Chapter 1
Almira's POV
There are moments that come unexpectedly between life and death. But when Almira decided to open her eyes, she had wished that death had claimed her sooner.
The Goddess Askah had said otherwise.
Almira sipped lightly on her cup of tea. She had invited the Mother Nun, and sought her audience for a very important matter in her life.
Their conversation started with pleasantries, to which Mother Nun had hinted about sponsors for the convent's renovations. Of course, if this is what it takes for them to open their doors for her, Almira is charitable enough to donate a huge sum of money.
"I want to enter the convent," she smiled after awhile, placing her china down.
"I beg your pardon?" Mother Nun stopped midway from drinking her tea.
Almira's smiled widened. "You see, I didn't request an audience for donations, Mother Nun. I want to be part of your family—I want to entire the path of Askah."
Mother Nun held the deep-set green of her emerald eyes, the clergy's dark veil shifting as she fixed her posture, the tense atmosphere invading the waiting room completely.
Clearing her throat, Mother Nun had finally decided to speak.
"My Lady, this, uh, came to me as a—"
"—a shock," Almira continued. "Oh, you needn't worry! Everyone is unique. The thrill of knowing something different is a nice touch to one's life."
"But my lady, you're the only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Valderama." Her gaze drifted toward the intricate wallcovering adorning the receiving room. "So, I must dare ask...what on earth possessed you to want to join us?"
Almira leaned back in her chair. "I have found my purpose, Madam. And by entering the life of a devotee, I'm finally putting it into motion. I am going to live a dream."
A dream indeed.
But Almira knew better. This was merely the beginning of something far greater. If she failed to secure this opportunity, the chances she had left would grow thinner, and so would the possibility of ever putting her carefully laid plan into motion.
Mother Nun narrowed her gaze.
Almira tilted her head, her smile never faltering. "You don't seem convinced, Mother Nun."
"If I maybe honest, mo sane lady of marriageable age in Berfin—let alone a daughter of a Galvardez—would willingly enter the convent and surrender herself to the Sanctuary."
"Oh?" she said lightly. "But I'm different. Everybody knows that."
The older woman's expression tightened.
From a young age, the only daughter of the Duke of Valderama had been peculiar in her own way—or so the rumors claimed.
She refused to speak to anyone other than her maid, her mother, and her father. She kept her thoughts to herself, never danced with anyone, and was known to have a tongue sharper than an eagle's claw.
Unlike most young ladies of the ton, Almira had little interest in spending her days perfecting embroidery or learning the finer points of managing a household. Not that she was incapable of either. She simply preferred to spend her time learning about the Kingdom of Berfin—its history, politics, mathematics, and sciences. She wanted to understand how things worked rather than merely knowing how they were meant to be done.
It was another peculiarity that made her stand out.
And yet, despite all that, her beauty was undeniable.
Her dark, lustrous hair was always kept in a long braid, while her emerald eyes sparkled brighter than diamonds. Her skin was creamy and soft, her features delicate and refined.
Oh, in the eyes of the ton, she was an angel.
Almira, however, knew she was far from one.
The Mother Nun narrowed her eyes. "It's uncanny, I'd dare say. But if that is not the reason, then are you, perhaps…?" Slowly, her gaze drifted down to her stomach.