Inside the carriage there was discomfort because three people shared the space without saying a single word. Rehael raised his blue eyes to Lucian, who in turn looked outside without seeming interested in talking.
Ever since Cassander told him about the infuriating outburst of the eighth prince, Rehael had been troubled. It was justifiable his desire to leave the palace and keep him away from the battle for the throne, only that it hurt his pride to know that his husband became the target of Lucian's words. The Emperor wanted to question him while keeping his mouth shut because he already imagined what answer he would receive. Still, he would try.
"Lucian, do you know where we are going?", questioned the Emperor.
The men looked at him, inexpressively and with a calm tone, he answered as if to make clear the distance between them.
"To the Temple of Souls to get permission for my engagement."
"That's right. As you know, the temple is a great ally of ours, because they help us to care for our people. Obtaining the temple's approval is the same as receiving the blessing of the Goddess Kronasis."
"I understand."
Lucian gave such a short answer that the matter ended right there, frustrating the Emperor from trying to get to the point. He even received some comfort from his husband, who stroked his arm subtly, but it was a little annoying to see his son keeping distance. It was like seeing yourself as a young man, without really understanding the importance of the temple.
The Temple of Souls had several seats spread throughout the Roveaven Empire, assisting in primary care to citizens, especially commoners. From offering medical treatment for first aid to taking in orphaned children, the temple was simply strong because it had the people's gratitude and faith who believed and worshipped the Goddess Kronasis.
Having the temple as a political ally was something that those interested in the throne wanted to achieve, but the Emperor asked the current High Priest to be careful with his choice. Thanks to this, the temple has become neutral since the Emperor's sons reached the age of being appointed as heirs.
As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the immense temple, a priest greeted them with formal reverence. The three of them got out of the carriage and went up the stairs to the temple, which was still a quiet and bright place, like a small well-kept castle.
"The Temple of Souls welcomes the Imperial Family."
"Thank you very much, priest, for receiving us."
"Not at all, Your Majesty. Please accompany me."
The beta that guided them seemed to be a whisper of the wind, even its presence was calm. It was completely different from the chaotic environment of the palace and the problems to be solved with the nobles. There Rehael felt comfortable to just... exist and be himself.
It was no less, absolutely everything in that place referred to such a concept.
As expected from that place, there was a beautiful well-kept garden where some people walked and talked. Priests and students passed from one side to the other, greeting the Emperor and the consort when they saw them. Even being a little far away, it was still possible to hear laughter from the children who lived in the temple.
It was a real quiet place.
The priest led the three to the entrance of the temple, where there was a huge corridor that gave access to several rooms and the central altar, which seemed partially empty that afternoon. There they were received by another priest, who bowed formally to greet them.
"Your Majesties, Your Highness, the High Priest is busy with some clerics, so I ask you to wait for him, which will not be long. Would you like to be guided to the waiting room?"
"It won't be necessary", Rehael replied directly. "We can stay right here as we also wait for the coming of the Grand Duke."
"Please be comfortable while you wait."
"In this case, I will pray a little", Cassander said, putting the sleeve of the coat.
"I will be happy to guide you, Your Majesty."
Cassander smiled sweetly at Rehael in a silent farewell, and then he followed the priest who led him into the temple. Rehael observed him, noticing the huge statue of the goddess he had on the highest part of the altar. Next to the statue, some students were kneeling in prayer, and Cassander joined them by kneeling as well.
"So this is the Goddess..."
The whisper the Emperor heard was probably just Lucian thinking about himself, but it didn't go unnoticed. Crossing his arms, he took advantage of that moment and continued to observe his husband despite his words being directed at the boy next to him.
"We do not force anyone to believe in the Goddess Kronasis. People can receive help from the temple regardless of what they believe, because priests do volunteer work out of love."
"It is very important to give such freedom to people."
"It's just right. I was not a devotee myself, never really cared about this religion thing. But after losing three children, I found myself without floor and found the warmth I needed."
Lucian raised an eyebrow at the Emperor, who stood expressionless and with arms crossed like an iron wall. The Emperor knew that his posture did not conform to the words of a father who had not yet overcome the tragedy within the family, only that such armor was very difficult to remove, since coldness became his best defense.
Without receiving an answer, the Emperor just continued to speak.
"Because I married an alpha, the situation in the palace became untenable. Many of my mistresses, with whom I ventured as a bachelor, used my children to gain high positions within the palace. I lost dear children because of greed, and so I was afraid when I found out carrying Cassander's son. Still, I promised him that I would take care of that child, no matter how difficult it was. And then you could be born safe."
The Emperor looked at Lucian and lightly stroked his shoulder.
"I heard about your conversation with Cassander, and I'm glad that I finally got to hear a wish from you, even if it's a request to leave the palace."
"You speak as if I had never asked anything of you before. His Majesty made it look like that the other day."
"It is because, in fact, you never asked. No matter how much we asked, we demonstrated our willingness to satisfy your wishes, Lucian, you are the one who never asked anyone for anything."
Rehael noticed the surprise in his son's eyes, who looked at him silently as if he realized something. It was not his intention to give a sermon to Lucian, although as a father it was his duty to guide him regardless of his age. Only that the chances of approaching and talking in such a way were so rare, that Rehael simply did not want to let it pass.
"The fight for the throne will still take some time to resolve, but this is something that I must take the last step. If the only thing I can give you is the freedom you so desire, then so be it. But Lucian..." The Emperor looked seriously at your son. "No matter where you go, you will remain a Saint Richmond, so don't stray too far from your family. Cassander loves you very much and has suffered a lot to get the chance to have you with us."
Lucian opened his mouth, about to say something, but the sweet smell of wine became present along with the presence of the Grand Duke, who arrived accompanied by a priest. It was a little sad that his only chance to be able to talk sincerely with Lucian came to an end, but at the same time, the Emperor was relieved to see the Grand Duke there
"Hello, Grimwood."
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty. I have just arrived, I apologize for my delay."
As expected, Magnus Grimwood greeted him with reverence, showing his respect. Rehael peeked at Lucian, noticing that he was still silent and slightly frowned.
Haa... He has done what was within his power. Perhaps it's time to let the Grand Duke find some way to comfort Lucian.
"It's all right, since you've arrived, I'll leave Lucian with you", Rehael looked inside the temple where her husband kept kneeling in prayer. "I also need to make a prayer."
And so, Rehael entered the temple leaving behind his son and the Grand Duke, not knowing what was Lucian's reaction to his words and much less what could change in the relationship of that family full of secrets.