Cherished Lady: Part II

27-Oberon Whiteclaw

My mate was amazing. She was strong and intuitive and yet kind and thoughtful at the same time. I saw how the Council members drooled at her like a piece of meat ready to devour her.

They thought her easy pray. She shut them up real quick. Once they were dismissed she walked out of the room holding her head up high. I couldn't help but to crack a grin as we walked out.

Once in the hallway I rushed to embrace her in my arms. Holding her tight I swung her around in my excitement before holding her close again.

"You were amazing!" I said pressing her to me. My wolf purred in content at having her close. After a moment I started to pull away but Artemis just drooped back into me. I chuckled at the motion. I pulled her back again only the have her sway heavily against me.

"Hey, are you ok?" I asked lifting her chin. Once I could look at her face I could see her eyes were drooping. She could barely keep them open. Why was she so tired?She shook her head trying to right herself.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me." she answered bringing her hand up to rub at her face.

"You just went into a room full of the most ruthless people in the kingdom and crushed them without contest. It's ok it feel a little drained. Maybe you should take a rest." Artemis didn't speak but nodded before turning to walk away. She only made it a few steps before her body dropped.

Before she could hit the ground I scooped her up in my arms. to carry her. She curled her body into me her eyes fully closed now.

"Mom, something's wrong," I desperately called out. My mom rushed over to look at Artemis feeling her forehead with the back of her own hand before giving a sigh.

"It's alright Oberon," she said consoling. "I know what's wrong. She'll be fine she just needs some rest. I'll explain when she is awake. Let's go lay her down.

Even with my mother's assurances I was still worried. I rushed with her in my arms to her room.

My mother thought it best for her to have her own room while we were figuring out the whole mate bond thing and had the one next to mine prepared.

Once I laid her on the bed, a flurry of maids came in to situate her. Once they were satisfied, they left while I sat in a chair next to her. My mother walked near to rub at my shoulder.

"I don't think she will be out long. When she wakes call for me ok?" I nodded silently at her before she walked out.

It was over an hour before Artemis began to stir. I had a maid send a message to my mother before turning my attention back to Artemis. Even with her rest I saw it took a while to pull herself from her slumber. It gave me a chance to admire her.

After a minute she was able to focus and recognize who I was. I smiled seeing the blush on her cheeks. Quickly she sat up in the bed and began to look around the room.

"Your majesty?" she called out unsure. "Where am I? What happened?"

"You collapsed in the hallway. I brought you here to rest, " I explained. "We're in an apartment in the royal residence wing. My mother had it prepared for your use." Artemis looked at her hand and began to fidgit with the fabric of her blankets.

"Thank you, your majesty," she said. "It seems you are constantly saving me.

"Oberon," I replied with a soft smile. "I want you to call me Oberon." Artemis looked at me uncertain. I was going to have to push her to get her to follow through on using my actual name.

"How are you feeling?"

"Tired, but otherwise I'm well." My body relaxed a bit knowing she was in no immediate danger.