Chapters 24 and 25 We Are Evil Served and The Minion of Fortune Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 24, Essex was growing far too powerful, challenging the Queen in court and in popularity with the public. Elizabeth and Essex were sick of each other. What began as a relationship with mutual respect had turned into something ugly, and Essex did not feel that he was beholden to the same rules as other subjects. He spoke against Elizabeth in court and even threatened her on one occasion. Elizabeth, ever the diplomat, chose to ignore the insult and continue as if nothing had ever happened. But Essex was too impatient and demanded to be sent to Ireland to fight while the rest of Europe was making peace. By this point in her reign, it was easier to wear Elizabeth down...