Chapter One

A short time after the new Albion Queen's coronation, the Earl of Memphis snuck out from the Empire to meet with Ex-Agent Nightroad. Earlier, Abel had sent the Earl a note, mentioning a rendezvous point.

No longer was Abel Nightroad a member of the AX Organization. He had dropped out recently knowing that Caterina had become sucked into false conspiracies and had taken the ever-obedient Tres with her to join a different organization. Which one, Abel did not know, though he still hoped for his old friends' safety. From then, he had close connections with his Krusnik sister under the name Augustus Vladica, although he mainly stayed within the Vatican and its affairs.

"So, will you join me?" Abel questioned the young Methusulah seriously.

"Now that I know that the Orden and Contra Mundi exists, then of course!" He replied immediately. "We must do something before it gets out of hand again."

Abel fingered his new armor, his brow furrowed with thought. Ion Fortuna peered into his face.

"What are you thinking now?" The Earl asked, not minding the vicious wind that tore at his cloak.

"Well, there is one thing. I believe the Orden is planning to take over Albion soon in order to take all of its weapons. He knows where Seth stands in the Empire, so I'm sure he is aiming for the weapons capital. I've seen vague blueprints from a data cube found in Cain's deserted hideout."

"Then what about Esther?" Ion frowned.

"That's what's bothering me." He turned to Ion, eyes hard. "We have to make sure she's safe before anything will happen! For all we know, they could even be targeting her."

"But we can't do anything that might scare the public. We can't interference either, since the government might become suspicious of any extraneous activity after the recent encounters with Contra Mundi." Ion furrowed his brow in thought.

"Then, I guess all we can do is watch over her with caution until necessary action is needed." Abel concluded.

Back at the throne chapel, Esther sat on the throne of Albion, smiling at the happy crowd before her. She had never shaken so many hands or spoken to so many people before, listening to all of their stories and news as to connect with her people.

"Thank God that our queen has finally taken the throne, and such a young, brave girl as well! I shall hope for a great future under your rule, your majesty." An old woman and her husband nodded eagerly at the blushing queen. "Not only that, but our Lady was actually recommended by the Pope himself!" They tittered.

"I thank you for your kind words. I owe everything that has happened now to my good friends, supporters, and God Himself. Peace be with you always." She replied.

As the old couple hobbled away with bright spirits, Esther heard a chuckle from her right. She took a glance to see Alessandro, the young pope, laughing and looking at her. He squeezed her hand.

"You will make a lovely queen. I trust you." He grinned. "Don't be so nervous."

Esther returned the smile, noticing how his freckled cheeks were pink with contentment. Apparently, her face was becoming quite flushed as well. She felt how sweaty and hot her body was becoming. Alec must have noticed her anxiety through her gloves, though she was surprised at how calm he became around people after his incident in the underground ghetto with Brother Petros.

"My Lady, would you like to retire for the evening?" A voice from her far left echoed. It was Virgil Walsh. He bowed gracefully to her, hand on his breast and wearing his best suit as well. "The celebration will still resume once your departure is announced, and our Lord, the Pope, can handle everything with Cardinal Medici's Inquisition on standby."

"Oh, yes please. I think I should leave now." Esther sighed heavily. "I'm not used to this and I'd like to rest before leaving for the Castle." A slight shudder came from the pope's hand, and she turned to see him with an anxious look on his face, like he used to have before his newfound confidence. "I'm sure you'll be fine, your Grace." Esther encouraged the nervous young man.

Virgil nodded to the Pope, and Alec complied. He ushered the crowd quiet before standing with Esther.

"Our Lady Queen will now retire for the evening. As always, we shall continue our coronation festival outside. I shall ask you personally to wish our Queen her first good night as the new leader of Albion."

With that, the crowd burst into applause and cheers as Alec raised her hand. Esther could feel her blood rush to her face, then found herself guided down the chapel aisle toward the doors by Virgil. Alessandro watched her walk away, waving meekly with her usual smile to the people. He didn't notice how his own hands tightened around the long sleeves of his robes as she glided past all the confetti on the floor.

"Good night, dear Esther." He whispered.

Once in her quarters, Esther sat on her huge soft bed, still donned in her enormous lace dress. Immediately, there was a knock on the door, and Vanessa stepped in, clad in a white shirt, dark vest, and black pants.

"Vanessa! How did-"

"Funny how connections between siblings occur," Vanessa cut in with her hand on her hips, "especially the ones who work in higher places. Anyways, you should stand up. It's easier to take off the dress that way."

"Oh, no thank you!" Esther waved her hand. "I can change myself."

"Nonsense!" Vanessa walked over and pulled the exhausted queen onto her feet and began unzipping her corset. "You are the Queen of Albion and I am your Lady-in-Waiting. Just get used to it, honey." She laughed as Esther pouted.

"Yea, I hope I do."