Word spread like fire throughout the kingdom of the actions of Lady Artemis. The people were telling tales of her beauty and her strength. Rumors were already circulating since the prince's arrival in the village with a not so normal companion. The wolf however never showed any aggression towards the villagers which was unlike all they learned of the species. All were wanting to see the young goddess who spoke kindly of them. 

Princess' Lena's exit from the kingdom was anything but poised. She showed her ill temperament and disrespect all the way out. Her adviser apologizing profusely to the The guards had to accompany to her chariot. Her final words before leaving was a promise of a return. 

With the unwanted visitor's departure, Caspian was elated to no longer worry about her presence. The king and queen also seemed to breathe easier with the princess safely on her way home and away from them. 

The king has decided with Caspian's intentions made public it was time for them to introduce their future queen to the kingdom. The queen was overjoyed with the news along with a joyful prince. Artemis, on the other hand, was extremely nervous. She has never spoken to others prior to their visit into the castle... and that was more a necessity for survival. Artemis was feeling overwhelmed and requested some time to herself. Now she is sitting in the maze of a garden trying to relax her mind and let her feelings be settled. 

Caspian was reluctant to let her be alone fearful of her ability to disappear so now he watches her from the back entrance as he paces back and forth. His eyes constantly returning to the cloaked figure whose back is to him. Navene sitting on the floor with the wolves behind him. His eyes closed as well. Caspian doesn't even realize the young man looking just like the beauty at side. The wolves eyes following the pacing love struck prince from side to side. 

"Son, you will create a rut in the floor if you continue." 

Caspian stops and looks to his father who is standing back just looking at him. Caspian glances back outside to see her figure has not moved. His father silently walking up to him placing a hand on his shoulder. They both look outside as Artemis continues letting her mind wander throughout the forest beyond the gardens. 

"I am scared." 

"I don't believe you have reason to be." Caspian looks to his dad who attention turns to the wolves and the young man still sitting on the floor with his eyes closed. "She would never leave them... nor would she leave you." 

Caspian nods his head thoughtfully before looking at Navene. He studies the young man before looking back outside to the figure still sitting on the rock bench. His father's gaze following his son's as he looks back and forth between the two. 

"She is quite extraordinary is she not? She is unlike anything I have ever encountered. I am mesmerized by not only her beauty but her unique personality." 

"And I'm am sure her rare abilities are not appealing to you?"

"I wouldn't care if she could ever heal another or speak to any animals. She would still be the Artemis I have come to love." 

The king smiles gently nodding before glancing back down to Navene. 

"Do think he has the same abilities?"

"No, only Artemis can communicate with each species. She has to create a bond with each before she is able to speak to them through their mind." 

The king raises a brow at his son. "May I ask, how you have come to learn this." 

Caspian's eyes go comically wider not realizing he had said more than he meant to. His hands begin to sweat and his face pales. His father knows his son has learned more of Artemis but is not ready to share. He looks back outside to see Artemis has turned her head slightly. Caspian follows looking outside. 

"My king, you should no longer be surprised to learn she has created a bond with your son." 

Both their heads snap to Navene's gentle voice as he continues sitting there resembling a statue with eyes still closed and a serene smile upon his lips. The king realizes he is not going to say anything further and looks back to his son whose jaw is slacked at the young man. He knows by his expression that it must be true. 

"Navene, I-" Caspian stutters not sure what to say. 

"Don't be surprised my future king. She may be your future however she is my guardian. We do not keep secrets..." 

The wolves lifting their heads looking out the back door causes the king and prince's attention to turn outside. Artemis has her arm out to her side. Both the royals looking to her with confusion. It only takes a moment longer before their question is answered. 

Artemis was aware of the eyes that were upon her but only asked of Navene to close his eyes. She believed if she would have spoken to Caspian, he would not let her have her space. So she chose to ignore his ongoing stare upon her. Her mind relaxing along with her muscles as she breathed in the night air. She was able to feel the bugs within the gardens. The rabbits that scurried throughout the bushels. She could hear the heart beats of sleeping foxes and the hooves of prancing deer. 

It happens as it always had. Her chest tightens coming across a winged creature who was flying in distress. Her eyebrows furrow as she tilts her head towards it's direction. She can tell it has been injured but by what, she is not sure. She lifts her left arm out beside her still sitting upon the bench. She begins humming and can feel the bird becoming close. Her arm takes a jerk when the creature lands perched on her arm. She opens her eyes to see a dark raven bird whose beady eyes are studying her. Artemis pets the bird's head as she begins humming again. her eyes closing as she focuses on the bird. The rapid heartbeat, the way only one claw is digging into her arm. Her hand continues grazing the bird's lovely dark feathers as she lifts it to get a closer look. 

The father and son inside couldn't tear their eyes away from the majestic beauty outside and her gracious way with all creatures. Navene's eyes have since opened as he stands up to stand by the two gentlemen. The wolves all sitting still looking to their savior outside who is again helping others. 

Artemis can feel where the distress is coming from. She puts her arm over it's right leg where it looks as if it been caught within some sort of trap causing damage to it. She begins singing louder as the bird relaxes allowing her to place her hand at it's foot. Artemis closes her eyes and feels the connection. Her body exuding it's power to help save the raven from any further pain. 

The onlookers watch as her body once again appears to glow yet again. Caspian's breath being taken away by his love's ability to care for everyone. His father can't help but be entertained by his son's total enrapture by the beauty. Yet again, he understands... he remembers when he met his beautiful queen. Navene just looks proudly knowing this is what his guardian was meant to be... a healer, a protector, a leader. 

Artemis lifts her arm where the black raven takes off into the evening sky. Artemis watches her fly away off towards her next destination. Her heart swelling with happiness knowing the animal is healthy and safe. Her chest feeling light as she looks to the bright moon slowly coming into view chasing the sun over the horizon. 

Caspian reaches for the handle but a hand to his shoulder prevents him. He looks to him while the king doesn't comment but gives him a knowing look. Caspian holds back awaiting for his future queen to come to him. Navene watches the interaction between father and son. His heart feeling slightly heavy knowing he will never have that. All he has to do is look to Artemis and he knows he has a relationship that is worth more than anything he would have ever had with his father. 

Artemis stands up feeling it is time to ease her beloved's worries. She is amused by his fear knowing she could never leave him. Although she is still new to this, she knows she as well would never be able to leave him. It would hurt her just as much as him. She begins walking back to the door where she sees the men are standing waiting patiently for her. 

The king sees his son's love coming towards him and chooses to give him the privacy they need. He turns to Navene gesturing his head towards the opposite direction. Navene nods his head and does a low whistle that has all the wolves following them. 

"You'll have to teach me how to do that someday Navene." 

"As you wish your majesty." The king chuckles as they all walk away. 

Caspian opens the door as Artemis walks through. She looks to the king and Navene walking away before looking to the enchanting eyes of her prince. His breathing staggering as the light of the moon bounces off of her silk skin and illuminating her silver irises making them shine like metal pools. Her delicate light pink lips slightly parted making them look all the more inviting. 

"Artemis..." 

"Caspian." 

Artemis cups his cheek making him lean his cheek into her palm. The sparks bouncing off the simple connection while they still continue searching the other's soul. 

I will always return to you Caspian... you should not fear anymore. I am giving my heart to you and only you.

Caspian closes his eyes and pulls her waist to him closing the gap between them. Her forehead gently pressed to his. They embrace each other in the silence. The unspoken words speaking in volumes by their actions. In the silence, Caspian understands that she is willingly giving herself to him. Artemis understands that Caspian wants only her and not for his gain... She feels loved, and protected. Caspian feels loved and serene. 

"Will you be okay with the festivities to introduce you to the kingdom?"

Artemis looks up to him and knows she is ready... She is ready for his love, to become something more... to become his queen. 

"With you by my side... Yes."