Olympiad is Falling, The Rise of Artemis

“Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t use your powers, don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself Artemis. You’ll get into the castle with Marcus.” Daylen said.

Solaris’ castle had to be the most magnificent piece of infrastructure I’ve ever seen. A castle with twelve towers and blocks made of glass and marble gargoyles. Crystal clear material but no one could see what was laying beyond whose walls.

“Why can’t I go in with you?” I asked him.

“Because people will assume you’re my lover.” He grunted.

“She kind of is dude.” Marcus sighed.

He looked at me and I looked away. He grabbed my chin and made me look at him. He smirked. I groaned. I didn’t want to see that. Walking across the street into that enormous castle had me shivering.

“I just don’t want people associating us because it’ll put you in danger.”

“How romantic.” I rolled my eyes.

“Hey. I’m serious Artemis. I need to make sure you’re safe.”

“Yes, yes I got.” I wrapped my arms around myself.

“Marcus will take you to my office. Wait for me there.” He said, before starting across the grey street.

“He means his personal dungeon.” Marcus said.

I saw Daylen walked passed two armed guards and disappear through double doors.

“Are you sure we won’t have any trouble?” I asked.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“If anyone asks, you’re here for Jason.”

“Who’s that?” I asked as Marcus ushered me towards the two guards armed with spears.

“The crowned prince. He was the one we hid you from when we first met.” Marcus whispered.

We made it through the guards without scandal. I thought about Daylen and how he was entitled to all this and not Jason. When the time came for the queen to step down Daylen would come onto the scene like an intruder in the night.

The castle was bustling that no one really paid attention to me. It was weird the castle was packed with so much energy that it almost gave me a headache. We got to a lonely door down dull corridor. Marcus looked behind him before ushering me in.

“I have to go to the meeting as well. Stay here. We’ll find you as soon we’re done.”

I nodded and was left in the chilly room. It was so dark without as much as a window in here. Daylen only had a desk and a chair in here. I thought he had a high rank, why did he have such a horrible office? It was big with grey painted walls and a floor with black patches.

“I wish I could see what they were talking about.” I whispered and paced the length of the room.

I imagined what the room would be like and the position Daylen would take. I wondered how he carried himself when he was in his element. Was he cocky the way he was when he was with me? I turned from the desk and jumped back when another room merged with the one I was in. I cupped my mouth, hoping the people in the other room wouldn’t hear me. It didn’t look like they noticed me at all.

They all had their eyes focused on the woman with a crown of golden claws on the top of her head. Her eyes were so cold like the coldest winters river… just like her son. He stood in front of her, speaking. I swallowed, should he be doing that? Everyone else looked at him as if he was insane and others looked at him with disgust. The door to the office rattled.

Shoot. I literally had nowhere to hide. So I ran through the imagine. I couldn’t hear Daylen talking. I couldn’t even shut it off. The door burst in and I wondered what was going on? There was nothing to steal in here. A man with a purple cape stormed in along with a man that looked increasingly familiar. The King.

My heart stopped pumping. I was so screwed. The two men took in the entire rom. I swear the short man with the purple cape looked me in the eye, but he turned back to the King.

“There’s power in this room.” He said.

“I know Storm. It’s the same type of magic that nearly killed me. If it weren’t for Solaris, I wouldn’t be here.”

“So, the boy has a secret weapon!” Storm spat.

I frowned. I wouldn’t call myself a secret weapon.

“He’s planning something. Why else would he have so much power?” The King said, surveying Daylen’s desk.

I couldn’t believe that they couldn’t see me. I swallowed, what were they doing to do to Daylen?

“Of course, I’ve never trusted the boy. He never shows his wings. His closeness to the Queen has to be a ploy to gain her trust then strike.”

The King considered the suggestion deeply, but not long enough before he agreed.

“I don’t need evidence to have him arrested.” The King said.

“Uh, but there might be one small problem… the Queen.” Storm said.

“I can handle Solaris.” He spat.

What did I do? Bust the illusion and take them both down then warn Daylen? I didn’t have to make the choice because Daylen burst in seconds later. Both men straightened their spines. Daylen walked in calmly.

“Anything I can do for you gentlemen?” Daylen asked.

His eyes went around the room and I knew he was looked for me. I saw a hint of panic in his eyes.

“Nothing of course.” Storm spat as if he wasn’t in the wrong for being in Daylen’s office.

“I’m only wondering what The King and yourself General Storm are doing in my office. I find it hard to believe you two got lost.” Daylen smirked.

“This is my castle. I can be wherever I want.”

Daylen shrugged, “By no ownership of yours, it’s just because you married the Queen.”

“You’re your mouth-”

“Have a good day gentlemen.” Daylen opened the door wider.

The King lifted his shoulders and marched out.

“This isn’t over.” General Storm said before he pranced out.

I rushed out of my hiding place as soon as Daylen shut the door. I hoped he would see me. He did. He sighed and wrapped me in his arms.

“I’m glad you didn’t listen this time.” He kissed the top of my head and tightened his grip around me.

“They knew I was here Daylen and…”

“Let’s get out of here first.”

Daylen opened the door and we were greeted with General Storm’s victorious laughter. He reached out and grabbed me, yanking me completely away from Daylen.

“Let her go!” Daylen demanded.

Three guards came from behind the General and ceased Daylen. I swallowed. I knew we could take them. I couldn’t move my hands with Storm binding them together. No matter how hard I struggled.

“You’re a powerful little thing, aren’t you?” Storm laughed.

“You’ll regret this.” Daylen spat. He received a blow to the gut for that.

“To the Queen’s court.” Stormed declared.

I met Daylen’s gaze. He didn’t seem confident that we would get out of this.