As the carriage swayed gently across the plains and mountains, the scenery before me looked like a painting crafted with divine precision. Towering mountains surrounded us, and the scent of pure nature filled the air with every light jolt of the carriage. Yet, I couldn't fully enjoy the journey; the repeated motions of the carriage stirred a sense of nausea within me. I wondered silently, "Will I be alright when I reach the temple?"
"Are you worried, Seraphina?"
The voice of Rialoa was calm and soothing, like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. I looked at him, startled, as he sat across from me in the carriage, maintaining his regal air despite the simplicity of the situation.
"I don't even know yet..." I muttered.
He smiled confidently and said, "Everything will be fine, I promise. As long as I am here, nothing will harm you."
Then he reached out and gently took my hand. The warmth of his touch brought a feeling of security, and he squeezed it softly, as if trying to reassure me even more.
"I swear it, in the name of Rialoa Kretos, the High Priest of the Golden Temple."
I couldn't stop staring at him, as if his words were a spell that held me captive, clinging to his voice and serene features. For a moment, I wished he would just keep repeating his promise over and over again. But soon, I regained my senses and pulled my hand away gently, avoiding his gaze so he wouldn't notice my growing nervousness.
Yet he smiled—a small, barely noticeable smile, but enough to ignite my anxiety even further. I began babbling nonsense, words I hadn't even thought through:
"Ah... um... these cushions... they're so silky... Oh, um, High Priest, aren't you hot? This carriage is so cramped!"
I couldn't believe the words escaping my mouth, but before I could drown further in my embarrassment, his laughter cut through the moment. It was a loud, genuine laugh, so unexpected that it made my mind go blank. Instinctively, I found myself laughing with him, and that was enough to ease the tension between us.
After a few moments, the carriage came to a sudden halt. Rialoa glanced out the window and said reassuringly, "We've arrived, Seraphina. This is the Golden Temple."
I looked outside, and the view was breathtaking. The temple stood proudly between the mountains, like a hidden sanctuary far from the world. The white gates adorned with intricate carvings gleamed under the sunlight, and a long pathway lined with violet Trinity flowers connected us to the grand entrance.
The High Priest opened the carriage door and stepped down first, then extended his hand toward me. For a moment, I hesitated. I remembered the looks Marquis Valen and Crown Prince Charles gave me before we left the Grand Hall. Their gazes were a mixture of anger and sorrow when the High Priest took me from their midst. Valen tried to object, but a single stern glance from Rialoa made him fall silent.
I drew a deep breath and took his hand, stepping down from the carriage with steady steps. The warmth of his hand continued to provide comfort, though my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
The temple felt like a new destination—not just on this journey, but in my life. Was I ready for what awaited me behind those grand doors?
Not long after I disembarked, the Countess Adeline's carriage arrived. It halted before the flower-lined pathway, the sound of hooves and wheels enough to announce their arrival.
The doors opened, and Countess Adeline stepped out first, her confident strides and elegance always commanding attention. Her sharp gaze flickered to me for a brief moment before she offered Rialoa a formal smile.
Following her was Amelia, who looked at me with clear concern but dared not speak. She quickly moved to stand beside me, her unwavering loyalty evident in her eyes.
Then came Carmilla, the priestess-in-training. Her blue eyes gleamed with something close to challenge, and she made no effort to hide her disdain for me. But what caught my attention most was how her expression completely changed the moment she laid eyes on Rialoa.
"My Lord High Priest, I am so delighted to see you again," she said softly, giving him her full attention as she approached with measured steps. She tried to appear sweet, but there was something forced about it that I couldn't ignore.
Rialoa responded with a simple smile and a formal tone, "Trainee Carmilla, I hope your journey was comfortable."
But Carmilla continued to gaze at him as if he were the center of her universe. I tried to appear indifferent, but her repeated glances in my direction betrayed her true intentions.
"What a wonderful journey, isn't it? It seems the convoy has arrived safely, thanks to your wise guidance, High Priest," she said, her words dripping with obvious flattery, though she couldn't hide the disdain in her voice when she turned to me.
"My Lady Seraphina, you seem a little tired. Was the journey too much for you?"
Her question was far from innocent, and I did not miss the malicious undertone. I felt a mix of embarrassment and anger rising inside me, but before I could reply, Rialoa intervened.
"Trainee Carmilla," he said firmly, "I believe Seraphina has performed admirably throughout the journey. If she appears exhausted, it is because she endured more than anyone could have expected."
His words were enough to silence her—if only for a moment. She looked at him in shock before quickly regaining her composure with a forced smile.
As we moved toward the temple gates, I couldn't ignore the heavy feeling that Carmilla's presence added to the atmosphere. She wasn't just an obstacle—she was a constant challenge I would have to face.
But one thing was certain: no matter how hard she tried to sow doubt or tension, I would not let her win.
When we crossed the golden temple gates, the sight before me felt like something out of a fairytale. Massive white pillars reached for the sky, adorned with golden carvings that shimmered in the sunlight. The surrounding flowers breathed life into the place, as if nature itself were celebrating this sacred ground.
"This is the Golden Temple, Seraphina."
Rialoa spoke in a low voice, but his words carried something deeper than a mere introduction. I looked at him curiously, but he only continued with his familiar, mysterious smile.
"This place is not just a temple. It is the heart of the empire—a center where the most important decisions affecting all of us are made."
I listened carefully as our footsteps echoed through the ornate halls. He paused in front of a massive mural depicting the coronation of the empire's first High Priest.
"And you, Seraphina, you are not merely a visitor here. You are a candidate of great importance to the empire. Your presence is not a coincidence—it's part of a much larger plan."
His words were heavy, carrying a responsibility I couldn't fully comprehend. I tried to speak, but before I could open my mouth, he turned to me with that enigmatic smile.
"But there's no need to worry now. Everything in its time. Let me show you your room."
He led me through long hallways adorned with golden sconces and plush red velvet carpets. When we reached a large wooden door, he opened it to reveal a spacious room, lavishly decorated—fit more for a princess than a temple guest.
Amelia was already waiting inside, standing beside an elderly caretaker who looked as if she belonged to the temple itself. She smiled at me reassuringly, but I couldn't shake off the strange feeling in the air.
"This is your room, Seraphina. It has been prepared especially for you. You will be well cared for here, and I trust Amelia and the caretaker will see to your needs."
I nodded silently as Rialoa approached me slowly. Suddenly, he stood very close, causing my heart to race.
"Seraphina, I hope you realize your importance here. The entire empire places its trust in you."
Then, without warning, he took my hand again, looked straight into my eyes, and said in a deep voice, "You are more than just a candidate. You are part of something much greater. And I promise you—I will not let anything harm you."
His words were wrapped in a mysterious tone, but the warmth of his hand and the intensity of his gaze made me feel a mix of comfort and unease. It felt like he held a plan I could not yet see, a path just beginning to unfold before me.
Before leaving, he smiled again and said,
"If you need anything, Seraphina, just call me. I'll always be here for you."
His final look was enough to leave me confused, as if I were part of a bigger puzzle I couldn't yet solve. As he left, I exchanged a glance with Amelia, who looked worried, as if she sensed something I couldn't yet see.
"Candidate of the Empire...? What does that mean? And why do I feel like there's more than they're telling me?"
After Rialoa left, I felt a strange emptiness in the room despite its luxury. Its golden and white decorated walls reflected the light beautifully, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this room was not just a place for rest, but a golden prison hiding greater secrets.
"My lady, are you alright?"
Amelia's voice was the first to break the silence. She stood beside me, her anxious eyes scanning my face.
"I'm fine, Amelia... or at least trying to be."
I sat on the velvet couch near the window, trying to absorb everything that had been said in the past few hours.
An elderly governess approached, her presence heavy yet calm. She wore a simple gray dress, and her neatly tied white hair added to her dignified aura. Her deep, wise eyes gave her a strange authority.
"Seraphina, I am Lady Margaret. I have been assigned to oversee your comfort and teach you everything you need during your stay here."
Her voice was low but firm, as if she was used to giving instructions without hesitation.
"Teach me?"
I looked at her in surprise, and she continued in a softer tone,
"Since you are a Candidate of the Empire, you must learn etiquette, the art of speech, and some temple matters. We cannot risk any mistake."
"Mistake? Why do I feel like I'm a chess piece in a game I don't understand?"
I said sharply without meaning to, but Margaret didn't seem bothered.
"Because you are indeed part of a greater game, young lady. But the role you will play is up to you."
Her words left me puzzled, but she gave me no time to think. She approached the small table and gestured to a chair.
"Sit. We'll start preparing you for what's to come."
As I sat down, Amelia slowly approached and placed her hands gently on my shoulders, a comforting gesture as if trying to reassure me.
"My lady, don't worry. I'm always here by your side. No matter what happens, we will face it together."
I smiled faintly at her, feeling deeply grateful for her presence.
But Margaret's sharp gaze interrupted the moment.
"Amelia, I know you are loyal, but you must understand that the world we are entering now has no place for weakness or excessive emotions. You must be strong to support your lady."
Her words were harsh, but I realized they carried undeniable truth.
After the conversation ended, I looked into the large mirror before me. My reflection seemed strange to me, as if I was watching another person gradually taking shape.
"What will happen to me in this place? Will I be able to keep myself amid these storms?"
I wondered internally, the anxiety growing as the start of my true journey in this world approached.
After Margaret left the room, leaving her instructions to me and Amelia, I sat by the small table near the window, trying to process everything happening around me.
Suddenly, the door opened, and a young priestess entered carrying a tray decorated with delicious foods. Her skin was pale like the moon, and her eyes were as clear as the blue sky. Her dark brown hair was tied with a simple white ribbon, giving her a serene beauty.
"Hello, Lady Seraphina. I am Priestess Elara. I have been assigned to serve your meals."
She smiled gently as she placed the tray on the table, then bowed respectfully before raising her head to look at me with a shy smile.
"Thank you, Elara. That's very kind of you,"
I said softly, trying not to seem too flustered by her attention.
While she carefully arranged the dishes, she looked at me shyly and said in a low voice,
"Excuse me, my lady, but... may I say something?"
She quickly lifted her eyes to me before continuing,
"You are... very beautiful. I heard stories about you, but seeing you in person... it's entirely different."
I was surprised by her words, my cheeks flushing without being able to respond immediately. Her admiration was sincere and tender in a way I wasn't used to.
"That's kind of you, Elara. But... I don't think I'm that special,"
I said shyly, but her gaze remained steady on me.
"You are, truly. I mean, everyone here talks about you as an important candidate, but I see something different... it's like you bring a special light to this place."
She cautiously stepped closer, as if afraid to overstep.
"If you need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'll always be here."
I smiled at her kindly, feeling her words were genuine, perhaps mixed with a bit of curiosity.
"Thank you, Elara. I'll keep that in mind."
After making sure everything was in place, she bowed again and said,
"I'll leave you to rest now. If you need me, I'll be nearby."
I watched her leave the room, feeling a mixture of comfort and strangeness. Maybe her intentions were pure, or maybe she hid something more complex beneath her gentle smile.
"It seems that even here, in this strange place, no one shows their true face completely,"
I said to myself as I looked at the food before me.
After dinner, Amelia returned to the room to find me sitting quietly by the window, thinking about everything that had happened since our arrival.
"My lady, it's time for you to rest. Tomorrow will be a long day,"
she said with a warm smile as she approached, carrying a simple silk nightgown.
I stood slowly, allowing her to gently undo the long braids of my golden hair. Her fingers were tender, as if trying to calm the tension surrounding me.
"Amelia, do you think I'll be alright here?"
She looked at me through the mirror and said,
"My lady, you are stronger than you think. The temple is full of challenges, but you were born to be special. Just trust yourself."
She helped me into the nightgown and then carefully arranged the bed.
"If you need anything, I'm always here."
I gave her a soft smile as I prepared to sleep, trying to push away the troubling thoughts from my mind.
د
The next morning
I was deep in sleep when I felt a soft hand gently shaking me. I slowly opened my eyes to see Elara standing beside me, wearing her usual gentle smile.
"Good morning, my lady. The High Priest requests your presence in the main hall. It's time for your abilities to be tested."
I felt my heart pounding at her words. I sat up quickly, trying to understand what was happening.
"Test? What do you mean?"
"You will be evaluated by the senior priests and trainees. It's a crucial step for every important candidate in the empire. Don't worry, my lady, just show them what you can do.
---
Amelia rushed into the room after overhearing the conversation.
"My lady, we must get you ready immediately."
She began combing my long golden hair and then styled it into a simple yet elegant updo suited for the occasion.
"This is an important moment, my lady. You must appear strong and confident,"
she said as she helped me into a majestic white gown adorned with delicate silver threads, reflecting the formal spirit of the temple.
---
The road to the main hall
As I walked through the long temple corridors accompanied by Elara and Amelia, I felt the weight of responsibility grow with each step. The sounds of priests and trainees echoed from afar, making my heart race.
"My lady; don't be afraid. You are here because you deserve to be,"
Elara whispered beside me, giving me strength...
We arrived at the doors of the main hall, where High Priest Rialoa stood waiting, his violet eyes fixed on me. Behind him, the crowd had already gathered, including the senior priests, the trainees, and even the high-ranking figures of the temple.
"Welcome, Seraphina," he said in a deep, calm voice that made the tension ease a little. "Today, we will witness the true potential you carry."
He opened the door for me, and the scene inside was truly magnificent. All eyes were on me, waiting to see what I would present.
"Am I ready for this?" I silently asked myself, but I knew that retreat was no longer an option.
✓✓...End of the Chapter...✓✓