"It was," Elizabeth said ruefully. "I don't mind if it's unpleasant as long as it provides escape but if there's truly no exit, I suppose I should give up on that strategy now before it takes root and swallows me whole."

She swallowed then, thickly, and thought about not being able to see Phillip or the children again. There were her duties as monarch to consider, as well, and she hated seeing things undone but there were contingencies for that. There weren't contingencies for losing a wife and a mother.

"I miss my children," she said, admitting a small, soft weakness.