章節 76: Part LXXVI

*SEAN'S POV*

They all look at me with expectant eyes, waiting for my response while I try to frame the perfect answer.

"I stopped it." Crystal speaks up, surprising everyone and my heart starts to beat faster as I pray to the goddess that she doesn't blow our cover. "Ofcourse, an investigation was going on but I stopped it. It's only wise and safer for me that we do not catch nor punish whoever the culprits are because in doing that, we're only aggravating the anger in the people therefore exposing me to more danger."

They nod their heads in agreement and my lips upturns slightly in a proud smile. She sure is a wise little woman.

"Are there any more discussions?" I ask completely aware that we haven't even reached the main topic of discussion.

The ritual. It's like everyone is waiting for someone to bring it up and if no one does, I'll be even happier. That way, I can figure out things on my own without too many people meddling in Crystal's business.

"Nothing else?" I ask after few seconds of uncomfortable silence and passing glances.

"Your highness." Joe speaks up and stands. I knew very well he'd take it upon himself eventually since every other person was dragging their feet. "I assume we all know what I'm about to bring up since every one of us was present at the ritual yesterday. Thankfully, it went well but something unusual and strange happened which we all saw and that has been causing rumors and chaos amongst the people, which is very much expected. Our queen here, forgive me your highness but we all know that she's human and that fact alone births a lot of questions pertaining yesterday's event. I would like us to discuss and trash it out today so we can know what to say to the people about the queen and also come out of the deep confusion we've been buried in."

He sits back down and I let out a heavy breath, trying to think of a reasonable response as I myself am as lost as they all are. I look towards Crystal and see she has her eyes fixed on the door with so much emotions behind them, broken emotions.

I can only imagine how she'd be feeling right now, like a specimen we're trying to figure out. She must feel so belittled and left out in our midst but if only she knows what she possesses.

"Your highness," Vincent Thomas, the royal priest's nephew says in an accent he got from his many escapades to and fro earth, "just like Joe said, it was strange. Nothing of the sort has ever happened in this kingdom but that wasn't the only thing that happened for the first time yesterday." He pauses and my frown deepens in curiosity as I nod for him to go on.

"For the first time in the history of this kingdom, a human underwent the fortification ritual. Ofcourse, we all know that a human has been crowned royalty previously but never has a human been crowned and as well, fortified by the goddess."

He finishes and my heart misses a beat at the mention of a human being crowned previously.

Crystal doesn't know this, I haven't told her about it yet. I once told her she's the first human Queen and I'm sure she's confused as hell right now even if she doesn't let it show.

That topic is one of the very many topics I like to avoid discussing but now that Vincent has mentioned it and knowing how Crystal can get, it's inevitable that I tell her about it. I could stall a little but I'll have to spill eventually. I don't think she should be in this meeting.

Putting myself in her shoes, I'm going to feel really uncomfortable having people talk about me like I'm not present. What do I do now? An idea pops up in my head and I immediately engage my telepathic powers. I mind link Zara and she responds immediately asking what I need while keeping a straight face.

"I don't think Crystal's presence is needed anymore." I say to her and she nods slightly without looking at me so no one figures out.

"Your highness," Zara says and stands up, "the queen seems really fatigued from the ritual and preceding kidnap. I'll see that she's escorted safely to her chambers." She's such a good actress.

I look at Crystal and see a slight smile on her lips and really excited eyes. She must've been thinking of a way to excuse herself.

"Crystal?" I say her name, asking permission before letting Zara take her away.

"I'll see you soon." She says to me and stands up, making her way out of the hall elegantly with Zara trailing behind her. Much better.

"So Vincent," I bring back my attention to the council and focus on the discussion, "are you saying that she reacted that way because she's human?"

"No your highness," he says from his seat, not bothering to stand up anymore, "it was merely just a speculation. I can't say anything for sure."

Of course no one can be too sure but I need more observations and contributions. Even if I tried, I can't figure this out on my own.

"Kurt," I say gaining his attention, "you're awfully quiet." I know he's the quiet type and doesn't really talk unless he has to but this time, I need all hands on deck.

"Your highness," he sighs, "this matter is beyond me but, I have a question?"

"Go on?"

"Everything that happened yesterday, does it mean she has powers now?" He asks and I freeze. How come I didn't make her test if she has powers. I can't say for sure but there's a high chance she does but definitely doesn't know how to control it yet.

"The fortification ritual, just as the name implies," he continues when I don't respond after few seconds, "is made to fortify already embedded powers, not give new ones. If she has powers now your highness, I guess her humanity is questionable."