Yuulis found Elizabeth in the temple, sitting in the library. She had changed out of her dark blue and white robes and into a more plain outfit. The white robes were wrapped loosely around her body, and it took all of Yuulis’ strength not to look too closely at her chest.
“Late night reading?” she asked when she sat down. Elizabeth nodded, turning a page in her book. Yuulis waited for her to be done with her chapter patiently. When she was, Elizabeth closed her book and smiled at Yuulis.
“You didn’t have to come find me, Lena. But it’s sweet that you did.” She flashed Yuulis one of those smiles that drove her crazy.
“Lizzie,” Yuulis took Elizabeth’s hands. “I’d always find you to make sure you were alright. If anything happened, I’d be right there for you. You know that, right?”
Lizzie nodded. “Of course I know that, Lena. I’ve already saved your life once. And I’d do it again.” She sighed, looking at the book on her lap.
“Stressed?” Yuulis asked, noticing the title. She normally reads Holy Priestess Maya, the story of a Coreless Priestess when she’s stressed. It’s based off of First Holy Priestess Margaret and her struggles, but in a more story-book way.
Lizzie nodded. “Maskarnov is getting older, he’s probably not going to last much longer. I’m next in line...I know I wanted to be the Holy Priestess, but this is so soon…”
Yuulis hugged her. “It’s going to be fine, Lizzie. You trained for this. This has been your whole life. You’re going to be the first Coreless Holy Priestess. You’re going to be fine.” She kissed her forehead.
Lizzie smiled at her. “I know. But Maskarnov has been Holy Priest for so long, and we just got out of a war, we’re changing so many of our Council members…”
Yuulis nodded. “I know. It’s okay. He’s going to be fine. We’re going to be fine. The kingdom is going to be fine. Oh, did you hear about Lady Deona?”
Lizzie laughed. “Now you’re starting to sound like Ellie, with her gossip. Did you know she was actually talking about the prince? He’s two, he’s not gonna marry her.” Lizzie hid her chuckles behind her hand
Yuulis smiled. “Wow. She needs to go marry someone her age. No, I meant that Lady Deona was found in the prince’s room. At night.”
Lizzie’s hands flew to her mouth. “No. You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Yuulis shook her head. “Nope. Everyone thought she was stealing him, but turns out she’s his mother. Not the queen.”
“An illegitimate prince?! No way!”
“Yes. The Queen couldn’t have kids, so Lady Deona had the prince for the king.” It was old news, the story came out months ago. But it was relaxing for Yuulis to act like she’s gossiping. Reminded her of when she hung out with her sister all the time.

The two of them just managed to drift off into sleep when the temple library’s doors burst open. Yuulis grabbed her rapier, standing in front of Lizzie. But when she noticed they were Priest boys, she put her rapier back. “State your business.” she said, irritated.
They both gave her customary salutes before rushing to Lizzie’s side. “Scholarly Priestess, wake up. Priestess Elizabeth, please.”
Lizzie shrugged them off as she sat up. “Why are you waking up a girl in the middle of the night?”
“I’m sorry, Priestess. But...Holy Priest Maskarnov…he just passed away…”