Cirice Forge doesn't know who she is. Other than a piece of paper with her name on it, she knows nothing about her time before she was dispersed into the foster system. Now, she bartends at a popular gentleman's club with plenty of ogling and still...
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“Let us retire to the parlor for a game of Whist and spirits.” Papa suggested after finishing his meal.
“Actually, Papa, I had hoped to speak privately with Princess Cirice. It has been so long and we have much to catch up on.” Sister Imperator said, eyeing Cirice.
“By all means. Please.” Papa said, gesturing to Cirice. She and sister Imperator stood, at which time every man in the room stood for them to exit.
Cirice started to Sister Imperators side then turned.
“I thank you all for the lovely evening.” she said, her voice tight. She performed her best knowledge of a curtsey and then took Sister Imperators arm before leaving the room.
“My, I thought we would never get out.” Sister Imperator sighed as soon as the door to the dinning room closed. Cirice scoffed.
“Now that curtsey was atrocious, yet not unsalvageable. Follow me, we have much to discuss.” Sister Imperator grabbed the nearest candelabra. It hosted five candles, a gold base and arms, and at least 20 crystals. As they walked, the prisms danced in the firelight, cast little light wisps on the stone walls.
A few moments later, they came to a large door. Sister Imperator stopped and turned the knob. Inside, a generous, two-story library sat. A fire burned in the grate, the mantle made of marble. There were plush couches that looked comfortable to Cirice and she vaguely remembered this room from her childhood.
Sister Imperator placed the candelabra on an ornately carved desk and went over to a small cupboard. She reached into her high-necked dress, withdrawing a chain from her neck. On the end was an oddly-shaped key. Cirice waited quietly as Sister Imperator opened the cupboard and withdrew a thick, yellowed envelope.
She sighed and turned to Cirice, holding it close to her chest. She ran her wrinkled finger over the seal, approaching Cirice.
“This is for you.” she said softly, extending her hand. Cirice’s brow furrowed as she seized it and moved closer to the fire to examine it. Sister Imperator took a seat on a nearby sette and watched her.
The front was blank, the back was sealed in red wax. The seal was the exact same one that hung over the front door of the castle. Now Cirice knew that it was the seal of New Vale. A promise that her father and her people had made to their unholy creator. Exhaling deeply she broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
The paper was rough in her hands. Her eyes scanned the page.
July the 28th, 1849 To the heir of the Vale,
If you are reading this, many things are to be assumed. First, that you survived the wrath of the Hunters. I can only hope your mother was as fortunate. Second, your grandmother Sister Imperator has withheld her end of a long standing vow. Finally, you are in fact the new ruler of the Vale.
The Cardinal, though believing he is of royal descent, is nothing more than a bastard--not even mine contrary to his belief. His mother was a close friend of mine, when the influenza took her, she begged me to take him on. While I fulfilled my promise as a gentleman, I damned you as a grandfather.
He will stop at nothing to sit upon the throne of the Vale, even if that means ruining you. The throne must always sit with an honorable hier, that of which you are. Soon a light will be brought to the Dark Vale, a light that you will wage. You are out last and only hope.
Father Nihil
A wave of confusion and disbelief washed over Cirice as she sunk to the floor, her knees aching as she hit the stone. She reread the letter again, collecting every little morsel of information. Her finger rested near the date at the top.
“T-This was dated the day before I was born. Is that why I’m referred to as an heir?” she asked softly, looking at Sister Imperator. She nodded.
“Hours after your mother began laboring, Father Nihil, Lucifer rest his soul, insisted on writing this and bestowing upon you the truth, and yes your father had expected a son.” Sister Imperator informed slowly, watching her. Cirice scoffed before looking back at the letter.
“Does my father know any of this?” she shot quizzically. Sister Imperator shook her head.
“Some. He knows that the Cardinal was lead to believe he was your father’s brother. He also knows now why that was--I couldn’t bear to see the way the Cardinal’s games tortured him.” Sister Imperator said, raising her hand to her cheek.
“As a mother?” Cirice asked gently. Sister Imperator met her eyes, her lip quavering.
“Indeed, but he mustn’t ever know that.” Cirice searched her mind, recalling everything she had been told of her suposed grandmother.
“I don’t understand. I was told that my father’s mother died in childbirth. Like my mother.” Cirice mused, looking back to the fire.
“She did. She died giving birth to your uncle, Papa Emeritus the Second. After he was murdered, Father Nihil was inconsolable, that is until-”
“Okay, I don’t need details.” Cirice hushed quickly, shuddering. Sister Imperator chuckled and walked over to her.
“Now that you have this information, you may do with in what you will. However, I ask that you do hold some secrets. Your father is so escastic that you have returned. You have no idea the pain he endured when you were taken away.” she said, pulling Cirice up to stand.
“What should I call you then? I always dreamed of meeting my parents. Then I woke up and relaized that even before, I still longed for the family I never had.” Cirice said, her voice breaking. Sister Imperator squared her shoulders and eyed her sternly.
“You will always have a family here, no matter how far you may roam. The Vale will always be yours. As for me, I suppose Grandmother Imperator will sufice.” Cirice grinned as she spoke and without hesitation wrapped her arms around her. Sister Imperator gasped but returned the embrace, breathing in her sweet, familiar scent.
“What about the Cardinal? Does he know that he is not my uncle, or royalty at all?” Cirice asked, suddenly releasing her and meeting her eyes.
“I’m afraid I do not know. One can only guess the knowlegde he has accumulated.” The clock on the mantle chimed, causing Cirice to jump. It was now ten in the evening and Cirice was beginning to feel tired.
“Come, let’s get you to bed. This has all been so much.” Sister Imperator said, taking Cirice’s arm. She grabbed the candelabra and they exited the room.
Outside, it had begun to lightly drizzle. In the darkness, a sleek, red cardinal stood on the windowsill. It checked to ensure the room was empty and then took off into the night, ready to alert it’s master of the most interesting development.
