The necessary talk
The Cromwell's returned late from the ball at Santok and thus Artemis couldn't find a chance to have a proper word with her children, especially Selene. Everyone went straight to their rooms, thus leaving no room for a talk.
Callisto and Ariel were well versed with space and though they had to make certain that Selene was doing fine, they still gave up on the idea. Although Ariel had assured Callisto that she would talk to Selene on her own to make it easier for her.
Ever since the announcement was made by Themisto and Hendrickson, an invisible wall has formed between the members of the family. It was as if nobody wished to bring up the topic of Selene's betrothment.
Artemis, albeit livid and planning to give a cold shoulder to her husband, still couldn't keep herself from conferring about her daughter. She wanted to confirm if Themisto made the decision deliberately, and have thought it through.
Marriage is a partnership of two people with a same perspective aligned together to achieve a similar goal. It is a union of not just two people but two families bringing everyone together. Marriage was no game and Artemis although unbeknownst to the conversation between Themisto and Hendrickson, wished that her daughter would be happy with this.
"My king!" She called when she found him standing by the window of their bedroom. "I think its finally the time we have that talk about tonight's events."
She made her way through the room and walked to stand beside him. Her eyes were eager demanding his honest thoughts.
"Yes. I believe now is certainly the time." He agreed.
"My greatest apologies Artemis, for not discussing this with you prior to the declaration." His voice was penitent.
The expression on Artemis's face was inscrutable. He couldn't tell if she was infuriated or agreed with him. Sometimes he wished if he could know the perfect way to soothe her mind. But this was no time to please her with his replies, he was supposed to tell the truth.
"During the ball, Hendrickson and I were discussing about the situation at the borders of our kingdoms, where we meet with the werewolf territory. . ."
He paused for a moment and looked outside, even though there was nothing to look at. Truth be told, he was gathering words and courage to continue with it. Artemis's eyes were penetrating and Themisto knew she was feeling the emotional surge to make definite the decision was well contemplated.
"A war is coming. And its very near to the horizon. The wolves have already started to assemble and devise for the upcoming future. If we don't expedite our plans and bolster our armies then we can expect a barbarous fate to wipe out our kingdoms."
Themisto's eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion as he stared blankly into the dark. His mind pondered over and over visualizing the disquieting thoughts his mind carried.
"I understand your concerns about the war but this is not where my concerns are directed. I believe you are aware of that too." Artemis interrupted.
"Hendrickson believed there were spies present at the ball earlier tonight. Spies from Ardolf, gathering intel on us. Therefore, he suggested this news can act as a decoy to lure them into believing that we are still ignorant of the war. . ."
Themisto was cut off instantly by Artemis.
"And you didn't give it a thought and deliberately agreed to use your daughter as a tool to some goal." Despite controlling all the anger, she yelled.
"Do you even realize what you have done?" She continued. "All this time I thought you were thinking about our daughter's future, about her happiness, about the people she was going to stay with. But oh my dear lord, you have proven me all wrong. You have proven me so wrong that now I cannot trust you with anything related to our daughter."
"I know this matter is not good for your nerves but at least. . ." Themisto tried to explain but his speech was again cut short by her.
"No. . ." She almost barked, ". . .don't you even coax me into believing that this move is going to benefit our kingdom. That this is something that will help us have an upper hand over this whole war situation. I won't let you use my daughter as a cause to some unexplainable means."
Artemis was fuming and it was clearly evident from the way she bawled.
"She is equally my daughter and I would never turn a blind eye to her let alone use herself as a sacrifice. I realize you are not thinking straight right now. Your mind is so fixated on the prophecy that you cannot actually perceive anything besides that." Themisto cried out in a voice higher than Artemis's.
"Give me a reason as to why I must not be livid at what you have conspired against my daughter with Hendrickson. And tell me since when he has become someone to make decisions for us?" She snapped back.
"Don't ask me to act rationally when you can't make rational decisions. Tomorrow when your daughter comes up to you, what are you going to tell her? Do you think she won't wonder if her father ever loved her enough to ask her about this beforehand?"
"Artemis!" His tone was regretful. "I am her father. And I would never do this to her. Please at least let me explain."
It was unpleasant enough for her to consume the news of Selene's betrothment and now this was only pushing her over the edge but yet she decided to keep her rage at bay and listen to what he has to explain. After all one should be given a chance to give a reason before passing the judgement.
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