Josephine

𝓔𝓹𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓭𝓮 10: 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓒𝓻𝓪𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓓𝓸𝔀𝓷

July 11, 1965

My eyes flickered open and I immediately noticed I was in the hospital in the palace. I tried to sit up, but my back groaned and I growled. My shoulder ached as well. My mind was foggy as hell, but I did remember one thing: That man blowing up the motorcade. At least, that's what I assumed had happened. A guard peeked in and appeared shocked that I had awoken.

"She's awoken! Sir Erburg!"

What is John Erburg needed for? He was my mother's chief advisor, handled diplomatic channels and negotiated peace treaties. He was more of a mythical figure, rarely making public appearances. I knew what he looked like, but that was it. Moments later, he walked briskly into the room, but his face was emotional and deprived of any positivity. After all, your sovereign being blown up would be upsetting.

"Oh my lord, Sir Erburg, everything hurts!" I hissed as I felt my back, "But why are you here?"

"I'm very sorry for this, your majesty, we have done everything we can to avoid further damage and to bring your utmost comfort," He replied.

"Again Sir Erburg, I don't need to correct you again, your majesty is my mother, not me, your highness is perfectly fine if you desire to be formal," I insisted.

His eyes teared up.

"I am not mistaken in my address, your majesty," He muttered, averting my eyes.

Wait? Your majesty? That's my mother's form of address. That means... oh no... oh no! My mother is dead! My mother and I were not close, that was not up to interpretation, but I wasn't happy about her untimely death. Only a sociopath would be. I do not hate my mother, I never could. 

"But... Johnny... is the heir right? Sir Erburg, you should be telling my brother this, he is the new sovereign... unless..."

He looked at me, hoping I was understanding. But clearly, I wasn't. Perhaps it was because I didn't want to understand, or I couldn't comprehend what had actually happened on July Fourth. 

"I am his regent, right? After all, he is only two, and the vast responsibilities for imperial rule should not be given to someone so young," 

He sighed and looked away.

"Your majesty, the prince did not survive the attack..."

I don't think I heard him the first time. 

"Milord... what did you say? I mean, I thought you said Johnny was dead!" I chuckled, "That's impossible, I shielded him from the blast!" 

My voice was getting more and more desperate. But John Erburg merely shook his head, confirming the horrible fact. 

No. No goddamnit, not Johnny!

"M-my father? Please tell me my father lived!" I struggled to get the words out.

He shook his head.

"Your majesty, you are now Empress of The First American Empire and all her Overseas Dominions,"

But I barely heard him. They were all dead. In a moment of grief, I wrapped my arms around Erburg and just began to cry. The floodgates opened and I didn't care who saw. 

"Hey, hey it's okay," He whispered as he rubbed his hand on my back.

His voice soothed me.

"I'm sorry that was so inappropriate," I muttered.

I was so violently shaking and my face so flushed at this point.

"Absolutely not, this reaction is perfectly expected, your majesty,"