Chapter 3

What in the world just happened? Rika stared at the broken shards of the orb on the ground. That can't be normal, right? It's definitely not my powers, so they must come with the body. Is this how the story is supposed to move along? I don't know because didn't even make it past the intro and putting my name in!

"Why did it break?" Wolfe asked, and whispers from the few invited nobles behind them erupted. "We were never told about something like that."

"I-I'm not sure." Ferran knelt down to stare at the shards. "I've read through all the notes from previous generations about summoning a saint and testing their power, but it's never broken before.

"Isn't it obvious?" Dryden laughed. "She's just that powerful. The orb couldn't take it, so it broke. Simple, isn't it?"

"For once, I agree with Dryden," Alric said and sent a soft gaze towards Rika. "You've passed the test."

"But, Your Highness—"

"Wolfe, back down."

"Yes, sir." He sighed and stepped back, gritting his teeth. "Please be careful."

Prince Alric pulled a golden key with a rose-patterned handle out of the inside of his jacket. "With this, we will officially welcome you into the Rose Court, Saint Rika." Alric opened the cage door and held his hand out to her.

Rika stared at his hand. Does this mean I'm officially stuck here? "I hate to break it to you, but I don't know anything about being a saint. I have no powers in my world."

"I'm sorry, but we wouldn't have summoned you if we didn't need to. We'll get more into the details later, but for now, how about we settle you in?"

I guess I have to go with it. It's better than continuing to sit on this cold cage floor with my legs falling asleep.

He stared into her eyes. "I swear we mean you no harm."

With another deep breath, Rika took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet, out of the cage.

"Oh." She stumbled, her legs struggling to hold her up.

"Got you." He kept hold of her hand and pulled her up against him, his arm around her waist. "Are you okay, Saint Rika?"

Rika stared at his handsome face up close and froze. "I... I'm fine, thank you. Please, just call me Rika; the title is unnecessary."

"Okay, Rika, you can call me Alric."

"Ahem," Wolfe cleared his throat. "Even if she is our saint, that is inappropriate." Wolfe glanced at the nobles behind them. "On that note, so is this." He eyed Alric's arm around her.

"Fine," Alric sighed. "But it's okay when it's just the two of us," he whispered into Rika's ear.

Rika nodded.

"Do you think you can stand?"

"Yes, I should be able to. I'm sorry about this."

Alric shook his head. "Nothing to be sorry about. If anything, it's our fault for summoning you into a cage. My apologizes." He released her waist and kissed the back of her hand. "I look forward to working with you, but for now, I'll show you to your room."

"I can do that." Dryden stepped closer. "I think you have more important matters to deal with." He gestured to the nobles behind him, awaiting his official decree to send out about the saint.

"Ah, right." Alric's cheek twitched. "If you and Farren wouldn't mind, please show her to the room we've set up."

Dryden turned to her and held his arm out. "Milady, I shall show you to your new quarters."

Had to be him, didn't it? "Thank you." She hesitated, but took his arm, not seeing another option.

"You're in good hands." Dryden patted her hand on his arm and led her out of the large double doors with Ferran a few steps behind.

Finally, out of the ballroom. Rika looked around at the pillars and luscious garden beyond as they slowly made their way to another section of the palace. How big is this place? They walked for a while, passing several doors until they reached tall white doors with a golden rose design on the door.

Inside, Dryden stopped and gestured down the hall with several doors. "This is the Rose Wing for high-ranking guests when they stay here, including me, and our friend behind us. He's a top-ranking magician and kept close to the palace. You, my dear, will be staying upstairs where the royals stay. It's off-limits to most people, but you will have your own maid." Dryden led her to the stairs.

Upstairs with the royals? Does that mean my room will be near the prince's? Why not on the ground floor? Am I just moving into a bigger, more comfortable cage?

With every careful step up the stairs in her high heels and heavy dress, the pressure in Rika's chest rose.

"Are you okay, Miss Rika?" Ferran asked from behind, worried about her pace.

"If you're still too disoriented, I can always carry you to your room," Dryden offered.

"No, thank you. I'm just tired," Rika said. Oh, how I wish that were the only problem. She paused, took a deep breath, and continued upstairs.

Dryden walked her to her room and opened the door for her. "This here is all yours."

"Thank you for walking me to my room." Rika gave him a small bow.

"Sure thing."

Rika's eyes widened when she saw the room. Silky red fabrics on the canopy bed and framing the windows.

"You have a bathroom over there, and a walk-in closet filled with dresses and jewellery on the other side," Dryden explained. He walked past her in her room and slid open the balcony door. "This is a good spot for fresh air with the beautiful garden below." He motioned for her to join him.

Rika stood beside him and looked down over the railing.

"A small sanctuary down there and a great view up here." He leaned in closer. "Might be a good place to help you calm down."

"Thanks."

Dryden eyed her for a moment and smiled. "Please feel free to ask me for help anytime."

"Miss Rika," Farren called out to her. "Your personal maid has arrived. This is Celeste," Farren introduced her, and she bowed deeply.

"Hello, Saint Rika. Welcome to Rose Palace. I will be your personal maid for the duration of your stay," Celeste said, still bowing.

"You don't need to bow to me," Rika said.

"Yes, I must. It is a show of respect." Celeste stood upright and stared into her eyes. "You are our most important guest and shall be treated as such."

Is this all luxury or a way to keep track of me?

Dryden stepped beside her and dropped his hand on her shoulder. "Accept the life of luxury they're offering you," he whispered to Rika. "It'll be a small solace in this place."

That doesn't make me feel any better.

"Um... We should let you rest for now," Ferran said and gestured towards the door. "And we should return."

Dryden sighed, knowing he was right. "For reference, you can also use Celeste here to retrieve people for you." Dryden winked at her and headed out. "I look forward to our next meeting."

"Goodbye." Ferran bowed and left with Dryden.

"Is there anything you require?" Celeste asked.

"No, thank you. I'd rather be alone right now. I'm still busy trying to process my new reality," Rika replied.

"Okay, Saint Rika." Celeste bowed again.

"Please stop calling me that."

"But that's who you are. If you need anything, I'll be outside." Celeste left Rika alone, the door clicking shut behind her.

"Ha..." Rika let out a deep sigh.

A screen appeared in front of her. 'Quest Complete.'

'Reward: Title Saint'

I'm not sure that's a reward. Rika reached out to touch it, and her hand passed through.

She sighed and flopped down on the big, soft bed, closing her eyes. At least the bed is comfortable.

I wonder what the chances are that if I go to sleep, I will wake up back in my body? Wait... My body! What happened to me in my world? Am I lying on the rooftop unconscious? If I'm stuck here too long, I might not have a body to go back to. "Dammit," Rika grumbled.