They're Starting to Suspect

 

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Introduction

"They're starting to suspect, Your Majesty," said the doctor with a bowed head.

"Nonsense," whispered the Queen. "We are duly appointed by God and only He can call us home.  Begin the treatment again."  She lifted her head and sat back in the chair, awaiting the first needle prick.

"But Your Majesty, even your great-grandchildren are beginning to question your apparently unnatural longevity.  They...."

Elizabeth cut him off with a wave of her hand.  She gestured peremptorily to the assistant next to him and the doctor was grabbed by two orderlies, secured to the nearby gurney and sedated.  His arm was secured and tubes inserted.  His blood began to flow into the royal arm, along with a mixture of highly secret medications.

An hour later, both their arms unhitched and cleaned up, Her Majesty rose, with the help of the assistant doctor, and walked to the door where her latest batch of corgi clones waited on the other side.  Without a backward look, she left and headed down the hall to where her great-granddaughter, Charlotte, approached carefully, arms wrapped protectively around her pregnant belly.  She started to drop a curtsy and Elizabeth waved her off.  

"Grandmother," Charlotte said, dropping her head respectfully but keeping her eyes on Elizabeth,  Charlotte's arms tightened around her belly.  She eyed the corgis nervously.  

"My dear, we are pleased that your pregnancy seems to be progressing nicely."  Elizabeth reached out a hand to touch Charlotte's belly and Charlotte flinched.  Elizabeth dropped her hand, eyes narrowing on her great-granddaughter.  Her mind went back to the doctor's words.  

"They're starting to suspect."

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