The frigid air blew past the two figures trudging through the snow, the winds pulling at the silver-like cloaks. The duo sported similar clothing, with long robes concealing the majority of their bodies. Occasional surges of the freezing climate exposed parkas, the same color as the cloaks, obscuring the faces of the travelers. The hoods, too, hid their identities. Their destination was an ancient fortress made of ice and stone, its design reminiscent of antiquity. It was a remnant of a forgotten kingdom, built during a bygone age when magic flourished. As the wind whistled across the landscape, the two hastening in their journey, the structure loomed, growing larger with each step.
The doors opened upon their arrival, and a grand but empty hallway revealed itself to the pair. Statues of warriors armed with spears stood guard, the sentries still despite the presence of the travelers. At the end of the path was a room with an oversized chair elevated to give the impression of a throne. It was the domain of the king. The space was occupied by a man whose age was impossible to guess. He appeared to be a young adult, but his eyes were filled with wisdom that only an elderly person could attain. As the silver-clad women approached, he nodded his head in respect.
"Lady Artemis, our court has been expecting you for quite some time now. I understand you wish an audience with my daughter? Might I ask what your intentions are?" His voice was soft, almost gentle, yet tinged with an undeniable strength. The shorter of the women unveiled her hood, auburn hair exposed to the room's occupants. Her eyes were a startling silver, a similar shade to the cloak she'd shed moments prior.
"Lord Boreas, I thank you for meeting with me. As to your question, I've been tasked by my father to search for her, and he believes she is located here, in your kingdom. He wants me to bring her back, if possible. I understand that it may be an unusual request, but we are asking for your assistance." Artemis spoke the words with the formality of a diplomat, bowing her head as she finished her statement.
The other hooded woman removed her concealment, revealing herself taller and older than her companion, though her appearance was more striking than beautiful. Raven hair paired with azure eyes pointed to only one conclusion: a daughter of Zeus. The father of the gods was renowned for his sexual conquests, and it was impossible to guess the number of offspring he'd sired throughout history. The god's libido was matched only by his cunning, and he'd often used his bastards to advance his agenda.
"Your father? I assume you mean Zeus? I wasn't aware that my daughter had caught his eye, though I can't say I'm surprised. She has an air of royalty to her, and it is difficult to imagine a more suitable match." Artemis chuckled dryly, her head shaking in denial. "Not for intercourse, I'm afraid. Several weeks ago, a surge of magic was felt throughout Olympus. I was amongst the party dispatched to locate the source." She paused, examining the room around her. "Is this room safe?"
"No one is allowed within my court except my closest confidants, and none of them would dare betray me. You are speaking to the King of the North, the Lord of Winter, and I do not tolerate betrayal. Please continue, Lady Artemis." Boreas sat in his seat, his face neutral, and waited for her response.
"We found ice, Lord Boreas. A weaponized mass with several tons of monster dust coating the ends of the frozen spikes." With every word spoken, Boreas' expression shifted, his brow furrowing and lips turning into a frown. He leaned forward in his chair, his interest piqued. "As you know, your daughter is among the few beings able to control ice with such power and precision. My father is in no means accusing your child, but he feels a sense of duty to the other gods, and the threat has to be dealt with accordingly. If she's innocent, he would be happy to pardon her."
"That is a grave accusation, Artemis. Understandable, due to her actions in the Second Gigantomachia, but we don't know for certain if she is the perpetrator. Have you come to arrest my daughter?" He leaned back, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair.
"If she's innocent, I promise she will not be harmed. I am to escort her back to Mount Olympus and determine her innocence there. We are thoroughly searching for any being with the power to control ice and would like your assistance. The entire Pantheon will be involved. I know you and your family have long kept to yourselves, but it's imperative you allow us to investigate. Otherwise, you will be seen as a possible collaborator." The King's eyes narrowed at the suggestion, but his anger was directed towards Zeus and his schemes, not Artemis.
"I can send for my daughter, Lady Artemis, though I must beg of you not to act until I can verify her innocence. She's my only daughter, and the death of her mother has left me with an even greater sense of duty towards her. Please grant me the time to confirm her alibi. If she is innocent, she will cooperate."
"We will wait here for her, Lord Boreas. Thank you."
"It is no trouble, Lady Artemis," Turning to a clouded form beside him, Boreas' face turned somber. "Please, send for my daughter, the Ice Queen." Several minutes passed while Artemis and Boreas sat in silence. Artemis had nothing further to say, and the King was content to keep his thoughts to himself. Finally, a door on the chamber's far end opened, and the Ice Queen entered, her body wrapped in a fur cloak. She approached the two, her head held high.
"Lady Artemis." The words were formal, yet an undertone of distaste colored the syllables.
"Khione, a pleasure to see you again."
"I wish I could say the same. What is it that brings you to the Frozen Palace?" Khione turned her head towards her father, and a flash of worry crossed her face. "Nothing is wrong, is it? I have not received any news."
"You're not in trouble, my dear," Boreas explained. "Artemis is here because she was sent to investigate a recent surge in magical energy. You're not familiar with it, are you?"
"Of course not. Why would I have any knowledge about something like that?" Khione's tone was haughty and condescending, and flashes of irritation became easily identifiable on the older woman who had accompanied Artemis.
"Don't be rude, Khione," Artemis responded. "The surge was detected, and we need to determine its cause. You're aware that you have the most talent for manipulating ice, so it's easy to understand why you would be under scrutiny. Ice manipulation is rare, and Olympus has few masters of the art who are truly loyal to its cause. You are not amongst that list, your recent actions have made that clear. Your father is willing to vouch for your innocence, but it will take time for me to verify the facts."
"Why should I need my father to speak for me? I can handle myself. Would an Oath suffice?" Khione turned towards her father, the contempt for Artemis evident. The auburn-haired woman sighed wearily, her head turning to examine the frustrated face of her half-sister, Thalia Grace.
"You are welcome to make an oath, Khione, but I have to remind you of the consequences if you lie. Now that the Styx's will is being enforced, your actions would be punished harshly."
"Fine, I, Khione, will swear on the Styx that I have not been involved with any manipulation of the ice, nor do I have any knowledge about a sudden release of magic. If my oath is false, may I be cast into Tartarus and suffer for eternity. Happy?"
"Thank you, Khione, that was not necessary, but I appreciate your cooperation. Thalia, we may leave now. Thank you for your time, Lord Boreas." She turned her back and began walking, with Thalia following closely.
"I am always available, Artemis. Do not hesitate to send word if you require anything else," Boreas called out. Artemis nodded without turning and strode towards the exit, Thalia close behind. Khione's glare was felt as they left the room, the door shutting as they disappeared from view.