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Quietly, as the new Guardians cheered along with the crowd, Julie whispered to her father.<br />
"Father? Are you alright?"<br />
The old man took a few deep breaths and then patted her hand. His finger's, to her eyes, seemed<br />
to tremble slightly as he did so.<br />
"Fine daughter, fine. Go see to you're Miss McGrath, she's waiting for you. Weston will help me<br />
back to my rooms. I'm just a little tired."<br />
"Don't worry Emie, I'll get the doctors to take a look at him before I take him to his room."<br />
Weston whispered as he began to help their father away, conscious of the prying eyes, which<br />
would be focused on them from the gallery above.<br />
Emily glanced back down the dais, towards where the new Guardians, their honor guards, and a<br />
good part of the audience were celebrating. Julie was standing at the base of the dais, looking up<br />
towards the three of them with an expression of concern.<br />
Emie shook her head ever so slightly and Julie relaxed offering the First Guardian a smile.<br />
"I'll meet up with you, send for me if it's something serious ok Weston?"<br />
Her brother just nodded and concentrated on helping her father without appearing to help him<br />
down the other side of the dais, where the Imperial honor guard formed up around them.<br />
"He alright?"<br />
Emily nodded as she joined Julie at the base of the stairs.<br />
"He's under a lot of strain."<br />
"Like a certain First Guardian I know."<br />
Emily smiled as she felt Julie laid a hand on her elbow. The two of them making their way<br />
towards the nearest exit to go and see how the Emperor was doing, their honor guards formed up<br />
behind them.<br />
"It's going to get worse before it gets better, Julie."<br />
"I know Emie, I know."<br />
----------------------------<br />
"Wine?"
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