After All

Chapter 1: Artemisia

In the land of Skath, residing deep in the heart of the icy tundra, lay Castle Salvatore; home of the Salvatore royal family. King Orpheus Salvatore ruled Skath with an iron fist and a tender heart. The civilians had no complaints regarding their king, and Orpheus was pleased with that. However, nothing gave him as much pride and joy as his family did. One such member of his family whom he was most proud of was his only daughter Artemisia; a quiet and kind girl whom Orpheus made his successor. Artemisia took her role very seriously and devoted most of her time to her studies. However, her studies took a turn when she discovered a newfound curiosity for Elan and Elanan culture. Artemisia spent the next few years studying and learning everything there was to be learnt about Elan. The day of her betrothal was no exception, rather than experiencing the butterflies that come with meeting a potential future husband Artemisia was busy organizing her research. She lost track of time as she pinned her research notes to her bedroom wall until the sound of the clock tower chiming caught her attention.

"Ah shoot. I'm late for breakfast!" Artemisia quickly hid her notes behind a tapestry and shoved the books she "borrowed" from the royal library under her bed before rushing out of her bedroom. Her father did not instill many rules on his family, however, one rule he highly emphasized was that all family members must be present for meals. The only exception was if you were busy on the front lines and couldn't make it home in time. Artemisia quietly sneaked into the ornate dining room and sat down beside her father before breakfast was placed before her. She barely had time to get herself comfortable before her mother, Queen Bellona, commented.

"You're late Artemisia." Bellona snapped, glaring at her daughter for not arriving at a time convenient to Bellona and Bellona alone.

"I'm sorry mother. I was busy." Artemisia excused, stuffing her face with a piece of fresh fruit, trying to avoid meeting the gaze of her mother's piercing blue eyes.

"Ah. I understand. My little Artemis is excited to meet her first potential suitor!" Orpheus teased, smiling and winking at his daughter.

"I think I'm more nervous than excited," Artemisia admitted, wiping her mouth clean after finishing her fruit.

"Don't worry. I'm sure you two will make an excellent match!" Orpheus said, placing a comforting hand on his daughter's shoulder.

"It doesn't matter if they are a match or not, Orpheus! If Artemisia doesn't secure a suitor soon, her claim to the throne will mean nothing! We can't have an unwed queen on the throne, no one would take her seriously." Bellona remarked, taking a sip of water from her elegant wine glass. Artemisia took a deep breath, working up the courage to mention an idea she had been thinking about for a very long time.

"Actually, mother, there's something I've been meaning to ask you. Both of you."

"Alright then, out with it," Bellona replied, firmly placing her glass back on the table, making a clinking sound that silenced the entire room. Artemisia took another deep breath before continuing.

"I... I want to get a better idea of what I'm going to be dealing with when I'm queen, so... I want to go to Elan!" The silence in the room following that proclamation was defining. Neither of her parents moved an inch. Bellona's icy gaze was fixated on Artemisia while Orpheus had turned to his wife, waiting to see if she would make the first move. Realizing this had not gone as she had planned, Artemisia decided to explain herself.

"It's just... I've spent sixteen years inside these walls. I've never even been outside the castle, let alone outside Skath. Although I am very grateful for everything you both have done for me, I feel so unprepared for the task ahead of me. I just want a chance, an opportunity to live my life before I have to settle down with a husband and children. You both had a life before you ruled Skath, I want the same opportunity!" Artemisia pleaded with her parents. Orpheus leaned back in his chair and stroked his beard in thought.