Destined

10. Nonsense

I cringed trying to lean against the comfort of the couch. If Kader appeared, then his soul was not linked to me.

"Your Highness, I do not understand what you mean."

I glared at Mesmer. "It must not be Kader's soul in me. His spirit was just here."

Artemis stared at me and moved over to me. "How do you know it is him?"

I sighed. "He was wearing the same amulet, not only that but he said he left all that he possessed to me. Something about fulfilling his last promise like I would know what that would be." I lowered my eyes and stared at my hands. "Artemis, he looked at you before he spoke a word to me. Was he the person you lost?" I peered up and her eyes darkened.

She knelt beside me. "It was a long time ago, but yes he was. Kader was a good man and he should have had so many things in his life."

"Did the two of you love each other?"

"Your Highness," Mesmer started trying to stop me.

Artemis did not answer, and her eyes brimmed with tears. I smiled sadly. "He was lucky then because I highly doubt any girl would fall for me. I think I will leave this alone for now. Good night," I got up unevenly making my way to my room down the hallway next to the fireplace. No one came after me as I shut my door.

I trudged over to the bed and felt myself blush. What in Terra was I thinking when I asked her that? I flopped on the bed and stared at the stone wall. It was obvious now she loved Kader and the way his ghost watched her made me feel as if I did not exist. Gripping at the sheets, I tried to forget this feeling.

I tried to shut out the thoughts, but I could not drift off. Sighing, I laid in bed wishing I knew how I felt about Artemis. Was it love or concern that I often felt when in her presence?

Morning came and the aches remained at least less intense. I surfaced from my room to find no one else was up yet. I wandered into the common room and waited until they got up. I stared at the dancing fire on the logs.

"You're up early, kid." Zelme came in with a light yawn escaping him.

I did not respond and remained silent.

"It was odd what you asked her last night. No one knew why you would be curious about it."

I again said nothing and saw Artemis walk in. She stopped short when she paused in the hallway.

"I could tell something bugged you when she said nothing, but you didn't press her about it. So, why are you acting strangely?"

I sighed. "She loved him. It was obvious he felt the same for her. I think he has been watching her from the underworld wishing he was still here with her." I gripped the mantle and leaned on it for support. "I do not know what about it bothers me. I just do not understand what I feel anymore."

Zelme smiled. "You fell for her, didn't you?"

"What? What nonsense are you spouting?" I stared at him and he grinned.

"You like her, kid. Every time you two are in the same room she grips your attention within moments, and you care for her."

Before I said another word, I tore my eyes from him. "Not you too, why do people seem to think I am in love with her?"

"Oh, so I am not the first one to say it. That's easy," He began to explain and then he scoffed. "I have never seen anyone draw out your feelings the way she does when you are around her. Believe me when I say you fell in love with her, kid because it is true."