Once Petros finally finished detaining Arianna, she went back to Eleanor’s room. She knocked on the door and was let in by Eleanor’s cousin Lucy.

“You have great timing Arianna, we just finished.” The young girl said excitedly before opening the door to reveal Eleanor in her gown and veil.

Arianna gasped. “Oh Eleanor, you look like a fairy tail.” She exclaimed as she dabbed at her eyes.

“Don’t start crying Arianna,” Eleanor said. “You’ll get me started and I don’t want red puffy eyes on my wedding day.”

“I’ll stop I promise. You just look so lovely Eleanor. Joseph is going to have a hard time containing himself when you walk down the aisle.”

Eleanor smiled as her cheeks turned bright red. “Thank you Arianna.”

“You’re welcome.” Arianna paused before asking quietly. “Eleanor, would you be disappointed if there was no mass today?”

Eleanor paled. “Why?”

Arianna and Lucy rushed over to her and got her to sit down.
Arianna grasped Eleanor’s hands. “The Pope has come down with influenza and won’t be able to attend your wedding but he still wishes for you and Joseph to be wed today.”

“But if he’s ill, who will marry us?”

Arianna took a deep breath. “Well if it’s alright with you, Pope Alessandro has blessed Brother Petros with the ability to wed you.”

Eleanor looked a little shocked. “The commander is willing to do that for us?”

“Between you and me, he’s a little nervous about it, but yes he is more than willing.”

Eleanor smiled. “Well I’ll be nervous right along with him.”

“So you’re not disappointed?” Arianna asked.

“A little bit but it’s overshadowed by the fact that I’m still getting married today.”


Petros made his way to Brother Joseph’s room. He paused at the door before finally giving in and knocking.

Joseph answered the door half dressed. He took one look at Petros’ expression and expected the worst. “What has happened commander? Did Ellie get cold feet on me?”

“I don’t think so Joseph. According to Sister Arianna she’s quite ecstatic.”

“I know that look of yours Petros. You have something to tell me that you don’t wish to.”

“Can I come in Joseph?” Petros asked calmly.

Joseph stepped aside and motioned for Petros to enter. Then shut the door and slumped against it. “Alright just come right out and tell me.”

“The Pope has become ill but still wishes for you and Eleanor to be wed today.”

“Very ill?” Joseph asked.

“Just a case of the flu; he needs to rest for a few days and he’ll be fine.”

“Well that’s good and even better that I can still marry Ellie today.” Joseph said as he put on his shirt and started to button it.

“There won’t be a mass if that’s alright.” He added quietly.

“Alright? It means less time that I have stand there sweating bullets. I don’t mind a bit.” Joseph tucked in his shirt and went for his jacket. “So should I meet with whoever is filling in for the pope? In case he wants to know anything about Ellie and me.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary Joseph.” Petros replied awkwardly.

It was then that Joseph noticed the book of sacraments tucked under Petros’ arm.
Joseph wanted confirmation on his assumption. “Um…commander who is filling in for the pope?”

Petros sighed inwardly. “You’re looking at him.” He answered trying not to mumble in the process. “That’s what I came here to tell you. I wish there was something else that could be done on such short notice.”

“Not at all, sir, I’d be honored to have you wed us and I’m sure Ellie will be too.”

Petros communicator went off in his ear. “I think I’m about to find out if you’re right about that.”

Petros flipped the switch on his earpiece. “Arianna? Have you spoken with Sister Eleanor?”

Petros looked at Joseph as Arianna responded. “Yes and she’s very grateful that she can still be wed today, thanks to you. Have you seen Brother Joseph yet?”

“Yes I’m here with him now and he’s just fine with it as well.”

Joseph silently cheered over the news.

“Did I not tell you everything would be fine?”

Petros smiled as he turned away from Joseph and to the window. “Well so far so good.”

“The rest will be just as good.”

“We’ll see Anna, we’ll see.”

“Indeed we will chevalier. Now I need to head over to the dorm and make sure the students are ready.”

“Alright I’ll see you at the ceremony, angel.”

Petros ended the transmission and turned to see Joseph smirking at him. Petros’ eyes narrowed and all too familiar frown graced his handsome face. “What do you find so amusing?” He asked trying not to sound overly intimidating.

Joseph’s smirk turned into an even wider grin. “Well I am getting married today. I think I have a right to be amused, don’t you?”

Petros didn’t answer the question but his frown disappeared somewhat. “We should be getting to the church. It’s getting close to eleven o’clock.”

Joseph gave up his subtle hinting, he obviously wasn’t going to get any information out of Petros as to why he had just called Sister Arianna ‘angel’.”

“After you commander.”

~~~~~

A very weary and tired Abel Nightroad ambled into AX headquarters. “Oh I need a shower and a nap.” He muttered to himself.

His cassock was torn and soiled, his hair was a windblown mess and his face was covered with smudges of dirt.

Sister Kate appeared in front of him and gave him the once over. “Father Nightroad? What happened to you?”

Abel chuckled nervously. “Well I ran into a little resistance during the mission. It was a success though.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Oh and Brother Petros called and asked if you would head over to the church as soon as possible. However you don’t look to be well enough to do so.”

“Hmmm, that’s not like Brother Petros at all. Did he say why?”

“It seems that one of his captains is getting married today and the Pope has taken ill so he cannot perform the service.”

“The Pope ill? Have you called Caterina?”

“No, he will make a full recovery and she shouldn’t cut her current mission short over something like this.”

“I suppose you’re right about that. Her mission is very important and we shouldn’t worry her.” Abel sighed. “Well as exhausted as I am I should get to the church. It’s getting late. I wouldn’t want the happy couple to postpone their nuptials.”

“Father Nightroad! You can’t go looking like that!” Sister Kate scolded.

Abel looked down at his clothing. “Mmm, right.” He said aloud but to himself. “Will you call over to Brother Petros and let him know I will be there shortly. I just need to get cleaned up.” He said as he hurriedly headed for his chambers.

“Yes Father. I’ll take care of it for you.”

“Thank you Sister Kate.” He replied loud enough for her to hear where he was already half way down the hall.

Sister Kate immediately placed a call to the Department of Inquisition. “Yes this is Sister Kate from the Department of Foreign Affairs. May I please speak to Brother Petros?”

“I’m sorry Sister Kate but Brother Petros’ status is set to do not disturb right now.” The communication officer told her.

“But I’m returning his call. And it’s rather important?”

“Is it a matter of life or death? Or is the Vatican in danger?”

“Well….no.”

“Then I’m afraid whatever it is will need to wait until his status changes.” There was a pause in the man’s voice before he added. “We try our best not to….bother the director when he has ordered us not to. If you know what I mean, ma’am.”

Sister Kate understood completely. She had witnessed Petros’ explosive temper on more than one occasion. “I do know what you mean. Thank you anyway.”

She then switched to transmit to Father Nightroad to let him know that she was not able to reach Petros. “Father Nightroad? Come in please.”

Sister Kate waited but there was no answer. “Oh, he must be in the shower already.”

~~~~~

At the stroke of eleven o’clock, all guests were seated at the church waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Everyone rose when Petros and Joseph entered, then the music began to play and all heads turned to watch for the entrance of the bride.

Joseph’s heart jumped into his throat when he saw Eleanor step out of the foyer and start her way down the aisle.

Petros saw him pale and said under his breath. “Don’t faint Joseph, your comrades will never let you live it down.”

“Easy for you to say,” Joseph replied just as quietly. “You don’t have to stand up here and recite things.”

“Actually I have to recite more than you.” Petros pointed out

“Oh right. I forgot.”

If Joseph only new that Petros was probably just as nervous as he was at the moment. This was a completely different atmosphere for him. He wasn’t in the midst of battle yelling at his men, he had to perform a polite and civil ceremony.

Petros hazarded a sideways glance at Arianna. She gave him a sweet smile and winked at him. Petros took it as a silent offer of encouragement; he smiled back then put his glasses on before opening the book of sacraments to the proper page. He then watched as Eleanor made her way to Joseph.

The altar boy took Eleanor’s bouquet and set it aside, she then turned to Joseph so he could lift her veil. They smiled at each other as they took one another’s hands and turned to Petros.

‘It’s now or never Petros,’ He said to himself, then cleared his throat and began. “Dearly beloved….”

Petros was half way through the task when he noticed Father Nightroad stealthily slip in through a side door. Petros continued his reading without interruption but let the tardy priest know he was not happy with a quick scowl in his direction.

Abel slid into the front pew next to Arianna and hung his head down. “Sorry I’m late.” He whispered.

“It’s alright Father Nightroad. We all appreciate the attempt.” She whispered back as she patted his hand.

Abel wasn’t so sure that everyone felt the same way, namely Petros. He supposed that he would find out soon enough.

“…..I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Petros finished closing the book and taking off his glasses. “Er…you both know what to do now.” He mumbled awkwardly as he averted his eyes.

Eleanor giggled and Joseph chuckled before he bent down and kissed his beautiful bride.

The music started and the newlyweds made their way out of the church. Petros fell in step behind them followed by the alter boys. The guests filed out pew by pew once the others were half way down the aisle.

Lucy was the first out, then Arianna who motioned for her students to file out in front of her. She and Abel walked together behind the students.

Arianna noticed how Abel tugged at the collar of his cassock and looked to be a bit fidgety all of a sudden.

“Is something wrong Father Nightroad?” She asked quietly as they walked towards the exit.

Abel smiled nervously. “No, not at all Sister Arianna,” He replied trying not to stutter in the process. “I’m just rather embarrassed about being late and I would like to apologize to the happy couple.”

“They’re very nice and very understanding people, Father. There’s no need for you to be worried.”

Abel laughed uncomfortably. ‘It’s not them that I’m actually worried about. It’s your director.’ He thought to himself. The hackles on his neck rose when he remembered that brief, angry scowl Petros had given him when he first entered the church. Though he couldn’t exactly tell Arianna why he was feeling the way he was. If the Pope and Esther were right about Arianna and Petros having feelings for one another, Abel did not want to paint a negative image of Petros in Arianna’s mind.

However he soon found out that he didn’t even need to be concerned about that when Arianna almost read his thoughts. “Don’t worry about Brother Petros either. I’m sure he wouldn’t ruin Eleanor and Joseph’s day by yelling at you.”

Abel looked a little stunned. “Sister Arianna….I….that is….”

Arianna giggled. “It’s alright Father. Many have thought to warn me about his temper; which I’ve only witnessed once when he tossed my horrible landlord out of my apartment.  I also know that even though AX and the Inquisition are allies they are also known to be somewhat rivals as well.”

Abel gave a sly yet sheepish chuckle. “Perhaps you should be working in intelligence instead of being the school mistress.”

“I don’t think the cardinal would approve of that. Besides I enjoy teaching and I’ve grown quite attached to my students.”

Abel almost envied Petros for the gem of a girl he had stumbled upon.

The students were the first to congratulate their instructor and his new bride. Arianna motioned for Abel to go before her.

“Congratulations and my sincerest apologies for not making it to the church on time to wed you.”

“There’s no need to apologize Father Nightroad,” Eleanor said. “It was such short notice and we thank you for making the attempt.”

“Indeed we do,” Joseph added. “And Brother Petros did a fine job filling in.”

“Yes he did.” Abel replied as he nonchalantly glanced over in Petros direction. Though his expression was unreadable at the moment. “And as Sister Arianna had already assured me; you certainly are very understanding.”

“We’d be honored if you would attend the reception Father Nightroad.” Eleanor said.

“Oh…I…couldn’t.” Abel replied.

“Please reconsider Father. A decent meal is the least we can offer for all the trouble you went through to get here.” Joseph added.

The mention of food definitely peeked Abel’s forever empty stomach’s attention. “Well perhaps for a bit then.”

“That’s wonderful Father. We will see you there shortly.”

Abel stepped aside so Arianna could congratulate her friends.

Petros noticed how the priest just stood there like he was waiting for Arianna. Did Nightroad think that he would somehow be protected from Petros if he stayed in close proximity of her?

Petros chuckled over that before he walked up behind Abel and cleared his throat. “Nightroad,”

Abel practically jumped out of his skin before turning around to meet his fate. His shoulders slumped and his expression changed to the familiar meek and chagrined look that he wore when he was uncomfortable or embarrassed. “Good morning Brother Petros. I believe I owe you an apology as well this fine day.”

Eleanor saw the exchange. “Uh-oh, this could be bad.”

Arianna glanced over. “I think Petros is just toying with him.”

“We’ll find out soon enough.” Joseph said.

Petros said nothing for several seconds enjoying how Abel squirmed as he waited for the fireworks he thought were about to start. Then Petros finally let him off the hook. “You made a valiant effort Nightroad. It was a last minute request after all.”

“Er….well yes I did. Had the cassock I was wearing not torn and covered in mud I might have made it here in time.” He replied awkwardly. ‘Who is this man and what has he done with Petros?’ He thought to himself before adding. “But I still feel bad about being late. Is there something I can do to make it up to you Petros?”

“Actually there is,”

Abel groaned inwardly. ‘Oh great, here it comes. Me and my big mouth.’

Arianna had walked up to them and stood in front of Petros and faced Abel as Petros continued. “I need to meet with Pope Alessandro before joining the rest of you.” He placed his hand on Arianna’s shoulder. “Would you mind escorting Arianna to the reception?”

“That’s all?” Abel asked in confusion.

“All? This is a very important task I’ve given you Nightroad.” He replied in a deadpan manner.

“Well of course it is.” Abel replied uneasily for fear he’d just angered Petros.

Arianna rolled her eyes over the entire triad.

Petros sighed and gently squeezed her shoulder. “Stop rolling your eyes, Anna. It’s ruining the agonizing effect this is having on him.” He said in an almost disappointed tone.

The fact that Petros had guessed at her reaction made her laugh. She patted his hand then held it as she turned to face him. “I’m sorry chevalier but I just don’t understand the games you boys play sometimes.”

“Evidentially not,” He said frowning at her though his eyes were full of mirth.

“Please tell Pope Alessandro that I hope he feels better very soon.” She said smiling sweetly at him.

He smirked at her. “I’ll be sure to do that, Anna.” He gently squeezed her hand before letting go. “I hopefully won’t be too long.”

Arianna nodded.

Petros turned to Abel who was looking into the distance at something. Petros assumed that Abel was making a feeble attempt at pretending he wasn’t listening to his conversation with Arianna. “Nightroad,” He called rather loudly.

Abel flinched and turned back to the two of them. “Yes Petros?”

“I’m still waiting for your answer.”

It took Abel a moment to realize what Petros meant before replying. “It would be an honor to escort your…er…I mean Sister Arianna.”

“Indeed it will be. I’ll see you both shortly.” Petros turned and left.

Abel offered Arianna his elbow and they headed of towards the reception, her students fell into step behind them.

The two were quiet most of the way there until Abel finally mentioned his observation. “Brother Petros seems to think very highly of you Sister.”

Arianna tried not blush. “If you referring to that little episode back at the church, I believe it was just to rattle you Father.”

“If you say so Arianna or do you prefer Anna?”

Arianna did blush then and quietly replied. “Only Petros calls me that, Father.”

“I see.” Abel said trying not to grin.

Nathan who was right behind the two of them stepped up beside Abel. “That’s because he likes her. So don’t get any ideas Father.”

“Nathan!” Arianna scolded while her face turned as red as her uniform.

“Well it’s true.” Nathan added.

Arianna covered her face with her hand and started mumbling in French.

Abel recovered quickly. “I was already aware of that fact Nathan. Your teacher is more than safe from the likes of me.”

“Good.” He said before falling back into the group of students.

“Mon Dieu,” Arianna muttered. “I wish I could disappear right about now.”

“It’s alright, Sister Arianna. Please don’t be embarrassed.” Abel tried to sooth her. “It seems you have more than one protector here at the Vatican.”

“Yes, I suppose I do.” She murmured.

Abel lowered his voice so only she could hear. “Besides, Petros would be a very foolish man not to notice what a fine young lady you are. And we both know he is far from foolish.”

“No he certainly isn’t, Father.” She said smiling then grew serious. “Could we keep this little revelation between us? You see Petros and I have only just….”

“I will not say a thing to anyone Arianna. You have my word.”

“Thank you Father.”



Petros briskly walked across the grounds with long strides. The conversation he just had with the Pope still fresh in his mind:

“How did it go Petros?”

“It went just fine your holiness. How are you feeling?”

“Not much better at all I’m afraid.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It will pass soon enough.”

“Before I forget to tell you Sister Arianna asked me to wish you well.”

“Tell her thank you.” Alessandro smiled. “And I’m very happy for you both, Petros.”

“I beg your pardon your holiness?” Petros asked in confusion.

The Pope’s smile grew wider. “You forget what balcony you seem to frequent, Petros.”

Petros hung his head in disgrace. He’d been found out by the pope. “I suppose I did. My apologies Pope Alessandro.”

“I’m the one who should apologize. I opened my window the other night and just happened upon you two. Please be assured I wasn’t spying on you.”

“I would never think such a thing about you, your holiness.” He said without looking up.

Alessandro wondered why his favorite knight was acting the way he was. “Petros, I wasn’t accusing you of anything. I’ve been hoping the two of you would become closer.”

Petros raised his head slightly and looked up the younger man. “You have?” He asked in uncertainty.

The Pope nodded. “I know you’ve pledge yourself to me and the church but that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to have a life of your own Petros.”

“I always thought that serving you and the church was my only purpose in life, your holiness. That is until recently.”

Alessandro heard the guilt laced in his statement. “Petros; let me ask you this; does Arianna make you happy?”

Petros felt the blood rush to his cheeks as he replied. “Yes she does.”

“Then know you have my blessing on the matter.”

“Thank you Pope Alessandro.”

“You’re welcome. Now get yourself to the reception. I’m sure she’s waiting for you.” He teased.

“As you wish you’re holiness.”

Petros shook his head in disgust. “When did keeping things secretive become next to impossible around here?” He knew it was only a matter of time before the gossip started. He had a suspicion that it already had several weeks ago but ignored it. And no one would dare question him about his personal life anyway; except for the pope and Cardinal Medici. Petros said a silent prayer that the cardinal did not find out right away. He knew Francesco did not care for Arianna but was not quite sure why. And Petros didn’t care to know why either for he knew that he would probably not like what he heard.

~~~~~

Arianna was chatting with Father Nightroad and Lucy when a slow song began to play. It didn’t take long for Brother Kristof to show up out of nowhere.

“May I interrupt you?” He asked politely.

“Why certainly.” Abel replied.

Arianna knew exactly why Brother Kristof was there. She had to give the man an “A” for effort. “What can we help you with Brother Kristof?”

“Well,” He began shyly. “Where you weren’t able to dance with me a few weeks ago, I was hoping you may take pity on me and allow me the chance to do so now.”

Abel hid the sudden look of shock that crossed his face. Evidently this young knight had no idea that Arianna was seeing his commander. Abel was picturing many awful things happening to this man at Petros’ hands for being within three feet of Arianna.

Arianna did take pity on him. He had been nothing but polite and formal to her since they first met. “Alright, Brother Kristof, I will dance with you this one time.”

Kristof grinned from ear to ear. “You are very kind Sister Arianna.” He said as he bowed. “I thank you.” He held his hand out and walked her out onto the dance floor.

Abel groaned thinking of what would happen if Petros showed up right now.

“Is something wrong Father Nightroad?” Lucy asked.

Before Abel could answer, Eleanor and Joseph joined them.

“Oh this could turn ugly if Petros shows up before they’re done.” Eleanor said.

Joseph put his arm around his new bride’s shoulders. “Don’t worry yourself Ellie. The commander can be extremely covert when he needs to be.”

Abel almost choked on his tea over that bit of knowledge. He’d never known Petros to do anything covertly.

Lucy glanced out the window and saw Petros several feet from the doorway. “It looks as if we’re about to find out.”

The other three followed her line of vision and groaned in unison.

Brother Kirstof danced with Arianna in the formal manner out on the floor.

Arianna’s guilt got to her and she felt she needed to confess to him the real reason she did not dance with him before. “Brother Kristof, I owe you an apology.”

“What for? You finally let me dance with you. I’m a very happy man right now.”

“Well the first time you asked, I told an untruth to you. It wasn’t because of the wine. It was because I didn’t know how to dance. I was too embarrassed to tell you.”

“You seem to be doing a fine job now. Have you been taking lessons since then?” He teased.

“Yes I have actually.”

“Well you had a fine teacher, Sister.”

“Thank you.” She said as she noticed Petros walk up behind Kristof and growl.

“Why Sister Arianna, was that your stomach again?” He joked remembering the sound from the other morning.

Arianna laughed uncomfortably. “Um..no. I believe it’s my teacher’s way of telling you he wants to cut in.”

“I’m sorry but he’ll have to wait. You agreed to one dance with me. I don’t care who it is….” Kristof stopped in midsentence when he turned and saw Petros glaring rather playfully at him.

He stopped dancing. “The commander was your teacher, Sister Arianna?” He asked the fear showing in his voice; his eyes never leaving Petros.

“Yes he was Brother Kristof.”

Kristof let go of Arianna. “My apologies sir, I had no idea it was you behind me.”

“So I don’t have to wait then?” Petros dared to ask.

“No sir, not at all.” He stepped aside to let Petros cut in then skulked off the floor.

Petros smiled at Arianna as he held her much, much closer and began to dance. “You said you were going to save all your dances for me.” He teased.

“Yes, but you weren’t here yet; and I felt bad about turning him down the first time.”

“Ah, sympathy dance was it?”

“Something like that.” She smiled at him. “Though I think it’s safe to assume, he’ll never ask me again.”

“He had better not.”

“Or….” She taunted.

Petros smirked at her. “Let’s just say I won’t be very happy about it if he does.”