Liz stood before the four open pods. A light from a crack in the cave wall seemed to spotlight them, casting a warm yellow glow. She moved towards the top left pod – Max's pod. She reached out, a slip of parchment paper falling from her hand as her knees gave way and she collapsed to the ground in grief.
It is with regret that I inform you this – once the Royal Four arrive at Antar, all memory of their lives on Earth will vanish. As far as they recall, they have spent the last weeks in a neighbouring city. False memories of this time have been implanted, so that they are not suspicious. His Excellency, King Zan and his new bride, Ava, happily rule the planet. Her Highness, Princess Vilandra and her betrothed, Rath, the King's trusted Second, will be married soon in a lavish ceremony held by the Queen Mother. Kivar and his followers have been exiled and Antar is peaceful and prosperous once again. Please know that your friends are happy, safe, and where they belong. Antar thanks you for your kindness and generosity towards our Royals during their absence. Yours, Larek.
**
"Rath!" Vilandra rushed into her fiancé's chamber, reaching the doors to his bedroom and finding them locked. "Rath?" she called, jiggling the handles. "Quickly!" Rath hushed, pushing Ava off the bed and guiding her to the adjoining bathroom. "What will we do?" Ava whispered, hurriedly pulling her gown over her head. Rath bent to kiss her swiftly. "Just be still and quiet in here. I'll take her to breakfast, so you can make your escape." Ava nodded and Rath closed the door.
"Rath!" Vilandra cried again, "what are doing in there?" "Dressing," he announced, opening the doors with a flourish. Vilandra narrowed her eyes, looking around, her eyes falling on the tousled bed sheets. "Since when have you had to hide your body from me?" she smirked, her fingers playing with the buttons on his shirt. Rath chuckled nervously, removing her roving hands from his chest. "Have you eaten?" he asked, "I'm famished." Vilandra shrugged. "That's why I've come," she said. Rath grinned. "Excellent!" He grabbed her hand, leading her away from the bedroom. "Shall we dine with mother?" Vilandra asked, as they left his chamber. "Whatever you wish," Rath answered, closing the door with a relieved sigh.
**
"Liz?" Liz turned, smiling sadly as Maria entered the Pod Chamber. "I thought you'd be here," Maria said, sinking to the dirt beside her friend. She glanced quickly at Michael's pod before averting her eyes. Noticing the fallen letter, she picked it up and re-read it quickly before folding it and depositing it in her silver apron. "Maria?" Liz asked softly, "do you … what do you think the chances are of them remembering us?" Maria lowered her head. "Honestly? Slim to none, as much as I hate the thought." Liz nodded. "Where are Alex and Kyle?" Maria smirked, holding her hand out to Liz and pulling them both up from the ground. "I think they're drowning their sorrows in a drink. Or, at least Kyle is. You know what a good little boy Alex is." Liz sighed, not laughing at Maria's poor attempt at humour. "I don't know how to go on," she said, her voice cracking as she stared at the pods. Maria reached out and wrapped her arms around Liz. "We'll find a way," she promised, "we'll survive."
**
Zan looked up from his breakfast as his sister and friend entered the dining hall. Not far behind was Ava and he smiled. She sat beside him and kissed his cheek. "I apologize darling," she told him softly, "I didn't intend to leave you alone last night." Zan softened at her words. "It's alright. You're here now. That's what matters. But I have something to tell you – I had another dream last night …"
"Mother!" Vilandra exclaimed, jumping from her seat and greeting her mother with a kiss and hug. Zan, Rath, and Ava stood in respect until Lara, the Queen Mother, had taken her seat. "Good morning Your Majesty," Rath said, sitting and tugging Vilandra's hand into his. "Please," the Queen scoffed with a smile, "you're going to be my son-in-law in a few short weeks. Call me mother." Rath nodded. "Of course, Your Ma – mother." He stole a glance at Ava as the servants began to serve breakfast. Zan leaned into his wife's ear. "We'll speak later," he said. She nodded, smiling shakily, noticing Rath turn away.
