Library
English
Chapters
Settings

Chapter 9 Tale of An Official Meeting

A/N sorry for the long wait guys. You see, I have hit a wall to where this story goes. So I had to stop and started reading around to get inspiration for my plot. I have finally planned out the plot and got the basic info needed for each chapter. From now on, it will be regular update as I have got the storyline down.

It was dark and the world seemed to have been filled entirely by a laughter. It was sinister and wicked. I was trapped, trapped in an abyss that was haunted by this laughter.

"Perseus!" I called, reaching out into the blank.

Then from behind, a pair of arms wrapped around me, locking me in place. At first it had the familiar warmth that I normally associated with. But then the breathing and that whisper widened my eyes. He wasn't Perseus.

"What do you say Moon Goddess? Why don't we finish what we started hm?"

I struggled, trying to push him away but his hold was strong. Though I could not see his face, I knew whose was that voice belonged to. It was Lieutenant Fingrol.

"Get off me!" I screamed desperately, tears threatening to fall.

His filthy hands started molesting the fabrics at my waist. Then with a powerful snatch, he shredded my shirt into ribbons.

My eyes opened with stars, as streams and droplets of sweats coated my body. By chest was heavy, from the hard breathing. I immediately took in the surrounding and its familiarity calmed my nerves. I felt a weight at my chest, and at first I was jolted by the muscular arm that reminded me of my nightmare. But when I came to my senses, I knew whose arm it belonged to.

Perseus laid asleep next to me, his face was hidden by my auburn hair as he comfortably wrapped his whole around me, probably enjoying the forest scent that I always radiated. His warmth breathing fanning the crook of my neck, occasionally sending shivers down my spine. I ran my fingers along his arm, trying to calm myself down for the incident yesterday had shaken me up quite badly.

My movement however disturbed the Prince's sleep.

"Why are you up so early Goddess?" He moaned, ducking his face closer to the skin at my neck. I shivered by the touch of his nose. "Shouldn't you be exhausted from yesterday?"

I wrapped my arms around his, hugging it for support and warmth.

"Do you even know what time it is now?"

Although I couldn't tell specifically the time. But by living here for months, I have developed the sense of when is day and night. And I could tell it was already late in the morning.

"Probably 8.a.m" that was his response.

"Shouldn't it be late for you now? Aren't you supposed to have your little meetings and training?"

He snuggled closer to me, as if I was his personal pillow. Well, for the time being, I actually was the pillow.

"I don't wanna step outside"

"Is it because of yesterday?" my voice turned shallow. The image of blood coating his body already shook me up. What had he done to Fingrol only Chaos could tell. But I knew one thing, he was in deep deep trouble.

"Just don't worry about it" his voice showed a level of irritation. Even though it annoyed him, I knew it was part my fault for getting him into this.

"But it was my trouble in the first place. You didn't have to get yourself involved." I tried to loook at him. Put he had locked me into a position that I could not turn my head nor move my body.

"It was that idiot's fault for damaging my stuff" he grumbled. I need to constantly remind myself that my Wolf has a short temper.

Perhaps our little conversation had disturbed his comfort that morning. He groaned and popped onto one of his elbow, as the other free hand brushed the side of my cheek.

He sighed. "Listen here Moon Goddess. You-"

Suddenly, the doors bursted open as Feyre walked in, the terrified look on her face made my blood turn cold.

"Lord-"

But before she could continue the next word, a powerful aura sent chills down my spine. Someone was coming, and he radiated so much power as if he was a walking nuclear power plant. Then from the margin of the door frame, he appeared, mighty and confident.

He wore the same golden gown, like streams of gold trailing down from his shoulders. His distinctive and ethereal golden hair, like wheat upon the field. He stood at the door, looking at us. Perseus leisurely sat up. Gosh he wasn't wearing a shirt. Embarrassment crept onto my face as I pulled the blanket over me, so only the top half of my head was visible. What would the High Prince think? Would he think I'm Perseus's sex slave or some sort. Especially with the position we were in, and Perseus not having a shirt. Though I was having my clothes on, it was not good of an excuse.

"Good to see you brother" Perseus said casually. "But I do really mind if you don't disturb my morning session with the Moon Goddess"

Gosh, what bullshit are you talking about you idiot! I wanted to punch him in the face, but that embarrassment just froze my veins.

"Good to see you brother" The High Prince replied, unaffected. "We will have a discussion later. Right now, I would like to speak to the lady" he nodded toward my direction.

Perseus's face suddenly switched to serious. He glanced at me once and immediately back to his brother.

"What I did was my business and responsibility. You don't need to involve her"

"It is not about the incident brother, I can promise you that." The High Prince said. "Just need to have a light conversation and greeting. After all, she is a Princess of Olympus. Would you even deny me for having a diplomatic conversation brother?"

Perseus couldn't say anything against that. After all, he was The High Prince and I was a legitimate Princess. So the High Prince's desire to have a conversation with me seemed reasonable. Perseus only grunted and stared at his brother.

"She is my property brother, you must know that. Do not cause any damage"

The last sentence seemed more like a threat than a reminder. But The High Prince didn't seem to be offended or uneasy by it.

"Good. Then I will let you two prepare. I will be waiting that the Entrance"

With that, he left as if he did not witness anything. How could someone can hold that level of calmness and composure was beyond me. I was certain that if he was to catch Perseus and I on bed, both naked, he wouldn't even blink nor batter any disgusted reaction.

The door closed and there left only the two of us. I looked at Perseus, who was still looking at the door, thinking hard about something.

"Uhm. I don't think it is wise to make him wait" I commented.

Perseus was easy to get himself changed. All he did was to put on his black tunic and that was it, the warrior that he was born to be. But I was the difficult one. Ever since my imprisonment in this cave, the only clothe I had was my hunter uniform. Though I did take shower and my clothes were designed to be automatically washed once I sleep, the jacket and jogging pants are not presentable to a High Prince in my perspective. Perseus kept staring at me examining at my silver jacket and he shook his head.

"You look ridiculous"

He clapped his hand and immediately, Feyre brought in a tray with black fabric on top of it. It was revealed to be a dress, the obsidian black bodice, glittered by the thousands diamonds like stars on the night sky that ran flawlessly down my body. The rim-breast was covered by the black diaphanous fabric that ran along my entire arm. Too my opinion, it was a bit revealing for my entire back had nothing to cover it and my cleavage could be seen thanks to the bloody diaphanous fabric.

Perseus stared at me with amusement the moment I walked out of the changing room. He had already switched to his pristine black attire, with silver trim twirling at his front to form the mountain with free seven pointed stars atop of it. I have learnt that was the insignia of his clan.

He walked over to be, setting a flock of my auburn hair behind my ear, then a crown appeared at his hand. It was made of a rare material, not of silver nor gold but white and dazzling. The white gems placed at its centre shaped of a seven pointed stars, accompanied by two black gems shaped in the same fashion at its sides. He placed it upon my head, and I only looked up at him, to see a smile at his lips as if he was satisfied with my whole.

He brought us to the mirror, a black crown, but was designed similar to mine already appeared upon his. Our reflection asserted something. That we were not of master and pet. That I was not of the Olympian Princess nor Goddess. But I was a queen, his queen. A part of his Clan, I was a Shadow Claw.

"Why the formal outfit?" Words stuttered from my mouth as we were still staring at our reflection.

"Because Goddess, I need my brother to know that you belong here and you are mine. So he has no right to take you away."

"This would raise a war between the clans Perseus" I turned to him.

"Isn't that what you want?" He smirked down at me. "Internal conflict between the Princes. Perfect opportunity for the Olympians to strike."

"Save time for your stupid teasing" I smacked his arm. "It's not wise to anger the High Prince. Beside dressing me up like this would only raise trouble to you. No one in this clan would dare to put on this crown, even my attire is a privileged thing for Shapeshifters. And don't contradict me on this because I know this is a royal dress, not for the commons."

"Wow you have broad knowledge and eyes Artemis. I have to give you that" he grinned. "But there's one thing you don't know"

He leaned closer to me.

"No one in this clan would ever dare to question my decision. Not because they are afraid Goddess, it's because they trust me"

"What about others? Surely Tharnor would not appreciate me dressing up like this."

"That's his concern" Perseus said nonchalantly. "Not mine. Beside, as long as you stay in this cave, no one would ever open their mouth to gossip."

"But-"

"No buts, and didn't you say we should not make The High Prince waiting? It seems like you are the hypocrite"

I was put up with his contradictions and teasing. So I gave him a huff and stormed towards the door. But he strolled to my pace, hooked his elbow around mine and escorted us out, as if I was his all along.

I had never seen him behaving like this. Not that he was all protective about his "property". But today he was particularly overprotective. So I halted our steps and stared at him.

"What's wrong?"

He didn't respond, nor even look at me. He stared at the door as if it was his enemy. After a moment of silence, which he had realised I was not going to give up until he had given me an answer, Perseus sighed and turned to face me.

"Listen to this carefully Artemis" he held my shoulders. "What ever sweet and reasonable words he says to you. Do not trust him."

"What's wrong with the High Prince? He seems like a gentleman and a nice person" I frowned.

"If he was like who you described" Perseus rolled his eyes. "Why do you think we, the Princes, are all shit scared of him?"

"Because Goddess" he took a step closer, lowering his gaze to my eye level. "Therion might not be the best fighter out of all of us, might not be the best tactician during battle. But he's a manipulator and a planner; and he is so damn good at it. Everything he does will at the end be beneficial to him and the Clans. I love my brother, but I don't trust him in many aspects. So what ever you do. Do not strike a deal with my brother."

His last reminder was slow and firm.

"He may give you his word. But those words always have two blades Artemis, and at any moment, they can cut you."

I only stared at those eyes, which were serious as if he was going to battle. I replied with a smile and held his cheek with my palm, hoping that action could ease some of his concerns.

"I'll be careful around him. So don't worry"

And I let go of him. I did not look back, for I knew he would stop me from walking out that door the instant our eyes meet. I wished I had done that the night he walked out of our tent. The night that I hated most, dreaded and cried over. I regretted that decision for letting him go, so that now my only wish was to get back to that night. To tell him to stop and ignore whatever that was going on outside our tent.

One step towards those doors now felt heavy. I heeded his words, and now I was afraid of the High Prince. If someone could scare Perseus like that, I was no different than a calf walking towards a lion. What if something terribly wrong happen? What if Therion arrests me the moment I stepped out of Perseus's territory? Perseus's protection. I knew Perseus was reckless and he would charge into the High Prince's palace to get me if he had to. But if I was to be a hostage, that would shackle Perseus to the ground. In fact, I wasn't sure if Perseus truly cared about me that much. What if I really was his pet, a valuable property that he kept to entertain. After all, he was no longer the Perseus I knew and learned to love. He wasn't the sweet and innocent boy who would oblige to my words. He was no longer the wolf that needed my protection. He was now the opposite of it. However, deep down, despite all the oaths and hatred I had sworn against him, I knew I was still in love with him. He was my first and my last and despite my desperate attempt to severe that knot between us, I couldn't. I couldn't cut it. There were nights when I wished I could stop loving him, so that he could kill me and be miserable once he retained his memory. But I couldn't. Just imagining him being broken brought me to tears. I have seen him broken enough. Both of us have. For all those months of ups and downs, of tears and laughters, I have realised one thing. That I was ready to sacrifice for him.

We walked together along the path that snaked around the supporting pillars of the cave. It had been a long time since I last walked upon this place. In fact, it was my second time walking across Perseus's territory. The last time was when me being transported here. Now I'm leaving it. I still remembered vividly the vines and flowers that grow from the hewn-stone pillars. Underneath the path, a stream of rainbow flow, provided the vital essence for the life in this cave. The golden dust fell on my shoulder, as the fairy light above brought life to the darkness of this cave. It reminded me of the cave Perseus built on Leto's island, though this was much grander and more elegant.

I felt Perseus's smirking beside me, probably pleased with my awed-look at his design. I was actually a little annoying and I stormed on his feet. He didn't give more reaction than just a tug of his lip. Finally, after a long walk in his fantasy land, the light at the end of the tunnel came into sight. The cave entrance was still the same. Two massive doors hewn from the stone itself, with images of wolves and the starry sky as well as ancient runes carved on them.

The High Prince was already outside waiting, with no guard in sight. I actually let out a breath of relief. This means he actually wanted to talk to me, not just come to arrest me. However, his relaxing eyes did not reassure me but made me more nervous. Who knew what was going behind that unaffectionate eyes of his. Perseus's arm tightened around mine, pulling me closer to his side.

"Brother" Therion nodded. "And Lady Artemis, you look magnificent"

"Thank you Lord," I gave a light bow.

I was nervous he would be enraged by the outfit I was wearing. I wasn't a shapeshifter, and to be wearing a royal dress would be an insult to his kind. I didn't know the custom of the Clans, but this is surely unacceptable for the Olympians.

"Now," Therion held out his hand. I couldn't help but to stare at the golden ring with the shape of a wolf, swallowing a blue gem at his finger. "May I have a few private moment with your Lady, brother?"

Perseus only gleamed back at his brother, not bulging. With a glance at his eyes and I knew he was not about to give me up. So I took the initiative and let myself off him. Realising my decision, Perseus reluctantly released his hold on me.

I put my hand on the High Prince's, as he guided me towards him.

"Remember what I told you brother" Perseus said in a normal tone, but anyone close to him would know it was a threat. 

"She will return to you safe and sound" Therion nodded. "You have my word."

Then he turned to me. "Lady, shall we go for a walk?"

It was a silence and uncomfortable long walk. We passed a garden, where flowers bloomed with all shapes and sizes and their colours seemed to edged into a canvas of leaves and fairy lights. I kept my hand together at my front. Pricking at my nail, I silently prayed the walk to end sooner and wonder why hadn't he said anything. Every now and then, I peeked at him from the corner of my eyes, and only saw him staring straight ahead. Unaffectionate and calmed. I bet if there was a storm going on around us, he would just keep walking. I guessed he wanted to make me comfortable, and surely I felt a little easier if we kept our silence like this. However, my hope was shattered like glass.

"How do you feel about our territory? We have just walked past the Eastern Garden."

I looked around, now only forested and fields that surrounded us. I didn't realise we already left it.

"It-it's magnificent miLord. Not easy to be witnessed anywhere on Earth." I stuttered.

"I know what Perseus said to you Artemis."

His word froze me on my path. He turned his head around to face me.

"I know many of my brothers are cautious of me. I don't blame them. My power and authority means there's a lot of responsibilities on my hand. Sometimes, there are decisions that are not agreeable to many people. But, there's a belief in my race is that you choose and do what you want, as long as it's not a wrong deed"

Then raging a war is the right cause for you? I wanted to say to him. But I knew where I was and who he was. If he gets offended, I would be dead in second.

"But sometimes what you think is the right way might actually bring harm to others. Wouldn't that be wicked to their perspective?" I said, picking my words wisely while still inferring to my point of the war.

"From the beginning of time. The cause and effect have always been the balancing force of nature" Therion sighed, staring at the sky. "Ascending and descending of the crowns. Civilisations rise and fall and it always goes in that cycle. But the fall does not happen because it is destined to be, but because of our cause. What you sow is what you ripe. Many years ago the God brought war to others. Now we bring war back to them. It's just a cycle Lady, you can't change nor make decision upon it."

"But your people are leaving this universe" I blurted out and Therion didn't seem to be surprised with me knowing his people's top secret. "Why don't you choose the peace of your people? Instead of plunging yourself into the slaughter and suffering just for the possession of control. It's not worth it."

"It's worth it when we have to leave someone like Perseus behind"

Thunder struck at my soul. My eyes widened in astonishment.

"Yo-you know..."

"I know Perseus's history Artemis. I know his past with you. I know the danger he was in and I know his blood."

Anger flashed in my eyes. I knew. I knew Perseus had his memory wipes away. I had been searching for the answer for months now. I didn't expect that person would be his brother, one of his blood. My eyes wanted to pierce him. He was the one that caused that rip between Perseus and me. He was the one that destroyed the happiness we had fought so hard for.

A dagger appeared at my hand, and without hesitation, I lunged at Therion. Screw all the rules and danger. Even though I have become submissive to Perseus, I was still Artemis, the fearless and stubborn.

"What did you do to him you jerk!" I wanted to struck that blade at his head. But Therion just wave his hand and a tang of magic power deflected my weapon out of my hand. He wrapped my wrists held me into place.

"I did what was necessary" he leaned closer to me while I struggled out of his hold.

"Perseus doesn't know this but the Crown of Chieftain has been bestowed upon him. He's the Heir in Apparent."

All my will to fight vanished within me.

"Wh-what..." I stammered.

Therion let go off me. He turned his back to me as if he wasn't afraid of me stabbing him in the back. He sighed.

"Before I was born, the crown has already been decided to pass down on Perseus's father. However, he went missing due to your father's assault on his camp. We were lacking the next heir and trouble arose between the Princes at the time. To prevent an internal conflict, my father took up the position as the Temporary Chieftain and wait until Perseus's father returned. But we now know he's long gone. So since he has not appointed an Heir, the crown automatically shifts to Perseus."

I was speechless.

"You know what that means do you?" He took a step closer. "His reputation is therefore important. Lucien didn't come as an emissary Artemis. He was assigned specifically to bring Perseus home. But we didn't expect he was already deeply involved in the Olympian's affairs. His sacrifice was in vain."

My eyes lowered in shame. It was my fault that Lucien got killed. What worse, it was Perseus that killed him. All it was because of me.

"I'm sorry" was all I could say.

"Don't be" Therion waved his hand. "It's not your fault. You are special to him from the beginning I know that. Even when he has lost all of his memory, he still took an interest in you. You two fates have not ended yet. But, the fates that linger means there's a doom destined to follow. The Elders have foreseen it. Perseus's dark future. He is invincible to all, nothing can kill him, can hurt him except love. That's why we made him heartless and cold, so he would not suffer at the hand of his downfall. But you again can still break that barrier."

"High Prince I-" I wanted to reject. But what he said was mostly true. Perseus could've lived a long and happy life on Leto's island if he hadn't known me and taken an interest in me. Perseus wouldn't have been hurt, broken, chased away and wounded if he didn't come to live with me...he wouldn't have lost his past if he didn't know me. Paecus's words on that day when we had our dance rang at my ear.

Accept him and you both will face the dark future ahead. Or reject him so you will be broken but safe from whatever that is to come.

"If you love him. I suggest you should leave him." He said firmly, staring right at me.

"I...I..." I didn't know what to do. I was close, so close to bringing Perseus's memory back. I couldn't leave him now, not after my effort and sacrifice in all these months.

"He's going to be a Chieftain. Even if you two are together, the grudge between our people will shred you two apart. His interest and protection over you have damaged his reputation recently. He even got into a fight with two Princes. Please understand Artemis. You two cannot be together. Whatever fates you believe to be sharing with him will only bring you pain and suffering."

Seeing my silence and dilemma. Therion sighed.

"I will give you time to consider"

I looked at him in surprise.

"From now on. You are no longer anyone's property or prisoner. You are my guest here. You are free to roam our land under my protection. You have my word. But beware of the other Princes. They may not be as tolerant as I am."

"Thank you Milord" I stammered.

"Now" he clapped his hand. "I believe I should return you to Perseus. The longer we keep him waiting, the more reckless he will be. I wouldn't appreciate him charging to my Palace, asking for your whereabout."

With that, Therion left me there and walked away.

"Oh and one more thing" he suddenly turned back. "Just keep this between us okay?"

He never looked back after a wink. I only stared at his back, pondering upon his words until he was gone.

What he said was true. I shouldn't linger with Perseus any longer. Before I thought he was just a leader of a Clan. Now I know he is the leader of all Clans. His future was more important than me. But leaving him again this time is more painful than the last. At the time, I was more likely to consider the leaving him option. At the time, was likely to make his what was best for his future to be a priority. It was because I didn't realise I had been falling in love with him. Now I have known what is love and that feeling became an invisible chain. I was no longer carefree. I have learned the bitterness of love. Those months when he went missing, I was broken and alone. I still dreaded the chill at night when he was not around, for I had learned to love his warmth and comfort. Now I have returned to those arms. I'm scared to face that nightmare again. Maybe time will reveal its answer. But I was afraid by that time, I would become to attached to him. It would be impossible for me to leave.

But sooner or later, I had to give Therion an answer. He had spoken out against me bing here. Even though he gave me freedom, that wouldn't guarantee my safety. If I don't provide him an answer soon, I'm afraid I would return to those chains again. But this time is in a dungeon, not Perseus's bedroom.

My thoughts made me to lose track of time. I observed my surroundings, which somehow similar. When I came close to the edge of the forest, I immediately felt it. A strong pull of an invisible force.

Magic.

As I walked closer to an oak tree, that metallic tang assaulted my nostril, straining at my strength. I tried to touch the tree, but couldn't. My hand laid flat on an invisible wall. An impregnable wall. Even if the Olympians attack this place, there was no way they could get through this wall. The ward here was so strong that as if the wall was sucking away my power.

Why would the High Prince even brought me to a place like this? At the edge of their territory.

I didn't have time to figure out the answer as the sun was settling. Its last radiant painted the sky in a fiery blend of softness and grey. Perseus must be anxious right now. Anymore delay and he would actually march out to find Therion.

I hastily walked back the way I came.

Download the app now to receive the reward
Scan the QR code to download Hinovel App.