After All

Chapter 7: Retreat

It didn't take long for Zane and Artemisia to arrive at his family home. She was immediately caught off guard by the grandiose marble palace and its surrounding towers and landscaping. In comparison, Castle Salvatore looked and felt like an ornate stone prison. Zane noticed that Artemisia was gawking at the castle and laughed.

"It's pretty neat, huh? Not many people get to see this up close." He commented as he led Artemisia towards the front door.

"And there has never been a single Skathi within these walls. It's the safest place in all of Elan!" Zane bragged, hoping it would be a selling feature for Artemisia to stick around. However, Artemisia wished Zane knew how untrue that statement was now that she had stepped on such sacred grounds.

"It's very... bright. And green." Artemisia commented.

"Yeah, I think my mom overdid it with the hedges and stained-glass. But it's still pretty neat, I guess." Zane added. As if she had heard Zane's remark, Catherina suddenly appeared in the front doorway.

"Zander!" Catherina called out upon seeing her son.

"Ugh. Her ears must be burning." Zane grumbled. Artemisia glanced over in the direction of Zane's complaint and locked eyes with his mother. She felt her heart sink as she realized she was looking right at the Elanan queen, one of her people's greatest enemies. Zane noticed the worry on Artemisia's face and reached over to grab her hand.

"Don't worry. My mother's only coming over here to yell at me. She'll leave you alone." Zane assured, although it didn't do much to help Artemisia's anxiety.

"Zander, I didn't realize you were bringing a guest home. I thought you were upstairs studying." Catherina commented, not at all surprised that Zane was hanging out with friends instead of studying.

"I know mom, but Artemisia and I-"

"Ah, Artemisia! You're the one Emilia has been telling me about." Catherina exclaimed, happy to finally put a face to the name.

"You've heard of me?" Artemisia sheepishly asked, unsure if she should be flattered or creeped out.

"I assure you it's only been good things," Catherina commented, doing her best to be as welcoming as possible. However, Artemisia wasn't used to receiving such hospitality and shyly ducked behind Zane, so he could protect her.

"Why don't you come inside? We were about to have lunch." Catherina suggested, taking note of Artemisia's quietness.

"That would be great. What do you think, Artemis?" Zane asked, turning towards Artemisia and unwittingly compromising her hiding spot. She hesitated for a moment but when Artemisia saw the kind expression on Catherina's face she knew she couldn't say no.

"I'd love to." Artemisia shyly replied. Zane smiled and took her by the arm as they followed Catherina into the dining room. Lief was already seated at the round table, alongside Emilia and Zane's friends.

"Arty! Hi!" Emilia exclaimed, waving at Artemisia. Lief glanced up from his papers and gazed over at Artemisia.

"Rina, who is this?" Lief asked, gesturing towards Artemisia.

"This is Artemisia! Zane's new girlfriend." Emilia teased. Zane glared and shook his fist at his sister. However, he soon stopped when his father gave him a disapproving look.

"Artemisia will be joining us for lunch," Catherina announced, kissing her husband on the cheek before sitting beside him.

"Ah, you should have told me. I would have gotten changed for the occasion." Lief remarked.