We sat sipping tea as I waited for the right moment to bring up the rebels.

"Have you been doing anything about the rebels?"

He looked worried as he began to speak." I've been making some effort..."

"That isn't stopping them! You can't allow them to threaten English rule!" I was getting angry. I should have stayed calm. Why the hell couldn't I?

"England I can't-"

"Why the hell not?"

He got up and glared at me.

"England I don't have the complete backing of the colonies."

"Why not!"

" Because half of them are mad England! How could you not know that!"

"What is that supposed to mean!"

"It means their tired of your crap! You stole from them-"

"That was for the good of the whole! You of all people should know that!" that was the only course of action that could have worked. I knew that. KNOW that.

"I do! But..."

"But what?

He got very mad as he shouted "Maybe I'm sick of it too! I don't want to just sit on my ass while you chose for me! Maybe I agree with them! You ever think of that!"

Without thinking I struck him. I couldn't believe myself. Still I kept a stern face.

"I never want to hear those rebellious words again. You are my subordinate and nothing more!"

He got up without looking at me.

"Did you hear me America!"

I'll never forget the look on his face when he turned to me. "Yeah. Loud and clear."

I wanted to say something but was at a loss for words. I just left.

I rode back to my ship. As I traveled I stopped at a tree that me and America once went to.

My mind returned to better days. When he and I played games in the meadow and I told fantastic stories of the great heroes of England.

"Wow England. That sounds amazing!"

I smiled at him.

"Um... England?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think..." He looked worried "That one day I could be a great hero?"

I gave him a smile as I patted him on the head.

"One day you will grow to be big. When that day comes, I know you will be a great hero."

He smiled and gave me a hug.

"Come on." I said holding out my hand " Let's go home."

He took my hand and we walked back to his home.

My mind returned to now. I leaned my arm against the tree and cried.

I don't know how long I did, but when I finally stopped I reminded my self who I was.

I was the English empire. I had survived for years and attained wealth and glory beyond imagine.

I rode to my ship and meet with the captain.

"Captain assemble your finest men. If it's a war these patriots want then That is what they will get."

"Yes sir" he said shocked at my fury.

I was ready to wage war to keep what I had earned. No one would stop me.

Not even America.