"Mom, are you aware there is a wolf next to you?"

Princess Cassandra's whispered question causing chuckles to erupt from the table. A few maids laying plates down on the floor for the wolves. The wolves nod in thanks before they scurry away. Goliath still sitting on the floor next to the queen. Vatalanie laying between Artemis and Caspian whereas Tesara lays between Navene and Cassandra on the opposite side. The king is the only one without a companion while the other 5 wolves lay near the wall watching the royal family as the maids bring out dishes for them.

"Yes my princess I know."

The queen answers reaching down to rub Goliath's head. The king clears his throat catching everyone's attention before dabbing his mouth with a napkin and standing up. He looks to the guards and maids first.

"Please clear the room everyone." The guards step out along with the maids who were in the room. Artemis and Navene go to stand up but the king is quick to notice. "Artemis-Navene, please stay."

They sit back down as Caspian and Cassandra give confused looks to both parents. The queen smiles watching her husband puff out his chest like a proud peacock.

"Children, your mother is expecting." Caspian drops his fork with his eyes going wide. Cassandra still looks upon her mother confused.

"Expecting what mom?"

The queen looks to her daughter in amusement of her innocence then back to her husband to see a mirrored image. Artemis and Navene sit there quietly feeling like intruders during this private moment. Caspian takes her hand still in a state of shock without processing his movements. Artemis however squeezes back.

"Sweetie, we are going to be having another baby. You are going to be an older sister."

Cassandra gasp before releasing a squeal and jumping out of her seat running to mom hugging her tightly. The queen smiles down at her daughter who now looks to her belly.

"When will she be here?" Cassandra says still looking to her mother.

"Princess, it may be a boy." The king says sitting back in his seat glancing at his queen who is smiling with teary eyes. Cassandra turns to her father shaking her head negatively.

"Nope. I have a feeling it will be another princess."

The table laughs gently at the young princess and her declaration. The only silent one is the prince who now is staring down at his breakfast plate. The king and queen notice and look to each other.

"Excuse me."

The prince stands up still holding Artemis hand who gets up not sure of the emotion running though him. She follows behind him as he takes her out of the dining hall. The king and queen feeling confused by their son's actions. The king stands up following the pair out. Navene leans down petting Tesara still being silent. Cassandra still gushing to the flat stomach of her mother. The queen refocuses on her daughter but glances to the door hoping to see her son and husband reappear.

Caspian makes it to a hallway with a window where he stops letting the fresh breeze roll onto him. He closes his eyes still holding onto Artemis' hand tightly. She stands there waiting for him to speak rubbing her thumb on their conjoined hands. The king stops back a bit hoping to find out what is wrong. After a few minutes, Caspian opens his eyes looking down to Artemis before pulling her into his arms. Artemis can clearly see the worried eyes of her prince and holds him hoping to bring comfort.

"She had issues giving birth with Cassandra and almost didn't make it. I don't want to go through almost loosing my mother again."

The king's head drops and heart grows heavy as memories of that day flood his mind. He now understands why his son wasn't happy to hear of the news. He steps around the corner but stops as he sees the intimate moment between the two. Artemis cups her love's cheek making his glossy eyes look to her. Her reassuring smile relaxing him slightly.

"I will be here Caspian, your mother will be okay. I promise you. Do not fear Caspian.."

"It's not just that Artemis, a queen is always a target but a queen with a baby is even a larger target."

"And we will protect her."

The young couple turn to the voice of the king. He chooses to step out knowing he needs to make his son understand. He walks up standing directly in front of Caspian causing Artemis to step aside. She tries to step away but Caspian refuses to release her. The king grasp his son's shoulders.

"Son, we were not planning of this but it is still a blessing. Your mother has always been and always will be protected. Goliath will not let anything happen to her or the baby."

Caspian furrows his eyebrows in confusion not recognizing this name.

My love, he is the wolf that was sitting next to your mother.

Caspian's confused gaze causes the king to answer his unasked question.

"Goliath is-"

"The wolf that was next to mom. I know." He sighs as the king blinks repeatedly. He looks to Artemis who is still looking down then back to his son. "Artemis informed me."

The king looks to Artemis again who lifts her head enough to glance at the king before looking back down. He releases his son to step in front of Artemis who tenses. Caspian realizes what he has said and tightens his grip on Artemis.

"You are just full of abilities Artemis. May I know is it true you've developed a bond with my son."

"Yes my King." He nods his head thoughtfully looking down to their intertwined hands.

"May I have a word with you-"

"NO" Caspian abruptly cuts off his father pulling Artemis to be slightly behind him. His form protective over her as the king smiles amused rather than irritated by his son's behavior. Artemis rubs his back slowly causing Caspian to ease up slightly.

"Son you can come with but I would like for it to be more private." He glances to the guards stationed in the halls. Caspian nods and follows his father to his study. Artemis still firmly in his grasp.

They get into his private study where the king sits in front of the pair who are side by side still hand in hand. He chuckles lowly at his son's protectiveness.

"Artemis, you have said you created a bond with my son. What does this entail?"

"I have created a mental link with Caspian. I can feel his emotions when they run high and we can speak telepathically."

"Is it safe to have this bond?"

"Yes my king. The only negative I have found is that if my emotions become heighten, some near me that feel the bond can also feel my emotions."

"Does anyone else have this bond with you?"

"Navene sir and the wolves. Any animal I have healed will also have the bond but they are not here."

The king nods his head thinking about this before looking to his son. His son's sole attention is on the silver beauty. Her eyes remain looking to the king even when she can feel Caspian's eyes glued to her.

"Caspian, can you speak to the wolves?"

"No father, I only can speak to Artemis. She is the common link between us."

"Artemis, is this permanent?"

"I have never attempted to reverse it my King. I am unsure whether I can."

The king sits back watching them still in thought over this. It might come in handy if Caspian was ever in danger. Caspian moves to wrap his arm around Artemis as he can feel her nerves are high. Artemis releases a deep breath allowing his comforting touch to wash over her. Her concerned is the king asking her to reverse her bond with his son.

"Artemis, I am not upset that you formed an attachment with my son. He is most invested in you and I am happy to see the sentiment is returned."

Artemis snaps her head up to see a gentle smile upon the King's lips. Caspian's finger still rubbing circles on her waist. Artemis gives the King a slight bow.

"Caspian you will return with a smile on your face to congratulate your mother. She was hurt by your leave."

"Yes father."

The king stands up making the couple look to him. He gestures to the door and leads them back to the dinning hall. They arrive and the queen stands up. Caspian releases Artemis to walk to his mother. The queen opens her arms that Caspian happily walks into embracing her.

"I'm sorry mom... I'm happy to have another younger brother or sister."

"It's sister!"

Cassandra says loudly making everyone laugh this time. Breakfast resumes with delicious food and small talk. The horns blazing letting the palace know of an arrival catch everyone's attention. The king and queen look to each other in question. They both weren't aware of any visitors. They stand up walking out of the dinning hall. Caspian is quick to grab Artemis' hand following behind them. Navene doing the same with Princess Cassandra. The entire family standing at the entrance of the castle as a royal chariot pulls in with the royal flags of Darion flying on it.

The chariot stops in front of them as King Maximus steps out followed by his daughter. The royal adviser following behind them. The king's strides long and determined with a stone expression upon his face. He walks up to the king and queen stopping when he notices the guards take a step towards them. He gives a bow out of respect but with his expression, you can tell he would rather not. The princess steps beside her father with an evil glint in her eyes. Caspian tugs Artemis so his hand can wrap around her waist. The princess sees this and narrows her gaze upon the silver beauty who is no longer covered up. She steps forward to look directly at Caspian.

"Prince Caspian."

"Princess Lena."