This day marked a most special occasion that would certainly be revered for many eons to come.

  Princess Rosalia was getting baptized.

  Thousands had lined the streets to celebrate and witness this event. Some even hoping to catch a glimpse of heaven’s newest royal. To bask in her holy presence and send prayers of blessings.

  The baptism would take place in the high chapel.

  A most esteemed location as it was the first church to be built in the heavenly realm. It was built from the purest of marble, fairly large and covered in holy symbols. Statues representing angels lay at the entrance, guarding the sacred ground on which it was built.

  Leon carried his young niece with all the pride an uncle could bring forth. His steps were measured and confident.

  Some of his men acted as an escort but were mostly present to stop him from being mobbed by an excited populace.

  It wouldn’t do to be late now of all days.

  Cheers and applause greeted them wherever they passed, praising the white paladins and his family, until they reached the high church.

  They entered unbothered, as all eyes turned to them.

  The illumination from the many colored glass windows depicting the greatest angelic beings provided great light. Large marble columns rose high to support a ceiling where the history of heaven was painted.

  The church was full, members of all the important factions under the kingdom of heaven had gathered.

  The cupids, lesser angels, led by his colleague Valentine, a man with short blonde hair and soft brown eyes.

  The seraphs, higher angels, led by his good friend Rosenweiss, a man with long blonde hair and light blue eyes.

  The fair folk led by Verona, a man with long white hair with pink highlights, pointy ears and light brown eyes.

  Even Saint Peter, the guardian of the gate to heaven, seemed to have been given time off to attend.

  The common angels, the saints and other ascended spirits of course all having a presence as well.

  To his surprise four archangels were also in attendance, their golden wings unmissable. Gabriel the Messenger, Raphael the Healer and Azrael the Reaper.

  While it was not rare to see them roaming around what made him pause was the presence of the fourth archangel, Michael the Demiurge.

  It seemed he had left God’s realm to bare witness to the baptism. Michael the Gallant Sun, God’s favored son, the commander of the heavenly host.

  No one remembered the last time he had left the Almighty's realm for anything other than a war, specifically one where Lucifer was involved.

  It was looking to be a momentous day with the greatest angelic champions assembled.

  Until he spotted the biggest thorn in his side. The most detestable angel he ever had the misfortune of meeting.

  The commander of the king’s guard, the king’s men as some would jokingly call them, Morrison. An angel loyal to the king and not the throne as most should be. Just his mere presence irked Leon.

  He narrowed his eyes in distaste and suspicion but chose not to take any further action.

  Leon himself was there representing the white paladins, his family.

  As the high lord of the kingdom of heaven he was the second in command of its military might.

  Therefore he technically was the representative of all.

  As a candidate of the throne, although he would deny it, he was afforded quite a lot of political strength.

  His word meant much to many across the kingdom and his character was admired by soldier and civilian alike.

  It was no wonder he was more welcomed than the king himself when he deigned to enter.

  His men nodded in his direction and walked to their seats, one holding Ashley’s hand.

  Leon walked to the front of the church where the archbishop waited patiently for the princess. Many priests surrounded him, both as guards and aids in religious matters such as this one.

  He handed Rosalia over to the archbishop who prepared her for the ceremony, Leon did notice an amusing detail.

  “Your eminence tell me. Where is the basin?” he asked with a hint of a smirk.

  Confused the archbishop looked around him and to his mortification there was indeed no basin. He tuned to the priests.

  “You idiots forgot the basin. Hurry and fetch it you fools.”

  Leon chuckled softly as the priests scrambled to find the most important item needed for the ceremony.

  He left them to their conundrum and went to his assigned seat. Right between Rosenweiss and Valentine.

  “My friend. I have been hearing rumors of late, about a brawl in the royal chambers, tell me is it true?” asked Rosenweiss with a knowing look.

  Leon sighed and noticed many were leaning closer trying to hear his response, angels truly were the worst gossips.

  “I will neither confirm nor deny any accusations, but I will say it was a moment of weakness in my grief and nothing more. My response will remain the same for anyone listening to a conversation they’re not a part of!”

  Knowing they were caught all those listening tried to play innocent and began their own conversations, leaving the pair alone.

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  “A moment of weakness in your grief, I don’t believe you,” said Rosenweiss.

  “Spare me your sarcasm, it is not needed nor wanted,” said Leon annoyed.

  “Whatever you say, anyway wonderful day we’re having. Morrison is glaring at you, so it is a good day in my humble opinion,” he replied changing the subject.

  Leon turned to look at the other side of the room where beside the king sat Morrison, the dark-haired commander was staring intently at him.

  He gave the angel a little mocking wave which served to anger him further before he turned back to Rosenweiss.

  “A good day indeed,” he said with a satisfied smile.

  Verona seated behind them leaned forward so they could here him.

  “Fellas I couldn’t help but notice the esteemed company in our presence,” he said.

  “So what of it?” asked Rosenweiss.

  “All we’re missing is the Holy Spirit and we would have ourselves the trinity of angelic divinity,” replied Verona.

  Leon smiled slightly, it was true. The king as the father and Michael as the son. Both were already icons in the world of angels. Add the Holy Spirit and you would have zealots drooling from the trio of religious symbols.

  “Was that supposed to be a joke?” questioned Rosenweiss.

  “He is not wrong,” stated Leon.

  Their conversation was cut short when the archbishop asked for the attention of the room. The priests evidently had found a basin and were now ready to begin.

  Rosalia was presented to the room in all her little glory.

  A blessing was recited followed by small drops of holy water on her head.

  The archbishop then dipped his finger in the basin and traced a cross on her forehead. He murmured a prayer followed by another small blessing.

  To finish, as the tradition demanded, he lifted the baby into the air for God to see and hopefully ensure she would have a long prosperous life.

  Something unprecedented happened.

  From the highest window a ray of light shined upon the princess who babbled happily.

  An acknowledgment from the Almighty. An incredible honor bestowed upon Rosalia leaving many gawking.

  Silence reigned as all tried to comprehend what they had witnessed. The Almighty after eons of silence, gave them a sign.

  “Was she… just blessed by the Almighty?” slowly asked Valentine astounded.

  “This never happened before,” whispered Rosenweiss.

  Leon was silent, baffled by what he had just witnessed, unbeknownst to him the king had perked up when the light appeared.

  “I believe Michael just lost the privilege of the favored son,” said Verona masking his shock with humor.

  “Fool, even if God favors her. they are not the same gender, his status wouldn’t change,” said Valentine.

  “Can’t you take a joke cupid,” he responded.

  Valentine did not even deign him with a response, nor did he have too. Someone else got tired of him and smacked Verona on the back of the head for his lack of tact.

  (Break)

  The church became filled with quiet chatter as everyone tried to comprehend what just happened.

  Until the archbishop recollected himself and cleared his throat.

  “With the ceremony complete would her next of kin come to collect her,” he said deciding to ignore, for the moment, the sign they had just witnessed.

  Leon stood and began to walk towards them when he noticed he wasn’t the only one.

  Nathaniel had also risen and was approaching, weary of his king’s plans he grabbed Rosalia and headed back to his seat.

  “Leonard stay where you are,” ordered Nathaniel.

  He stopped and turned around, glaring at the king who was surrounded by the king’s guard, Morrison giving him a smug look.

  “What can I do for you gentlemen,” said Leon casually. “Oh and king,” he added as if an afterthought.

  “You can start by handing me my daughter and swearing your allegiance to me,” said Nathaniel in slight anger at his tone.

  “My loyalties lie with my family and the throne, not the one who sits upon it,” Leon replied.

  He turned to continue his way but was stopped by Morrison who placed a hand on his shoulder.

  “I wouldn’t disobey if I were you, after all none can go against the king,” he said with authority or rather a very sad attempt at it.

  Members of the king’s guard stood alongside Morrison, trying to intimidate the very unimpressed high general.

  “Why the sudden interest? it’s been a week since Rosalia’s birth and I haven’t seen hide or hair from you til now.”

  “Because the King demands it,” was Morrison’s reply.

  A hand gripped Morrison’s arm and pushed it off Leon’s shoulder.

  “I think you should back off punk and call off your thugs while you’re at it,” said a soft yet chilling voice.

  Leon looked at the culprit and smiled.

  Icy white hair and frosty blue eyes, it was Ellios his second in command, captain of the white paladin’s first company.

  He walked in front of him blocking Morrison’s way.

  The commander of the king’s guard tried to get around but was met by another body.

  Brown hair tied into a ponytail, sandy brown eyes and a tanned skin tone, Raiden captain of second company.

  More of the white paladins walked up beside them creating a living wall to protect their leader and princess.

  By now the church was empty of civilians who had left to go celebrate and partake in the festival.

  Saint Peter had returned to his post, only the warriors and various leaders remained, dispersed around the church.

  The archangels were shaking an immobile Michael, to no effect. He was staring straight ahead with a blank face as if his mind had stopped working.

  Leon handed Rosalia to a confused Rosenweiss dodging Ashley when she ran past him to see her little sister.

  Ellios and Raiden moved out of his way letting him settle in between them.

  “My men know where their loyalties lie and are willing to die for it,” said Leon truthfully. “The question is… are you?”

  None of them moved nor made a sound, surely shaking in their boots, they were a joke and all knew it.

  “High Lord you are making a mistake,” said Morrison with a small tremble in his voice.

  “So, it would seem. Well you wanted Rosalia, there she is, come and get her.”

  Leon’s eyes turned golden, his nails became claws, his men slightly unsheathed their swords, ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

  Nathaniel approached the stand off looking quite calm and collected.

  “Leonard stand down, you wouldn’t dare cause a scene out here. The last thing the kingdom needs is the sign of instability in the chain of command,” said the king.

  Leon lowered his head in thought, the king was right, they needed to show a united front to the populace.

  “Stand down, he’s right,” finally said Leon with a sigh. “If you want my niece then answer me this. Will Lyadrin get a funeral?”

  The king’s silence was answer enough, Leon calmed himself, his appearance returning to normal.

  He turned around, grabbed Rosalia and walked away, his men joining him after sheathing their swords.

  (Break)

  Hours later inside Rosalia’s room, Leon was gently rocking his niece, letting her fall asleep after the exciting day she had. When he was positive she was sleeping, he laid her unto her bed and watched her with hidden sadness.

  Ellios approached him cautiously after an hour passed.

  “If I may. What is bothering you?” he asked cautiously.

  “Oh no my friend! All is well, if you’ll excuse me, I have something to do, please watch over her while I am away,” replied Leon.

  He left the room with all the charm of a man simply going on a stroll. Walking with a sense of purpose in his steps, confident in whatever he was planning.

  Ellios knew better and unfortunately knew where his leader was going.

  “You don’t think he’s gonna do what I thing he is?” asked Raiden to the side.

  “The king told him there would be no funeral for his sister, of course he’s going to do what you think he is,” said Ellios feeling a migraine begin to set in.

  A few minutes later an explosion shook the entire palace but thankfully not waking the baby. The howl of a wolf followed by the yell of an enraged king came next.

  It was all the confirmation Ellios needed to know his leader had gone off to once again engage the king in a brawl.

  One that would of course be due to some chagrin or whatever Leon came up with next.

  “If only his loyalty didn’t prevent him from killing the king, it would save us so much trouble,” whispered Raiden.

  “Refrain from saying such things in public. But yes I wholeheartedly agree,” said Ellios.

  Knowing things were not gonna get better from here, Ellios mentally prepared himself for what would surely be one of many long nights guarding their princess.

  And honestly, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else