Chapter 17

Rika and Alric stood just inside the palace, waiting for Dryden to announce their arrival. Her heart beat fast at the thought of the crowd on the other side.

You can do this, Rika. You can't let it explode. A screen popped up.

'Quest: Ceremonial Debut.'

'Reward: Reputation Up, All Suitors' Affection Up.'

'Failure: Reputation Down, Wolfe Affection Down, Hope Down.'

Why can't it ever explain anything? Is this an unfinished game or just super hard?

"And now, for the moment you've been waiting for..." Dryden yelled, and the crowd went silent. "I'd like to introduce our new shining hope, Saint Rika, escorted by the one and only Prince Alric," Dryden called out and clapped as the double doors to the palace opened.

The orchestra nearby played a short, ethereal tune as Rika and Alric walked out. Down the stairs, the crowd beyond the row of guards expanded out past the palace gates, further than she could see.

Damn, they weren't kidding.

Even at a glance, Rika could see those close by with their hands clasped together in front of them as their eyes stayed glued to her. Alric separated from her, but only by a few inches, still staying by her side as Ferran approached, climbing the stairs to them with an orb sitting on a red velvet pillow.

"This special orb shall reveal her powers. A bright golden hue is that of the saint." Dryden explained and stepped to the side. "If you will, Rika," he whispered her name.

He looks tired. I hope he's okay. She couldn't help but notice the dark rings under his eyes, no matter how much he had tried to hide them. Rika took a deep breath and held her hand out, touching the orb.

A bright golden light erupted from the orb immediately, a rose symbol appearing in the middle.

"Do you see that?"

"It's so beautiful."

"Is that a rose? I can't tell from back here."

"She's really the saint!"

"We're going to be saved!"

The crowd broke out into a resounding cheer. "Saint Rika!" they chanted her name.

Dryden motioned with both his hands to lower the noise. "And with our evidence, we shall declare her our official saint." He clapped and stepped off to the side as Ferran pulled out another pillow with a golden thorn crown with a red rose blooming in the middle and a delicate veil cascading down the back.

Ferran knelt down in front of Alric and held up the crown for him. Alric carefully picked up the crown and turned to Rika, who dipped down, ready to kneel. "No need to get on your knees. If anything, I'd rather you didn't. You're short enough to just duck down," Alric whispered, stopping her partway.

Doubt I could get back up if I kneeled in this, anyway.

"Do you pledge your loyalty to Thornburg and the Crown?"

"I do," Rika said as Dryden told her to, not that she felt the loyalty.

Alric carefully placed the crown on her head, the veil hitting her shoulders and flowing halfway down her back.

And everything just got a bit heavier.

Alric took her hand and turned towards the crowd. "Please help me in welcoming Saint Rika."

The crowd erupted once again, chanting her name, wishing her well, and asking for her blessings.

Blessings? They haven't taught me anything about that yet. I'd rather skip that one, though.

Dryden came out clapping from the side and turned to the crowd. "Now, it's time to enjoy the festivities on this joyous day. Eat at the many vendors we've stationed just outside the palace, courtesy of us. Play games at the stations, and best of all, let's dance!" He motioned towards the orchestra, and they started to play as people shuffled back off the tiled floor down the steps they planned to use as a dance floor.

Alric turned to Rika and bowed to her. "Would you do me the honour of dancing with me?"

Don't have a choice on this one. She could feel all the eyes still on her from the crowd. "Of course." Rika took his hand, and he guided her down the stairs to the dance floor.

He held her hand, placed his hand on her back, and pulled her close, though he still kept a bit of space, unlike Dryden. As soon as they started to dance, the guards allowed others to join them on the dance floor.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Alric leaned in close and whispered into her ear.

Rika swallowed hard. "Nerve-wracking, honestly. I've never been in front of a crowd that big before."

All my previous experience with crowds feels a bit light now, but at least I didn't have to give an hour-long presentation.

She took a deep breath and focused on their movements, following Alric along.

"You arrived only recently, and yet, you are a magnificent dancer."

"T-thank you, but I suppose my teacher had a hand in that."

Alric's jaw tightened.

What was that about? Did I say something wrong? Focus on dancing, or you'll step on his foot.

"Ahem," Alric cleared his throat. "I haven't had much free time to spend with you lately, despite being the one who activated your summoning—"

"I thought that was Ferran."

"Ferran prepared the ritual, and the spell required, but only royal blood can activate it."

"Oh." Still learning about how all of this works, I guess.

"Anyway, while we have a chance today, would you like to enjoy more festivities with me?" Alric smiled down at her.

"Is... that wise? I didn't think either of us would be allowed to since they know who I am now, and you're... you." Apparently, I lose my way with words around him. Suck it up, Rika; you've dealt with higher-ups plenty of times.

Alric chuckled and spun her.

"Oh," she gasped, having not expected it.

"I can go out into town if I want, though Wolfe will practically be glued to me. And you'll be alright if I'm beside you."

"I'm not sure if that'd be a good idea; it might stop others from having fun." Rika could still feel eyes on her and hear their whispers, talking about the two of them together.

I guess his people wish for him to find a queen, too.

"Sadly, I have to agree with you there, but I thought it might've been fun. I think we both need a bit of time to unwind, and I'd love to enjoy your company while doing it."

"Oh." A faint blush crept up her cheeks.

Screams rang out by the palace gate, and a flood of knights rushed over to check it out.

Wolfe stood in front of Alric and Rika, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Ferran joined in beside him, special tome in hand.

The crowd parted as a man coated in blood, dragging the body of a mangled demon behind him, walked towards the palace.

The guards surrounded him.

"I told you all I'd be joining this party beforehand, but not one of you checked up on me when I didn't show."

Alric and Rika's eyes widened, recognizing the voice right away.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you sent this demon to assassinate me, but we both know you lot aren't capable of that."

"Prince Kael." Alric walked towards him, and the guards stepped aside. "What in the world happened?" His eyes trailed down Kael as a pungent copper scent filled the air.

"It's like I said: I was attacked." Kael tossed the demon's body on the ground in front of Alric. "And it caused me to miss the main part of the ceremony." He sighed and shook his head. "You know, if I had a room at the palace, this probably wouldn't have happened."

"You never agreed when it was offered before."

"Doesn't mean I won't eventually, especially with what's at stake now." Kael tilted to the side, looking around Alric at Rika. "Hello, my dear Saint Rika. I'm sorry I missed your welcoming ceremony. I was looking forward to dancing with you." He smiled at her.

Geez. She automatically took a step back. Better not try to while covered in blood.

Alric sidestepped to block his view of her.

"Are you stopping me from greeting the new saint?" He gasped, holding his hand over his heart. "And here I thought you were open to friendlier relations with Aeuro."

"Of course, we are. You know that's what we've been striving for, for decades."

"In that case..." Kael approached Alric. "There is one easy way to guarantee Aeuro doesn't attack and will even work together with you."

Alric's eyes narrowed. "And what would that be?"

"It's simple. Give me her." Kael sidestepped to look at Rika. "Give me the saint, and I guarantee Aeuro will no longer be hostile."

Before Alric could respond, Kael rushed by him, up to Rika, and pulled her into his arms.

"Oh!" What? What's going on? Rika froze, her heart racing as Kael wrapped his arms around her. Crap, crap, crap. What do I do?

"Hello again, little bunny," he whispered, smiling, and kissed her on the lips.

"Umph!"

Alric yanked Kael away from her, and Wolfe stepped in between as Dryden and Ferran pulled Rika back. "That was unacceptable and disrespectful, especially while like this." Alric motioned towards the blood covering him, which left off on Rika. "She is the saint, and we will not tolerate this treatment towards her, even from you."

Kael licked his lips. "Well, what are you going to do now? If you kill me, you'll bring the wrath of Aeuro onto you. Even putting me in your dungeon will spur movement." Kael laughed.

He's insane. She looked at the audience's eyes on her. And I can't let him treat me like this, especially in front of them. Without another thought, she skipped past the others and slapped Kael across his cheek, his head whipping to the side. "You're not allowed to treat people like this," she said, pointing at him. "Now, go inside, clean up, and the three of us can have a proper conversation."

Everyone went silent, eyes wide in disbelief that anyone would slap him.

Kael laughed and held onto his cheek, smiling. "Feisty, I like it. Okay then, so long as I get to talk to you." He walked around the others, headed into the palace.

Alric looked at Wolfe and nudged his head, telling him to escort Kael. "Dryden, Ferran, you two keep the festivities moving."

"Your Highness." They both bowed as he passed.

"Let's get you inside." Alric shrugged off his coat and set it on her shoulders, trying to cover up the blood, and escorted her inside.