Reconcile (Doctor Who X Tenth Doctor)

Chapter 15: Family

"Doctor." The name slipped from Katie's lips in a whisper before she could stop herself. This was a physical copy of the man that was supposed to come back for her but ran. Here he was before her giving a soft, apologetic smile as he stared down at her looking like he was drinking her in. Katie slowly turned, not realizing she was raising her hand to touch the side of his face, curiosity getting the better of her.

He shook his head fondly. "I haven't heard that name is centuries, only during the war. Just King now," he smiled tightly but leaned down to whisper in her ear. "But you can always use my name." He titled his head to the side as he smiled and offered his arm.

"Father, I-"

"You can go, Son." He turned his head to glance towards the young Time Lord. His voice had dropped from playful to a more serious tone. "Your sister's with her tutor. You should join her."

The Prince frowned, but bowed and left disappearing down a corridor as
Katie let her hand sit in the crook of the King's arm. The King reached over with his opposite hand and gripped it in his own, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand.

"This feels like a dream. But I need to get back to my friends and my husband. They're in trouble, fighting Cybermen as we speak-"

The King cut her off and squeezed her hand. "You're the Queen of Time, love. Ian, Olyesti, and Presus will help me drop you off and get your Tardis recharged later. Take a breath."

Katie frowned not wanting to hear those other names on his lips. She brushed it off and instead responded coldly. "I'm not a Queen. My planet burned."

"When you were in danger Ian was forced to protect you until you willingly lifted your hold. Even in this universe you're a Queen."

 They started approached an opening leading to the balcony over the foyer of the palace. She knew where they were. She was never allowed on this balcony as a child or an adult. There would always been a dull warning in the back of her head whenever she approached.

The thrones were on the balcony.

"Ian's the Prince."

The King nodded.

"Ian Barber?" The name had been at the back of her mind before the war to use if they had another son.

The King laughed, confused. "Yes, why is his name important?"

Katie's expression softened as she pulled away from the King stopping right before the entryway of the balcony looking up at him in wonder. "Did you travel with me?"

"Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright were always so invested in our family. Of course we honored them." He gave her a spooky smile and took her hand. "Come on."

As the pair walked through the threshold onto the balcony, Katie half expected a splitting headache telling her no, but she as the pair walked into the foyer, bright light shining through the glass dome encasing the entire Citadel, all she felt was confusion.

Why was he bringing her here? Where was this world's Queen? Wouldn't she be furious that her husband is bringing a copy to display to her people? Katie knew she would be at the Doctor's throat at this point if that were the case and she should have turned around out of respect. But this experience was new, one that she was robbed of by circumstance.

"Where is Arcadia?"

"Well it hasn't moved in a few thousand years, but you can find it-"

The pair stopped in front of the two tall golden thrones stationed to look down at their people, monitoring their business within the Royal glass while being mindful of those outside tending to fields, animals, families, and friends.