Chapter 4

Rose shouldn't worry. She was only marrying Jericho for convenience. But his accidentally calling her a different name has been bothering her more than the tight lace of the dress she was wearing. Even more disturbing is the fact that the name somehow sounded familiar to her.

She felt like vomiting, but Rose knew she couldn't. There's only five minutes more into their engagement party and she has to keep appearances if they want things to work. Damn that Joanna, the unceasing thorn in her side. Even she had to take away Rose's freedom.

"Knock, knock." Father Benedict softly called out from outside her door. 

"Come in," Rose urged. 

The old priest was clearly in high spirits as he peeked through the door before fully entering. Rose wanted to roll her eyes. She hadn't quite forgiven him for putting her in that situation, but she couldn't help but feel happy for him. In all her years serving the New Catholics, this was probably the first time that the weight off of Father Benedict was the lightest. Which could only mean one thing—Rose should not screw it up. 

"Look at you. Didn't I say you can look decent if you tried?" Father Benedict said. 

"Shut up," Rose muttered through her mouth, but her attempt at snapping was only half-hearted. 

Father Benedict chuckled, but his eyes were serious as they met Rose's. "The New Catholics are grateful for your sacrifice, Rose.” He said, “And I assure you, we can end her for good this time." 

"It better does. According to your judgment, I not only have to deal with total strangers to make this work, I have to spend the rest of my life with one of them, too." Rose said bitterly.

Father Benedict raised his eyebrows, amused. "That's certainly what's going to happen, yes." 

"You guys owe me big time," said Rose, and she meant it. This time, it better be Joanna's total and permanent destruction at the end of the road.

***

"Why, Ms. Cristian, if I didn't know we were just pretending, I'd say you're deathly in love with me. You're leaving marks clinging to my arm like this.

Take deep breaths and you won't have to kill your fiance. Rose repeated in her head as she continued to smile at their unknowing guests. Jericho's lips were getting closer by the second, whispering frustrating words into her ear, and it made her want to explode.

Unfortunately, they had a job to do. The council knew that their union was necessary for the ritual, but their sentimental hearts still frown upon forced marriage. So, Rose and Jericho had to act like they were on cloud nine with their impending marriage. It was something that Rose couldn't comprehend, considering the number of arranged Catholic marriages in the past. Did these people really think they were doing every couple that arrives at their altar the favor of a lifetime?

"I have to say, Rose. When Father Benedict informed us of what's next for you, I didn't think you'd agree to it quite quickly." a reed thin man sitting a few seats away from Rose commented. She vaguely remembered him as Jones, one of the more outspoken members of the council, and arguably the most opportunistic one. He also seemed suspicious of Rose's relationship with Jericho, if only a bit jealous. But not because he liked Rose, but because he more than likely wanted the power, too.

Rose guessed that she probably should be thankful that Father Benedict had the common sense to not choose the bozo as her husband-to-be. That would have been disastrous. She gave the man a plain smile, "Well, love moves in mysterious ways." 

"That might be true. Considering we just met a day ago." Jericho muttered under his breath so only she could hear. 

"Yeah. You can't even remember my name properly," Rose replied menacingly, with her voice just as soft. She felt his amused eyes on her. 

"By chance, Ms. Cristian, are you worried I might be thinking of some other woman? Is this what they call jealousy?" Jericho muttered.

Rose scoffed at the thought and didn't dignify the dig with an answer.

“Careful, now. We need to look in love, remember? Haven't you ever been in love before, Ms. Cristan? You're not supposed to look at your partner like you want to kill them."

Rose's smile was fake as she replied, "Well, if you must know, I have never been in love and I don't plan to. Love is a chore, and everyone fakes it anyway. Look at these people, eating up Father Benedict's words about how we're obsessed with each other, when anyone who would look too closely can tell that we hate each other's guts." 

For a moment, Jericho stared at her, an unreadable expression on his face. He then scoffed at her. 

"Man, you're really fun at parties," Jericho commented. 

Rose opened her mouth to reply, but Father Benedict had stood up, getting everyone's attention by clicking his wine glass with a fork. She turned towards him, but not before squeezing the life out of Jericho’s arm. He winced in pain, bringing a smile to Rose’s lips.

"If I might have everyone's attention, please. As you know, this is a special occasion for us. Many a year have we faced the evil that is constantly trying to destroy our peace. Now, we are ready to end it. Permanently this time." Father Benedict looked at Rose meaningfully, "And that will all be possible with the help of our ever-faithful guardian, Rose Cristian, and her betrothed, Jericho. After their marriage, they both have agreed to do the extreme favor of manifesting the sacred Riddle of Life." 

Rose looked up in interest. The old priest did mention that Jericho and her had to undergo an extensive ritual to access the powers they needed. She didn't expect it to be a riddle, though. The idea seemed a bit childish, to be honest. 

"Hidden in the words of this riddle are three relics that the couple should acquire to solidify their bond. They are to figure out the identity of these relics to perform the ritual, and they have to do so before the winter solstice." Father Benedict continued, not taking his eyes off the couple, "If successful, they will attain powers that no one has ever had before, and one that can end Joanna for good." 

Silence filled the room as Father Benedict paused to let his words sink in. For the first time, Rose felt shivers down her spine. She became more aware of the gravity of the situation. This would definitely be unlike any mission that she's ever been on before.

"I take back my stance. You might be right. You think we have to sleep together as part of a ritual?" Jericho murmured, amused. "Now, that would make a chore."

Rose glared at him, in full view of everyone. And almost immediately, the air around them turned awkward. Jericho cleared his throat, raising amused eyebrows at Rose. Panicked, she began to say something—but she didn’t know what exactly. She could not think straight. Jericho continued to stare at her, the mischief growing in his expression. He was obviously enjoying his discomfort. This man’s quick humor and the surprising depth in his eyes. It both infuriated and intrigued her.

So, in front of hundreds of people, Rose made the decision to act. She pulled Jericho by the front of his suit and brought his face down towards hers, their lips crashing on each other. Almost immediately, a spark of power erupted when they touched an flashes of images ran through Rose’s mind, overwhelming her. She gasped, her head pounding from the information that washed into it.

A girl with blond hair. A boy with dark hair. Whispering promises of forever.

And their names. One of which familiar to Rose.