Selene watched as the doctor unwrapped the bandage from her leg, smiling at how it was completely back to normal. She worried that she was going to have to get a cybernetic leg as well, but the burns and cut on her leg had healed perfectly with all the advanced technology that was implemented in the Commonwealth's hospital. It was a far cry from the tech they had on Luna, of course, but Selene was happy with her results.

Selene felt the smooth skin. She could see a faint scar, and some burn tissue, but it was nothing compared to scars she had elsewhere on her body.

Selene swung her legs off the bed and stepped onto the floor. She wiggled her toes for a moment, staring out the window at the vast city of New Beijing. It was nothing compared to the gorgeous splendor of Artemisia, and something that most of the Lunars in Selene's court would ridicule and call horrendous, but Selene loved it. The way in sparkled with life, even in the dark, damp alleyways and other somewhat disreputable places. It was overflowing with laughter, and all sorts of different emotions that Selene couldn't place. Maybe it was how real it was. No one was pretending or faking here. Dirty, horrible slums didn't hide behind a shiny fake demeanor like in Artemisia and all the Lunar nobles. The city was real, the people were real, and the emotions were real. Selene felt shivers run down her spine because of it.

But just as quickly as she fell into it, Selene snapped out of her reverie.

"Has somebody prepared a wardrobe of something other than hospital gowns for me?" She snapped at the doctor.

"I believe so, your Majesty."

Selene scowled. "Good. I want to get dressed immediately. I have very important matters to discuss with the Emperor that have been delayed long enough."

Selene stalked out of the room before she could hear the doctor's frantic, "Wait, your Majesty-"

~

There was something going on. Selene could feel it hanging, unspoken, in the air while palace maids dressed her and curled her hair into little ringlets. Two of the maids rushed out of the room, leaving Selene alone with the last one.

"Um..." Selene started, tucking her dress under her as she took a seat at her vanity. "What's going on? Everybody here has been very strange, especially since I've gotten out of the hospital."

The maid hesitated. Selene looked at her pleadingly.

"U-Um, it's, uh..."

"What?"

"It's Emperor Rikan."