"Your Majesty, it's ready!" I wipe my face as gunshots go off everywhere, they keep getting closer. "Norbert!?" "Your highness?!" "Is she safe!?" He sighs, "I'm keeping her calm." "I trust she's okay?!" Another sigh, "Looked bleak for a moment. Luckily, the Americans have someone capable in their midst." Are you okay? "Madame, I'm not worth-" "You kept my baby safe! You deserve my praise." "What happened to the comms?" "Something to do with our satellites. They're all damaged or something."

"We're losing it!" "Your Highness!?" Soldiers pound on the door, "They're breaking in!" "Keep her safe! I'm counting on you!" Gerald shakes his head, "We lost the signal." He raises his gun and the doors blow inward. I get up from the chair and they salute, despite their mistake of not making themselves known. "Ma'am." I grab at my heart and sigh deep, "Did you secure the grounds?" I look down as my mind races, "O-ok. We must take back our forts. T-then the country." I look up and I smile, "Thank you all, but your work isn't done. Gerald-" I turn to him, then the others, I gulp. I take a seat and shut my eyes. Gerald walks up, "Your reign is over, I'm afraid." I nod, "Can you promise they won't pursue her?" With no reply, tears roll down my cheeks. "I'm truly sorry. But I can make it quick, whenever you're ready." I smile, Rose still has a chance. "I don't blame you, all of you. And goodbye." The hammer swings down and a distorted explosion rings from my ears.

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My stilettos clack against the floor, "Gerard." They stand at attention as I walk up, "Neema!" I lean in with a smile and he blushes, "Where is it?" "She always held it close." I bite my lip, turn and gracefully turn to that wretch. I turn to them, "Aww. You guys turned her around. Couldn't look at what you did?" I slowly turn the chair around, then push her head back, helping her look to the sky. I tear her shirt open and reach in. I gasp and smile at them, "What's this in my sleek fingers? Guys! You shouldn't have!" I slowly pull out her necklace. The gem in it's center gleams back at my eyes.

I close my hand and walk up to Gerard, "Gerard." He stiffs up like a board as I move my lips around and around in his face. My fingers trace from his shoulders, all the way deep down to his gun. I jerk the holster and pull him close, whispering into his ear as he squirms, "There was only one queen and that's me."