Chapter 234 - In the Shadows of the Cathedral

Alexa spent the afternoon with Prince Gutard. Unfortunately they could not be alone at any time.

The Princess could see that, in fact, Cordelia and Ceridon were doing their best to keep him comfortable and well. Alexander had already said that it was only a matter of time before Gutard died, unfortunately. She at least wished he could make it up to himself, and relieve some of the weight in his judgment. That was what his children wanted, too.

But her return to the castle, like Alexa, became uncomfortable. The noble ladies who had not gone to their rural residences sought to invite her to join them at their small events. Alexa could not deny a visit or two in the early evening, from people who said they were sick and begged her to go to pray in their rooms. Feeling, and knowing herself an imposter, but unable to deny this kind gesture, she visited these women and spent time with them.

This side of femininity was still the most complex for her! Her experience at the convent at least prepared her for this, and the princess tried to be empathetic and kind.

She learned that the city was in an uproar because of the imminent departure of an army to the western border. Even the castle was busy. Father Agnello had left the castle after Jette's execution to some private matters, Alexa found out with sadness.

While the maids helped her get dressed to sleep, Alexa's mind wandered to Magnus. Was he coming? According to her calculations, Magnus should not have taken more than a week to return if he came by sea. Alexa suspected that this would be his route, since even the match avoided the conflict with Burgundy. In addition, he had a captain with him.

But she didn't know what to expect when he finally arrived. What would happen? She was afraid to think. She was afraid to pose as an element of dispute. At the same time, she was afraid of being passed over by Magnus in favor of his brother. 'Does he love his brother better, or me?'

She shook her head, trying to get the insidious question out of her mind. 

'While I am here, I shouldn't just be waiting idly.' She could, for example, try to find out what Volos had to do with Holstein. She remembered the tapestry in the lich lab, with ancient images of Holstein. Was he really that old? And if it was, did that mean that Orcaius was still much older ... Had Volos been one of Orcaius' disciples?

She had some clues about Volos, and maybe with that, she could find out even more about Orcaius. 

The guard at her door warned of Lady Duvignes' arrival. 

Just out of curiosity, Alexa ordered to be let in.

What could Duke Kurt's spiess want with Princess Alexa?

When the French lady entered, she bowed respectfully and with a graceful smile. 

Alexa could not help comparing herself with Charlotte, and recall Magnus' silly comment, trying to appease her. 'After I met you all women became dull... I know, Magnus von Wuttenfal! A woman like that didn't become a vase or a painting in the wall...! You liar! But I liked what you said, hihi. They will have to become landscapes on the wall from now on, or I will rip your ear off!' she thought, narrowing her eyes.

"Uh! Oh sure, thanks for the welcome, Lady Duvignes." 'Am I to offer condolences for the death of her husband? Uhn, I won't do that. He tried to kill Alexander, and I had a hard time for it… '

"Your Highness, unfortunately the subject that brings me here is not very pleasant, but I shouldn't postpone it anymore," the other woman paused to make sure Alexa was paying attention and that she was allowed to continue speaking,

"After I was cleared of participating in a plot to assassinate His Highness Prince Alexander, I helped the Castle Guard's Captain Gunnar, to find the evidence against the witches who were here… and I had been, along with Your Highness, the first person to arrive on the spot when that maid was murdered. I hope you remember this fact... So the Captain allowed me to deliver the item that I believe belongs to him," the French ambassador's widow held out a silk scarf to the princess with both hands.

Alexa opened the scarf, checking with surprise that it was the yellow topaz heart, which should be in her wedding dress. Touching that stone that caused so much greed and the death of a girl, gave her a shiver down her spine. Even more to remind her of the drawing on the tower wall.

That yellow heart should have been on her dress, but she married with an amethyst heart over her heart...

Magnus asked for her hand in marriage first, but she married Alexander instead...

The prophecy spoke of two gates or doors, but she opened only one…

"I am sorry for all the pain that was caused because of this. I was involved in this situation without being able to let go, Your Highness. But I never wanted to hurt any of you, I hope you understand."

"Uhum."

Charlotte Duvignes blinked, trying to hide her shock at Alexa's rudeness. The Princess wasn't being rude on purpose, just her mind rushed.

She needed to talk to her brother, actually.

Charlotte Duvignes tried again,

"I don't know why the witch really wanted this object, but it might be accursed now. To tell you the truth, Your Highness, and I hope you don't misunderstand me, I have a contact here in the city who can examine this ... If Your Highness wants it."

Charlotte Duvignes certainly knew how to be useful. But Alexa already knew who her contact was, and could also count on her brother to go to the Jewish sage in the ghetto. Perhaps he knew more about Orcaius. The princess certainly didn't want Lady Duvignes to be with her when they spoke of Orcaius. This was an excellent night to do this, with everyone in an uproar in the castle and in the city, preparing for war.

"I appreciate your suggestion, Lady Duvignes, and I think it will be clever to examine this more carefully. I also thank you for keeping this jewel until my return. I will certainly accept your help for this ... but at another time. Right now, I need another favor ... And if you can do this for me, I will be very grateful," she said with a smile.

Charlotte seemed satisfied that her approach was successful, and helpfully agreed, as Alexa imagined it would be.

°°°

An hour later, Alexa had managed to get out of the castle incognita, through Charlotte's room. Her guard was still waiting at the door of the Frenchwoman's room, and Alexa left the castle when some wagons with supplies left the gates.

She would meet Narses and together they would go to the Jewish ghetto. She didn't want everything she discovered to go straight to Duke Kurt's ears. He seemed to like Alexa less than he had shown to like Alexander. The change in status and the revelation that Magnus was not his son may have upset him and changed his plans, although Alexa never found out what those plans were.

Following the wagons with supplies, she left only when the carts went to the gates to the west, towards the Field of Mars. Narses had said he would be at the rectory tonight, and that was where Alexa was going.

His quick steps echoed in the stone streets near the cathedral. It was late enough that "good" people were not on the street without good reason, and Alexa just wished that this area of ​​the city was better lit at night. She hadn't brought a torch or lantern with her. The shadow of the large building made everything darker the closer to the cathedral and the ruins of Roman buildings.

"Is the Light Carrier afraid of the dark now?" she murmured to herself, mocking the strange feeling that was taking over her chest. But she knew she no longer had The Light with her, and perhaps that was the real reason for her fear.

It wasn't long before she got to the bishop's house, and Alexa pulled the cloak around her body and walked faster.

But why was her ear deceiving her, making more steps echo than just her own? She looked over her shoulder discreetly, but saw nothing. Stopping for a moment, Alexa looked around, since her heart pounding told her there was something wrong.

Alexa spun on her heels and ran towards the bishop's house, where she would find help. She didn't know who it was, but she knew she should run, and a lot.

'Dammit dammit dammit!' She didn't look back but felt the person approach quickly. He was much bigger and much faster than she was. Alexa pulled her dagger and spun, hitting the air.

The bastard had deftly deflected her surprise blow. At a glance, Alexa had the necessary information. He was a man, and very well prepared with some small- and medium-sized weapons with him. His face was covered with black soot, only showing his blue eyes and beard under his hood.

A killer!

The man reached out and took her dagger easily, ignoring the blade with his gloved hand. In the fight of forces, he fared better, and Alexa dropped the weapon, again turning to flee. But he grabbed her hood, and threw her on the floor,

"You're going to want to be nice. Isn't it better to pray for a miracle? If it happens, I may spare you! Haha ha!" 

Falling with hands and knees on the damp and dirty street, Alexa snarled with anger for being so weak!

"You idiot, what are you doing ?! For whom you work?!"

Calmly removing a machete from his waist, he bent down, looking at her in the face.

"For those who pay better, dear. And prayers don't pay as well as sound gold, before you ask me," placing the knife under Alexa's chin, he made her stand up, examining the Princess carefully.

"Walk!" ordered the man, and Alexa obeyed. He had a cold and indifferent look, and Alexa could only believe his words. He would kill her. Apparently, without the slightest remorse.

"Wait, let's make business! I can also pay well, you know? I'm a princess."

"Hmmm," he turned her back to him and made her start walking. "A dealer. Should I do an auction to find out who pays the most for my services?"