Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“I’m sure you’ve realize by this point, but that ‘prophecy’ handed down by Aydan wasn’t what you thought it was.” Pulling my hand away from the Priestess, I stood to face her. “Enough. You know what might happen if I start answering those questions. Do you really want to collapse again like you did with Rudnurth?”

Her hand slowly pulled back as she steepled her fingers together. “I get the feeling you have been protecting us for a long time, Arthur. Not against just the Demons, but from ourselves.”

“I’m happy you think so highly of me, but why are you here, Elincia. No more beating around the bush.”

Elincia rose a brow at that. “Beating around the bush?” She repeated.

I groaned at that and crossed my arms. “Stop dancing around the subject.” I clarified.

“Arceana has been informed of your… Decision.” She said carefully. “She did not take it well, but she also realizes she cannot challenge you. Be careful of her, Arthur. I am looking into some spells, darker magic focused on the mind, to aid my sister and myself.”

“I’ll be here to help if and when you need it.”

A grateful smile graced her lips. “Thank you. There are a few more points of interest. The funeral procession has been decided for those who lost their lives against the Succubae. It will be during the day of the Festival of Lights.” She then quirked a brow as she looked amused. “If last year is anything to go off of, we can honor them quite grandly.”

“Halloween?” I let out in a whisper as I turned away from her.

“Halloween?” She repeated.

I shook my head and ignored the obvious question. “Never mind. What day is today? After all our traveling, and the events, I’ve no idea what the date is.”

Elincia stood and moved next to me as she eyed me silently for a moment. “It’s one week from today. General Alwin should be recovered by then. Many families will be in attendance.” She informed me. “Many more would like to see the one who took revenge for their fallen sons and daughters.”

My eyes met hers as I replied. “What would they say if they found out I was harboring the remaining Succubae? How many of them do you think would demand their heads?”

Sighing, the Priestess leaned on the desk with me. “Most of them. Worry not. I have begun damage control for everything. Rumors of your ‘clouded attempts’ to kill Arceana are being dealt with. The official story is you were poisoned, and you were not in full control of your actions.” At my look she shrugged. “Is it that far from the truth?” That didn’t warrant a response. “The creature from the Old World of monstrous size was also a concern to many. Our citizens are being informed that it left because of you, which again, isn’t exactly wrong.”

Scoffing, I finally replied. “And how do you plan on twisting the situation with the Succubae, or my spirits, as you call them? Rock, Breeze, and Marina will not be forced to say inside to hide out of consideration for your subjects.”

“When I have an answer, you will be the first to know. For the moment, there is little I can do.” She answered. “Just… Please be in attendance for the funeral.”

A sigh left my lips as I pushed off the desk and summoned a portal. “Elincia,” I started as I put my hand through the portal. “I will attend, but…” Pulling out the sword they gave me in honor of my knighthood, I presented it to her. “It won’t be as your knight or one of your generals.”

To my surprise, she only eyed it for a moment before her gaze flickered back up to me. “Is this because of Arceana?” Elincia began. “Or is it because of me?” My lack of response made the bottom of her lip tremble. “You don’t have to do this…”

“I really do. The less involved I am with Arceana the better. Especially given what you know now, can you really say otherwise?”

“And what about me? Do you wish to be less involved with me?”

“Depending on what happens, I might have no choice but to be involved with you. Our drunken one-night stand might demand it.”

“You could keep it. After everything that’s happened, you would be owed a great deal of time off. No one would question you going on leave for an extended period of time.” I just shook my head in response. “Will you not even consider it?”

Another sigh left my lips. “I have, Elincia. I’ve been thinking about this over and over for the last several days. Honestly, it’s been on my mind for a while. Most of my work, outside of fighting or battles, is taken care of by others. It is a title, and only a title.”

The Priestess looked distressed at that. “I see…” Was her weak reply.

Handing her the sword, she reluctantly took it. “I’ll be here if you need me, but no longer do I expect to be summoned or demanded at the Temple, Elincia. I humored you and your sister at the time, but no more.”

“I understand.”

“Use this as some manner of punishment dealt out by you and your sister if you need to. Tell the people I had my title removed due to reckless behavior.”

She shook her head. “No one would believe it. I know you hate the term, but you are a hero to these people. Many would be up in arms if they heard about you being cast aside like this.” I didn’t reply and she sighed. “My sister may try coming after your home because of this.”

“Arceana has no claim over this property. I bought it fair and square before I even left for the East.”

“Always one step ahead.” Elincia commented. “Where does this leave us, Arthur?”

I watched her eyes as they focused on me with a spark of hope in them. “That’ll be for you to decide.”