Lily watched the sun set over the medieval skyline of Vallémont from the window of her suite. She was thinking about the ramifications of the research contract from the Royal Medical Institute that was resting on the old writing desk.
Although she had learned to evaluate variables objectively from her scientific background, this circumstance defied clinical evaluation.
"You haven't signed it."
Lily was waiting for her at the doorway, his regal bearing tempered by exhaustion. It was obvious that the encounter with his father had worn him down.
She gestured to her documents strewn across the desk and said, "I'm considering all angles." "This isn't just about research funding anymore."
Gabriel walked across the room and looked at her careful contract markings. "You've identified the concerning clauses."
"Three specifically," Lily said, indicating the passages she had underlined. "Unlimited access to genetic samples, exclusive rights to any therapeutic applications, and most troublingly a clause that places all research under direct control of the Royal Medical Institute."
He gave a sad nod. "My father's influence."
She inquired, "The King is involved in medical research?" even though she knew the answer.
The fun was gone from Gabriel's laugh. "My father involves himself in everything that might affect the stability of the monarchy." He hesitated, picking his words wisely.
"In our family, Valois Syndrome has been more than just a medical affliction. It has been a political weakness.
Lily's fears were confirmed by the disclosure. Their child, her research, stood for more than just private issues.
She said bluntly, "What did the King want?"
Gabriel walked over to the window, where his image was displayed against the backdrop of the fading capital. "Secession is a danger from the eastern provinces. It's not just a coincidence.
"They're using the pregnancy announcement as leverage?"
"As a catalyst," he said. The genetic susceptibility of the monarchy has long been a source of political controversy.
According to some groups, Vallémont requires leadership free from what they perceive to be a genetic flaw.
Lily analyzed this information, relating it to the Institute's eager contract and Camille's subliminal threats. "And Lady Belcourt represents these factions?"
"The eastern provinces have a long history with Camille's family. She is more than just a social presence in court. Gabriel looked over at her. "She's been positioned as an alternative."
It was getting easier to see the political chessboard. "An alternative to me," Lily said, "or to your family line?"
They were stopped by a knock before Gabriel could respond. Princess Elizabeth came in with a tightly controlled eagerness in place of her customary poise.
She told Gabriel, "The eastern delegation has asked you to attend tomorrow's council." "And they've specifically asked about Dr. James's research."
Gabriel's face grew stern. "They have no authority to demand scientific briefings."
Elizabeth responded, "They're calling it a matter of national security," turning to face Lily. "Marc is trying to negotiate the terms, but they're insistent."
Lily could feel the pressure of international politics. "They want to evaluate whether the royal lineage is genetically viable."
Lily's rapid judgment impressed Elizabeth, and she nodded. "You understand our political landscape faster than most foreign diplomats."
According to Lily, "I understand scientific exploitation," "My research is being weaponized for political advantage."
Gabriel put a hand on her shoulder for protection. "You don't have to participate in this."
"Don't I?" She pointed to the agreement. "The offer from the Institute now makes perfect sense.
Control the story about the genetic future of the royal family and control my study."
Elizabeth gained a fresh perspective on Lily. "You're more strategic than they've given you credit for."
"I've spent years navigating academic politics," Lily said. "The stakes are higher here, but the principles are similar."
There was a mutual understanding among the women. Elizabeth pulled out a portfolio folder. "The delegation is ready to ask these questions. Marc acquired them via his connections.
As Lily went over the document, her analytical mind was immediately coming up with answers.
"They're fishing for weaknesses in the research methodology."
"Can you counter them?" "What?" Gabriel inquired.
"Better," Lily said, her features stiffening with determination. "I can use their questions to introduce my most promising results, the enzyme stabilization findings they don't know about yet."
Gabriel's face lit up with understanding. "Turning their inquiry against them."
Lily said, "Exactly," in agreement. "If they want to discuss genetic viability publicly, let's give them data that strengthens your position, not weakens it."
Elizabeth gave a friendly smile. "Father underestimated you, Dr. James."
Lily said, "Most people do," without arrogance. Simply put, it was a reality that had benefited her throughout her professional life.
Later that night, Lily was left alone in the royal gardens as Gabriel took care of pressing state business. She didn't trust the illusory illusion of privacy that the well-kept hedges offered.
"Contemplating your next move, Dr. James?"
She turned back to see Marc coming towards her, his face unreadable in the low light of the garden.
"Analyzing variables," she answered, purposefully repeating what she had said to Gabriel before.
He noted that he was "a scientist to the core," "Even when the experiment has become political."
Lily looked him in the eye. "I'm discovering that everything in Vallémont is political. Even during pregnancy.
"Especially pregnancy, when it concerns the royal bloodline." Marc pointed to a lonely bench. "May I speak frankly?"
She sat down next to the King's trusted advisor and nodded.
He said, "Your presence has disrupted carefully laid plans," in a professional manner. "Not just Lady Belcourt's aspirations, but broader political arrangements."
Lily explained, "I didn't come to Vallémont with political intentions."
"Intention is irrelevant when it comes to consequence," Marc answered. "Your child regardless of its genetic profile represents a direct continuation of the monarchy."
Lily covered her midriff with a protective palm. "And certain factions find this threatening."
Marc went on, "While others see opportunity," "You've become valuable to multiple interests, not all of them aligned with Gabriel's wellbeing."
It was an obvious warning. She said, "Including the Royal Medical Institute?"
Marc's lack of response was sufficient confirmation.
"What do you suggest?" At last, Lily inquired.
"Tomorrow's council will be a test," the speaker suggested. "Not just of your research, but of your ability to navigate Vallémont politics."
Lily was still in the garden as Marc left, the nighttime air smelling of old flowers. Now she realized that she was doing the most important research of her life, with the destiny of her child and perhaps the stability of a whole kingdom at stake.
She reopened the Institute's contract in her suite and started working on a counterproposal. Vallémont would discover that Dr. Lily James was difficult to outmanoeuvre if they sought to use genetics for political purposes.
It would be a calculated risk tomorrow. However, Lily had always had faith in the data and in her own ability to correctly evaluate it.