A New Future

3. Meeting Cardinal Jinette

Anna did what he said. She ate some french toast and drank some water while Gabriel packed a bag with clothes for her. Gabriel came down to the kitchen to see she finished. "Ready to go, Anna?"

She turned around. "Yes." She said walking over to him grabbing his free hand and dragging him out the door. When they got outside, they met with Carl who was driving a carriage. "Carl?" Anna spoke a little surprised.

"Hello, Anna. Hop in."

She just smiled and got in the carriage with Gabriel behind. "So, why does The Cardinal want to hear my story about us?" Anna asked him.

Gabriel pulled her into an embrace sitting her on his lap. "Because he doesn't really believe me. It's stupid. I know. But he said in order to truly believe me, he needs to hear your side of the story."

She sighed and layed her head on his chest cuddling into him. "I love you." She murmured.

Gabriel kissed the top of her head and whispered. "I love you too, Anna. Get some sleep. It's a long trip."

She obliged easily and closed her eyes hugging him tightly.

When the two day trip was almost over, Gabriel got up to find Anna still sleeping. Carl came in the room. "We're docking in five minutes."

"Anna's still asleep. I don't want to wake her." He whispered.

Anna stirred then opened her eyes due to the talking she heard. She looked over to Van Helsing. "Good morning, Gabriel." She said sitting up and kissing his cheek.

He looked over and half smiled. "Good morning, Love. I didn't wake you I hope."

She shook her head. "No. Actually, Carl did. It's ok though. I heard we were docking in just a few minutes anyway."

Gabriel nodded and shooed Carl away so the two could get dressed. They dressed and met Carl outside on the deck. Anna gasped at the sight in front of her. "What is it, Love?" Gabriel asked.

"It's BEAUTIFUL. I never saw anything like this before." She said in aw at the sight. She smelt the saltwater beneath the boat and sighed dreamily.

The boat docked and the captain opened the door. The trio got off and Carl went to get the horses they'll be riding to the church. He came back with two horses knowing Anna would share one with Gabriel and one for himself. "Well, lets go. It's 3:00 and the church is an hour away."

Gabriel got on the horse he would use as Carl did the same then helped Anna on behind him. "Ready to see where I live? Or rather, lived?" Gabriel asked her.

"Yes. Lets get this over with."

With that said, they took off towards their destination. They got there an hour later and Gabriel got off. He held his hand out to help Anna and she looked at him. "What?" He asked.

"Nothing. Just a little nervous I guess."

"About seeing where I come from? Or meeting Cardinal Jinette?"

"Meeting Cardinal Jinette." She said taking his hand to allow him to help her off the horse.

"Don't worry, Anna. It'll be ok. I promise." He reassured her.

Anna leaned into his side and he wrapped his arm around her waist. They walked to the door of the church and Gabriel opened it. They walked in with Anna subconsciously moving closer to him. He walked her to the confessional holding her close and walked in. "We're here, Jinette." Gabriel said.

The confessional window opened and there stood Cardinal Jinette as always. "Welcome to The Vatican. Home to the Knights of the Holy Order, Princess Anna." He said kindly.