Word of the engagement spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom. With the villagers joyful, the king chose to hold a celebration to rejoice in the union. He invited kings and queens from other kingdoms as well as the people of his land. News of their union was not the only story that traveled throughout the lands. Lady Artemis' heroics deeds were the tales of the countryside. A hero with hair spun of silver.

Not all took to well to the stories... For there is one who was seeking revenge for the death of his family. He was the only king to not receive an invitation to celebrate.... however why would he. He was, after all, the son of the king who attempted treason against King Casden. The brother to the princess who was beheaded for her assistance in the crime.

Prince Vispan, or recent King Vispan, was rage induced receiving word from his spies of the union between this whore who will one day wear the crown that was meant for his sister and the man that turned away from her. He has never felt so much hatred towards any human before. Then the stories making her sound like some sort of warrior rather than the murderer she is. The stories ranged from her skill in combat to how she controls wolves. There is not a human in this world with that holds that kind of power. Sorcery had died out years ago so these must be just tall tales to ward off unwanted visitors.

A woman who was supposed to be blessed by the moon goddess. Vispan scoffs at the notion... No one woman could hold such beauty. He has been shown to the masses and never has he been intrigued. Woman are their to serve... to carry heirs so kingdoms may continue to flourish.

"Your Majesty?"

"Get the horses ready..." He twist his dagger between his fingers looking out his window. "We must do the honors of congratulating Prince Caspian and... Lady Artemis"

The way her name slowly rolls off his tongue makes the adviser shiver before turning on his heel heading out the throne room.He feels the king is slowly going mad. Upon news of King Maximus' death... his beloved wife had a stroke. She did not survive. Days later learning that his younger sister was beheaded due to treason against King Casden and Queen Analee. He was thrusted quickly into the role of King. It was not that he wasn't becoming prepared to take over however he always foreseen his future with his parents still alive.

He dressed in his dark black robes and made sure to have his father's sword on his side. The old man leaving it when he traveled to the Kingdom of Tralesse in a rush. He never expected that to be the last time he saw his father alive. Stories of the his father's death ranging to far to grasp what may have happened. He however plans to learn...

**********************************************

Queen Analee was in her room brushing Artemis hair as their wolves played behind them. The ladies giggling at the sight. They truly did act like a dog more than a terrifying beast. The beautiful maiden rolling her eyes at her family's antics while the expecting queen can't control her laughter.

"They are quite the sight." The queen puts her brush down taking a final look at the intricate braid before turning to the wolves that now are looking at Artemis' hair. "How did you meet them?"

Artemis smiles spreads recalling the memory. "I rescued Vatalanie from a deadly injury caused by hunters. She was snappy at first but warmed to me... I learned of her being the leader when the entire pack came upon me snarling."

"Oh dear!"

"It is alright. Vatalanie growled at her pack... Standing up for me, an outsider." Artemis shakes her head standing up out of the chair turning to the pair of wolves. Her eyes glistening fondly at them. "She was my very first rescue."

"Wow... That's quite a tale darling." Artemis just smiles softly nodding at the queen. "Do tell, how old were you?"

Artemis stiffens quickly and the queen takes note of her reaction. Artemis sighs twiddling her fingers before answering quietly.

"I was 4 your majesty." Inhaling sharply, the queen now understands her reluctance to tell. That is far too young to ever encounter a creature of the woods...let alone rescue said creature. The queen releases her breath before taking Artemis' hand into her own.

"Well, I should consider myself lucky that you came upon them... I would not be here today if it was not for you all." Artemis shakes her negatively taking back her hand. The queen looks confused to the distraught beauty.

"You would have never been in that circumstance if I would have not come into your lives."

The queen scoffs stepping to Goliath. Kneeling before him to pet his soft fur. His head leaning into her palm before she speaks.

"My son would have never been happy with that... wench." Artemis giggles at the disgusted look upon her face. "The truth is you have rescued my family not only in the physical sense. You bring about light in your presence. You carry a warrior's heart with the grace of a true ruler."

Artemis blushes at the queen's compliment not use to such praise. The queen laughs lowly at the pink cheeks on the beauty. She stands back up to cup Artemis' face.

"You are too kind my queen."

Her words a whisper as she attempts to control the tears at bay. The queen sees her sincerity and nods. A knock from the door making all heads turn in the room. Prince Caspian standing there dressed in gowns with intricate golden weaves. Artemis' heart increasing while he grins strolling into the room. The queen stepping around her son exiting the chambers. The door softly clicking shut behind her.

"Wow"

Caspian's whispered words matching Artemis' thoughts. He was dressed in the same color as her. Queen Analee taking her out of the decorative silver dresses for the celebration. She now wears a royal blue dress with no cape to hide her features. A corset pinching her waist line before puffing out down her legs. Caspian can't tear his eyes away from how the blue brings out her silver features. Her entire arm showing the intricate inkling he has come to trace multiple times.

He was expecting to see her beautiful as always but the dress his mother designed surpassing any expectation of how absolutely stunning his future bride truly is. His eyes drinking her in like she is the oasis in his desert. Artemis clears her throat while blushing innocently. Caspian takes her hand before tugging her to his chest. His hands holding her waist steadily.

"You look breathtaking my queen..."

"Thank you. You look handsome my prince." He smiles before pecking her lips. The temptation to divulge more extremely high. He resist knowing the other royal families have begun to arrive.

"Come my love, it is time."

Artemis takes a shaky breath looking to Vatalanie. Vatalanie giving a jerk to her head encouraging her. She stands following the young maiden out. Goliath already left when the queen exited earlier.

Navene standing in the hallway as they exit with the princess by his side. The bouncing princess gasps seeing the silver goddess exiting the room. Navene's eyes widen at the sight. She looks nothing like the dirt covered beauty who rescued him so many years ago. Artemis steps away from Caspian to engulf Navene in a hug.

I am still me

Navene smiles with tears glistening his eyes. She has always been able to read him so easily. He wraps his arms around the silk dress embracing her tightly.

"You look beautiful Artemis..."

"Thank you Navene."

Caspian places his hand to the small of her back and she stands back up. Navene holding his elbow out for Cassandra who takes it grinning. Tesara by their side. Caspian clears his throat over exaggerating a bow making Artemis loosen up slightly. Holding his arm out he allows her to link arms with him before placing his other hand over hers on his arm rubbing it gently.

Walking to the entrance of the grand hall, they hear the loud chattering, music playing, and bustling of many. Artemis whole body going stiff. Never has she ever been on display nor has she ever been surrounded by so many. Her body reluctant to move forward. Caspian turns directing her eyes to meet his. He swiftly leans down kissing her lips allowing her mind to focus solely on him. Her lips moving in sync with his own. He groans as the heat increasing drastically in a such a short span of time.

"You are to be by my side at all times..."

"Yes my love"

Her breathless words creating an animalistic growl to escape him. He turns back around nodding to the guards to open the doors. Artemis last thoughts of fear enveloping her as the room opens to them.