A Rather Nice Day

Location: Victoria / Royal Palace / Courtyard

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Wither Moon

POV: Aurora

*open* (Gate)

The large gate that leads to the courtyard of the Royal Palace opens. The morning light of the sun shines brightly, and as soon as my eyes adapt, I see a crowd gathered to see me off. Nobles. Servants. And of course my Mother, the Queen.

"Let's go. Stay close to me." (First Princess Aurora)

I walk with confidence, as I was taught.

This is the last chance my sisters have to stop me and they are certain to try. Unfortunately my right arm is still numb, so I hold a single tangle of magic threads in my left palm.

I walk forward. At my sides, the Queen's Guard act as human walls. Behind me, my friend, Princess Sistina and my Tutor, Sabrina. They are the one I choose as companions for this journey.

Waiting for me, near my carriage, a woman of average height with long black hairs collected in elaborate braids, as in forming a crown. Her skin is pale, and she has eyes with black iris. Her face has gentile features and looks dignified. She is holding her nose up, like she looks down on the world itself. She wears a form fitting white dress with rich golden details and wears many artifacts, the Kingdom treasures. The Queen.

Behind her stands the ministers of the kingdom.

She glances at the magic I gathered, and let out the faintest of smiles before speaking.

"Princess Aurora, I see you off to your journey. Return to me once you are whole again." (Queen Orta)

"Yes, Mother." (Aurora)

"Princess Sistina, Tutor Sabrina. Ensure my favourite daughter's safety." (Orta)

"I will, my Queen." (Sabrina)

"Uhm... Yes! Uhm... Yes, Queen! Ah! I mean... Yes, M-Mother!" (Sistina)

Poor Sistina. With me she speaks just fine, but she is not used to speak up to other, and she stutters. Communication. One of the most basic skills needed to rule, and she lacks that. But that's ok. This is what makes her, her. She has other qualities.

We pass in front of the vigil eyes of mother. The richly decorated carriage awaits us. A guard opens the door for us, and we take our place inside.

(Orta)

(Carriage)

**flare** (Carriage)

**screams** (Bystanders)

--------------------------------

Nobles and servants were puzzled when the Queen casually weaved an invisible wall around the carriage.

For a second, the coachman grimaced as he realized what was going on.

Those with aptitude for magic would have been able to see an ominous red light, growing in intensity from under the carriage. Seconds later, tall hot flames erupted.

**screams** (Bystanders)

The heat and light forced the everyone to advert their sight as they instinctively tried to protect themselves by baring their arms in a defensive pose.

The magical flames only lasted a second. The wood of the carriage caught fire, and the flames were still alive, but were quickly dwindling. Smoke followed after the flare, filling the cylindrical invisible wall weaved by the Queen. She protected herself and her subordinates by walling off the carriage.

*teary eyes* [Why did the queen not protect the First Princess?!? No! I too will be~ (Ancilla Falesia)

Confusion and fear were about to grasp the heart of those present. It seemed panic would erupt any moment now.

Queen Orta calmly uttered a command.

"... Have another carriage brought here at once. Make sure the next one won't burst into flames, will you?" (Orta)

"..." Page (Solel)

"Are you disobeying the Queen?!?" (Moreo Nodel, Leader of the Queen's Guards)

"!!! My apologies! I will have a new coach and a new coachman delivered at once!" *hurry* (Solel)

The Queen's page snapped out of it, and hurried to carry out the Queen's command.

The most important people in the Kingdom where gathered there to see the First Princess off. Most were thrown in confusion. The princess had just died, and yet, the Queen seemed unfazed.

*whisper* "The first princess just died... Such a waste." (Noble Grande)

*whisper* "The Queen didn't care about her after all. Without her arm she was discarded. It was to be expected." (Noble Yastrade)

*whisper* "Husband, we have to back Hestia before other push their own candidate to fill the void. This is a golden opportunity!" (Noble Selesmia)

Nobles were already trying to spin the situation to their advantage, when a gust of wind helped the smoke out of the invisible wall that was opened on the top.

A sphere shimmering gold could be seen inside. Outside the sphere, carbonized remnants of the carriage, along with the corpses of two guards and the coachmen curled on the ground, burned black by the flames. Two horses were burned to crisp as well. Inside the sphere, Aurora was still sitting on the pristine seat of the carriage like one would sit to sip from a cup of tea.

"This is a rather warm day, isn't it?" *smile* (Aurora)

Aurora's had preserved all passengers along with the furniture around with a three meters wide spherical barrier.

Unlike Aurora, Sabrina and Sistina were embracing each others on the opposite seats. Their expression betraying both disbelief and fear.

[This was quite the obvious trap... It's the second time they lay a carriage meant for me with a flame artifact. I thought they would try to booby-trap the road along the way, or organize a mob or something, this time. Sloppy and uninspired. Even without the Beast's collimating technique I would have been able to defend myself.] (Aurora)

"Yes, it is a rather nice day, my beloved Aurora." *grin* (Orta)

Parade

Location: Victoria / Roads

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Wither Moon

POV: Aurora

The servants hurried to clean up the burned debris and corpses as best as they could. It will take some more time to get rid of the burned marks on the paved floor and the terrible smell of burning death.

A new carriage arrived along with a terrified coachman, we got inside and departed.

We are parading through the main streets escorted by our guards.

*wave* *smile* (Aurora)

**cheers** (People)

The Crown Prince, possibly my future husband and his entourage are following us in their own coach. His mission is much harder than mine. Trying to win over the heart of the Beast... Ludicrous. Does she even have an heart?

"I'm sorry for before, Aurora." *look down* (Sistina)

My sister is still shaken by the attempt at our lives. I'll do my best to comfort her.

"Sorry for what, Sistina? Everything turned out to be alright." *smile* (Aurora)

"I didn't have faith in you. I though I was going to die. I was afraid." (Sistina)

"I was afraid too, when I was younger. You get used to that." (Aurora)

Nothing my sisters can do can possibly harm me more than what was done to me as I was but a child.

*shiver* (Aurora)

"You knew it right away, didn't you?" (Sabrina)

"Well, they made it obvious." (Aurora)

"Too obvious if you ask me. Your sisters are crafty. And skilled. They can do better than that." (Sabrina)

"..." (Aurora)

My tutor is right. They should be better than this. What if the previous attempt was just a diversion?

I start collimating magic. I look around, trying to see traces of weaving.

I can see faint glows from windows, from guards and citizens. From the road ahead? This isn't right. I grab my amulet.

(Aurora)

"Mercurio. There is possibly a magic trap fifty meters ahead of me. Can you do something about it? I'd rather not have my face in the people's mind as they die to magic." (Aurora)

[Oh. You noticed! Well done, First Princess. If you give me the command, I can only obey. I'll take care of that nuisance for you. Have a nice journey.] (Royal Mage Mercurio Lodesto)

(Mercurio)

The light coming from the road quickly dwindle and disappears. I wonder if he was the one that placed that trap in the first place...

(Aurora)

Just to be on the safe side, I weave a barrier around the three of us. I trust royal Magi just as much as I would trust an angry snake.

[Aurora is so great. I hope I can help her, even if just a little bit...] (Sistina)

On to the gates, then. I resume my efforts to win over the hearts of the people of Victoria as I just hope my sisters didn't hire a warband or something.

*wave* *smile* (Aurora)

**cheers** (People)

Magnanimous

Location: Victoria / Royal Road

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Wither Moon

POV: Aurora

*stops* (Carriage)

*open hatch* (Aurora)

"What is it, coachman?" (Aurora)

"A carriage seems to have broken a wheel and is blocking half the road, Princess." (Coachman)

Uhm... I can't feel any traces of magic. This would be a sorry excuse for an ambush.

"Have the guards help them fix the wheel. Make sure they understand how generous the First Princess is." (Aurora)

"As you will, Princess." (Coachman)

*close hatch* (Aurora)

Merchants carry rumors just as much as they carry goods. To sway the public opinion the right way can only help my standings. Mother taught me to take every opportunity to further my goals.

--------------------------------

A guard approaches the door of the carriage.

"The merchant's cart is fixed. She gifted us with a sack of vegetables as thanks." (Guard)

"You can keep the reward for yourself." (Aurora)

"Thank you, Princess." *bow* (Guard)

I can't risk eating it. It might be poisoned for all I know. And I don't really need guards to arrive safely at Alba. They can have it.

"You can be so nice, at times, Aurora. The people are sure to thrive when you become queen!" *smile* (Sistina)

The people...

I care so little for them. My only desire is not to be discarded. I now wonder what kind of queen would I be. It's not like I will be safe even if I get to the top, but the Kingdom's treasures will make it that much easier to protect myself.

The guards will keep me safe. And for the guards to be there, the Kingdom needs to be there as well. I need people working the earth, building and fighting against invaders and criminals.

Therefore, I'll need the Kingdom not to collapse if I actually become queen.

I wonder why Mother does the things she does... Is it because of family and loyalty? Because of traditions? For riches and luxury? For the feeling of authority? Does she likes power and control?

Would she ever reveals her motives to me? No. She wouldn't.

I wonder if the queen's desires are what shapes the kingdom or if it's opposite and the queen is shaped by the needs of the kingdom.

Crossroad

Location: Victoria / Royal Road / Crossroad

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Wither Moon

POV: Aurora

The sea of grass is such a beautiful sight.

The tall blades of grass dance as they are grazed by the wind. From the tall towers of the Royal Palace I could see them from afar, but everything looked small, tiny and unimportant from there.

*awe* "Incredible..." (Princess Sistina)

No wonder Sistina is entranced by the sight. Her skin is pale, but not because of her aptitude. I wonder how many years has she spent holed in the library, away from the sun. She can weave magic of course, but she might be the least adept princess.

*open hatch* "The Crossroad is in sight. We wish to stop there to let the men and horses rest." (Coachman)

"Very well, I allow for it." (Aurora)

--------------------------------

"You should stay inside, Aurora." (Tutor Sabrina Torva)

"Nonsense. I'm a princess. Even with my arm like this, it is thugs that should be scared of me. Not the opposite." (Aurora)

*look down* (Sistina)

"... Come with me, Sistina. It is your first time seeing the sea of grass, right?" (Aurora)

*bright smile* (Sistina)

My sister grabs my hand, and I help her outside. The air here is so clean. Nothing like the stench that permeates the streets of Victoria. Nobles use perfumes to try and cover that smell, but I honestly can't say that makes it any better.

Wait. What's going on over there???

"You two, with me!" (Aurora)

Two guards that were sitting down and chilling around a small campfire, stand up and follow me. An hundred meters or so from here, there are people cutting the grass and digging the earth.

"I'm the First Princess Aurora! I demand to speak with whomever is in command, here!" (Aurora)

A tall Dark Skin woman, clad in a thick iron armour comes forward. Her hand rests on the hilt of her sheathed sword.

"I'm Teram. Member of the knights of Gloria. Leader of this expedition. Do you have proof that you are who you say you are?" (Teram)

*ready weapons* (Aurora's Guards)

*ready weapons* (Gloria's Soldiers)

"Stand down. All of you." (Aurora)

I take out a signet of black gold. If this woman is not a savage, she should recognize the symbol etched in it.

"Uhm... Fair enough. What brings you all the way here?" (Teram)

"You were not informed? I travel to Alba. I will be guest of the temple there, for a while." (Aurora)

"I might have heard a word of two about that. But one needs to make certain. I'm sure y would understand, princess." *grin* (Teram)

This woman is getting cocky. If I give in like this in front of my guards, my position as princess will weaken.

*collimate aether* (Aurora)

"Leader. You dare too much." (Aurora)

"Ah ah ah! I apologize, princess. I see you are made of tough stuffs!" (Teram)

*murmur* (Guards)

"... We would like for you to not speak so casually, leader. I'm sure you don't want for this to become a diplomaqtic accident, right?" (Sabrina)

"But of course. I apologize, Princess Aurora." *bow* (Teram)

My tutor followed after me to make sure everything was alright. Now that the Leader apologized formally, I can de-escalate the situation while saving face.

"As long as you understand. Now, you didn't answer my original question, Leader." (Aurora)

"It's simple, really. The church wishes to contribute to maintaining the peace by building a watch tower here. That's all!" (Teram)

The Royal Road is not as safe as it used to be. And with an increased presence of the Church in Alba, it makes sense for them to want a garrison that can react more quickly. I can verify if they got permission for this later, but I expect they did receive permission.

They would have to either be stupid or full of themselves not to go through the official channels. Still, my instinct tells me that there is something else going on here...

"That would be all, Leader. I thank you on behalf of the Kingdom for contributing to the peace." (Aurora)

"You are welcome, Princess." *bow* (Teram)

But this is a matter for another time. My mission is hard enough as it is. There is no need to stir the waters more.

I return toward my carriage. In the distance I see Sistina touching the blades of grass. She looks so happy.

The Prince's carriage on the other hand... No one left it.

Final Leg

Location: Alba / Hills

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Wither Moon / Evening

POV: Aurora

"Princess! This is the final leg of the journey. The climb toward the temple of Alba." (Guard)

It was about time. Keeping my guard up to ward off possible invaders was tiring to say the least. I almost wish I had a warband to squash with my magic to break the monotony. Still, the day is not over. The greatest challenge awaits me.

I am confident I can handle everything and everyone. Everything except the Beast.

As Mother taught me, first impressions mean everything. I must start my relationship with the people at Alba on the right foot.

Finding a way to contain the Beast is my top priority. Be it with words and diplomacy, with magic or by any other means.

It might as well be an impossible task, but Mother deemed it worth a shot. None of the alternatives are pretty.

The reports I got from the Minister of Information paint a bleak picture. Those reports are kept a secret for a reason. Most would defect rather than face the wrath of the Beast. Just like Jerica the Traitor did.

The Beast is inhumanly adept in magic. It is estimated that if she achieve her full potential in adulthood, she will exceed in power our combined army. With the backing of the forces of the Church, she'll be unstoppable.

We tried to stop her. But The Beast was laying in wait for the deadly assassins we sent. She cleaved two of them immediately and let two escape. She then deployed the Inquisition after them. And they cut a swath of death and destruction along the way.

The survivors were willing to sail the Red Sea rather than face them!

The Beast apparently was displeased with the church's response, and had guards and sisters executed for gross incompetence. At three years in age, she already carried a purge.

When the Beast then went to Alba, she seemed to dare her enemies to target her. Needless to say, Leonora's warband answered the call, and was decimated by the Beast's magic. Leonora's skull now decorate the temple complex in Victoria, and succeeded in restoring public confidence in the church.

The Beast might have had help by the Church's echelon, but she has shown to have at least some measure of control over the Church's forces even right now. She was actually asked by the High Priestess if she wanted to become a princess. And the Beast refused the offer of Minister of Magic! Unthinkable...

The reports border on the absurd, claiming the Beast could speak and weave magic just minutes after her birth. Exaggeration? maybe. Or maybe they are true. And if so, the Beast might not be human after all. I can accept her having such aptitude is she wasn't. Sistina shared with me stories about the High Elves of old and myths about Dragons.

The Beast discovered a collimating technique so simple and efficient that even the proud Royal Magi were forced to admit that they were made a fool by her, reinforcing this hypothesis.

But the worst thing about the Beast is her personality. She cuts everything and everyone that stand in her way.

She had kids she disliked burnt at the stakes or sentenced to forced labour in the mines! The testimony of those youth paint the picture of a true tyrant.

And about Meridia's fall there are conflicting reports. It is either Gloria's punishing the High Priestess for peeking at the Beast's gifts, or the Beast herself stripping Meridia of her powers. Both recounts are equally disturbing.

The Beast is force of destruction and evil. Possibly, an irreversible threat to the Kingdom. Mother is hoping to gain her allegiance. Allying with her might be the only way to soothe her wrath and survive the purge that is sure to come once she cement her grip over the forces of the Church of Gloria.

We might influence her to reach beyond the boundaries of this continent. have the Kingdom fight by her side rather than against her.

The burden of success falls upon my shoulders. Mother will surely discard me if I fail.

*shiver* (Aurora)

But if I succeed, my place as queen will be assured. I simply am not allowed to fail.

"You'll be alright. Both of you will. Don't be so tense, they will sense it. Also, let me speak first." (Sabrina)

My tutor felt my uneasiness. I couldn't help it. I leave the introduction to her while I analyze the situation there.

"... Alright." (Aurora)

"Uhm... I'll do my best!" (Sistina)

First Impression

Location: Alba / Courtyard

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Wither Moon / Evening

POV: Aurora

*stop* (Carriage)

Our coach stops. We passed through the gates and are now inside the temple of Alba. The den of the Beast.

*climb down* (Aurora)

One of our guards present me with his hand, helping me out. I take it. Since I probably cannot fight them head on, and they know it, I must show the grace and manners of a princess of the Kingdom. Someone worthy of being spoken to.

First, I come down. Than Sistina, and finally my tutor. Sistina and I stand side by sides just steps away from our welcome party.

This courtyard is small, no more than thirty meters in size. The walls are manned by guards of Gloria. There are many small doors dotting the perimeter, directly in front of us there is a large gate. It surely leads into the main building.

In front of that gate, the highest authority are solemnly standing in wait.

"Gracing us with their presence, First Princess Aurora, and Eighth Princess Sistina." (Sabrina)

Behind me, from the second carriage, I hear three figures climbing down.

A boy about nine years in age wearing voluminous black and blue clothes with short brown hairs hidden below an elaborate hat with a long black feather take his place in line with the two of us. The crown prince of the Kingdom, possibly my future husband.

"Gracing us with his presence, Crown Prince Riccardo. Accompanying him, the Leader of the Prince's Guards, Amerio Yastrade." (Tutor Hanna Ganimede)

A tall beautiful woman, with long flowing blonde hairs that reach her ankles and green eyes take a step forward and speak. She wears a form fitting white dress and a small medallion

"I, Mera, Priestess of Alba, welcome the representatives of the Kingdom. You are free to stay as our honoured guests for as long as you desire." (Priestess Mera)

Another woman steps forward. She has long silver hairs and blue eyes, she wears a white dress not unlike the one of the Priestess.

"I am Serina, the Head Healer. I understand you are unwell, Princess Aurora. I'll do my best to tend to your wounds." *smile* (head Healer Serina)

This woman brings up my weakness, as expected. But she also gave me the perfect opportunity to reply. Those will be my first words, and will set the tone for our relations for days, maybe weeks to come. What kind of stance should I take?

"Many Blessings to you, Sisters of Gloria. Head Healer, I'll be in your capable hands. Whatever payment you require, I shall have it delivered to you." (Aurora)

Yes, this should do. I acknowledged my weakness and her role in helping me. It would have been foolish to hide the obvious. But I also reminded her that I am a powerful figure with access to a great deal of resources. I made it clear that this is not a favour, it is merely a transaction. I will not be in debt to them after this. I will owe them nothing. This must be clear from the get go.

"Oh, it's quite alright, First Princess. I was given this duty by the High Priestess. I do not require any form of compensation nor gifts from you." *smile* (Serina)

Uhm... What's her game here? If I take her words at face value, this is the best case scenario for me. Too good to be true. Uhm... Duty... She is probably forbidden from accepting personal gifts.

I guess she will approach me in private at a later time to negotiate with me. Even better! Such scenario will give me a leverage to use against the Head healer herself!

*nod* (Aurora)

If words are not needed, than words should not be used. A nod of approval will do. The true negotiations will take place at a later time.

"I am sure this journey has been heavy on you all. If you follow the sisters, they will bring you to your rooms. The guards will take care of your luggage. We will take care of your needs from here on. Your guards are free to spend the night in our barracks and will be free to leave in the morning." (Mera)

This works perfectly for me. I'll have time to sleep on this and evaluate a proper response after meeting them in person.

"We gracefully accept~ (Aurora)

"Priestess, if I may, I would like for the Gifted One to accompany me to my chambers." (Riccardo)

!!! ... You idiot of a prince!!! What's in your head?!? Butterflies?!?

You just had to stay in silence for things to work out!

Have you any idea how absurd your request is?!? The Gifted One is set to become the highest authority in the Church! Even above the High Priestess herself!

What you are asking is akin to ask a princess to do a maid's work!!!

Damn it!

Damn it!!!

How can I salvage the situation?

Think!!!

*look at each other* (Mera and Serina)

"Well, Liara is an initiate. I guess we can assign this duty to her..." (Mera)

"Yes, I agree. We have been too light with her duties as of late. Liara! I know you are listening! You can come out!" (Serina)

What in the world is happening?!? I do not understand!

*open door* (Liara)

One of the small doors along the perimeter opened.

A little girl no more than three years in age comes out. She has short white hair, and red eyes. Her skin is as pale as milk and even her eyebrows are white in color.

She is the infamous Beast.

Her appearance is indeed unsettling, but not as much as the reports lead me to believe. She doesn't look like a monster at all. She is just a girl.

"I'm sorry, Mother." *look down* (Liara)

"All is good, my child. Can you lead the young prince to his room? It's the large room in fourth level of second tower." (Serina)

"Of course, Mother! *turn* *bow* Uhm... greetings, Prince Riccardo. Can you follow me? I'll lead you to your room right away." (Liara)

"I would be my pleasure, Gifted One." *kiss Liara's hand* (Riccardo)

"... ... Thanks? ..." *walk away* (Liara)

*follow* *grin* (Riccardo)

... Is this a ruse? A play?

It must be! But her acting was perfect!!!

Had I not known her true nature in advance, it would easily have fooled even me!

But I mustn't forget what lay beyond those red eyes! A wicked beast. A Tyrant in the making. I am speechless. Her cunning exceeds my wildest expectations.

But I'm not beaten yet! I will not be discarded!

*shiver* (Aurora)

*whisper* "She seems nice." (Sistina)

Even you? Fools! All of you!

It all falls onto my shoulders then! I will not fail!

My worthiest opponent yet, and I shall prevail with nothing but words!

"Your rooms are in the first tower. Please, come with me." (Sister Eureka)

Good Night

Location: Alba / Aurora's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Wither Moon / Evening

POV: Aurora

*open door* "I hope this room will be to your liking, princess. Here is the key. Tomorrow morning the treatment will begin, I will accompany you personally. Good night." *bow* (Sister Eureka)

"I look forward to it. Many Blessings to you, Sister, and good night." (Aurora)

*close door* *turn key* *clang* (Aurora)

This room is nothing like the one I had in Victoria. It's small, the window is tiny, the bed looks cheap and is small as well. The walls are naked stone, the floor is made of plank of old consumed wood. There is a mirror, some shelves with books and a drawer. But that's it.

But it's alright. I do not hold the church to the same standards I would the Royal Palace. And comfort is not the reason I came here. At very least they should be able to heal my arm better than Calmata.

*jump* *thump* (Aurora)

Well, the bed is not as terrible as I thought. It's actually soft enough to throw myself in its embrace.

(Aurora)

[How is your room, Sistina?] (Aurora)

[Aurora! You are really something to use this spell so casually! About my room, it's even better than the one I had in the Royal Library! The Sister was very nice to me. I like this place so far, Aurora. Thank you for bringing me along! How is your room?] (Sistina)

She hasn't realized anything. Well, it's not like I brought her here for her perceptive skills.

[Be careful. Those people are good at acting. Don't let your guard down.] (Aurora)

[Ah! Of of course, Aurora!] (Sistina)

[Have you given a thought on what to do tomorrow? I'll meet the Head Healer to begin the treatment on my arm.] (Aurora)

[Uhm... I asked if they have a library. I think I'll visit that place tomorrow.] (Sistina)

They will keep her from the most valuable tomes, but it's the best place for her to be in. Gathering knowledge is her forte. I'm a bit worried about her habit of sharing knowledge, though. But I may be able to use it to my advantage. If I leak wrong intel to her, I might be able to misdirect my opponents!

[Just be careful not to share the Kingdom's secrets, alright? Sweet dreams, Sistina.] (Aurora)

[I wouldn't! Sweet dreams to you as well, Aurora.] (Sistina)

(Aurora)

The wild card of the Crown Prince is hard to account for as well. I do not have the authority to order him around... His debacle could have been catastrophic! We were lucky.

Still... my opponent is such a good actress. I thought the Beast had only power and fear going for her, but she is not above relaying on cunning tactics. It will be a walk on a wire suspended above live flames. Just one error might be fatal.

The battle of wits has already begun, and they are already ahead of me.

(Aurora)

[Sabrina. Do you have a key for my room?] (Aurora)

[Yes, Aurora. I requested it and they obliged. Will you need my help tonight as well?] (Sabrina)

[No, I'm asking just in case. I will use sleeping magic on myself. I cannot afford to appear weak due to my nightmares. But I might need you to wake me up, tomorrow morning.] (Aurora)

[... Very well. Just don't overdo it, Aurora.] (Sabrina)

(Aurora)

Like I have a choice...

Good news is that the Beast shouldn't be able to tap into Mind Talk. Otherwise Jerica would have been discovered before betraying them.

Unless the Beast had planned for this scenario from the begining? No. Leaking her collimating technique is to the church detriment! It can't be part of her plan!

But I was close to unlocking her technique on my own anyway... So...

No! No point in speculating. If she can read so far into my actions, then I have already lost. I must pursue only scenarios that lead to my victory. And none of the worst case scenarios do. Me coming here is Mother's will. I must do the best with the cards I was dealt with.

...

I'd better sleep on it. The next big challenge awaits me, and I must be fresh to give it my all.

(Aurora)

*sleep* (Aurora)