Celestia's Apostate

Chapter Three

With the ceremony over, the party begins and I walk around greeting people. "I must say, Lady Azrael, I did not expect you to become the next fatui harbinger. This nation has a bright future ahead."

I nod my head, not really listening. I am in for a long night of meaningless chatter and lip service. I have to suppress a groan as I see a man approach me with a young boy by his side.

I thought I wouldn't have to deal with any of this nonsense tonight, but I was wrong.

"Lady Azrael, it's a pleasure to meet with you again. Congratulations on your title. The Tsaritsa truly has infinite wisdom."

I smile, going over a mental list of the guests, recognizing this man as a fairly high-ranking politician. "Sir Bogdan, it's a pleasure to see you once again as well. I see you've brought your son with you."

The man laughs patting his son on the back. "Why yes, I have. Why don't you introduce yourself?"

His son bows. "My name is Ivan Bogdan. It's very nice to meet you, Lady Azrael. I must say, I've admired you for quite a while. You're just as dazzling as they say." He takes my hand, kissing it then flashes me a smile and I suppress a grimace.

Since I'm too young to be propositioned, more often than not, people introduce me to their sons or daughters in hope of me taking a liking to them or proposing an engagement.

"Oh my, you've raised such a charming son, Sir Bogdan." I just want this conversation to end. Why do people keep bringing their young kids to these events? Children need their sleep.

Just then, large hands wrap around my shoulders and I look up to see it's one of my colleagues, the 11th harbinger, Tartaglia. "Why hello, priestess, or should I say Lady Azrael, or do you prefer Lady Celestine?"

I smile at the man, happy to take this as a chance to get away from Sir Bogdan.

"Anything's fine, Lord Tartaglia. I don't really mind, though, I must say it's nice for people to finally have something to call me other than priestess."

For a moment, a sad look flashes on his face before he perks up again. It surprises me. I never really thought I would get pity from someone like him, but I suppose it's only natural. To him, I must be some poor orphan the Tsaritsa took pity on and that's been desperately trying to prove themselves to repay that kindness. Ha! If only.

"You don't have to call me that, Lady Azrael, just call me Childe. We're comrades after all!"

I nod and notice the sound of music starting up. It's a little too loud for me since there is a live orchestra playing in the ballroom. I prefer music being played on low-quality speakers as nothing more than background noise. I've gotten used to the live music through the years, but it's still a little grating.

Immediately I look for a place to hide not, wanting to be bombarded with offers to dance, however, I'm far too late as people's eyes seem to zero in on me. It's just then Childe takes my hand, leading to the ballroom floor.

"It seems we're in the same predicament. As Comrades, we should help each other out."

To the side, I notice multiple ladies look on with envy as they miss their chance to dance with the man. As I reach the dance floor, Childe bows and offers his hand. "May I have this dance, Lady Azrael?"

I let out a small laugh and take his hand. "Why, I would be honored, Lord Childe." Childe Is very tall, way taller than me, by a lot, but I still try my best to get into a comfortable position. However, what I didn't expect was for Childe to lift me up, placing me on top of his shoes.