"Wife," I responded imperiously, placing my hand out for her to take. She regarded the gesture for a few moments as if she considered refusing me, but she acquiesced and placed her hand in mine. 

"Madam Deckard, you are positively radiant." The confessor complimented politely, and to my delight he did not leer at her. Whilst I believed in the holiness of the faith of the God Emperor, I was not unaware of the corruption of abuse in the adeptus ministorum. Confessor Leibowitz seemed so far to be a just man, though perhaps he was merely trying to keep his head on his shoulders. Offended lords could easily demand punishment on someone not sufficiently high in any hierarchy, even in the Ecclesiarchy.  

For her part, Emmaline only gave him a hint of a smile. I decided to interject when no response was forthcoming. "My dear, we are ready for the procession if you are." 

"I am a bit peckish..." Emmaline responded, and I could not tell if she was merely trying to be difficult. 

"Once we arrive, there will be food brought to you and your husband, I assure you." Leibowitz promised, a kindness on his visage. "Your seats will be on the Alpha Seira, overlooking the munificent square of the Vicarus Cathedral. You may sup and eat at your leisure as the pilgrims and citizens ready themselves for the festivities. I must admit I feel blessed to be accompanying you. It will be the best vantage point over the entire affair." 

"What festivities are those, if I might ask?" Emmaline inquired, her accent excellent, I noted. She had told me she had been to Gudrun in the past, but still impressive nonetheless. I inclined my head, smiling to the priest. "We will, of course, attend. But we are sick with grief over our boy. We were not expecting a large to-do, you see. Apologies if we offend with our ignorance." 

"No, of course, of course." Leibowitz said, bowing lower to show hospitality. "We recently lost one of our chief cardinals some months ago. The cardinals have finally chosen a successor to add to their ranks, and will be inducted after the procession. Truly, the Emperor has blessed you both with a timely arrival. Your son is safe in his loving embrace, and he brings you at a time of great change and hope to his holy church." 

I gave him a nod, and bade him to lead on to the aircar. He did so without complaint, and I led Emmaline out of the lobby hand in hand toward the transport where Clara, Lazarus, and Elektra waited. 

"You do look nice," I admitted, keeping my eyes forward.