Caspian strolls down to his father's private study to discuss matters with him. His face still grinning as he knocks on the door. 

"Enter" 

He pushes the door open to see his dad standing by the window looking out to where his sister and young Navene are walking around with Tesara. He walks over standing beside his father watching the magical moment play out. Tesara being chased by the two young children who can't stop laughing the day away. The king smiles and chuckles as his daughter trips on her own feet. Navene is quick to help her up before they are off again. 

"Seems that both my children have become attached." 

Caspian can feel the blood rush up his neck knowing exactly what his father is implying. He would not deny it. He knew his heart lied with the silver goddess currently staying within these walls. His dad smirks seeing his son blush. 

"Father, you said we had matters to discuss." 

The king nods and gestures for Caspian to take a seat across from him which he does. The king takes a moment collecting his thoughts before speaking. Caspian watching intently as his father seems to be lost in thought. 

"First thing. I have invited the princess of Darion here and she will be arriving in a few days time." 

Caspian's face completely pales thinking of the leech coated in paint. The princess of Darion, also known as Lena, is not known to be kind. She is all smiles to the royals but treats everyone with condensation and has no heart to rule a nation. She only thinks for herself and what she wants. On numerous occasions, Caspian has witnessed her ruthless ways. Every time she has come to visit, she always attaches herself to Caspian. 

"Father, what is the meaning of her visit." 

"Originally it was because she missed you and we thought there might be a connection-"

The king can't even finish his sentence before his son jolts up out of his chair. Caspian's face hardening. 

"You were attempting to set me up?"

"Settle son, I know that is not the case anymore. I only ever wanted you happy. I thought you liked Lena." Caspian can't help but scoff at his father. "Regardless, we have to be polite while she visits our kingdom." 

"Father, I will not be her escort while she is here. I-"

The king holds up his hand stopping his son. 

"I know you have grown attached to Lady Artemis." He stands up as Caspian continues looking at him. "You still have your duties though. Until you have spoken to Artemis about your intentions,  we will still be hosting Princess Lena of Darion." 

"Father-"

"End of discussion Caspian." His father states sternly. 

"Yes, my king." Caspian bows but his face has changed from the once happy face to a look of pure outrage. King sighs knowing he has upset his son. Caspian doesn't wait as he strolls out of his chambers. 

Your upset Caspian

Caspian halts his steps and looks around for Artemis. He stands still but can't seem to place her. He begins walking and tries again to communicate with her. 

Where are you love?

Artemis who is currently in the stables can't help but smile at his term of endearment. 

In the stables my prince

Caspian changes direction heading off towards the stables. He sees a cloaked figure with a horse. He walks over and halts once again in surprise. 

"Good afternoon Caspian" 

Artemis over her shoulder to see that he is tense. She lays down her brush before turning fully towards him. Caspian walks with heavy steps before he latches his arms around her taking Artemis by surprise. She feels his face nuzzle into her neck as his arms hold her as tight as a vine. She can feel the tension rolling off him in waves. Reaching up, she runs her fingers through his hair attempting to soothe him. He inhales deeply allowing Artemis to bring him the calmness he needs. 

"Artemis we need to speak."

Artemis nods her head and gently pulls Caspian to sit down on a bench nearby. Caspian clasp her hands within his own. He quickly leans forward with the intent to peck her lips however his lips stay against hers allowing the sparks to course through his body. After a moment he finally pulls back as Artemis cups his face within her hands. 

"What is it Caspian?"

"Princess Lena from Darion is to arrive in a few days." 

Just like that, the warmth from her touch disappears and he can see the shattering of her heart as she pulls away from him. He is quick to regather her hands in his. 

"Your to be wed?"

Artemis barely whispers. Her mind now racing a mile a minute with too many thoughts. 

"No. She used to visit the kingdom and my father thought I grew an attachment. He invited her before you came." 

Artemis can feel her eyes getting glossy as she tries to suppress her emotions. He is the prince, he is supposed to be with a princess. Caspian can see her features are broken and is quick to cup her face making her lock eyes with him. His heart feeling heavy seeing his love in such a state. 

"You are the woman I want Artemis, not Lena." 

"I'm not a princess, I can't become-" 

He cuts her off when he crashes his lips to hers. His emotions are drowned in the kiss as is his resolve to never let her go. She is stunned for a moment before she reciprocates and grips his shirt in her hands keeping him attached. Caspian can feel the wetness on his cheek that must have come from Artemis. His heart aching for her distraught. He pulls back just enough to refocus on her. 

 "Listen to me Artemis, you are it for me... You have consumed my mind since we met and now my heart. I do not care where you came from or what titles you hold." 

Artemis drops her head forward and lets the tears cascade down her cheeks not sure how to react to his declaration. She gives herself a moment while Caspian looks upon her panicking. When she lifts her head, he sees she has rebuilt her walls making his heart begin to crumble. 

"You have the duty to accompany her while she is here, is that correct?"

Caspian knows he can't lie to her however he can't formulate the words either. Artemis takes his silence as her answer making her nod her head. She knows that for whatever length of time she is here, she will be with him. It doesn't settle well with her but she can not interfere. 

"I will take my leave once she arrives, Navene and I-"

"NO!" Caspian shouts in outrage. He grips her hands almost painfully. "You will not disappear Artemis! I.. I can't" He feels his own eyes getting watery. "I can't loose you." 

Artemis closes her eyes willing her eyes to not water. 

You need to make sure that she is not your future Caspian.

Caspian cups her face searching her eyes and sees the hurt, pain, and worry she has for him. He pulls her into his arm holding her in his steel hold as she cries silently on his shoulder. 

"I will not let you leave me Artemis, not for this princess, not for anyone." 

As they sit here, Artemis hears something which makes her turn looking outside the stables. She stands up causing panic to course through Caspian. He is quick to look to her as she closes her eyes, expanding her mind to find who it is coming from. Cassandra. 

She bolts out of the stables without a second thought and races to the back gardens where she can sense Navene. Caspian quick on her heals not sure what is happening. Artemis makes her way swiftly to Navene who is stock still with a guard towering over him. Navene has the princess behind his back. Artemis recognizes the guard.

Caspian sees the scene in front of him however is shocked to say the least. Thius is standing with his sword drawn towards Navene. Tesara is growling loudly as his sister whimpers behind him. 

"You peasant got me ranked down. The royal family won't let me near their precious princess-"

"That's enough Thius! What on earth do you think you are doing!" Caspian bellows loudly as Thius turns to him with rage in his eyes. Artemis slowly reaches back in her cloak knowing exactly how this is going to play out. 

The king rushes out hearing the yelling along with the queen. They stand there petrified as they see the crazed guard standing so close to their daughter who is huddled behind the young man. 

"You witch should not be allowed within these walls. You are not worthy!" 

Artemis stands straight up as Thius turns his sword to her. Caspian attempts to step forward but Artemis shoots out her arm stopping him. She looks Thius straight in the eyes seeing his resolute. He does not care whether he lives or dies. 

"You are right Thius." Thius abruptly stops and stands their stunned as everyone looks upon her. "I am not worthy." 

She takes a step forward so his blade tip connects with her chest bone. He looks at her in complete shock by her movement. 

"That does not mean though that I will let you near any of them." 

He raises his sword about to strike but is not quick enough. Artemis yanks her blade out slitting his throat with one deadly swipe. He lets the sword drop to his feet as his knees buckle and he falls to ground. Artemis yanks on his head making him look up into her eyes while he bleeds out. 

"You shall never harm again." 

She releases him and he slumps to the ground. His body no longer moving. Navene is quick to walk over to her followed by Cassandra as they both wraps their arms around her. Caspian watching as she calms both of them. He looks to his parents who still look stunned. 

"Artemis, your bleeding."

Navene and Cassandra step back while Caspian and his parents are quick to move looking down to where the blade pierced her skin. She closes her eyes and her hair glows for a moment. They all watch in awe as the cut closes and then disappears completely. 

She reopens her eyes to see everyone staring at her with mouths agape. She looks to Caspian who steps to her gathering her quickly in his arms. 

"You are NOT leaving me."