It was not often that Cescedia played host to the Archbishop of the Blood, 72 year old Octavia could only remember perhaps two visits in her lifetime but now as she joined around 5,000 others outside the small Cathedral that was home to the Christian Prophet faith in the Allied States. The group had been waiting patiently to see their spiritual leader and pay their respects. The first to arrive however was not the Archbishop of the Blood but Julius Devaux, the Praetor or effective King, of the Allied States. His fleet of blacked out SUV's pulled up and he exited the vehicle making a hasty line towards Cassian Corti, the Chief Steward for the Christian Prophets, an effective civil servant for the religion. The Chief Steward bowed deeply and then shook his monarchs hand. "Your Majesty we did not expect you here.......not that you aren't welcome."
"Thank you" Devaux responded. "While I don't follow your faith I am keen to ensure that all religions are respected." He was more concerned with the photo oppurtunity than actually any real meaningful involvement. He made his way with Cassian over towards the crowd and spoke to some about how long they'd followed the faith and why they'd made the journey here today.
"It is my hope" Octavia said when the Head of State spoke to her, "That one day you will see the real way to God and join us in our worship Your Majesty" She told him before adding, "But we keep you and the States in our prayers always."
"Thank you" Devaux said shaking her hand. "And while I appreciate the invitation I will maintain my own faith and perhaps then between your prayers and mine we can both look after each other and the States." The crowd gave a small clap and then were informed that the Archbishop was on the way. He waited for the vehicle to stop and a small choir of students from one of the local youth groups began a song that Devaux only vaguely recognised. "Your Holiness" he said with no sense of conviction other than a friendly handshake. He then noticed Princess Helena. "Your Highness." he said more warmly, "We are delighted to have you here......if my memory serves you are the first royal from Hozland to visit in a very long time. I hope once matters of your religion have been concluded you'd consider coming over to the Palace and dining with us and if possible we can discuss a few matters." The Praetor exchanged a bit of small talk as he, Cassian and the other Priests present guided the Archbishop and Princess over to the crowd. Octavia found herself tearing up as she got a few seconds with the Archbishop and then the Princess. "Your Highness we're so grateful your family are with us today. I just hope you could convince our own monarch to join your family." She said before the Princess was moved along.