Saphora vol.1 Retention, Page 7

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  “Vida!” Artemis screeched as she reached out to aid the swaying queen. Vida placed her hands on the table before her, trying to keep herself standing as she panted from her sudden loss of stability. She had been exhausting her energy, continuously stressing about what she would do about the return of her daughter, while wondering what she could do to keep her safe in the meantime. And on top of that, each time she took the time to communicate with her and/or act through her, she spent a little more of the strength she was continuously losing. The tiny Artemis gripped her queen’s arm, and looked up at her with deep concern. She had exerted too much, and was now paying for it. Vida brought her left hand to her temple and tried to balance herself with the help of her friend.

  “M’lady?” she asked again. Vida nodded and gave a wary smile down at Artemis.

  “I’m alright, Artemis. I’m alright … She’s safe. For now,” she said, short of breath. Artemis’ face pinged with distress at seeing her friend in such a vulnerable state. Especially at a time like this when they needed her to be strong.

  “Vida, you can’t keep doing this to yourself. You’re not strong enough to keep up these spells. If you keep doing this as you have … We need you, Vida,” she urged, addressing her friend by her name. Carefully, she led her over to her throne, helping her sit down. Vida smiled, and placed her other and on her friend’s shoulder.

  “I know. But I will not leave my daughter to fight a fight that is not hers alone.”

  Artemis was silent as she looked at the exhaustion on her queen’s face.

  “Besides. She has awoken some of her power. And she is now aware that she has them,” she said with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. “It’s only a matter of time before she masters them.”

  Artemis nodded, gripping onto her arm.

  “It is how much time that concerns me.”

  Vida was silent, at the comment Artemis made. Her mind pensive. And then it occurred to her, having known Artemis for so long, that she must have seen something. Otherwise she would not have said such a thing. She did not make comments of dread and worry unless she was aware of an unfortunate future. Vida looked up at Artemis, whose eyes, behind big round glasses, held dismay.

  “What have you seen, Artemis?” she asked her, tightening her grip on her shoulder.