The Kings Mistress Chapter 41

[ … words ]

It was finally time for the princesses to partake in the Resonance. This ceremony was of great importance in Drakin. Nobles came from all over the kingdom just to witness the event. All the princesses were dressed in their finest outfits.

Some had multiple servants with them, ready with offerings and gifts for the Patrons in hopes of being favored. The order in which they were to partake in the ceremony was decided based on who came first. Princess Cassandra and Princess Agnes were amongst the first few to arrive at the Patron Hall.

By the time Sierra got there, she was the last. Ida was already fretting over it, but Sierra told her not to worry about it.

“The order isn’t going to affect the ceremony, Ida. Fret not,” she assured her maid.

Sierra carefully lifted her sleeve, making sure no one could see what lay underneath but her. It was Opal. Ever since she woke up that morning, her pet snake had been eager to coil onto her wrist.

It was as if she was eager for Sierra to partake in the ceremony.

“Now you behave yourself, Opal. Alright?” she whispered.

Opal lifted her head and gave Sierra a nod. They turned their attention back to the announcer ahead of them. It was one of the priestesses of the Patron Hall, ready for the ceremony to begin.

Just then, the trumpets were sounded in quick succession of one another. Everyone in the Patron Hall turned their attention to the entrance. The large oak wood doors were pushed open by four guards, two on each door.

“Entering the Patron Hall, King Alistair and Queen Roxine of Drakin!”

Everyone got down on their knees. Only the princesses were allowed to curtsy in respect to the King and Queen. While most kept their eyes glued to the ground, Sierra could not help but glance over to Alistair and Roxine. It had been a while since she last saw Alistair. He was wearing his ceremonial mask.

While he was emotionless, Queen Roxine was all smiles. She looked from side to side at all of her subjects as they were escorted to their designated seats on one side of the Patron Hall.

From where they sat, they had a full view.

“Proceed as per normal, priestess,” Alistair projected his voice loud and clear.

It rang throughout the hall, bouncing off the walls and ceiling. Everyone got back up on their feet and the ceremony began. Princess Cassandra was up first. She held her head up high, dressed in the most exquisite riches and finery money could buy.

With her, was an entourage of ten maids and servants, each carrying a tray of offerings. Some carried rolls of high-grade cashmere cloths, gold, silver, and gemstones. The priestess guided Cassandra to the round altar in the center of the room.

Carvings on the ground led from each Patron to the altar itself. Sierra could not really hear what the priestess was saying from where she stood. All she could see was Cassandra’s back view as she picked up the ceremonial dagger and slit her palm.

She held out her hand, allowing the fresh blood to drip into the fiery bowl in front of her. Standing next to each of the Patron statues was a priest or priestess of Patron Hall. As soon as the first drops of Princess Cassandra’s blood dripped into the bowl, they began singing hymns.

Though she could not understand a word they were singing, the effects were clear for all to see. All the lights in the hall began to flicker as the carvings around the altar began to glow. Only one stream of bright red light could be seen moving through the carvings.

“There it is!”

“Where is it leading to?”

There had been much speculation on which Patrons the princesses would resonate with. Everyone gasped in amazement as one of the Patron statues lit up.

Though Sierra could not see her expressions, she was quite certain Cassandra was grinning from ear to ear.

“Congratulations, Princess Cassandra! You have gained the favor of Twylight the Pegasi!”

The majestic statue of Patron Twylight was a sight to behold. A winged horse with its wings fully unfurled while its front legs were raised. The bowl before it was lit.

Princess Cassandra stepped off the altar as she was guided towards Twylight’s altar to offer the offerings she had brought with her. With each offering made, the fire burned brighter. Once it was done, Cassandra was asked to kneel before the statue.

As soon as she did, a spirit form of the pegasi burst forth from the statue, flying through the Patron Hall before disappearing into Cassandra’s body.

After that, she was helped back up to her feet and received cheers and applause from everyone present. Even King Alistair and Queen Roxine were clapping for her. Sierra did not realize she was starting in Alistair’s direction for some time until he glanced over at her.

She quickly averted her gaze and took another step forward as another princess got up to the altar. Princess Agnes gained the favor of Krysa, the Crystal Tiger. When it came to Myra, she was nervous. She had brought with her a small bundle of offerings. When she realized Sierra had none, she insisted on giving her some.

Sierra shook her head, refusing to take any of it, “Don’t worry about me, Myra.”

Unable to talk Sierra into taking it, she had no choice but to give up on that idea. She nervously walked up to the altar and followed the instructions the priestess gave her. She was second to last, with Sierra being next.

Myra turned back to look at Sierra nervously, her hands were shaking. Cassandra could not help but roll her eyes at Myra’s nervousness. There was nothing to be afraid of.

“You’ll be alright. Best of luck!” Sierra whispered to her with a smile.

Gaining confidence from the support of her friend, Myra steeled her nerves. As everyone held their breath and watched her, Roxine leaned closer to Alistair.

“So, who do you think your favorite to win is going to gain the favor of?” she asked him with a grin.

Alistair chuckled as he leaned in close to whisper in her ear, “I read her palm the other day. I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised.”

Roxine did not like being held in suspense, but she decided not to pry any further. Instead, she switched gears to talk about something else as they watched Myra slit her palm with the ceremonial dagger.

“The informant I sent will be returning tonight. Are you ready to find out more about your mysterious princess?”

She had told him about her plans to send someone to find any information they could about Sierra and her mysterious past. Alistair was equally intrigued. He remembered each of their encounters vividly. The more they spent time together, the more sure he became.

Sierra was no normal princess. Perhaps, the Resonance would prove it even more than before.