Cherished Lady: Part II

26- Artemis

I was a bundle of nerves as I walked into the council room on the King's arm. All eyes were one me, crushing my self-esteem like a vice. Most of the men around the large table seemed kind enough if not a little smug. Surely, they wouldn't bombard me on my first appearance.

Lord Edmon gave the introduction.

"Gentlemen, may I introduce you to Artemis West. The goddess' chosen Luna and your Queen." The gentlemen in the room responded with a slight bow of the head and a mumbled "your majesty." A portly man with grey comb over, stepped forward.

"Your majesty, on behalf of the rest of the council, I would like to welcome you to court. We are honored to serve you and to serve the kingdom. We are at your beck and call."

"Thank you, good sir," I said unsteadily. "I'm afraid I do not have the pleasure of knowing your name."

"It's Lord Harris, ma'am."

"Thank you, Lord Harris I will rely on your wisdom." The next twenty minutes were spent by having each member of the council introduce themselves to me. With every new name my mind became increasingly numb as the faces began to run together.

How do you keep them all apart? I mind linked Lord Edmon.

Who says I do?

Once every member was given the limelight we were finally permitted to sit. I sat on one end of the table surrounded by Lord Edmon, the King, and Dowager Queen. Most council sat around the other end. I stared at the expectant faces unsure of what to do next.

They are waiting for you to speak first. Lord Edmon prompted.

"Oh..uh, Gentleman...thank you for your kind welcome. I was told there was an urgent matter you had wished to discuss?" I couldn't keep the insecurity out of my voice.

"Yes, ma'am. As you know, during the attack against you and the Dowager Queen, Lord Ingrival was discovered to be a traitor to the crown." I had no idea who this Lord Ingrival was, so I just nodded. "Well Lord Ingrival's daughter was also arrested on suspicion of treason. Some of the members believe her to be innocent, and she would like to plead her case."

"Is this really something necessary to do immediately," Lord Edmon chimed in. "Artemis has just recently arrived at court. She still needs time to adjust to her new roles before handling matters of state."

"And in that time she would take to adjust, Lady Ingrival would be suffering in the dungeons," Lord Harris spat. "Your majesty, don't you think it would be kinder to hear her case now."

"My lady," Lord Edmon continued turning to me. "There is no need to rush this. You can take a day or two before starting your official role." Part of me wanted to wait as Lord Edmon suggested, but in doing so I would appear weak to the council.

"I will listen to her," I answered. "Although I cannot promise a decision will be made either way."

"As you say your majesty," Lord Harris said with a smile. "I just have one further request. Lady Ingrival asked that Lord Edmon be removed before she enters."

"That is ridiculous." Lord Edmon said with almost a laugh.

"You and Lord Ingrival were constantly at odds with each other," Lord Harris explained. "The young lady is afraid of your biased view swaying the Queen's decision."

"It was also very convenient that you are dismissing Lord Edmon, as he would be able to tell whether Lady Ingrival is lying or not," the King pointed out.

Can you use your ability by listening in through the mind link? I asked Lord Edmon discretely.

No, I have to physically hear the words to know if they are lying are not, he responded.