76 Chapter 45: Pendragon, Rome

The three continued on their journey, Percival kept glancing at Faith like he really wanted to ask.

"I became a Knight a long time ago." Faith said because Percival's curious eyes kept glancing at her. "Would you like to hear?"

"Will you tell me?"

"My days as a Knight were filled with prejudice, my fellow comrades didn't want to admit I was strong. They were embarrassed that they lost to men or refused to believe I had true strength. For a long time, it was like and each time I grew a deep hatred for it...That is pretty much it"

"This is the Duke's residence," Percival said once they had arrived. He looked at Faith's calm and relaxed face and then was reminded of what he saw. Celine rubbed her eyes with her free hand while the other held onto Faith's tightly.

She was settled into her, she laid Celine down again because the Little Lolita was really tired.

"You'll be going with me to the royal palace tomorrow." She heard Lucius

"Can't I ask why you didn't fight for the throne?"

"Didn't want it"

"Really?" Faith sighed "Why does the emperor want to meet me?"

"Avalon may have forgotten you, but Rome hasn't, your achievements by the King's earned you a lot of fame here."

"And that young Emperor wants to meet a woman."

"I must go see his holiness, sleep well for the night," He said before he left the room. Faith yawned in jumped into bed with the sleeping Celine.

Their meeting was held in a small church. The church has a long history nor is it a large building, but it has everything a church should have; gothic spires, an elegant bell tower, tall and narrow windows that have complicated designs. Above the altar stood a gorgeous stained glass. Every day, slanted sunlight would shine through the window and a myriad of colors would grace the church. The colors are dreamy, as though the heavens have blessed the lands. When he was still a child, Duarte thought he would be able to see God if he stood under that light. But that dream of his was easily smashed by the cruel reality.

"My son, you're finally home."

The pope looked at his son worriedly. His face was dreadfully pale.

"Your Holiness, I have previously explained my reasons in the letter. If we continue this stalemate with the Celtics, this war will be unfavorable to us. Our frontline is stretched too thin against them."

Lucius stood up and walked towards the window.

"Of course, I do understand where you're coming from. However, the emperor is not pleased with the current situation."

The pope sighed.

"Perhaps you need to explain to him personally."

"I will go see him myself."

"I've heard you brought that young maiden from Avalon, my son do you…."

He said nervously

Lucius only smiled gently.

The palace sat at the very heart of the capital Rome. As far as the eye can see, the impressively expansive lawn goes down the slope and up to the palace. The blue sky contrasted the magnificent grandeur of the palace. Sturdy brick walls and cross arch structure created an elegant arched roof, an architecture unique only to ancient Rome. Even in this frigid season, roses can be found blooming in front of the palace. It adds a charming atmosphere to the royal premise.

'Unlike Avalon, Rome was able to retain its beauty. ' Faith thought sadly, Camelot is but a speck of dust as it cants even compete anymore.

Lucius placed a pink rose into her hair while she was distracted as he took her arm and led her into the throne room.

On the golden throne sat a young man comforting a beautiful golden-haired female slave, as though she is a kitten herself. His handsome face had a lazy expression to it. Seeing them arrive, he revealed a charming smile. His sapphire-like eyes were amused with the reaction of the nobles in the room. He was holding a glass of wine in one hand. The bloody red alcohol swayed in its crystal cup. Its content glistened like blood.

"Your Majesty," Lucius said

Faith now understood why Lucius despite being ambitious to let this man have the throne.

"So, this is the famed Black-haired Maiden?" was all he said before smiling. She saw the glimmer of lust in his.

Lucius bowed slightly and replied.

"Your Majesty, I believe we should rally all our allies and request that they resourceful knights to these places, Alexandria, India, Armenia and Damascus, these vassal countries. We should commence the attack after St. Hilary's Day. What is His Majesty's opinion on this?"

"Sounds like a good plan. Then we shall do like you have suggested."

"His Majesty invites all to dine in a special room." The emperor said

He then gestured to the maids to usher the guests to a room further in.

"Why aren't you eating?"

Lucius quietly asked Faith. After they had been seated.

"Your Kidding, have you seen this room."

The room is black. Be it the ceilings or the walls, it is painted black. The color extended even to the cushionless chairs. The ministers were brought into the room one by one and placed in front of the chairs are gravestone-like, black silver plate. In this dark room, the only lighting comes from the candle hanging from the ceiling. The small, dim light was reflected on the silver plates.

"Everything in this room is but a feast for the dead. So, if you expect me to eat in a room with such a ghastly mood, No thank-you"

Lucius chuckled, followed by the Emperor who heard her.

"Your Majesty, what made you so pleased today?"

Lucius smiled and the Emperor chuckled again.

"It is because, with a nod from me, everyone here in this room would have their throats slashed."

"…"

But everyone continued eating their food calmly.

The banquet finally came to an end. As she walked out of the pitch-black room. Lucius had left in a room to go take care of something, he said he will be back.

She remembered that embarrassed expression as she understood what that 'business was. She laughed in her heart.

She gazed out the window in a trance after a while she turned around sharply, the emperor's lust filled expression was before her.

"Don't come any closer!" Faith warned

"Oh? Why are you so afraid? My black-haired Maiden...?"

He chuckled and reached out to her.

"Black hair and black eyes... This is the first I've seen a girl like you."

"…."

"You know I have once heard a story about a black-haired maiden. The former emperor then had half his palace destroyed by her in a rage because he pursued her, despite being married. But, in his eyes at the time she was worth, the women was a beauty beyond compare. I too am starting to see where he is coming from. You may hide it, but you are a true beauty."

"Your Majesty," Lucius said from behind the emperor. The emperor ad a disappointed expression on his face as he backed away from Faith and glared at Lucius. Faith walked to his side ignoring the Emperor's expression.

"Your Majesty, I take my leave."

Lucius grabbed her hand and walked out of the palace. All the while the Emperor said nothing.