The Real Villian

Year: 4055; Day: 271

{Song of the Chapter: Be Concerned - twenty one pilots}

   <><><><>

"Hello, Your Highness?"

The Authority guard's voice rang through the comm.

"I need maximum security on three individuals. Protecting them. Can you do that?" I snapped with quickness. There were things to do, one didn't have time for small talk.

The guard was quiet for a few moments. "Um," her voice finally came. "I guess, Your Majesty. How many guards are you talking?"

"As many as you have."

Static came through the comm as she fumbled with it. "Of course. Who are the individuals?"

My lips pursed. With only slight hesitation, I told her, "Cassi Broiks. Lake Gitti. Jove... Um. Jove."

"Jove August?" asked the guard.

I nodded, despite her obliviousness to my movements. "Yes, him."

"Um," she stammered. "Two of those are currently in prison, Your Highness."

I frowned. "Your point?"

"Oh, uh," she stumbled. "Nothing. Okay. We'll have five guards per person."

A breath of relief bubbled up inside of me. "Great. Put it in effect immediately."

She hesitated for a second or two. About to open my mouth and lecture her on time wasting, she finally said, "May I ask why you need security, Your Majesty?"

"No." With that, I pulled the comm away from my ear and ended the conversation. I kept my breaths calm and steady. They'd be okay. Despite my trust for Authority guards being quite shallow, their security eased my anxiety greatly.

They would be okay, I told myself. Greon couldn't possibly fight off five guards.

   <><><><>

There was a loud knock on my office door. Somehow, I could just feel the convulsing anger in a single rap against a door.

"Come in," I called, disinterested, bored.

The door stormed open. "Nova. Why are there five guards following me around?" Jove's sea blue eyes were piercing into me.

I told him lightly with a tight simper, "Because I told them to."

His jaw tightened. "Why? Your Majesty, I quite like my privacy."

I searched the back of my head for a reasonable explanation as to why his solitude would now cease to exist. With a small gulp, I said, "You don't need to worry about it, Consultant August."

His eyes narrowed. "Are you feeling well, Queen?"

"You have a job to do, Jo-- Consultant August. Go do it!"

He took a few stepped closer to me and leaned against my desk. His five guards shuffled closely behind him. Afrer a flick of an annoyed glance to them, his gaze snapped back to me. He inched closer. "Nova, what is this really about? I didn't even know you knew my last name!" His voice had dropped to a low whisper, the guards were observing enerstly in hopes of catching his words.

With immeasurable amounts of fire, I glared back at him. "Just," I said through clenched teeth, "do it, Consultant August."

His jaw shifted, like he was debating whether to debate further. Ultimately, he reclined back-- his gaze dropping all anger and vexation.