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Breathing in the last of the sweet flowery air before autumn really descended, Alessandria admired the rows upon the rows of stunning flowers as nature took its course.
Even now as the autumn started to kill the flowers, Alessandria loved it here. The cold sweet air chilling her skin and making her breath condense ever so slightly.
The sound of rustling leaves and beaches filled the air.
But there was something impressive about autumn too. Whilst the cold air killed off the once amazing flowers, there were a handful in each tens of metres long rows that stood firm and defiant. They weren't going to die just yet. They were going to brave the storm and survive the autumn.
A part of Alessandria could easily relate to that. The Church, the Triad and all the other threats banging on her preverbal door. They all wanted her dead. But Alessandria knew she needed to survive a little longer.
Turning her attention away from the dying rows of flowers, Alessandria turned to see the immense green ivy covered castle with Nemesio and Daniel standing there. Looking around for the Queen. Daniel's dulled blade spinning slowly.
As much as Alessandria wished Hellen was here that damn Queen's Dominicus Procurator ordered Hellen away from Alessandria. Hopefully, she could get Hellen back. Alessandria wanted her friend with her. That massive stick was handy.
A gust of freezing cold wind made Alessandria shiver. This was not a good place for a meeting with the Queen. Why couldn't the Queen meet them indoors? In the warmth?
Then Alessandria realised outside was probably the safest place to be. She knew for a fact the Church (and by extension the Triad) had agents and spies within the castle so outside away from them was probably a good idea.
In all honesty, Alessandria hated all of this. She felt like a noose was tightening around her neck. All she wanted was for her friends and family to be free to live in a country without evil masterminds and zealots wanting to kill them. Alessandria needed to see that happen even if it cost her her life.
The hint of amazingly sweet perfume in the cold wind made Alessandria look up and smile as she saw the Queen in her stunning pure white fur cloak walk towards them.
Walking over to Nemesio, Daniel and the Queen, Alessandria's feet twisted and turned in the soft muddy ground. Of course, the Queen was walking perfectly through it like some kind of angel.
“Lady and Master Fireheart pleasure to see you both. Please accept my condolences about your Mother. She was an interesting but great Noblewomen,” the Queen said.
Alessandria nodded her thanks and wondered what the Queen really wanted to say about her Mother. Sadly this was hardly the time though.
“Lady Alessandria, what do you have to report?” the Queen asked.
Alessandria paused for a moment, what did she have to report? That there was a massive mob raised by the Church and that was it.
Nemesio stepped forward. “The Church you know they’re up to something. If you didn’t you would have met us inside,”
Alessandria cocked her head. She knew she should have got that.
“Nemesio, my apologies. The situation has been dire for a while. All outer villages have been claimed by the Church and the Triad. Our military is stretched thin trying to reclaim the land,”
Daniel frowned. “Harrison. Is that why he’s been away a lot?”
“Yes Master Fireheart. Do not be mad at him. It was me who encouraged him to keep it a secret,”
Daniel’s eyebrows rose and Alessandria gave a small smile as she realised Daniel probably didn’t know why he would be mad at Harrison being busy, and coming home later at night.
“The Triad has claimed the outer villages. What about the main City where we are?” Alessandria asked.
“We hold it by a thread. The Triad are coming for me. What do you know about the Word Bearer?”
“Your Majesty...” Alessandria didn’t know what to say.
“Declare the Church Traitorous,” Daniel said. Probably in a more demanding tone than he realised.
The Queen smiled. Her eyes narrowing on Daniel.
“A Queen does not simply declare the Dissolution of the Church. I want to. Their control of the people, the country and their brainwashing has annoyed me for a while. But-”
“The fate of the country rests on you. Forget politics,” Daniel said.
As much as Alessandria agreed with Daniel, she walked over to the Queen.
“The Word Bearer is inside the Church,”
The Queen’s face lit up.
“Nemesio, the Order of the Divine Air, didn’t they try to dissolute the Church in their history?”
“Of course! They mapped each and every player in the Church. If anyone knows who the Word Bearer could be. It’s them,”
“Lady, Master Fireheart take care. Nemesio protect them,” the Queen said. She turned to Daniel. “Stay alive Master Fireheart, I have a wedding to perform,”
Daniel smiled and nodded.
As the Queen started to walk away, Alessandria shouted: “I need Hellen back!”
“Already Commanded it,”
Alessandria smiled. At last there was a chance she would save Ordericous and hopefully she might get the Divine Air to pledge themselves to her. Alessandria might be able to save herself from her Fate after all.