“Xaria, my child,” Erasmus said, sounding happy to see his daughter.

“My Lord,” she replied, kneeling on the ground. Her sky blue dress pooled around her, the fabric cascading down like a waterfall and covering the floor.

“You are not required to grovel, my dear,” Erasmus remarked, voice tinged with concern and a hint of confusion, “You know this, don’t you?”

Xaria stood up but kept her head bowed. “Yes father. I’m sorry father. It’s been so long that I must have forgotten.” She did her best to keep her tone complacent and words neutral. Erasmus was known for having a temper like quicksand. While she was his favorite child, she did not want to tempt fate.

“Yes, you’re right. I haven’t seen you in almost 10 years.” Erasmus spoke with a waning smile, his mind in the fading memories of the past. His face scrunched up and went from nostalgia to confusion, as if he suddenly remembered something important. “Why did you never visit me, my child?”

Xaria’s heart skittered, fear crawling up her spine and settling at the base of her neck. Was he onto her? Did he know of her feelings of hatred towards him? This was a very dangerous question, one which, answered incorrectly, could mean Pyralis.

“I did not visit because I did not wish to disturb you, father,” Xaria answered, voice steady but head still bowed, “I know you have a lot to manage and didn’t think you needed a distraction.”

I think that was a safe answer.

“Hmm…” Erasmus murmured

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Perhaps you’re right. I do have a lot on my plate, indeed.”

Phew

“Now, onto the reason why I called your here,” He continued, shifting in his seat.

“What is it father?” Xaria questioned.

“I wish for you to bless a couple to have a child.”

Wait what

Xaria’s face lit up.

“Truly father?” she exclaimed, fighting the urge to jump up and down like a child, “It’s been almost a hundred years since you last let me bless a couple! Would I be allowed to choose the couple, or have you already picked one?” She wrung her fingers together, burying her hands in her lap to try to hide her elation. She already had the couple picked out; Amelia and Ernest. She didn’t want to let her father know that though.

“I have already chosen them,” Erasmus answered.

She did her best to not let her disappointment show.

“I see,” Xaria replied, bowing her head, “As always, I will trust your divine and superior judgement.” There was a time where she actually believed those words. Now, they made her want to vomit, unable to digest the lies that were shoved down her throat for as long as she could remember. Erasmus nodded in acknowledgement.

“Of course.” He drummed his fingers on his chair, a subtle way of telling Xaria he was becoming bored with their interaction.

“May I go bless them now?” Xaria asked, looking up at her father.

“Yes, now is a perfect time to go. Zebadiah will explain the details on you way to the reflection pool.” Erasmus motioned for Zebadiah to come forward. Zeb was only a few years younger than her, and he was on the Valencian guard like Delios. He had his lucious black hair pulled back in a french braid and his too-pale skin was dotted with freckles and scars. Scars were a part of the job, as Zebadiah knew too well.

“Delios, you will accompany them to the reflection pool.”

Delios stepped forward and bowed.

“Yes my Lord.”

Erasmus gave a nod.

“You three are dismissed.”

“Thank you father,” Xaria said as she left, curtsying.

Erasmus smiled.

“Indeed.”