Michaelus woke covered in sweat. His harsh breathing filled the room. He glanced about making sure he was alone. He pushed back a strand of his sweaty hair and swung his legs from under the covers. His gaze slid to the digital clock next to his bed. It was only six p.m. That meant His Majesty was up and in his study.
Taking a deep breath, he forced his racing heart to calm down. He needed to speak to His Majesty and the Crown Prince immediately. The dream was a warning that had to be uttered, lest Autem chose to punish him for not delivering it. Michaelus hurriedly took a shower, dressed, and made his way to the castle.
The guards greeted him and he gave them a distracted nod. He was on a mission and didn't have time to talk. He made it to the king's study and knocked. After a moment he heard Mikel's "Enter." He pushed the door open and paused in the doorway. Fidelis was also in the study. Well, that made his job easier.
"Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Highness."
"Michaelus, did we have a visit scheduled this evening?"
"No, Your Majesty." Michaelus paused before looking at his king. "Autem has sent a message."
He watched as Mikel and Fidelis stiffened, their expressions changing to ones of concerned wariness.
"And?" Mikel asked, his fingers tapping on his desk, the intensity of his gaze making Michaelus flinch.
Michaelus hated being the bearer of bad news. He knew that all the transplanted inhabitants of Cornibus harbored some resentment toward their god who had stranded them in the human realm without warning.
"It is a warning. The dark goddess and her minions have awoken."
Fidelis muttered a curse. Mikel's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Autem has declared it true."
"What would Autem have us do?" demanded Fidelis.
Michaelus shifted uncomfortably. He knew his next words were sure to create a firestorm of emotions. He took a fortifying breath and said the dreaded words.
"Your fated mate is at the heart of the matter."
Fidelis surged to his feet and stomped toward Michaelus. "What the hell did you just say?"
"Your Highness, your fated one is the key to preventing the rise of the dark goddess."
"How? My fated one is human. How can a human stop something magical when they have no magic?" argued Fidelis, his tone sharp and biting.
"Your Highness, I don't know. I am only delivering Autem's message. He said, "the fated one must find the four mythical beasts and with their help shall stop the darkness from destroying everything we hold dear."
"The mythical beasts? Those are just stories! They no longer exist. How can a human find legends that died out long ago?"
Michaelus held up his hand, trying to calm Prince Fidelis. The young man was extremely protective of his fated one to the point that the high priest was worried about the strength of their bond. Sometimes fated bonds were not always good for the parties involved.
"Son, calm yourself. We need to think of how best to help Sera. If Autem has decreed she is necessary, then we must do everything in our power to make sure she succeeds," Mikel gently rebuked the prince. "I know you are worried, but getting worked up helps no one. Michaelus, do we have a timeline?"
"No, Your Majesty. Autem does not give specifics of that nature. After all, we still have free will. If he were to rigidly lock us into one path, things would go awry."
"True. Did he give us clues to where we can find the mythical beasts?"
"Autem said they are closer than we think. Again, he stressed that the prince's fated one must be the one to release the beasts. The dark goddess's minions are on the move and we must be ready to combat them as well as her."
"I don't like this," growled Fidelis. He ran his fingers through his hair, his agitation noticeable as he paced. "Sera doesn't know that we aren't human. I want to tell her but I'm not going to do it just yet. If she rejects me or runs away, my heart and soul will break."
Michaelus watched Mikel come around his desk and walk over to his son. He placed a hand on Fidelis's shoulder, halting his son's movements.
"Fidelis, you and Sera were fated for a reason. You both balance each other's strengths and weaknesses. Have faith that Sera will stay with you and not flee. She is strong, though it sometimes appears to others that she is weak. Behind her calm façade, I can sense a strong will. She just hasn't expressed it yet in a way that others can see. Give her time. I feel that she will truly astound you when she does."
Michaelus watched the father-son interaction and smiled. He was honored to be a priest in the Cornibus kingdom and to have a chance to serve such a great royal family.
"I have an idea. Let's invite Sera to our townhouse in two weeks for the Thanksgiving holiday," suggested Mikel. "That gives Michaelus a chance to meet her and assess her for any hint of magical power."
"That's a great idea, Your Majesty." Michaelus was excited about meeting Fidelis's fated one. "I know that we all have magic power, but with the addition of my divine power, I should be able to sense if she has powers or not."
"I don't mind inviting her, but I'm sure her father will interfere somehow," said Fidelis, his irritation evident at that thought. "Not only that, but he will try to shove Amy onto us as well which will make Sera uncomfortable."
"Good point," Mikel replied. "I have a way around that. I'll wait until next week to contact him about it. In the meantime, my son will keep watch over Sera to make sure nothing happens to her."
"You don't have to tell me twice. Also, I plan to reveal to Sera who we are after the winter dance."
"That's splendid news. Depending on her response, we can have you introduce her to the royal court and nobles afterward."
"Yes, Father."
Michaelus grinned. He was happy for the Crown Prince and for His Majesty. They both deserved so much. Both were strong leaders and were beloved by their people and their allies. Satisfied that he had done his due diligence he bowed.
"I shall take my leave now, Your Majesty. Let me know where and what time to join you for the Thanksgiving dinner."
"Of course, Michaelus. Have a good night."
Michaelus bowed once more and left the palace, his heart at ease now that he had delivered Autem's message. Having a plan was a good thing. He looked forward to meeting Sera.