After All

Chapter 3: Collision

Artemisia began her day as she always did, adding more research. This time she was interrupted not by her tardiness but by an announcement that her older brother Quillian had returned from the front lines. Artemisia rolled her eyes before hiding her newest notes under her pillow and rushing downstairs and into the courtyard. Bellona and Orpheus were already outside giving Quillian heaps of praise for his latest achievement.

"I believe a grand feast should be held in your honour!" Orpheus proclaimed.

"Oh nonsense Father," Quillian said, tucking his helmet under his arm, a grin plastered across his face.

"Not even your cousins were able to conquer an entire outpost in one day. This should be celebrated!" Bellona raved, beaming with pride. She was thrilled that the Skathi was one step closer to victory, not that her son was the reason behind it.

"Oh, that's not true. I'm sure plenty of exciting things went on while I was gone." Quillian stated, only as a matter of conveying humility, and not because he believed it.

"You missed your sister's first meeting with a potential suitor," Bellona added as she turned to walk back inside the castle, Orpheus following soon after. Her daughter's previously significant feat was no longer as impressive or as important in her eyes in comparison to the recent defeat of the Elanans.

"Oh. I'm sorry I missed it." Quillian said sarcastically, making his wives snicker as they followed Bellona inside.

"Oh don't worry about it Quilly dear." Lilith teased.

"It's not your fault you're so busy fighting a war," Ravinia added as she and her twin sister looked up at Quillian with adoring eyes. Artemisia could tell their comments were meant to be a jab at her and her parents, so she decided to defend herself as she tried to catch up with her mother and brother.

"I'll be helping end the war one day too! When I'm queen..." Artemisia's speech was interrupted by Quillian and his wives laughing at her. She could feel her face heating up with embarrassment.

"And how are you going to win the war exactly? By standing around and looking pretty?" Quillian sneered, his wives smirking at his comment as they pushed past her. Artemisia huffed before running to catch up to Quillian.

"No! I'm the heir to the throne! Surely there must be something I can-'' Once again Artemisia was interrupted. This time it was by Quillian grunting and rolling his eyes. He hated being reminded that even though he was the eldest child and the only son, he wasn't the heir to his father's throne. Rather than lose his temper completely, Quillian stopped dead in his tracks and decided to remind Artemisia where she stands.

"Let me put this in a way you'll comprehend. I've earned respect and gained power on my own. Whereas you've been handed everything on a silver platter since you were born. If the title was granted based upon feats of strength and not who had powers since birth, I would have been the heir from the start. While I'm out there on the front lines, you spend all your time in the castle and hanging out with your loser friends. You will never end the war." Quillian explained in a condescending tone, flicking back his long blond bangs and cockily striding away from her. Artemisia felt her anger begin to boil and impulsively retaliated.

"....my friends aren't losers Quill, you are!" Artemisia shouted, causing her family members to stop mid-step and turn to face her. It was her mother who was the first to interject.

"Artemisia! Stop acting like a child!" Bellona snapped. Artemisia turned towards her mother, an expression of slight surprise and hurt spread across her face.

"But he started it!" Artemisia protested, pointing at Quillian.

"Enough! Both of you apologize at once!" Orpheus boomed. Quillian and Artemisia locked eyes momentarily. Quillian chuckled under his breath and gave Artemisia a smug look.