"My name is Artemis, Artemis Starke. It's quite nice to meet you." Artemis spoke with a genial, still tone. It was somewhat serious, but approachable. Just because he had spent his life as a recluse did not mean he hadn't cultivated his social skills."
Arcas nodded his head. He did not say another word, lowering his hood.
He had black hair with pale yellow undersides, shimmering under the lights high above. His eyes were the same colour yellow, and he had slitted pupils alike to a snake's.
Ah, he's quite handsome. Does August only surround himself with handsome people? Then again, Gwennaude is kind of…
Artemis shivered at the thought. It wasn't that Gwennaude was ugly, rather plain, looking as if he could take down an army by himself. He was terrifyingly massive, even to Artemis. No wonder he was the only one that August brought with him!
The interior halls of Naasis were illuminated by crystal light, the same crystals that hung high above on the ceiling of the Blackbaast. Because of its polished exterior, the entire palace interior seemed to glisten wonderfully. Was this truly real?
Perhaps Artemis had died along with his father, and this was just the last fairy tale he had chosen to experience in that fleeting moment before death.
Arcas's strides were perfect, without wasted movement. Even his walking was practiced, he was a true soldier. These were the sorts of people that August kept around him, whether by choice or by duty. Indeed, Artemis had first treated the situation as a joke, but now it was very real, and he found himself in the center of it.
But what was the true reason that August had accepted his proposal? Of course, there was the matter of Lark's 'Gambit', but that could only influence the chances of a situation occurring successfully to an extent. If someone was harshly against that situation, it might not occur at all. That meant that August was truly open to it, at least to an extent.
It was obviously strange, at least for a King who had not a single child. He had many wives, so why was this not the case? Was August the sort of man who only enjoyed other men? Perhaps his female Consorts were simply for show…
But at the same time, Artemis was not the sort of person to judge a situation without an inkling of the truth. He would have to meet these Consorts of the Witch-King before he could come up with a preliminary theory. And then, he would simply ask August what the truth was. The theories were simply games, they did not matter at all.
After all, he could not ask August until he had returned from whatever 'matter' had been deemed more important. He might as well entertain himself. He had not yet asked himself what his own motivations were. His only thought had been to fulfill his father's last wish. Now that he had only but done so, what else could he do? Of course, he would be the Consort of a King, that much was certain. But what did that entail? What kind of life would he lead?
Artemis stopped walking through the halls, staring down at the ground. Arcas stopped at the same time, but said nothing, only staring at Artemis out of the corner of his eye.
Do I… enjoy anything?
His gaze shook as he came to this realisation. Artemis was an individual who carried himself as a serious, collected person. But now, he felt as if he were about to break into a million pieces before the King's distinguished Archknight.
Actually… when have I ever done something of my own volition?
I sought out marriage because it was my father's request…
He reached towards the eyepatch covering his eye, his entire body shivering.
Even Lark was bound to me because my instructor, Astartes, said I should do so for my own protection…
Am I… just a dog? Do I only do what I'm told?
"Lord, are you alright?" Arcas spoke in a calm, unwavering tone of voice.
Ah, that's right… this man is like a dog to August, isn't he? At least, if he's like Gwennaude, that is…
"Arcas, what is it that you like to do in your spare time?" His voice was a bit shaky.
"I'm sorry, Lord, I don't understand the question."
"Your hobbies. What do you like to do when you aren't working?" "When I'm not working?" Arcas seemed confused by this. "I'm always working, Lord.
"You don't sleep? You don't eat? What about leisure?"
"When I am not sleeping or eating, I am training."
"To be a better soldier?" Artemis's eyebrow raised.
Arcas nodded his head. "What else would I train for?"
So even in his free-time, he tries to better himself to fulfill his duties… but I don't have that same drive, I don't have any duties. That is why I gave up the lordship… am I even a worthy match for August? What the hell can I do…?
Soon, the two came to a large open hall. The scent of vanilla wafted through the air, a warmth unlike the rest of Naasis wrapping around Artemis as he approached. Inside the exquisite hall held up by intricately-carved black-marble pillars, three women sat atop a large circular stage, leisurely relaxing on fur-laden seats as they conversed.
One woman was fair and elegant, almost regal. The second was prim and young, the third elderly and frail. His entrance drew their attention, all three gazes washing over him as if determining his character by appearance alone.
"Are you one of Auggie's new Knights?" the younger woman asked, frowning. "There are already three hiding in the shadows. Did he think another necessary?"
Arcas stepped forward from behind Artemis, bowing to the three women as he spoke calmly. "This is Lord Artemis Starke. He comes from the Lirae District of Margraves. Like you, he may be wed to his Grace. His Grace hopes you will enjoy his company for a time while he attends to other matters."
Artemis's eyebrow twitched. He's talking about me like he's handing off an animal… I really am a dog…
"Is that so?" The fair, slightly older woman leaned in. She had a face full of judgment, but a teasing smile quickly curled up her lips. "Good. That's good."
"It's always good to have more people to talk with." The elderly woman smiled genially. "Little Adeline has definitely grown bored of my company."
The youngest tapped playfully on the elder's arm, frowning. The two laughed, a jovial mood washing over Artemis.
These are August's Consorts? How old is she? Is this one of August's… eccentricities?
Artemis's face paled as he came to this thought. Still, he thought he shouldn't judge. After all, he didn't know the full truth.
"Sit, Mr. Starke. We'll have Arcas brew some tea." The youngest one spoke towards him, gesturing with her hand for him to sit beside her. Artemis followed her instruction, sitting down atop the furs. The warmth of the hall was truly too inviting. He felt as if the ache of travel and fighting instantly dissipated, exhaustion setting deep into his bones. He let out a sigh, shutting his eyes for a moment before looking over towards the younger woman.
"What is your name, Miss?"
"My name is Adeline. I hope you'll feel free to call me that comfortably."
"Then I hope you will call me Artemis. Those closest to me call me Arte."
"Arte, then." Adeline chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand. She was quite beautiful. Her youthful look was accompanied by long eyelashes and hair cut below her jawline, the remainder tied up behind her head and pierced by a long ornate silver pin. Her cheeks were blushed, and the edges of her eyes were sharpened by lines of dark black. "Ah, he's already gone."
"Who is gone?" Artemis questioned, curious. His eyes followed her pointing towards the front of the circular platform where Arcas had once stood. Now, he had disappeared into thin air, just as he had appeared previously.
What an odd figure…
"My name is Eunice, young Lord." The elderly woman smiled. "But I hope you might call me 'grandmother'. After all, I've never had children of my own… grandchildren less so…"
This situation is far too strange…
"And I'm Isolde." The older woman continued, glancing away from Artemis.
Is that really all you have to say?
"Ah, I suppose we should tell you…" Adeline started, her voice trailing off as she glanced towards the other two women. "We're only Consorts in name. I myself am only August's friend. It's been that way since our childhood."
Artemis raised an eyebrow. So this place really was hiding a bounty of entertainment… what reason could there be for this?
"In name? What do you mean? Does he not treat you like his wives?"
Adeline shook her head. "August only married me because of a marriage proposal I was offered in the past. I didn't wish to be married off to some strange man for my father's benefit, and this was his solution."
"Why tell me all of this?" Of course, this was a reasonable question. After all, Artemis was still like a stranger to them, they had only just met. Was it that they trusted Arcas's word to that extent? Even a simple introduction was like he was vouching for Artemis?
"It's a warning, Mr. Starke." The older woman, Isolde, replied casually.
"Don't let your heart grow too close to August. He's not the type to fall in love, not easily."