Iris

My head buzzes. I can't think straight. They want me to what? We've parked in a rest stop, the civilians taking a strongly suggested bathroom break. If they didn't need to go before, they definitely do now, if they haven't already. Jonas and Colton each hold one of my hands, Bently across from us, looking as shocked as I am. They've decided to take the ropes off Colton and me for now, as Jonas could barely look at me, something he chooses to do often. "You can have our child," my husband continues. "You can live, Iris. Stopping running from death. Escape it. You could live in a world without the Dates."

"And a world without you! Jonas, what about you? And money? I can't work, I..." I look out the window, at the civilians, walking back to the car. We've locked ourselves in, they shouldn't bother. A tear falls down Jonas's cheek, one of mine about to do the same.

"Jonas would be able to marry an Amoris," Colton answers. "Have an heir which becomes Preeminence, instead of mine. We could talk to the civilians, try to find a currency that exists in both of our worlds. Give you, and your child enough to survive, comfortably. You will never have to work a day in your life."

"What about you? And Vienna?" Colton looks at Jonas, then back to me, sighing.

"I understand that I most likely will spend some more time in a cell, years, possibly, and may never reclaim my title of Beta. But, Jonas has agreed that if I help him find Vienna, we will do our best to clear all of our names. We just need time, something you don't have." I turn to Jonas. He nods. I look at Bently, who seems to be hearing this all for the first time, too.

"It's a good idea," he admits. "If our teleportation theory is true. But if it's not?"

"Then when we arrive at the Estate," Jonas says, wiping his tears. "I will be forced to order her death."

"Preeminence, with all due respect, there must be some other way."

"There isn't, Digamma. Do you honestly believe I haven't thought of every option? She is my wife. Carrying my unborn child."

"Exportation?"

"What do you think this is? Iris and Colton have committed treason, which has been tied to an attack on our family. Exportation is an alternative for torture, which is to be done until their Expiration. For Iris, this has come and past. Colton must stay at the Estate for the sake of fulfilling his duties regarding locating Vienna, which is the only way to begin clearing their names. This is the only option if we wish to avoid Iris's death." Bently stares at me. They all do. I turn to Jonas.

"Give me hope. Tell me there's a chance I'll see you again."

"I can't do that, my love."

"Give me hope," I say, again. He sighs.

"Twenty years. If our child is a son, I cannot know until then. Not until my heir takes his throne."

"Twenty years," I nod. Only a year longer than the lifetime I was destined to have.