When Blindfolds Fall

10: Broken Men Don't Make Mates

"Blimey, no wonder I take months to plan this, it's so much work." Josiah exhaled in his office as he stood up and stretched.

As of now, it seemed Josiah was lucky because his symptoms stayed at bay for longer than two hours. In the time he was at normal health, he managed to draft and send out all the invitations necessary through owl, select the time and meeting point, and get the king to approve the guest list.

All that was left were the minor details such as the aesthetics of the ballroom and the food and drinks to be served. Usually he was very careful in his selections, but he figured just one year of slightly less quality would be passable.

"Josiah?" A voice said from outside his office followed by a quiet knock.

"Come in, please." Josiah replied and went to open the door.

When it sprung open though, his eyebrows raised in surprise at seeing the king consort standing there.

"Are you busy?" Artemis smiled timidly.

"U-Um, a bit, but I have time for you of course, your highness." Josiah shook his head and bowed quickly. "Please, make yourself comfortable. Would you like anything?"

"No, no, don't worry Josiah. I just wanted to have a short word with you."

"Right, sure. How may I be of service, your majesty?"

Artemis gathered his thoughts first as he stood directly in front of the ambassador.

"First of all, I want this conversation to stay between us. Can you promise me not to tell Hades?" Artemis questioned awkwardly.

"I'm afraid if it involves national security or something he should be aware of I can't promise you that, your highness." Josiah looked concerned at him and put his hands behind his back. "However, if it is anything personal I can make an exception."

"Alright, well, I understand. Just . . . for your own good, you shouldn't tell him."

Again, Josiah tilted his head in confusion and waited for the prince to continue. Now he was curious about what he had to say more than ever.

Artemis held his hands together and pointed them at Josiah as he started:

"Have you mated with Dr. Bloodfern, Josiah?"

The ambassador widened his eyes and opened his mouth, unable to make a tangible sentence. What should he even say? How did he know? Does the king know?

His panicked eyes, the blush that instantly took over his face, and the closing and opening of his mouth made Artemis wave his hands to calm him.

"It's okay Josiah, I'm not here to scold you or be against it. In fact, it's silly that I'm asking, I'm certain you two are mates now." Artemis tried to smile to lower his guard. "You can tell me, I won't tell Hades."

"I--Y-Your highness . . ." Josiah exhaled fearfully. "How did you . . . kn-know?"

"I didn't smell it, I have no idea how you two managed that, but earlier tonight I recognized the symptoms in you and him. But, besides that, for a while I sort of suspected something between you two started happening. You just started acting different, both of you. I want you to know, I've actually been rooting for you two."

"I am . . . appalled your majesty. Thank you, um. Well, I reckon there's no fooling you any longer, so . . . y-yes, as of last day, Viktor and I are mates."

"That's great news." Artemis giggled and Josiah relaxed a bit. "I honestly don't know you or Dr. Bloodfern as personally as Hades might, but from what I know, I'm happy you two have found happiness together. I think you make a great couple."