“ALESSIA!” she shrieks. “What the hells do you think you’re doing?”
Uh-oh. I’m in trouble.
Chapter twenty-two
Aurelio
Iwish I could say I’m a brave, valiant knight in shining armor that stands in Daelia’s way to defend Alessia from her wrath.
Instead, I step aside faster than I can blink the moment I hear her shout. Mina and Gemma do the same. Apparently, they value their lives, too.
“Did no one brief you before the address?” Alessia questions.
“No, of course not! Why would they?” Dealia fumes, hitting the bottom stair. “You and the royal advisors are the only ones that knew! How hard is it to send a messenger across the street?”
“My apologies. I wasn’t trying to blindside you,” Alessia says.
Damn, she’s good. If I hadn’t had the conversations with her and Mina prior to this, I wouldn’t know that she’s lying right now. She’s cool as a cucumber, standing there with a straight face like the lie falling from her lips is a divine truth.
“I don’t care what you were trying to pull, but I’m not having it!”
Daelia finally enters the entrance hall of the Church, the click of her boots on the floor echoing unnaturally loud in the space. The church knights that were guarding the doors quickly scramble for cover in a nearby room. I wish I could join them. I’ve seen what that glittering sword at her side can do, and I wouldn’t like to know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of her mind-bogglingly strong strikes.
“You think you can just waltz in here, tell me to take part in your imaginary tournament, and walk away like nothing happened?” Daelia thunders, her eyes crackling with lightning. “I don’t think so, sister!”
“Daelia, you’re not understanding the importance of this decision,” Alessia says coolly, her eye contact with her sister unwavering. “You’ll remind everyone in the kingdom just how strong you are, and by facing off against the strongest knights, you’ll give them confidence that they can fight any foe, even great heroes of nations.”
“This is bullshit!” Daelia snaps. She pokes her sister in the sternum, hard. I wince just watching. “You’re playing some tricky mind game, and I know it! I’ll get to the bottom of this and shut it down before you use me like a toy doll!”
“Please, Daelia, I’m not using you. You said you were bored, after all,” Alessia says, smiling innocently. “I just want to spice up your life a bit and reinvigorate our armed forces, that’s all.”
“You lying little snake!” Daelia roars. “You’re keeping me from serving the Church, and I know it! You’re keeping me from helping the citizens of Krasta! What is wrong with you?”
“There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing my own people over the needs of another nation, especially when we’re already planning to help that nation,” Alessia says.
Just then, Daelia does the unthinkable: she slaps Alessia hard, right across the face. Alessia winces, her face turning to the side. A large, red welt appears almost instantly.
“You aren’t fit to be queen of Celestia!” Daelia shrieks.
My terror contorts into unbridled rage. I don’t think about the fact that Daelia could snap my neck with a single swing of her arm. My body moving of its own accord, I pull out the knife I hide in my boot, step in front of Alessia, and brandish it at Daelia, my lip curling into a snarl.
“Don’t touch her!” I growl.
Dealia’s eyes fly wide. She looks at me, looks at Alessia, and then looks at her hand, which is already red from the impact with her sister’s face. Just as quickly as she grew angry, her face contorts with horror, and tears pour down her face.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Alessia.”
“It’s fine. Aurelio, stand down,” Alessia commands.
My whole body jolts with surprise. I glance over my shoulder at her, about to protest, but my hand drops to my side when I see her steely eyes focused on her sister. She’s not fazed by the outburst, let alone hurt. She shows no sign of pain as she stares Daelia down. Bowing my head slightly to acknowledge her, I step aside, putting my knife back into my boot.
“Daelia,” Alessia says, “I understand you may be upset with this decision. But you will have to take your complaints to the holy mother; the decision has already been made, and the event set in stone. It is of the utmost importance that you be there for your people. They’re all waiting for your big finale, counting on your impressive display of power and agility.
“The Hero of Celestia is not a mere title, but the living embodiment of the strength of this nation. You live that title every day. You were born for justice, and you excel at protecting others. It’s important to remind the citizens that they’re in your very capable hands.”
“I know. That doesn’t make it hurt less. You’re making decisions without my input, Alessia,” Daelia says, another tear running down her face. “That’s so not like you. This isn’t the loving, caring sister I know.”
With that, Daelia turns on her heel and storms away, the click of her boots against the floor fading as she disappears deeper into the church. I look at Alessia, but she shakes her head at me.
