I woke up feeling surprisingly well, despite the traumatic events of the day before. I had fallen into the lake, struggling to stay afloat as my dress pulled me down. But my brothers, Prince Ansfrid and Prince Aelfhere, had come to my rescue, and together we had made it back to the shore.
As I sat up in bed, my maid, Beatrice, came into the room with a basin of water and fresh towels. "Good morning, Your Highness," she said, smiling. "How are you feeling today?"
"I'm feeling much better, thank you," I replied, returning her smile. "How long was I asleep?"
"You slept through most of the night, Your Highness," Beatrice said as she helped me to wash and change. "But it's already midmorning."
As I finished getting dressed, my brothers came to visit me. They looked worried, their expressions betraying their concern for my well-being. "Aurelia," Ansfrid said as they entered the room. "How are you feeling? We were so worried about you last night."
"I'm feeling much better, thank you," I said, smiling weakly. "Thank you both for rescuing me from the lake."
"We're just glad we were there to help you, Aurelia," Aelfhere said, smiling back. "We couldn't bear to lose our little sister."
"Thank you, both of you," I said, touched by their words.
My memory of the events returned in full force. I remembered the terror I had felt as I was dragged under the water and the burning in my lungs as I struggled to breathe. But I also remembered the feeling of my brothers' strong arms pulling me to safety and their voices encouraging me to keep fighting.
"Thank you for saving my life, Ansfrid and Aelfhere," I said, feeling grateful for their bravery.
They both shrugged off my thanks. "It was nothing, Aurelia," Aelfhere said. "We're just glad we were able to help."
We chatted for a while longer, catching up on the events of the day and discussing our plans for the future. But even as I smiled and laughed with my brothers, a small voice in the back of my mind reminded me of how close I had come to losing everything again.
As my brothers had left, I heard a knock at the door. "Come in," I called out.
Elvina, my closest friend and confidante, entered the room. She looked worried; her eyes were filled with concern. "Princess Aurelia," she said, rushing to my side. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling much better today, thank you," I replied, smiling weakly. "But I'm still a little shaken up by the whole experience."
"I can imagine," Elvina said, taking a seat next to me. "I was so scared when you fell into the lake. But I'm just glad you're okay now."
"Thank you for being there for me, Elvina," I said, feeling grateful for her presence during the accident.
"I'm always here for you, Your Highness," Elvina said, taking my hand. "But can I ask you something?"
"Of course," I said, curious.
"What happened when you fell into the lake?" Elvina asked, her expression serious. "I saw you struggling to stay afloat, but I couldn't see what was happening under the surface. Are you sure you're okay?"
I took a deep breath, preparing myself to recount the events of the day before. "I remember everything that happened," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I fell into the water, and my dress was pulling me down. I couldn't breathe, and I thought I was going to drown. But you were there with me, and you called for help. My brothers came to rescue me, and we made it back to the shore."
Elvina listened intently as I spoke, her eyes wide with concern. "That sounds terrifying, Princess," she said, squeezing my hand. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
"Thank you, Elvina," I said, feeling comforted by her presence. "But I'm just glad to be alive. I don't think I'll ever take my life for granted again."
Elvina nodded, understanding. "I'm here for you, Your Highness," she said, smiling. "Whenever you need me."
I smiled back, feeling grateful for Elvina's friendship. Despite the trauma of the day before, I knew that I had people in my life who cared about me. And that was enough to make me feel safe and loved.
As I sat in my chambers, trying to recover from the trauma of the day before, I heard a knock at my door. "Come in," I said, wondering who it could be.
To my surprise, it was one of my father's advisors. "Princess Aurelia," he said, bowing. "The Emperor requests your presence in his office immediately."
My heart started to race. Why would my father want to see me so urgently? Was it because of the accident on the lake? I didn't have time to dwell on these questions, though. I knew that my father wouldn't wait long for me.
I quickly changed into a formal gown and made my way to my father's office. As I entered the room, I saw that my father was already seated at his desk, looking serious but not angry.
"Aurelia," he said, motioning for me to take a seat. "I trust you are feeling better after your ordeal on the lake?"
"Yes, Father," I said, feeling nervous. "I'm feeling much better, thank you."
"I'm glad to hear that," my father said. "But there is something important that we need to discuss." He gestured for her to take a seat. "I have been thinking about your holy magic and how best to help you control it."
I nodded, relieved that her father wasn't angry with her.
"I was thinking that we should seek the advice of the pope," Emperor Asjborn continued. "He has extensive knowledge about holy magic. Perhaps he could provide some guidance."
Aurelia's eyes widened in surprise. "The pope? Really?"
"Yes, Aurelia," her father confirmed. "I believe it would be wise to seek his counsel. What do you think?"
Aurelia considered for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Father. I think that is a good idea. I would be grateful for any help I can get."
The Emperor smiled at his daughter. "I knew you would agree. We will make arrangements to visit the temple and speak with the Pope as soon as possible."
Aurelia nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She wondered what the Pope would say about her holy magic and if he would agree to train her as his prodigy.
"Father, do you think the Pope will be able to help me control my holy magic?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
The Emperor placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I believe he will, my dear. The Pope is very powerful and knowledgeable when it comes to holy magic. He will surely guide us on the right path."
Aurelia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She trusted her father's judgment and knew he wouldn't lead her astray.
"I hope so, Father. I don't want to cause any more accidents with my magic," she said, her tone sincere.
"You are my daughter, Aurelia," my father said, standing up and walking over to me. "And I will always love you, no matter what."
He embraced me then, and I felt a sense of safety and security in his arms. For the first time in a long time, I felt that everything would be okay.
A few days later, we arrived at the temple, and I was filled with awe and reverence at its grandeur. The building was tall and imposing, with intricate carvings and mosaics on its walls. The Pope's chamber was at the top of the temple, and we climbed a long flight of stairs to reach it.
As Princess Aurelia and her father entered the Pope's chamber, they were greeted by a tall, young man with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His youthful appearance was striking, as he appeared to be no older than twenty years old. He wore a long, flowing white robe embroidered with gold thread, and a golden mitre adorned with precious gems rested upon his head.
Despite his youthful appearance, the Pope exuded an air of wisdom and authority. His voice was deep and resonant as he spoke, and his words carried weight and significance. He looks no more than 20 years old, but there was a wisdom and a kindness in his eyes that seemed to belie his age.
His handsome features were defined by sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a prominent nose. His eyes, a bright and piercing blue, were framed by thick, dark lashes that accentuated their intensity. His hair, a rich shade of chestnut brown, was cropped close to his head, emphasizing his angular features.
As the princess entered his chamber, Helios felt a familiar warmth emanating from her. He greeted her with a kind smile, extending his hand in welcome.
"Welcome, Princess Aurelia. It's an honor to have you here," he said, feeling a surge of energy pass between them as their hands touched.
Aurelia returned the smile, though he could sense that she was nervous. "Thank you, Your Holiness. I'm grateful for this opportunity to speak with you."
As they spoke, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. There was a power in his presence that she couldn't quite put her finger on, and she found herself hanging on his every word.
But as they spoke about her holy magic, she felt a sense of fear and doubt creeping in. She didn't know how to control her power, and she was afraid of what might happen if she lost control.
"Aurelia, my child," he began. "I wanted to speak with you about the activation of your holy magic. I understand that it occurred when you fell into the lake."
I nodded, recalling the strange and terrifying experience. "Yes, Your Holiness," I replied. "I saw a dark shadow when I fell, and then suddenly, my power was awakened."
As I spoke about the dark shadow I saw in the lake, I could sense the Pope's concern growing. I knew that he was well-versed in matters of magic, and I was grateful to have his guidance.
"That is concerning, Aurelia," he said, his voice heavy with worry. "Dark shadows are not to be taken lightly, as they are often a sign of dark magic at work."
I nodded, my own anxiety growing. "I know, Your Holiness. That's why I wanted to speak with you about it. I'm afraid that the shadow might be connected to my holy magic."
The Pope stroked his chin thoughtfully. "It is possible," he said. "But I believe that with your faith and devotion to Elios, you have the power to overcome any dark magic that may be trying to take hold of you."
I felt a sense of relief wash over me at his words. The Pope believed in me, and I knew that he would do everything in his power to help me overcome any challenges that came my way.
"However," he continued, "it is important that you remain vigilant and aware of any signs of dark magic. If you ever feel like you are being pulled towards the darkness, come to me immediately. I will do everything in my power to help you."
I nodded, grateful for his guidance. The thought of facing dark magic was daunting, but with the Pope's support, I knew that I could overcome any challenge that came my way.
"You know, there is a legend in our faith about the god Elios. It is said that he chooses certain souls to be reincarnated as heroes, to do great deeds in his name."
I listened intently, fascinated by the story. "And do you think that I am one of these heroes, Your Holiness?" I asked.
The Pope smiled. "It is certainly possible," he said. "But what is even more intriguing is the fact that your soul seems to have traveled from a different place. It is almost as if Elios himself brought you here to fulfill a specific purpose."
Aurelia was surprised when the Pope mentioned her soul coming from a different place. When the Pope spoke about her soul, Aurelia's eyes widened in shock. "You...you know about that?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
The Pope nodded kindly. "Yes, Aurelia. Your soul seems to have traveled from a different place, and it was Elios who brought you here to fulfill a special purpose."
Aurelia felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. She was grateful to have been given this gift of holy magic, but the idea of being a reincarnated soul was still hard for her to comprehend.
"But... how is that even possible?" she asked, still trying to wrap her head around the concept.
The Pope smiled reassuringly. "It is part of the legend of Elios. He chooses certain souls to be reincarnated and fulfill a special purpose. And in your case, I believe that purpose is to use your holy magic to help others and bring about positive change in the world."
As she looked at the Pope, she felt a sense of peace and comfort knowing that she had his guidance and support in this journey of discovering her true purpose.
The Pope continued, "Your holy magic is a rare and powerful gift, Aurelia. It is not something to be taken lightly. But with proper training and control, you can use it to do great good in the world."
He went on to explain the intricacies of holy magic and how it could be channeled and controlled through prayer and meditation. I listened carefully, absorbing every word.
He continued, "It is a powerful force that can be used for good, healing, protection, and many other purposes. But with great power comes great responsibility. You must use your holy magic wisely and with pure intentions."
He then instructed me to close my eyes and focus on my breathing. As I took deep breaths, he guided me through a series of prayers and visualizations. I felt a warm energy spreading through my body, and I knew that it was my holy magic being awakened.
The Pope then explained that there were different forms of holy magic, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. He went on to describe the different ways in which holy magic could be used, from healing to exorcism to protection.
As he spoke, I felt a sense of wonder and awe. I had always known that I was different, but now I understood that it was because I had been chosen by a higher power.
The Pope then taught me different techniques to control my holy magic, such as channeling it through specific prayers and mantras. He also explained that my holy magic was connected to my faith and my devotion to Elios. The stronger my faith, the more powerful my holy magic would become.
The Pope's words were kind and reassuring, but she still felt a sense of unease. It wasn't until he placed his hand on her shoulder that she felt a surge of energy pass through her, filling her with a sense of peace and calm.
And as they continued to talk, Aurelia couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the Pope's own holy power. She could feel the pure energy radiating from him, and she knew that he was truly blessed by the Divine.
By the end of their conversation, Aurelia felt a sense of hope and determination. She knew that with the Pope's guidance, she would learn to harness her own holy magic and use it for the greater good. And as she left the chamber, she felt a sense of gratitude for having met such a remarkable and powerful leader of the church.
As he spoke with Aurelia and her father, the Pope's demeanor was kind and warm, yet authoritative. It was clear that he was a man of great importance and respect, and his youthful appearance only served to underscore the mystery and power of the holy magic that he wielded.
As they spoke, Helios couldn't help but marvel at the power of her holy magic. It was a pure and potent energy, radiating from her in waves that he could feel deep within his soul.
He listened carefully as she spoke of her concerns and fears, nodding thoughtfully as she shared her thoughts.
"I understand your concerns, Princess," he said gently. "But your holy magic is a gift from the Divine. It is a powerful force for good, and it is important that you learn to harness it properly."
Aurelia nodded, but Helios could see the doubt in her eyes. "I don't know how to control it, Your Holiness," she admitted.
Helios placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Do not worry, my child. With guidance and practice, you will learn to use your holy magic for the greater good."
As they continued to talk, Helios couldn't help but be struck by Aurelia's radiance. Her holy magic was shining brighter and stronger than ever before, illuminating the room with its pure light.
"It's remarkable," he murmured, almost to himself.
"What is?" Aurelia asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"Your holy magic," he said simply. "It's more powerful than I've ever seen before."
Aurelia looked down at her hands, almost as if she didn't quite believe him. "I don't know what to do with it," she said softly.
Helios smiled, feeling a deep sense of compassion for the young princess. "Do not worry, Aurelia. We will work together to help you learn how to use your gift properly."
As the Emperor and his retinue left the room, I found myself alone with the Pope. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness at being in the presence of such a holy man.
To my surprise, the Pope grinned widely at me and said, "Princess Aurelia, I must say, you've got some serious holy magic skills! I think you could be my new prodigy!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiastic attitude. "Thank you, Your Holiness. I would be honored to learn from you."
The Pope threw his arms up in excitement. "Awesome! We're going to be like holy magic buddies!"
Despite his playful demeanor, I could sense the power and wisdom behind the Pope's words. He may have been a bit eccentric, but he was also a serious and powerful figure in the church.
As we continued to talk, I found myself laughing at the Pope's silly jokes and antics. He may have been a bit of an idiot, but he was also incredibly kind and genuine.
By the time our conversation ended, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and excitement at the thought of being the Pope's prodigy. And as I left the room, I knew that I had made a true friend in the Pope, an eccentric but powerful mentor who would help guide me on my holy magic journey.
As we wandered through the beautiful gardens of the holy temple, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility. The vibrant colors of the flowers and the sweet scent of the blooming trees filled my senses. The holy mage accompanying me pointed out the different kinds of plants and their uses in holy magic. It was truly a remarkable experience.
As we turned a corner, I saw a boy about my age training with a holy knight. He was focused on his training; his movements were graceful and fluid. I watched as he performed a series of sword strikes with precision and grace, his movements fluid and confident. I was impressed by his skill and couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for him. The holy mage saw me staring and explained, "That's Artaxiad, son of Duke Lucian. He's a talented young man with great potential to become a holy knight like his father."
I was impressed, watching him move with such precision and skill. I wanted to meet him, to learn more about his training and his life as the son of a duke. But I was hesitant, not wanting to interrupt his training.
As if sensing my hesitation, the holy mage spoke up. "Would you like to meet him, Princess Aurelia? I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking a break from his training for a few moments."
I nodded eagerly, feeling a rush of excitement. As we approached, the holy knight called out, "Artaxiad, you have a visitor!"
The boy turned to face us, a hint of surprise in his expression. "Hello," he said, bowing respectfully. "I am Artaxiad, son of Duke Lucian. How may I assist you?"
I froze in shock. It was Artaxiad, the son of Duke Lucian, and the same Artaxiad from the story Princess of the Stars.
My memories of the past flooded back into my mind. I remembered how Artaxiad was Princess Aurelia's fiance, a holy knight who was deeply in love with her. He was also the reason why Elvina, her former best friend, betrayed her. Elvina had been in love with Artaxiad, but he only had eyes for Aurelia.
I felt a mixture of emotions as I stared at the boy. I couldn't believe that I was seeing such unexpected circumstances.
I extended my hand toward Artaxiad, introducing myself as the princess of the kingdom. Artaxiad's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at me, taking in my elegant appearance and royal aura.
"The Princess? I didn't realize it was you," he said, his voice cold and unbothered.
I felt a pang of disappointment at his lack of enthusiasm, but I tried not to let it show.
I shook off the memories, reminding myself that this was a different life, and Artaxiad was just a boy I met in the temple garden. "Yes, it's me," I said with a small smile. "I'm on a tour of the temple before I return to the palace. I didn't expect to run into someone my age here."
Artaxiad nodded, still looking uninterested. "I'm training to become a holy knight, so I spend a lot of time here," he said, turning his attention back to his practice with the sword.
I watched as he moved fluidly, his sword glinting in the sunlight. I couldn't deny that Artaxiad had a natural talent for combat, but his aloof demeanor was a bit off-putting.
"Well, it was nice to meet you, Artaxiad," I said, ready to move on with my tour.
He didn't respond, so I gave him a polite nod before turning to follow my guide. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. I had hoped for a more enthusiastic reaction from Artaxiad, but perhaps he is just not the type to show emotion easily.
As I stood before Pope Helios, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and awe. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm and zest for life. Despite his occasional foolishness, there was no denying the immense power he possessed with his holy magic He had been kind enough to share his time and knowledge with me, and I had learned so much during my visit to the holy temple.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Holiness," I said, giving a small bow.
The Pope smiled warmly at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It was my pleasure, Princess Aurelia. I hope you found your visit enlightening."
I nodded eagerly. Yes, and I also had the pleasure of meeting Artaxiad, the son of Duke Lucian."
The Pope raised an eyebrow in interest. "Oh, really? And what did you think of him?"
I couldn't help but blush as I thought back to my encounter with the handsome young boy. "He's...quite impressive, Your Holiness. He's already training to become a holy knight, and he's only ten years old."
The Pope chuckled. "Yes, Artaxiad is quite the prodigy. But be careful not to let your admiration for him distract you from your own training and duties as a princess."
I nodded, understanding the Pope's words. "Of course, Your Holiness. I will always remember my responsibilities as a member of the royal family."
The Pope smiled once more, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Very good, Princess Aurelia. Now go forth with the knowledge and wisdom you have gained here, and may the blessings of the holy light shine upon you."
I bowed respectfully and turned to leave, feeling a sense of gratitude and respect for the Pope Helios and the teachings of the holy temple.
I turned to my father, Emperor Asjborn, who stood beside me. "Thank you, Father, for suggesting we visit the Pope. His advice was truly helpful."
The Emperor smiled at me warmly. "I'm glad to hear that, my dear Aurelia. I only want what's best for you and your holy magic."
I nodded in agreement, grateful for my father's love and support. With that, we began our journey back to the palace, my mind still reeling from my encounter with the Pope.
Despite his quirks and ridiculous antics, there was something about him that made me feel at ease. Maybe it was his infectious energy or his genuine interest in helping me. Either way, I couldn't deny that he was a unique and unforgettable character.
As we rode in the carriage, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of the Pope's wild antics. I was grateful for his guidance and advice, but I knew that I needed to stay focused and disciplined in my holy magic. After all, I had a kingdom to protect and a duty to uphold as a princess.