[center][@MonsieurShade][@Dracogenius][@urukhai][@AimeChambers][@Cubix][/center]

	The Guérison Church came quickly into Picard's sights, despite his wish for the journey to take longer. It was in the middle of the nearest city to the castle, and there were often orphans running about. In the morning hours, many people were just starting their days, though there was certainly less of a bustle here than he'd seen in the farming towns. They were earlier risers, though more people were in the streets here, as they weren't working out in fields. The townspeople were carefree, and Picard greeted those he passed with a kind smile and nod. His clothes clearly set him apart as an aristocrat, and while it garnered some strange looks, the direction he was heading in spoke for itself. He wished that the bishop was stationed at Saint Raphael Cathedral rather than the Guérison Church, but a wish was not enough to change his trip into the city.

	As he approached the church, Picard took notice of the man on the steps, gazing out onto the streets with an unreadable expression. Slowing his approach, Picard gathered his courage and reminded himself that his secret had gone undiscovered long enough. There was no reason for him to fear discovery now - it wasn't like the man could sense he was an angel, after all. Though he felt no guilt for not aiding in Cain's plight, Picard certainly feared the repercussions of discovery. Having steadied himself, he sped up his approach once more, stepping up to stand beside the familiar bishop. He clasped his hands behind his back, facing the brunette with a kind expression.

	"King Valentine has requested your presence at the castle, Father Argus," Picard informed him, green gaze steady on the bishop. "He wishes to speak with you and Princess Cordelia in his study."

[hr]
	"Of course," Auberon told his sister, "the kingdom of Raphael has been nothing short of kind to us."

	Before their conversation could continue, Hadrian and Olifina entered the room, bowing politely before the monarchs. The more somber tone Adeline had used with him was raised - a front, Auberon was sure - and a more cheerful one took its place. She informed the pair that the discussion would begin soon, and for the gathered parties to take a seat. Pulling a chair around to be nearer to his sister, the monarch sat himself down with a patient look on his face. As this was his sister's meeting, he would not sit directly beside her, but his chair was beside her desk, angled so that he could view both her and the servants she had gathered.

	"This should be quick enough - we won't take much of your time," the dark-haired king told the pair, hands folded in his lap.

	Shortly after, a knock announced what seemed to be the final party - he assumed that no one else had been summoned, lest they be rather late. He swore he saw a flash of blue outside the room, one that could only belong to their baby sister, but Auberon hoped that Rancor had spoken with her about trying to eavesdrop. Without their parents here to guide her, it was not only up to Adeline and Auberon to raise the child, but the rest of the castle as well. From what he had observed, his sister did not do well with rearing children, but he himself had more practice in doing so, being Serenity's favourite of the twins. Turning his attention back to Adeline but keeping an eye on the door, he told himself he would interfere only if the child didn't find something else to do other than lurk outside the door. She was only a child, after all, and didn't need to worry herself with politics or threatening tension between the kingdoms.

[hr]
	With a quick glance about the hall to ensure that no one aside from himself and Lenore was present, Ichabod let an easy smile slide onto his face at her praise. She was really the one that had done the most work, organizing the masses and locating areas of weakness in the seal to be focused on. All he did was protect her from those who sought to overthrow her as archbishop and raise those who had fallen in their efforts to break the seal. Some were not salvageable, but they were easily disposed of with Lenore's flames. There was an isolated part of the Sheol Cathedral specifically for this purpose, as unlike the demon who had cursed her, Lenore was not capable of controlling the flames she produced.

	"I'm merely here to guide and aid you, your Grace," he told her honestly, aware of the kindness slipping into his tone. "Especially if it means utilizing my natural born ability."

	The smile fell from his face a moment later, a blank expression taking its place, as the sound of footsteps came from down the hall. Since the kingdom had been sealed, the people within it had become more cutthroat. Whereas before being honest to one's emotions was a pinnacle of the kingdom, it was now considered - as it was in other kingdoms, he was sure - a sign of weakness. They had to be careful, to wear masks and flaunt their strengths. But were one to flaunt too much, they could be seen as a threat. It was a careful balancing act that had to be done, but Ichabod had had plenty of time to master it. Given her age, Lenore was doing exceptional with it as well. He couldn't be prouder, as little as he was able to express it.

	"Do you think his Majesty has more important matters to attend to?" Ichabod asked Lenore quietly, wary of anyone eavesdropping.