At a high demand from the press, Selene, after debating on all the news teams available, chose to speak to the Danish TV News, and made an announcement only to them in the courtyard, to share to the world. She stood before the podium ready for her, and spoke.
"While I can not comment on what the Queen will be announcing this evening, at a live broadcast at six. I can confirm the Palace is aware of the dire situation that is occurring globally. The Queen, with the Prime Minister and the key cabinet ministers, are busy working out a plan to try to prevent this virus from spreading, from mass affecting us. At this moment, we have just under 300 unconfirmed cases, based on reports. And while we, with the assistance of the World Health Organisation, are testing new patients, and retesting previously tested patients, to see who is in fact infected with the Covid-19 Virus. We will only have those results once they become available. Until then, we ask the public to keep washing their hands, keep a fair distance of up to 2 meters away from each other, and those who have a cough or cold. Having a cough, cold or flu symptoms, doesn't mean you are infected with the virus. Just please be cautious and ensure you cough into a tissue and throw it away. Or to cough into your arm. Refer to the WHO website for more information. That is all I can give you right now."
A news reporter asks: "Countess. What time is the live broadcast tonight?"
"It is planned to be at 6-pm, but if there are possible delays."
"Thank you, Countess Selene. On a quick, different note, we heard yesterday, there were several happy things that happened in the Queen's Office. Would you like to share with us?" she invited, knowing the Palace had released a video.
"As you know, and I am sure you will play the video that was released by the Palace press office, for all to see. Her Majesty had knighted myself and Lord Philip, her Head of Protection Officer. And thereafter, I got engaged to him," she added with a smile, and flashed her left hand for them to focus on the ring.
"Congratulations to you Countess Selene, and to Lord Philip too. I, the whole of the Danish TV News crew, send our congratulations to you both."
"Thank you. Now if you will excuse me, I am not meaning to be rude, there is a lot I have to attend to."
"Thank you, Countess. We all look forward to the broadcast later today."
And Selene reenters the palace.
On the TVs, the interview was played.
"So there you have it, and shortly we will play the video that was recently released for you to see. We will cross live this evening at six, to the live broadcast. But it may be a little later, if there are delays. We will keep you posted on this and the Covid-19 situation worldwide, as it develops. For now, this is Jenny Perkins from Danish TV News, at the Amalienborg Palace."
Turning off the TV with the remote, Carolyn smiles and resumes her work. She heard the staff buzzing in and out of the royal suite, in preparation for Max and Ashley's arrival. Carolyn had also requested that a room next to the suite, a bit away from them, was to be made available to Mrs Peters too.
Reviewing the massively long list of things to do and trying to keep it from growing and growing. She knew she had a lot on her young shoulders. Yet knew God was with her and everyone. She just had to trust in him.
Later, around 2-pm Carolyn became aware of Max's arrival and chose to stay away for a bit to give the medical team a chance of transporting him and settle him in the special home care bed they had rented for the duration.
About 30-mins later, a soft knock on her office door alerts her of Selene's presence, who enters and informs her the Doctor wishes to speak to her. So Carolyn comes out and meets with the doctor in the Main Bedroom.
After bowing to her, he straightway says. "Your Majesty, while I am not 100% happy to release the Duke yet. The scan results were good. His healing reports are good too. So, the Duke is to remain in bed at all times. No fun and games for now, until I grant it," he adds, with a smirk and Carolyn blushes, but nods.
The doctor continues. "The Duke will be in full bed care and once a week needs to come in for an Xray and CT Scan, to check on the brace and surgical healing. I am continuing the nerve block for the time being, to help with pain relief, instead of Morphine. But in a few days, we can ween him off it and see how he coops with the pain. The Duke, for the time being, will be also on a liquid diet, to prevent the development of stools. I am happy to see you have arranged a team of nurses to handle the shifts and I have updated the Palace Doctor, who will update me daily on his care. If there is anything I am not happy with, I will regrettably demand he returns to the Hospital. But as I know the virus is on the loose, I will try to relent."
"Thank you, Doctor," says Carolyn gratefully. "I am truly thankful. I need Max safe. Especially in this time, as he is my rock, my support and through him, I can stand stronger. I promise you I will ensure all your orders are met to the letter, and will not allow it to slip."
Nodding, then smiling. "Great, then Your Majesty, while I must leave. I wish you all the best and will pray for you during this time." And he swiftly bows then departs.
Seeing all the IV tubes, the catheter bag, and leads to a portable monitor. It looked just like he was still in the hospital. She walks over to his left side as this was kept free, leans over and kisses him.
"Hey honey. Glad to see you back. I missed you terribly."
Max, a bit drowsy from the medicine – which the nurse informed Carolyn he had been administered, before leaving the hospital to make him sleepy while transporting him. He smiles and says slowly, sleepily.
"I missed you too, baby. But I can't keep my eyes open right now."
And he passed off.
Smiling, she departs knowing he was safe and secure. Heading to her office, she is caught by Selene to inform her Ashley and Mrs Peters arrived. And are on their way up now.
Closing the Main Bedroom door, she waits in the lounge of the suite, as she knew Ashley's room would be on the opposite side of the suite, far away from the Main Bedroom with the Nanny room right next door.
The Lounge, Dining area and Kitchenette was the middle focal point of the 6 bedroomed Master Royal Suite. And the 2nd bedroom from the Main Bedroom, which used to be used as the Queen's separate bedroom, when the King and Queen, many years ago slept apart, for whatever reason. It was now her temporary office, while Selene set up the 3rd Bedroom as her own private office for this duration. She and Philip have accepted a one bedroomed suite, in the royal wing, next door to the Royal suite, next to Mrs Peter's own one bedroom suite. There were four one-bedroomed suites on the Royal Wing.
Then the Royal Suite entrance door swings open, by Lord Philip who stands guard, he nods at Carolyn formally, and steps aside to allow the new arrivals to come in.
Mrs Peters, knowing now the protocol, tried to curtsy with her sore knees and walker, only to be stopped by Carolyn immediately, and receive a hug from her.
"Mrs Peters, never curtsy to me. Not only due to your knees' condition but also in private, never do."
Ashley taps on Carolyn's leg for attention. Smiling, Carolyn crouches down onto her heels and hugs Ashley. Ashley starts to pat Carolyn, in a way to hint to let her go. Laughing, she let her go and gave her a kiss.
"Daddy is sleeping at the moment," says Carolyn. "But you can see him later. Come let's go see your new room," and together, they walk to her assigned room.
Ashley sees her room was set up like a princess room, and was ecstatic, overjoyed. While running from end to end to investigate everything and signing away. The staff bring in her remaining teddies and toys, along with her clothing. She quickly grabs some of her toys, rearranges or relocates them, to the way she likes.
Seeing she was going to be busy for a bit, Carolyn invites Mrs Peters to come to sit in the lounge for a bit to rest and chat.
"Mrs Peters, as you know, I can no longer allow you to fly home. So, I am inviting you to stay with us here in the Palace. I have set aside a small suite for you to use, a one-bedroom suite just a little down the passage of this wing. My mother is in the other wing and would gladly like to have your company. And I will also need help with Ashley, as Max recovery is going to be over 2 or 3-months long. But most of all, I would like you to visit Dr van José when possible, whom I have personally requested to check on your knees and hip. And if he feels it needs immediate attention, I would like you to have the needed operation, and then return here to heal while being taken care of by the nurses. For I fear this virus is going to get much worse before we get a hold of it and stop it. So, if it is okay with you, I have scheduled a driver and a Nurse to take you to see the Doctor this afternoon for scans, etc. We can see what he says afterwards."
"Your Majesty." Only to be stopped by Carolyn, reminding her to call her by her name, in private. "Carolyn, I am truly thankful for your offer, but I don't have the funds to cover this. So, I must reject the offer."
"I thought you might. But the funding is covered by me. As the Mother of the Prince Consort, who is the husband of the Queen of Denmark, your expenses are covered by me, personally. You automatically get medical coverage, and personal needs, and be protected in public. , including an escort when you go out. So please, allow me to do this for you. I know Max would agree and would have done so if he knew he could have ordered it." Carolyn lightly begs.
"Then Carolyn, I will accept. As I have been waiting for years for a double knee replacement and hip replacement. The government hospital kept pushing the date back more and more."
"Good. Selene will confirm the time and let you know shortly. I am afraid I have to leave you as I have a meeting now at 3 pm with the Prime Minister and whoever pitches to discuss this virus matter. I will see you sometime today."
She stands up, leans over and kisses her mother-in-law on the cheek, then leaves with Selene following, as it was time for the meeting.
While walking toward the Monarch's Office - the Queen's Office as it is also known as, Selene was busy with a call to confirm the time for Mrs Peters.
Then she called the Nurse assigned to Mrs Peters, and informed her to take Mrs Peters to the hospital now for the appointment.
Knowing Philip was walking behind, he radios ahead for a car and protection to be ready.
Upon entering the Queen's Office' boardroom section, which was set aside from the Main Office suite, with an interleading door between the two. Carolyn saw the PM with his aide and another person she did not recognise.
With a questioning look, she greets the PM and is introduced to the WHO representative, Dr Holmmes. After sitting and being served refreshments, the hovering staff departs except for Selene and security, who will never leave Carolyn alone, except in her private suite or office.
Nodding to the PM to take the lead of the meeting, he updates her on the progress and with the assistance of Dr Holmmes. They had compiled a draft of what they felt should be implemented. He also stressed it was set up in stages. Not only time-wise but based on the level of the threat.
Carolyn accepted the draft and proceeded to read it quickly, nodding while reading. The PM and Dr Holmmes, at her invitation, indulge in the pasties on offer and wait for her to finish.
"So I am generally happy with this document. I am happy to see most of the cabinet members are supporting this. I do want one change. I want the proposal I made yesterday, a much stricter full lockdown. I do NOT want this infection to spread nor more people arriving whether infected or discovering too late they are infected. While I agree with the majority of this draft and agree we should keep the school and workplaces open for as long as possible. But if the infections get worse, say 2000 in the next 7 days for the whole kingdom, then total lockdown is required. I am also authorising the emergency contingency funds to be made available and placing the kingdom under the emergency protocol. I want the armed forces deployed and all ports of entry to be blocked. I will allow for the next 2 days for all foreigners to return home, but then exit ports are closed too. "
Nodding, the PM agrees to this and the aide makes the necessary notes on the document on his laptop.
"Can we have the final document ready for the 6 pm broadcast?" asks Carolyn. "And Dr Holmmes, I would be honoured if you could be there to answer some questions on behalf of the World Health Organisation, on this matter" and he nods. "Then gentleman, I am pleased with the progress and is there anything else?" and they shook their heads.
"Please excuse me as I still have a lot to do before the announcement."
With Selene and Philip and the protection team following, they head back to the Royal Suite.
Once there they separated into their offices, while Philip and the protection crew went to his office downstairs, leaving the Palace Guards to protect them, while they prepared for the broadcast that evening.
At 4H30pm, Selene reminds Carolyn it was time for her to shower and get dressed as her stylist and makeup crew will be here at 5pm. Then she will have the final draft to review and at 5h50pm, she will be escorted to Moltke's Palace's Large Assembly Hall for the live broadcast.
Carolyn slips into the Main Bedroom and sees Max was still asleep. She quietly uses the bathroom to shower while washing her hair. Leaving it semi-wet for the stylist, she wraps herself in a towel and walks through the bedroom into her walk-in closet. She closed the door, as the nurse was sitting in the corner of the bedroom monitoring her patient while reading.
After dressing up in the required attire, fit for a Queen to address her nation, she steps out and sees Max was staring at her, with a smile and naughtiness in the eyes.
"Urg, aren't you a sight for these sore eyes. If we were alone, I would enjoy doing…" and he left it there.
Laughing, Carolyn went over to his right side and leaned over, kissing him hard and deeply.
Coming up for a breath, she whispers: "I can see what is on your mind, but honey, as much as I would LOVE to. We can't. I'm sorry."
And she quickly kisses him again, then darts back, laughing as he tries to grab her.
"Oh no, I am not going to be the cause of you heading back to the hospital, mister. If you don't behave, I will order that nurse to strap your hands down too. And guess what, she has to listen to her Queen," Carolyn says with a smile.
She turned, walked to her dressing table, and sat while taking her hair brush. She starts brushing her long hair and saw from the corner of the room, the nurse was trying to hold back on laughing, while also trying to be invisible in the corner.
Smiling, Carolyn wanted to tease the nurse, but knew it was unprofessional for her to do so. So she ignored her.
Carolyn chatted to Max while continuing brushing her long hair. While they were chatting, the stylist and makeup crew arrived, and entered the bedroom after Selene had cleared it with Carolyn.
Carolyn opted to sit in a chair near Max and let the ladies do their magic while continuing to chat to Max with Selene hovering. After they are done, they swiftly depart. And Max lets out a big whistle of amazement at the transformation.
With her mini-crown on, Carolyn truly looked like a Queen and no words could describe how beautiful she looked. Smiling, Carolyn curtsies perfectly to Max and sends an air kiss. She then departs the bedroom with Selene following.
Max watches the live broadcast on TV and was amazed at how she handled it. Not only captivated his attention and trust, but he knew the people too were also captivated, and would trust their Queen had their best interest at heart.
While watching the broadcast, Ashley, who has been cleared by her nanny, enters the room and lays on the bed assigned for Carolyn's use next to his. She 'chats' away about Carolyn, the palace, her room, and so many other things. Now you try to concentrate on what Carolyn is declaring is going to happen, while your daughter who hasn't seen you for a while is demanding your attention and signing away.
Relenting, he mutes the TV and gives his attention to her.
A while later, the nanny joined Max and Ashley, chatting away with the nanny explaining a few things to Max when Ashley couldn't clearly explain or describe things she did at Sorgenfri, the drive over, etc. With the Nurse's permission, Ashley gave him a big hug and kiss, then went off for her bath and bedtime.
Shortly after they left, in walked Carolyn with stress radiating off her. Max immediately asked to be alone for a bit with her. The nurse, at first was hesitated, but then departs and closes the door after exiting.
Max invites Carolyn to come to cuddle on his right side and release the stress into him while kissing her forehead tenderly. He holds her as tight as he can, praying out loud.
Selene peeks in from the door, then closes it again. But she returns after about 10minutes.
"Carolyn, Max, sorry to interrupt. But you need to eat your dinner. Can I allow the maid to bring it in here?" Max agreed and Selene left them alone once more.
Carolyn kissed him quickly one more time and went to the bathroom to change and wash her makeup streaked face. And returning in just her gown, she brushes her hair while sitting on the bed.
"So did you watch it? Or was someone having fun on my bed. I see it's all messed up," she teased, knowing full well who it was, as there was a teddy left behind on the side of the bed, on the floor..
"Munchie came to visit and I couldn't stop for two seconds to listen to the whole news thing. I got the first five minutes then had to give my attention to her. And WOW, you should let her tell you the story of her adventures. That poor child was bubbling with excitement over Sorgenfri. And her trip over here. I quote: 'an army of men in black came and fetched us with 8 cars'. Then she raves about this palace, her room, and anything else she could think of. Oh, my word. I just hope they are NOT spooling her… ! Matter of interest, where is my mother?"
Selene walks in then, with the maid pushing a serving trolley, and informs him.
"Mrs Peters is resting after her appointment with Dr van José, and the 'ordeal' she underwent during the examination. She requested to go lie down. The nurse assigned to her says she is eating her supper and will be given prescribed meds to help with the pain and sleep. Dr van José has contacted me, and said he would like to speak to you both and Mrs Peters, Friday morning early. 8am if possible."
Carolyn nods, while Max was shocked at hearing all this. "Why?
"Honey," said Carolyn. "I asked Dr van José to check your mother, with regards to her knees and hip."
Carolyn had arranged for his mother to get the knees and hip operated on, which he was hoping to try to arrange, but with this back issue of his, that plan fell through.
"Thank you, love," he said, intending for Carolyn, but Selene's eyes shot open wide at thinking he said this to HER. Only belatedly realise he meant Carolyn, which caused Carolyn to burst out laughing at her friend, tears streaming, and Max soon followed too.
"Oh, you too!" Selene huffs and marches out of the room. But ends up laughing too, as soon as she steps out, seeing the funny side of it.
While Max had endured the liquid diet, and tried to ignore the tantalizing smells of the meal Carolyn was feasting on. He watched the TV and then quickly turned the volume up to hear the last of the virus news.
"… China reports they have peaked at over eight thousand confirmed cases and the death rate is climbing. While Italy is now also rising fast in numbers…"
Looking at Carolyn, he saw the shock and fear of this in her eyes.
"Babes, what you did today was for the best. While many will be unhappy for a while, they will be thankful in the end," he tells her.
Nodding, she agrees and then the TV rebroadcast her speech. So Max unmuted and listened to it from beginning to end with the PM's and WHO representative's input, then muted the TV again.
Carolyn suddenly shot off the bed and raced for the bathroom, slamming the door and Max heard retrenching in the toilet. He sent a prayer out for her, to have God calm her nerves and give her the strength she needs. She eventually came out only to see the nurse and Selene standing there in shock and fear.
"I am fine, I am fine. It was all today's stress and fears that finally got to me. Selene, I am sorry, but I cannot eat anymore. Maybe a cup of coffee and the food was divine and not the cause of my throwing up."
Then, after pushing her bed close to Max, she went and laid down on her single bed, so she could hold onto his right hand. But when Selene returned with the coffee, she saw Carolyn was asleep.
The nurse quickly did her final obs for that night and gave him some sleeping meds, then departed the room and headed to her assigned room in the suite where a separate vitals monitor was wirelessly linked to the one in the main bedroom for her to monitor.