Matilda Seoah Arcadia

Three years had passed since the incident, and the fourth soul had reincarnated as Arabella. A month later, the queen finally gave birth to the kingdom's sunshine, Princess Matilda Seoah Arcadia. The entire kingdom rejoiced, for the birth of a princess was a rare and joyous occasion.

The naming ceremony was a momentous occasion, filled with anticipation and joy. As the royal family gathered to present the newest member of their dynasty to the world, there was a palpable sense of relief and gratitude. King Fabian's elation knew no bounds, his heart overflowing with pride and love for his newborn daughter. Prince Cassian, though still young, displayed a remarkable depth of affection for his sister. He doted on her incessantly, his adoration evident in every glance and touch.

But amidst the celebration, there lingered a shadow of the past—a reminder of the harrowing ordeal that had befallen Queen Phoebe a decade earlier. The vicious attack by bandits had left her wounded, her abdomen scarred and her womb weakened. It was a miracle that she had survived, let alone given birth to another child. Yet, here they were, gathered to baptize the newest addition to their family and to offer thanks to the gods for her existence.

In the kingdom of Arcadia, the baptism of newborns served a dual purpose. It was a solemn ritual, a way to honor the divine and seek protection for the child. But it was also a means of detecting any latent traces of magic that might reside within them. Magic was a rare and unpredictable force, one that could bring both wonder and danger to those who wielded it. And so, every child was tested, their innocence scrutinized for any signs of the arcane.

******

In the vast courtyard of the Arcadian castle, nobles and commoners alike had gathered to witness the baptism and naming of Princess Matilda Seoah Arcadia. The air was alive with anticipation and excitement as King Fabian took to the highest balcony to address his people.

"People of Arcadia," he began, his voice carrying over the crowd, "I am pleased to inform you that our little sunshine has finally been born." His words were met with cheers and applause, the joyous celebration echoing throughout the courtyard. "After the tragedy that befell us years ago, God has seen fit to bless us once more. I shall name her Princess Matilda Seoah Arcadia," he declared proudly, lifting the newborn princess high for all to see.

As King Fabian spoke, the high priest approached with the holy water, ready to perform the sacred ritual. With a solemn reverence, he dipped Princess Matilda into the blessed water, his prayers resonating through the courtyard as everyone bowed their heads in reverence. But as the princess floated in the bath of holy water, a gasp escaped the lips of the high priest, his eyes widening in shock.

"Your Majesty," he whispered, his voice trembling with awe, "this is not only the blessing of a child, but also a miracle." The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a hushed silence falling over the crowd as they awaited the king's response.

King Fabian's brow furrowed in concern as he leaned in to hear the high priest's whispered revelation. "No," he murmured in disbelief, shaking his head in denial. But the high priest persisted, his voice filled with conviction. "The princess has a very bright future," he declared, his words tinged with a sense of wonder.

As the celebrations continued, the castle filled with the sound of cheers, drums, and the clicking of glasses. But in the quiet confines of the king's study, a different scene unfolded. The high priest knelt before King Fabian, his heart heavy with the weight of his revelation.

"Who else knows about this?" the king demanded, his voice low and menacing. "If you do not confess, I shall have you beheaded."

The high priest trembled at the king's threat, his eyes darting nervously towards Queen Phoebe, who held Princess Matilda in her arms, and Prince Cassian, who clung to his sister desperately.

"No one else, Your Majesty," the high priest replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I swear it."

But King Fabian was not satisfied. He produced a parchment and quill, thrusting it towards the trembling priest. "Sign this contract," he commanded, his tone unwavering. "Swear to God that if you dare to speak of Princess Matilda's magic affinity, you will meet your end."

The high priest nodded frantically, his hands shaking as he took the quill and signed his name upon the parchment. With a solemn oath, he swore to keep the princess's secret safe, knowing full well the consequences of breaking his word in the kingdom of Arcadia, where oaths sworn to God held the weight of life and death.

In Arcadian lore, a tale persists of ancient magic used to vanquish the Lord of the underworld. Legend claims a saint sacrificed magic itself, sealing the dark lord. Despite its antiquity, skepticism abounds, dismissing it as a mere folktale from half a millennium ago.

******

The Angel, invisible to mortal eyes, smiled as he watched over Princess Matilda and her family. Despite the God's earlier prohibition on discussing magic, here he was, bestowing the gift upon the Angel's chosen souls. It was a moment of quiet triumph, a testament to the unseen workings of fate and providence.

As he observed the five souls living out their intertwined destinies, the Angel felt a sense of fulfillment wash over him. Each of them played a vital role in the grand tapestry of existence, their lives intricately woven together by threads of love, loss, and destiny.

And as he watched, he sensed a shift in the winds of fate. The fifth soul, having found its destined host, was now ready to embark on its own journey of discovery and redemption.

"The party is not too far," the Angel mused to himself, a knowing smile gracing his lips. "I'm happy I already have an invitation."