(Personal Oc Story) Distant Lovers <3

Acknowledgment

Soft footsteps echo in the grand hallways of the castle. Steady and swift, the footsteps make their way to the staircase. Stopping for a brief moment before making their way down the stairs and straight into the arms of a great warrior. They stood tall and firm, unwavering to those who approached but when it came to her, exceptions are made.

"Artemis! I'm backkk!" ,a cheerful voice sang and is followed by laughter.

Artemis returns a small greeting and is curious to hear of how her trip went. Though it's the same everytime. Arriving home safely, and only spending a few days home before returning again. Sometimes Artemis wondered if Orchid remembered she had a kingdom to run. The Warrior Queen then guides Orchid to a room, nicely decorated with soft colors and children's toys, then over to a crib. There a small baby lay asleep. The goddess-like Queen covered her mouth to not squeal in joy, the recent death of royals in another kingdom left their newborn daughter orphaned, leaving Artemis with the responsibility of raising the child. Artemis smiles at the sight of Orchid's joy before gently picking the child up, cradling her in her arms.

Orchid keeps her eyes on the baby and gestures asking to hold them. The dear Queen was much like a mother to most little ones she's met, a very kind heart and she was no different to this little one. Artemis puts the baby into Orchid's arms and stands closely next to her. Overjoyed the light haired goddess holds the baby close smiling,  this child has brought her and Artemis much closer together, and nothing could ruin this moment in her eyes. If you were seeing the 3 together without knowing their roles and situations, you'd think they're a happy little family. Though such an idea is impossible to be made into reality, such a relationship would never bring heirs with royal blood that nobles and commoners demanded.

But in this moment they feel like a family and Artemis thinks of Orchid as hers, oh how lovely. Orchid was beautiful, she had bright white hair that had the ends of it speckled with blue. Then her yellow-ish skin also appeared very speckled. She quite literally glowed brightly when light hit her and her eyes were those of stained glass. A mortal goddess , blessed by the gods for sure.
While Dear Artemis was the opposite, her hair was a dark orange and her skin is decorated with battle scars which she shows proudly when appropriate. Then her eyes are the common piercing yellow. Even so Orchid brought out the best in Artemis which is perfect for the small child as their future holds becoming a Great Ruler as well, Artemis couldn't be a better pick for strong and firm warriors but the assistance of Orchid helped in other things unrelating to combat abilities and discipline.

A nice balance between the two couldn't be more important. This leads to years of raising the child whose name is Dern, after her late mother, together and often times are rumored to be married. While a lovely dream, unattainable.
A dark day approached, the flowers wilting and the sky filling with storm clouds. A normal day for Artemis and Orchid before a small messages ran in, poor thing got caught in some rain , they swiftly call for Lady Orchid and deliver a letter from her parents. Artemis stands nearby and patiently watches. After a few moments the once brightly glowing Queen becomes dim and slow. She thanks the messenger and turns to Artemis. Course this sudden change in Orchid doesn't go unnoticed by the Warrior Queen, trying to comfort her Artemis ask if she'd like a hug, obviously terrible news.

A few moments of silence pass by before Orchid hugs Artemis as tightly as she can. They stayed still for a while, Artemis felt her shoulder becoming wet from tears. Orchid felt her feet lift off the ground, course Artemis carrying her to a more private room. Despite often respectful warriors surrounding them, a serious matter indeed. They now stand in Artemis's room, which felt more like their room together. Orchid's perfume often lingered and the room felt full when she was there. Unfortunately the room would now feel empty for a long time.. Orchid tells Artemis the news while choking on tears. An arrangement with a man to marry. A occurrence the parents of Orchids swore wouldn't happen. Suppose they became impatient and frustrated.

Orchid is a whole Queen, she can just not marry this guy. Unfortunately the outcome of denying this will plunge many into despair. An important family offered their dear Son- without the marriage the family likely would react, harshly. Money can only get you so far and sometimes it's easier to simply, remove the obstacles. Anyways , Artemis took a minute to process the information, realizing that no longer would Orchid be hers. Technically wasn't in the first place but sharing a bed and the parenting of a child, it felt that way. Artemis runs her hands through Orchid's hair, saying reassuring things the best she could. The man could be understanding and maybe she'll find happiness with him. Deep down though she wanted to be that happiness that shown within Orchid. Her words were met with more tears and another hug, once again soaking the Warrior Queen's shoulder.

Orchid sobbed, desperately not letting go of Artemis. She begged to be held a little longer, and everything started flowing out of her, what she loved about Artemis and more. There would be very few chances to say this again. Artemis listened to every word and every breath intently, patiently wiping her tears away and waiting for Orchid to collect herself. A very last minute confession, though most things said Artemis was well aware of but hearing her confirm all these things was soothing. After Orchid held onto Artemis quietly , taking in everything she could have them like this. Then Orchid started gathering her belongings because she knew she wouldn't be back with a wedding to organize now. Artemis is also quiet and assist in gathering things. When that is done she calls the two dear warriors that often accompany Orchid home and instruct them to do as they've always done now but do not linger any longer than necessary.

Artemis walks Orchid to the doors, these go through the garden then to a path that leads to a bigger road to take her back home. Orchid stops at the doors, reluctant to go out them and sets her things down to give Artemis another hug. This time dear Orchid left her unrequited lover a small kiss. Wasn't the first kiss and felt like it'd be their last. And before she knew it she was walking away from Artemis with only the Warriors who often accompanied her home at her sides. But Artemis watched from the doorway until Orchid faded from sight before going back into her residence.

Was that decent? I'm gonna write a second chapter but if you made it this far thank you very much. I'm interested to hear any discussions.