Artemis holds her breath as the room goes silent upon their arrival. All eyes fall upon her and her heart accelerates exponentially. Vatalanie also going into a defensive mode as her eyes survey the room. Caspian can feel his soon to be bride's muscles tensing again. He releases his arm from hers before wrapping it securely around her waist bringing her side to connect to him. 

The royals all looking upon the goddess with such bewitching features. Never could they fathom such a rare gem to exist. Her hair shining from the candles. The metal threads woven into a fine braid down the length of her back to her waist line. Her eyes enrapturing anyone who looks upon them. She is truly a work of the gods. As the stories told, there to her side stood a fully grown gray wolf. 

King Casden and Queen Analee step forward to the young couple. The queen embracing her fully making Artemis relax within her hold and release her breath. King Casden looks upon her fondly while his son still stands by her side. The king looks down to Vatalanie giving her a head nod which the wolf returns. The crowd gasping at the interaction. Casden turns around to face everyone. 

"Welcome to our Kingdom" 

A round of claps is heard. Caspian's arm once again ensnaring his beloved's waist. 

"We are please to have you all join us in celebrating the union between our son, Prince Caspian, and Lady Artemis." 

Another round of claps resonates throughout the grand hall. All eyes looking between the young couple. Caspian stands proud next to his blushing queen. The crowd smiling fondly at them while the young beauty stands there fearing their repulsion... not at all recognizing that not one is looking to her like that. 

Caspian guides her slowly around the room to introduce her to all the guest. Artemis remains silent each time... not being able to find her tongue to greet them. The royals look quizzical at her but do not dare to comment on the matter. After meeting a sufficient amount of royals, Caspian begins moving them away so she may have a moment. 

"Artemis, my love, are you well?"

Artemis nods her head but doesn't speak. Caspian sighs knowing how hard this is for her. He pulls her into a firm hug kissing her hairline while allowing her forest scent to envelope him. He inhales deeply and exhales slowly allowing this moment to be theirs. A commotion catches their attention. 

A guard stands holding a young child's wrist firmly. Artemis is quick to react strolling to the quarrel. The young girl's eyes glistening with tears while the guard's grip bruises her. Artemis' presence making both eyes turn to her with Caspian following behind. 

"Guard, what is the issue here?"

The guard bows to the prince twisting the young girl's arm in the process making her whimper. Artemis quickly steps forward yanking the guard's hand free from her before looking to the young girl. She could not be more than 6 years old. Artemis rubs her wrist soothingly as the young girl trembles. Artemis doesn't think twice before pulling her into a hug holding her as she shakes in fear. A few moments pass before she finally ceases her trembles. 

"I ask again, what is the issue?"

"Prince Caspian, this girl was trying to steal from the kitchen." 

At this Artemis swiftly turns to the guard, her anger simmering at the surface. Caspian can see her reaction and takes her hand trying to calm her before turning back to the guard. 

"This is a celebration and EVERYONE is welcome to eat and drink until their heart's content." 

"But sir-"

"We do not treat any child in this manner. This should have been brought to the king and queen's attention. Who gave you the authority to treat our guest in this manner?"

"No one sir." 

"You are dismissed for the evening. Expect a hearing to be held for this." 

He bows before quickly making an exit. The young girl now clinging to Artemis waist. Artemis rubbing her dirt matted hair gently not caring how filthy the child is or how it is ruining her dress. Caspian smiles fondly seeing how she tends to children. Pictures of their own offspring invading his mind. 

The entire crowd looking upon the young beauty in awe. Everyone watched as the beauty stepped forward the moment the guard grabbed at the young girl. The way she nurtured the girl and comforted her as well as how the crown prince stood up for not only the little girl but also his future bride. They will definitely be a force to be reckoned with. 

The girl releases her hold from Artemis and steps back respectfully bowing. The silver beauty tugging the girls hands to have her stand up. Caspian places his hand on the small of Artemis' back looking to the young girl with a gentle smile. 

"My apologies for the man. You are welcome to any food you please." 

"Tha-Thank you... Pr-Prince" 

The young girl stutters before making a hasting getaway. Artemis' eyes following her disappearing form. Caspian's lips finding her temple making her close her eyes involuntarily. 

"You did well my love. Let her be." 

Artemis nods turning around now noticing the eyes upon her. Her wide eyes looking throughout the mass to see nothing but fond smiles on her. A slow clap turns everyone's attention to the entrance to the grand hall. Artemis looks as the crowd separates allowing her to see the owner of the clap. She furrows her eyebrows not recognizing the man. His black cloak making him look like death. She turns her attention to Caspian. 

Caspian stands rigid, his form extremely tense as his grip on Artemis tightens all ready knowing who the man is. The crowd remaining silent as they watch the dark hooded man step into the room. King Casden taking his wife's waist into his hold as they walk forward graciously to greet the guest. Analee attempting to remain calm through the emotions raging through her. 

"Ah It's so good to see you King Casden and Queen Analee." 

The figure bows before taking off his cloak. Allowing the crowd to see him. Whispers begin circulating throughout the crowd. Artemis stills remains confused by her beloved's side. 

"King Vispan, thank you for coming." 

"My invitation must have been lost... but no need. Word has spread far of the young prince finding his true love." 

At this he turns his face to the young couple. His eyes looking directly into Artemis'. His eyes are haunting and hollow like the life has been drained from them. His smile as sinister as a viper before it strikes. Artemis' can feel his dark aurora from across the hall. Caspian's fingers also digging into her side letting her be aware of his discomfort. 

He is more wicked than that princess...

Artemis reaches down to stroke Vatalanie's head hearing the low growl rumbling from her chest. The king see's her movement and glances down to where her hand is at. A large gray wolf with narrowed eyes and teeth showing is looking directly at him. He is surprised to find the stories to be true. He steps forward bypassing the king and queen walking directly to the young couple. Caspian's tight hold becoming almost unbearable for Artemis. She rubs her hand over his hoping to sooth him. 

King Vispan is shocked to find a rare beauty in deed. He can see why she has entranced so many. Although she is a fine maiden, he still can only see a murderer standing before him. Oh how he hopes to steal her life away just as she did his father's and sister's. It is when he gets directly in front of her that he looks into her eyes. Her eyes that are pools of silver. He continues looking to her even when she can feel the prince's eyes glaring at him from her side. 

He reaches for her hand but a loud warning growl halts his movements. He looks down to the wolf his white teeth glisten with a snarl. The beast looking as deadly as a wild animal. He watches as the wolf protectively moves in front of the young couple with it's body covering their legs. 

Vatalanie... please 

Vatalanie sits down at Artemis' wishes but refuses to move from in front of her. Not allowing any danger to come near her. She continues to stare at the king who reminds her of death. His dark eyes set upon her mistress. 

"King Vispan" 

"Prince Caspian, is this your bride to be?"

He reaches his hand out again disregarding Vatalanie's growl. Artemis looks to it but does not reach for it rather gives a slight bow. Vispan smirks before retracting his hand. 

"So you are the infamous Lady Artemis... I have heard a great deal about you." 

Artemis does not say anything but continues to hold her head high looking to the man. He clearly has an agenda for being here. Caspian clears his throat attempting to get the king's attention. He however does not stray away from the silver eyed vixen in front of him. 

"If you will excuse us-"

Caspian attempts to move Artemis away from him but Vispan reaches out taking her arm. Making Vatalanie stand up roaring at the King. The entire crowd stepping away at the sound echoing through the hall. 

"Such a shame that you are spoken for-"

"Release her. Now." 

King Casden's voice dangerously low. Vispan retracts his hand raising them a surrender gesture although his eyes say very different. 

"So she is allowed to marry your son where my sister was not?"

His taunting question getting the effect he wanted. Artemis' eyes go wide realizing who this man is. He is the sole heir to the Kingdom of Darion. The king and princess she had a hand in the murder of. Her blood running cold as realization strikes her. She looks to Caspian's who eyes are narrowed on the man. 

Vispan turns around to speak to King Casden. He is still holding firmly to his queen. A beast also standing in front of the royal couple. Vispan laughs demonically throwing his head back. The queen feeling very uncomfortable with his presence. 

"Your sister was asked to leave after being caught lying and threatening our guest." 

"Guest?" He shakes his head in a sarcastic manner. "Your beloved Lady Artemis murdered my sister and father." 

The crowd remains quiet already aware of the becomings of King Maximus and Princess Lena. They do not blame King Casden for his decision. Any ruler would have done the same if placed in that situation. Although Lady Artemis is not aware of this, she looks about the room wondering if they would be repulsed by her now. 

"Your sister was a witch and your father was a thief." 

Everyone's eyes turn to Princess Cassandra as she steps forward. Navene by her side. The young princess not afraid to speak her thoughts. Vispan looks to her amused while placing a hand on his heart in mock hurt. 

"That is hurtful Cassandra." 

He begins to step forward but the room erupts with multiple growls. It is then that the guest see all the wolves coming forth. They remain still in fear of the creatures however none of them even look to the guest rather than only one. Vispan sees this and grins at the beast. 

"King Vispan, I am asking that you leave." 

Vispan turns to the king. His voice stating a hidden warning that it wasn't a question as much as an order. 

"I will not leave til I receive retribution for my family!" 

At his loud voice, King Casden steps away from his queen. Goliath remaining by her side. He steps forward slowly and steadily. All eyes are upon him. 

"You will leave. You are not welcomed in my lands."

Artemis remains firm by Caspian's side but she can feel the shift in the air. Fully aware that something is about to happen.