The Lords Works In Mysterious Ways . .

Mother Superior stood with her hands behind her back. She knew Archbishop had a temper she was one of the few who did she wished that she didn't. Right now he was getting his just desserts.

His intense religious beliefs aside, Archbishop Joegoe was a strange and mysterious old man. No one knew what monastery he came from. They also didn't know where he hailed from or who his family was. He had been invited to a Royal Ambassador's dinner at TimberBrooke along with several other priests and monks for the blessing of the occasion. Her father had been extremely religious and loved to converse with men of the cloth about philosophy and the Universe. While there Joegoe impressed Beatrice's parents. Soon after that, he had everyone's ear.

Everyone listened to him. He began preaching every Sunday at Mass, and within a year he was promoted from Priest to Bishop. Her father, having spent a long length of time with him thought he was close to Christ like. She didn't see it. She never had. All she saw was a con man in royal robes.

He looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself and instead said "Forgive me, Your Royal Highness."

His voice trembling slightly as he took two steps back and exited the Abbey.

Princess Beatrice made sure to step aside when he walked by her and out of the chapel. She didn't want him anywhere near her. She exhaled, not realizing she had been holding her breath. The confrontation wasn't as bad as she had thought it would be, with the exception of the small battalion guarding the abbey now. 

She knew the real reason those men were stationed here.

It was to capture her or Prince William and bring them to Castle Fenway should they try to leave the Abbey. Archbishop Joegoe rarely did anything strictly for her safety. It was for his greed. No more, she thought. His greed reminded her of someone or something. The demon king. Beleth.

Him confessing to her that he was a demon king had been and still was a scary shock to her. Whenever he looked at her with that intense blue gaze she could see the greed and lust in his eyes not just for her, but for everything. It felt like his powers were always bubbling under the surface. She had a sense that he was more than dangerous. He was everything he said.

He had told her he couldn't get enough of her. Princess Beatrice didn't feel the same way about him. She was only doing this because she had made a deal with him. She was surprised that he had already seen her twice when there was no full moon. Each time he made her feel unlike anything she had felt before.

As much as she enjoyed it. It was a carnal sin. Her virginity, the last bargaining chip she had was gone. He continued to make promises to her. Promises she wasn't sure she wanted him to make.

Their attraction wasn't real, she lied to herself. She was to be married to a man that she actually cared for and would eventually have children with him. Beleth had asked for her hand, or rather demanded it. Marrying a demon king surely couldn't be possible or logical. Who would they invite to the weddibg, she pondered.

It was like their love making, she thought, quite unnatural. Her life had never been the same since their lips touched. She tried so hard to be strong in his presence, but it was never any use.

She seemed to wilt like a flower. He seemed to enjoy the power he had over her. Each time it felt stronger. 

Every man in her life was trying to control her, it would seem. Every man, except for the one she was to wed, Prince William. He had been injured these last few days. Only time would tell if his feelings changed towards her. She would do everything in her power to love him and to have him love her.

Watching Archbishop Joegoe leaving the abbey was one of the most satisfying things Princess Beatrice had seen in a while. He had come in, full deceit on display. Playing the part of the faithful servant of the Crown. She would have no more of these games. If she was to be owned by a demon she refused to let any other mortal men misuse her.

Mother Superior walked over to her. Prince William came out of his hiding place. She hid her fear and disappointment.

"Are you alright, child?" She asked.

"Yes. I am fine." Beatrice answered."I am sure that won't be the last we hear from him."

"I am sure you are correct, Your Royal Highness." She didn't like the way Beatrice looked.

She looked pale and fatigued. She watched as she stared off as if she were thinking about something.

"I cannot say that I am surprised at his tactics. Since my parents death, as a way to strong arm me as well as the council. He does whatever he wants." She had noticed the uptick in the witch hunts he partook in.

He knew she had no one to protect her, or so he thought.

"Your Royal Highness may stay here as long as it takes to resolve this matter." Mother Superior said.

Moments later, the sisters flooded the chapel. It was filled with 12 sisters excluding Mother Superior. The sacred space was filled with lively chatter. The sight contradicting the fantasy Princess Beatrice had about them in her early childhood. It was no longer the case. These were real women. They all looked terrified. The nun who had allowed them entry earlier was leading the pack. They all huddled together. Their faces showcasing the anxiety they felt. Their energy was wrought with raw nerves. What had Princess Beatrice done?

"Mother Superior, there are armed men outside our home!" A sister exclaimed.

"They must leave!" Shouted another.

"Yes! Her Majesty must go!" 

"She will surely get us all killed!"

They all spoke at once and loudly.

With each fear being spoken aloud, the more Princess Beatrice wanted to leave. maybe she could turn herself in and bargain with Archbishop Joegoe. Deep down she knew that would never happen. He would never let her leave the castle again if she was captured by him. She dreaded the thought.

Maybe they would leave and find shelter elsewhere, she thought. To see these peaceful, god fearing ladies this upset made her feel unsettled.

"Sisters! Sisters !" Mother Superior shouted, which quickly stopped the chatter.

There was silence for a few seconds before she spoke once more. "Sisters, Prince William and Princess Beatrice are in grave danger and they need our help."

"We can't help them! We can barely help ourselves!"

"Sister Mary Catherine, that is true, but the Bible does tell us that God will provide. It also tells us to fear not."

They didn't look convinced to Princess Beatrice, who after seeing it decided to speak to them.

"Sisters, I know that my words mean nothing. I have not followed in the footsteps of my mother or my little sister, and extended my kindness to you all, and this dwelling, and for that I am terribly sorry. What Mother Superior says to you is true. I am in danger, but in good faith, I will not allow any of you to be harmed. I have nowhere else to go, but I will leave." She hoped her words pulled at their heartstrings.

No one would dare look at her face. She felt like a fraud. She didn't care about these ladies. She only cared about herself and those she loved. There was a heavy contemplative silence, and she thought they would be alright with her leaving when Mother Superior spoke once more.

She was livid with a sister's lack of godly compassion towards the Princess. This was their only chance to get back in the Kingdom's good graces.

"Sisters! I am disappointed in all of you!" She chided.

"We are only doing what's best, mother's superior."

"What's best! What's best for her majesty? Or for you? When I came to this Abbey I was a naive nun, who was complicit and afraid, but no more! We can no longer turn our backs on the world or turn a blind eye when we see misdeeds and wrongdoings. We have all seen firsthand what Archbishop Joegoe is capable of. How many more will we let him make vanish, until we decide to get involved? Look outside. We are considered the enemy just as they are. If you wish to leave, I will write you a sterling recommendation to any nunnery that you choose, and if you wish to stay, know that once this is over we will be restored to our previous glory. Before the clergy intervened. Think of how many we could help. No longer paying the exorbitant tax. Sisters, God works in mysterious miraculous ways, and I believe this is ours. Now, tell me who will help this child?" She asked one last time and almost every hand went up.

"Praise be to the Lord."Mother Superior prayed aloud.

"Amen." The sisters all said in unison...