"Navene, come on!"

Navene huffs playfully chasing down the halls after the young princess. Her dress fluttering in the wind as her dark curls bounce along. She looks over her shoulder with her chocolate eyes and a happy smile spreading across her lips. The sound of her joyful laughter bouncing off the halls. Navene smiles in return still running after her. A loud thud making him look back as they round a corner.

Tesara had not been able to stop and her body slammed into a table. Navene chuckled while Tesara shook her head and got back up to chase after them. He turns back to his front seeing the young princess slip out of the backdoor. The evening sun making rays of pink and amber flood the heavens. Giggles bring him back to the present as he follows into the maze to find his best friend. Tesara now at his side while they play the game hide and seek.

"Come out, come out... where ever you are princess"

"NEVER!"

Her laughter coming shortly after. Navene chuckles with her glancing around one of the tall bushels. Getting to the center of the maze. He finds her sitting on the bench surrounded by the white snow. Her eyes looking towards the colorful sky. He slowly walks up behind her before grabbing at her shoulders yelling 'gotcha'. The princess didn't seem too surprised and just turned to the young lad with a smile. Taking a seat beside her, they both look back up to the evening sky.

Cassandra basks in the evening as the cold slowly seeps into her cloak. Not caring for the wind, she can't fathom how she has become so blessed. She closes her eyes while sliding one arm through Navene's leaning against his shoulder with a content smile.

"Thank you Navene." Navene looks down at her.

"For what princess?"

"For everything..."

Her words soft as she reflects on the time they have had together. The way they had met when she was in grave danger. How he took her hands gently from behind the tree to bring her out of hiding when she was petrified to move. The way he protected her all these months including standing in front of her when a mad man had approached with his sword pointed towards her. The friendship they have developed along with the sister she had gained and pack of friends she now has. She had never dreamed a simple trip into the village with her brother would have ended with such a new future.

"Well then I owe a debt of gratitude as well."

With this, Cassandra lifts her head to look at him. His eyes shining with happiness making her smile as well.

"For?"

"For becoming my best friend. For your families welcoming to not only me but Artemis and our ways."

"She is a goddess..."Her words holding pure adoration making Navene chuckle and nod. He remembers when he first watched Artemis perform her abilities, he too was mesmerized. "I still can't believe she ended up with my idiotic brother."

At this Navene bust out laughing leaning over holding his stomach. Cassandra shakes her head with a look reading her disbelief and Navene finds it endearing. This royal family is nothing like what he believed growing up. They care for others, he has not witnessed them belittling anyone no matter what the rank. The king is fair and courteous in the way he rules his land, his people.

"You and your family are a rare breed as well."

"Pray tell"

"You speak to everyone in the same manner. Their does not appear to be a hierarchy within this kingdom."

Cassandra smiles proudly being told this more than once. The villagers telling her family they are proud to remain on this land. Her father chose to rule very differently than most the kings and queens of this time.

"My father chose this before I or Caspian were born. He was raised very differently but never agreed with his teachings. Once he become the ruler, he changed a great deal and instilled these values with us."

"He has done well. The people care a great deal about you all. That can not be said about all places..."

"No... no it can't."

Silence envelops them both as they reflect. Tesara laying her head along her protected's lap. Navene brushing her head still lost in thought.

"You two should get inside, it is dinner time."

They both snap back towards the voice to find the king standing there with the queen, Goliath at her side. The young duo standing up before racing back into the house. The queen laughing at their disappearing figures. Her hand rubbing at her bump that has grown greatly in size while her other arm rest intertwined with Casden's.

"You are aware that the young lad may be our future son in law?"

The queen looks up to her husband questioning him. He doesn't appear to be fazed by it and just kisses her temple while speaking.

"I would not mind... He is her protector."

At this the queen feels her heart warm for the man she has come to love. They were arranged and lucky that it worked in their favor. Her husband no longer speaks to his family due to the disconnect upon his rule. His father was a smug pompous man who ruled extremely differently. She was glad when she did not see the same values were within Casden. He is a compassionate man who chooses to help the fallen rather than treading over them.

"You my king... are my world."

At this he chuckles but understands her meaning. He has been infatuated with her equally. Never has any debutante captured his attention like Analee. While others would vie for his affections, she would be helping the maids with their trays and speaking to them. Not at all caring for the attention of the young chaps. He instantly knew she was different and luckily his mother saw it as well. Her orchestrating the arrangement that has now blossomed into a loving twenty years of marriage.

"As you are my universe, my queen."

They make it back inside to find the young duo already sitting at the table. The king and queen taking their seats at their respectable ends before glancing to the two empty chairs. Looking around, Analee sees the pack has come in and taking to their normal spots.

"Where are Caspian and Artemis?"

The king clears his throat gaining his queen's attention. She raises an eyebrow for him to continue.

"I do not believe they will be joining us this evening."

At this the queen chuckles shaking her head. It has been a few weeks since their argument that the whole castle was a buzz with. She was upset with her son, her husband as well for not informing her of the danger their daughter in law was in.

Since then the young couple have been very absent from family dinners. The queen does wonder how the young couple aren't tired of each other yet but none the less is happy for their love. It exudes from them making others smile upon them. Their love does seem to be endless and she hopes it continues this way. She has now got to meet the dragons that Artemis has helped save.

Kaleo and Aneesa have come to visit to confirm the well being of their savior. Each time, the royals have went out to greet them. Aneesa seems to be smaller in size and still learning to control her wings. Kaleo on the other hand is wary of their guards but has never snapped at anyone. Artemis appears to have some magic towards them. They will bow to her and show her affection like a horse to it's rider.

Allowing her thoughts to consume her, she rubs her stomach instinctively. They are coming closer to the birth of their third child and she could not be more grateful for the beauty that saved not only her but their unborn. She could not believe the doctor would attempt to kill their daughter in law, not even for a hefty amount of gold. They never did find out who was behind the bounty however they have had no further attacks since then. Whether it be due to their lack of leaving the castle, or the hunters no longer wishing their death for the bounty, it is unclear but have had no quarrels.

"My queen?"

"My apologies love, what were you saying?"

"I asked if Artemis has given you an idea of how much longer til delivery?"

"In two months time."

The king was watching as his wife got lost in her own world while her hand danced across her stomach. The food not seeming to keep her attention. He was interested to find where her thoughts have went to but not dare ask in the presence of others.

Hearing footsteps, they all turn to see the missing pairing walking through the door. Artemis' stomach has also grown in size making for the queen to get her wish of getting new gowns for her. She was wearing a forest green dress with a white lace embroidery. The dress have a cross stitch back allowing for her belly to continue growing. Her long hair braided into a halo fashion with a few tendrils framing her face. The queen looking to her fondly.

Artemis watched as they drew all the attention of the room. Nothing but love coming from all that gathered. She smiled softly while Caspian's hands on her waist squeezed her gently. Turning her attention to him, she could see the utter affection he had for her. His face leaning towards her to lay a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Come love, we need to eat."

She nods while he directs her to their chairs. His hold never wavering from her. Caspian has felt he has loss all senses when he is around her. True to his word, he has given her more space during the day returning to his duties. His voice calling to her only a few times to check in through out the day otherwise leaving her to attend to her pack. No other attacks have occurred helping put his mind at ease.

Taking their seats, no words are said about how they have been aloof as they all enjoyed their meals. Artemis eyes dancing over each and everyone of them. Her eyes glazing over thinking about all that has occurred. How wrong her opinions were growing up or at least her judgement towards every royal. A hand on her leg bringing her back to the present. She turns to Caspian to kiss his cheek before continuing to eat.

The evening continuing with small chat and much love from all. Vatalanie still remaining close to her friend and her new charge. The wolves have found a new home amongst this castle and the people who reside within. This may not be of the norm however none cared.

This was their kingdom after all.