My days always started out the same. I wake up to the sound of my alarm blaring at 5:00 am sharp, clean myself with the refreshing waters provided by the pipes of this oh so glorious house, dress in my expensive suits adorned with accessories that could feed a family for years to come, and then, I stand in front of a mirror.

"Yes!" I breathed out, "You are great, you are victorious, you are a queen!" My eyes bored relentlessly into my reflection. This silly mantra I start with every morning is the only thing that keeps me sane in my hectic life. "You were chosen by your people, now lead with your head on your shoulders and move forward!" I pointed a finger at myself for dramatic effect, it's something I've always done since I was a child, and now I continue to do so privately purely for the nostalgia (and well, I can't help but feel that it will bring me good luck on my endeavors. After all, I wouldn't be in my affluent position if it didn't work).

A knock erupted from the other side of the door. "Madam President! The speech starts in an hour, and we need to do a debriefing on the riots happening in Eastvale before then!" My assistant Claire breathes out as she stumbled into my room.

"Yes, yes." I waved impassively, "I'll be there in a minute." If my assistant could look even more disheveled than she already was then I managed to pass the test.

"But we need to move now! They already started setting up and-" Strands of her brown hair started to stick out more and more as she moved erratically. Oh dear, there she goes again on one of her panic-stricken rants. You know, I really need to send her on a month vacation to Tahiti one of these days. This job is wearing her thin more than me, and I'm the President!

My hand landed on her shoulder. "Okay, Okay! I get it. Let's go." I sighed out in defeat. I just wanted one more minute to myself, is that too much to ask? Well, sacrifices must be made for this job.

We glided through the hallways as we rushed to our destination. Claire handed me a piece of paper, "These are some pointers on where you walk and stand while you are doing your speech." I nodded along accordingly. Her brows furrowed a little. "As for the riots, I'm afraid they are getting even rowdier. The town of Eastvale really opposes your standing as president, especially after that passionate speech by one of their leaders that occurred last week."

A frown draped itself across my face. Them again? I need to do something to ensure that, that group can be snuffed out for good. Or at the very least be made to be seen as weak and worthless like they once were. You would think me being president would be a sign that times of an equal and just society is upon the horizon, but sadly that isn't the case. Instead the country was swallowed into a sea of tension and anger as groups opposing of my kind would want nothing more than to see my demise. In the eyes of the ignorant, my race was seen as volatile and uncouth which would be unfit for diplomatic ventures. My gender seen as weak, frail and indecisive when the time came to make important powerful decisions that can change the very nature of this country at the drop of the hat. So, of course the combination of these two categories created a ginormous storm of doubt and worry as a person not of the status-quo can strike fear into the hearts of the unknown.

But no matter, I would show them that I can do this, I had to. Not just for myself, but for others like me if they wish to walk the same path as I do. My thoughts came to a halt as I bumped into something warm and comfortable. "Oh!" A familiar honeyed voice greeted me in surprise. I glanced up, and my eyes met his forest green ones. I couldn't control the smile that tugged at my lips when I saw his face. "Morning," He greeted softly, an adoring glint peaking from his eyes. My arms wrapped around him tightly as I push myself into his stomach.

"Morning," I hummed back, causing vibrations to bounce throughout his stomach. A pair of warm, soft lips kissed my forehead, and I couldn't control the giggles that escaped from my throat. He always did have that affect on me. "Where were you last night?" I asked out of curiosity.

"My team and I found a breakthrough with the transportation project. I was so excited that I had to see it through myself. Next thing I know, it was morning-sorry about that by the way." He caressed my shoulders as he always does when he felt he did wrong. I de-attached myself from him and shook my head.

"You don't need to apologize, look at who you are talking to," I gestured to myself, "I can barely remember a moment where I actually went to bed on time!" Laughter escaped my mouth.

He chuckled. "Yeah, but you're the president! That's at least a valid excuse. I'm just the lucky guy married to her."

Nicolas was always humble about the things he's done in his life. Before we met, his career was in civil engineering where he worked with his home city council on how to make sure the infrastructure was sufficient for safe use. He was always passionate about the safety of transportation, which is why he rallied and fundraised as much as he could to make sure the structures in his city stayed updated and safe. With the government always being lackluster when it came to the maintenance of these things, he wanted to lobby to make sure that at least others around the country can have a chance to find safe and cheaper alternatives to travel to places. I happened to be there at one of his attempts because I was interning the same governor at the time, he had to go through me to set up an appointment, and the rest is history.

"AHEM! Hello! Big speech coming up in," Claire looked at her watch, "30 MINUTES?! We need to go now!" She pushed me ahead.

"See you after?" I turned my head towards him.

"Yeah, but I think I'll be asleep by then." He sheepishly rubbed his hand behind his head. "Sorry about missing your speech."

"No, it's fine! I'll have plenty more of those I can bore you with later on. Besides," my eyes glanced over to his dark circles, "take as much rest as you need. We can do something together when you wake up. I got the rest of the day off after all!"

Even from a distance I could see how his eyes lit up at the news. "Really? I look forward to it!" I smiled as we wave to each other goodbye. I can't wait to snuggle with him later, it's his forte as I like to tease him with.

Claire and I walked through the doors to the backstage, it was just as hectic as it was on the way here as people scurry everywhere to make sure the settings are prepared. I took a deep breath as I prepared myself to speak in front of millions of spectators. I saw through the cameras how many reporters are there, and as expected, a full house.

I could feel my palms sweat a little. "Nervous?" A deep voice infiltrated my thoughts. I didn't need to look up to know who was talking to me. If the voice wasn't a give-away, then surely his distinct clone smell of mountains and rivers would.

"A little." I answered meekly. Samuel was my bodyguard and he always knew how to put me at ease. I always looked up to him as an older, wiser brother who wants the best for me in this world. His combat experience in the military and familiarity of dire situations made him calm and composed for times like these.

He straightened my suit a little. "You'll do great, as you always do." He reassured.

"Yeah!" An energetic voice cut in. "Just like the time you accidently tripped on your way out!"

My eyes narrowed. "It was one time!"

"One time? Hm, I seem to recall it happening at least two more thereafter." He grinned cheekily at me.

I playfully pushed him. "Stop! I need to concentrate, Ryan." Even as I tried to be serious, I couldn't help but let a small smile slip through.

His Cheshire grin increased. "Oh, don't think I didn't notice that little smile of yours miss pres."

"Ryan!" A squeaky voice called out. "Stop messing with the pres. and get moving! We have to make sure all the attendees have their pamphlets." She rushed ahead of us and dragged him along by his sleeves.

"Aw come on Joyce! Can't I have a little fun before I get back to work?" He pouted.

She placed her fingers between her forehead. "Ryan, I swear! You act like a child sometimes!"

His dirty blonde hair ruffled up as he beamed mischievously. "What can I say? I look good for my age."

Joyce huffed and rolled her eyes. She turned around and shot me a small smile. "Good luck on your speech!"

"Thank you." I called out in return. She nodded her head before going back to lecture Ryan. I knew she wasn't serious as she enjoyed his presence as much as the rest of us did.

"Still nervous?" Samuel asked with a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Huh," I realized, "I guess not." Ryan must have distracted me to ease my nerves a little. A warm feeling pooled in my chest. Everyone around me cares so much. I don't know where I would be without them. I feel so blessed to know that there is a strong team behind me. When I see everyone around me trying their best for me, I feel as if I have all the courage in the world at my disposal.

When Claire came to signal that it was time for me to start, there was no hesitation in my steps. After all, we'll be together as long as my term lasts to share memories together. Maybe even thereafter to reconcile our old times at a reunion later down the line. With their support behind me, I'll do my best as the leader of the country and raise everyone to their expectations.

I exited the stage to be greeted with a mass of shouting reporters. They threw question after question at me. All at once, jumbling together to sound like an indecipherable assault on my ears. I was losing my patience. "ENOUGH!" I boomed. They auditorium was silenced. You could hear a pin drop. My demeanor shifted from intimidating to friendly. "Welcome my fellow citizens! Thank you for coming to listen to my speech on the Eastvale Riot situations, and I know you all have questions, but please be patient until the end of my speech." I finished smoothly.

The crowd seemed content with my information and complied.

"Now about the situation of the riots," I began, "I understand that there is dissatisfaction of my standing as president, and I'm sorry if my status upsets you." My fists clenched the podium. "But I REFUSE to back down. I will not give up no matter what the cost, because I can prove to you that no matter what the circumstance of what I am, I am qualified to be your leader, and others that voted for me will be able to enjoy the trust and potential that they saw in me at first glance. So, I ask of you, to give me a chance. I promise you-no, I SWEAR on my name and title as president that you will not regret my inauguration!"

Some people in the crowd looked pleased, others disgruntled.

"I will devote my heart and soul to this country, and once you see how dedicated I am, how hard-working I'll be, there won't be a single soul that will look back and ever regret voting me in office. This I promise you!"

I heard a twitter of approvals.

But before I could continue my speech, there was an interruption.

"But we don't want you in office period." A voice slithered to the front. I looked up and turned to the side. A man wearing a black and red attire, wearing that sign, stalked towards me. He's one of them.

"How did you get here, past security?" I questioned. Where was Samuel!? I hope he is alright.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that." He chuckled darkly. "Especially since, you won't be around any longer to gather an answer." He reached into his dark coat, and pulled out a silver gun.

Screams were heard and gasps filtered throughout the air.

But I was frozen. I felt helpless as he pointed the gun to me, his wide-toothed smile growing more deranged as he took in my fear.

"Please," I begged. "Have mercy!"

He could only smirk in response.

A bang ricocheted throughout the auditorium, and the last thing I remember was a painful burst in my head, and wails of agony.

…..

No

…..

No!

I can't die!

Not like this!

There is still so much to do!

So many people to help!

I can't fail them…

I CAN'T!

Samuel, Ryan, Joyce, Claire….

I can't leave you guys!

Nicolas!

There was still one thing I needed to tell you!

NICOLAS!