Toddy: Emperor of America

Chapter 7

Toddy awoke early the next morning. He put on his uniform and sounded the trumpet. Oliver was at his side. Together, they went to the throne room. As the army exited the palace gates, news crews were everywhere.

"Greetings, my subjects. I, your emperor am going with the queen to help liberate them from the Communists. You all remember when they came here and invaded our homes, took all our children, and destroyed those dear to us. I am going to make sure this happens nowhere else. Do not fear. In my stead, I leave Duchess Hil. She is wise and will rule you well until I return."

All the people cheered. Toddy smiled. Then he signaled the troops to get onto the boats. When he was boarding, the two looked back to see Hil tearfully watching their departure. They waved then boarded the ship.

"She's gonna be okay," Queen Elizabeth comforted the boys.

"We know," Toddy agreed.

"But it doesn't make leaving any easier," Oliver finished.

"She is strong and wise. If she weren't, she wouldn't have survived the invasion. Trust her to lead well. Worry about yourselves and what lies ahead."

"Thank you for your encouragement, your majesty. I just hope we will be able to get you home safely," Toddy added.

"As do I."

Conversation was limited as they anticipated their arrival in England.

* * *

After the ships departure, Hil finally heard the door unlock.

"I am terribly sorry, Duchess."

"I know it was what Toddy ordered," she smiled.

"May I escort you to the throne room?"

"Yes, Ron."

When she entered the throne room, she just stared at the chair. Leading was not one of her strong suites, bossing people around maybe, but not leading. The last time she had led anything, one of her friends was almost seriously hurt. Her thoughts turned to Toddy. Gracefully, she sat on the throne. There was no way she was gonna disappoint him.

* * *

Oliver stood silently as Toddy looked through the telescope at the opposing ships.

"We can take them," he decided.

"What about the queen?" Oliver asked.

"I think she will be safer below deck than anywhere else," Toddy guessed.

"I will do whatever you think is best."

"Load all the guns!" Toddy commanded.

"Your majesty, you'd better go below," Oliver said.

She quickly barricaded herself in the hold and prayed for the safety of the ship.

"Ready, aim, fire!"

The sound of the cannons echoed in the ears of the soldiers. Their efforts were rewarded though when the opposing ships went under the water.

"Your majesty, you can come up. It's safe."

They waited a few minutes before a guard came up on deck.

"Tell the queen, she is safe."

He disappeared then returned with the queen.

"Thank you for your bravery."

The ships landed without any further problems. The army unloaded and marched to the palace. Those who were loyal to the queen joined them. They raided the palace and killed all the soldiers. Finally, the queen took her rightful place on the throne.