When we arrived at the Palace I watched Kadence in amusement. Metal had magically produced another, more suitable, outfit for her to wear today; It was a simple, high necked dress that cut off below her knees, and it was dyed a bright blue. Somehow in between waking her and leaving she had managed to befriend a group of passing female clerics, who had insisted that they fix her hair if she was going to the palace. In the end it was tied high using a piece of blue ribbon that Metal had quickly sewn for them. Right now she was leaning out of the carriage slightly, her mouth ajar and her eyes wide in wonder.
"You look stupid," Metal commented mildly, grinning.
"This is so cool," She murmured, not reacting to the insult, "I can't believe people actually live here..."
I had to fight to keep my Judgment Knight image in tact as we exited the carriage and she began to become excited. Entering the Palace we began to walk along the pure white marble floors, the walls painted a contrasting dark red, pillars lining the walls and matching the gold archways, tall windows illuminating everything. The whole Palace was richly adorned, thanks to the money-wasting previous king. Still, it was a masterpiece. Everything from the hanging chandeliers to the elegant skirting boards screamed expensive.
"Do you get to come here often?" She asked, gazing around with an awed look.
I would have replied, but I had my image to care for. I didn't want to threaten it by talking casually.
"Only on business," Metal explained, shrugging as he did so, "We're called in for matters involving the Church, City and Country."
"What does that mean?" She asked with a frown.
"If the Church's funds are running low, or the Palace needs a ceremony to be performed we get called in," He said, "If the City has any problems with protection or events we deal with them," He turned a corner, "And if the Country has any problems we're called in."
"What kind of problems does a Country have?" She asked curiously.
"War, although there hasn't been one for generations. If neighboring cities need protection or are rebelling we're sent out to deal with it. Just like the problem at your town with the Necromancer," He explained dutifully.
"Sounds like a pain in the butt," She said, frowning and shaking her head slightly as we walked.
"It is, sometimes," He admitted as we walked towards the throne room. Infront of the massive, gilded doors stood a small group of Royal Guards who immediately jumped and began opening it upon seeing us approach. As we passed them they bowed respectfully, but still high enough to emphasize that, while we were of high rank, we weren't the ones they served. It was a complicated bow, as it took quite some time to discern how low was low enough to be courteous, while still high enough to maintain dignity. It didn't help that it varied depending on whom they were bowing to either. For instance; They wouldn't dare bow as high to me as they would to say, Leaf. Out of all of the Twelve Holy Knights I was the one who elicited the lowest bow from Royal Guards and Holy Knights alike. If Sun had been around it might have been different, though.
The thought made my chest twist uncomfortably. I ignored it as I walked down the long carpet and to the throne, where the King and Princess sat silently. The King sat regally; his back straight and gaze even. Next to him the Princess looked bored, not even bothering to look up when we entered. I could see Kadence form the corner of my eye; keeping her head down, no doubt in an attempt to be polite. Metal and I bowed neatly infront of their majesty's, and Kadence stumbled into a messy curtesy. I felt like rolling my eyes, but refrained.
"Your Majesty," I said in my deep, booming voice as I stood up, "The strict God of Light pays you his favor. How may we be of service today?"
If this had come from any other knight they would have been strongly reprimanded. The conversation should include a lengthy introduction, packed with compliments and apologies. It was part of the reason Leaf had been so reluctant to come. The other knights had to speak for minutes before they would be able to come to the actual topic, as I had done. But I was the Judgment Knight, and my rudeness was tolerated.
"There have," The King started in a stern voice, "Been multiple reports of thieving during this festival period. It seems that the Judgment Platoon has not been making their customary rounds. Is there any reason in particular that you have been neglecting your duty and letting criminals run amuck?"
The King and the Pope were probably the only people alive to have the ability to talk to me like that. Actually, scrap that. The King, Pope and Kadence. The first two were because their ranks were above mine, the only people in this Kingdom who could claim that. The third was just... pure cluelessness.
"The warm faction had been set in charge of the matter, as per usual. May the strict God of Light punish their negligence," I said, cursing that I had to say it. In a determined voice I continued, "From today forth the strict God of Light will watch the festival closely for any depraved criminals."
Maybe I can get my platoon to disguise themselves and deal with the criminals silently.
He nodded before saying in a tight voice, "To display the Palaces good intentions for the Church, we insist you join us for dinner."
I was stuck wondering what was worse; going back to the Church and risking having to drink with Grisia or having dinner with the King? In the end it's not like I have a choice. Even if I am the Judgment Knight, I can't get away with everything. Denying at this point would be a snub.
"The strict God ofLight praises His Majesty's diligence," I said with a bow. It took us so long to get here... Even if we leave right after dinner, we'll get back so late... sob.
He stood before dismissing himself, the guards opening and closing the doors after him with a deep bow. Metal instantly relaxed, but Kadence still seemed wound tight. It was understandable; She'd probably never seen a Princess, let alone been in the same room as one.
"Yo," Metal said casually to the Princess, who grinned to herself as she played with her nails, "You seem as bored as ever."
"You seem as boring as ever," She replied and Kadence grinned to herself, obvious realizing that they were friends. The Princess stood, stretching slightly as she did so and taking care not to trip over her dress as she descended the steps and talked, "Sucks to be you. You probably won't get back to the palace until dark-"
She stopped when she noticed Kadence, her eyes going wide in surprise. If I wasn't mistaken- and my years as a Judgment Knight meant I probably wasn't- she looked slightly uneasy.
Metal jumped in immediately, introducing Kadence with a mock flourish, "This is Kadence, High Lady of the North."
"Hey," Kadence complained, pushing him slightly before turning to the Princess with a grin, "Nice to meet you."
The Princess nodded slowly, a smile lighting up her face similarly, "You too," The edges of her smile seemed forced and she asked in a cautious voice, "What brings you to the South?"
"A horse and these annoying fella's," She said jokingly as she gestured to us, "And because I wanted to see the festival."
"Oh," She said softly, nodding to herself in a relieved manner, "Is that so. Have you been to the Church?"
Kadence nodded, sending her ponytail swinging, "It's really cool. The people there seem really nice, and apparently tomorrow the devil is coming."
The Princess looked confused, making Metal laugh and interject, "Grisia is coming by. Judgment here has managed to convince her that he's a demon."
The Princess' eyes widened and she exclaimed, "He is?" I nodded sourly and her face turned worried. In a hesitant voice she said, "But aren't you going to be getting back very late? You'll be tired! Why not stay here the night and return tomorrow? I insist!"
"Are you sure?" Metal asked, looking shocked, "We don't want to cause any trouble..."
"Nonsense!" She said firmly, shaking her head and moving to leave, "I'll ask Uncle right away! We can't trouble you into coming this far without offering you lodging for the night."
With that she left, making me confused. Normally she had no problem with troubling us like this. Still, it would be nice not to have to make the trip all the way back to the Church tonight.
We moved ourselves into one of the many sitting rooms and sat down on the plush couches. I checked the clock, glad to see we wouldn't have to wait long until we could get the formalities over and either go to bed or go home.
"She seems nice," Kadence commented, "Weird, but nice. Is it normal for her to be so friendly with you two?"
"Generally the Church and the Palace aren't on extremely friendly terms," Metal explained as he lounged back, "But she's a friend of a friend."
"I expected her to be posh," Kadence admitted.
Metal laughed loudly, "Far from it. You two will get along."
"That we will," The Princess said from the doorway as she walked in happily, "Uncle agreed; you're all staying the night. Judge and Metal; you'll be in the usual guest rooms. Kadence; you're coming with me," She grinned cheekily, "As lovely as that dress is, it isn't suitable for dinner. I'll find you something new, so let's go."
She didn't wait for an answer, dragging the shocked Kadence out hurriedly. I watched after them in amusement. Finally, she's speechless.
We were sitting in the dining room in a tense silence, the King marking documents absently as he ate. Metal and I sat opposite each other, neither one of us eating. Even if it was well pass the acceptable time to begin eating, the other two hadn't arrived yet. I wouldn't mind eating without Kadence (Serves her right for being so slow) but we both knew better than to eat before royalty.
It was half an hour before they finally walked into the room, making me want to sigh in irritation. Was there really that much of a need to dress up just for dinner?
The Princess had her hair straight and hanging down to her waist, with very simple makeup and a plain red dress that whispered around her ankles. Kadence, however, looked like a doll. Her makeup was thick; with dark eyes, false lashes, red lips and blush. Her hair was curled and pinned with several sparkling adornments. The dress was long, bright blue and had jewels sewn in everywhere. I had to resist the urge to laugh at her indignant face as she sat down next to the Princess at the head of the table.
"What do you think?" The Princess said happily, face radiant.
"Very nice," Her Uncle mumbled without looking up. He gave an explosive sigh before standing, documents in hand, and bidding a good night.
The Princess rolled her eyes after him, shaking her head a bit, "What do you two think?"
"Did you just skip the brushes and wipe the makeup on your face with your hands?" Metal commented idly as he began to eat.
Kadence blushed furiously before growling, "Careful there. It'd be a shame if my hand slipped and these knives went flying at you."
"You look great," He said in mock seriousness.
"Urgh. You're so annoying. I didn't even do this," She said as she pulled at the curls, "Anastasia did."
"Kadence," I said firmly, "You should call her by her title."
"To hell with titles," Anastasia said with a wicked grin, "Isn't that right, Little Seriph?"
I groaned, rubbing my eyes in a tired manner, "You told her, didn't you?" Kadence nodded happily and I glared at her, "You can't go around spreading those sorts of rumors."
"Aw," Anastasia said, pouting, "What happened to the kind little Seriph who couldn't cut a tomato?"
"Hey," I complained, looking at Kadence in exasperation, "We've been through this; you're the one who cuts tomato's wrong."
"Nobody will ever believe you," Kadence said mischievously, "Unless you prove it."
"Definitely not," I said sternly.
We were interrupted when somebody threw open the doors and a knight stumbled in, obviously out of breath.
"The harsh God of Light will punish negligence," I said coldly, not having to fake my annoyance.
"The-The Holy Temple s-sent a message," He stuttered, looking terrified, "R-Rebel groups are m-moving and-"
I stood, as did Metal. My face was serious as I nodded in my understanding grimly. If the Temple had gone to all the trouble of sending a runner to bother us, it was serious.
"Are we going straight away?" Kadence asked around a large mouthful of food.
"We'll have to," I said as I exchanged a worried look with Metal.
She nodded, standing and up before pausing and looking back to Anastasia questioningly, "Where are my clothes?"
"The maids have probably picked them up by now…" She said with a thoughtful look. Then she shrugged, a cheeky grin on her face, "Don't worry. Just wear that."
Kadence looked like she wanted to protest, but Metal grabbed her by the arm and we started to walk out hurriedly. Behind us Anastasia trailed.
"What are you doing?" I asked, feeling my suspicion grow at her cheeky look.
"Coming with you," She said simply, looking accomplished and… uneasy. I definitely wasn't imagining it.
"No you aren't," I said firmly.
She laughed condescendingly, "You think you can stop me?"
… I'm the Judgment Knight, right? People should listen, right? So why does everybody I meet seem so annoyingly persistent.