Thea

"move" The soldiers motioned for us to follow them.

I was surprised when Artemis gave me a small subtle nod, as if to assure me, everything I going to be fine. I would have missed it if I was not looking at her.

Is she for real? I would not have been in this situation if not for her and here she is trying to assure me.

No assurance will work when the king finds out who I am then. They will use me as a bargaining chip. Or might just kill me when he finds out that I am of no value to the king of Aradia.

I shook my head, as I pushed aside my fear and stepped forward, determined to face whatever lay ahead. and for the first time we stepped out of the room and into a long, dimly lit hallway.

We are inn a part of the castle that was completely different from the main castle that I saw from the window.

The walls were lined with tapestries depicting battles and triumphs, their colors faded and worn with age. Torches flickered in the sconces, casting dancing shadows across the stone floor. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as we walked deeper into the palace.

We were led into the different corridors to another hallway to yet another hallway, when I realized we were going through some sort of secret passage. To be kept away from the main castle.

Does the king not want anyone to know that he kidnapped Artemis? Is that why we're being led through these secret passageways?

What could the reason the king has to hide it?

There is so much I don't know.

The more time I spend with her the more confused I am becoming.

At last, we came to a small wooden door. When the soldier opened the door, we were inside a massive chamber, its walls hung with richly embroidered curtains and its floors covered in plush rugs. A chair of gold and velvet stood at the far end of the room, and on it sat the king, his eyes fixed on us with a piercing gaze.

I stood there, frozen in fear and uncertainty, not knowing what to expect. The witch stood beside me; her expression inscrutable.

We bowed low with everyone else, my heart pounding, my hands shook slightly, I clenched them into fists, I cannot show fear.

"Rise," he commanded, his regal presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

He looked surprisingly young; I had heard that he was the youngest king in the empire of kysoria.

The youngest and most powerful king.

He looked like he was in his forties, tall and broad-shouldered, with a handsome face that was accentuated by a thick black beard. His piercing blue eyes glinted with intelligence and authority, and I could feel his power radiating from him like a palpable force.

He was dressed in regal attire, his royal blue velvet coat embroidered with gold thread and adorned with a row of gleaming buttons. His white shirt was immaculately starched, and his black breeches were tailored to perfection. A jeweled sword hung at his side, and his fingers were adorned with gold rings set with precious gems.

Despite his young and regal appearance, there was a hardness to his features that suggested he had seen his fair share of battles and was not to be trifled with. He exuded a palpable sense of command, and it was clear that he was the most powerful king in all the empire.

Arianna felt a shiver run down her spine as she met his gaze, realizing what would happen if he found her true identity.

I sighed internally as he flicked his gaze away from me.

"Artemis, finally my soldiers were able to catch you," the king his voice low yet commanding.

"My king, if you had just called me, I would have come running to you, sire," she said bowing low, I was surprised when a booming laugh echoed through the chamber, as the king laughed.

"You are telling me that I wasted the past 20 years I was searching for you, while all had to do was to call out to you?" his voice hardened all the traces of smile vanishing from his face.

The most powerful king in all of the kysoria was looking for her for 20 years? I was staring at the scene before me with my eyes wide. How was he never able to catch her?

This started before I was even born.

I was in awe of Artemis as she just smiled as there was nothing, she was afraid of. I was starting to admire her. But I will never let her know that.

The king was silent for a moment staring at her, seething in anger then as soon as it appeared the anger vanished, and his heavy gaze fell on me.

My eyes widened, as I tried to think of what to do.

"And who is this young lady that you have with you?" the king asked, I also turned to her, my heart was ready to burst as it drummed inside my chest.

Is she going to give me away?

I didn't realize I was glaring at her until she looked at me raising an eyebrow at me, as if asking really here?

"She is my apprentice." she said, my mouth was about to fell open when I realized that this might not be the time to give such reactions. So, I schooled my expression, to be neutral.

I could see the shocked expressions of the other witches and wizards. They were suddenly really interested in me while they didn't even look at me before.

"Introduce yourself, child," she said, as my mind went blank.

Obviously, I can't tell them my real name.

I realized at that moment that I can be anyone I want. I don't have to be Arianna anymore.

I can be whoever I want.

"Thea,"

"My name is Thea,"