I awoke as the sun was breaking through the night sky, ripping the blackness apart with red and gold spears of light. The moon and stars held on for as long as they could. Dawn was spectacle every day.

My head was throbbing in the way that everything inside was trying to get out. I vaguely remembered why it hurt this way. However, the dried blood and matted hair at the base of my skull quickly reminded me.
Someone robbed me, and left me for dead. Not that the purse of coins was worth all that much. What lengths a person will go to for things. This concept left a sour taste in my mouth. Love thy neighbor indeed. These were the people I had been cast out for.

If only it were that easy to get rid of me.


They took my shoes too. Daring, I lifted my head out of the dirt long enough to take a look a my feet which were still in their silk stockings. Scratch that, one was still in its stocking. The other was bare and seemed to have been that way for some time now. I began to see stars so I laid my head back down, keeping my eyes squinted.

There was a good possibility I lost consciousness at that point. The details are sketchy.

Somehow, someway I managed to get from there to here with one stocking, and no shoes. The palace guard had readied himself to deny me entrance. But, upon seeing my face he quickly changed his mind. The Queen would be most displeased if she had heard that her 'prophet' had been turned away.

I'm no more a prophet than Cassandra. But, I have my ways.

This house will fall. Lies, deceit and treachery do not build a solid foundation... I can tell her that much.


Undated. Location: Versailles, France.

Alexander, rather his wife Estelle, tells me I am 'with child'. I am not sure how to feel, other than nauseous because that's how I feel all the time. I tried to break the news to Uriel. Of course-he dismissed me. It is his child. I thought he would have been at least happy. Instead he looked put off. Then he talked to me as if I were daft and losing my mind.

He said it was a miracle for humans, God's gift, and that I was blessed and that it was also at the most unfortunate time.

Of course, he said it could work to our favor. The moment he said that I knew where it was going.

I do not like being used as bait. But, if it's the only way we can catch the Deacon Tarrasch then I suppose it's what we must do.

Estelle and Alexander are very excited about my pregnancy. I am glad someone is.

I am just sick all the time.

Sick and hunted. It is a good place to be in.



Undated.

Location: The Holy See, Vatican City. Rome.