After All

Chapter 12: Thoughts

A few weeks had passed since the confrontation at the border. Artemisia spent a lot of time reflecting upon past events, hoping to find a solution to the trouble she caused. When her self-reflection, eventually concluded, she called her family for an audience in the throne room.

"I've decided to abdicate my title and my claim to the throne," Artemisia announced.

"What would possess you to do that?" Bellona exclaimed, completely caught off guard by Artemisia's statement.

"After what I've done, I don't deserve it. Give the throne to Quillian. He should have been made the heir from the start. He'll be a much better ruler, with or without powers." Artemisia explained. Orpheus leaned back into his throne and stroked his beard in thought.

"And what about his heir? If Quillian dies, then the whole Skathi nation will crumble!" Bellona protested, caring more about the survival of the Skathi than the happiness of her children.

"I would be willing to let Lilith and Ravinia raise any children I have," Artemisia admitted, hoping this would be a good enough compromise for her parents.

"Quillian? What do you think of Artemisia's decision?" Orpheus asked, turning to his son. Quillian cleared his throat before stepping up to speak.

"If she abdicates her title then, she cannot stay here. I will not have any freeloaders living in my castle." Quillian commented, glancing over at Artemisia with a hint of glee in his eyes.

"Then what do you suggest we do with your sister?" Bellona coolly remarked. It didn't take long for Quillian to come up with an idea.

"If I am to inevitably take leave of the front lines, let Artemisia take my place. Her healing abilities could be of great benefit. Especially in the field hospital." Quillian commented, proud that he would finally be able to get rid of his sister. Artemisia, however, was unfazed by Quillian's suggestion.

"I'll do it." She confidently confirmed. Orpheus sighed and rose to his feet, slowly approaching his favourite daughter.

"Artemisia, it is dangerous on the front lines. Are you sure you want to subject yourself to that? There are things out there that even I can't protect you from." Orpheus explained, placing his hands on either side of Artemisia's shoulders.

"I know, father. But this is what I want to do. More importantly, it's what I have to do." Artemisia emphasized. Orpheus sighed once more, his heart sinking at the thought of losing his daughter. However, he knew he had no choice but to comply with Artemisia's wishes.

"Very well. As you wish." Orpheus added, taking a few steps backwards and clearing his throat.

"Artemisia Salvatore. You have chosen to abdicate your status as heir of House Salvatore. As written by Skathi Law, I have no choice but to strip you of your titles. You are no longer a member of house Salvatore. No longer can you live on Salvatore lands nor use the Salvatore name. From now on you are the property of your mother's bloodline, House Curran. Since your mother, Bellona Curran agrees with me, it is up to me to decide your fate. I make this decision as your father, Orpheus Salvatore, the current patriarch of House Salvatore. You may never step foot on any noble land, nor marry anyone from the noble houses: Salvatore, Broderson, Lestrange, Melenia and Curran. Now, go forth and never disobey the law again." Orpheus softly commanded, heartbroken that his daughter had to leave.

"Thank you, father. Your judgment is sound, and your wisdom is clear." Artemisia replied, curtsying before her parents.

"I suggest you pack your bags sooner rather than later. Anything you leave behind will be claimed as property of House Salvatore." Bellona harshly remarked, completely unmoved by Artemisia's respectful gesture. Artemisia ignored her mother's comment as she made her way out of the throne room and up to her bedroom for the final time. She was given a single suitcase to pack up her belongings with, which she did so diligently. Desiree and Nolan heard the news and went upstairs to check on Artemisia.