You Hit My Heart by Kylie Stanford

Chapter 2050: The Blessing of the Gods

Joyce followed Clint to the altar.

Clint extended a hand, signaling her to place her hand on his. Joyce hesitated but complied; standing there in front of everyone was not an option. She had just resolved one issue and did not want to create another.

They ascended the altar. From this height, everything felt more sacred.

An elder in ceremonial robes held a colorful flag in one hand and a branch in the other, dancing. Behind him sat a row of musicians playing ritual tunes. The elder sang in an ancient language that Joyce did not understand.

Clint stood motionless on the altar, his face serious. Joyce felt out of place in her casual clothes, adding to her discomfort.

After a while, the elder took a basin of water and sprinkled it into the air, chanting in the ancient language with each sprinkle. He then signaled two boys to bring basins of water to Clint and Joyce.

Clint, clearly familiar with the ritual, washed his face and hands gracefully. He glanced at Joyce, indicating she should do the same.

Joyce muttered, "Why do I have to participate in your country's ritual? Just let me watch."

shot her a cold

to go through the motions,

approached with trays holding towels for drying their

The elder lit seven candles around Clint and Joyce. Though it was daytime,

lighting, accompanied by another dance

finished, he poured water from his bottle into two golden cups. He handed one cup to Clint and the other to Joyce. "Please drink the holy water, Your Highness, for divine protection

sleeve to shield his cup as he took a sip, noticing Joyce had

"Why aren't you drinking the blessing

She didn't need any divine blessings. "I'm afraid it's poisoned,"

as he swapped their cups and drank hers in one gulp. "I already drank from this

drunk from it but still expected her to drink it too. Reluctantly, she noticed everyone watching her, waiting for her to finish so they could conclude

finally drank it all in

this time holding a sharp sword

an impressive display. But Joyce grew impatient and whispered to Clint, "When will this

Clint replied

dodged

hand to stop it from hurting Joyce further. Blood dripped