The disloyal will never succeed, but only those who know when to be disloyal can endure, because betrayal is the only political principle that can withstand the test of time.
——Arthur Hastings
When the attendant at Windsor Castle opened the inner chamber door carved with golden oak leaf patterns for Arthur, he did not walk in immediately but first took a glance at the interior furnishings.
It was quiet inside the door, with no maids, no attendants, and no escort; even the wall lamp burning in the room emitted a certain unorthodox, warm, dim light, which was not the brightness used to welcome ministers or entertain distinguished guests.
He stepped into the room, and the thick velvet carpet almost swallowed the echo under his boots.
Arthur had just stood firm when he casually took off his hat and slightly bowed in front of Victoria: "Her Majesty the Queen."
Immediately afterward, he heard the sound of the large door closing behind him.
