Oberon and Elizabeth

Act 1, Scene 2 <i>Day.</> 1569, in the throne room of her majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Slight and graceful she sits, wearing a lightly powdered wig. <i>Enter Courtier.</> <i>Courtier.</> My liege, may I present John Dee, accompanied by the Prince of the Summer Court Fae, Oberon. <i>Enter John Dee, Oberon, and Oberon’s page.</> John Dee walks joyfully forward. Oberon follows, dressed vibrantly, spinning and gazing around with all the awe and decorum of a child. His page follows at a distance, head low. <i>Elizabeth.</> [<i>smiling</>] You return. Oberon turns to find the source of her voice. As his eyes settle on her tiny form, he pauses, before letting out a boisterous laugh. All in the room look away in horror. Elizabeth, stunned, cannot help but stare.

Act 1, Scene 6 <i>Night.</> Fae music and human laughter echo through the palace. Elizabeth stands disinterested as Oberon, wearing a charming smile, approaches through the crowd. Behind him, his page lingers, observant. <i>Oberon.</> My lady, are you enjoying the festivities? <i>Elizabeth.</> [<i>politely</>] It is a most lively event. <i>Oberon.</> And yet you have all the liveliness of a wilted flower. Have I offended you? <i>Elizabeth.</> Good prince, this is not the first time a man has attempted to win my favour. <i>Oberon.</> Then I take heart knowing I am indeed no man. If this does not please you, I shall find that which does. By magick, Oberon produces a cornflower, handing it gently to Elizabeth, almost blushing. <i>Exeunt Oberon.</> Elizabeth can’t help but smile.

Act 2, Scene 1 <i>Day.</> A grand cathedral, filled to bursting with humans and Fae alike. At the Altar, Oberon and Elizabeth stand before a priest. <i>Oberon.</> I vow to you, my <i>Gloriana</>, that— <i>Elizabeth.</> [<i>laughing</>] My Christian name, love. <i>Oberon.</> [<i>coyly</>] <i>Elizabeth</>, that I shall give myself to no other. I will be by your side forever more. <i>Elizabeth.</> And I promise that you, Oberon, will be my only love. I will cherish you until my heart beats its last. <i>Priest.</> In this first historic union between human and Fae before God, I pronounce you wed, and may you, Oberon, be henceforth known as Prince Consort of England. Oberon and Elizabeth turn toward the crowd, met with cheers and a shower of Realm flowers.

Act 3, Scene 4 <i>Day.</> On a palace balcony, Oberon stands, conjuring a Portal into being. He takes a breath and one slow step through. <i>Enter Elizabeth.</> Oberon stops as Elizabeth opens the balcony door. They lock eyes. <i>Elizabeth.</> Oberon, what are you… <i>Oberon.</> My Gloriana. I had hoped to be gone before you woke. <i>Elizabeth.</> Gone where, my love? <i>Oberon.</> Forgive me, darling. <i>Elizabeth.</> Please, wait! Elizabeth reaches forward desperately. Faster than she, Oberon closes his eyes tight and leaps through the Portal. <i>Exeunt Oberon.</> It seals with a flash, leaving only drifting ash in its wake. Elizabeth falls to the ground, weakened by more than mere emotion. She clutches her chest with a sob.

Act 3, Scene 8 <i>Night.</> Elizabeth’s chamber is dark. In the bed, she lies, frail and aged, mumbling fitfully. <i>Elizabeth.</> [<i>weakly</>] Where is he…? A physician and chambermaid step away from the bed. <i>Physician.</> To whither this way in mere months, it is no sickness I have ever known. <i>Chambermaid.</> Is there nothing to be done? <i>Physician.</> You may ease her pain some. It will not be long. The physician waves over his assistant, Oberon’s page in a subtle disguise, who takes the physician’s tools. He watches Elizabeth intently as he leaves. <i>Exeunt Physician and Assistant.</> The chambermaid returns to Elizabeth’s side, dabbing her head with a wet cloth. <i>Elizabeth.</> My Oberon… Please return to me…