After All

Chapter 6: Heartbreak

Earlier the same day, Adonis had gone to the castle to see Artemisia. After getting directions from a maid, Adonis headed up the stairs towards Artemisia's room with a bouquet of frozen flowers in his hand.

"Artemisia? I brought you something!" Adonis called out, knocking on her bedroom door. He paused for a moment before knocking again, and the door slowly creaked open. He took this as an invitation and opened the door. Adonis was surprised to see that Artemisia's room was empty.

"Hello? Artemisia?" Adonis called out as he slowly stepped into her room. He glanced around, searching for any sign of Artemisia. Instead, his eyes were drawn to the notes on Artemisia's bed. He reached over and picked up the first note and began to read it.

"I saw him again. So fascinating. Strange, he didn't show up with any weaponry. Maybe he's trying to extend an olive branch?" Adonis read out loud, chuckling and shaking his head. He didn't know why Artemisia was writing about him that way, but he felt compelled to learn more. Adonis picked up another note and began to read it out loud.

"He's such a strange man. One minute he's showing concern and the next he speaks to me so... kindly. He gave me a beautiful flower before we parted. I hope I can see him again. Despite the fact, he's so critical of my relationship.... with... Adonis." Adonis trailed off. He was shocked to realize that Artemisia had been spending time with another man. Unsure of what else to do, Adonis gathered the notes about Zane and brought them to Quillian at the tavern.

"So... she's been playing you like a fiddle?" Quillian retorted, tossing a note back to Adonis, who immediately shoved the notes back into his pocket.

"I just... I can't believe he would do this. Right after our engagement, too." Adonis softly mumbled, resting his face in his hands as he tried to make sense of everything he had read.

"Oh come on, Adonis, you can't be this naive! Did you think my sister was that innocent?" Quillian taunted. When Adonis didn't respond, Quillian picked up his drink and leaned back into his chair.

"Come on Addy. Did you think she didn't have other prospects? That no other suitors have come knocking on her door?" Quillian suggested.

"I don't know... I didn't think she'd be the type."

"So you don't believe me then?" Quillian sourly replied, putting his drink down on the table.

"I want to Quill, I really... really do. But I also want to believe Artemisia would never be unfaithful. She of all people must know how scandalous it is for a Skathi woman to have more than one partner!" Adonis protested.

"Relax Broderson, relax. Tell you what, let's go out tonight. Maybe some drunken antics will lift your spirits." Quillian suggested, rising to his feet and taking two glasses of Moon Shade (a highly addictive narcotic) from a barmaid passing by. Adonis hesitantly took a glass in his hand and stared at it for a moment. The thought of the girl he loved betraying him cut deeper than any battle wound, and thinking about it only made Adonis feel angrier. It didn't take long for his rage and Quillian's pressuring gaze to convince Adonis to cross the line.

"Yeah... let's do it!" Adonis firmly stated as the men downed their shots in one gulp. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as he and Quillian staggered out of the bar. Adonis promised himself he was going to confront Artemisia about the notes the next time he saw her. However, whatever grasp Adonis had on the situation was soon lost when the alcohol kicked in, and they entered a brothel.

A week had passed since Zane had seen Artemisia last. During this time he became more reclusive and started working out intensely. His family was far from content with his new attitude, but didn't know how to approach him on it. Omar and Samuel took it upon themselves to ask Zane what was bothering him.