Toddy: Emperor of America

Chapter 6

Emperor Toddy sat down and waited on the queen to arrive. Nervously, Oliver played with his hands.

"Chill, dude."

"I'm about to meet the queen."

"You're royal now too, you know."

"In theory, but I'm not as high as her, I don't think. Honestly, I'm not sure how that works."

"Neither am I, but you'll be fine."

The doors opened.

"Her majesty, the queen."

The young men stood as she entered.

"Queen Elizabeth, so good of you to join us," Toddy greeted.

"Your majesty," Oliver bowed.

"Thank you for having me here this evening."

She was seated as the doors opened again.

"The royal duchess."

Oliver and Toddy stared. They had known Hil for forever and had never seen here look so dressed up and beautiful. She bowed to Toddy then the queen.

"I am pleased to meet you, your majesty."

"Child, you look lovely."

"Thank you."

She smiled then took her seat next to Oliver.

"Queen Elizabeth, what brings you to my humble abode this evening?" Toddy asked after the food was served.

Hil rolled her eyes at his arrogance.

"I need your help. The Communists are trying to take my home. You overcame them here, will you please help me?"

"I will help you on one condition."

"What is that?"

"I want you to relinquish control of Northern Ireland to Ireland."

"You will help them get it back if I do not consent, will you not?"

"Yes, your majesty."

The elderly queen's eyes saddened.

"You know that Northern Ireland seceded on their own do you not?"

"Yes, I do, but perhaps now it is not their wish."

"When I return home, I will give it back to Ireland."

"Thank you."

"Please excuse me, but I am tired and have a long journey back home."

"Please, your majesty, I insist you stay here tonight."

"Of course."

Toddy clapped his hands.

"Arietta, take Queen Elizabeth to the best room in the palace."

"Yes, Sir."

The young servant led the queen out. Hil ran to catch up to her.

"Your majesty, wait please."

She bowed as she came near.

"I am sorry for Toddy's actions. Please, do not be angry with him. He's just trying to show that he's emperor. I'm afraid his fame has gotten to his head. I know what he is doing is wrong and is against you, but he will make a great ally."

"You are wise, Duchess. I will overlook his rash behavior. He must be a good person to have a friend that would plead on his behalf."

"Thank you. He will get the Communists out of England I am sure of it."

"You're welcome, child. When you are done with your duties, will you join me for tea?"

"I would be honored," she bowed.

She went back to Toddy and Oliver.

"Do you guys wanna do something together tonight?" Oliver asked.

"I can't. I have other duties to fulfill," Toddy answered.

He excused himself and went to the throne room. Poring over the maps of the world, he sighed, "I want it all. I want to be like Alexander the Great."

Toddy called for Craig.

"Yes, Emperor?"

"Ready the troops. We will leave with the queen tomorrow."

"Yes, Sir. Do you want any to stay behind to watch the palace?"

"No, the guards can protect the palace. I want the whole army to go to England."

"Yes, Sir."

After Craig left, Toddy called another servant.

"I want you to lock Hil in her room tonight after she goes to sleep. She is not to go with us to England tomorrow. She will stay here and lead while I am gone."

"Yes, Sir."

"She's not gonna be happy about that," Oliver spoke as he walked in.

"Oliver! You scared me."

"Sorry."

"I know, but I'm not gonna drag her into another war."

"I understand, but I doubt she will."

"Are you coming?"

"Of course, I didn't leave your side before, and I won't do it now."

"She's not gonna like that."

They both laughed.

"I know I guess I had better go tell her goodbye now."

"Okay, I'll see you later."

As he came to her room, he was greeted by the same guard.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but the duchess is with the queen at the moment."

"Will you take me to her room?"

"I am unable to leave my post, but Katie can take you though."

"Thank you."

The servant led him down the hallway before stopping abruptly in front of a door.

"This one, Sir."

"Thank you."

The girl bowed and left.

"Please ask the queen if I may enter."

"She says you may."

"Ollie, what's wrong?" Hil asked when she saw him.

"Nothing, I just came to say goodnight."

"Well, goodnight," Hil smiled.

"Goodnight, my darling. Stay safe."

"I will. You too. If anything happens to either of you, I will kill you both...then bring you back to life, of course."

"Thanks, I'll see you later."

"Good bye."

After he walked out, Hil started crying.

"Child, what is wrong?"

"They're leaving tomorrow, and judging by the sound of it, I'm not allowed to go."

"I'm sure they just want to keep you safe."

She smiled, "I know."

"If you would like to go to your quarters, you may."

"Thank you, your majesty. I do hope we meet again."

"As do I."