Queen Gertrude

(14 Artworks | More matter, with less art.)

Time:	12:36 pm.
Mood:	calm.

I woke next to Claudius this morning. His breath still tasted of alcohol from last night's revelries; he hasn't risen yet, I think he had rather too much.
It has always been such a hectic time in the mornings, when we wake together. I doubt there were rumours, before my husband's death, but the few times we did fall asleep together we had ordeals to pass in explaining the absence of the queen from her bedchamber, or trying subtly to find ourselves at the opposites of the castle before talk could start amongst the servants. We can sleep now; the drink still clouding my head and my lord's warmth tempt me back to bed.

My Hamlet was absent last night, but the mixture of drink and politics at all the more extravagant courtly events has never agreed with him. He was with his schoolfriend Horatio, I believe, and I do hope that the good Horatio has been able to cheer him some. I'm sorry he missed the celebration, but perhaps it will be better for him to spend some time with friends recovering from his sadness. I wonder if it's healthy for him to dwell so completely in bereavement. I hope my lord's talk of unmanly grief hasn't stirred any contrariness in him, he can be so difficult at times.

It wasn't the most helpful thing to say though. I know Hamlet exasperates my lord with his mourning but his feeling is sincere.

The party was bacchic in its festivity, though I think my lord Claudius was slightly tipsy before the revels began; he'd had a glass in his hand since the ceremonies were completed. He thinks it lends him an air of lethargic regality, though he wouldn't admit this as his reason for holding it. He's so charming when he forgets how much he's had, and thinks to seduce me in the main hall.

(3 Artworks | More matter, with less art.)

Time:	9:53 pm.
Mood:	happy.

Claudius and I were married today. The service was wonderful and the guests were so much more relaxed and supportive than at the other. I do love the idea of a wedding, a public declaration of love after so much secrecy. It's so relieving to be able to kiss him in public now, without the worry that one of the courtiers may read into it more than would be decent for me to offer.
He was so pleased with the coronation. I remember when I was coronated, the lavish hall and the stern bishop with that beautiful crown I'd seen my mother wear. My lord Hamlet looked so noble standing in his velvet robes. I think he left Claudius out of the proceedings terribly, he looked so galled and when I invited him to drink with us he appeared so vagrant, as if he hadn't been offered a place in the ceremony. I think my son felt the same way today. Claudius was so scarce for days afterward, I do hope the same won't happen for Hamlet. He's been so melancholic since his father's death and I know that this marriage was too soon for him.

I wish we could have waited longer, but these two months have been an agony of waiting and they've done nothing to quieten Hamlet's grief. Any longer and I'm sure it would be he who was crowned, and I don't know how well my young Hamlet could handle this country. I don't think he's ready to be king.
My new lord Claudius (how happy I am to make use of that title) asked on my behalf if he would consider staying. If we could just introduce him again to the court and his home, I'm sure he would feel needed again here in Elsinore. He used to be such a happy, vibrant child. If we could give him some part to play here or some measure of responsibility for the welfare of Denmark.. I wish he and Claudius would stop acting at such odds with each other. They could do so marvellously if they worked together.

I love Claudius. If Hamlet would see past his grief he might realise. We should have had a honeymoon, though I suppose such things are rather frivolous when Denmark is considered. Now least of all is the time for the Dane to be absent, if we take Norway into account. Perhaps we'll have time later in the year.

Advertisement