Lieutenant

Chapter 6

It had been nearly a month since Zoë had first joined the hunt. At last, Artemis and Zoë had two additional companions. Young nymph girls seeking refuge from the endless pursuits of satyrs and humans alike. Artemis couldn't help but feel sorry for them, it was clear they had no desire for romantic feelings of any sort. She could only imagine how annoying it must be.

However, this presented an interesting dynamic. After a bit of thinking, Artemis had thought up an oath that would bind the girls to her service. However, she had run it by Zeus first. He agreed but things had not gone as smoothly as Artemis had hoped.

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"It has been brought to my attention, Artemis, that you harbor special affections." Zeus glanced up at his daughter from where he sat on a bench in the royal gardens.

Artemis's face scrunched up into an expression of distaste. "Who have you collected this information from? I assure you, father, no man has-"

Zeus held up a hand, quietly interjecting. "It is no man. Simply the one you trust to be your second in command. The girl."

"She has a name, father," Artemis pointed out, crossing her arms.

"Whatever the case, I wish to know if this is true?" His electric blue eyes seemed to shoot straight into her soul. It was a bit ironic, him being so concerned with Artemis considering his past history.

"Of course I have affections for her. She has taught me the ways of the mortal world where you have not. It is no different than Athena and her affection for knowledge." Artemis glanced out at the rows of neatly groomed flowers and bushes, all of them vibrant with color.

"You must promise me that is the case." Zeus cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him.

"Why do you wish to know father? Considering your past transgressions." It would have been an irritating question coming from anyone else, but Artemis had learned to phrase things with a false innocence.

"Your brother has informed me, along with Hermes, that you are particularly intimate together." Zeus raised his cloud-like eyebrows, trying to judge his daughter's reaction.

"Father, have you never had a best friend? A person who means the world to you? Yes, perhaps there is an emotional connection, but it is not as you think." Artemis shook her head as if to affirm her denial of romance.

"Just remember the agreement and the uprise of your little group. You hunt the monsters of the mortal world." Zeus turned away from his daughter, clearly dismissing the discussion. Artemis bowed slightly only out of fake respect before leaving.

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Artemis sat absentmindedly by the fire that flickered in the dark. The sparks that shot into the air seemed to dance like little lightning bugs. The two young companions Artemis had acquired were asleep in their respective encampments. Only Zoë remained awake besides Artemis.

"They seem to be adjusting quite well, My Lady." That was another thing. Due to the new recruits, and the idea that formality was important, Zoë had now almost exclusively called her by the designated title instead of her name.

Artemis only hummed a reply, resting her chin in her hands. It was unlike her to be so silent, only Zoë had noticed the change over the past week. Artemis seemed more careful. More restrained in her actions. To those who had not grown accustomed to Artemis's demeanor, it would not be noticeable.

Zoë glanced about, almost cautiously, before seating herself next to Artemis and speaking in a low whisper. "Artemis, is there something upsetting you?"

Artemis let out a small breath and glanced at Zoë with a thin smile, it could have fooled anyone else but the girl looking intently at her. "I'm only thinking of what we will do next. My father reminded me the purpose of our group. To hunt. Only, it seems there is nothing quite yet to hunt."