I was awoken by the sound of the mid-morning bell.
“Oh, holy shit!” I cursed.
Pierre squawked. “What’s wrong?”
I scrambled out of my bed and scurried towards my bathroom across my room. I didn’t even bother to ask the servants for warm water. As soon as I was done I changed into a black sleeveless shirt and pants. I grabbed my red leather jacket with the dragon insignia on it. I hurried downstairs with Pierre flying along with me. I put on the jacket as I ran to the throne room.
I bowed at the king. “Forgive me, my lord. I-I, uh, woke up late.”
Alex smirked at our father’s side. “That’s because Zim stayed up late last night. To watch the stars.”
“Fu—” I stopped myself. “Don’t listen to him, sir. He’s getting more delusional every single day.”
I never called the king Dad or Daddy. I rarely even call him Father. Whenever I speak to him I call him Sir, Your majesty and my lord, but not Father.
The king folded the scroll he was reading. “So, tell me, Artemis. Was there an actual important event where you were not late?”
“Um, I was early during the Summer Solstice tournament.” I replied in the most respectful way.
“Of course,” The king raised his hands. “I heard news about your championship title.”
I felt a glimmer of hope.
“But before we discuss that, I—” He began to say.
We were interrupted by one of the servants. “Sire, the Starks are at the gate to come to see you.”
“Everyone leave the throne room.” King Alexander ordered us children.
“What?” Alex complained. “But Dad—”
“NOW!”
I grabbed Alex by the wrist and dragged him outside the throne room.
“Artemis,” My father said. “Go find Gavner. Tell him I need him in the throne room, immediately.”
I nodded.
As soon as we got out the room Alex shook my hand off his wrist.
“I am heir to the throne,” He bellowed. “I need to watch and learn how Dad negotiates with his allies.”
“Shut up,” I told him. “You fuck at being a king.”
“I am your future king!”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, and I’m the goddess of the hunt. Don’t be so superior now that the king’s home.” I turned to Pierre fluttering in the air. “Let’s go,”
