Artemis

"Are you trying to get me killed?" I shouted at her, as I paced in the locked room. There is no way, I am in Valoria. It simply cant be true.

But one looked outside the window and my heart sank at the sight before me.

Though the beauty of it took my breath away.

The palace rose up before me, an imposing structure that seemed to touch the very sky. Its towering spires and graceful arches were made of white stone that glimmered in the sun, casting an ethereal glow over the surrounding landscape.

As I gazed up at it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at its sheer magnificence.

we were in the tower to the furthest from the palace and from the view I can see that there is no way I can escape through the open window without dying a horrible death.

as I looked down the sight filled me with a quite warmth. The palace was surrounded by lush gardens, filled with exotic plants and colorful flowers. Fountains sparkled in the sunlight, their crystal-clear waters cascading over stone sculptures of dragons and mermaids.

Everywhere I looked, there were signs of the kingdom's wealth and power, from the gold-trimmed gates to the ornate carvings that adorned the walls.

The palace that I lived in since I was a child seems normal compared to the sight in front of me. Valoria is known for its wealth and power. The most beautiful city in the empire of Kysoria.

I never thought I would be able to see this. I have heard stories about Valoria and its magnificent beauty. I have read every book I can find about this place as I knew that I would never be able to set foot here.

I had imagined still that I will one day be able to admire its beauty, but this is not what I had imagined.

The beautiful palace was indeed a marvel to behold, but it meant nothing to me now that I knew where I was. I was in the heart of my enemy's kingdom, surrounded by people who would stop at nothing to see my downfall.

I cannot believe that just yesterday, I was praying to every god to save me from the forced marriage and now, I don't know if I really wanted that.

I turned to the witch; my eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Why have you brought me here?" I demanded, my voice laced with anger and fear.

She regarded me calmly, her expression unreadable. "You are here because you needed a way to escape your own kingdom, Princess," she replied. "And because I have the power to take you to places where your enemies cannot find you."

I gritted my teeth, feeling a surge of frustration and helplessness wash over me.

How could I be so stupid as to get myself in this situation, I had no other choice but to trust her if I wanted to survive, while everything in me screams not to trust her.

But it still stung to be in this strange land, so far from home and everything I held dear.

There is something she is hiding; I have to find out what it is.

I was startled when the wooden door swung open, revealing two soldiers clad in shining armor.

They stood in the doorway, their swords and shields at the ready, their faces grim and unyielding.

There were three wizards and two witches accompanying them. They were all wearing long robes of green color the color of the Valoria, the color of the king.

Why are there so many of them? I turned to the witch beside me with questions in my eyes. But she wasn't even fazed by them.

The witches were all looking at her with equal parts disgust and admiration. No one was paying me any attention. Their focus was fixed on her.

"Artemis, long time no see," the wizard in the middle greeted the witch with a scowl.

So, her name is Artemis. I realized that I was so scared that I forgot to ask her name. There was no time for that in all the chaos that followed me through this life-changing day.

While I knew nothing about her, she knew my name. She knows so much it is actually creepy.

"Follow us," one of the soldiers bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. "You too" he said turning to me.

"And don't try any of your tricks Artemis, this time we are ready," the witch who was looking like she might punch Artemis in the face said. It seems like they all know each other, and from the looks of it they all look like they hate her.

A smirk that sent shivers running down my spine appeared on Artemis's face, her grey eyes glowed softly, challenging them. The five of them instantly became alert. With just a smile from her.

"Are you, really?" she asked,

As I observed her, I realized that they were afraid of her, she alone would be able to handle every one of them.

"We managed to catch you, didn't we?" The smile she gave the wizard was enough for my suspicions to confirm. This kidnap, they did not capture her.

She already knew that they were coming to get her.

Yet she didn't do anything. Infact she was waiting for them.

It means that she let them kidnap her.

What is she playing at? Why did she want me to come with her?

There is something going on. Something far beyond my understanding, something that I am now part of.

But I have no idea what my role is in this.

She deliberately dragged me into this mess. There must be a reason for that.

why does she need me?

Am I just a sacrifice, am I just a pawn that she will use to accomplish her goals?

I will have to be really careful, or I might lose everything.