When Pellethia left her people under Octavia’s supervision and stepped onto the jet, the three policemen who stayed behind to guard Lucianne and Reida growled in defensiveness and ferocity.

“Guys. Guys. It’s okay. This is the empress,” Lucianne immediately said as she held Reida who started crying not long after they landed.

The embarrassed policemen bowed low in apology before acknowledging Pellethia, “Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Sorry about that, Pelly. They really meant no harm,” Lucianne apologized as well.

The policemen still held their heads low, and as Pellethia walked past them, she said, “It’s alright. Heads up, gentlemen. You were simply defending your queen.”

As she dropped into the seat...