Episode 10 My Heart

I paced around the grandeur of the throne room, its opulent architecture and holographic displays surrounding me, each glimmering facet a stark reminder of the weight of the decision that now loomed over me.

As I moved with measured steps, the room's hallowed air seemed to bear witness to the gravity of the message I had just received from General Jax Brynn of Planet Atuj'R.

This room, bathed in a soft glow, seemed to echo with the consequences of the risks I had taken in offering sanctuary to the refugees.

The holographic message from the general still lingered atop my desk, its words etched like a foreboding omen.

Surrender his citizens or face force—those were the options presented to me, the consequences of the risks I had undertaken in providing shelter to the refugees. I couldn't help but feel that this challenge was a direct result of my choice.

No, I had to—I wanted to. I needed to. It was humanitarian.

My hand remained on my mouth, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within me. I can't just give back the people I welcomed with open arms.

The weight of leadership bore down, and I understood that I could not be a weak, helpless Reina in the face of this challenge.

My mind was consumed by thoughts of the military prowess of Atuj'R, a planet whose strength in warfare was well-known throughout the Quadrants. I couldn't help but acknowledge the stark contrast between our two civilizations—my people were innovators, creators, and contributors to the advancement of life's conveniences, but our military might paled in comparison to that of Atuj'R.

The sheer might they possessed had the potential to crush my civilization, endangering not only the refugees who had sought sanctuary but also my people, who had lived here for generations.

This is all my fault. My fault. My fault. My fault!

As the weight of the impending crisis pressed down on me, I was jolted from my anxious state by the reassuring presence of Eyseck. He rushed to my side, his steady presence offering a comforting anchor amidst the storm of my thoughts.

"Your Majesty," I stared at my distressed reflection in his green eyes. It was only then that I became aware of the dull ache in my lower lip.

I touched my trembling lip gingerly and winced as I felt the subtle sting. Anxiously, I withdrew my fingers, revealing a small, unintentional injury—a piercing I had inadvertently created from nervously biting my lip.

Eyseck took out a pristine white handkerchief from his coat and dabbed it carefully on my bleeding lower lip. "Please calm down, Your Majesty, my Queen."

I ran my fingers through my dark hair, pushing it back from my forehead as I continued to massage my scalp. The reassuring mantra played in my mind, a mantra I repeated like a lifeline: "This is fine. We'll be fine."

As I gazed out of the panoramic windows, my thoughts were consumed by the ominous threat posed by Atuj'R. The sprawling vista before me, once a symbol of hope and progress, now felt like an uncertain battleground where the fate of my civilization hung in the balance.

The very idea of being taken over by Atuj'R, a planet known for its ruthless tactics and oppressive rule, sent shivers down my spine.

Okay, let's think. Let's remember all the strategies I learned in my life.

I remembered something I watched many years ago. A long time ago, men fell asleep with a rock in their hand and sex in their dreams. Then they fell asleep with a knife in their hand and sex in their dreams. Now, they slept with a gun in their hand and sex in their dreams.

I couldn't quite pinpoint why this random memory resurfaced in the moment, but it did spark an intriguing thought.

"Galatea," I commanded. The entire room hummed with machine activity. "Show me eligible bachelors in Quadrant 04."

The entire window was occupied with holographic pictures of men around my age.

"Can you filter them? I need people who are in positions of power; it would be great if someone controlled a planet, but high influence is alright."

The pictures before me decreased as Galatea screened them. Oh, I almost forgot one important thing.

"Eyseck," I said as I looked over my shoulder. "I'm... I'm in the mood for that dessert I ate at that hotel restaurant I went to. Could you try and order me a few?"

"Of course, my Queen. Please excuse me." Eyseck left the room to make a call.

I turned to the screen and said, "Hurry Galatea, could you filter them by handsomness too?"

The population of portraits decreased by a large margin.

Before me, the holographic portraits of four men materialized. I carefully read through each of their profiles, although the data available to me was limited to what was publicly accessible. I couldn't delve into deeper details, but given the urgency of my situation, it would have to be alright for now.

My objective was clear—I needed to identify someone among these individuals who could potentially serve as an ally or vassal in the looming conflict with Atuj'R.

The fate of my civilization and the lives of those I had vowed to protect hung in the balance, and I couldn't afford to delay any longer.

Oh, and women? Women fell asleep, worrying about tomorrow.

A week later, an envoy from the theocratic planet Helios arrived, signaling the first response to the proposal I had sent to their governing body. As I welcomed the representatives and prepared to engage in diplomatic discussions, I couldn't help but reflect on the lessons I had gleaned from textbooks about the tyrant Queen. It was evident that the former Queen had amassed a harem of individuals with significant influence, using their power to further her own agenda. The irony of my current situation wasn't lost on me—I was considering a similar approach, seeking alliances and support from those who could aid in our fight against Atuj'R. Even if it meant marrying them.

While I was determined to avoid any likeness of an oppressive rule like Queen Regina, the need for strategic partnerships and allies was undeniable. As I entered into negotiations with the envoy from Helios, I hoped to secure their support.

My thoughts raced with the intriguing information I had gathered about their civilization. Helios, a theocracy known for its commitment to religious principles and its peaceful facade, concealed a simmering civil conflict beneath its serene surface.

It was a paradox that fascinated me. Their society, modeled after "divine power," was a unique and complex structure, and I couldn't help but wonder about the dynamics at play within Helios.

What intrigued me even more was the knowledge that Helios possessed a weapon—a potential tool that could tip the scales in our favor amid the ongoing conflict with Atuj'R.

During the diplomatic negotiations, my mind couldn't escape the idea of acquiring Helios' weapon and forging an alliance. In exchange, I hoped to influence their internal conflict in favor of their current leaders. I mean, if they knew how to solve it, they would have solved it now.

"So, your proposition is for Helios to pledge loyalty to Proxima?" Cardinal Senos, the envoy, responded with a hint of disbelief, a reaction I couldn't help but notice. The other ambassadors murmured among themselves, sharing their opinions after my presentation.

I mentally rolled my eyes. It was clear that their civilization relied heavily on the wisdom of elders. I have never seen so many old men in one room since living here.

"I mentioned earlier," I offered a polite smile, "that becoming a vassal of Proxima is just one option. The alternative..." I gestured to Galatea, who displayed my presentation once more.

The alternative was the possibility of forming an alliance through marriage. I found out that they had previously proposed a marriage alliance to the former Queen, but it had been rejected. I thought that was strange.

There had to be something we had that they wanted so badly that they would consider entering into a union with someone as cruel as the previous Queen.

The envoys looked at one another as they discussed the possibility of marriage.

"This is sacrilege," Cardinal Senos huffed. "Our Cor is a divine being. How dare you even consider corrupting our sacred Cor?"

In the hierarchy of Helios, the title "Cor" holds a position similar to that of "Queen" in Proxima. To draw a parallel with my old world, one could liken their Cor to the role of a Pope in the Vatican. I know, sacrilege, isn't it? Look at me, wanting to marry an Amen-Kind-of-Guy.

The thing is, their Cor is a "divine being." They truly believe this person was sent by the divine to cure their world of corruption or whatever.

"How could I? " I said, pretending to be shocked by the thought. Actually, I have thought about it. I saw the picture; he was really cute. "I do not have a problem with any conditions your Cor and leaders would set if this was an option you would consider seriously."

Tell me what you want. Tell me what you need. I know I have something you geezers don't have.

They seemed to fall silent. "The previous Queen," Cardinal Senos said, "she offered a cure for Scourge."

Ah, I thought to myself, so that's what we possess that they want so badly. It made perfect sense. Our medical technology in Proxima was unparalleled. I had read about the Scourge they mentioned—a disease both incurable and highly infectious. While they might have the ability to alleviate symptoms through their "divine powers," it was evident that without addressing the root cause of the virus, their population would continue to die.

I leaned forward in my chair, deep in thought. While I recognized the value of securing the legendary weapon rumored to be in their possession, there were also significant considerations to weigh.

"I'll give you the cure," I replied. "I'm not sure if the previous Queen misled you, but I'll give it to you. I don't need to marry your Cor in exchange for this."

They seemed to be surprised. I could still see the suspicion in their eyes, though.

I looked over to Eyseck and asked, "Can you find more about this cure for Scourge and the previous Queen's claims? I need to verify first."

Eyseck nodded and immediately typed something speedily on his tablet. Let's get this over with.

I turned to the envoy, ready for another round of negotiations, and asked, "What else do you need?"