21
Kiria
After Daelon’s lesson, Kiria went up to the second floor of the Amiran Academy, to the holy place. More often over the past few weeks, she had come to say prayers. A Keeper’s main duty was to God, after all. The Amir advised them so they didn’t forget his words. Atty’s coronation reminded her of the privilege and responsibility of being a Keeper. She hadn’t missed a session since Atty’s first.
She rounded the last corner of the claustrophobic stone staircase and stepped into the upper room. Smaller religious ceremonies occurred there. Once a year, on Dedication Day, all the Keepers and their families fasted all day and came into this space at nightfall. She remembered that, as a child, she was struck by the somber mood in the palace that day as they considered the seriousness o
