Chapter 2
Almira's POV
The Holy Family was sacred, and most people in the Kingdom of Berfin had no say once a holy decree had been set in motion.
Perhaps it was because they were afraid of what might happen if the Church and the people ever came to a clash.
The Church and the people were, after all, separate sectors. And none of them truly knew what happened behind closed doors when negotiations took place between the Emperor of the Continent and the head of the Church—the most holy man alive to date.
Perhaps that was why no one dared to question a holy decree.
Especially one as old as the Sanctuary Decree of Askah, which statedthat: "no woman of noble blood who sought refuge within the sanctuary under suspicion of scandal, concealment, or flight from familial obligation could be admitted without first having her intentions examined by the Mother Nun and presented before the Holy Council."
And yet, here she was, standing before one of Askah's most devoted members, being reduced to nothing more than a lady who had apparently gotten herself pregnant and was now desperately seeking refuge inside the sanctuary.
Worse, the moment Almira insisted on entering Askah's sanctuary, it seemed everyone had decided she must be hiding something.
She almost laughed.
Almost.
The sheer absurdity of it was enough to make her lips twitch, but she held it back. She couldn't afford a single laugh. Not when she had a plan, and certainly not when letting even the slightest bit of it show could ruin everything.
So Almira merely sat there, swallowing down her amusement and irritation alike.
If not for Linda, her personal maid of over seven years, who was already ready to lash out, her knuckles white as she gave Mother Nun a deadly stare—Holy Family or not.
"You may speak your mind, but you will not sully my lady's reputation while you're under this roof," Linda started. "There is no exemption in this house, Daughter of Askah or not."
"And likewise, a Daughter of Askah does not choose to whom they spread Her word," the Mother Nun crossed her arms, not wanting to back down as her eyes fixed on Almira's stomach. "What other possible reason could there be, then? Tell me, maid?"
A small chuckle escaped Almira as she gestured for Linda to stand behind her chair.
She knew entering this convent—Askha's Sanctuary—would be no easy feat without her very own father personally casting her through its doors, but she was running out of time.
She needed to take this gamble.
"It's alright, Linda. The afternoon wouldn't be this entertaining if not for the Mother Nun's visit."
"But my lady, she's implying that you're—"
"I'm not with child, if that would help clarify things." Almira's face darkened. "Let's drop the formalities. We're all sick of it by now, aren't we?"
She crossed her legs, an action unbefitting a proper lady, but by now, she didn't care for manners anymore.
"Mother Nun, one can never truly know the depth of a person's devotion to Askah, can they?" She tilted her head. "Perhaps they simply wish to embody Her teachings every day. And can't it be a lady's wish to live in a convent for the rest of her life in this godforsaken world?"
Mother Nun lifted her chin. "It is already known throughout Berfin that the process is quite tedious before one may enter the convent. You simply have everything. Living this life—it doesn't suit the Galvardez family's only heiress."
"I'm given enough freedom to choose my own path," Almira insisted.
Mother Nun sighed once more. "It really may not be wise to proceed, my lady."
But Almira knew everything was an understatement, and nobody except herself would know why.
Not even the Mother Nun, nor her father, could stop her.
She smiled.
"To be fair, I do have everything. I've earned everything. I've experienced everything." She paused. "Which is why I am very much willing to spend the rest of my life in a convent. I am already satisfied with everything."
"My lady, that's not how things work." Mother Nun's voice remained patient, though there was a hint of strain beneath it. "Entering Askah's sanctuary requires deliberation. A pathway must first be cleared by Askah herself."
She paused.
"Our sisters sometimes receive visions or dreams of Askah calling them to follow Her path. There are signs, believe me."
Mother Nun's expression softened, though her voice remained firm.
"But what you're telling me right now…? That is not enough reason to devote the rest of your life to Askah."
For a moment, Almira said nothing.
There were definitely reasons. More than the Mother Nun could possibly understand.
But she had no intention of explaining them.
"Well, I assure you, there's plenty of time to figure out why once I am already inside the convent, praying eight times a day by your side." Her smile grew wider. "How do I go about the process of getting admitted?"
The Mother Nun pushed her veil forward as a sigh escaped her lips. "Your application must first be reviewed by the Archbishop of Vespera for the ladyship's formal admission. The Sanctuary requires the approval of your family as well, and it must be documented and stamped with the Duke's seal."
"Signatures and letters and all?" Almira raised an eyebrow. "For a lady volunteering herself to Askah's house, it's too much work."
"Being one of us requires much deliberation. It is no easy feat, nor is it an escape."
One side lips curled upward. She could have sworn she saw the Mother Nun's expression darken before it returned to neutral.
"I had to make that clear, as I can hardly believe your father, Lord Valderama, would ever want this for you. I'm sure you're well aware that you are the talk of the ton, are you not?"
Almira tapped her fingers against the armrest, making it seemd as if she was listening.
"Many eligible men desire your hand. Lines are already piling up for the best man—"
"—of what my father deemed fit and deserving, is what you mean," she corrected. "It matters little to me now that I have decided what my future shall be," Almira insisted.
Mother Nun still looked…not convinced.
"I would like the letter of recommendation to be sent to the Archbishop of Vespera within the week. You can be my benefactor, Mother Nun. Tell His Holiness how earnest I am to be Askah's daughter and devote the rest of my life for Her," Almira opened her fan and waved it back and forth, a lazy smile plastered on her face.
Mother Nun held her gaze and she refused to look away.
Almira liked the challenge. She was never a person to give up that easily.
After a prolonged silence, Mother Nun let out a weary sigh.
"Very well." For the first time since her arrival, the Mother Nun settled back into her seat.