Cherished Lady: Part II

25- Artemis

I had spent the last few hours in the queen's apartment being prepped. Despite Lord Edmon's jab at hair and make-up that's exactly what we did.

A team of stylists came in to wash and dry my hair over and over until it shined. A make-up artist with several assistants fussed over my face for an hour trying to find the perfect shade of pink lipstick or the right shade of blush. This was followed by going through racks upon racks of suits and dresses to find the best combination. By the time we were done, I was mentally exhausted feeling no better prepared for meeting the council than before.

When all was said and finished the queen dismissed everyone out her apartments leaving just the two of us. I sat on a couch as proper as I could be trying not to pick at my freshly manicured nails. She sat next to me gently placing her hand over mine to stop the fidgeting.

"I can feel how nervous you are," she whispered. "Tell me what's on your mind." I smoothed over the dark purple pant suit I was wearing admiring the expensive fabric. But as nice as the suit looked, I did not fit it.

"I'm not ready for this," was all I could say. The queen gave a sigh.

"My dear I don't think anyone can ever feel truly ready for this. I wasn't like you. I knew from a young age who I was going to be, and I spent years learning about the duties of a Luna Queen. You want to know how much it all helped?" I nodded my head. "Not even the least little bit. I was still a mess. During my first official dinner I tripped over an ambassador's feet while dancing. I fell flat on my face in front of the entire court"

I could never imagine the queen being anything but her regal self but hearing her story did put a smile on my face.

"How did you survive all the pressure?" I asked.

"I had my mother and the former queen at first. My brother was also helpful, although he really takes more credit than he should, and of course my husband and mate." The queen was very lucky to have so many people supporting her. "Being in this job feels like there is a spotlight on you, but always remember Artemis, you are not alone!" She was right. Even before coming to the palace I had the support of the entire Ever Green pack. My friends and allies have only increased since then. I was surrounded by people whom I could lean on.

"Now on to business," the queen said switching subjects. "The council is a bunch of crotchety old men, but they are not to be underestimated. They will expect you to cower and bend to their needs. You need to show them strength. I have dressed you to look like the queen you are, now you must put the attitude behind it."

"I have never been confident in myself," I confessed. "They'll see me as a fraud. How can I stand up to them?"

"You do yourself too little credit," the queen countered. "You, a small young woman stood up to a rogue who was more than twice your size without hesitating. You threw that brute out like he was yesterday's garbage, and you did it without fear and without hesitation."

"That was different," I argued.

"If any of those council men were put in the same situation, they would have wet themselves before running away with their tail between their legs. You are strong." I scoffed at the comment. "If nothing else you can rely on your wolf. She will be there for you if you call on her. Trust your instincts. You are more ready for this than you think." I nodded my head. I couldn't see the same things the queen did, but I would do my best not to let everyone down.

"Now go in there and show that council why it's a goddess who leads our nation and not a man!"

The queen escorted me to the council room where we found the King and Lord Edmon waiting outside. Upon seeing us the King rushed over, first giving his mother a peck on the cheek and then turning to stand in front of me.

"You look beautiful," he said with a smile. I couldn't look at him as I responded with a simple,

"Thank you." Lord Edmon walked to join us.

"You have outdone yourself sister. She looks stunning," Lord Edmon commented. "You were right in having her dressed for the part."

"Our armor may be different than yours," The queen replied proudly, "but either way we are both prepared for war."

"They'll still think she is weak," he stated.

"Good. Let them underestimate her," the queen countered. "Victory will be that much sweeter when she puts them in them in their place."

The Queena and Lord Edmon continued to comment and bicker. I wasn't able to follow for long before the King interrupted my thoughts.

"Don't worry about them. They are always at each other's throats," he chimed. "Despite the bickering they really do care for each other. Most of the time they work themselves out." I smiled at the King shyly.

"You are lucky to have them. They are so supportive."

"And now you have them too," he said chuckling. I smiled along with him, but the smile was cut short when his face changed to a more serious tone. "How are you feeling about all this? You've only known about everything for a few hours." And just like that all the nerves rushed back.

"I don't know if I every would be ready for this," I replied "Maybe it's good that it's sprung on me rather than having to dread on it forever." Before the king could say anything more Lord Edmon interrupted.

"Your Majesties, it's show time," he called. The king offered his arm to which I accepted. If anything he would keep me from tripping on my heels as I walked in.

"Knock them dead," He muttered to me.