A Saint and A Flower

Chapter Four

Even as a seven year old girl, I was dressed in a extravagant gown with light, beautiful layers and intricate lace. I stood outside of the throne room, Launce and another one of the six pillars on either side of me, and Adom trailing behind me. I turned to check on him, seeing his nervous, tense figure. He was a small, thin boy who had only lived and suffered in the back allies of this Empire, but now he would be facing the Emperor. I felt sympathy for the child, and I wanted to protect him. I grabbed his hand, catching his attention. 

"It's ok, you don't need to be worried. After all, you will be my knight, so no matter where I am, you belong by my side," I reassured him quietly with a gentle smile. 

His green eyes watched me intently before he softly nodded, straightening his nervous posture, a bit of determination filling the small child. I beamed at him before turning around. 

"Announcing the second pillar, High priest Launce Hail, the fifth pillar, High Priest Henry Hail, and The Saintess, Esme Hail," A voice boomed from the other side of the massive door. The maroon door slowly opened, revealing a large and lavish room with expanding marble floors, and walls full of art and golden trim. The throne room was dazzling, and I had to remind myself not to lose my composure. Seeing all of this, only reminded me of who I would be facing.

At the other side of the room, sat three thrones, two made of gold, and one of silver. At the largest throne, sat Emperor Quilon, with his radiant blond hair, and bright blue eyes. He was still young, only thirty, and extremely handsome. On his right, was the Empress, sitting on the silver throne. She had hair as black as night, and it shined like silk in the light of the throne room. Her golden eyes reminded me of a lioness, as she perched regally in her seat.

Lastly, in the smaller, golden throne, sat Prince Remly, with a striking resemblance to his father. His handsome face, and slightly tanned skin complimented his golden hair and eyes. He looked like a being born of sunlight and gold, and I immediately understood why so many loved him upon first glance. I approached the three royals with my entourage and curtsied deeply about ten feet away from them. 

"Greetings to the sun, moon and star of the empire," I greeted, bowing my head as I rose from my curtsy. 

"I have been looking forward to meeting you, Saintess Esme," The Emperor spoke, peering at me with interest from his throne.

"I'm honored, your highness," I smiled softly, raising my eyes.

"I hear that you fell from the sky, and walked across the black lake. The common people said it looked as if an angel descended from the heavens," He commented with an amused smile.

"They flatter me with such compliments," I answered smoothly.

"So, you did fall from the sky? And walk on water? Did either of the high priests witness it?" Prince Remly asked, a keen interest apparent in his eyes. 

"Unfortunately we did not have the honor, as we were receiving God's oracle when it occurred," Launce answered, his peaceful expression still in place, even in front of the most powerful family in the Empire..

The Prince's expression fell, and I almost chuckled at his childishness, but instead offered this.

"Shortly after arriving, a witness received God's Blessing, and became my servant. If his highness has any questions, if it pleases you, you could ask Adom," I spoke, introducing the boy at my side. 

He no longer appeared nervous, and bowed deeply. For a child, Adom's expression was extremely controlled, almost blank, but he still seemed confidant. I smiled, glad my words earlier seemed to instill some pride to him.

"Did she come down with wings like an angel like they say? Did she radiate a holy light?" The prince asked. I almost choked. The rumors did seem to get out of hand almost too quickly. 

"She came down from the clouds like she was flying, your highness, and she walked across the black lake without fear. She indeed looked like an angel," Adom spoke as if simply stating facts. 

I felt a slight blush as I tried to smile away my embarrassment, though when I looked at my face in the mirror, the girl staring back did appear angelic. It was just a bit too embarrassing to hear it out loud, when I had barely average looks in my own world.

"How fascinating," The emperor laughed. 

"Has your divine power been tested yet?" The Empress asked, her cool voice pouring down from her elevated stance on her throne.

"I was tested yesterday, your majesty."

"And the results?"

"The Saintess has a high aptitude for multiple abilities," Launce answered with a serene smile. 

So he didn't want my abilities to be public knowledge, I thought at his vague answer. 

"How remarkable," The Emperor commented, turning his gaze back towards Adom for a moment. 

"And her servant?" 

"He also tested positive for abilities in divine combat."

"Just like me," The prince smiled kindly.

The queen's smile was pinched, surely because she didn't enjoy her son comparing himself to a mere commoner.  Remly was always described as a light hearted, lovable and sweet child when he was young, and when he gets older he turns into the stereotypical princely character. Kind, gentle, handsome, and smart, but I could never forgive him for doing nothing as his twin brother suffers alone with a curse that could've just as easily been his.

"If it is a knight for the Saintess, why not let him train with the Crestian Phoenixes? There is no better league of knights. Also, you're welcome to live here in the palace. Though it has been hundreds of years, the imperial family did sponsor the last Saintess as well," The Emperor offered. 

I smiled, that's right, I suspected this offer would be made today. The First Saintess was mistreated by the emperor in the past, and that dishonor still marks the royal bloodline. Axel was proof of that. Now, having a close relationship with me would be the best way for the imperial family to get rid of the shame that casts shadows on the throne to this day. I also know that if I accepted this offer, they wouldn't dream of mistreating me in fear of God's Wrath, and I would be in close proximity to Axel. It was a win win for me. 

"How could  I refuse his majesty's great kindness?" I answered, bowing deeply.

"It is an honor to sponsor the Saintess, and Empress Diana has always wished for a daughter," Emperor Quilon smiled.  

I paused at the word 'daughter'. The word was a bit too warm for the occasion, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was another meaning behind it as I glanced at Prince Remly.

"I give the sun, moon and star my deepest thanks."