The interior architecture of the Twilight Sanctum stunned Vivia as much as the exterior had. The ceiling was impossibly high, painted to resemble a twilight sky with stars that glowed faintly. The floor was a mosaic of alternating black and white tiles, forming a labyrinthine pattern that symbolized the balance of day and night.
But the most striking element for her were the two smaller chapels that flanked the main hall - one bathed in warm, golden light while the other cloaked in a cool, silvery shadow. It crisply divided the interior into two sections - the east, bright and harmonious and the west, dark and filled with mystery.
They stood exactly at the centre, the light and shadow creating a divide across her body itself. She walked along the centerline, observing the pillars carved to resemble twisted vines of golden flowers on one side and silver thorns on the other.
"This is so beautiful…" she whispered. "Everything here represents the Sun and Moon in some way."
Zerath stood beside her. "I believe the Fourfold Covenant, representing the four seasons, would be just as beautiful as the Sanctum."
"To be honest, I've never visited the Covenant at the capital. I've only ever seen it from the outside once."
Vivia marvelled at the altar that stood afar where a rotating sphere floated atop a pillar, alternating between glowing like the sun and shimmering like the moon. Candles of black wax burned with golden and silver flames arranged in concentric circles around the altar.
"This is where we worship the Sun and Moon. It's also here where the blessed Sovereign of the Sun and Shadow's purification ceremony takes place when he's born and when he comes of age, takes his oath under the Sire's guidance."
Thinking about Astaroth brought a grimace to her lips. A faint glow from somewhere beneath her broke her thoughtful spell, and she looked down, blinking twice.
Zerath's sword. It's glow-
"Who's there?"
Following the strange voice, a figure stepped out of the shadow, dressed in black robes with a mix of golden and silver embroidery at the corners of his sleeves. He held a hardbound book in his right hand, his expression neither looking hostile nor friendly. But his slit pupils indeed scrutinized Vivia quite deeply. The black-robed demon then cast a neutrally unpleasant gaze at Zerath.
"Crown Prince Zerath. The Twilight Sanctum is not a tourist spot for humans. Pray tell me - why is the human princess here?"
"It's Casca's festival, Sire Izrus. The Sanctum is an important place of worship for us. Naturally, I believed the Princess would be thrilled to take a visit," Zerath smiled.
Vivia studied the hints of displeasure in his sharp eyes. The demon named Izrus remained quiet for a long moment.
She lifted her dress and dropped a graceful courtesy. "Greetings, Sire Izrus."
"...Greetings," he didn't comment further on her presence.
His indecipherable gaze then returned to Zerath. "Congratulations on attaining Casca's lordship, Crown Prince. May the Sun and Moon always shine upon you."
"Thank you, Sire."
"I pray you guide Casca and in future, Rudaheim, to the path of glory. Wisdom is paramount to take the reins of the Demon Realm."
"I sense some hidden meaning behind your words, Sire."
Sire Izrus hugged the book closer to his chest. "It's good that the Crown Prince is being loved by his people, but you mustn't lose your way in that adoration and anger our Gods along the way."
He raised a brow. "Is this about my cousin?"
"He is the blessed demon, Crown Prince. One with the Sovereign's power. He has disappointed us this time, yes, but sending him away does no good. People cannot lose their faith from the divine light, or they will become helpless souls wandering aimlessly in the dark. We all need the Lord to guide us."
"Are you suggesting that I've offended the Gods by punishing the blessed who betrayed the trust of Nethermoor's people in him? I thought God loves us all equally."
Izrus gave an unfeeling smile. "As always, Crown Prince. You sully God's name and His intentions. He has created our world, so I'd appreciate it if you show a little more trust in His grand scheme of things."
"I understand, Sire. The Great Three are symbols of divinity - those whom the Gods chose to bless. But this is the mortal realm, not the heavens. They can choose whomever they want to bless, but the arrogance of that power shall not be allowed to bring harm to my people. Punishing the blessed would've brought upon some unrest, which is why I was very kind to omit the troublesome truth such as embezzlement of the royal treasury funds at his hands."
Izrus didn't respond to that.
Zerath smiled. "Also, no offense, but I'd appreciate it if God could possibly warn me about His grand scheme of things, so that my people don't suffer - especially not at the hands of the demon whom He Himself chose as the blessed."
"...I can only pray for God to guide you to the right path," he calmly said, unfazed by their clash in their opinions.
Izrus then asked, "Is the child not with you?"
"You mean Eurus? No, he's resting outside."
"Oh."
"Sire wanted to meet him?"
"Yes. I wished to free the child from his curse with the power of the divine Sun and Moon."
Vivia's eyes slightly stretched wide.
"Cursed?" Zerath asked.
"Yes. Nethermoor was gripped by a deadly winter and then Casca was too close to be perished by his hands. Only a curse can take on such a life-threatening form and put countless lives in jeopardy."
"Eurus isn't cursed, Sire. He had his own unfortunate circumstances."
Izrus now expressed visible displeasure. "I know you've some inhibitions about accepting God, but curses do exist, Crown Prince."
"I'm not refuting that, Sire. What I'm saying is that a curse isn't at play here. He was separated from his mother, and that grief made him lose control over his powers - which is why I'm dedicated to finding his mother at all cost."
His eyes slightly narrowed. "I hope you succeed, Crown Prince, but his mother is the wrong direction you're looking at here. I pray you do not underestimate the menace of a curse."
"Trust me, Sire. I'm not," he smiled.
Just then, an aide stepped in. He bowed respectfully. "Forgive me rudeness, Sire. The carriage is ready."
Izrus nodded. He looked at Zerath. "I'll take my leave, Crown Prince. Her Majesty awaits my presence."
"Please go ahead."
He held a last piercing stare before leaving. "Feel free to bring the child to the Sanctum once you believe in a priest's nonsensical babblings."
—
Vivia immediately felt the pressure ease from her shoulders as soon as Izrus left.
"I thought he only wouldn't like me, but," she coughed, "He doesn't seem so fond of you either."
Zerath released a troubled sigh. "Sire Izrus is the head priest here, as you might've realized. The head priest is considered like a messenger of God. The Great Three are chosen by the Gods, so the priest becomes an important bridge between the heavens and the mortal world. It's the reason why the blessed are brought here after their birth and during their oath. So this makes the Sanctum generally more in favor of the blessed families than the royal family."
"I could see that…"
Even though young lord Astaroth was clearly at fault, his words suggested having a lighter punishment towards the blessed, she made a face.
"You're making a funny face," he chuckled.
"I just don't like it. People in his position shouldn't be in favor or against any particular section of society."
She peered at the rotating orb. "Outside is already messed up as it is. At the very least, everyone standing in a. place of worship must be treated as equals. Doesn't matter who's blessed and who isn't.
Zerath's gaze softened. He leaned closer beside her, staring at the same divine orb.
"True. Religion should have no place in politics."
He glanced at her, softly whispering. "You'll make a good Queen."
Her eyes widened, and she couldn't help but choke a bit. "No, no, no. Becoming the Queen is too much…"
"You're already in Princess Clairette's shoes, and I must say you're doing great. It won't be long before you learn to navigate through the royal palace. You've all the qualities of a Queen."
The earnestness in his soft gaze made a loud dizzying thump echo in her ears. Slightly embarrassed, she looked away, only to notice the peculiar sight again.
"Ah, I forgot! Look, your sword," she pointed downward. "It's glowing again."