The Empire of Reimia (3)

Inside, she found a sword. Parphinora immediately recognized it, as it was considered legendary among the followers of the Cult of Flame.

Parphinora was certain that no gift could distract her thoughts from Imir. She was wrong.
"Lacuna!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening – "but it was lost long ago! How did the Empress get it? When was it found? Even just because of its legendary status, this sword is worth a fortune. Of course, it's best not to use it in actual combat – it's far too valuable. But as a symbol, as a banner..."
She touched the hilt of the sword. It was cold and heavy, but she felt a warmth filling her. It was as if Alarion himself was looking at her. That he was with her. That a part of him... was inside her.
"Maybe this is a sign from above," she thought, "that Alarion himself believes in the righteousness of our Empress's cause. That I must be ready to go all the way for her and the empire."
Carefully, with the tenderness of a lover, she placed the sword in front of the statuette of Rynze Reim, as if it were an offering to her. After that, Parphinora undressed and lay down in bed. Her thoughts raced from one topic to another – about the empire, Rynze, Alarion, the sword, the war, Imir... She thought she wouldn't be able to fall asleep for a long time, but at some point, all her thoughts merged into an indistinguishable jumble, and she drifted off to sleep.