Chapter 12: Arrival At Priestillia

The gates of Priestilia's capital loomed ahead, a towering masterpiece of marble and gold that shimmered under the midday sun. The city beyond was bustling, its pristine streets lined with divine statues and flowing fountains. Trevor's eyes flickered over the towering spires of the palace at the city's center, a symbol of the kingdom's unwavering devotion to the gods.

Beside him, Beatrice sat straighter in the saddle, her face calm but her grip on the reins tighter than usual.

"You're quiet," Trevor said, his tone neutral.

"I'm thinking," Beatrice replied without looking at him.

"About what?"

She hesitated, then glanced at him. "About how my father will react to you."

Trevor smirked faintly. "Let me guess… he won't be thrilled."

Beatrice sighed. "He's not unreasonable. But you'll have to be careful. My father… he doesn't trust easily. And with everything that's happened recently, the court will be watching."

"Good," Trevor said dryly. "I like being watched."

Beatrice shot him a look but said nothing.

***

The palace was grander than Trevor had expected, its halls gleaming with polished stone and intricate carvings. Priests and nobles alike turned to watch as Beatrice and Trevor entered the throne room, their whispers rippling through the crowd like wind over water.

King Luthar sat on an ornate throne at the far end of the room, his presence commanding despite the calm expression on his face. His piercing blue eyes swept over Trevor with a calculated intensity, lingering on the sword at his back and the worn cloak draped over his shoulders.

"Father," Beatrice began, stepping forward and bowing slightly. "I've returned."

King Luthar's gaze softened briefly as he looked at her. "Welcome back, my daughter." His eyes flicked to Trevor. "And this is the traveler?"

Trevor stepped forward, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Trevor," he said simply, his voice steady.

The king studied him for a moment, then leaned back in his throne. "The rumors about you have spread far, traveler. They say you wield both divine and demonic energy… a contradiction that many would find… troubling."

Trevor's expression didn't waver. "Rumors tend to exaggerate."

"Do they?" the king replied, his tone unreadable. "And yet, my daughter speaks highly of you."

Trevor's eyes flicked briefly to Beatrice before returning to the king.

"She has her reasons."

A faint ripple of murmurs spread through the court, but the king raised a hand, silencing them. "I trust Beatrice's judgment. But trust must be earned, traveler. And you walk a dangerous path."

"I've survived it so far," Trevor said bluntly.

The king's lips pressed into a thin line, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Indeed." Standing up he gestured to his guards. "Treat the traveler with respect, we shall continue this discussion later."

After the audience ended, Beatrice led Trevor through the palace corridors, her pace brisk. She didn't speak until they reached a quieter wing, away from the prying eyes of the court.

"That could've gone worse," she muttered.

Trevor raised an eyebrow. "That's your idea of optimism?"

Beatrice sighed, rubbing her temples. "My father's not an enemy, Trevor. But you can't speak to him like that… not in front of the court."

"I wasn't aware I needed lessons in diplomacy," Trevor replied dryly.

Beatrice stopped, turning to face him. "I'm serious. You're walking into a kingdom built on divine energy, and you carry both light and darkness. That makes you a threat to them, whether you mean to be or not."

Trevor crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "If they see me as a threat, that's their problem."

Beatrice's frustration was evident, but she took a deep breath, reigning it in. "Just… be careful. For both our sakes."

Trevor studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But don't expect me to bow and scrape."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Beatrice said, her tone lighter.

***

That evening, Trevor was summoned to the king's private chambers. The room was smaller than he expected, its walls lined with bookshelves and artifacts instead of gold and marble. King Luthar sat at a simple desk, his expression more thoughtful than commanding.

"You wanted to see me?" Trevor asked, stepping inside.

The king gestured to a chair. "Sit."

Trevor remained standing.

The king raised an eyebrow but didn't press the matter. "I'll be direct, traveler. My daughter speaks of your strength and your actions in Helmond Canyon. But your power… it's dangerous. Both divine and demonic energy run through you… a combination that no mortal should possess."

"I didn't choose it," Trevor said evenly.

"No," the king replied. "But you bear it nonetheless. And that makes you a target… not just for those who fear you, but for those who would use you."

Trevor's gaze sharpened. "Is that why I'm here? To be used?"

The king held his gaze, his tone calm. "You're here because my daughter believes in you. And for now, that's enough. But understand this, traveler. Should your power become a threat to my kingdom, I will act."

Trevor's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I'll keep that in mind."

The king lips widened to a smile "You may leave"

As Trevor left the king's chambers, his thoughts were heavy. The warning in King Luthar's words was clear, but it wasn't what unsettled him. It was the faint whispers that had returned, clawing at the edges of his mind.

Beatrice was waiting for him in the corridor, her expression expectant.

"Well?" she asked.

Trevor shrugged. "He's not a fan."

Beatrice sighed. "He'll come around. He always does."

Trevor's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the stars were beginning to appear. "We'll see."