Empyrian- Chapters 39-43 free porn video

This is the continuation of the novel "Empyrian". Please make sure you've read chapters 1-38 before proceeding! Also, please, if you are reading the story, let me know what you think. This work has taken over a year and countless hours to complete. Your feedback is a must! Please, please leave a review so I know if someone is reading! Still more to come!! - Alice CHAPTER 39 After many weeks of planning, smaller meetings and one reschedule, it was time for the second round of negotiations to take place between Virago and Elsmere. It was now late November and the air in the capital city of Elsmere was cool when the jet carrying the Viragonian delegation touched down. Given how well the talks had been going, it was decided that Viktoria would come the following day to sign two wide-ranging accords, the first around military cooperation and training and the other around extensive new trade agreements. Both appeared to help Elsmere but were really more in Virago's favor. Regardless, the world was watching, and foreign press had descended on the city to report on the new chapter these two countries were writing in their relations. Even the Royals of Pyandavostok were set to come for the closing ceremony and reception as a gesture of global support. The Archduchess and General Skarpsv?rd led the Viragonian delegation. Valencia was part of the delegation as Deputy Chief of Staff but would travel with the Empress. The remaining team included the Ministers from Seremante, Indrandia, and a handful of Viktoria's Cabinet ministers like finance and state. Their counterparts where mainly the same as they were in the first meeting, the Alan Wick the lean diplomat and his boss Minister of State Golan, General Barnes, Ministers Nagy and a handful deputy ministers. The meetings were to take place in the King's palace over two days with a formal signing ceremony late the second day. Mostly the delegations would be sequestered in their meetings rooms in one of the wings of the Palace. There was a reception and dinner offsite the first night and then prior to the signing ceremony, the King and Empress would lay a ceremonial wreath at a war memorial near the palace in honor of the various wars gone by where the two countries had fought together as an allied force. Then it would be back to Palace to sign the accords. To augment Marta and the Empress's security team, the King put at their disposal an elite reaction team lead by Major Byrne of the Elsmerian Special Forces. Only Asta, Alina and Valencia knew anything about the Major or his background. Marta and the head of the Viktoria's security team were only read in on the flights to Elsmere so they understood Major Byrne, Dominique, as she had been named by Asta, and her team could be trusted. Asta and Domy pretended not to know each other, as would Valencia who knew him when they were kids. The first day seemed to go well and all was ready and set for the following day when the Empress would arrive. That night, Asta and Viktoria connected to one another through the Empyrian and made certain they were both clear about the details. Viktoria would need to speak with Queen Xenia first thing and Asta would need to be with her. She would excuse herself from the final delegation meeting, rendezvous with Viktoria and the two would pay a social call on the queen. --- About a half a kilometer away from the spot where the wreath ceremony was to take place the next day was a building with sight lines looking down on the memorial. As per standard operating procedure, access to the roof would be limited or cut off 48 hours prior to the event. As such, the assassin had to stash his sniper rifle on the roof beforehand. Each country's security teams had been all over the roof, but no one understood that one of the 6" water lines was no longer in use. It was just big enough to stash the rifle in. After making his calculations about the shot, he had carefully pried apart one of the sections of pipe near the corner of the building and slid the rifle in. He then careful aligned the two ends, making sure no rust or metal shavings fell to the ground giving away the hiding spot, and reattached the two ends. He would return only when it was time to do the deed. Viktoria's private plane landed uneventfully at the Elsmerian military base near the city. It was late morning and the traffic would be light, especially since the city's police would be escorting the motorcade. It took perhaps 15 minutes to make the trip from the gates of the military base to the entrance to the royal apartments where Viktoria would meet Queen Xenia. Large crowds were lining the streets to see the Empress, thanks in large part to the international press and hype her wedding was producing. She, like Asta, wasn't just a head of state but now a celebrity. Many in the crowd, especially young girls held signs with well wishes. Viktoria's limo rolled up to the entrance where her security team opened her door and escorted her into the side of the palace where Queen Xenia resided. She was wearing a wool and silk shift dress in grey with black embroidery up her left side and a matching long wool coat, fastened at her mid-section. She wore white hose and black low- heeled shoes so as not to tower over the Elsmerian delegation and particularly King Juan. Dominique and team were in place on the ground and on surrounding buildings as extra protection. They would also make sure she got into the building. As promised waiting for her just inside the entrance, wearing a lovely dark blue sheath dress of her own with lace accents was the Archduchess. Valencia also accompanied them to attend to her Majesty and the Duchess. They greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek and then Viktoria and Asta walked, hand in hand, up the wide stairs to the next floor and the entrance to Queen Xenia's apartment. Though she had taken a much smaller role in state affairs over the last dozen or so years, she was by no means a reclusive person. Queen Xenia still hosted events and was out at charity occasions as any queen would. It was at one of those events that Andreas Wahl saw the Queen for the first and only time in person. Her butler welcomed her guests and brought them into a lovely ornate study where they might have tea and get acquainted with the Queen. As they were all equals, no one save Lady Valencia needed to curtsy. Instead when introduced, Xenia offered her hand as welcome and bid them all sit down. As they were seated, Valencia pulled out a small jamming device that looked like a normal phone and switched it on. If there were any listening devices in the room, they would not be able to transmit their signal. Viktoria led the conversation from the onset, first with small talk and then recounting the lovely visit she had had with Xenia's parents. Viktoria and Asta, now together, were able to channel the Empyrian energies and use their powers. Asta first sent the butler and other staff away with a small suggestion so that the conversation wouldn't be overheard. Viktoria then began the discussion in earnest with Xenia. She explained to Xenia that neither the King nor his son was fit to rule and that she had a plan to remove them from their positions and strip them of their titles, which she explained. Under Elsmerian law, that left the Queen as the ruling monarch. Xenia would be given a prompt divorce if she so wished and then she explained that the line of succession would eventually fall down her side of the family tree to her nephew, Sebatian Felipe. In that way, the royal family would remain as the leaders of the country as they had for the prior three centuries. She further explained that Elsmere's financial situation left it on the brink of a catastrophic collapse that would likely bring an end to the monarchy and potentially dangerous societal fall out as rapid inflation would take hold. Only a massive infusion of capital and preferential trade agreements would be able to bring it back from the brink. The governments of Pyandavostok and Virago, as well as a few others, would save Elsmere from financial collapse through comprehensive monetary and fiscal programs that Minister Nagy would oversee. This would all be done with the condition that Queen Xenia pledge her allegiance to the Empress and allow Elsmere to become part of her Empire. Xenia would still rule Elsmere, as its Minister, with all the trappings of the royal life she was accustomed to, but would swear fealty to Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Viktoria. Without using her powers, she let that sit with the Queen to see how she would react, knowing that she was in complete control. Surprisingly, the Queen did not react viscerally to Viktoria's proposal. She was rather calm considering. She asked a few thoughtful questions, mostly about how to rid the government of the King's lackeys and the broad strokes of the monetary aid packages. Viktoria also told her that not only would King Juan have to sit on trial for high crimes, but that her son would need to as well. Queen Xenia took all this in and then said, "I suppose there really is no other way. It's treason to say it, but that man has been the worst King this country has ever had and needs to go. It was all I could do to keep my father from invading and killing him when he found out about Juan's mistresses. I'm afraid my son is no better, despite my best efforts. I only ask, as a mother, that he be shown any lenience possible. He is still my Pyat," she said wistfully, remembering back to the little boy she once knew. She caught herself and sat back up straight and looked at the Empress. "I have heard tales of your magic Empress. I'm not sure if it is real or not but before you even try to cast it upon me, I agree to your terms. My life hasn't turned out as I'd hoped when I first landed in Elsmere, but I will do my duty to serve this nation, even if that means giving power to a better ruler. Ellesmere deserves that. They deserve better than they've had." The Queen stood and walked around the table to the Empress. She kneeled beside her chair and took the Empress's hand in both of hers, bowing her head. "Your Imperial Majesty, Empress Viktoria, I pledge my loyalty to you and the loyalty of the Elsmerian people." She looked up and into Viktoria's eyes and said, "Long live the Empire!" and then bowed her head again to her new Majesty. "Thank you for your loyalty and bravery, Xenia," Viktoria said. Still holding Xenia's hand, she stood up and stepped out to the side of her chair. "Arise, your Grace," she said and helped the Queen to her feet. "This is only a new, and I trust happier chapter in your life. I pledge my loyalty and service to you as well." Viktoria stepped in close to Xenia and gave her a hug. As the two embraced, Viktoria used her powers to released Xenia's Tor, sealing her allegiance and devotion. Slightly shocked, but actually a bit exhilarated, Xenia smoothed out her dress and curtsied again, now to both Viktoria and Asta. Then, remembering her place as hostess, she asked them to sit again to have more tea. Valencia turned off the scrambler and put it back in her purse. Sandwiches were served and the ladies had a pleasant meal before it was time to move on with the day's schedule. CHAPTER 40 The ladies left Xenia's apartment and headed down the stairs. Asta reached out to Viktoria with her thoughts so they couldn't be overheard. "That went better than I thought" "Agreed, I was anticipating more push back. The poor woman has been beaten down so long she wants a change, any change." "It is for the best. I've lived in Elsmere; Virago is a much better place. It will take a long time your Grace, but we'll be able to help them." "I believe we can too. Now, I need to go glad hand with the King at the memorial. We'll be back before the signing ceremony and then we can finish this. Keep me posted on anything you hear. I love you." "I love you too. Don't let the King grab your ass. It's mine." "You truly know a way to a girl's heart, don't you?" "I do try." CHAPTER 41 At the bottom of the stairs, the couple smiled at each other and kissed again. When they broke, Asta and Valencia returned to the main part of the castle, Marta leading the way. The Empress again got into the motorcade to head to the Memorial. Not far from the Palace, the assassin was dressed as a police special units officer, which got him access into the building. To get on to the roof he had to kill two patrolmen stationed at the door. He carried their bodies up the last flight and out onto the roof. Once out, he jammed the door shut on his side with some special tools so at least it would appear locked should anyone come check. It would also alert him if anyone tried to come through it while he was looking down the scope. Normally he would have spent the last 24 hours in his perch watching and waiting but since the roof was swept multiple times leading up to the event, it wouldn't be safe. He pulled the rifle from the pipe and added the scope. He double checked all the settings for the shot and looked at his phone for the wind readings. A small wind gauge sat on top of one of the taller mausoleums in the cemetery just beyond the memorial where they would lay the wreath. In short order he was ready for the Empress to arrive. This was the only vantage point for a realistic shot as there were other low buildings, a sign and a large oak tree all obscuring the target. In fact, given those same obstacles, there was only one side of this very rooftop that allowed a decent shot. He surveyed the scene. With about 20 minutes left before the King and Empress were scheduled to show, a satellite news truck pulled into a spot directly down the assassin's line of sight. At first the he thought nothing of it but soon concern turned into dread as it slowly began to raise and open its large satellite dish. Soon it covered the entire view of the spot where the two leaders would be making their remarks. He moved down the wall to see if he had any angle, even a ricochet off the pavement, but from this perch there was no clean shot. His mind scrolled through his options and, finding none, he pulled out his phone. "Yes," said the voice on the other end. "Mission is aborted, I need secondary plan." There was silence on the other end, presumably while the man thought. "Come to me. We'll do it here. You still wearing what you were going to wear?" "Affirmative." "The western door will be open. Come in and come up to the Treaty room. There will be time in the hallway beforehand. I'll route all personnel away from your exit." "Copy that." "And one more thing, don't shoot me in the process," Prince Louis said before hanging up. The assassin quickly disassembled the weapon and put it into a bag he had brought. If anyone stopped him, he would say he was a sniper for the special police unit. He finished packing and pulled out the tools from the door allowing it to open again. He descended the stairs to the ground floor exited the building and was gone into the street, just as Major Byrne entered the front of the building. Dominique was making a routine sweep of all the sniper vantage points. It wasn't long before she discovered the bodies of the patrolman on the roof. She looked out at the spot where the Empress was going to be and saw the satellite truck dish blocking the shot. She knew exactly what had happened, the shooter had bugged out. Byrne radioed the intel back into the command center and set out for the Palace. CHAPTER 42 The wreath laying ceremony went on as planned but without the two sovereigns. A suitable excuse was made and a minister from the Virago delegation was sent in the Empress's stead. The ceremony thus started close to 45 minutes late and was only lightly covered by the assembled press, some of whom left once it was clear Viktoria would not be there. The information Dominique had put out got to the Empress's security team as they were in route to the wreath ceremony and had caused them to turn the motorcade around. Sitting at the negotiation table, a worried look broke out on Asta's face as Viktoria reached out through the Empyrian to tell her the news. Minister Nagy, noticing the troubled look, asked her if she was all right. The Archduchess replied she could not remember if she had left the stove on back at the Palace. Asta took a deep breath and resumed their discussion on economic aid packages. In another ten minutes the motorcade was back at the Palace. A room had been set aside for the Virago delegation as a place to congregate and relax between sessions if needed. It had comfortable furniture and other amenities and so the Empress was ushered there to conduct her business and to wait for the final signing ceremony a few hours later. Major Byrne got back to the palace a little after the Empress and set about meeting with Marta and the Empress's head of security to brief the two on what he had found. It was agreed that there was likely a plot of some sort and so they would limit movement of the principle protectees to within the Palace until the delegation went to the airport. Quietly, the teams did another sweep of the building, assuring everyone had proper credentials to be in the palace. By 5PM the building had been swept and an all clear was given. The King's son had asked for a special update when the sweep was complete and so Major Byrne made a special trip to report to the Prince before heading back to the delegation. Valencia and Asta had finished their meetings and had retired to the delegation room where the Empress was waiting. They stood in the middle of the room with cups of tea chatting about the day's proceedings. "Your Highness," said Marta, approaching the two. "Lady Valencia, the all clear has been given. The King will meet the Empress at the bottom of the grand staircase in ten minutes and will escort her up the stairs and down the Grand Hall to the Treaty Room." "Thank you, Marta, I will tell the Empress. Are the other guests ready in the Treaty Room?" she asked. "Yes ma'am." "Very good," she said. Marta turned to Asta. "Your Highness, my team and I will be with you and Major Byrne's team will assist as well." "Thank you, Marta." CHAPTER 43 Exactly ten minutes later the Empress, the Archduchess, General Skarpsv?rd, Valencia and various security staff were standing waiting at the Grand Staircase. In a typical show of arrogance and lack of decorum, the King and Prince did not show for another five minutes. Finally, a cadre of footsteps could be heard from down the corridor. Coming down the hall the King took sight of the four women and putting his hand to the side of his mouth whispered to Pyat. "God damn these ladies are hot. Bunch of cunt lickers but how can you blame them? Who wouldn't want a piece of them?" Pyat coughed out a laugh, trying to keep a straight face. The two covered the remaining distance and stopped just in front of the Empress. "So, I guess the wreath thing was a bust Viktoria. Shall we get this signing out of the way?" King Juan as he came to a stop in front of her. He offered no welcoming handshake or any other greeting. "King Juan. I'm sorry your royal business has kept you so busy today," Viktoria said, looking at her watch and noting the time. "Let's make this short and sweet and we will depart your lovely country and let you get back to your business." "Oh no need run off lovey, once we get this signing thing out of the way, maybe you and I can get to know each other better. You know, build up our foreign relations if you catch my drift," he said and gave her a knowing wink. "You can even bring this one," he said gesturing with his thumb toward Asta. Pyat stood sniggering at his father's comments as though it was one of the funnier things he'd heard. Encouraged, the King added, "Or maybe she'd prefer to keep my son here company?" "What a lovely offer, Juan, but I'm afraid her highness is allergic. Now, let's do get this 'signing' out of the way, shall we?" she said, taking hold of his arm as though he had offered it and pulling him up the stairs. She wanted to get to the conclusion. Her scheme was almost done. "Unbelievable, this guy. He was hitting on you! What a dick." "It's ok, ch?re. Stay focused; we're almost done with the plan. Is King Vsevolod in the Treaty Room?" "Yes, Marta confirmed." "Good. And the other foreign leaders? Now is the time to gain their allegiance." "Yes, the leaders from the remaining countries on the continent and the key government officials are all there." "Perfect. Then just play the part and we'll be done soon. I'll handle this one once we're done in the Treaty room" ----- The assassin entered the palace through the door Pyat had left open for him. As he was told, he did not come across any other guards and likely wouldn't until he got to the Grand Hallway by the Treaty Room. He took the stairs two at a time, not making any noise on the marble thanks to the rubber soles of his shoes. This was much more dangerous than anticipated, so he wanted to make a quick in and out. All should be fine if the Prince delivered on his end. He and the Prince had big plans, all he had to do was pull this off and he would be set for life. Two floors up, he got to the top to a landing that stretched the width of the stairwell and stood before a large wooden door. As he had climbed the stairs to the final landing he paused just as his eyes were even with the landing's floor. From that spot, he got a view under the hallway door. There were two boots visible signifying his first obstacle, a guard. He quietly pulled out a small fiber optic cable with a miniature camera on the end and slowly pushed it under the door watching the camera's feed on his smartphone. The guard by the door was the only guard in the hallway for perhaps 30 meters to his right. He could see two of those commandos from Special Forces at the top of the Grand Staircase. Likely this guard was also one of the commando's, which meant he needed to be extra careful. If he were correct, the entrance to the Treaty room would be just to the left of the door a few paces. He swung the small camera to the left and confirmed that there were no other guards at the Treaty Room doors, which were closed. They probably wanted a grand entrance. He bent the camera up and looked at the guard behind the door from below. He was not wearing the Special Forces outfit so must be a normal palace guard. He was slightly relieved. He checked the hinges of the door and it opened in toward the stairwell. If he did this right, he could open the door and take the guard from behind then dump him in the stairs. He could then wait for his targets to come up the Grand Staircase at the other end of the hall. Now, the question was should he open the door fast? Or slow and hope it didn't squeak? Both might alert the guard to his presence. He guessed the doors would be in good shape and oiled, so he opted for slow. Then he turned the camera toward the guards at the far end and waited. It wasn't long before their attention was drawn to something down the Grand Staircase. He heard the guard on the other side of the door say, "Copy that. Three in position" and figured that was a signal the delegation was coming up the stairs. He pulled the camera cable back carefully set it aside and, gun in hand, slowly opened the door. He needed to keep the gun in his right hand and reach across his body to the door handle with his left. He pushed down on the flat handle of the door, backhanded, careful not to make a noise. Once the latch bolt cleared the strike plate, he pulled the door the rest of the way with his right foot. That was when he struck. He sent his left hand around the man's torso and over his mouth pulling him back and clubbing him in the head hard with the butt of his pistol, knocking him out before he could make a call. He lay the man down as gently as he could and then quickly shut the door almost all the way. When the King and Empress got to the top of the stairs, Major Byrne took up a spot on their left and the other commando, on their right. As the sovereigns proceeded down the hall, they each kept pace along their respective walls. Asta and the Prince were next coming up the stairs and Marta was just next to them on Asta's side by the railing. She wasn't really supposed to go up the stairs next to them, but she had an odd sort of compulsion to stay by the Archduchess's side. Just a gut feeling she couldn't shake. Byrne noted it and chuckled to herself. She would probably hear about that small breach, though probably not from Asta. Byrne directed her attention back down the hall. The group walked another ten meters before she realized something wasn't right. Where was that dipshit Palace guard who was supposed to be at the stairwell door? The guy was meant to give a knock on the door to tell the footmen on the other side to open the doors. The King had wanted a grand entrance. Marta had a stronger feeling come over her, and she could feel goose bumps raise up on her skin all over her torso. Something was wrong, something dangerous! Without hesitation she yelled out and grabbed Asta, pulling her down to the floor and covering her. As she did, she pulled her weapon and looked down the length of the hallway. The far exit stairwell door swung open a little further and a series of shots rang out. She could see clearly, almost in slow motion. The King was hit first, likely in the chest and was pitched backward. The Empress, still holding the King's arm, was partially spun to her left. The next shot hit her in the right arm, which was now presenting itself as she spun to her left, pulled by the king. The Prince, with no security members to protect him, ran to his left to the wall and threw himself flat against it, back to the wall, trying to avoid the volley of bullets. Marta watched as the commando on the right was hit, taking the shots center mass in the body armor. The wind was knocked out of him and he knelt down, gasping for breath, directly in Marta's view. She could not return fire. Byrne sprung into action and shuffled down the hallway hugging the wall as she did, weapon up and pointed at the threat. The shooter couldn't fire at her without stepping into the hallway. Which is exactly what he did. The assassin figured if he could kill or disable the last commando, his exit from the building would be secured. No one could catch him by chasing him and anyone he ran into he could bluff or kill. He reached through the doorway with his left arm and stuck his head just outside the doorway getting a bead on Byrne. He watched, startlingly, as Byrne hit the floor just as the as he squeezed off two shots. He began to lower his aim but before he could pull the trigger again a sudden, blinding, searing pain shot across his arm and face, making him drop the gun. Byrne saw the gun hit the floor, not understanding why the assassin would voluntarily give up his weapon. The man started to scream in agony and fell to the floor in the hallway, writhing in pain. Byrne, getting to his feet, yelled for him to freeze but stood in disbelief as boils and burn blisters bubbled up red and angry across the man's face and scalp. His hands looked like he had just stuck them in a fire. Marta saw the man go down as well and then looked down to make sure Asta was unhurt. In that moment, sound came flooding back to her and the only thing Marta could hear was a roar from the woman under her. Asta was staring down the hallway, her arm outstretched toward the shooter. Her face was a tangle of concentration and rage. By now the rest of the security team had gotten up the stairs and had covered their protectees. Byrne got to the man and kicked his gun away. The assassin was in bad shape and his hands didn't look like they could be used for much of anything much less to pick up the gun. He was still screaming and writhing. Byrne checked the staircase and it was clear save for the unconscious body of the palace guard. Asta came back to her senses and looked over at Viktoria now lying on the ground on her side, her back was to Asta. Several people including General Skarpsv?rd and Valencia were huddled around her. She was clutching a wound on her right arm with her left hand. Asta rolled out from under Marta and practically dove onto Viktoria, pushing a security agent away as she did. She glanced over at the King. His security detail was trying to move him; two red wounds were in the center of his chest. He was clearly dead. She moved her attention back to Viktoria. She was stammering, trying to say something and clearly in shock. She knew she had been shot but she wasn't able to process it. Asta used her powers to calm her and bring her back to her rational self. She looked more closely at the wound, moving Viktoria's hand out of the way and then checking her torso. A bullet had hit her square in the fleshy part of the back her arm and exited, oozing blood on both sides. It had just missed the bone as it passed through and grazed her upper back leaving a fairly long, nasty looking gash perhaps six inches long. The good news was the wound was painful but not life threating. The bullet had not lodged in her. In fact, had Marta not thrown her to the ground it would have very likely hit Asta as it passed through the Empress. "Someone give me something to stop the bleeding," Valencia yelled out to the security detail. A handkerchief was produced and Asta twirled it in her hands and then tied it firmly against her arm. Viktoria looked into Asta's eyes and called out to her. "I'm fine, ch?re," came Viktoria's voice, now calm. "It's over, we're all alright." "King Juan is dead, and it could have been you." "I know my love, but it is not me. We are fine, both of us. Help me up and we can get me cleaned up. We'll have things we need to do now with Elsmere. Our plan, is... I don't know what. We need to see the Queen." Asta had a thought, a feeling really, and stopped Viktoria before she could try to get up. "Wait. Let me see if I can help you." Asta put both hands on Viktoria, one on her arm and one just below the wound on her back then closed her eyes, concentrating. She wasn't sure if this would work but she imagined the wounds closing. She imagined normal pink skin on Viktoria's arm and back. She thought about how she had traced her finger down that very arm while they lay in bed. She thought about the kisses she laid on the unblemished skin of Viktoria's back and she thought about how much she loved this woman. She opened her eyes. Marta and Valencia watched as the gash on Viktoria's back simply closed up and disappeared. "What did you do?" asked Marta, standing over her. "I've...I've never seen...anything like that before. Did you always know you could do that?" Asta looked down and studied her back. As she had hoped, the wound was gone, a rip in her dress and some fresh bloodstains on the fabric were the only remnants of what had been a nasty gash. "No, I just took a guess," she responded to the group. Asta quickly untied the bandage she had just placed on Viktoria's arm as the rest looked on hopefully. The bullet wound was gone. Viktoria craned her neck over to the right to see and pulled her right arm closer, inspecting the spot first with her eyes, then with the fingers of her left hand. She reached back behind her to her back. There was nothing there, no wound and no mark, just blood rapidly drying and crusting on her grey dress. She looked at Asta and smiled, sitting up. "You wonderful, marvelous creature you!" She reached over and pulled Asta too her and kissed her excitedly. "You've healed me." she said softly. Asta was a little surprised at her own power but quickly decided to play it off. "Of course I healed you. You're not going to ruin the wedding pictures," she paused and then started to chuckle. Marta and the team broke into wide grins, relieved. Find more of my stories at https://www.deviantart.com/aliceduffield or at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=24221022