CHAPTER FOURTEEN

As the words left Eleanora's lips, a warm golden light enveloped me, and I felt a surge of energy and purpose flow through me.

Kaida smiled and dropped to her knees "High priestess" she whispered.

Eleanora's gaze lingered on mine, a sense of pride and accomplishment etched on her face. "May the triple goddess guide you and protect you Natalya. My time is almost gone, but I am at peace, knowing that our order lives through you."

As Eleanora's words faded away, I felt a sense of awe and reverence wash over me. I had been entrusted with a great responsibility, and I was certain I wanted to honor the legacy of the high priestesses, what I wanted to know was how they wanted me to fulfill my destiny.

"Would you mind giving us some space? I'll like to spend some time with her before she goes"

My heart ached as I felt her pain "Of course, I'll be right outside"

By the time I left the house, the sun was already at its apex, I spread my arms wide, taking in the warm heat of the sun.

I recollected all that happened in that house, how I had a great destiny to bring back magic to the realm, only if I could take my rightful place upon the throne. As if that'll ever happen.

Destiny does not give you armies or allies, and destiny doesn't help fight wars or prevent my feckless brother from prosecuting witches. That was my priority, trying to make sure my brother doesn't kill innocent witches.

My time on the throne will never come.

The door creaked open behind me, and Kaida walked out with a sad expression, and I understood immediately "She's gone?" I asked, she nodded.

"I'm sorry" I told her.

"I've made my peace, I have been ready for this for a while, but it hurts all the same" I didn't think that I should, but I did it anyways.

I hugged her, I hugged her hoping with all my heart that it would take the pain away, but deep down I knew it wouldn't.

"What will you do now?" I asked, curious about her next course of action.

"The Bendrui priestesses have been sworn to serve the high priestesses since the beginning of time. I will remain here for now, but I am yours to command. Whatever you need, ask it and I shall see it done"

Kaida had been training all her life to be one of the nine and didn't make it, perhaps she could help me with my journey "I know nothing of magic, perhaps you could teach me?" I asked.

"It will be my honor, my lady. Come to the house whenever you're ready to begin"

"Thank you Kaida" I said, as I walked to where I left tyrant.

It's time we went home.

The ride back to the castle was swift, either that or I didn't really pay attention and let Tyrant do his thing. He knew the way back without me having to pull the reins anyway.

If anyone would have told me last week that I would be where I am now, I'd call them crazy, I'd gone from usurped princess to high priestess in a fortnight.

And now lay the matter of my destiny, that apparently can only be accomplished when I perform an impossible feat. Take the crescent throne.

As I approached the castle gates, the guards walked around in formation, like they were looking for something. I steered tyrant to the stables and left him there, not without placing a kiss on his head of course.

I entered the castle and found it in a state of disorder, the sounds of boots marching echoed throughout the castle. What were these knuckleheads doing I wondered.

I ascended the closest flight of stairs and arrived at the hallway that led to my chambers, few guards patrolled there and those I came across didn't dare ask me where I was, all but one.

Amenadiel wore his usual black leathers, the same ones he wore when he decided not to put on armor. His face was bathed in concern as I approached him "I've been looking for you all day princess, where have you been?"

I ignored the question, partially because I didn't want to start explaining how I rode out in the night to be anointed, and partially because it wasn't his business. He'd know when I wished him to.

"What happened here? Why are the guards moving like they're looking for something"

He dropped his shoulders in defeat, knowing he was not getting an answer to the question he posed "An assassin made his way into the castle last night and tried to murder your brother"

I found myself unable to move from the shock that rippled through me, not entirely because someone tried to kill my brother, but because someone successfully infiltrated the silver keep. The last time someone achieved that was nearly twenty-five years ago, this assassin must be good. but one question remained.

Why?

That question would soon be answered as Robert Bane stalked towards us, his boots echoing as he walked closer to us. He gave Amenadiel a nasty stare before shifting his gaze to mine "His majesty has called for a meeting in the throne room and your presence is demanded immediately."

He said all he needed to and left. I noticed Amenadiel's hand lay on the hilt of his sword.

"I'm going to kill him someday… slowly" he said, and as twisted as it sounded in my head, I'd love nothing more than to watch.

"When that time comes, none will stand in your way" I promised as we walked to the throne room.

It looked as though my brother convened the entire council of war, duke Herbert in place of his usual attire donned a suit of armor, a sword at his side.

General Thomas Bailey, commander of the first army wore the same suit, the royal sigil engraved in the center, so did General Jonas Underhill the commander of the second army, Robert Bane, and Commander Damian Strong of the city watch.

The queen was here as well, standing beside duke Herbert, trying to look strong though I could see clearly through her mask, and it clearly read what if it was me. Melissa stood three steps below the throne, she wore her mask well, perhaps thinking her proximity to the seat of power that would soon be hers offered her some protection.

Amenadiel and I were the last to enter.

The king or his court paid us no mind, even as we bowed and made our stand to the side, waiting for the king to address us.

After a long silence that seemed to stretch on forever, the king spoke "An assassin snuck into the castle last night and found his way to my chambers in an attempt to end my life," he started "had it not been for my quickness of mind and body, I would have been dead" no one breathed, no one spoke.

His gaze turned to Robert, rage cold as ice "Has the captain of my elite guard become too comfortable? Has he become lax in his duties?" the question hung in the air, Robert did not answer.

"Answer me!" Ramiel bellowed as he hit his hand on the arm of the throne.

Robert shivered in fear, a trait I had never seen him show then sank to one knee "Forgive me my lord, it will not happen again. I have doubled the guard, no one is entering or leaving the castle without my notice"

Ramiel seemed pleased enough with that answer. His eyes shifted to the commander of the city watch "Double the guards around the city, on every wall, on every outpost. I do not want this happening again" the man bowed his head in response.

Finally, he set his sights on his right hand "I want you to find where this assassin came from Herbert, I do not doubt for a minute that he'd be the first of many. I also want sentries posted close to the border of the kingdom at all times" he commanded.

"Yes, my lord" he responded with a low bow.

I really did hope he wasn't the last.