When Elias opened his eyes, the warm sunlight was already spilling through the tall windows of his room. The sun cast a soft golden glow on the walls, making the whole chamber look peaceful. A faint breeze came in through the slightly open window, carrying the scent of blooming lilies from the royal garden.
Beside his bed sat a middle-aged man with gentle eyes. He was carefully removing thin acupuncture needles from Elias's arm. The man looked relieved when he saw Elias awake.
"You're awake, my prince," the physician said kindly.
Elias blinked a few times, trying to sit up, but the physician gently stopped him.
"You need rest. The poison in your system has been neutralized, but your arm is still healing. Don't overuse it for now."
Elias gave a small nod. "Thank you."
The physician packed his tools, bowed, and left quietly. Elias turned to his loyal servant, who stood near the doorway, waiting patiently.
"What about the princess?" Elias asked.
"She's in her chambers, my prince. She refused to leave your side all night. But when the physician came in this morning, she quietly stepped out."
Elias's lips curved into a small, thoughtful smile. "I see..."
There was a short pause before Elias spoke again. "The priestess selection ceremony... It's tomorrow, isn't it?"
The servant nodded. "Yes, my prince. Everything is being prepared as we speak."
Elias leaned back against his pillows. He stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking deeply. Then, with a calm but firm voice, he said, "Get Helen ready. It's time."
The next morning, the palace was filled with a strange kind of energy. Servants ran back and forth, nobles arrived in fine robes, and the ceremonial hall was decorated with banners bearing ancient symbols.
The ceremonial hall was huge and majestic. The walls were carved with old tales of the kingdom—stories of kings, battles, and the first priestess. Tall stone pillars supported the roof, each wrapped with white and red silk. Incense burned at every corner, sending streams of sweet smoke into the air. The scent of lavender and sandalwood filled the room. Bells chimed gently as the breeze from the open doors swept through.
High-ranking officials and noble families gathered in their seats, dressed in their finest clothes. Jewel-studded crowns sat on their heads, and golden embroidery shimmered under the sunlight. Everyone murmured in excitement and curiosity.
Soon, the grand doors opened again. Trumpets blared softly as the king entered. His robe was dark crimson with gold patterns of the sun and moon. He walked with authority, and every person in the hall immediately stood up.
"Long live the king!" the hall echoed with voices as they bowed.
The king walked to the throne and sat at the center of the hall. A golden canopy hung above him, and two guards stood by his side.
He raised a hand, and the murmurs stopped.
"Today," he began in a steady voice, "we are gathered here to welcome a new priestess—one who will guide us, speak with our ancestors, and protect our kingdom with the wisdom of the gods."
He looked around, eyes scanning every face. "Let the will of the ancestors be done."
"Let the ceremony begin!" the royal announcer declared.
From the back doors of the ceremonial hall, the selected priestess candidate entered. She wore a red ceremonial gown, decorated with vulture feathers and silver threads. Her face was calm, her movements slow and graceful.
Just as the music began, a sharp voice interrupted.
"Stop!"
Everyone turned toward the source. Elias had stood up and was walking boldly to the center of the hall.
Gasps and murmurs rose among the nobles.
"What is Prince Alaric doing?"
"Is this part of the ceremony?"
"Why did he interrupt?"
The king frowned. "Elias? What are you doing?"
Elias bowed slightly. "Pardon me, Father. But today, I must present something... no, someone very important."
He looked around the hall. "Today, I bring you the long-lost descendant of the White Tiger Clan!"
Shock rippled through the crowd. Some stood up in disbelief.
"Is he serious?"
"The White Tiger Clan? I thought they were all killed."
Elias turned and gestured. "Please, come in."
From the same back door, Helen walked in slowly. She wore a flowing white robe that shimmered like moonlight. Her long hair was braided with silver threads. One of her eyes was outlined with white ash, a sacred mark of the seers.
She walked with calm steps, her gaze steady, her presence quiet yet powerful. As she entered, a hush fell over the crowd.
The assistant priestess stepped forward, her expression tense. "This is not how it works! You cannot just walk in and claim to be the next priestess!"
Elias kept his calm. "She was the last of the White Tiger Clan, the clan blessed with the vision of truth. That makes her worthy."
"If she is truly one of them," the assistant priestess said, "then let her prove it. Let her find the Blue Staff."
Elias's smile faltered. He hadn't heard about this staff.
In his mind, he panicked. "Blue Staff? What is that? Helen never mentioned this... She said all she had to do was pray for rain. I even arranged for experts who could make it rain artificially if needed."
The king stood up. "That is true. Many have claimed to be from the White Tiger Clan over the years. None have ever found the Blue Staff. If she can, then there will be no doubt."
Helen looked at Elias and gave a tiny nod. Her expression was unreadable.
Elias stepped forward. "Your Highness, allow her two days. I believe she will find it."
The king nodded slowly. "Very well. This ceremony will be postponed for three days. If by then she finds the Blue Staff, she will be our priestess. If not..."
The assistant priestess turned and left the hall, her steps quick and controlled. She whispered something to her servant, who quickly ran off.
Helen stood tall in the center of the room, eyes focused, heart steady.
Elias walked beside her. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "We have a lot to do."