A Love Like No Other

Part 35

Kir and Garvil sat at the table, their bubbly conversation filling the cottage. Artie sits in the chair, fixing the tear in Kir's shirt seam. Suddenly, a sharp knock sounds at the door. Kir and Garvil go silent. Kir's eyes snap to Artie.

Putting the sewing project down, Artie goes to the door. Only to be met with one of the king's soldiers.

"His majesty requests your presence," the soldier said.

"What for?" Artie demands. The soldier didn't answer her, only waited there to escort her to the palace grounds.

Saying a quick goodbye to her family, Artie follows the soldier through the night. 

It took only thirty minutes by horseback to arrive at the palace. The soldier talked to the men guarding the gates before being allowed inside.

This was starting to become a normal occurrence. The King requested Artie's presence at night, or when he knew Kir wouldn't be around. After the fight Kir and the King had a month prior about the treaty, they have been using Artie as the negotiator. Even if she's been trying to avoid anything to do with the King.

Walking through the palace doors, the King stood in waiting. His hands behind his back as he studies Artie.

"You are a hard miss to get alone," the King said.

"I have many matters to attend to," Artie replies.

"Right. Your family."

Those weren't the matters Artie was referring to. The new King had very old views. The women were only good for raising a family, that was about it. It annoyed Kir and Artie to death, but they had to remain civil in order to keep the treaty from going unbroken.

The King motions for her to the left hallway. She obliges.

In silence, the two walk side by side. The longer they walked, the more annoyed Artie became.

"Your majesty," Artie starts, "why am I here?"

"To give you one last chance," he states.

"Last chance?"

The King takes a deep breath before stopping in the middle of the hall. Artie follows his lead.

"As you know, the treaty allowing Grisha to live peacefully in my land is being threatened."

By you, Artie thought.

"I'm extending a… saving grace, if you will. Marry me. Become the Queen."

Artie couldn't control her surprised expression. She knew the King had some unrequited feelings towards her, but after being put down attempt after attempt, she thought this whole thing was behind her.

He knows she is married to Kir, is deeply in love with Kir, and yet he still has made advances towards her. His attempts became pathetic and horrendous.

"I'm afraid I will never do such a thing," Artie states strongly.

"Then I'm afraid, our treaty must come to an end." The King continues his walk. Artie stays where she was. "Oh." The King turns around once again. A snarky smile on his lips. "There will be a final decree in two weeks' time. You and the Shadow Summoner are required to attend."

Artie wanted to murder the man where he stood, but resisted. It was now or never. Find Morozova's writings and secrets or lose the fight for Grisha freedom.