Chapter 4: My “Allies” Want Me Dead Part 1

Of the prince’s three closest, only Roman and Aster were part of factions large enough to potentially sway the royal family, as they both held prominent positions in the country’s two major churches. Between them, my choice was clear. Despite being friends since childhood, Aster had become quieter over the years to the point where we had barely spoken since our enrollment in the academy. He was always the one most likely to skip the prince’s gatherings, to the point where even I considered him to be a shut-in.

According to Roman, this disinterest stemmed from disputes between their respective factions. The Church of Eros, which Roman’s father led, was highly valued in the kingdom, as they trained and managed almost every healer within the country’s borders. They claimed that the goddess created healing magic as a gift for humanity to protect them from the destructive power of the magic her brother had crafted.

This very magic was what was studied in the Church of Logos, which Aster’s father led, though it may be a bit misleading to call it a church. Logos is the god of logic and magic. As such, his church worshipped him through continued study and debate about different aspects of magic. It was more like a college than a church, but without the frat parties.

Because Eros was so beloved in the kingdom, Logos was often looked down upon or dismissed by more pious individuals, which also led to magic being viewed solely as a destructive force that lacked the honor of standard combat. Consequently, Logos’ church was also mocked. This created some friction between Aster and me as I was set to become the saint for the Church of Eros. Roman suspected that Aster was angry and jealous that his own church lacked such a beloved figure.

Roman often explained things to me about the churches as a way of preparing me for the role that I would one day hold. While I had not been particularly excited about taking on a role that would require me to spend so much time with people, I was comforted by the knowledge that Aster would always be there to support me. Nothing had ever or could ever happen, of course, but I had always viewed him as a much better potential partner than Leo. While the prince usually respected my need for solitude, his feelings for me often felt quite distant when compared to the boisterous and supportive Roman. As I made my plans for the day, I even considered the possibility that Roman and I could be together after he convinced the prince to end our relationship peacefully. I probably wouldn’t be able to retain my title of saint, but I still had powerful healing magic that could be very beneficial to the church.

As I entertained these fantasies over breakfast, a cheese omelet which I was now having for the third day in a row, I had Sally deliver a message to Roman’s room requesting an immediate meeting. I had learned my lesson from the day before, and while I highly doubted that I would catch Roman and Holly together, a bit of courtesy couldn’t hurt. I was still technically being rude by insisting on a meeting that day, but it wasn’t as rude as suddenly showing up. Besides, I had little choice, and Roman didn’t seem to mind as Sally quickly returned, with a message saying that I could come to his room whenever I was free that day.

I immediately made my way there, and as before, people whispered behind my back about how strange it was to see me walking around when there weren’t any classes to attend. However, unlike last time, I also noticed that most people were in their own little worlds, complaining about a lost locket, a cheating partner, or asking for advice on how to end a relationship. They were all speaking a bit too loudly, considering some of the topics being discussed were fairly sensitive, but I paid their chatter little mind as I made my way to Roman’s room.

While I had never been to his room alone and I was pushing the limits of noble etiquette by doing so, Roman greeted me with his usual easygoing smile. Though it was barely past breakfast, he prepared some tea for us, while his attendant plated a few snacks. Despite the danger I was facing, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and safety as I watched them work. Certainly, this would be my answer. Certainly, Roman would be the one to save me.

“So what is on your mind, my dear saint-to-be?”

That was how he always referred to me, and I couldn’t help but smile as I heard it. I was sure that his use of that nickname meant he didn’t know about the prince’s plan, and I still had time to win him over to my side.

“I’m sorry to bother you so early, but it’s urgent.”

“I assumed it was,” he said with a chuckle. “I was so surprised to hear you wanted to meet that I half-expected you to walk in with a dead body.”

“Nobody’s dead yet,” I assured with an awkward smile, while also silently wondering if killing Holly could somehow save me from the prince’s wrath. “However, I have reason to believe that Leo may soon be after my life.”

“Ah, this is about Holly,” he said with an understanding smile.

“You know about her!” I jumped from my chair in shock. How could he have known and not told me? Moreover, why had he still called me his dear saint-to-be when he knew I was about to lose that position?

“But of course, I introduced them. Holly has little political backing or understanding of noble culture, but her healing magic is at practically the same level as your own. I had hoped the prince could provide her with a certain level of protection, but then true love began to bloom before my very eyes. It was a majestic event that would bring even the great goddess herself to tears!”

I sat there dumbfounded as he raved about the beauty of my fiancé cheating on me. Roman had always been a friend and confidant to me. He was my greatest ally, yet he seemed indifferent to my own suffering. How could this be?

“But what about me?” I eventually managed to mutter between a break in his ranting. He became silent and looked at me, as if he had truly forgotten I was in the room. The kind smile returned to his face, but it was now tinged in a cold madness that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Do not worry, my dear. You will also play an essential role in their love story, as the hated villainess whose jealousy drives them together. You will live on forever in stories and plays. YOU WILL BE IMMORTAL!”

“I am not a villainess!” I screamed. “I never bullied Holly. I didn’t even know about the prince’s feelings for her until today!”

“Whyever would that matter?” he asked with a terrifingly angled turn of his head. “The story has already been written, and your part must be played as the goddess demands. You will be the darkness that their love overcomes to shine even brighter. Is that not beautiful?”

I ran. I had no choice. The madness in his eyes told me I had no choice. Nothing, not even my innocence, could convince him to help me. Despite our years of friendship, he was happy to let me die, all for the sake of making a better love story. He was insane, and so was the goddess he served. I needed to escape, but I didn’t make it very far.