Cherished Lady: Part II

7-Edmon Huntington

It had been more than a week since Artemis' wolf visited me. We were back in my private courtyard training. This time Dalton was with us. If Artemis held any grudge against what happened last time, she didn't show it. Instead she was fully focused on her training. We weren't making nearly as much progress but better than when we started.

Dalton however had no problem showing his displeasure for me. The very next day he had barged into my study growling and snarling about the whole thing. I admired the boy's loyalty but by doing so he threatened Artemis' safety, and that could not be allowed. His little outburst earned him a month of night watch and as such he wouldn't be able to visit Artemis outside of training sessions which served as an extra beneficiary consequence.

None of it stopped him from showing his displeasure with me. Every chance he had, the boy would glare at me, and on more than one occasion I heard a negative comment mumbled under his breath. I knew better than to acknowledge any of it. To do so would just promote a continuation of the behavior.

When we were all finished I dismissed the pair with a single word and turned to leave. Dalton rushed at the chance to talk to Artemis. His desperation with her, annoyed me. I understood that they grew up together, but he was almost smothering her. I decided to intervene.

"Dalton don't bother her. I'm sure she has to return to her duties in the laundry facilities."

"Actually I don't work in laundry anymore." Truth. I couldn't help but let my shock show on my face.

"What do you don't work in laundry? What happened?!?" I couldn't imagine anything Artemis would have done to get her fired. I would have to talk to Mrs. Harris about reinstating her. She may have be strict, but she was always fair. That was the reason I had Artemis assigned to her.

"Yeah, uh... I got asked to be a Lady's Maid..so I'm doing that."

Dalton rushed to congratulate her.

"Wow Artie! A lady's maid? That's really-

"No." My cut through his revelries. This wasn't a good idea.

"What?" Artemis turned to me confused. "What do you mean, no?"

"Exactly what I said. No." This  wasn't a good idea. I could have gotten her a job as a Lady's Maid. Even my own sister had been looking for one, but it would bring too much attention to her. Attention we were not ready for yet. Of course Dalton tried to defend her.

"Hey man come on. This is really great for her-" I silenced him with a glare. He was in no position to question me.

"Can I at least ask why?" Artemis questioned.

"You are not ready to take on the responsibilities or the attention that comes with being a Lady's Maid." Artemis tried to say something to respond but it just caused me to raise my voice louder to drown her out. "If and when you are ready, and I will determine if you are ready, we can then discuss finding a different position. Until then you will remain in the laundry facilities."

I turned to walk away thinking the matter was settled but Artemis ran after me not happy with my answer.

"Now listen here Lord High and Mighty." I turned to face her. The jab at me wasn't something I expected of her. Her eyes had changed to their lavender color meaning her wolf was influencing her. "You have only known me for a few weeks and although I appreciate the you support you have given here, there is one thing you should know. " She paused glaring at me allowing me to stare in to her lavender eyes. I could feel her wolf's power pushing me and my wolf begged to submit but I couldn't do that now.

"What is it I need to know?" I asked hoping she didn't see the sweat staring to apear on my brow from fighting her. She glared back at me unknowing of the pressure she put forth.