Chapter 37

One week later.

"And what has become of the Contra Mundi?"

"We believe he fell into the abyss and was swept away by the underground spring."

"Any reports of him being seen?"

"None at this time. He was badly injured. Vatican intelligence believes he was probably picked up by a member of the Order and at this time is being treated at an undisclosed location."

"And how is everyone at the Vatican? Are things being done about the cave in?"

"At this time, the area has been closed off. We are still investigating, making sure he did not drown."

"You have my word, Cardinal, that he won't be down there. Abel and I dropped him into the earth's atmosphere. I highly doubt a little water is going to stop him."

"Indeed, but the other Cardinals do not believe so, they are also wanting to know about the disappearance of the Queen of Albion."

"No word on Esther, either?"

"Not a one. The Albion government will be here tomorrow to begin their investigation into the Queen's disappearance."

"And how is my dear Abel taking it?" Seth asked. Caterina sighed.

"Not good," Seth's heart went out to her older brother, "he's turned his back on everyone here, gone and locked himself in his room," Caterina took a sip of her tea, "I dare say that he's taking this worse than when Lilith died." Seth nodded in agreement.

"Do you think he would talk to me?" Caterina shook her head.

"He will not answer to anyone. Father Leon has been at his door trying everyday," Seth lowered her head, "at this time we have placed him on leave until such time as he is fit to return to duty. He needs to grieve."

"I know. I just don't want a repeat of what happened last time. Will he be alright?"

"In time he will," Caterina looked up, "We are all grieving for the loss of Esther. We need to support him as much as we can. To Abel, he lost his family." Seth let a tear fall down her cheek.

"I'll make some time in the next few days to fly out and see him."

"I think he would greatly appreciate that."

"Not to change the subject so quickly, but...what is the kingdom of Albion planning on doing now that the queen is..." Seth couldn't let those words pass her lips.

"I honestly do not know. Before Esther left the kingdom she appointed Colonel Mary Spencer her steward. So for the time being, she's caring for the crown, but it won't be long before the nobility will rise up and try to challenge her for it," The cardinal sighed, "and here I thought your brother would finally settle down and have a family." Seth tried to smile.

"The both of us did. Esther completed him." Cardinal Caterina heard a knock at her office door.

"Shall we continue our discussion at a later time? It appears I have someone waiting outside the door." Seth nodded.

"I'll call get in contact with you tomorrow." Seth smiled, before her hologram image faded. Caterina sighed before looking at her door.

"Come in." The door opened revealing her half brother, the Pope.

"Alec?" she stood up, "Is everything alright?" the teenager silently made his way over to a chair in front of her desk.

"I wanted to talk about Sister Esther," he mumbled, "Have they found her?" Caterina sighed. She knew that his holiness held the Queen in high respect. The two had once been trapped in the ghetto together.

"I am afraid not. I do not think they will find her." The pope lowered his eyes.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Alec, I don't think..."

"Queen Esther was my friend." The pope stood up. Caterina leaned back in her chair amazed. Never had her brother showed so much compassion, usually it was the opposite. "There has to be something I can do. Can we call more people to help, can I talk to Albion about offering help. Are they going to prepare a memorial or something? I want to help." Caterina smiled. She loved to see her brother like this, how a true pope should act.

"I'll see. Though I will tell the Albion Kingdom that you send them your best wishes." Alessandro smiled and got to his feet.

"Thank you sister." She bowed her head out of respect. She then watched her little brother leave.

"My how he's grown." She smiled. Caterina got to her feet and stretched her back. Another knock on her door ceased any thoughts she had. "Yes!" She called out. Father Leon and the Professor walked in. "What is it?"

"It's Abel. It's been a week. He hasn't touched his food, he doesn't leave his quarters, we have agreed that we need to intervene and help him, even if he refuses," the Professor spoke, "he'll make himself sick."

"There's nothing I can do. Abel needs some time to be alone."

"Well, we're not waiting 900 years." Leon butted in. Caterina glared at him.

"I agree, but what else can be done."

"You try and talk to him." Leon spoke. "You've known him the longest maybe he'll listen to you."

"I highly doubt it." She scoffed at the idea.

"You haven't even seen him!" Leon yelled. "You've left him alone all this time. He'll kill himself if he doesn't eat. For god sakes you're a cardinal! Do something!" Caterina glared at the priests, but soon realized that they were right. She had yet to see her friend and hadn't she just said he needed support?

"Very well," she sighed, "I'll go and see him, but I highly doubt that he'll listen."

"Just try," William spoke, "that's all we want. We are worried." Caterina smiled.

"I know." She placed a hand on Leon's shoulders. "He is very lucky to have the two of you as friends." The priests smiled and finally made their way out of her office. Caterina shook her head and felt the dreaded stomach butterflies. She was nervous about what Abel might do if anyone was to intervene. Abel was far more powerful than anyone here in Rome. Her heart went out to him. She knew far to well how hard it is to lose a loved one, but a child no less. Caterina gathered up her confidence and made her way to the priest in question's room. Caterina felt like a little girl getting ready to face the monster under her bed. She knocked on his door and hoped for the best.