Bodin and the others quickly excused themselves, they were staying in the long-neglected palace chapel. While nothing was broken, there had only been basic cleaning done so the bedding and pews would all have to be replaced before worshippers attended.
Bodin sat down in the Pope's private chambers to discuss what they had observed, "He is... not supportive of the Lindorm faith, while I don't think that is because of Emperor Lucian's dislike, we should move with caution."
Wilbert shivered, "Perhaps he is a traveling, Cardinal? There have been a few priests who took on the Reece title in the hopes they would be enticed by foreign countries." While it had only been a moment, he had felt as if something was going to snatch the soul from his still living body.
"He seemed interested in the dragon artifacts, there has also been no word of any pieces of the defeated land dragon being sold." Promise added clutching her fang to her chest. While it was only symbolic after losing all its mana it was still a holy relic that brought her honor.
Bodin looked into the dragon heart, the red flecks would occasionally glow like sparks that refused to die out. Now that they were in the capital the flecks had multiplied, he caressed the heart. "I believe Ashton is an ascending Dragon." He finally admitted, neither appeared surprised.
"There are rumors he is Prince Alphonse's hidden son, the Seibel Kingdom do not follow Lindorm teachings." Wilbert reminded also looking at the heart, its revival over the last few months had been practically a miracle. More than the heart, the holy enchantments were working better meaning less mana had to be pumped in.
Promise hesitated, "If Lord Reece has royal Smyrnaean blood... and is Prince Alphonse's son... It would make sense why Lucian murdered Alphonse to bring him here. There were rumors Alphonse's was murdered because of his mother followed a heathen faith."
Bodin smiled down at the dragon's heart, "Whatever faith he may be following, a dragon should be convinced to join the Lindorm faith. I want everyone to act as cordial as possible over next few days. Beasts are prideful by nature, but they are also easily tamed. Remember, he must be willing."
Promise took a deep breath, "If he is a dragon... why kill the land dragon?" Usually, stronger dragons would subdue their wild kin.
"I heard the land dragon was being controlled with a sixth-tier spell, if he is still a hatchling he might not have been able to overcome the spell. He's also hiding that he's a dragon..." Wilbert trailed off.
"Did anyone confirm the death of the land dragon? The corpse was never recovered, correct?" Bodin reminded looking up from the dragon heart.
Wilbert and Promise shared a glance, if Lord Reece was hiding the dragon in the eastern palace, it would make sense people were no longer allowed inside. The people would panic, and Lord Reece would have to explain how he subdued a lord class beast.
"We will see if anything stands out." Wilbert agreed, there was still much to do to prepare for the blessings. They spoke for another hour making plans, between the three of them seven official blessings could be offered.
While informal blessings were often accepted, they tended to offend anyone of genuine faith. They hoped Lord Reece would perform a few blessings so they could decide how to convince him to convert to the Lindorm faith.
Bodin joined Charmaine for breakfast so they could discuss the last-minute addition of blessings. Bodin also subtly asked about Lord Reece but Charmaine was unusually tight lipped. Even Serafin during practice would not say much about the youth.
Bodin wasn't at all discouraged by the lack Serafin's knowledge of Smyrnaean language, Promise worked diligently but he would need a lot of work to say his short speech without mistakes. Luckily the chanting was much simpler, Natasha was able to pick up the first phrase easily.
Bodin also recommended Serafin come to the official cathedral after the tribute to undergo more rigorous schooling. He also hinted at the need to see if Serafin could ascend... the empire needed a dragonkin ascended. Charmaine was hesitant to give any kind of answer, not without Lucian's explicate approval.
Wilbert attended morning court, seeing Lord Reece lounging off to the side while eating pastries was... rather surprising. No one appeared surprised so Wilbert sat silently on the opposite side of the table.
Lucian was rather annoyed to see a priest just watching everything he did, not to mention the deep frown of disapproval but he ignored the priest. "We will buy the questions now but wait to use them." Lucian confirmed placing the mana stone on the table.
Wilbert raised a brow as Ashton stood up stretching like a languid kitten, without so much as a word he pocketed the mana stone.
"I have plans in the morning so will not be available, send word if you want to meet me in the afternoon. Sebastian, are you up for a cup of tea?" Ashton asked over his shoulder as most of the room had already been dismissed.
Leonard was shocked at how... informal Ashton was being suddenly, clearly more had happened at dinner than he'd seen. He glanced at Jaxon who looked just as surprised.
Sebastian couldn't help his lips from twitching in a smile, "I would be honored, Ashton."
"I heard some interesting rumors, maybe you and Calix can shed some light on the subjects." Ashton probed as they started walking to the Eastern Palace.
Sebastian raised a brow, "I shudder to know what you consider interesting." Sebastian teased as he played along with how informal Ashton was being.
Ashton grinned, as they left the main palace they were joined by Calix, there was very lighthearted chatter.
"I may have heard a rumor a young maiden was chasing you quite persistently yesterday Calix?" Ashton teased as Calix carried three large, heavy boxes.
Calix's complexion flushed and turned green at the same time at the memory, "My Lord, please. The young lady clearly mistook me for someone else." He half defended; half complained. If he had only been summoned for Lord Reece to tease... Calix would complain to his cousins when he returned.
Ashton grinned as the golems welcomed them in taking the packages, "Yes yes, of course. I even heard she sent two tea invitations." Ashton lost his smile as soon as the doors closed.
Calix jumped when Ashton gripped his shoulder firmly.
"Don't get too close to that girl. Avoid her at all cost, don't accept anything else she sends or gives. Have the servant burn any future letters immediately, don't even touch them." Ashton ordered making sure to hold eye contact.
Calix paled at the sudden shift, but composed himself, "Yes My Lord." He answered with a formal bow. Ashton gave a wry grin and patted Calix's shoulder.
"Don't panic, pretend you're too embarrassed to see her. Just be wary, someone is orchestrating from behind. While you would have survived... better off to just avoid the misfortune." Ashton consoled gently, he then turned to the stiff Sebastian.
Sebastian gripped his cane and took a deep breath, "We will be cautious."
"You can't act like you know. We all knew they would get suspicious; they are only testing the waters since Joseph broke off his engagement. It makes sense they are targeting the heir." Ashton comforted as they entered the main parlor. Tea and sandwiches were already waiting for them.
Sebastian nodded as he sat down without preamble, then he rubbed his face and sighed, "You're right, moving so quickly was bound to draw attention." Sebastian shivered, for someone to make a move so quickly... who and why?
Calix hesitated but also sat down, "I only met her yesterday... how did you already hear about it?"
Ashton rolled his eyes, "I promised Sebastian to make sure his line continued, of course I sent someone to keep an eye on you all." Ashton didn't want to give them a false sense of security, but they would at least know their lives would be protected.
Calix flushed, paled, then he sighed as he picked up a sandwich.
Ashton crossed his legs with a more serious gaze, "Your family secrets are of little interest, and don't expect me to protect you from all the hardships, only the ones you won't recover from." Ashton warned.
Sebastian nodded, "We should have been more prepared, thank you, Ashton." Sebastian still found it hard to call the youth by his first name.
Ashton grinned, "You have an interesting clan, for now you should stay home and keep from being outside too much. Or only leave for reasons it would be suspicious if anyone approached."
Sebastian and Calix nodded.
Ashton grinned, "Relax, I'm sure you'll find a reason to avoid the lady, especially after today."
Calix gave a half-hearted smile; he already had a sweetheart he'd been seeing. Of course, he'd only sent her a letter saying he couldn't say anything. Her only reply is that she trusted Calix and would wait.
Ashton sighed, "Hopefully all your garments are ready to welcome the delegations, or will the clan only be attending the weekly balls and larger activities?"
Sebastian pulled himself away from his thoughts, "We intended for only the weekly balls and a few of the activities."
Ashton nodded, then grinned lazily, "Perhaps you may find yourself welcoming a few delegations on the first day of arrivals. A group or two may... be worth befriending."
Sebastian raised a brow, "I will make sure we are ready to welcome them, perhaps we might even house such a delegation?"
Ashton couldn't stop the snort from escaping, but then it turned into a cough. After a moment he composed himself, "Ah, well that will not be necessary."
Sebastian's and Calix's lips twitched... just what manner of delegation provoked that reaction???
Ashton smiled, "I expect the first day will be... quite informative." Both men shared a glance looking both expectant and worried.
"Should we wear armor?" Sebastian asked half joking. It was encouraging to see Lord Reece bantering with them, this relaxed noble youth was far more respectable than even the other dukes.
Ashton pretended to think about it. "If you have anything that's fire resistant, I wouldn't not recommend it."
Sebastian sighed, "We will be sure to be fire resistant, anything else?"
"Not at the moment, but do stay a bit longer, no need to look so rushed in your escape." Ashton added as he laid out.
Sebastian's lips quirked, "Perhaps we might all simply take a nap then?"
Ashton grinned, "A wonderful idea. Tou will wake us in an hour or so."
Calix burst out laughing as his grandfather actually started to lay out on a sofa after taking off his coat. When the guardians brought in three blankets Calix stopped laughing... guess they were really taking a nap.
About an hour later they were woken up, they made sure they were presentable then proceeded home. To Calix's horror the girl from yesterday was being hauled away by the imperial guards as they were leaving the front gate.
Sebastian watched as two guards were trying to restrain the shrieking, scratching, mess of a girl. Her hair was flying wildly as her dress was already torn in a few spots.
Calix paled as the girl kept screaming his name, demanding to be let inside, that she would be the future duchess, how dare mere guards stop her. Then she saw him, he turned away quickly walking toward their carriage.
Sebastian followed more leisurely, "She is not to step one foot in the Duchy, any correspondence is to be burned, and anyone associated with that are to be given a wide birth." Sebastian announced loud enough for the guards to hear.
Calix nodded, "I swear I'd never seen her before yesterday when I caught her hat." Calix explained just loud enough to also be heard by the guards watching their carriage. He didn't look up as he scurried inside.
Sebastian turned back to look at the still howling girl, "She must be crazy... pity for her family to have offended me so publicly." He remarked before entering the carriage and closing the drapes.