The harbour is back in function. Hence, we need to wait our turn to get in. Even if Alexander is cursing under his breath, I'm happy about this.

It means that Polis is flourishing again.

There's less work for me. I just have to check if the reports sent in the last couple of years are exact, and I'll be free to go back to Kyre.

«You didn't have to follow me,» I point out.

Alexander looks at me with his most suffering expression, almost agreeing. But then, he realises that it would have meant a few months without touching his wife, taking care of the children alone...

«It's my duty,» he comments, now proud. «I can't leave my wife alone.»

«Don't you trust me?» I tease him.

He pouts and looks at the harbour with longing. If he didn't have a green face, I would think he's being nostalgic.

As soon as his feet touch the ground, he returns to his usual, indestructible self.

«Where do we stay?» I inquire. «The place from last time?»

He shakes his head, holding my hand while pulling me towards a carriage.

«No, the one from the time before.»

We've been to Polis together only once. In this life, at least.

«The Royal Palace?» I inquire in a whisper.

«Yes, of course. Where else should Madam Governor stay?»

«What will people think if I go there? I was once their Queen!»

«It will be all right, Thea. They remember you, and they didn't stop loving you. I've collected the stories about your sacrifice in a book; you can read it when your self-esteem decreases... You're like a hero for them. Oh, well, without the like. You are a hero, period.»

«But I lost.»

«And then, after losing, you offered your life in exchange for freedom. Your people haven't forgotten.»

In fact, he's right. My people didn't forget.

When we reach the gates, all the officers working in Polis, both citizens and Ethirians, are waiting for us. They greet us with a bow while we cross the gates, and even the maids seem happy to see me.

I mean more work for them, yet they smile.

«What is this?» I inquire while stepping down from the carriage. Are they greeting me? Or maybe Alexander.

We didn't make it public when his majesty named me Governor of Polis. It was enough that everyone knew that the city was under Kyre's protection.

«We're greeting our Governor,» the officer in the front says. He's so young yet already with a relevant charge.

Then, he bows his head to hide a couple of tears. I look at him for a whole minute before remembering.

He worked at my Palace. He brought documents from one office to the other. From an errand boy to a high-ranking officer is a long way to go.

«Welcome back, your excellency,» he says.

Out of here, I am her highness, Theodora, Archduchess of Kyre. But within Polis's administrative borders, I am her excellency, Madam Governor. What does this make of Alexander, by the way?

I turn to him and smile. He's always at my side, and I'm used to having him at an arm's reach.

After years of marriage, it became a habit of mine: to look at him every time I ask myself a question.

«I'm tired from the journey,» I say. «I'll start working tomorrow, after lunchtime. Please, can someone show me the way to the lodgings?»

I know the Palace like the palm of my hand, but I don't know which room they prepared. Maybe the biggest one among those for ambassadors? It has a great view, and we'll be able to see the sea from there. Unfortunately, not the harbour.

«Yes, your excellency.»

I smile at all the people gathered around me, remembering how I used to be surrounded by noisy officers and blatant nobles all the time. It's odd to see them so silent.

«And your companion? Might we ask who he is?» one from the second row asks. His face is confused.

Mine must be, too. How am I going to introduce Alexander? As Lord of Kyre? Archduke? Mister Governor?

«Oh, this is my husband,» I say out loud.

Since he's a step to my right and a half behind me, they assumed it was some kind of servant or boy toy I found on the way, didn't they?

Their faces are so funny.

As the servants start whispering among themselves, I observe the situation, amused. Next to me, there's a shining Alexander. He's the happiest man alive at this moment.

I should have introduced him like this to my friends too, instead of saying Archduke so many times.

I didn't even tell his name to all these people: I forgot to. But he doesn't mind. He doesn't even seem bothered by the maids whispering: «So that's the beast?» to each other.

I guess they weren't expecting a handsome beast like this.

«The... The Governor Consort?» another officer asks, just to be sure.

«Yes, that is what I said.»

Alexander winces, and he looks at me with just a trace of that sadness that he couldn't forget a few years ago. Whenever something reminds us of our first life, it does it to both of us.

I didn't remember anything; my soul isn't fit for it. But I dreamt about every second of the first Alexander. Now, I know him as much as he knows me. We're in a balanced relationship, with the same power to influence the other and the same capability to understand what makes us suffer or be content.

We stopped running after our past versions. We found out that we could be ourselves without being identical to nor the complete opposite of the first Alexander and Theodora.

It took us years to get here, but now we're free from our pasts. Most of all, because we were supposed to be dead at this point. And yet, here we are: married for the second... third time, with three children waiting for us at home, and in love each day a little more.

We considered bringing Elias with us, to show him where he comes from. But then, we realised it was not fair. He didn't deserve to inherit our dark secrets. He's a new person, with his new destiny.

And his brother and sister have the same right to this place as he does.

When my efforts to stabilise the Empire were rewarded with Polis, I wasn't sure how to manage it from so far apart. But I found my way.

Alexander will help me for sure, and there are very few things we can't do together. Kyre and Polis are at the opposite sides of the Empire, and we're keeping the whole country united like this.

Pressing from the north and from the south, we're keeping the other counties unable to try any secession.

«I can't stay for too long, unfortunately, so I hope you're ready to work extra hours for the month to come,» I declare, starting to walk towards the entrance. «Next time we meet might as well be in another ten years. Am I right, my dear?»

I turn to Alexander, and he nods fiercely. He would accept anything in his current state of mind. It's better to retreat before I fall into temptation and make him promise... Oh, I shouldn't even think about it.

«Yes, my... I mean, your excellency.»

I nod, showing with a polite smile that I didn't lose the slip of tongue. If Alexander was a bit different, he might scold them in my stead.

«Be careful with that,» I sigh. «It might cause problems for everyone.»

I don't want to risk my neck for a few easy words. I have a family to provide for.

«Let's go,» I say to Alexander, and he strolls to me and grabs my hand.

We proceed a few steps until a maid reaches us and bows. She shows us the way towards the hallways I haven't visited in years.

This time, the Palace isn't abandoned and dusty. Everything is clean and tidy. It resembles a bit how it used to be when there were people actually living here.

«We prepared the royal room, your excellency. Yet, there are many others ready if this is not to your liking... We weren't sure how to proceed, so...»

She bows her head and waits for the sentence.

«You did well,» I say, more to calm her.

A room is just a room. Even though my own youth bedroom is somehow special to my heart.

«Thank goodness we thought of cleaning the Consort's room too,» she sighs. «We will bring all that is needed in a moment if your excellency, the Governor Consort, gives us time...»

«Don't worry,» Alexander murmurs, pushing me towards the door. «One room is enough for my wife and me.»

As we leave a blushing maid outside, he closes the door and moves to kiss me. But then, he's distracted by the food on the table.

Cheese, wine, fruits of many kinds...

«Awesome!» he exclaims. «I was starving.»

«Hey,» I moan. «You were supposed to take care of your wife, you shameless husband.»

«I need energy for my needy wife, my love,» he chuckles, circling my waist and carrying me towards the sofa next to the table.