will be a general election."
"Indeed."
"I propose something. O'Connell's party has become too powerful."
Peel narrowed his eyes.
"You want to eliminate them?"
"Precisely. Newspapers are ready to release several scandals. All the Conservatives need to do is stay silent."
Peel considered it briefly.
Then smiled.
"Very well. After all, the two-party system is a proud British tradition."
"Excellent."
Watching the two parties calmly plotting their next political battle—
Killian could only sigh in admiration.
Yes.
This was the British Empire he knew.