Goddess's Yuri harem: Chosing the Empress is hard

Auriel frowned, her instincts prickling. Evelyn's offer was polite, even generous, but the way she avoided the question only deepened Auriel's unease.

Before Auriel could respond, the door opened again. The priestess from earlier stepped inside, her dark hood now drawn back to reveal her sharp features and a stern expression.

"Princess Evelyn," the priestess said, her voice laced with disapproval. "You were not given permission to be here. The Divine One requires rest, not interference."

Evelyn turned her head slightly, her green eyes narrowing. "Interference? I was merely offering my hospitality. Surely that's not a crime."

The priestess stepped forward, her posture rigid and unyielding. "Your intentions are irrelevant. The Divine One is under the temple's care. Please leave at once."

Auriel watched the exchange with growing tension. She could feel the undercurrent of hostility between the two women, and for a moment, she was certain Evelyn would draw her sword.

But to Auriel's surprise, Evelyn relaxed her stance and smirked. "Very well. I wouldn't want to overstep… for now."

She turned to Auriel, her expression softening. "If you change your mind, Divine One, my offer still stands. My palace is always open to you."

With that, Evelyn strode out of the room, her armor clinking softly with each step. Auriel let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

The priestess turned to her, her stern expression softening into one of concern. "I apologize for the intrusion, O Divine One. Princess Evelyn is… persistent, but I assure you, the temple will ensure your needs are met."

Auriel nodded, though her thoughts were racing. "Thank you, but… who exactly is she? And why do I feel like there's more to this 'heir to the throne' business than anyone's telling me?"

The priestess hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Princess Evelyn is a warrior of great renown and the eldest daughter of the current king. She has long been considered the natural successor to the throne. However, the decision ultimately rests with you, as ordained by the gods."

Auriel frowned. The situation was more complicated than she'd anticipated, and Evelyn's appearance only added to her growing list of concerns.

"I see," Auriel said finally. "Thank you for explaining. For now, I think I'll continue resting."

The priestess nodded and bowed slightly before leaving the room. As the door clicked shut, Auriel sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind swirling with unanswered questions.

Evelyn's sudden arrival, her evasiveness, and the tension between her and the priestess… Something was brewing in this kingdom, and Auriel had a sinking feeling that she was at the center of it.

With her powers sealed and her role unclear, Auriel knew she'd have to tread carefully. But one thing was certain—this wasn't going to be the peaceful exile she'd imagined.

______

The night stretched long and restless. Auriel lay in the soft bed provided to her, staring at the ornate ceiling as the faint sound of wind whistled through the window. Sleep eluded her entirely.

Her mind was a chaotic mess of questions, frustrations, and nagging unease. 

Evelyn Greengrass's sudden appearance, the priestess's strange demeanor, and the absurdity of her exile—it all felt like a tangled web she couldn't begin to unravel.

"Curse that meddling hag," Auriel muttered under her breath, referring to the Chief God. "Why couldn't she just leave me alone? Useless, my wings. If I was so useless, why give me this insane task?"

The bed, no matter how comfortable, offered no solace. With a groan, Auriel swung her legs over the edge and stood, pulling her borrowed cloak tightly around her shoulders. A walk might clear her head—or at least distract her from her spiraling thoughts.

The hallway was eerily quiet, illuminated by faint moonlight streaming through stained glass windows. The cool marble floors chilled her bare feet, grounding her in the present moment.

Auriel wandered aimlessly, her mind still churning. But as she passed a darkened corridor, a prickling sensation ran down her spine. She stopped mid-step, her senses on high alert.

Someone's following me.

She turned her head slightly, catching the faintest sound of a shuffle behind her. Her heartbeat quickened as she quickened her pace, keeping her movements casual. She needed to lose whoever was tailing her before they got too close.

She made a sharp turn down a side hallway, her steps light and quick, and then ducked into a shadowed alcove. Holding her breath, she waited. The moments dragged on, her ears straining for any sound.

When none came, she exhaled softly. "Maybe I'm just imagining things," she whispered to herself.

But just as she stepped back into the hall, she nearly collided with someone.

"Ah!" Auriel stumbled back, her pulse skyrocketing.

Standing before her was the priestess from earlier that day, her sharp eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"Lilith?" Auriel blurted out, startled.

The priestess bowed her head slightly, her hands clasped in front of her. "Forgive me for startling you, O Divine One. I did not mean to intrude."

Auriel blinked, recovering quickly and straightening her posture. She smoothed the cloak over her shoulders, masking her unease with an air of calm. "It's fine," she said evenly. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

Lilith's lips curved into a small smile, though her dark eyes seemed to pierce straight through Auriel. "I was merely ensuring your safety. It is my duty as a servant of the temple."

Auriel crossed her arms, skeptical. "Ensuring my safety… by sneaking around in the dark?"

Lilith's expression didn't waver. "I would never sneak, O Divine One. My intentions are always transparent."

Auriel wasn't convinced, but she decided not to press the issue. Something about Lilith's aura was suffocating, a heavy, unrelenting pressure that made Auriel want to take a step back.

As if sensing Auriel's discomfort, Lilith tilted her head slightly, her voice softening. "Your silver hair and eyes are truly magnificent. A symbol of divine purity. Did you know they are a blessing bestowed by your own power?"

Auriel frowned. "What do you mean?"