Continuation of the Nonsense

Felicia barely got four hours of sleep. Even after her eyes and fingers had stopped heating up with magic, her mind was too tense for any form of deep rest. Immediately upon wakening, goosebumps appeared on her skin. She dreaded the day that was to come. She had been so eager to go to the church before; even with the risks involved.

But now, with this sudden change of circumstances; she got cold feet.

Had she not been the true Saintess and was born an ordinary woman, then she would have nothing to worry about. She could go along with the bullshit and believe in everything the Pope preached. 

How nice it must be to be completely ignorant. The people of Elysium are essentially sitting ducks. The Pope could easily pick up any one of them, suck their souls dry and nobody would suspect him of anything. 

Alex had also woken up early and was sitting in his bathtub looking at his wrist. The infinity symbol had started burning up again. It came in intervals and it frustrated him, not knowing what the Goddess was trying to tell him.

Tyren, on the other hand, was bouncing with joy as her maids dressed her up. She was so excited to see Helena with the Holy Sword! She couldn't believe that her special child was even more remarkable than earlier believed. Tyren had thought the day the Pope had announced Helena as a Saintess would forever be the best day of her life, but this was even more exciting.

"Thank you so much Goddess! Thank you for blessing my daughter with so much talent!"

The Duke was stoic and calm. His expression did not betray his emotions. There was no telling if he was proud of Helena or not. He had offered the girl one of his rare smiles when she first came up to show him the letter, but now he was back to being his cold self. 

Sadly, there was nothing that could truly bring him great joy. Not even the honor and praise that would be granted to the Del Montague household as a result of Helena's brilliance.

If Moniqua was not by his side, it was impossible for him to be happy.

The family of four barely exchanged any words as they boarded their carriage and left the Del Montague estate. For the first time, Tyren was not bitter about Alex and Felicia's closeness. It wouldn't last. She was convinced once Alex saw how glorious Helena would look being praised by the people of Elysium and the Pope with the Goddess's relic in her hands, he would realize that Felicia was nothing special.

After today, he will go back to adoring Helena. 

Alex touched Felicia's arm and was surprised to find that she was slightly trembling. Her interlocked their finger and began rubbing her thumb with his. 

"My girl, try to relax. We have not even arrived," he whispered.

Felicia gave him an appreciative smile and squeezed his hand.

"Did you say something, Alex?" The Duke asked.

"I was just asking Felicia if she slept well, Your Grace."

The Duke turned his gaze back out the window. Tyren rolled her eyes.

When their carriage got closer to the shimmering Catherdral, which looked even more enchanting covered in snow, the place was packed. Apart from the carriages which were parked off the the side, the church's grand entrance was filled with people from all walks of life. The division between the bluebloods and commoners appeared non existent as everyone was abuzz with excitement to witness Saintess Helena showcase her newfound talent.

"Oh my, so many people have come to see our Helena! This is truly going to be one of the most important days in her life, Your Grace. All of Elysium is surely celebrating!" Tyren gushed.

Felicia scoffed.

Tyren gave her a side eye. She was about to lash out, but decided that there would be no need. The foolish girl was going to feel so insignificant and humiliated once she saw Helena. That would be better than any reprimand.

Alighting from their carriage, the knights cleared a way for the Del Montague family to enter the church. 

"Isn't that the Saintess's family?" One commoner asked.

"It is. That is the Grand Duke. Those knights bear the emblem of the Del Montague family on their breastplate." Another answered.

"What a blessed family they are!"

"Didn't Lord Alexander and Lady Felicia get attacked some weeks ago?"

"I heard rumors about the Duke's eldest daughter. Apparently, she quite vile. She killed her own mother!"

Tyren beamed when she heard the last part. The Duke's expression twitched. Felicia clenched her fist when she felt disgusted eyes land on her. Even Alex couldn't control the scowl that marred his handsome features.

"Does that woman not possess any tact? Why would she just blurt out something so insensitive?" Alex growled in a low voice.

"Ignore it," Felicia replied. "We've got bigger fish to fry."

Walking up the marble steps, the chatter only increased. Inside the main prayer hall, almost all of the pews had been occupied. Some of the commoners sat on the floor as they were not permitted to take seats away from the noble families who had yet to arrive.

So much for being united in faith, Felicia thought. Segregation will never end. 

The four of them all took their respective seats. Now all eyes were on them. Tyren was the envy of all the women in the hall who wished they could have been lucky enough to birth a Saintess. She smiled and happily greeted the ones praising her.

Felicia felt the urge to laugh. It was so dumb for this woman to be acting like some kind of victor when she had done nothing. Even more so, Helena had done nothing. She wondered how Tyren would react if she learned what the truth was. 

Felicia moved her eyes around, looking for Liam when her gaze was caught by the unusual guests who'd just entered.

"Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Emperor Robert Cromwell, Her Highness, Empress Eleanor Cromwell, Crown Prince Constantine Cromwell and Second Prince Florentine Cromwell!"

The conversation died down as everyone turned their heads, stood up and bowed. The commoners splayed themselves out on the floor.

Felicia brows furrowed in unease. Why was the entire royal family attending? Looks like this hoax was really getting taken seriously!

The family was silent as they took their seats, which happened to be right next to the Del Findel family. Once all the royals were seated, the rest of the nobility sat down as well. And the commoners ceased to prostrate themselves.

Constantine tilted his head in Felicia's direction and smiled when their eyes made contact. Felicia unknowingly smiled back, before looking ahead again. 

Two young lads had entered the hall. They were dressed in a red uniform and were rhythmically hitting the drums tied to their waists as they took their positions on either side of the Goddess's statue.

Next the Pope walked out. His steps were slow and measured as he made his way to the front of the Goddess before raising his arms into the air.

"Praise to the Almighty! Praise to our glorious Lord and Protector!" His words amidst the rolling drums, made an impact within the hearts and minds of everyone present.

It would be hard for anyone to believe this was all an act.

"How dramatic," Alex muttered for only Felicia to hear. To which she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at the Pope.

How much nonsense would they have to endure today?