Answer the Church's Call

Downstairs, Alice could see the church's envoy sitting in the parlor in all his splendor, gaudy golden robes representing the light of the sun as well as its chosen. The envoy was younger then Currel, but that didn't mean much when the arch-bishop was practically a fossil of the previous era. When the envoy saw the princess heading down the stairs, he rises from his seat and gives a formal bow. A bow not quite as low as custom dictates, but Alice wasn't going to mention that. Katherine, wise as always, makes herself scarce, knowing that the man would prefer to be alone with her mistress.

"Greetings, my lady," the man says, and Alice gives him a quick look. Mid forties, if she had to guess. The gray streaks in his hair and the wrinkles were a giveaway, but his spry movements and practiced motions made him seem a bit younger. Must be a senior bishop, she decides. Strange that they would send someone of such authority to play the role of messenger, and so she carefully goes along with the greeting, bowing in return. "I am bishop Normand, and I'm here to extend an invitation to the cathedral, where the arch-bishop awaits. He has a rather important message for you, to be relayed in person."

"I see..." Alice replies, hesitant. She didn't feel her usual confidence, particularly because her last meeting with the arch-bishop ended with a blackout. They were plotting something, that much was certain, but she lacked any actual substance when it came to their plans. What they were after, and what they wanted from her... It was all a mystery, and it was one she needed to unravel personally if it came to it. "Must be of utmost importance then if I can't be delivered by one such as yourself."

"You flatter me, but you're correct," the bishop says humbly. "It concerns the matter of the succession. As you know, these are tumultuous times. The arch-bishop hopes that if you and church are aligned on who the king should be, it can help ease the transition of power for when King Cassian... perishes."

"Blunt. But not incorrect," Alice scoffs. "Very well, lead the way, bishop."

Alice had wanted to take Finley, but Normand was insistent that they go immediately, so she acquiesced, figuring that it was unlikely she'd be in danger within the heart of the capital. Even the church wouldn't be so bold, or so she'd like to think at least. And so, she arrives at the cathedral for the second time this week, feeling a bit exposed without her knight at her side. He may have been foolish, but he had a good sword arm.

"Ah, so good to see you again, princess Alice," Currel says when she takes a seat opposite of him. Same as before, the two of them were alone in his office. She kept an eye on him carefully, trying to make sure she didn't fall for whatever got her last time.

"Likewise. So, what matters do you have to discuss? Finally found your successor?" Alice asks, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Was she the only one bothered by that obnoxious incense burner in the corner? The pink fumes were sickly sweet, and her nose wrinkles in annoyance. A part of her wants to get up and smash the damn thing, but she forces herself to remain calm and composed.

"In manner of speaking," the arch-bishop replies slowly, as though purposely drawing out this meeting to be longer than it needed to be. "But I wish to hear your opinion first, my lady. The last time we met, you mentioned wanting to join the Church of the Sunborn as a nun. Such a selfless act will surely help the populace understand the need for unity, don't you think?"

"I... we did? When did we..." Alice frowns, her thoughts jumbled in her head. She could feel a bead of sweat dripping down the back of her neck, and her dress felt like it was suffocating her. Any lesser woman would've gone insane, but she held herself together through sheer **** of will alone. "I'm certain that's not what we-"

"Oh but it is," Currel interrupts with a smile, showing off his fake gold teeth. "You were enamored with the idea. After all, you would no longer be shackled by the chains of duty."

"That's... true...?" Alice tries to reply, the heat overwhelming her senses now. Her vision was growing bleary, and her reactions were dulled. As a result, she barely looked up as Currel approaches her side of the table, brushing her hair off of her clammy forehead. "What... are... you... doing...?"

"Shhh," the old man shushes her as he circles behind her. One. Two. Three. She could feel the knots holding up her dress come loose, and soon the entire upper half was pooled around her waist. A second later, her bra was tugged off as well, exposing her tits to the warm, sweet air. "Just relax."

There was hardly another option, with her limbs numb and her head swimming. Alice moans softly as she feels his wizened hands pinch her nipples, getting them nice and hard, and memories come flooding back to her as she feels her pleasure mounting. She remembers the taste of his seed, and the sensation of his shaft. And most of all... she remembers how good it felt.

"You are our chosen," Currel whispers. "Your mind won't remember this meeting, but your body will. You shall return to us of your own accord, because you know you crave a master. Your ambitions lead you astray, but we shall guide you to the right and proper path. As a nun of the Sunborn, you shall lead this church to greater heights. Your mother was one of us, once before. You'll be returning to her embrace..."

Is that true? Alice couldn't tell anymore. Truth and fiction blended in her mind as pleasure assailed her sanity. This was crucial moment.

Almost back from my vacation. Just a bit longer.