Several days had passed since the royal dinner. Serenah wasn't sure if she felt relief or fear that her father hadn't called for her. Then again, it was for the best. She didn't want any more guards. Too many eyes would ruin her mood.
"My lady, are you ready to go?"
She glanced over to her left and smiled at Alastar. Today was her trip to the capital's temple. Every time she visited there, something deep inside her soul relaxed. At the temple, she didn't have to pretend. She could just be herself.
"Yes." Serenah gracefully rose from the couch and went to Alastar's side. She slipped her arm through his and let him escort her to the carriage.
She greeted the driver and took her customary spot. Alastar sat next to her, his alert gaze on their surroundings.
Once, when they were younger, she had tried to get him to not be so stiff. He had calmly reminded her in his brisk tone that her life was his. In other words, if anything happened to her, the king would have him killed.
Those sobering words made her behave properly whenever they were in public. She didn't want any reproach brought against her best friend and protector.
Thirty minutes later they pulled up to the huge marbled steps that led to the temple's opulent front doors. Adorning the doors were carvings of the four mythical beasts that Autem, god of creation, had gifted the world. However, none of the beasts had been seen in centuries.
Serenah paused at the doors, taking a moment to trace each beast. The gryphon, beast of loyalty and family. Next was the lord of the skies and wisdom, the mighty dragon. Full of fire and passion, and the most elusive of the four, was the phoenix. The last, and most mysterious, was the Kraken, king of the seas.
Each one was a piece of the god Autem. At least that was what the legends said. Serenah believed that all myths and legends had seeds of truth in them. How much was debatable but it didn't prevent her from enjoying the stories.
Her inner musing was broken by the doors opening. Schooling her features into a polite smile, she followed the acolyte inside. Immediately a sense of calm filled her and she relaxed. Nothing would harm her here.
"Welcome, Your Highness."
She turned to her right and spotted the approaching Grand High Priestess. The beautiful woman still looked like she was in her twenties, though her real age was much older.
"Good day, Grand High Priestess Sacer," Serenah replied respectfully.
"May Autem's blessings be placed on you, Your Highness."
Serenah inclined her head and followed Sacer into the interior supplication room. The high ceilings made the small room feel larger than its dimensions. They walked a little past it and came to Sacer's office. Alastar bowed to them both and took up a guard position by the door as Sacer led Serenah inside.
Serenah went to the closest padded seat that the priestess pointed to. Like so many times before, she waited for the priestess to speak first.
"Your Highness, it is an honor to have you here. It has been a while since your last visit."
She felt a prick of guilt at the other woman's words. It was true that several months had passed since her last visit to the temple. She had no excuse that wouldn't sound pathetic. So she simply nodded.
Sacer smiled, her tone kind. "I am not scolding you, Your Highness. It is not my place to do so. Instead, I must deliver a message from our god."
A chill stole across Serenah's skin at Sacer's words. Their god had words for her? When was the last time Autem had spoken to someone besides the kings of each kingdom? The thought was frightening to contemplate.
"Your Highness, do not be afraid. Our god, Autem, has a task for you."
"A task?"
"Yes, it is one only you can do."
Serenah wasn't sure she liked the sound of that.
Sacer continued speaking, ignoring Serenah's surprise.
"Autem has commanded that you attend the upcoming battle."
"What!" Serenah surged to her feet, disbelief on her face. "Surely, you jest!" she protested.
"No," Sacer replied firmly. "If you do not go, our kingdom will lose the battle."
Gaping in mute shock, Serenah sat down. Her thoughts swirled violently. She was not a fighter. What under the three suns could she even contribute to a battle?
"Your Highness."
Sacer's voice pulled Serenah from her troubled thoughts. "Yes?"
"He also commands that you tell no one of this edict."
"Why?"
"Because your father will attempt to prevent you from going."
"That's not true," Serenah protested. "If it is the will of Autem, even Father…,"
"He would," interrupted Sacer. "Even though your father claims to follow the will of Autem, he has strayed. In the last three battles, he ignored the will of Autem. It cannot be allowed to continue."
"But why me? I am no warrior," argued Serenah.
"I did not ask Autem why. I am simply delivering the message."
Serenah contemplated everything Sacer had imparted to her.
"Will my going help to bring peace?"
Sacer shrugged. "I do not have the answer to that."
Conflicted and a little frightened by this unexpected news, Serenah rose and began to pace.
The priestess said nothing. She simply waited.
Finally, after an internal struggle of several minutes, Serenah made a decision. She faced Sacer.
"Fine, I will do it. I hope the peace I desire for all will result from my choice. If not, Father will punish me for going against his royal decree."
Sacer stood and took Serenah's hands in hers. "May Autem bless and protect you, Your Highness."
A warm wind blew across Serenah's skin. She felt heat flow from Sacer's hands into hers. This was divine magic, so different from her own.
Releasing her hands, the priestess bowed. Serenah left the room followed by a silent Alastar. They took the carriage back to the palace in silence.
Alastar didn't ask her anything but she felt his gaze on her. She pleaded exhaustion and went to rest. She had much to ponder and to plan.