[Powell Estate]
The Time Lords exchange uneasy glances as the TARDIS materializes. It's only been three days for Rose, but they both know the time has come: the rules need to be laid down today.
Stepping outside, they glance around before deciding to wait by the TARDIS for her.
"Think she'll take it well?" the Alchemist asks quietly, leaning against the ship's side.
The Doctor's response is curt, "She doesn't have a choice. Listen or leave."
Moments later, Rose comes bounding down the stairs, lugging a large rucksack over her shoulder. Her face lights up at the sight of the TARDIS and the Doctor standing in front of it. But her smile falters slightly when the Alchemist steps into view, casually leaning on his shoulder.
"Hello," Rose says, her tone cheerful but a touch guarded, "Been a while."
The Alchemist and the Doctor exchange a glance, each raising an eyebrow.
"Three days is 'A while'?" the Doctor asks dryly.
Rose shrugs, her grin mischievous as she nips at her tongue, "Feels like it to me."
The Doctor nods but doesn't return her smile, instead stepping aside to open the TARDIS door for her. Rose's grin fades a little, her brow furrowing at the lack of a warmer welcome.
[TARDIS Console Room]
The Time Lords guide the TARDIS into the Vortex with a smooth wheeze, the ship barely shuddering.
"I'm just going to drop my stuff in my room!" Rose calls out as she disappears down the corridors.
The Alchemist turns to her husband, "I need to step out for a bit. Won't take long—like I was never gone."
"Where are you going?" he asks, brow furrowing slightly.
She offers a small, knowing smile, "I've got a Queen to visit."
With that, she flickers out of existence.
[Buckingham Palace - Office, 1971]
"Ah, Lady Ally, my dear friend, right on time!" a refined voice calls out as the Time Lady enters.
The Alchemist exhales softly, a hint of weariness in her demeanor, and strides over to sit across from Queen Elizabeth II.
"Do you know why I'm here?" she asks directly, her tone measured but firm.
The Queen's expression remains poised.
"I assume it's in an official capacity," she replies, her words deliberate.
"You assume correctly," the Alchemist confirms, leaning slightly forward, "I know about Torchwood. Shut it down, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's brows knit together in a frown, "Then you must also know why it must remain operational."
"I know exactly why it must be shut down," the Alchemist counters sharply, "Torchwood wasn't created because of me or my husband. It was established because of a reckless, arrogant young woman—and her vendetta."
The Queen sighs, a flicker of understanding softening her features, "You're not wrong. My great-grandmother loathed her. Has your husband improved?"
"He has," the Alchemist replies, a trace of warmth entering her voice, "Immensely. As for her, she remains as she was—but she is human, not a threat to the monarchy. I will ensure it stays that way."
They hold each other's gaze in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken history hanging between them. Finally, Elizabeth nods.
"Very well. I'll see to it immediately," she opens her red box, retrieving a document.
YOU ARE READING
Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓
FanfictionThe Alchemist knows that Time has consequences. Now having Regenerated with her Bondmate, the Doctor, both Time Lords have to confront the repercussions of Rose Tyler's actions. The question is, when will that payment fully come due? They received o...
