142 The Mouse in a Lion’s Den

AUTHOR'S POV

"My head is tremendously clouded… with..", Bertram nervously chuckled.

"Overthinking", Vesta blurted out and laughed. "What could go wrong in this well-guarded place?", Vesta chuckled so hard knowing that she have the priest wrapped around her finger.

"But Lady Vesta, don't you see it? Now is the time for us to choose who to trust no matter what they have on, whether a crown or a sword", Betram implored with a fleeting look that made the smiles on Vesta's face slowly vanish.

"Right, you are", she said as she held on the iron coffer tightly.

The large doors with gold linings suddenly opened in perfect timing the iron coffer was handed to Vesta. Surprised, Bertram stood aside as the Queen in Lyonnais silk, encrusted with sapphires, and overlay of lace came out, followed by two servants. "What's going on in here?", the Queen squinted her eyes at the sight of Vesta and his unfamiliar acquaintance.

"Greetings to the rose of the imperial palace", Bertram readily bowed at Her Majesty with a sigh of relief that no matter what happens to him right now, the iron coffer is already safe with Lady Vesta.

"My Queen", Lady Vesta greeted with a bow. "This is Father Bertram, one of the survivors from Holy Land", she eagerly introduced.

"I thought there's only one?", the Queen gaped in astonishment with the pleasant turn of events.

"There were two", Vesta gave her a smile. "We're guessing the other one took off. He just disappeared", she said.

"Oh, I know exactly where the other one is", the queen said as she gawk at Bertram. The priest couldn't help but shiver at the cold stares of the queen. "My, my. You have made my already gloomy day to a fantastic one. Come forth, Priest.", the queen called as Bertram meekly traipsed forward. "I've heard that what you've been through wasn't too easy", the Queen took a good look at Bertram. She could indisputably tell that the young priest is terrified, despite showing a fearless appearance. "You poor thing! I'm elated now that you are here now, safe and sound.", she said.

"I-I am honored to be in the presence of your highness", Bertram said with a nervous smile.

"My Queen, an apology for interrupting", Vesta pardoned herself for speaking. "As we all know, Father Bertram here have gone through hardships and his bravery is truly admirable. He have not only guarded his own life, but also brought us something very valuable. Something that he kept safe for quite a while", she said that gave Bertram a fright.

"Lady Ves-ta!", Bertram seemed to have skipped a heartbeat when Vesta approached the queen and kneeled at Her Majesty's feet.

"As I dedicate and owe my precious life to the Queen, my loyalty and honor shall be forever yours. I surrender to you the traveler's stone", Lady Vesta raised the iron coffer to Queen Isavelle.

Father Bertram was struck dumb. The paladin crusader's loyalty to the crown was unbendable, that it was iron straight and rust-free. However, he was sure that the Queen hides skeletons in the closet. He couldn't be wrong with what he saw earlier or... Lady Vesta and the Queen are in something sinister together? With his jaw dropped, Bertram became fully aware that his instincts have failed him. He should've trusted the Wiccan who's protected with its theurgy. Then, he realized that all along, he was a mouse in a lion's den with Vesta and the Queen.

"Oh my", Queen Isavelle's eyes rejoiced and was so flabbergasted to even grab the iron coffer from Vesta's hands. "What a pleasant surprise! Well done, priest", she gladly said as the servants took the coffer. Father Bertram became all petrified, that despite having careful thought and thorough attention, the Queen still had her hands on the coffer - the woman behind the closed doors where Father Elijah's defunct body was taken out.

"Rise, Vesta", the queen ordered to her loyal guard. "How's the position for the high priest going?", she suddenly asked.

"It still been abandoned for a while now", Vesta answered.

"Very well. In return with the Queen's gratitude, allow Father Bertram to be a candidate for the High Priest position along with my seal. Have it known to all that I personally recommend this priest for such stature", the queen said. Bertram still stood like stone, that even the good news the queen delivered didn't moved him.

"Certainly, my Queen", Vesta lowered her head until the Queen decided to turn her back returning to her room with so much delight. When the servants finally closed the door, tears suddenly ran down Father Bertram's cheeks like rainshowers trying hard to extinguish the wildfires.

"Father Bertram?", Lady Vesta called upon the priest who's still in a dazed. "Now, do you still feel the evil lurking in the palace?", she asked as she come closer towards the petrified priest. Without warning, she grab hold of Bertram's neck with one hand and squeezed it. "Is this too evil for you?", she asked with a sinister smile. She enjoys the complete control of torturing Bertram.

"There you are! I've been looking for you!", Alesso came out in complete disarray. "What are you doing?", he was surprised to see Vesta who's seemingly tormenting Bertram. The paladin crusader let go of the priest and beamed a soft smile.

"Sir… sir Alesso!", it was only then that Father Bertram had the courage to speak. His feet regained its strenght as it led him to the paladin archer. It was like being saved from drowning in a neck deep water.

"And you're still here?", Vesta asked.

"I'm wondering if you changed your mind about the trolls?", Alesso asked as he watch Bertram secure himself beside him.

"Get over it, the answer is a hard rock solid NO", Vesta refused.

"Anyhow, I see you found Father Bertram", Alesso smiled and noticed the flustered face of the priest as he wipe his face from all the tears.

"Oh yes, we were just done with a courtesy meeting with Her Majesty. I'm just walking the priest out, to make sure he won't lose his way again", Vesta said as run her eyes at Bertram from head to toe.

"Well then, I'll send him to Lord Nero. I believe the King wants to see the priests too. By the way, did you happen to see Father Elijah around?", Alesso asked.