Peyton, violated by Clergy

The hall is already tense when the princess and John step inside. The Order’s priestesses surround Payton, she is being forcefully kiss by the senior priestess. A red headed, former Priestess, Giselle. She is slim with crimson hair pulls black hair, Payton away from them.

Peyton is shaken, eyes red, shoulders tight with her cloths slightly torn. A senior priestess has Payton lipsticks on her. Giselle anger is quiet but unmistakable. The princess takes in the scene instantly.

Her voice is calm, but the air chills around her. “Explain.”

The senior priestess stiffens. “Your… companion was giving us signals, she seems to be emotional stability. She reacted poorly to a standard inquiry.”

Peyton flinches. Giselle’s jaw tightens.

John doesn’t know what happened, but he can feel the wrongness in the room.

The princess hates this. John can see it in the way her fingers curl, in the way her eyes narrow just slightly. But she’s surrounded by the Order, and politics demands she stay composed. She steps forward with a diplomatic smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “I’m sure the priestess meant no harm,” she says smoothly. “The Order is known for its… directness.”

The senior priestess snaps, “She is emotional. She requires discipline.”

Giselle’s jaw tightens. “She requires respect.”

The princess lifts a hand—subtle, a signal for Giselle to stop. Giselle obeys, but barely. Giselle shoots her a look—sharp, incredulous, furious. The princess doesn’t return it. She can’t. Not here. Giselle’s voice is low, controlled, but shaking with restrained fury. She says, "She cornered Peyton. Pressed her. Used language meant to intimidate. That is not ‘directness.’ That is abuse of authority.”

The priestess bristles. “I followed protocol.”

The princess lifts a hand—subtle, a warning as she says “Giselle.” Giselle stops speaking, but her eyes burn.

The princess turns to John, her tone suddenly light, almost teasing—an intentional shift to break the tension. “Well, John,” she says, “welcome to your evaluation. As you can see, the Order is… passionate.”

Giselle adds, voice cool and cutting, “Some of them more than others.” The princess smirks. “Don’t worry. If anyone tries to intimidate you, Giselle will tear their robes off.” Giselle mutters, “Only if they deserve it.”

John feels the tension ease just slightly. The priestesses shift uncomfortably, unsure how to respond to the princess’s humor.

Peyton lets out a shaky breath. With the tension diffused just enough, the princess steps forward, voice smooth and authoritative. “Let’s begin the evaluation properly. And let’s keep the questions… respectful.”

A pointed glance at the senior priestess.