Page 49 of The Garnet Daughter (The Viridian Priestess #3)

“I am High Priestess Ursa. I attended the council meeting, the one you spoke in.” She smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh.” I let out a noise that is as close to a word as I can. Every part of my body is telling me to fold away from this woman, but I am not sure why.

“They are discussing the highest priestess selections.” She looks past me at the group of order members. “Many fine options. But none with the ability to travel between worlds.”

I freeze.

If she sees my discomfort, she does not care. She only smiles more and glides closer to me.

“Forgive my forwardness, but we are . . . bound by the flightiness of time. You see, I believe the next highest could exact change if guided by the right mentors. And save the Estate and city, of course.”

“I don’t know anything about that,” I say.

The persistent woman steps even closer, gliding as if she floats inches from the ground.

“There has not been a documented priestess who could travel between worlds in a hundred years. I checked. I trust you are aware of how truly blessed First Mother finds you. Such a waste to keep gifts hidden on Frith. But from what I have pieced together, you were not meant for Frith.”

She doesn’t outwardly say it, but it’s clear she knows. How, I’m not sure, and it doesn’t matter. This high priestess knows my mother took me from Cosima, from being born into the Estate.

“High Priestess Ursa, how is your sister doing this day?” Selene’s voice is like a calming salve compared to the thorny mess I find myself in.

“Blessed First Mother, my sister is well, holding onto this plane as much as she can,” High Priestess Ursa replies with an oddly pleasant tone.

“Blessed First Mother.” Selene agrees.

“I was speaking with your dear Calliape,” Ursa says and then turns her attention to me again. “Selene and I are old friends. Before she left the priestess order along with . . .” She doesn’t finish her sentence, only filling the pause with a smile and a tilt of her head.

“High Priestess Ursa, would you excuse us? We have a family matter to discuss.”

“Hmm, of course. Blessed day, Calliape, Selene.”

“Blessed day.” Selene stands close to me, her hands clasped at her belly as we survey the strange priestess gliding over to the others, gracefully integrated into the group.

“Who is she?” I ask.

“Her sister is the oldest living priestess, the one who holds the temporary ward. Her ego was large before, but now it’s grown insufferable. She was close to me and your mother, knew she was pregnant with you,” Selene confesses. “Stay away from her.”

“She came up to me.”

“You should not be in the Estate. The priestess order knows too much about you, about your gifts. They will try to exploit them, make you fight their war at the very least.”

“It’s not just their war.” I shake my head, confused. “You sound like the elders of Frith.”

“This.” She wildly waves her finger around signifying the Estate and those who dwell in it. “This is what I have been protecting you from. Please . . . stay away.”

“I just wanted to see you.”

“You returned yesterday,” she reminds me, letting me know she doesn’t approve of me waiting to find her until now.

“Yes. I had to update Ferren and 99 of what we saw in the birthlands, information that could help defend the city.”

She nods slowly.

I jut my head forward a little at her reaction. I was expecting her to be more upset, to show her anger more outwardly like she has in the past. This display of indifference is worse. It’s hurtful.

“I went to the birthlands because I knew I could help my friend, and I did help . . . in a way,” I ramble.

“I have little to say on the matter. Whenever I try to protect you, you flee.”

“I didn’t flee!”

“Your mother made me promise to keep you safe, and you make it extremely difficult.”

“You are here with the order, not me.”

She leans in, pulling me to the side. “Every member who heard about your gift in the council meeting will cast a vote for the next highest priestess. I am doing my best to sway their interest.”

“Interest?”

“You are young. You possess powerful gifts they do not currently hold in their ranks. To them, you are easy to control, someone to do the corrupt elders’ bidding.”

I step back from her, feeling so far removed from this world that the thought of even being known to the priestess order can’t reside in my mind.

“Stay with the Viathans. Don’t come here again.”

High Priestess Ursa sways her way toward us, a grey shadow sweeping into our peripherals. “Selene, we are making our official selections if you would like to witness.”

“I would, thank you.” Selene does her best to hide her expression.

“I have already made mine. My choice has been known to me for some time.” The priestess smirks at me, sending a prickly chill across my skin.

“Your selection?” Selene perks up, feigning interest.

“Yes.” The priestess pauses, capturing our attention, almost basking in obvious anxiety. “I’ve put forth a name for consideration, one that already has some traction . . . our young Calliape’s.”