Chapter 17: The Seeds of Seduction
Gold light filtered through the stained glass of the cathedral’s central nave, painting the marble floors with hues of crimson and violet. It was midday, and incense clung to the air like old secrets. Beneath towering arches etched with celestial runes, the Church’s clergy bickered in hushed tones that carried nonetheless. I stood at the threshold, wrapped in soft velvet, the sigil of my forged emissary crest pinned just above my femboyishly exposed collarbone.
Behind me trailed Hollow, robed and collared, chin tilted down in faux reverence. He looked every inch the repentant devotee, but there was a subtle gleam in his eye, a quiet pride in the way he walked beside me. He was playing his role to perfection.
"This is going to be a slow burn," I murmured under my breath, mostly for Hollow’s sake. "A simmering pot of holy soup. And we’re the poison stock."
He glanced sideways, his lips twitching. That was as close to a laugh as he’d allow with priests watching.
A cardinal approached, his crimson robes dragging like moss across the marble. "You must be Hollow’s primary servant."
I dipped into a curtsy, letting the hem of my skirt flutter just enough to catch his eye.
He sniffed, eyes narrowing at the suggestion of skin. But my seal was legitimate. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded and gestured down the corridor.
"Come with me. The Consistory is preparing for afternoon deliberations."
As we walked through the hallowed halls, I studied the architecture. So dramatic. So utterly overcompensating. Every window was a sermon, every alcove a warning. The Church didn’t do subtle. That would be my job.
We were led into a circular chamber beneath a massive dome. The Council of Selection sat at its perimeter, robes heavy, eyes heavier. At the center was a low table surrounded by ceremonial candles.
I took my place near the far end, hands folded primly in my lap, away from the six other candidates who stared intensely at my figure. Hollow sat beside me, silent and radiant. He was perfect for this. Beautiful, obedient, and scandalously underestimated. With his sudden return, they didn’t see him as a threat. Yet.