The Pope's Explanation

The shock and horror was impossible to manage. All those who stood by Alex's bedside could not figure out what to say to each other. The Duke had lost all feeling in his body. Helena was healing Alex yet again. If all her magic could do was take away his pain then she would do just that. As many times as needed. 

Will he wake up? Why hasn't he woken up yet? He's still breathing. Is he slipping into a coma?

Alex's body was prone. He was drenched in sweat, but thankfully breathing steadily. His closed eyes were moving rapidly. Clearly he was dreaming. But what of? Did he know what was happening to him?

Even after an hour had passed he failed to wake up. Father Demetri did everything he could to rouse him. Ultimately, he told the bereaved family and friends to take him home and have a physician monitor his condition continuously. 

Thoroughly distraught, Liam and Constantine carried Alex into the Del Montague carriage and gently laid him down. They couldn't think of a word to say to the shell shocked Duke. They simply lowered their heads and walked away, battling their own internal demons.

Prince Constantine clenched his fist over the fact that the evil Felicia was still wreaking havoc. What did her brother ever do to her that she has decided to do this to him?

The carriage departed and thankfully all the families were gone and it was only the priests who were watching them leave. The Pope had ordered them to all gather in the Ceremonial room to do a special prayer for Lord Alexander.

Earlier...

The Pope walked back to the Prayer hall and took his stand in front of the statue of Goddess Kartara. He expressed to all the families in solemn tones what was happening to the Grand Duke's heir and the witch responsible for it. He informed them that the reason for the red tears was because the Goddess was warning them all of the danger that the evil one had inflicted upon them. He cautioned them to all be vigilant. 

When one of the attendees asked if the rest of them were in danger of also falling sick under a death curse as Lord Alexander, he denied it. He stated that the witch had released her magic whilst burning and it could manifest in many ways and may cause misfortune to all those who witnessed her demise. 

When panic began to rise in the crowd, the Pope told them that the effects of the curse would fade in a month's time and then they would be safe. All they had to do was be extra cautious during the next three weeks as this would be the period when her death curse is most potent. 

He promised them that that the red tears would halt once the black magic was gone.

The nobles were horrified but still they trusted their Pope. They all stood up for another sermon which was done in the name of cleansing the empire of the witch's magic and praying for Lord Alexander's recovery. With that, the congregation came to an end and everyone left with their hearts in their throats. Just when they thought they were safe, they were made to face this.

They especially pitied the Del Montague family.

Present...

The Pope was in his chambers getting reading for the ceremony. He knew it wouldn't work, but he had to do it in order to maintain face. He grew angry as he realized that the situation was spiraling out of his control. He had a clear plan put in place to ensure his eventual rule over the entire continent. But now he was thrown off balance. He had not expected Lady Felicia to release a death curse. His assessment of that woman showed a broken spirit who could be easily stomped on. How could he have been so foolish to think that there may not have been hatred underneath all that? 

If he did not present the illusion of peace to the citizens of Elysium, they would begin to question him and his Saintess. He could not allow that to happen. Not when he was this close. He would have to hasten his plans to kill off the Cromwell family. And he could use Felicia's curse to do so.

Tonight he would go to his underground temple and make another request to the Demon Lord. He would present another offering and ask his lord to grant him the power to hypnotize the masses into a more subservient state. Now more than ever, he needed to control what people were thinking

I may also have to make a journey to Lake Joan again.