THE QUEEN’S BATHTUB

the queen's bathtub

She always met them in the remotest of locations, miles from civilization and not accessible by anything but camel. Riding long hours and enduring the harshest of conditions, she dressed like a man during the day but wore an evening gown and a fur coat at night. Trunks of luxury followed her wherever she went, with no amount of comfort too much to expect. Traveling in a style to which she was accustomed, the Queen packed everything from petticoats and parasols to pistols and leather boots. Her supporters always close behind … in a long procession of boxes, bundles and bags. Arriving in camp, they were the ones who unpacked all the gear, pitched up the tents, laid out her bed and started the fires. Unfolding the travel bathtub, they filled it with heated water for their mistress and then began to set the tables for dinner. Dining by candlelight with one of the visiting Sheiks, she always ate on linen tablecloths with Wedgewood china, silver and crystal glasses. Nothing was too good for their Queen. 

From an early age, she made it known to others that she was a person that mattered. Resenting discipline and demanding the attention of those around her, she ruled the roost and bossed and scolded the servants. Although quite devoted to the men in her life, she showed almost disdain for the women. “Dull and dismal” was how she described some of them. Suitable for procreation and child rearing but best left at home with the kiddies. Although an atheist in her heart, the Queen could be overheard telling others that God made women inferior and that the men were put in charge to maintain them. Preferring to be the only woman at the negotiation table, heaven help another strong and capable woman that wants to sit there too. 

Excelling in most sports and a lover of plants, poetry and ancient history, the Queen was admired by the men. More male than female and both a communication wizard and an organizational mastermind, she was placed at the top in their secret hierarchy.  Protected and shielded from inquiring eyes, it would be impossible to see that the orders came from her.  With the goal to protect and reward the loyalists, unite the ones that have nothing to lose, strangle hold the poorest and then attack the opposition, she always had a winning formula. 

While lying in her bathtub one night, she finally devised the perfect plan she needed.  If she could bring part of the transcontinental railway underground and connect it to the existing tunnel network … and then fill it with explosives … she could conquer the world.

Copyright © 2015 (Michelle Parsons, Getting Back on Your Path). All Rights Reserved.

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