The sky begins to lighten as Flora and Vulpes creep back into the house. The pair greet the children when they rise, having made pancakes for breakfast. The children smile and exchange delighted looks before going off to school. Having the house to themselves, they return to bed, sleeping til noon.
...
Vulpes had yet to stop smiling since they woke up in bed together. It wasn't his usual smug smile, Flora notices, but something softer.
"What has you in such high spirits, my Emperor?," Flora asks, gazing at her husband.
"So, there is a possibility?," Vulpes asks, his voice hopeful.
She is silent for a long while, contemplating her options. It is hard for her to ignore the circumstances of their reunion, apparently some things are truly meant to be.
"I have conditions," she finally says.
"Anything," he says.
"You will honor and cherish me to your dying breath, otherwise I will be the cause of your dying breath," she states plainly, drawing a toothy grin from her husband. "If you betray me in any way, we will leave again and you will never find us."
"Never again my love, I promise."
Flora gives her husband a sharp look before continuing. "I want to be recognized as your equal. I want to rule beside you and be able to hold onto that power should you pass before me."
"You would have me killed?," he chuckles.
"Not unless you make me," she smiles sweetly. "I want our female children to be able to inherit the throne."
Vulpes scoffs, "If they are able to hold onto it, they may rule."
"I want all the children to live at the palace, even your little vipers."
This request catches Vulpes off guard. "You want twelve children running around the palace?"
"I'm intent on building a dynasty, husband. A lasting dynasty will need a solid foundation and excellent support."
"And," she adds. "I want a church erected in Flagstaff. "
"Why would you want a thing like that?," he grins.
"You can thank the Burned Man for helping me work thru my issues. We lived in Zion for three years until his passing, which brings me to another point. We must preserve Zion in his remembrance. Those tribals are like children, without Joshua they are defenseless."
"I doubt they are truly defenseless," Vulpes says nonchalantly. "I think Daniel will be able to keep a good eye on them."
Flora gives him a confused look.
"You know despite being covered in burns and in constant pain, he killed every assassin Caesar sent. Eventually Caesar stopped sending them."
"I've heard that story a few times, " Flora says wistfully. "One of the few things Joshua boasted about."
Vulpes smiles warmly at his wife, "I agree to all your conditions."
"How are you going to explain our return from the dead?," she asks.
"Let me worry about that", he replies, leaning over to kiss her. "I've got five hundred miles to figure it out."
