The future of Salize is secure

[u/[deleted]]

The royal announcement shows me looking like my old self.

My fellow Saliz, I have wonderful news. Two days ago I welcomed to the world the crown princess and two princes. While we are still deciding the names of the two boys, the eldest will be Alexa II.

I will announce dates for tours and visits soon. I will also be able to dedicate more time on freeing our people. Stay strong!

Trust in your Queen, trust in Salize.

[u/That_Sly_Bastard]

I would be more than happy to come into Beauclair without my full security detail to visit you. Search yourself, Alexa. Surely there's some compassion left.

[u/[deleted] → u/That_Sly_Bastard]

I take further time to consider the offer, need a short rest and medicine doctors have specially designed for me. The offer raises eyebrows with my team. This is obviously some sort of trick, but again that odd feeling somewhere in my head makes me reconsider.

My offer is this. You may enter the Capitol unarmed and alone. I will call an order not to harm you and provide safe travel. You will have one hour with the four of us and my security detail, then they will bring you back to a location of your choosing. The stand-down order will be withdrawn an hour later.

[u/That_Sly_Bastard → u/[deleted]]

Deal. You have my word that I will come unarmed and without my men. I appreciate your sympathy, Alexa.

[u/[deleted] → u/That_Sly_Bastard]

We will have an envoy at the northern checkpoint of Beauclair, the order has been called whenever you're ready.

[u/That_Sly_Bastard → u/[deleted]]

Very well. I'll be there as quickly as possible. I take a few minutes to make some final arrangements, then mount an Army helicopter for the flight to Beauclair. The pilot flies slowly and safely, but it's still only a short while before we touch down.

I exit the helicopter, wearing a dark greycoat and walk towards the Salizan party.

[u/[deleted] → u/That_Sly_Bastard]

Safe travels. I decide to get as much sleep as possible. The unique medication both before and after is essentially eliminating any long-term sign I was ever pregnant, at the cost of being very weak for a few days to a couple weeks.

The envoy greets you and doesn't say a word after a quick pat-down. When they drop you off at the Palace the doctors have volunteered to be your guides, as they are most aware of our medical situations.

[u/That_Sly_Bastard → u/[deleted]]

I find the doctors much more welcoming, and strike up a hushed conversation with them as we walk through the palace. Don't want to disturb anyone, of course. Finally they tell me that your room is just around the corner.

[u/[deleted] → u/That_Sly_Bastard]

I hear a knock on the door a bit sooner than I was expecting. The three angels are asleep but the three guards are awake and alert. I answer the door, in a state I would not make a public appearance in.

Welcome. You know now that I'm seeing you again I'm kind of feeling inclined to send you back.

[u/That_Sly_Bastard → u/[deleted]]

I can't help but smile. Charming as always, Alexa. I look around as the doctors come in behind me. Where exactly are they?

[u/[deleted] → u/That_Sly_Bastard]

I don't move from the doorway for a few more seconds. A determined look in your face brings back that odd feeling. I step to the side. They're in here. I'm just glad I dressed for that nap appropriately.

[u/That_Sly_Bastard → u/[deleted]]

I nod slightly as you step aside and approach the children, the door closing quietly behind us. I stop for a moment and stare at them, wordless as I see them for the first time. Alexa II, a name that seems incongrous with the tiny child in front of me flanked by her brothers.

[u/[deleted] → u/That_Sly_Bastard]

I move closer to you four, crossing my arms. You've got one hour. My guards will let you know if you go over your time.

[u/That_Sly_Bastard → u/[deleted]]

I nod, and pause a moment before turning to you.

Although I'm not sure an hour is quite enough.

Strangely enough, the guards seem unperturbed by my boldness and barely move.