The king is sitting in his thrown room contemplating everything he has witnessed in the last few days. His mind racing with too many what if scenarios. His wife has been watching over their youngest along with Navene who has not left the young princess' side since the incident. Cassandra was more than happy to have a friend with her. The queen has grown very fond of Navene due to his protective nature for Cassandra.

The princess arrives today and the maids have been scurrying about the castle to prepare for it. Caspian has been very distant from his duties and has practically glued himself to the young enchantress. He has been so concerned over the fear of Artemis disappearing in the night. The king has made the choice to let them be. Caspian will still have to accompany the princess of Darion out of respect for traditions.

Then there was the enchantress herself and so many unanswered questions. He is worried for the threat his people may encounter due to her presence. How the people may react to her unique features and abilities. Most importantly... How will Caspian handle if she leaves.

His thoughts are cut off as a soft knock sounds at his door. He gestures for the guard to open the door. Soon enough the door is opened and the king sits up straight seeing the hooded figure walk up to him graciously. She takes a bow and stands up straight allowing only her eyes to be seen. The king can't help but stare at them. She truly is a goddess in her own right. The way she carries herself and how she can bring a room to a halt. Her presence demands attention.

"Lady Artemis"

"Majesty"

"What brings you to me this morning?"

Artemis rings her hands together concerned on how this conversation is going to go. The king notices her nervousness and waits patiently.

"My king, I wish to speak to you in regards to my stay here." Artemis can feel her heart thrumming in her ears as the king does not comment back for some time.

"Is it not to your liking?"

"No!" Artemis abruptly answers before taking a breath to calm her nerves. "I do not want to over stay our welcome and I understand you are to have guest arrive shortly."

The king realizes that not only has he upset his son but Artemis as well if her hands are any indication of how torn she is. He stands up and walks down slowly to Artemis. Artemis out of instinct takes a step back. The king sees this and decides against continuing forward. He holds out his hand requesting her to join him. She does so hesitantly before he walks her over to the window.

"Artemis, I apologize for the awkwardness of this situation however I can not retract an invitation once it has been sent."

"I understand your majesty. I do not wish to interfere however I am worried that my presence may cause just that."

"Artemis..." The king sighs dropping her hand clasping his behind him. "You are a blessing, not a disturbance... Never believe otherwise."

Artemis stops abruptly never being told this before. Her eyes going wide which the king notices as he sees her reaction. He waits for her to gather herself with a gently reassuring smile.

"My king, you don't understand." Artemis drops her head and grips the window looking out. "Caspian has spoken of his intentions with me..."

She looks to the king but doesn't see any hint of surprise. She furrows her eyebrows as he chuckles lowly at her dumbfound expression.

"Come sit with me Artemis. I feel we have much to discuss."

Artemis retakes the kings hand as he leads her to his study. Vatalanie following behind the pair silently. The king notices and gives a head nod to the wolf as a sign of acknowledgement. They make it to his study to see his door is slightly ajar. Artemis looks to the king who looks baffled by the cracked door. She realizes that he doesn't keep it open and gently places herself in front of him while drawing out her sword. The king sees the protective instinct and allows her to lead. She pushes the door open to see Caspian looking out the window.

"Son"

Caspian snaps his head to the door. His eyes relaxing as he sees Artemis standing there with his father. He rushes forward gathering her in his arms. Artemis' cape falling off revealing her long silver strands. Artemis is thrown off and her sword falls to the ground with a loud clank. She breaths in his familiar scent and hugs him back. The king looks upon his son who's face is currently buried in the young woman's neck. He sighs realizing how attach the pair have become.

"Son, why were you in here?"

Caspian pulls back from Artemis but still holding her hand as he takes a deep breath. His muscles and nerves relaxing from her touch. He looks to her and sees the concern dancing in her eyes before looking back to his dad who seems to understand.

"I couldn't find Artemis... I was going to ask for your help."

"Caspian..." Artemis sighs finally understanding what was wrong. "I spoke to you this morning that I wish to speak with you father."

"Son, you are going to suffocate the young woman." The king says while he walks around the couple and goes to his seat. Caspian tugs on Artemis' hand taking her to a chair in front of his father's. "Artemis, I do not wish to ask you any questions you are not comfortable with but I also need to protect the people of this land."

Artemis nods her head in understanding as she looks to Caspian who is worried. She exhales deeply and drops her head for a moment gathering her train of thought.

"May I tell you a story my king?"

The king nods his head and sets forward in his seat. Caspian keeps his eyes trained on Artemis as she begins to play with her hands in her lap.

"Once upon a time, a young child had awoken in a forest with very little memory. She however walked along scavenging the never ending green with the mind of a wanderer. She came to a stream where she saw her reflection dancing off the surface of the water. Her eyes noticed some splashing down a step or two and saw an injured creature. She has never encountered something like this before. Even with the sounds the animal was releasing, she gathered her courage and walk to it with the knowledge that it was hurt and needed help. The creature snapped at her however she began to hum a melody from a distant memory which soothed the creature. She placed her hands upon the wound and continues singing to the beast. Closing her eyes, she lets her instincts take over. After what felt like hours, she opened her eyes however she was no longer standing at the edge of a stream. She was laying upon a heap of leaves and felt her body was extremely weak. The creature she once helped was now curled beside her keeping her warm through the coldness of the night. She began hearing words however did not see anyone around. Soon she realized that she was hearing the thoughts from the creature frightening her. She closed her eyes but when she did, the creature began singing a lullaby. Her body becoming heated and she soon realized that the creature had transformed into a person. The person then lulled her into sleep with her last words leaving an everlasting impression."

The king seems to take a moment taking the story in entirely. Caspian takes Artemis hand in his own as she looks up to the king.

"Artemis, what words were spoken?"

"Those who deserve protection will be given it. The ones who can not be saved, shall not be."

The king nods his head and knows the story belongs to her solely.

"What age was the child?"

"Three my king." She says softly causing Caspian's breathing to falter and his grip to tighten. He looks to his father completely distraught over the newly found information.

"Pray tell, what does the child remember before this story?"

"I... uhm, I wish not to say my king." The king doesn't condone her knowing that it must have taken a great deal of trust to inform him of what she has. Caspian's heart practically beating out of his chest picturing a small child wandering the forest alone with all the monsters of this world.

"Thank you Lady Artemis for the story." King says as Artemis slightly bows her head. He looks to his son whose gaze is glued still on the young lady. He knows that this visit from Princess Lena will bring nothing but hurt emotions but what is he to do.

A round of knocks come from his door. He stands up walking to the door as he opens to see his queen and daughter standing there.

"Love, the princess just entered the grounds. We need to go down to greet her. You as well Caspian."

Artemis' heart breaks slightly as the queen chooses not to address her. Caspian notices and squeezes her hand. The king takes a deep breath before turning back to the young couple.

"Lady Artemis, it is your choice if you wish for the princess to be aware of your presence or not. I will not hide you but I will not parade you around neither."

"Thank you your majesty." She says as she bows her head again.

"I will give you both a moment then Caspian, you must come down."

Caspian nods his head at his father as he closes the door leaving Caspian alone with Artemis. He is quick to stand up pulling her up in the process before he gathers her in his arms yet again. Her arms locked around his neck as she holds the back of his head gently rubbing his hair.

"Artemis, you are my beloved. Promise me whether or not you let yourself be known that you will NOT leave."

Artemis pulls back looking into his broken eyes. She can not deny how she feels nor does she want him in any pain. She cups his cheeks and pulls his head down so their lips may connect. It is gentle, and reassuring. Caspian relishes in it and grips her neck not allowing her to remove herself from him. After a few minutes, a knock comes from the door stating it is time. Caspian looks to Artemis awaiting an answer.

"I promise you my beloved."

Caspian kisses her hard one more time before exiting the room reluctantly. Artemis stands there stunned as she touches her lips gently. Her only thought is wondering what she just got herself into.