Chapter One
The true genius of a woman is her subtle flair in creating an illusion that you are the smart one. –Josh Stern
For those of you who are reading this journal, my name is Artemis… just Artemis. About a year ago, I lived with a small peasant family on a farm located in Kou. There, I wrote many political and historic articles and poems. Unfortunately, my work wasn't widely accepted and I was imprisoned for it. Now, I am currently in a barred cellar like an animal in a zoo. Did I mention that I am a magician? They stripped me of my wand and all my works were taken. They probably burned them. The Kou guards think they're so smart. Ha! If I wanted to, I could have escaped a long time ago. These cellar locks aren't too hard to pick, but escaping wouldn't be wise. I wouldn't be able to step foot outside without a dart impaling me. Oh well, that's how it is. As of now, I am documenting my life and I start with this small paragraph.
The sound of metal plated feet and the spears hitting the ground penetrated Artemis's mind. She didn't let it get to her though. The soldiers were probably here to throw another person into jail. Prison life wasn't all bad. There were some very wise women who Artemis usually conversed with. When their conversations got too out of hand, the guards would hush and threaten them. Artemis's eye brow slowly rose up. Usually, when they were bringing people in, screams and shouts were heard. All Artemis heard, though, was talking. They stopped at the cellar near hers.
"This woman would be too old for the job," she could hear an unfamiliar male voice say. She didn't bother looking up. They probably brought in new soldiers. She had convinced the guards to get her a small desk and chair so that she could write. She often turned it away from the entrance of the cellar, so her back would be facing the soldiers. This made it easy for her to ignore their jeers and nasty comments. The soldiers then came to a halt in front of her area.
"Prince Kouen," one of the guards said, "I don't think this one is up for the job either."
Kouen looked at him, wanting a more elaborate explanation.
"She is a very stubborn one," he stuttered. Kouen motioned for him to open the cellar. Artemis continued to write, not even once looking behind her.
"You," Kouen said, not loud, but still had a demanding sound. When the young woman didn't turn around, the guard reached for his whip in anger.
"How dare you-
He was held back by Kouen. The guard looked up at the First Prince and then reluctantly calmed himself. Kouen then looked at the back of the blue haired woman's head. He took slow, deliberate steps toward her.
"Now why would the first Prince of Kou be visiting mere prisoners?" she asked, as if to taunt him. Kouen didn't take offence. He merely turned back around and motioned for the guard's attention.
"What is your name?" he asked.
"My name is my own," she replied, "I won't give it up." Despite being disrespectful, her answer was put quite eloquently. Normally, the people around him would stutter in his presence. He watched the blue haired woman continue to write.
"She will do," he didn't continue the conversation.
Artemis could only question his motives. What does he want with her? All the murmurs of the prisoners died down. Artemis's opposite cell neighbor looked at her. She was a woman who was in her thirties.
"I can't believe you did that," she said in shock.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about," Artemis fixed a few things in her cell. Tidiness was very attractive in her opnion.
"You talked back to the Prince!" she exclaimed as if the world was going to end.
"The Prince is but a mere man," Artemis spat, "He has to eat, sleep and use the toilet just like us."
"I'm surprised he didn't shout 'Off With Her Head!'" her cell neighbor dramatically said.
"What do you think they want me for?" Artemis then asked.
"I have no idea," the other woman shrugged, "But whatever it is, you had better keep your mouth shut and cooperate."
"If I see something wrong, I'm going to comment on it," Artemis rolled her eyes as she put her hair up. If it was one thing that annoyed her, it was her hair. She had very thick and long light blue hair. It was difficult to deal with without a comb.
"Alright Maggot!" a soldier came to a halt in front Artemis's cell. He opened it and forcefully pushed her out. She fell on the floor outside the cell.
"On your feet!" he shouted.
"I can hear you just fine. You don't have to shout," she gritted her teeth and grabbed her journal from the floor.
"No books!" he continued to shout and grabbed the book from her. She could think of a thousand things to say to this broad faced soldier, but she kept her mouth shut. The wise things to do were shut up and cooperate.
He blind folded her, for secrecy reasons and pushed her along. It was as if the walk would never end. Artemis put out her hands to steady herself. He then forcefully untied the blind fold as they came to a stop. The brightness of her surroundings made her squint. Transferring from a dark place to a light place was very uncomfortable. When her eyes adjusted, her gaze beheld a heft brown haired lady. Her stern eyes scrutinized Artemis. Artemis's loose cream pants turned brown by lack of washing it and her blue loose top had many stains.
"Is this the new girl?" the woman's voice was kind yet stern, despite her hard look.
"Yea," the soldier grunted and marched off.
"Come on," the heft woman grabbed her by the arm and led her away to God knows where.
"You need to wash up." Her voice was less stern.
"Where am I?" Artemis questioned.
"You're in the Kou palace," the woman answered as she ran a bath.
"Why?" Artemis's dark blue eyes searched for an answer.
"From now on, you'll be working as a maid," she answered.
"A maid huh," Artemis mused. She was not new to domestic work, but working for the rich wasn't her cup of tea.
"My name is Alma," the woman introduced herself. "You do remember how to bathe, am I right?"
"Of course I do," the blue haired woman rolled her eyes at the brazenness of the older woman. Alma just chuckled.
"Just joking, dear," she wiped a nonexistent tear from her face. "Are you going to tell me your name?"
"From what I deduced, I'm here to work, not make friends," Artemis began to strip and get in the bath.
"I am your superior," the woman bellowed, "I need to know what I should call you."
"Just call me Arty," she answered.
-;-
"Kouen," Koumei called on his brother, "I got the information about the prisoner."
Kouen looked at the file his brother placed on the table. He took it up and looked into it.
"It was pretty hard to find it," Koumei continued. "The woman refused to give a name."
Kouen continued to silently look through. He then closed the file and gave it back to Koumei.
Looking through the book that was confiscated from her gave him more information about the blue haired woman.
-;-
"Here's the list of daily chores and the schedule," Alma put Artemis to look at the long list. She was fresh and clean. All the dirt and grime was washed off and she was put in a yellow and white maid's robe. Her hair was cut a bit shorter and put into a neat, low bun. Alma looked at the younger woman's expression. Usually, new recruits would look horrified at the amount of work to be done, but Artemis just stood there.
"Alright," Artemis turned back around, "When do I start?"
"You're not the least bit troubled by this?" Alma questioned, eager to hear the young woman's response.
"Why would I be?" Artemis asked, "At least it's better than sitting in a dark cell, rotting away."
Alma smiled, for she was beginning to like the girl already. "The only place left is the Prince's study. The maids always leave it until he is away."
Alma took up a few dusting materials and handed it to the woman.
"The books would need organizing, as the Prince would take them out often," she advised. Can you read?"
"Yes," Artemis answered.
"Well then you should have no problem," Alma smiled brightly. This look contrasted the look she gave at the first meeting. Alma led the way.
"You need to know this place inside out," Alma said, "So start memorizing."
Artemis looked at the walls which were adorned with paintings of dragons and lions. She recognized a few of them by their designs. Some came from ancient ruins she had visited a few years ago. She could tell because most villages have signature paintings.
"Alma," a maid walked up and addressed the woman.
"Go ahead, dear," she said before turning her attention to the intruder, "You can go ahead and organize the books."
Artemis opened the door and walked in with the dusting supplies. The sigh that she had been stifling slipped from her lips. Looking at the library gave her goose bumps. There was so much to read! So many historic books were perched on the shelves. Running her hands along the pines of the encyclopedias, she smiled. Artemis took out one of the books called Road to the Kou Empire.
"Road to the Kou Empire," she said out loud.
"Property of me," Kouen came up behind Artemis.
The woman let out a small squeal and turned around abruptly to look the stranger in the eyes. Crimson eyes clashed with blue eyes and they fought for dominance, neither of them letting up.
"I was sent to clean up," Artemis spoke first, her voice unexpectedly soft. Kouen observed her a bit more. Her blue eyes were unrelenting; her mouth was set in a straight line. Her face betrayed so many emotions unlike him.
"I was informed," he replied, looking at the book in her hand.
"You know how to read," this was more of a statement than a question. "You can borrow the book."
Artemis had to keep her tongue on lock. She recognized his voice as the same voice that talked to her. If she had known he was this handsome, she would have turned around any day. His red eyes studied her, his red hair pulled back into a little pony tail. His goatee, though unpopular, was good looking in her opinion. He looked like a demy god. Oh well, she knew better than to judge a person based on looks.
"Thanks" she simply answered and put the book in the holding basket. Her eyes then searched for any book that was out of place or in the wrong order.
"I already put the books in alphabetical order," he walked to his desk and sat.
"Gee, thanks," she muttered under her breath, still looking around to make sure what he said was true. Kouen silently watched her actions. She then opened the door to get the other cleaning supplies Alma had put outside. This time, Kouen's attention was turned to the work before him. The blue haired woman swept and mopped when the dusting was done. After her work, it was as if the place was sparkling. Looking about while putting a hand to her hip, she praised her work. There were smudges of dust on her cheeks.
She then happened to glance on Kouen's desk. There, in all its glory, was not only her journal, but all her works that were supposedly burned. The first prince of Kou looked at her, knowing full well where her line of sight went.
"Your opinions are rather radical," he locked his hands under his chin as he lethargically stared at her.
"My opinions are my own," Artemis turned her attention to picking up the cleaning supplies.
"What are you trying to do, Artemis?" he called her name for spite.
This didn't surprise her though. He had her journal, so he found out her name.
"So I see you've underhandedly figured out my name," she smiled a smile that didn't reach her eyes. He didn't respond. He just pushed her belongings to the edge of the table for her to receive.
Artemis watched him warily.
"Are you serious?" she asked, eyeing her things. She then realized what she asked was quite stupid, for rumors had it that the first Prince wasn't the type to joke.
"What am I trying to do, you ask?" Artemis questioned. Kouen waited for the answer.
"I'm speaking out against war," she answered her own question with a sad smile. Kouen looked on, expression not changing. She, like everyone else had goals. If she thought she could stop war with a few words and articles, then she was sadly mistaken.
"Don't get me wrong, I don't believe I can stop war with my work," Artemis said, as if reading Kouen's mind, "I just write so that people out there would know of my opinions. Some would consider it and some won't."
A knock disturbed the current silence.
"Arty, are you-
Alma halted as she witnessed Lord Kouen looking at Artemis as she took the things from his desk. Kouen's attention then turned to Alma.
"Forgive me, Lord Kouen," she bowed, "I didn't know you would be back so soon. I'm sorry if Artemis inconvenienced you in anyway."
"I wasn't inconveniencing anyone," Artemis answered for herself, took everything up and left.
Silence enveloped the prince and he got back to work. The blue haired woman was definitely strange.
-;-
"You should hurry and get prepared for dinner," Alma said. "The maids have dinner at eight."
"Sure," Artemis replied.
"There are a few outfits in your closet," Alma informed, "Oh and before dinner, we usually take baths."
Unlike her first time in the bath house, it wasn't empty. A host of young women walked around the huge room, talking and giggling. All eyes were turned on Artemis as she strolled through the clutter.
"Okay everyone," a black haired woman stood on a stool. She was quite beautiful. Her hair was let down and flowed down to her back. Her green eyes were full of mischief. "Let's all have a seat."
All the women sat down in their towels. Artemis was the only one who stood which made her stick out like a sore thumb.
"You're new around here," the black haired woman said, walking towards her, "So you wouldn't know that we use this time to have a little fun." She circled around Artemis. "Why don't you introduce yourself?"
Artemis looked around the room. She wasn't frightened or intimidated.
"My name is Arty," she said and then took a seat.
"Thank you, Arty," the black haired woman smiled, "My name is Elise."
One by one, the various women shouted their names.
"I know this may be quite hard for you to remember, so don't hesitate to ask us to repeat," Elise said.
Artemis didn't respond to the woman. Her memory was quite good, so asking twice wouldn't be necessary. Artemis also ignored the underhand tactics the woman used in trying to make her look dumb.
"Alright ladies," she clapped her hands together to silence the small chit chat, "Let's play a round of truth or dare."
Everyone agreed. It was as if Elise was the leader. A brown haired girl, Asriel, as Artemis could recall, sat next to her.
"You could almost guess who the leader is," she said to Artemis. Looking at Asriel, she understood who the brown haired girl was talking about.
"No one is the leader of me," Artemis responded which caused Asriel to give a dark chuckle.
"You're quite brave," she said.
"It's not called bravery," Artemis stated, "It's called being smart."
"I'm beginning to like you, new girl," she smiled.
"The name's Arty," Artemis corrected.
"Gee, sorry," Asriel held up her hands and chuckled.
All the women sat in a circle and took turns performing Truth or Dare acts. The women squealed and laughed at the various performances. It was Elise's turn to be questioned.
"Truth or Dare?" asked one of the women.
"Truth," Elise answered with a knowing smile.
"Is it true that you and Prince Kouen slept together?" the woman asked in a hushed tone. At this question, all the talking died down and each woman waited for the answer. Elise paused for dramatic effect and suspense.
"It's true," she answered with a small smile. The women gasped, all except Artemis and Asriel.
"That's how she became the supposed leader," Asriel grunted.
"I don't see what significance that has," Artemis said.
"I choose Arty," Elise smiled. "Truth or Dare."
"Truth," Artemis answered.
"Since we're kind of on the topic," she continued to smile, "Have you ever slept with someone?"
Living the kind of life that she did, Artemis never had time to think about that, much less have a relationship with a man. The question embarrassed her slightly.
"No, I haven't," a slight blush appeared on her cheeks.
The women murmured and some even gasped.
"You have never felt a man's touch before?" one of them asked.
"How old are you?" Elise asked.
"25," Artemis answered.
"Arty!" Alma shouted.
"Oh great the old lady is here," one of the women muttered. Everyone got up and dispersed.
"Arty, are you finished?' Alma closed in on the blue haired woman.
"No, the bath is too full," Artemis answered. Alma then looked over to Artemis's left.
"I see you've made a friend," she smiled at Asriel.
"Yes, I have," Artemis replied.
"Since the bath is full, why don't you two come over and take a bath by the older women's section," Alma suggested.
Artemis could see the difference between the older and younger women's section. The older women's side was much simpler and organized. The two women took a bath in peace.
At dinner, the revelations made at the truth or dare session women were gossiped about.
-;-
Judal walked along the halls. The maids were having dinner at this time, so none of them would be disturbing him. Artemis walked out of the dining hall for an early retirement to bed.
Unbeknownst to her, she opened the door and it hit the Oracle in his side.
"Watch where you're going, idiot," he snapped.
"I'm sorry," Artemis looked behind the door to see the damage she'd done, but all she met was the angry face of a weirdly dressed young man. He had medium long black hair and a segmented ponytail at the back.
"Judal!" an unfamiliar voice bombarded the situation. "Stop intimidating the maid!"
Turning around, Artemis's eyes landed on a pink haired girl.
"I'm sorry for his harsh actions," she apologized with a smile.
"You don't have to apologize to a stupid maid," Judal folded his arms.
"Judal take that back!" she defended the blue haired woman.
"It's okay," Artemis spoke up, "It's true. I am but a maid." Artemis guessed that the girl was of royalty.
"So the clutz has a bit of sense," Judal mocked.
"Hey I've never seen you before," Kougyokou interrupted Judal, "Are you the new maid?"
"Yes, I am," Artemis replied.
"You're very pretty," she complimented with a slight blush.
"Uhh thanks," Artemis didn't know what to say.
"Pretty?" Judal questioned, "Are you blind?"
The two started to bicker, but Artemis could tell that they were friends.
"I should head off now," she backed up slowly, "I've got maid things to take care of."
"Wait!" Kougyoko called after the blue haired woman. "What's your name?"
"Just call me Arty," Artemis walked off, leaving the two to bicker again, due to Judal calling her Old Hag.
Behind the doors of her small room, Artemis let out a sigh and slid to the floor. Today, many things had happened to her. She would have never thought that she would get out of that hell hole of a prison. She reached for her journal and pen and began documenting today's happenings. Artemis then reached for one of her articles that were previously confiscated. Was it really that bad to speak out against war? Why had Kouen allowed her to talk against it then?
All answers will come in time, and with that, she fell into a dreamless sleep on the floor.
-;-
"Everybody up!" Alma shouted as she walked along the halls of the maids' dorms. She banged a spoon against a pot as she went along. She then stopped at Artemis's door.
"Arty! Get up!" she shouted. Said woman opened the door, already in her maid's uniform. This surprised the older woman.
"I rise pretty early," Artemis answered before she was asked.
Alma only chuckled. Women like her only came around once in a while.
Breakfast was served to the royal family. It was quite difficult to serve for they didn't eat together unless it was a family celebratory feast. Artemis was put to serve Kouen his breakfast. Alma said that Kouen was more civil towards her and that is why she was appointed to bring the prince his breakfast and any other meals. This didn't bother Artemis so much. She just rolled the breakfast cart to his study. From what it looked like, he was quite fond of his study. She knocked before entering.
"Good morning," she greeted professionally. "Do you normally eat around your work?"
Kouen moved aside his documents to accommodate his breakfast.
"No," he simply replied.
Setting his breakfast on his desk, she could feel his eyes on her, scrutinizing her every move.
Putting down the last dish, she raised her eyes to meet his.
"When you're finished, you can ring me," she pointed at the bell. Her stomach then growled. She blushed and turned away quickly.
"Have breakfast with me," he said as she was about to open the door.
"I couldn't possibly do that," Artemis was still embarrassed.
"I am your superior," he said, "And this is an order."
Artemis's hand was still on the door knob.
"I couldn't possibly take your offer and the other maids, like myself, haven't eaten yet either," she explained, opened the door, and left. Kouen made no move to stop her. Many other women would have accepted the offer without a second thought, but she thought of the others. What an interesting woman.
Artemis waited outside the hall for Kouen to finish. These were the instructions given to her by Alma. The bell rang, signaling for her to return. She sucked in a breath of air before entering, and prayed her stomach would stop chattering. She calmly rolled the cart out and closed the door.
-;-