The moment that I stepped inside the portal gate, I was greeted by a blinding light. I closed my eyes because of it. The moment I felt the light fad, I opened my eyes and I was greeted with a sight that surprised me.
It was like I did not leave the room. The structure of the church here in Alessandria is the same with every church in the continent. The only contrast here is the people. The people here have attires that are totally different form where I just came from. Their skin color and hair color are in a more darker tone as well.
"Good day to you, princess Almera of the Constantine Empire." A priest greeted. "I am Radeek, the high priest of this church. It is an honor to meet the daughter of the saintess."
"Pleasure to meet you as well, high priest." I greeted back.
"Please, call me Radeek your highness." Radeek replied.
"Then Radeek it is." I smiled politely. "This here is my personal maid, Jessie."
Radeek nodded to Jessie and she bowed her head back.
Radeek was an Alessadrian that is working for the Chrirch of Light. He had olive tan skin, dark brown eyes, and black hair. Judging by his looks, he must be in his late twenties.
'He seems young to be the high priest.' I thought.
"I am here to escort you to your quarters. You would be staying here for the night." Radeek said. "Your luggage arrived earlier and are already in your quarters."
"Stay for the night?" I asked. "I thought I would be on my way the moment I arrived."
"That was the plan. But I am afraid that your departure would need to be put on hold." Radeek replied. "Just now, a terrible sand storm appeared. No one can travel in this conditions, so I am afraid you are stranded for now your highness."
"I see." I replied. "Well there is nothing to be done with the sandstorm going on outside. Thank you for giving as the accommodations, Radeek."
"No need to thank me, your highness." Radeek replied. "It is the least I can do. Then please follow me." He said.
Radeek led the way and we followed from behind. Like the other churches, the architecture and the structure are quite the same that it felt like I did not go anywhere.
We passed a few Alessandrians that bowed to me while we passed by.
"The people here had heard of your arrival m, your highness. They know that you would be the emperor's concubine." Radeek said. "I just wished that it would not have been your faith." He said with a solemn expression.
"As a princess of my empire, it is my duty to follow my emperor." I replied. "Having an arranged married is not new to royalty."
"I know, but being a concubine… hah." Radeek said. "I do not have any ill feelings about our emperor. He is a great leader to the people. But his harem is a little… well it is quite big. He is a bit of a womanizer, I might say."
I can see that Radeek was concerned for my well being. Being added into a harem is not really something a royalty like me should be in, or any woman. As a concubine, they should be content with sharing their husband with other women. Not only that, if your husband does not show affection to you then you can be bullied. Also giving your heart to a man with many wives is the most fatal. You would have to feel the burning jealousy every time you see him with another concubine.
'Well, I have no intention of falling in love with the emperor.' I thought to myself. 'I plan to strike a deal with him in order to survive and also get my revenge with the ones that wants me dead. After I get what I want, then I can run away from the harem and live some place else. If he does not want to be emperor, then I would ask him to come with me.'
We arrived at a door and Radeek opened it. Inside was a pleasant looking room. The bed was huge and the furnitures looked good. The furniture here have different designs from my home in the Constantine Empire. This is one of the things that is different here in the church compared to the one I just came from.
"I wish you a good rest." Radeek said. "If you need anything just call any of the personnel of the church. Dinner will be brought here in your quarters, so you just need to relax."
"Thank you, Radeek." I replied. "By the way, are my escorts already here?"
"Do you mean the one that Emperor Romulus had sent to escort you to the capital?" Radeek asked and I nodded. "I am afraid they were caught by the sand storm before they could arrive here. I am sure they will be arriving when the sand storm have subsided."
"I see." I replied. "Thank you once again."
"Do not mention it." Radeek said with a smile. "Oh by the way, the servants quarters is that way. Would you like me to show you?" He asked Jessie.
"But I still need to tend to her highness." Jessie said.
"It is alright Jessie. You may go." I said. "I will do fine by myself for now."
"I understand, your highness." Jessie replied. "I will be right back then."
Jessie followed Radeek outside the room. I closed the door and headed straight to the bed and laid down. I felt the bed sink from my weight. The mattress here are more fluffy compared to the ones back in Constantine which were hard.
"Hmm, I would like to purchase one for myself when I run away from here." I muttered to myself.
I looked at the ceiling of the room and was deep in thought. Now that I knew about the threat to my life by Duke Noel, I am sure that Alexus is not safe as well.
"If our lives are on the line, then the seat of emperor is not important. I would rather get my brother and live elsewhere where it is more peaceful." I said.
I remember Alexus telling me that being emperor is not important if I am not beside him. If he really does not want the title of emperor, then I plan to strike a deal with Emperor Romulus. I will give him the Constantine Empire.
"I will serve him the Constantine Empire on a silver platter." I said. "It will be the greatest revenge I could ever have against the Aberfort family and my father the emperor."
This will be my sweet revenge.