Chapter 10

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Navene is currently standing in front of the King who is pacing back and forth trying to understand what all just occurred. The king's eyes drifting to the young man with thoughts racing on how he was able to wield a sword like an experienced swordsman to the man in the room. Then his eye's drift to the wolf who is sitting there once again with it's ears pulled back ready to defend if needed.

Caspian is currently standing behind his father waiting to see his reaction to all of this. His mother has agreed to stay in the chambers with Artemis and the pack of wolves that snarled when the guards came too close. The guards pulled the body out attempting to glance at Artemis on the bed. Cassandra has curled herself against the sleeping beauty feeling protection within her embrace.

The king stops pacing and looks directly at Navene. He has too many questions running through his head that he begins where he thinks would be best. Tesara still keeping a close eye on the man with a golden ring on top of his head.

"Navene, let's begin with the easiest question. What is your sir name?"

"I apologize your Majesty but I do not have one."

"How is that possible?" The king stands there completely baffled by the notion.

"I was rescued at a young age and have since not remembered my last name my King."

"Okay, What is your age?"

"I am yet to turn 12."

"Okay, at what age were you rescued?"

"Artemis rescued you me when I was only 4." The king begins slowly pacing rubbing his jaw thoughtfully. Navene's eyes following his movements.

"Pray tell, how did she rescue you?"

"I came from an unfortunate situation when Artemis discovered me and offered me safety and adventure to travel with her... I never looked back."

"You mean she took a 4 year old without a thought of kidnapping-"

"Your majesty, I do not mean to be rude but I warn you not to speak ill of Artemis."

"I beg your pardon." The king eye's going wide by the bluntness of the young lad.

"Tesara does not take well to it and I can not stop her from her natural instincts your majesty."

The king takes a deep breath looking towards the wolf whose eyes have narrowed to slits. Her mouth emitting a soft growl. He continues walking however chooses his words wisely.

"How did you train her?" He ask in regards to the she wolf.

"She is not trained my King. She understands I am part of her pack. Natural instincts to protect members of the pack."

"I see... And Artemis?"

"She sits at the head of the pack along with another she-wolf." The King nods his head.

"And who trained you to wield your sword?"

"Artemis sir."

The King then turns to his son who seems to be absorbing the information as well. Caspian is recalling the time he first met Artemis and how she attacked with her sword against the thieves. His heart warming at the new information he is learning. His father can see his son's reaction, the look of longing. He sighs and realizes his queen is correct... Their son has found his match. He turns his attention back to the young Navene.

"Navene, how did you know that you needed to leave?"

Navene's eyes travel to the prince. The prince notices the hesitation and decides to step in.

"Father, we need to speak to our guards. How do we think they got into the chambers?"

"Very well son however not yet." The king could see what was happening but he still wanted an answer. He turned back to Navene whose head was bowed. The King takes a step to him but Tesara stands up standing in front of Navene once again giving a warning growl. The King halts his movements. "Navene I ask again- How did you know to go to the chambers?"

Navene hesitates not sure what to do. Caspian's eyes trained on Navene wanting to interfere again but fearing the consequences. The King waiting patiently for the young lad to begin speaking.

"I told him your Majesty."

All three heads snap to the door. The king's eyes comically wide as his breathing halts. Standing at the entrance to the grand hall stood a young goddess. Eyes vibrant like metallic pools. Her eyes a perfect match to the silver streams flowing down her back in intricate braids. A dress of silver that frames her body and reveals one of her shoulders. Her uncovered arm covered in an delicately made design marking her skin from her shoulder down the length to her fingers of her hand. She stands their strong and unwavering. The king has never seen such a beauty before. She appeared as if she was created by the heavens.

The King's eyes were not the only ones trained on the beauty. Navene's eyes are wide with shock while the prince's look captivated yet again. Caspian's feet taking him to his beloved without a thought. He walks up to her cupping her cheek. Artemis eye's looking into the prince's beautiful orbs. The young coupling getting lost in each other's gaze allowing the world to dissolve around them. Caspian doesn't even think as he gently places his lips to her forehead. Artemis' eyes closing and a small smile gracing her lips.

The King stands their in complete awe of the young woman. He just now notices that she walked in with others. All the wolves are sitting at her feet looking more like pups than full grown predators. The King takes slow steps forward long forgetting about Navene who is still standing there shell shocked. Artemis notices the movement and her gaze breaks from Caspian making him release her to turn around. He takes Artemis' hand as the King takes timid steps towards her. She bows respectively towards the King.

"Your Majesty"

"Rise Artemis" Artemis stands back up straight. Her eyes locked with the astounded King's. He can't get over her features. Navene finally finds his footing and walks over to Artemis. He stands beside her as she looks to him with love. Young Navene doesn't even think as he hugs Artemis' waist which Artemis reciprocates. The king watches as she acts as a protector and care giver to the young lad. "What did you mean you 'told' him?"

Navene steps to her side taking her other hand. She takes a deep breath before exhaling it slowly. Her gaze not wavering from the awaiting King.

"I have a... special ability."

"Witchcraft?" King doesn't seem disgusted but just curious. The wolves however don't take kindly to his words. They all growl before Artemis releases her hand from Navene's to raise it. They follow the movement and silence. The King notices before looking back to the young maiden. "They bow to you."

"They trust me your Majesty."

"Pray tell, How?"

Artemis looks down to her leg where Vatalanie is. Vatalanie looks up at her with a wolf grin.

"I saved a member of the pack."

"You said you told Navene, but how did you know yourself that the intruder was in your chamber?"

"Vatalanie told me." The King tilts his head in confusion.

"Who is... Vatalanie?" He ask slowly attempting to mimic the name.

Artemis slowly reaches down petting the she wolf. "She is my family Sire."

The King sees the association she has made and is once again baffled. She is claiming to have spoken to a wolf while asleep. He should be terrified or at least intimidated. He is neither though, surprised yes... scared no. He steps forward and Vatalanie is quick to stand in front of Artemis snarling at the King. Caspian kneels down drawing the attention of the she wolf. Caspian bows to the wolf while the King watches. Vatalanie slowly bows her head to the prince in return. Caspian proceeds to rub her fur as he turns to his father.

The King slowly bows recapturing the wolf's attention. He goes to one knee making the room go silent. The guards standing nearby with mouths agape seeing their royal bow to an animal. Artemis is astounded by the King. Her mind always telling her to never trust a royal but he has yet to be hostile towards her or her family. Navene squeezes her hand for comfort as they both watch. Vatalanie stands stark still not sure.

Vatalanie, Trust me.

Vatalanie turns to Artemis hearing her. Artemis nods reassuringly. The King watches the exchange before the wolf looks back to him bowing to him. He reaches forward slowly petting the wolf.

He stands back up as Vatalanie takes her place back by Artemis. Caspian still holding her hand firmly. The King notices the interlocked hands before his gaze goes to his son. He sees the determination in his eyes. He looks over his shoulder just now seeing his queen holding their daughter. She has a knowing smile upon her lips.

He chuckles at his love before looking back to the young couple gently shaking his head. He already knows that she will remain by his side.

"Welcome to our home Artemis."

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