Chapter 209: The Calm before the Storm
The Royal Palace.
The woman’s eyelashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes. She stared at the chandelier that was hanging from the ceiling for a moment before pulling her blanket away and getting out of her bed. The first rays of sunshine shone through the window, illuminating her radiant, silky skin, and her slim, alluring figure. The woman was wearing nothing save for a star-shaped sapphire necklace.
She went to the windowsill and took a deep breath, looking up at the sky. She had no makeup on, but that did not make her less beautiful. A smile curled her lips and turned her eyes into slits, and joy coursed through her veins. Ever since she devoted herself to the goddess, the woman had thrown away many of her desires. Her days were filled with simple happiness.
A moment later, her servants came in and dressed her in an elegant white-gold dress. They sat her down before her dressing table and tied her hair into a pair of braids, letting them tumble down her shoulders. The woman took a moment to admire her looks, and she fell into a trance.
“Your Highness, His Majesty is waiting for you in the dining hall.”
***
Adda went to the dining hall. A table long enough to accommodate an army stood there. A dozen silver platters lined the table, each filled with a delectable dish. Honey-glazed suckling pig, cod with blueberry, roasted steak, steamed mandarin fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, and more.
A middle-aged man sat around the table. He was none other than the king of Temeria—Foltest. The man was in his prime. He had light brown hair and sharp features. His eyes were gleaming brilliantly, and he was cleanly shaved. He was wearing a white shirt that was bursting at the seams from his muscles. His back was straight, and he seemed full of energy.
He dabbed the juice off his lips with a white napkin and tapped the chair on his left. The princess took the seat.
“I waited two months just to have breakfast with you. You’re really busy, aren’t you?” Foltest shrugged. He complained, “I’m just a poor lonely father who wants to talk with his daughter. Will you give me that chance?”
“His Majesty, king of Temeria, there are a mountain of things to do. The church is still new, but it’ll be better after some time. I’ll give all my time to you, then.” The princess held her father’s hand. She smiled at him and pecked his cheek.
The king’ smile faded a little. “So, did you sleep well last night?”
“Yes. I’ve been sleeping well for the last two months.” Adda sounded delighted. “The nightmares and insomnia are all gone now.”
“Praise the gods. This is great news!” Foltest smiled and gave her a piece of steak he cut. It was medium rare, and some blood was oozing out of the meat. “You have to try this. Freshly delivered from Maribor this morning. I asked the chef to make this for you.”
“Your majesty.” Adda chewed the steak, but her mouth seemed like it was not moving at all. She did not make even one rude move when she ate. “You should praise the Lady of the Lake. I was only healed thanks to her blessing. She delivered me from the evils of insomnia and bad temper.” Adda puckered her lips and pushed the remaining steak away in disgust. She turned her attention to the fruits, vegetables, and the plump mandarin fish.
Foltest nodded. “What about the other matter, then?”
“The medicine is entering its last phase. Three days later and it’s done.” The sorcerer bowed lower and huddled closer to the king. “It’ll make sure the madam and her child are safe. She will deliver the prince safely.”
“The prince… My heir!” Foltest stopped frowning, and a look of delight crept onto his face. “What are you waiting for then? Take the medicine to me the moment it’s ready. I wish to surprise her.” My beautiful Louisa, I can’t wait to show you this.
“Yes, Your Majesty. There is only one god in Vizima, and that is you.” Azar hung his head lower, and a subtle smile curled his lips.
“I don’t care about any gods. Just make sure Adda is safe.” Foltest paced around the table. There was reluctance on his face, but only for a moment. “Do not break her heart if possible.”
***
A big crowd had already gathered around the plaza when the witchers came, Hundreds of believers congregated under the statue of Vivienne. Some were kneeling, some were staring, while some were muttering praises under their breath.
The witchers stood out among the crowd with their swords strapped behind their backs. Some of the order’s knights came to stop them before they could even get near the statue. Fortunately, they used to work with the witchers back at the battle on Black Tern Island, and a strong friendship was forged then. They did not point their blades at the witchers. Instead, they welcomed them with a smile.
They knew Adda was their friend, so they let the witchers approach the statue. Two ladies in white robes stood beneath the statue. They left the center empty. The spot was reserved for Adda the high priestess. There, she would face the goddess’ believers, and there she would bask in the goddess’ blessing. However, she was not here yet.
Roy came to the back of the statue. The tail blocked him from everyone’s sights, and he cast Observe on it. The young witcher noticed that it was filled with golden light. The faith of the believers crashed like the ocean’s waves.
‘Statue of the Lady of the Lake
Holy Manifestation. Vessel of Faith
???’
“What is faith anyway? Why do gods desire it so much?” Roy took out the bloodstone and put it closer to the statue as Vivienne asked. The moment he did, he saw a stream of golden light swimming into the stone. He felt the stone getting heavier in his hand, and it started struggling, as if the stone were alive. This lasted for two minutes before it came to a stop. At the same time, the bloodstone started to gleam golden. The statue, however, was bereft of faith, as if it were sucked dry. It was just a regular statue at the moment.
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