The Tyrant's Pet

Weeks later…

Aries was sitting on the pew in the only chapel in the capital with a veil on top of her head. The chapel was slightly dim, with only the light coming through the stained glass window as its source. Her eyes were fixed on the cross behind the altar. She kept her gaze on it even when she saw someone sitting on the same pew from her peripheral.

"Strange." She broke the silence with her quiet voice. "When I first came to this land and saw this chapel, I thought how interesting. I never imagined that a house of God would be in the land of vampires."

"God's mercy isn't only limited to humans, Your Majesty. Even the race that others deem as the spawn of evil deserves mercy and His grace." the man's voice sounded kind and considerate. "King Maximus III also thought the same. Thus, he allowed the establishment of the church. His participation in the sermons encouraged others to attend the mass. Some were to get on his good side; others first had the same intention until they truly accepted the holiness of the One."

The corner of Aries curled up into a smirk, turning her head to the side. There, on the other end of the pew, was a man in his clerical attire. He slowly faced her, offering a short smile.

"I am glad Your Majesty came today. I hoped the sacred light of the divinity will protect Your Majesty," he added politely.

"How kind of you to bless a person like me?"

"You are the sovereign of this land. The church only wishes the person sitting on the throne divine blessing so they could lead this land in peace."

Aries assessed the middle-aged man briefly before peeling her eyes away from him. She set her eyes back on the cross behind the altar, lifting her chin.

"Was God that merciful, Your Holiness?" she inquired, her unsmiling countenance not changing.

"Of course."

"Does he forgive everyone's sin?"

"If you confess your sins, He is always eager to forgive. Repentance might be a difficult process, but I believe everyone will be forgiven for as long as it was genuine," said the Bishop. "We are all equal in the eyes of the One true God, who loved us unconditionally."

"I see…" Aries rocked her head in understanding before her lips parted again. "... so that's the only thing he does?"

"Pardon?"

"Forgive his children." Her eyelids drooped ever so slowly. "If his children were dying, crying, begging for His help, he would turn a blind eye to it. He will let his beloved children put matters in their hands, and then wait for them to come to him to ask for forgiveness."

"Your Majesty —"

"I used to believe in the divinity. My father was a firm devotee and every household in the land of green had a deep connection to that they believed." She cut him off with the continuation of her story. "But even when they cried as our enemy slaughtered them one by one, no one came to rescue them."

Aries slowly set her eyes on the Bishop once again. "Don't get me wrong, Your Holiness. I'm not blaming the divine; all I am saying is that I had an enlightenment that He will listen to your repentance, but his ears were closed when it was a cry for help. I don't blame him for what happened on my soil."

"I am relieved, though." Her lips curled up into a subtle smile. "That I would be forgiven when the time comes… because right now, I can't do that."

"Your Majesty, I understand your sentiments." The Bishop let out a shallow breath. "However, peace comes when one is willing."

"The mainland was never at war with anyone. Thus, Your Holiness had no idea that sometimes opening your heart for peace will lead you to your demise." Aries slowly raised her hands, linking them as she closed her eyes, praying. "I do not blame you for looking at the brighter side of life. I understand that your perspective differs from mine, which holds the weight of your truth."

There was a moment of silence after Aries' remarks, keeping her praying stance while the Bishop was staring at her. The latter slowly set his worried gaze on the cross behind the altar, pressing his lips into a thin line that made the visible wrinkles on his face deepen.

After some time, Aries slowly opened her eyes. She lifted her gaze to the cross as she slowly lowered her linked hands.

"Do you know what I prayed for, Your Holiness?" she broke the silence. "Nothing. I tried, but nothing came to mind. However, I did realize I have a lot of things to tell the one who resides behind the pearly gates."

"May your decision lead you to an outcome Your Majesty will not regret," said the Bishop a second later, looking back at Aries with genuine worry in his eyes. "Your Majesty, regardless of anything, you are still the sovereign of this land, and the church will support you. I believe you are here for a reason. Whatever it was, may you fulfill that purpose."

"I appreciate your kind words and your undying support since my coronation, Your Holiness. I say this from the bottom of my heart, so you have my gratitude…" Aries took a deliberate pause, smiling obscurely. "... and I'm sorry."

The Bishop didn't know the reason for that apology, but he didn't dwell on it. He tilted his head down, and after a moment, assisted the queen to leave the church. As soon as he opened the church doors, a few carriages and knights were standing outside.

"Leading a land is not easy. If you need solace, the church's doors are always open for Your Majesty," said the Bishop, facing the queen as they stood in the church's portico. "The church is honored to be graced with your presence."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather have you open the church doors for anyone who needs divine guidance." Aries smiled. "I won't be able to visit for a while, Your Holiness."

"I understand. May the Light keep you from harm in your journey."

"And may the light continue to use you to spread the word." Aries nodded before a figure stood from her peripheral.

"Your Majesty." She turned her head, only to meet Gustav's eyes and his open palm.

"I'll be on my way," she excused herself to the Bishop, clasping Gustav's hand to walk down the stairs toward the carriage.

The Bishop stayed in the portico, watching the queen enter the carriage with the help of the Queen's chamberlain. A shallow breath slipped past his lips, catching a glimpse of the side of her face through the window.

"You'll always be in my prayers, Your Majesty," whispered the Bishop, watching the Queen's entourage leave. "May you realize that your purpose might not be as dark as you think it is, but rather, to become a light in the land where the sun never rises."