Willow sat in the audience. He hated being presented during political talks but Felicia asked him for confidence.
Felicia stood before the court judge and King Gerald Lyonheart. The Princess looked brave but Willow noticed her shaking.
The judge's voice boomed through the room.
"And you want this Sir Var's execution to be postponed until Duchess Veronica Venenatus's return? The same Duchess to be charged with aiding in capital murder?"
"I do!" Felicia spoke calmly.
"And the only evidence is the Charles Lyonheart, whose title was removed and is currently missing?"
"It is."
"And these assumptions are Charles used Sir Var in a plot to over throw the throne. You believe this to be true?" The judge asked.
"Why ask me?" Felicia turned to King Gerald. "Rhenvar is innocent, his actions were not his own-"
King Gerald rose. "You say this, but that man had claim to have three blessings. If Duke Clive's testimony is to be believed, the man isn't like anything we've ever seen."
The panic in the court eclipsed the King's voice. Willow looked around at the humans. All their faces twisted with panic.
"Silence!" Gerald roared.
And silence swallowed the room.
"I find it odd that a princess from another kingdom would plead so desperately for a stranger-" the King's eyes flashed. "The very same stranger who claimed to be on a divine mission."
"Because it's true!" Felicia blurted. "Rhenvar is loved, he's a good person. Sure he killed nobles but that wasn't him!"
Gerald's eyes flashed.
"I know our kingdoms are at each other throats over land and- whatever. But let me be clear."
Silence fell.
"The Gravinest empire will accept your crown's treaty, I will marry Prince Theodore Lyonheart if you protect Rhenvar!"
Silence hit harder than before.
King Gerald's eyes glowed. Minutes passed as he stared. Then-
"Very well," he said. "I accept."
Voices rang out, but the King stomped his foot. And the only echo was those who breathed defiance.
"He will be under lock and key," Gerald turned. "Court is adjourned."
Felicia happy clapped but-
The King turned back.
"If you have any foolish plans. Seek my council first."
She nodded.
Felicia met Willow after court.
"Willow, let's go have some tea."
Willow groaned.
****
Willow sat the tea table with Felicia, once again in his black elven clothes and familiar red cloak. He tugged the fabric tighter; the cold evening felt warm on his skin. The wind rustled the trees.
He looked down at Viir. The tiny crimson fairy rested in a sling over his shoulder, her glow still dim, her breathing faint. She hadn't stirred in days.
"Still holding on," he whispered. "Just like him."
Rhen hadn't woken.
He's immortal, but is it possible that he can die in that state? Or is he just… stuck?
Willow touched Viir.
Forever?
He clenched his fist, his own power humming under his skin. The guilt never left.
I was the one who destroyed our home.
He shut his eyes. "I'm so sorry," he whispered to no one.
"Willow!"
He looked up.
"This tea is amazing," Felicia chirped. "Try it."
Willow sipped the tea.
This tea fucking sucks.
Felicia beamed.
"It's okay, I guess." Willow said looking to the side.
"Told you!" She chugged her tea. "So, give me the dets how was dancing with Rhen?"
"Never again," he muttered to himself, cheeks warming at the memory of the dress. It wasn't just embarrassment; it was the whole night. That cursed ball had shattered everything.
"Oh, don't say that." She waved her hand. A servant poured her more tea.
"Aren't you… at least a little phased seeing what Rhen-"
"Willow, let me stop you." Felicia leaned forward, her hands on her cheeks. "The way you talked about him, that wasn't the man who lit your eyes up. No, that was a man who lost control. And that's not his fault. It was Charles."
"…"
"Ya know, you never mentioned how hot he was!"
"Nej!"
Felicia laughed.
"Let's changed the subject." Willow said blushing "Any word on Sinephilim?"
"Oh! Word of her Blessing of Purify, the rarest known blessing, had spread like wildfire in the capital. Thanks to Duke Clive."
"Is it that big a deal?"
"Uh yeah, every church official in the kingdom wants her appointed as the true goddess."
Viir stirred slightly against his chest, a flicker of red returning to her wings for a moment.
"Still nothing from Veronica," Felicia said, worried. "I know how badass she is because of the novel, but I'm still… I don't know."
"It's okay." Willow leaned in touching her shoulder. "You probably know her the best out of everyone. I'm sure she's fine."
"No letters yet. But I've heard some individuals did end up poisoned, like the high mage. She's been playing her part. So. Damn. Cool."
"Felicia," Willow sighed. "Remember she's murdering people."
"Correction!" She lifted her finger up. "Bad people."
Willow snorted.
"How are you?" Felicia asked calmly. "Really?"
"I'm better. Still… I feel unworthy to be here now. After the truth, I destroyed my world."
"Willow, you have a good heart. I knew instantly when I first found you." Felicia leaned forward grabbing his hands. "You are a cherished friend of mine. I was in despair when I found you. Scared. You helped me. You saved my world. So please, Willow, don't beat yourself up. It will only hurt others. And I'm sure if Rhenvar was awake, he'd say the same."
"Pfft, he'd just get me drunk." He laughed.
"So, he is an alcoholic. Though now, seeing him look like something out of a monster movie," Felicia said grimly. "I don't blame him."
Silence.
"Oh, I almost forgot Sinephilim has been sending for you. Since her blessing was announced, it seems it's very hard for her to come to you. The church seems to be very, very aggressive with keeping her," Felicia said. "The King also won't help. Unfortunately, my political ties can't help her. The church has too much power."
As they always do, for some reason. I still hate you Zerva, for what you did to Rhen.
"I will visit her then," Willow said. "Are you okay here, by yourself?"
"Yes. My fiancé wants to get to know me better, so he will take me horseback riding."
"Did you tell him the truth?"
"Of course I did! Come on, who do you take me for? He knows I'm not the original Felicia. He also calls me Nej as a nickname just like you."
"I'm glad it worked out. I'll be off. Hopefully Sinephilim has news on Veronica." Willow got up.
Felicia did the same.
"Alrighty!" Felicia hugged Willow. "If anything happens, let me know. I'm crown princess now!"
Willow nodded and walked away.
****
The Church.
Willow entered the grand church. The doors were heavy and old. He noted the odd design carved into them.
"Willow!" Sinephilim gasped walking up to him. She seemed… different. "Get. Me. Out. Of. Here!"
Priests moved in like phantoms.
"My goddess, we have mass. Will you read for us?"
"My goddess, a baby was just born. Will you attend the blessing?"
"My goddess-"
"Father, take me and remove my head…" Sinephilim was exhausted. "Willow, come. The rest of you, shut up and do not enter my chambers."
Willow and Sinephilim entered her chambers.
"Well, that seems… annoying," Willow said. "Sinephilim…"
"Just call me Sin, Willow." Sinephilim sat down at her desk.
"Ugh." She held her head in her hands. "We might as well get comfortable with each other, now that we're basically teaming up to restore our world."
"Restore our world?"
"I think you've suffered enough for what you did, so I'll explain."
Sinephilim explained the situation with Darkness, the Shadow Goddess, and the mission to save other worlds from Worldeaters. A deal had been made with other Gods to help restore their world.
"So… I can see my family again?" Willow fell onto the chair he was near.
"We assume so. I'm going to be honest, we're not really sure what to expect."
"We took everything from you. Why would you agree to this?" He asked.
"Willow, have I ever acted evil? During the war, did you notice my tactics?"
"I did… you retreated and saved the small folk."
"Exactly. Those same small folk I risked my kingdom for are gone too. I found myself so emotional by my losses, those close to me, that I became blind to what I saved."
"I know you had nothing to do with Sylvia's death... I am sor- "
"Willow, enough. Your apologies are empty. It's funny, you apologize, yet Rhenvar and his fairy act like it's a jest." She rubbed her temples. "Don't get comfortable here. The New Year's Festival is coming up, and I think that's when Veronica will contact us."
"Oh, right, do you think she- "
Willow was interrupted again.
Someone entered the room.
It was Duke Clive.
"Brother Clive… what did I tell you all."
"My Goddess! You have a message. It's urgent." Brother Clive handed her a letter.
"It's from Veronica."
She opened the letter and read it.
"It seems your powers are needed, and urgently," Sinephilim looked up. "Willow. It's Aucteros."
(That bastard! I had a feeling he crawled away like vermin.)
Willow heated up.
I'll burn him so slow, he will choke on the smoke from his own flesh.