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~~((The 7th Anniversary Special -- page 4 of 24?!))~~
Pauline had to wonder what exactly had transpired between her father and the late king, but she doubted she would ever find out. With one of them dead and the other an impenetrable fortress of secrets, there was little hope.

She put it out of her mind.

Her mental map was revealing a handful of safe zones around Bosliat's inner buildings. There were surveillance cameras all over the rooftops, but they primarily targeted the areas around the skylight windows. She wasn't trying to break into the royal palace, so it was simple enough to stay outside their view as she fluttered closer.

The Queen's mind was in the Royal Office at the top of the Royal Tower, the palace's centermost turret. That building was, rather understandably, the most heavily surveilled, but Pauline didn't need to get that close, so she landed gingerly on a much safer tower several dozen meters away. Plus, this spot shaded her from the bright sun, thanks to the tall roof in front of her.

She concentrated, focusing on the Queen.

Who was with her? What was she seeing? What was she hearing?

Several people were there. The images and sounds coalesced in Pauline's mind.

"--should not keep delaying, Your Highness," came the voice of a short woman in front of the Queen's desk. "The people will want to hear from you."

"I will delay as long as I please. This matter, while grave, is of no immediate importance to Atreya. I will not act in haste when there is no need."

"With respect, Your Highness," came the voice of a bearded and bespectacled man standing farther away, "I do not think that my esteemed colleague here is suggesting that you should present the public with a detailed plan of action this very evening. She merely meant that it would help put the people's hearts at ease if they were to hear a few words of encouragement."