Arranged Love

Author: Jamie Love

Disclaimer: I don't own Arty, Holly, the Fowls, the Spanish language, or anything else in this fic. Except Adriana Penalosa. She's mine. The rest belong to some Irish guy and his computer. What a lucky computer.

A/N: This is my second fic. It's rated T for later chapters, and some Spanish swearing. If you are dying to know what is said and you don't speak Spanish, you are welcome to go to an online translator. Enjoy!

Fowl Manor, 9:30pm, Present Day

Artemis stared in shock at his parents, hardly daring to believe his ears. This was revolting! Impossible. He opened his mouth, took a breath, and said calmly. "Father, you cannot expect me to marry her! I have never even met her."

Artemis senior smiled at his son. "Which is why you two will spend plenty of time together between now and the wedding."

Artemis tried to compose himself. The mere thought of marrying anyone against his will was costing him most of his self control. "Father." He repeated. "I cannot marry her."

Mister Fowl sighed. "You will see her tomorrow, Arty. I'm sure you will like her. You two have much in common."

Artemis nodded. What else could he do? In three months he was expected to marry Adriana Penalosa, the daughter of a Spanish businessman. He shuddered at the thought of what Holly would say.

He stood up, and left the room. Holly. She would be so upset. Angry. But sad? Possibly. They had been meeting in private for the last year, and it was their secret. Just about the only thing that was theirs alone. Artemis suddenly found him wanting to see Holly. She was the only one who could make him feel better.

He walked into his room and locked the door. Picking up his cell phone, he selected a number from the speed dial, and let the phone ring. He waited, but no one answered it. He sighed, and lay down on his bed. He had to come up with a plan, and fast.

The Lower Elements, Holly's Apartment, 9:35 Present Day

Holly sat in her room staring into her mirror. A locket in the shape of a heart hung from a fine gold chain around her neck. She sighed, and opened the locket again. "To my darling Holly." read the engraving. "Allow this token to be a symbol of my ever lasting love for you. You will never leave my mind, nor my heart. Artemis."

She smiled, closing her eyes. "Artemis." She breathed. "I can't wait to see you again." This romance had changed her prospect of Artemis entirely. She hardly remembered the hate she had once felt for him, and pretended to forget there first encounter all together.

Of course, no one was to know about Artemis. Foaly thought they were merely friends, and the Commander had no idea about it all together. It will be our little secret. Artemis had said. No one will know about us. Not until we are ready to tell them.

Holly laughed aloud. She doubted very much that she would keep her job if the council ever found out she was in love with a mud boy. Yet she risked it every week, going to see him. She wanted to see him every day, for the rest of his life, but for now, she was stuck hiding their love.

She picked up her phone and looked at her missed messages. Artemis had given it to her so they could talk when it was not their day to meet. One message. She pressed the 'play' button and listened to recording.

"Hello Holly, its Artemis. I just wanted to talk to you, but I take it you aren't there. I look forward to Saturday. I'll call back later."

Holly smiled. Just hearing the sound of his voice was like being put under the mesmer. It was a pity that she could only receive his calls. Being underground she couldn't call back.

Wrapping her arms around her self, she fell onto the bed. She couldn't help feeling warm when she heard him. The old chill she had once received at his cold tones was gone. For good.

Fowl Manner, Noon, Next day

Artemis stood with his parents outside the manner. He was stiff as he watched the Bentley pull into the drive way. He hadn't gotten much sleep that night. To busy thinking about this girl. About Holly. About this whole cursed situation.

When the door opened Artemis forced a smile as the girl stepped out. She was dressed in an expensive looking red skirt and blouse. It was immediately apparent why his parents had picked her as his betrothed.

She walked up to the Fowls and smiled at them. "Gracias por darme la bienvenida en su hogar."

Artemis senior frowned at her. "What?"

The girl looked rather scared. "¿Usted no habla español?"

Angeline Fowl leaned close to the girl. "Cant you speak English, dear?"

Artemis' new fiancé cocked her head. If Artemis didn't know better, he could have sworn she was sneering. "Sí, usted vieja perra, Puedo. No deseo simplemente a."

Artemis glared at her. Though his parents didn't know it, he was very fluent in many languages, including Spanish. Holly had taught them to him. "Mother." He said calmly. "Go inside with father. I will take Adriana to her room."

Angeline Fowl smiled at her son. "Good boy, Arty. We'll see you two later." Taking her husband's arm, Mrs. Fowl walked into the house.

This left Artemis alone with his bride-to-be. He stared at her in anger. She would never replace Holly. Not if he could help it.

A/N: So, what did you think? Sorry its so short. I promise the next chapter will be at least 7 pages in Word. It's a bit weird, but hey, all of my fics are like that. Hey, guess what? See that button down there? The one that says 'Submit Review'? If you press it with your curser, you can write what you thought of the story! It's a brand new invention. Please review! Otherwise, if I don't get any, I can't post the next chapter. What's the point in writing if no one wants to read it?