The Queen's Favourite - Miss Laura Irene Dowers

Born into an ambitious family, Robert Dudley is determined to climb high. Thrust into the world of the Tudor court when still a boy, he learns to cultivate useful relationships, and he finds none more so than his friendship with the young Princess Elizabeth. But when his father's attempt to steal the throne from Mary Tudor and crown Lady Jane Grey in her place ends in failure, the Dudley family are branded traitors and imprisoned in the dreaded Tower of London, some never to leave it. Pardoned and released, an unhappy Robert retires to the country. But when Queen Mary dies, hope revives and he heads for London. For England has a new queen. Elizabeth Tudor is on the throne and she has not forgotten her childhood friend. But their friendship soon deepens and Robert finds himself the object of the virgin queen's desire. The throne of England seems to be within Robert's grasp. Only Elizabeth stands in his way. Can Robert fulfil his father's ambition to see a Dudley on the throne of England? Can Robert ever become King?