CHAPTER 18

Date: November 11th, 110 P.A. / 2114 C.E.

The tension between them held for a week. It might have extended longer, but in the type of symbiotic relationship the two shared, it would have created more problem than either could desire, especially considering how far-reaching they could stem beyond them. To hold a grudge was not worth that, though occasionally an angry look was shot between them as the subject was brought up over Arei's disappearance. However, the matter of sex, their union, was not brought up between them again. There was nothing to be said—they had gotten drunk, and the alcohol had gotten the better of them. Nothing more.

Yet, at times, Abaddon gazed at her, wondering at the memory, at the rapture the experience had given him physically. When it had been an isolated incident years ago, with Christina, a woman who had never treated him warmly, it had been simple not to think about. But Arei was another matter entirely. Whether consciously or not, her touches, her movements had been less than inept or innocent. What Arei speculated on this matter he did not know, nor did he ask.

When Arei mused on the incident, the matter was by far more confused. She shivered and wondered vaguely what it might be like to hold him like that again…she looked for something in the memory she knew wasn't there. Affection had not been something her god had held for her…only lust, and that aggravated her deeply.

Because before it happened, she could imagine he cared for her. There had been signs. But now? Now she just didn't know. Until a resolution was met, she would never know. And that didn't look to ever be coming.

However, her fate was sealed with his in the following days. It had taken almost a year, but the Priests had at last called her down to their meeting room. They sat about the table…she took her unofficial place at one of its ends. The wizened men gazed at her, faces she knew well, but all nameless to her in enmity. She took the initiative and spoke first:

"You asked to have a conference with me, and I accepted. What is it you wish to speak to me about?"

Her words were polite, carrying the subtle reminder of her superior position. Abaddon knew she was here, and Attendant Byron stood outside, looking in, ready to sound an alarm to get her out if he suspected foul play. Yet, she doubted anything would happen. If it did, all would know, and they would be hunted down and burned alive for slaying her.

So, she gazed upon them, waiting for their words.

The eldest man, with glasses, spoke first, "As you are aware, High Priestess, our group runs the governmental affairs of this country—we pass or veto new doctrines and laws, assigning projects, that sort of thing. There is much we desire to do to better this nation, to advance it to the level of, say, Goddess Regiice's realm. They are in the middle of a New Millennium Renaissance, and we have no desire to be left behind in the advancement. We do believe out people would benefit from some similar progresses."

He did not elaborate. Another spoke. "However, we do not have the type of political power recessing for such movements, nor the funding. You, on the other hand, have both. You see, my lady, God Abaddon has thus far refrained from allowing us to provoke the people into any sort of creative stimuli. We do not see why this is. And—"

"And you want me to figure out why, and if possible, persuade him to reason?"

The man coughed, flushing somewhat. "Indeed, yes."

She smiled with false sweetness. "As admirable as the concept sounds, Abaddon likely has a very good restraining your desired 'progress.' Have you thought of this?"

"Of course. But Priestess Arei, you are fond of your people. It would be in their best interests—"

"If you got you way, correct?"

Numerous eyes narrowed. The speaker sputtered. Arei stood, suddenly realizing a simple truth her own mind had long been denying, a revelation of sorts.

"Gentlemen, I will not aid you in your ambitions, or even offer the lesser evil of spying on his activities for you. No matter some of the difficulties I may personally have when in his presence, in my interactions with him that are inevitable in the unique relationship we possess, my loyalty is to him. I am his second, his woman, and in the bluntest way I can convey to you, I belong to him. Understand, Priests, that this is my final answer to you. I will not help you, but stay at my God's side."

She gave them a polite nod. "Now, if you won't be offended by such, I will excuse myself from your presence. I have tasks I must attend to."

And with that, she walked away, knowing the risks she now placed upon herself in doing so. Someday soon, she was doing to realize that in allying herself with Abaddon would only give her more enemies than not. But when she did, her resolve would not sway…for what she had said was true. Despite everything, she stood by Abaddon….

And nothing in this world could change that.

After she had left, another appointment arrived. An alliance was sure to be forged close to the God, with or without Arei. The young woman, a few years older than Arei, was one of the Handmaidens, a treacherous female that had blond hair, pale green eyes, and a tan complexion. In ways she was a woman who looked very much like Christina—but then, she would, having been that Priestess's cousin. She glanced at the exit in which Arei had departing, holding a hate for her that the Priestess was unaware of. Once upon a time, the Priests had promised her she would be the newest high Priestess—and as Delilah viewed it, Arei was a mistake, an ignorant brat, an interloper that stood between her and her rightful place in power. After all the sacrifices she had made, the woman felt she deserved that throne a thousand times more!

Her envy and greed were things which would have automatically thrown her out of the running candidates to become a Priestess. The best she could ever hope to be was a Handmaiden, but no one would tell her such. In her longing she was a pawn, easy to mold to any cause that might get her to where she wished to go. To the Priests, she could indeed prove a valuable ally.

Like belonged with like. A nest of snakes was knotted into the Temple. They offered her power if she provided information. They offered her power if she was willing to assassinate and sabotage. The girl was too far gone down the road of jealousy to be turned aside by petty morals. She already possessed evidence that could tear Arei from her position as the holy empress…and so, with the likelihood that the 27th High Priestess could be eliminated, and Delilah set in her place, the disloyal Handmaiden agreed, sealing the deal in ink and blood….