Nathan only sleeps for four hours. As if Ramuh understands his distress, a thunderstorm hangs over Altissia.

A knock on the door of his bedroom wakes him up. “Nathaniel? Her Majesty is here to see you.”

He tears the duvet off of him before sitting upright, “Tell her I’ll be ready in a bit.”

“Very well. I need not remind you that promptitude is key,” Domani says, the sound of his footsteps disappearing as he exits the suite.

Nathan sighs as he stretches. He goes over to the window to open the curtains.

The thunderstorm looks worse than it sounds. The large clouds pour large amounts of rain around the city, practically making it impossible to travel.

The sound of a loud thunderclap makes him jump back from the window. He sees a lightning bolt strike the top of the palace. Suddenly remembering that the queen is waiting for him, he quickly gets ready.

----------------------------

She stands up to greet him as the elevator doors open, “Your Excellency! It’s a pleasure to finally get to speak to you in person.”

The young woman before his eyes barely looks past twenty-five. Even while wearing casual clothes, she still looks as pretty as she did at the coronation. Nathan had to admit… she’s definitely attractive.

“Uh… Your Majesty, you look-”

“-young?” she finishes, giving Nathan a smile.

“I- I was going to say you look absolutely beautiful today,” he corrects, making his way closer to her.

She blushes, “You’re too kind, signore. Care to join me for breakfast?”

“Su- sure! Uh… where’s Domani?”

“He said he’s making arrangements for Galahd’s Executive Council. I’m sure we can start without him.”

“As you wish… uh…. Vostra Maestà.”

“My, you’re more charming than what my mother let on, Vostra Eccellenza.”

Nathan blushes and coughs, “Uh… grazie tante, signora.”

As two dishes of Cicchetti arrives, Domani and the rest of Nathan’s friends appear at the entrance of the restaurant. He knocks on the wide-open doors to attract their attention. “Presenting Miss Rhea Vitra and Mister Vincent Amicus, pending members of the Executive Council of Galahd followed by I, Prince Domani of Lorenzia,” he announces.

Queen Caelia stands up to receive them before they all take seats at the table. Domani launches into his routine as soon as everyone is comfortably in their seats, “Your Majesty, on behalf of the Lucian Province of Galahd, I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. While I am relinquishing my position as the heir to the Duchy of Lorenzia along with my Accordoan citizenship, I sincerely hope that you will still allow me to call Altissia my home.”

“You need not worry, Your Highness. Along with the representatives of Galahd, you will always be welcome in Accordo for as long as I reign,” she promises, looking directly into his eyes.

“I… Porgo i miei più sinceri ringraziamenti.”

She smiles, “Non c’è problema”.

“Um… not to ruin your uh… moment or anything, but a few of us here don’t really speak Accordoan,” Vincent mentions, seeming to ignore the fact that he was in the presence of the Queen of Accordo.

Domani sighs, “I suppose he’s right, signora. It should be known, however, when he says ‘a few of us’, he really means himself.”

“Wh-? What? You’re such a snake, Domani. I can’t even…”

The queen guffaws. Her laugh is like nothing that Nathan’s ever heard before and it is ab-so-lute-ly hilarious. Only a few moments pass before the entire table erupts into laughter, the queen’s being especially infectious.

“Scusi, I really shouldn’t be laughing like this. Very unqueenly as my mother used to say,” she admits, looking around the empty restaurant.

Domani clears his throat, “I’m sure that eating breakfast together is not the reason you called us here, signora. Was there something you wished to speak to us about?”

“Yes, I was getting to that. Firstly, I would like to inform you that the Accordoan Legislative Chamber is free for you to use for the first session of Galahd’s Executive Council. The necessary preparations are taking place right as we speak.”

“Lo apprezzo… uh… tanto, signora,” Nathan thanks, giving her a gentle smile.

She returns it, “Non c’è di che. Now, let’s move on to the second topic at hand. I’ve been told to inform you that Galahd’s delegation need not be present at the treaty amendment conference. I will also personally be making a state visit to Lucis while la Regina Madre represents Accordo.”

“I- I see… is there perhaps a reason behind this?” Nathan asks, clearly displeased.

She shakes her head, “Unfortunately, I have not been given any reasons as to why Galahd and I need not be present. I tried forcing something out of my mother and the prime minister but I haven’t received a clear answer. It seems like we are… bloccato nella stessa barca.”

“Ahem! There are people here who don’t understand Accordoan,” Vincent interjects.

Domani scowls, “Mister Amicus, please behave accordingly. This is Her Majesty you’re speaking to.”

“I- I apologize, Your Majesty.”

“It’s fine, thank you for reminding me. What I said was that we all seem like we’re stuck in the same boat,” she explains, giving him a soft smile.

“Moving on from that, Your Majesty…” Domani glares at Vincent before turning his head back, “Is there anything else you wish to talk about?”

“Well, there’s nothing else I’ve been told to tell you all but I do have a suggestion if I may…”

A waiter comes by their table to drop off the three remaining plates of Cicchetti before bowing before the queen, “Buongiorno, Your Majesty. Is there anything else we can help you with?”

She faces the table, “Does the delegation of Galahd require anything else? I am quite full myself.”

Domani shakes his head, “I think what we have is sufficient.” He turns to the waiter, “Grazie, cameriere.”

The waiter nods, “Of course, Your Highness.” He quietly walks away, disappearing behind the kitchen door.

“We are open to… uh… any and all suggestions from you, Your Majesty,” Nathan says, finishing his last bite of a sandwich.

She grins, “In that case, I suggest that you choose the members of the Executive Council from among the university students who are here in Altissia. I’m sure some of your classmates at the U of A would be delighted to join the Council.”

“Huh, that’s actually not a bad idea, signora. Th- thank you for giving me that suggestion.”

“You don’t have to keep thanking me, signore. I am here to make things as easy as possible for you. After all, Galahd and Accordo enjoyed amicable relations before it was a province. I don’t see why we can’t continue that legacy.”

Thankfully, Nathan had studied Galahdian history in high school and quickly formulated a reply, “Yes, of course. Ar- are you going to be stopping by Galahd during your state visit to Lucis?”

Caelia nods, “After the ceremony in Insomnia is over, King Regis and I will immediately travel to Galahd. I’m sure the First Secretary is in the middle of making those arrangements right now.”

“Ah… yes… you and King Regis you said?”

She nods again, “Yes, at least that’s what I assume. Is there something wrong?”

Nathan quickly shakes his head, “N- no! Of course not! I look forward to meeting you again.”

“Yes… yes… same here,” she responds while scrutinizing Nathan.

Domani abruptly stands up, “Excuse us, Your Majesty. I’m sure you have other things to attend to, shall we continue this conversation when you visit us?”

“A good idea, Your Highness. I shall take my leave, goodbye,” she agrees, getting up from the table. She exits the restaurant to go to the hotel lobby but not before turning back to look at them.

Right after she leaves, Domani turns to Nathan, “We need to talk.”