"Did you see her?"

"Was that Lady Artemis?"

"She was an skilled swordsman, I want to be like her!"

The king and queen continued hearing the gossip of the fearless young beauty as they strolled through the festival arm in arm. Navene still being dragged by Princess Cassandra as she looks at all the jewelry on display. The queen giggling softly at her daughter. She has grown attached to the young lad who seems to be equally happy. Hearing the queen's laughter, the king smiles down fondly to his wife. The whispers of Artemis still passing each of the villager's lips.

"Do you hear all of them my king?"

"It's hard not to my love." The queen grins up at her husband.

"It seems nothing but good things... She is a force to be reckoned with, is she not?"

"Were you aware of her skills?" The queen scoffs at her husband.

"And how would I have known of this? Navene only informed of us of his training with her."

So caught up in their own conversation, they do not see the older man walking up to them grinning ear to ear. Navene notices the newcomer and gently pulls the princess by his side. Cassandra just beamed up at the old man.

"LEO!"

"It's a pleasure to see you again Princess Cassandra." He says giving her a small bow. The king and queen now seeing him.

"Ah Leo! It is so good to see you!"

"You as well your majesty!" His body bending at the waist to give a proper bow to his king. He stands back up giving the same respect to the queen who nods with a smile in return. "I have met your guest, Lady Artemis."

"Have you now?" The queen questions in amusement.

"Quite the beauty and impeccable archery skills. She won my challenge this morning!"

Navene listens to the interaction as his eyes danced back and forth between the unknown man and the royal couple. His hand still holding the hilt of his sword firmly. Cass notices and takes his hand causing Navene to release it. He looks to her who is shaking her head negatively. Navene relaxes knowing the princess trust this man.

"Did she really?" The king asked intrigued to hear. The queen only smirks in return.

"She sure did! Gave away her winnings to the orphan children."

The queen couldn't help the warmth seep through her heart knowing their kingdom will one day be in good hands. Navene smiles knowing of the generosity of his guardian. Cass takes his hand and tugs to where a small vendor with wooden swords are displayed. The queen glances to them while the king notions the guards to keep close. Tesara still glued to the pairs side.

"My king, I do believe Prince Caspian was quite smitten with the young maiden."

The king had to resist rolling his eyes as the queen looked up to him grinning. He turned back to Leo with a subtle smile.

"I do believe you may be right Leo. We must be going. Please do join us later for the banquet at the castle."

"Absolutely my king." He says bowing before once again bowing to the queen and heading off.

"Seems she is quite the jack of trades..." The king nods as they continue their stroll. Navene, and Cassandra rejoining them with Tesara guarding closely.

"My love, let's get back to the castle to prepare."

The castle was still bustling about when Caspian came in carrying a sleeping Artemis in his arms. The maids look to him and gasp before rushing forward. The prince holds her firmly to his chest shaking his head to the maids. They return to their previous duties as he makes his way back to his chambers. Having one of the guards open the door before closing it softly. Caspian lies her down on the bed when he notices the other wolves are all in his chambers. Their heads perked up looking to him.

"Would you all care to go for a walk?"

The wolves stand up coming to his feet. He turns to Vatalanie who has already laid her head on Artemis' stomach.

"Keep an eye on her?"

Vatalanie nods as Caspian takes a final glance to the beauty before exiting the chamber with six wolves following him. The maids scramble away still quite terrified of them. The guards stand still as they pass. Caspian just rolls his eyes taking them back to the rear gardens. They shoot off all over the grounds. Caspian sits down on one of the benches watching over them. His mind drifting back to the sword fight.

You are thinking to hard my prince...

He smirks and lifts his head expecting to see her on the balcony but no one is there. He then looks all around wondering where she is at. Some time later he takes the wolves back to his chambers where they have seem to set up camp. He then notices Artemis is still lying in the position she was left in.

He raises an eyebrow quite confused. Did she truly speak to me while asleep? He takes off his cape and walks to his window looking out over the kingdom.

What has captivated your mind my love?

He turns back to see Artemis waking up looking to him with sleepy eyes.

"My love, have you been asleep this entire time?" Artemis nods her head when he sits down slow on the bed. She looks to him with a tilt to her head confused. "Artemis you spoke to me.. while you were asleep."

"I- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." She holds her head not remembering doing that. "Navene has said I have done it before but I can't ever recall when I do it."

"It's alright love... I just wasn't sure if you were aware of it."

"Did I say anything wrong?" Caspian chuckles shaking his head negatively. He reaches out petting Vatalanie's coat while she continues sleeping on the bed.

"You were concerned about my mind working to hard." Artemis rubs her face groaning while Caspian chuckles at her shyness. "I was thinking about your swordsmanship at the festival... It was very impressive. I am sure the kingdom has all heard of it by now."

Artemis' eyes go wide an alarm. She does not want everyone's attention. Caspian sensed her nerves as he reached over Vatalanie to grip her hand firmly. She squeezed his back. A knock resonates from the doors as a maid comes in to bring tea. She sets it down beside the bed before retreating from the room hastily. Caspian chuckles realizing how truly scared they were of the pack.

"Artemis, the banquet is going to start shortly. We will need to attend but I want you by my side."

"Of course Caspian."

She stands up pulling the braids out that his mother created this morning. Gentle beach waves reach to her lower back as she combs her fingers through it. Caspian just watching her from the bed in her new attire. His mind no where near clean thoughts. Artemis senses the change in emotion and feels his desire wash over her like a wave.

"Caspian..." Her tone warning while remembering the queen's words previously.

Caspian closes his eyes throwing his body back onto the bed. Artemis watches with amusement before his next words making her heart freeze.

"Love, I will want to be wed soon. This will be torture otherwise."

Her blood pulsing through her veins as her own desire courses through her. Caspian's emotions heighten as their bond allows her feelings to be felt. Her emotion matching his making him groan.

"Caspian"

Her voice more breathless. He stands up hastily walking directly to her with utter determination. Cupping her face, he crashes his lips to her. Her moan only fueling his inner turmoil. The kiss is anything but tender. Full of lust, heat, and pure desire. His fingers weaving into her silver silk gripping it roughly. Artemis gasp making him dive in deeper. Her passion on overload feeling her coil tightening.

"Love..." His hoarse voice as he dived down to her neck. Pulling her hair back still in his grasp giving him full access to her slender long neck. He nipped hearing her whimpers serving to encourage him.

They were pulled apart by a warning growl emitting from the bed. Artemis opened her eyes realizing they were fueling each other's emotions making them both lose control. Caspian pulls back slowly from her neck as both of their chests heave. He steps away completely releasing her. His eyes trained on her. The way her chest rises and falls, her hair slightly messed up from his grip along with her purple marks on her neck. He has to close his eyes to not stare or run back to her.

"I-I think I'm going to step out."

Before Caspian can even react, she slides out of the room. Caspian drops his head back looking to his ceiling as he lets out a long breath. He looks back down to Vatalanie who has narrow eyes on him. He feels like a little boy under the eyes of his mother.

"Don't give me that look." Vatalanie just huffs laying back down. Caspian rubs his fingers down his face as he decides to go to the washroom to splash water on him. He comes back out deciding to give Artemis time since he is worried he may push her too far. He lays down while Vatalanie readjust laying her head on his stomach. Caspian looks down surprised but pats her regardless. He closes his eyes and his thoughts travel back to the kiss as he attempts to rest before the banquet.

Evening comes and the great hall are filling with entire kingdom. Artemis had not returned to Caspian rather spent her time on top of the castle letting the afternoon wind whip around her. Navene found her as they spent time alone together just talking about everything and anything. The king and queen getting changed for the evening. Cassandra getting her hair redone for the feast.

Artemis walks down nervously as the the royal family have already joined. The tables full and feast sprawled out the length of the grand tables. The king sitting at the front table with the queen to his right. Caspian to his left with Cassandra next to her mother. The room goes silent seeing the newcomers. Navene steps forward walking down first between the two long tables. All eyes remain on the hooded figure.

Be brave Artemis

She listens to Navene as she slowly pushes the hood down. The wide eyes of all look to see her metallic hair and eyes. Everyone continued gazing upon her as she graciously began walking down between the tables. The kingdom turning in their seats to get a better look. Caspian stands up waiting for her by the side of their table. His mind captivated by her demeanor. The way she unknowingly commands the attention of the room. She steps to him while taking his outstretched hand.

She sits down and locks eyes with the people who are staring upon her. She gives a gentle smile that the crowd returns. The whispers begin circling the table while Caspian grips her hand with a proud smile gracing his face. Navene taking a seat next to Cassandra who grins at her friend.

"Let us enjoy this feast!"

The king's voice commands and everyone turns to the food. Artemis relaxes no longer feeling everyone's attention bestowed on her.

"You look beautiful as always my love."

As you look handsome my prince

Caspian grins interlacing his fingers through her as she rubs her thumb across his knuckles. The tingles dancing across his hand at the simple contact. He begins sipping his drink as he looks around noticing everyone's subtle gazes towards his beauty while whispering. He brings their hands to his lips giving it a gentle kiss.

The evening progressing with many smiles, and laughter shared. Caspian never once releasing Artemis. The king and queen smiled amused at their son as they continued enjoy the peaceful evening.

But peace never does last...