42

The next day, the sun was shining brightly, with rays that threatened an entrance to his chamber, although it remained shrouded in obscurity and shadows.

Hours back, the general had informed the lord again about Artemis. He had handled the matter although being crossed by nuisances. Artemis was on her way and Sirius couldn't wait for her arrival; and at the same time, put an end to his mental torment.

As he sat on his luxurious throne, his calculating gaze rested at nothing in particular. As always, he passed the night thinking and drowning in thoughts, the rich wine doing nothing to ease his thirst for something he didn't even know anymore. Everytime he drank wine, he thought about Regan's hair, her bright spirit, and the way his eyes darkened when they spoke about her. He had to stop drinking it red for a while.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the grand doors and he told them to come in. A servant came, bowing, "Artemis has arrived, my lord."

"Bring her in," Sirius said flatly.

The girl, Lucy bowed and left. Minutes later the doors swung open again, this time two women entering. One dressed as a noble, the other probably the servant. The noble one, she looked restless, her chocolate eyes scanning the chamber, her wealthy dress whispering against the floor as she walked. The servant, her face tight with something unreadable, stood there, eyes downcast.

Sirius set the glass on the table, "Ah, such a long time not being seem, Artemis," he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery, "How are you, my dear?"

The noble one, Artemis, turned her eyes to him, lingering there for a moment longer, as if for longer than a conversation. But she could see the steel in his eyes.

"Why am I here?" she asked, her voice firm yet not so steady.

Sirius stood up from his throne, his movements confident and graceful. He looked at the servant, "Out," he commanded sharply.

The two women exchanged glances with nods, the servant turning to leave, closing the door behind her.

"You're here," Sirius began once more as soon as the servant was out of earshot, "for something important," he said as he walked over to the window.

Artemis's eyebrows furrowed slightly, "I don't have time for big words, Sirius. Say what you have to say."

Sirius smirked, "Really? Why so straightforward? I've always relished in finding ways to reveal without hurting others in the first place," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Please, I don't have time. Just get straight to the point," Artemis said, her voice filled with urgency. 

His smirk didn't falter, "The information I hold is valuable, I don't think you will ignore it as soon as you find out."

"What information?"

"Someone who's precious and valuable for us both."

The following was silence, full of confusion and uncertainty. Artemis took a step closer. "Who might that be?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

Sirius turned to her, "Your sister. Princess Yloria of Avalon."

Blood drained from her face, her eyes widening, "What?! I don't have a sister!" she exclaimed, shaking her head.

"Cut the act," Sirius's voice was now sharp and cutting, "You know very well she's alive. You must've seen something."

But Artemis's face was pale, "Alive? Yloria is alive?" she repeated, her voice unsteady and uncertain. "I didn't know anything of it! I thought you had killed her!"

"Don't you dare lie to me," Sirius warned, his eyes filled with a cold danger, "You were escaping with her."

"I lost her in the war," Artemis shrieked, her voice strained, "I never saw her again."

Sirius's jaw ticked, his smirk gone, "Who could've rescued her then?" he demanded, the question directed to not just Artemis, "Who could've wiped out her memory?"

"Maybe she's not truly Yloria," Artemis suggested, her eyes searching with a mix of disappointment and incredulity.

"I didn't call you here to question her identity," Sirius retorted coldly.

"Then why did you call me?"

Sirius sighed sharply, his lips pressed on a thin line. "To see her," he answered, "Don't you want to see your sister? You aren't happy she's alive?"

"Of course I am," she replied, her voice trembling slightly, "It's just so....so unexpected. Where's she now?"

"She's here," Sirius said, though his eyes now were less sure, as if he wasn't as much as convinced as when he had planned this.

Artemis nodded slowly, "And what do you plan to do with her? You plan to harm her? Use her as a leverage against me?"

Sirius chuckled dryly, "You think you're so important?" he sneered, walking back and sitting on his throne, "Even if that was my plan, she'd be anything but a leverage. She's powerful, Artemis. She's the true heir of Avalon. Unlike you."

Artemis's face grew from pale to red, "Why are you telling me that?" she questioned, her voice equally sharp.

"I plan to send her to the elder guardians or any of that sort," he stated calmly, stretching his black gloves. "And I want you to accompany her, provide for her."

Artemis's expression changed slightly, the line between her eyebrows fading, "You can't do that yourself?" she asked, her voice softer.

Sirius's eyes narrowed, his hand gripping the armrest of the throne, "She's not my responsibility," he snapped, his voice hard, "She's your sister and they'd require a bloodline relative," he paused for a moment, a hint of disdain in his eyes, "You're just like Cortez, aren't you? Always thinking about yourselves."

Artemis's fists clenched at his words, "If there's someone here who cares only about himself is you, not my father. And years have passed, you still can't get over it. My father owes you nothing."

"But he's the reason why we're discussing that," Sirius's voice was stern, his grip on the armrest tightening, "He's the reason she's here. And besides, if you want to leave her in the streets, you're even more foolish than I thought."

"What if I refuse?" Artemis's voice was barely a whisper, holding his gaze.

Sirius leaned back in his throne, "I can make your life very unpleasant," he said with a with cold, sinister threat, "Viggo's shady deals, your reputation and prestige...."

Artemis swallowed hard, the words hanging in the air with an unmistakable threat. Making deals with him was like signing a death warranty, "But I'm in a hurry, I can't just...." she trailed off, her eyes falling on the ground.

"I trust you're what's left of her family," Sirius voice was calm, but his eyes weren't, "And if you think you can play games," he stood up, his posture rigid, "there'll be consequences."

"You think that Viggo won't suspect?" Artemis asked, her eyes narrowing with her own frustration.

Sirius's eyes darkened at the mention of Viggo, "He won't find out because you won't go in the North with her. He won't lay eyes on her," there was a sense of finality in his voice that made the chamber colder, "You'll send her to the elder guardians, tell them your story. You'll give her money, income, a better life than....this," he gestured at the walls.

"But it's risky," Artemis protested, her steps unsure as she paced, "Her identity...."

"You won't reveal her identity to anyone, not even to the guardians," Sirius cut her off, his tone assertive. He took a deep breath, trying to control his temper, "And she's too stubborn, too vengeful. She has to get away from here before she causes me problems."

Artemis was silent for a moment longer, her mind racing with possibilities. She couldn't fully grasp the situation, not without first seeing her sister.

"I have to see Yloria," she requested, her voice steady.

"That can be arranged," he replied, his face unreadable as he walked over to the door and motioned for her to follow him.

When they reached near Regan, or Yloria's chamber, the corridor was in silence, broken occasionally only the the guard's whispers. But they immediately straightened up like statues when Sirius appeared.

"Go. Enter," he said flatly, motioning for Artemis to knock on the chamber's door. She glared at him with irritation and something else that he had seen from many women who wanted his attention. Jealousy, perhaps? He couldn't care less. It wasn't the first time married women looked at him in that way. And it wasn't the first time Artemis did. He stepped aside to not be seen from the other side.

In her chamber, Regan had not been doing anything exciting in particular. She had went to open the door, expecting him, but instead, she met with a dark blonde haired woman, staring back at her with a tempest of emotions.

Regan's eyes dropped to her green dress, noting her fancy attire, the expensive jeweleries and light makeup. 

"You need anything?" Regan asked bluntly, not bothering with formalities or anything else.

At first, Artemis didn't answer. But then, without a warning, she approached and pulled her into a tight hug, "Yloria," she murmured, her voice shaking slightly, "I've never known you were alive after all that time."

Regan stiffened at the hug and the words, pushing her away gently but firmly, "Who are you?" she asked, her eyes searching.

Artemis took a deep breath, "I'm....I'm your sister," she said, her hands reaching for Regan's, "I thought I lost you in the war, but here you are....alive." Her eyes lingered on her scar just a little.

Regan's eyes went wide with shock and confusion, unblinking, "What? You're my sister?" Her tone was incredulous, her eyes searching behind Artemis for who she was sure was there.

Artemis nodded vigorously, her eyes watering, "Yes. I'm here to get you back. Away from all this."

Her gentle words should've lifted a weight off Regan's shoulders but all she felt was skepticism and wariness.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her mind reeling. Where was he?

"I mean," Artemis said with a more serious tone, "That I'm going to take you with me. You're not staying here anymore."

Regan averted her eyes from the young woman in front of her and began to pace. What was going on? She had been expecting a punishment for Mathias's matter, not a woman coming and claiming she was her sister. 

"You're leaving, Ylor," she heard his voice and immediately turned, locking eyes with his blank ones, his posture straight and oppressive, "You should be happy about it." But there was an evident straining in his voice.

"Are you serious?" Regan questioned, her heart flicking between the two of them and she couldn't help but feel like she was being played in a larger game.

Artemis stepped forward, "He's letting you go, Yloria. We should get out of here as soon as possible."

But Regan's mind was a mess, and she couldn't help but search his face for any sign of something else, something that suggested he wasn't just letting her go. But there was nothing. Just the frosted, calculated eyes.

She barely registered Artemis moving past her, searching for something through the wardrobe. Artemis turned back, holding a cloak darker than the night itself. "Here, wear this. We need to be discreet. Can you give us some time?" she said to him.

He nodded, thought he looked anything but pleased. The door closed behind him as he did, leaving them alone for a while.

Regan wore the cloak with trembling hands, her face full of confusion.

"Can you tell me what's going on?" she asked her sister, her voice stronger now.

Artemis sighed, "I made a deal with him. He doesn't want you here anymore."

"What kind of deal?"

"The kind that gives you safety," Artemis answered quickly.

Safety. It was a word that she'd never associate to anything involving these realms. "So is that how he's going to punish me?" she muttered to herself.

"It's not punishment, it's a way for you to leave this place. I know this is too fast but it's for your own good," Artemis said, handling her a medium bag she had packed with what seemed to be a few clothes.

Regan could feel the wheels turning in her head but she nodded, though reluctantly, "But where will we go?"

"To a place where you'll be safe," Artemis said once more.

Regan's skepticism wasn't fading. But she didn't have much of a choice now. She walked over to the bed and under the pillow, where she had hidden Vesper's dagger. She tucked it in under her cloak.

"Yloria, we should not reveal your identity to anyone else," Artemis's voice was urgent, her eyes flickering with unease, approaching her, "I mean, no one should know you're my sister or about your powers. And I should call you something else, a name that's not common around."

Regan nodded, feeling slightly relieved but also wary, "What about Cornelia? Is it uncommon?" She didn't want to give out her earthly name either.

"Cornelia..." Artemis murmured, her expression thoughtful for a moment, "Yeah, it'd do it."

Despite the quickness of the situation, Regan could already feel a sense of kinship with Artemis even though she wasn't entirely sure where this would lead to.

They stepped out of the chamber. Artemis's servant was waiting there, her hands folded before her skirt. Artemis gave her the bag and they swiftly walked away.

Sirius appeared in front of them, his eyes narrowed. Artemis halted on her steps, while Regan's face was a mask of frown, her heart pounding.

"You both go ahead," she told Regan and her maid, who nodded curtly, walking forward. Regan couldn't help but feel a pang of something unidentifiable as her head turned behind to look at them, her eyes meeting with his.

As soon as she was out of earshot, he looked to Artemis, "I expect no mistakes," his voice was hard, his eyes steely, "or else the consequences will he severe. Am I clear?"

Artemis swallowed hard and nodded, "I understand. I'll send her to the elder guardians," she said with a small voice.

She went then to caught up with Regan and her servant, who were descending a staircase. Regan watched as her sister gave her a faint smile, yet she felt a strange tightening in her chest. Her eyes looked up and she caught him staring down at her from the railing, his hands gripping it rightly, eyes intense. She couldn't understand what was wrong with him.

Another servant appeared, gesturing for them to follow. The servant escorted them down the Grand Hall, which was empty, the black marbled floor reflecting the erratic burning of the oil lamps. 

Within the minute, they were led to a wide, imposing door. It was made of heavy iron and wood, almost fused together with the floor at the end, as if it had taken root there for eternity. There were two guards clad in black, standing on each side, their expressions stoic. They reached out to the handles, the strong structure moving with a raspy sound.

The cool breeze hit Regan's face like a slap, and just as she threw the step outside, the tightening in her chest only grew. 

He was now watching them from the dark window of his study, his eyes lingering on the red-haired. The servant from earlier, Lucy came back and bowed, "My lord, are they leaving in lady Artemis's carriage?"

"No," Sirius replied tersely, his gaze still on the retreating figures, "I've arranged one of my vehicles. Just make sure they're followed."

"As you wish, my lord," Lucy said with a bow and left.

Sirius yanked the curtain back and turned away, not wanting to look at her anymore. He could already feel the nagging flicker of doubt, but he knew she wasn't safe here either. The castle was full of vipers, waiting to poison and kill. 

Artemis on the other hand, he didn't fully trust her too. She knew well enough the consequences of jeopardizing his order, but it was better to prevent any of it happening, rather than punishing later, with Regan being harmed. The thought made him shudder. 

He sat down on a chair, pouring himself a glass of white wine. The liquid burned down his throat and chest but it wasn't the reason why he was feeling a sharp pain there. Maybe he should've done something else. Lock her under those damned dungeons, never dare see her again. At least that way no other monster would hurt her. 

But he couldn't do that either, he thought with a frown, setting the glass down. He wouldn't break her spirit like that, not when it was one of the few things that fascinated him.

Outside, Regan tightened the cloak around herself as they walked through the frontcourt. The sides of it were similar with what she had seen in the garden. Red thorny roses plotting schemes, oaks and willows whispering secrets.

At the far end, was the gatehouse, a massive entrance flanked by towering stone pillars. The pillars were crowned with gargoyle statues, just as those of the castle. The gate itself, was tall, more than 10 feet at least. It was made of wrought strong iron and was intricately arched.

The guards were everywhere, patrolling and keeping sharp looks as they walked. It was a cloudy day, the sky painted with dark shades that only added to the gloominess.

"You're going to use the lord's carriage," a guard spoke gruffly, pointing towards a luxurious vehicle that looked nothing like a normal carriage. It wasn't like those used on Earth by people, with horses and wheels. It had a sleek black color, and was hovering slightly above the ground. The front part was tied to a small, black scaly beast that resembled a dragon.

Regan gasped at the sight of the floating carriage and the creature that looked like a dragon. She knew she wasn't in Earth, but seeing things so otherworldly was still a shock to her system.

Artemis's eyebrows furrowed at the guard's words, "Why not use my carriage?"

"It's the lord's order," the guard replied, his tone brooking no argument. "Now get in."

Artemis looked uncomfortable but didn't argue further. She motioned for Regan and her servant to follow. The servant looked quite disturbed though.

Regan stepped in front of the dragon creature, its black scales reflecting the cloudy sky. She reached out, but the beast hissed at her and she stepped back, her heart racing.

"Let's just get in," Artemis said. The nearly invisible doors of the hovering carriage slid open as she approached, revealing a luxurious interior.

Regan felt like a part of her was being torn away as she got inside the carriage. She didn't know why she felt like that. She should be happy about leaving this hellish place, but she wasn't sure what awaited her in the outside world either. She wasn't sure if she could even trust her newfound sister.

Her eyes lingered to the place she was leaving behind even as the door slammed shut. The castle was so beautiful to look at it like that, but inside, it was full of darkness, debauchery....whatever it was. Artemis's servant was the last one getting in the carriage.

The guards opened the grand gate cautiously and as soon as they did, the creature turned towards them, nodding its reptilian head slightly. It then sprinted forward with surprising speed for something so large, pulling the carriage behind it. The movement was barely felt but everyone would know it by just watching the gothic scenery leave outside the window.