The kingdom wasn't going to return to normal overnight. All the dignitaries and nobles in the land couldn't do that. Neither could the Queen right now, her power compromised, her authority challenged by her own 'daughter', no-one was listening and no-one would.

Her only card to play in this time of turmoil was the band of travellers who had risked their own lives to save theirs and end the tyranny. Although a carefully worded statement for the press, she felt a sense of awe when she re-read her words:

Firstly my sincerest thanks to the brave men and women of the Resistance. Thank you for never giving up and laying your lives down for the Kingdom. We are forever in your debt.

To the brave group who defeated evil on the day of the Eclipse;

Mr. Wyatt Cain, who had lost his own wife as a result of the sorceress, not only led the group to foil her but endured personal hardship in the process. As a previous Tin Man and bodyguard to the late Mystic Man, he has proved himself more than worthy of the role of Head of Special Forces, all law concerns shall be within his full control.

Mr. Ambrose/Glitch, trusted royal advisor to the Queen, sacrificed his own health to protect the people then bravely fought to overturn evil using his superior intellect. In this respect he shall be chief advisor to the crown once more, specialising in developing new approaches to agricultural and societal development.

Mr. Raw survived torture to save the Outer Zone, risking his own safety, a suitable attribute for the role of Chief Moral advisor to the throne. Not only will he be integral in the sub-setting of rules and moral guidance, he will also be important in the integration of various groups in our shattered society.

My daughter, DG, was the final member of the group, a fact of which I am particularly proud. Her courage and determination along with abiding love for her family and sister, ensured the destruction of the witch who so coldly controlled this Zone for so long. As for her future, that is in her hands. At this moment she has to come to terms with a new home, a new family, a new life. It is undecided as to whether she will take up royal duties or return to the other side.

From myself I can only apologise from the bottom of my heart, for horrors that I can only imagine and never fully understand. I seek your forgiveness and trust once again, from the formation of the aforementioned specialists and subsequent cabinet advisers, it is my vow that I will do everything in my power so that it never happens again.

Your Queen and servant.

In essence she had handed over the future of her country to these men and her youngest daughter (if she was to agree). She knew the omission of Azkedellia would pose more questions but her severely traumatised daughter was personal business for the family. At least she was for the near future.

Ahamo took a back seat for all the technical, sovereign business, knowing it was way above his head. He could only look on as his wife handed the statement to the men seated at the table.

"I wanted to show you my statement before I sent it out." Her tone was formal out of necessity, yet all she wanted to do was relax and hug those around her, silently grateful for her daughters returned to her safely. " You do not need to take up these positions at all, I would consider it a privilege if you were to help us in our time of need. You have been family to DG and in this time it would help her to have friendly, familiar faces to help her settle in."

Glitch was the first to reply, his answer being the easiest to predict. "My place is here. I live to serve the family, your majesty" His smile was larger than the group had previously seen, he was home, if a little confused as to where exactly home was...

"I feel I need to serve, Majesty. The O.Z. need Raw." The feral wasn't as forthcoming as her advisor. Duty bound him but she had to be sure.

"Mr. Raw. This is a request not an order." Her face softened to reveal understanding and reassurance.

"Raw know. Raw sure." He smiled to assure the monarch as she turned to the tin man.

His expression was definitely conflicted.

"Mr. Cain, your son has agreed to stay here with the rest of the resistance to form a new coalition. He will physically be in close proximity if that is a factor?"

"Yes, your majesty. However, I know my duty. I follow orders." His head bowed, his gaze on the floor.

Her arm touched his shoulder which made him jump. His gaze was now fully on the woman in front of him. "My daughter needs all of you. You are like family to her and therefore to us. Please feel free to be as open and relaxed in our company and palace as you would in your own home."

She turned to address the rest of the room "That is the same for all of you – including you Ambrose. Or would you prefer Glitch?" The Queen moved to gauge her dearest friends reaction.

"Your majesty." Was all he said, a smile on his face. She knew the choice was hers.

A rap at the door and a mature maid, one of only four people trusted to run the royal house, entered tentatively. Still afraid of the eldest Gale child, now stationed (in shock) in the corner beside her father, she entered the room and curtsied. "DG – your daughter - is awake."