A Princess Named Harry: Book 2

Chapter 29

The temple was not a friendly place to commoners. If someone who wasn't born of noble lineage walked in, that person would immediately be thrown out. Harry was already aware of the cruel temple, but she just couldn't figure out what it had to do with Varian and the upcoming war.

They walked through the pure white marble halls. Harry stayed close to the king as they entered the main room. Three temple men stood in front of them. None of them looked particularly nice, especially the one who stood in front of the podium.

"Your Majesty," he said with a smirk. "What brings you to our humble abode?"

The other two men got closer to the man by the podium.

"I think you know," the king replied with his head high. "But I'll tell you in case you truly don't. Tell me about that boy, Varian."

"Varian?" repeated the man as he scratched his chin. "Doesn't ring a bell."

"How is that possible?" asked the king slowly. "I only accepted the boy on your recommendation."

Harry had intended to stay quiet while they were at the temple, but she couldn't stop herself from shouting questions. Had her father really hired someone from a horrible temple to guard her? Shouldn't he have been more cautious?

"If I recall, Your Majesty, I gave you a list of many people suitable to be the second princess's knight. I'm sorry that I can't remember the names and faces of everyone on that list."

"I don't think this boy is one you can simply forget," replied the king.

"Well, if you have a way to jog my memory, then please, by all means."

Harry wondered how the king would describe Varian.

"He looks around sixteen or seventeen," he began. "Tall, lean, jet-black hair, unique blue eyes. He seemed quiet but had some sort of definitive air around him." When the temple man gave a joyful shrug, the king added, "He went by Varian Alchester."

"Oh, that boy," laughed the man. "Oh, yes, I remember him. A dark one that one was. I believe he's Duke Alchester's son."

"He's not," Harry said quickly.

"Is that so? Well, sorry that we don't do extensive background checks on everyone who comes to the temple."

The man's words frustrated Harry. He should have known whether Varian was a nobleman or not. It was what the temple cared about the most.

"Why didn't you?" Harry asked. "For all you know, he could have lied about being the son of a nobleman in order to get into the temple. Doesn't the temple pride itself on only accepting nobles into its marble halls?"

The king turned to Harry, shocked. He called her startled, "Harry?"

Harry knew her words had been harsh, but what could she do when the temple was so obviously lying?

"Father," she said, just sternly enough for him to consider her harsh words.

"Yes," he said after a momentary pause. "Why didn't you check into it more thoroughly? It certainly doesn't make any sense."

The man seemed taken aback. "It-it was Linus's responsibility!" he shouted as he pointed to the large man on his right. "He was supposed to do background checks on all the people who came in to be Her Highness's royal guard!"

The large man named Linus didn't move an inch. He stood still looking bored with everything.

Harry knew something was off, but she couldn't quite place what it was. Regardless, it didn't seem like the temple would help them. Even if they were to acquire some formal documents about Varian, they would definitely not all be there.

"Let's go, Father," Harry said with a sigh. "I don't think the temple will be of much help."

"It certainly seems that way," replied the king. "Let's go."

As he motioned Harry out, the temple man called out, "Your Majesty-"

"If I discover you knew about the boy and that you're somehow involved in his schemes, or you put them into motion yourself, I will not hesitate to destroy the temple and burn your reputation to the ground."

The king's words seemed to have left a lasting impression on the man. He shut up and turned to the other two men looking defeated.

Harry knew that the temple was very sketchy, but she wouldn't be able to prove it on her own. Kahil or the king would have to secretly plant spies inside.

The two stepped outside. The bright sun instantly blinded Harry. She knew that there was only one person who knew some important information about the war, and that person was Joseph.

As she debated whether or not she should bring him to the palace, the king turned to her and called her. She wondered what important thing he was going to say to her, but all he said was, "Would you like to go get some ice cream, Harry?"