"With the blessing of His Holiness Viego the IV, I, Temmo Lindenn, will dissolve the union between Carlos Julius Em and Yelena Anola. If you will... here and here."
We dipped our fingers in the blood shed by the witness and pressed the prints onto the official document. When I pulled my hand back, I felt lighter, utterly unburdened.
"Thank you for coming, Bishop Temmo. That would be all." I took the two identical pieces of paper and extended one to Yelena. "I doubt we'll ever cross paths again. Take care and give my best to your family."
I strode away without listening to or caring about her reply.
I found myself almost running, rereading the document stained with the witnesses' blood, tracing the lines of her fingertip impression.
It was done, and it had gone exactly as planned—even better! It was truly fortuitous her family was absent, having likely retreated south from the accumulating snow. By the time news reached them, the thaw would have already begun.
I waited for my horse to be brought to me and left in a hurry.
The sun shone brightly, yet the cold did not penetrate. My soul felt free, and my heart could now be given without reservation. Hell... let's grab him and abscond before nightfall. Cutting the trip short by a day—I doubted he would object...
"Hoo! Easy, boy..." I hauled back on the reins, slowing my horse.
I turned the corner and saw hundreds of priests huddled together against the cold, alongside giant, extravagant carriages that conveyed the Pope and the Princes of the Church.
Father... damn you.
I galloped slowly, observing their demeanor, but it was the same nauseating sycophancy I'd grown accustomed to since receiving my blessing at age sixteen. Some bowed, others prayed, chanting their ridiculous hymns.
"Lord Em."
"May Ehlite ble—"
"Milord..."
I ignored the lot of them and spurred the horse toward the main house.
The entrance was lined with archers in light armor, holding bows, who offered a subtle bow as I passed. They looked intimidating, or at least that was their job. Their hands rested firmly on their short swords, the white and blue of their armor contrasting with their half-capes draped over their left shoulders.
Father... you were rash.
He should have simply waited until the afternoon. He likely dispatched riders the moment we left for the guesthouse. Now, only Ehlite knows how this will turn out. Shit... it had been going so smoothly. I was too careless, as if the bloody butler could actually stop them.
Now, the outcome was ambiguous—it might be fine, or it might be a blood bath.
Inside the main hall, there were no archers, only the Cardinals of the Church rhythmically clapping to the most jovial atmosphere I had ever witnessed.
^*♪♪ We can't just marry yet another year, my love... then it will come true... ♪♪^*
Zephyr was embracing Father and Viego Aragona, the current Pope, and singing alongside them—a famous ballad I knew by heart. It told the story of a Dharma priest who went off to war, promising his childhood love to marry her once he earned military honor. Needles to say, it did not have a happy ending.
Mother clapped along with the Princes of the Church and my cousins, mostly women and their ladies-in-waiting.
What the actual hell!?
I wasn't even noticed and was slightly jostled as some holy archers carried in a large chest and brought tray after tray of wine.
Once the song reached its inevitable, melancholy conclusion, they erupted in loud laughter, like the oldest, grandest of friends.
"Lord Zephyr! How do you know this song?"
Viego, looking happier than I'd ever seen him, waved one of his men over with drinks and handed Zephyr a glass, momentarily forgetting Father, who snatched a glass for himself after realizing he wouldn't be offered one.
I admit that was funny... but still...
It was odd seeing the Pope like this. His always rigid and righteous nature was nowhere to be seen; in its place was just a man surrounded by friends.
"Umm... thank you Viego. I learned it all the way back in Insatel... some of Carlos's loyal soldiers used to sing it. It's a lovely song; it holds great meaning, I feel..."
He addressed the man by his first name, ignored his title, and gestured for him to sit closer, effectively commandeering my father's and mother's seats. My father didn't seem to mind and just grabbed a chair for himself!
I had never seen the man lift anything heavier than his utensils.
"Did you know the priest in that song is actually an ancestor of mine?" Viego asked after a few sips.
"No way..." Zephyr looked genuinely shocked, sipping his wine.
"Hmm... his name in real life..."
It was unbelievable. They still hadn't noticed me, so I simply walked toward my mother while the Pope entertained Zephyr with some likely fictions. The Cardinals soon raised their own glasses and crept ever forward toward their Holy Father.
"Ma? What is this?" I leaned closer, keeping my eyes on Zeph.
"Sweet one, how was your divorce? Also... why are you whispering?" She asked, her face slightly flushed.
"Huh? You—you knew? How!?"
She pointed at the man lost in the story, who was now laughing with the Pope and occasionally nudging him.
"Lord Zephyr told us. He also displayed his blessing to His Holiness. Viego is quite taken with him ever since they landed. What a wonderful power Ehlite has blessed him with."
I ignored my mother's dreamy gaze and watched as they refilled their cups, howling at a smug-looking Viego, who had casually taken off his papal tiara, displaying his short blonde hair.
Zephyr looked up.
Right at me, smiling. "Carlos, come join us."
He waved at one of the Cardinals, who reluctantly brought me a chair.
"I believe you know, Viego Aragona, your Pope... and fellow son of Ehlite."
He tapped the older man's neck, and I couldn't stop wondering what had transpired in less than an hour to bring about this development. Viego not only didn't mind the familiarity—unlike his Cardinals, who shot Zephyr murderous looks—but the man just smiled like a kind uncle and offered me his ring.
"Carlos Em... I don't believe we've ever spoken, child."
"Holy Father." I kissed his ring, as all must, regardless of status in this world. "My soul is nourished by your presence."
I recited the words hammered into me since I could talk. My soul is nourished... what drivel.
"Please, no more formalities. After all, it was thanks to you and our beloved God that I was able to meet this brother of ours."
Ours, huh? We are all children of Ehlite as long as you and your family decree it.
"He allowed me to touch the God himself, and I will never be able to thank him." He turned from me and gripped Zephyr's shoulder. "My own blessing would never have allowed me such a miraculous experience. Father has marked you out... and not just the hair! Hahaha."
He tousled Zephyr's hair and toasted him with their crystal clear glasses.
"Please! Healing those standing near death's door? It's an unbelievable mark, brother," Zephyr's familiarity with the man was almost disturbing. "...Your hands will one day heal this world of both diseases and conflicts."
Viego looked genuinely happy and a little embarrassed by the compliment, and his men nodded approvingly along with Zephyr.
"Thank you, Zephyr... Allow me to throw you a little celebration tomorrow. I know, it's only three days, but still... will you let me?"
"I would never insult you, big brother... we shall stay and enjoy your good company."
They dribbled as they toasted once more, but when Zephyr and I exchanged looks, there was a calculating glint in his eyes.
What are you planning, Zeph?