The Fake Princess

21- Visiting the Old Man

Currently I was on my way to the Temple, doing something I didn't think I would do until later. Since I graduated and had already learned most of what I needed to know from the Pope himself, I was given leave and could return during the winter months. I didn't think I would come just a few days later. I sent a carrier pigeon to Archbishop Sep, the man who looked over my theological studies, and informed him of my return visit.

I looked down at my dress, the beautiful and expensive fabric seems off today. I touched the delicate light blue embroidery against the purple dress. I sigh, knowing I am thinking too much of it. I am not a priestess anymore, I am not a scholar. I am a Duchess, and we wear nice dresses, expensive dresses but that's okay. Even though I have only worn robes in the Temple, I can still wear dresses like these and it isn't wrong to.

I look out the window, seeing that we are rounding the bend to the main road where the Temple sits. I smooth out the wrinkles that do not exist, getting my hands busy by turning my rings because I cannot sit still. When I see the Pope, I will be committing to my destiny. All this time, I thought I could avoid it, pushing it off until the next Blue Moon and the next... but not anymore. 

When we arrive, Sir Lloyd helps me out and walks with me. Archbishop Sep greets us at the entrance, speaking of all the changes there were since I left- there were none. They just got a new dye for the tablecloths. I feigned enthusiasm as we made our way to see the Pope.

When we reach the Pope's office, Sir Lloyd waits outside as Sep and I enter. The Pope is seated on his chair, munching on an apple as he peers over his glasses to look at an old text probably made in the same year as his birth.

"I thought I finally got rid of you." The old man huffed and I rolled my eyes, even after all these years we never gained a relationship like my mother and him. We have gotten close, but our relationship is....

"Old man, you should be happy to see me before you die. It's a blessing." I respond with a smirk, walking towards his desk and sitting in my usual spot in front of him. He lifts his glasses and looks over at me.

"There are kings and emperors that hope to get a mere glimpse of me, to see the holy Pope himself, yet you have the audacity to call me an old man." He gives me a pointed look.

"Well, after the blue moon, kings all over will be sending me invitations to bless them. I say that I will rank higher than you."

We stare at each other, eyes narrowed and frowns deepening by the second. Then I see him cave with a smile and I copy him, chuckling at our banter. While we may have not gotten as close as he and my mother, we have a good relationship. We're hard on each other but we understand that it is all jokes.

"From what you just said, I can deduce that you're finally going to be the Saintess?" The old man asks, standing up with the help of his cane and hobbling over to his bookcase. Knowing him, I know that there's a scroll that we both need- a map. The Archbishop stops him, sitting the old man back down and following the Pope's instructions to retrieve a specific scroll. Sep is too nice for the old man, but they like each other.

"Yes. The talk of war is upsetting me. The Mershans are devout people, if I visit them as the Saintess and as a diplomat, maybe we could avoid war." I tell him half the truth. He hums and I look over to Sep. He's already shaking with joy as he hands the scroll to the old man.

"I think I'm going to cry." Sep sobs out, surprising me with the cry. I raise my eyebrow, not surprised of how emotional he is, but surprised why this is a surprise. He has been training me for this day, he should not be acting like this.

"Asteria, ignore the man child." The Pope says over his shoulder and I chuckle.

"I'm sorry, Asteria." I look back at Sep, seeing him wipe tears from his eyes. "I've just been waiting for this day and the last time I saw you I didn't think you would come and declare it so soon. I would've prepared myself for the next blue moon... but the fact you become Saintess to prevent war... you are very noble and I'm glad you take after me."