“Bad air traffic, ministers?” Christian asked sarcastically.

Alfred spoke nonchalantly, “Apologies for our tardiness, your Grace. The order did come on very short notice.”

“Lucy! What happened to you? Are you okay?” Sebastian cried out in concern as he took a step forward but stopped abruptly when Xandar growled at him and took Lucianne protectively by her shoulders.

Lucianne looked at Sebastian indifferently as she spat weakly, “Fine.”

Xandar’s worried voice then rang through her ears as he cupped her cheeks and stared deep into her eyes, practically begging her, “Baby, please don’t speak. Save your strength. Use the mind-link if you need to say something, okay?”

Disregarding whatever Xandar...