Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 14: The Sacrifice

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. The sounds grew louder until they stopped right outside my door. I looked up to see if the boy had returned, only to find Father peering through my doorway. Draped over his arms was a white garment. What was he doing here, in my room? I pulled the linen sheets over my exposed limbs.

"Rise, Troy. You have a big day today." He stepped into my room and studied my expression before asking, "Did I wake you?"

I nodded, rubbing my eyes. "Did you see anyone leave my room?"

Father furrowed his brow. "No. Why do you ask?"

"I thought that...never mind," I said, sighing. He must have thought I was going mad. But to me, it did not feel like a dream. The boy looked like a younger image of me. For a moment he acted as if he could not hear me and then, for a fleeting moment, he noticed my presence before fleeing. In my dreams, I was always 'elsewhere.' But it was the first time they took place inside the same space I occupied in reality.

Now he was gone, and so was the wooden chest where he put the jar.

"I know you were not expecting me in your room at this hour, but I wanted to give you this toga for your ceremony today."

I reached out to touch the fabric before he could place it in my hands.

"I received your measurement from Cornelia, but I still want to ensure it fits. She will help you change into it."

My eyes brightened. I looked up at him and thanked him repeatedly.

Behind his calm, composed demeanor, his eyes softened when I looked up at him after admiring the toga. It was a fitting status symbol as a fully grown citizen of Aegea. I thought about the upcoming procession to the Temple and the conflicting ball of emotions whirling in my head. I was excited yet anxious.

Before he left, Father explained how the day would go. I would dress in my toga. Then I would make an offering at the family shrine, where I would sacrifice my bulla before joining everyone for the morning meal. Then we would make our trek to the temple in Apathia before returning home for a celebratory banquet. As long as I followed the "plan," I had nothing to fear.

After excusing myself to use the latrines, I soaked my face using one of the wash basins before the barber began shaving any vestige of stubble that grazed my chin and jawline. I returned to my room to find Cornelia waiting for me with a smile. I smiled back as I stripped off my old tunic and tossed it on the bed. She picked up the long cloth and draped it around my bare skin in a series of folds. Her fingers moved deftly as she worked her way from my legs to my shoulder. After gliding the ivory comb through my curls, she brought the hand mirror for me to see my reflection. I ran my fingers through my dark curls that fell over my brow before stroking my smooth skin still raw from the blade. For the first time that I could remember, I liked what I saw.

"Do you like it, Troy?" She asked.

I turned to her. "I do. Thank you. For everything."

She gushed. "My pleasure, Your Excellency." She stroked my curls that matched the loose ringlets that framed her face. "Now that is better."

A knock came at the door. We both turned to find Odydus and Grandfather. Both had wide grins as Odydus wagged a rolled sheet of parchment in his hand.

"I got a letter addressed to you, Troy," Odydus announced. He unrolled the letter, breaking the seal in the process. "It is from Priscilla."

My eyes brightened. I wanted to grab it from his hands, but I waited for him to hand it to me. Grandfather and Odydus wished me well-wishes on my upcoming ceremony, but all I could think about was Priscilla. I opened the letter and devoured each word.