"Thank you all for joining us today. We have much to rejoice! I would like to thank all of you for your hard work this season. Our harvest was bountiful and we are ready for the oncoming winter season!" 

Artemis continues playing with the hem of her sleeve while the King continues addressing the crowd. Caspian is standing to the right of his father with the queen to his left. Princess Cassandra standing next to her mother. Navene takes Artemis' hand into his own feeling her nervous energy rolling off of her. 

"You know, your lovely gift also allows others to feel your emotions..." Navene whispers under his breath. Artemis hears him and takes a shaky breath trying to calm her nerves. "You. Will. Be. Fiiinnneee." 

Artemis kisses his head appreciative of his words. The wolves sitting next to their legs standing proud. The pair are standing towards the back away from the public's eye. Artemis' attempts to calm herself are going in vein. Her emotions are all out of sorts. 

"Now we also have some guest staying within the kingdom for the foreseeable future. I would like for you all to be introduced to Lady Artemis and Navene." 

Artemis is frozen not being able to get her muscles to move. Her breathing is erratic and chest rising and falling rapidly. Navene attempts to tug her arm to get her attention. Caspian turns when his father announces her. He notices instantly her petrified state. He steps to her taking her hands in mine. 

Artemis love, look to me

Artemis eyes timidly move to lock with his. She still can't seem to move even with his touch warming her. 

"I am here love... you can do this." 

His words loosening her muscles enough to step forward with his hand still holding her firmly. An anchor to her unsteady ship keeping her in place. The king steps to the side allowing Artemis and Navene to step forward. The crowd goes silent seeing the silver hooded figure step forward along with a young man. They then see two wolves standing along them. The little girl from the previous time squeals and begins clapping her hands. Vatalanie tilts her head in recognition of the same person from before. Others begin joining in to welcome the newcomers to their kingdom. Loud claps are heard through out making Artemis relax slightly but not enough to show her features just yet. 

"Now I would like for everyone to enjoy the festival and have a wonderful time." 

Everyone begins dispersing as the king turns to Artemis. Cassandra grabs Navene's hand and runs off the stage dragging her friend along. The queen and Tesara following behind to keep an eye on them. Caspian continues holding Artemis' hand that he can feel is still slightly shaking. 

"Lady Artemis, I will wait til you feel more comfortable to address your future with Caspian. I do not wish to overwhelm you." 

"Thank you your Majesty" 

Artemis keeps her head down still frightened by all the people. The king looks worrisome to her before turning to his son. He sees the concerned written clearly on his face. He decides to give them a moment and steps away to greet some of the villagers. 

Caspian doesn't hesitate turning completely so he is facing her. He takes both her hands into his as he leans forward connecting their foreheads. He takes a long slow breaths. 

"Mimic me sweetheart..." 

She watches his chest rise and fall. The feeling of his breath fanning her face... and she does. She finds her breath evening out as her heart beat slows down to a steadier pace. Caspian can see she has found her ground and he smiles against her head. 

Thank you my prince.

He pulls back kissing her forehead tenderly. 

"Always my love... come, let's enjoy some activities." 

She nods her head not trusting her voice. Caspian's hand interlaced with hers as they walk off. She glances back seeing the king with two guards behind him. His eyes lock momentarily with Artemis giving her a smile and a head nod. She returns his gesture before Caspian pulls her off to the archery range. She sees that a man is standing on a crate yelling over the crowd. 

"Step right up, who would like to try the challenge! Winner will get a special surprise! Step right up!" 

Caspian pulls her to the older man. She trails behind with Vatalanie at her heals. 

"Ah Prince Caspian, always an honor." The older man steps forward bowing to the prince. 

"It's good to see you as well Leo, I have someone to introduce you to." Caspian places his hand on Artemis' lower back. 

"Ah Lady Artemis I presume." Artemis does a gentle bow not speaking still. Caspian kisses the side of her hooded head. The notion not going unnoticed by the vendor. 

"Can she attempt your challenge Leo?"

"Of course! Right this way..." 

He gestures with his hands as some villagers watch to see the newcomers abilities. She gets set up at a target. Caspian stands back watching aware of her capabilities. He glances around seeing a crowd has formed but luckily Artemis had not noticed. 

Artemis takes a deep breath, her muscles solely focusing on her known task. She lines up her shot, releases her arrow while exhaling. The shot hits and she walks to the next target while pulling out her next arrow out. Still moving she exhales releasing the arrow mid stride. The last target has an apple placed in front of it. She takes a long breath releasing a final arrow flying. 

The crowd has been silent this entire time erupts into cheers startling Artemis who whips around seeing everyone looking to her with a wide smiles. She looks frantically around not used to the attention. Caspian steps forward kissing her forehead causing her eyes to momentarily close. 

"You did splendidly my love." 

"Lady Artemis, that is the finest archery I have seen in many... many years." Leo walks forward with a basket of baked goods and cheeses handing it to her. "Here is your prize and we would be pleased to have you join us when ever you'd like." 

Artemis nods her head refusing to speak. She looks around and sees a group of kids all huddled together looking hungrily at her prize. She steps away from Caspian making him furrow his eyebrows. He allows her to step away and watches. The crowd following the silver gown as she kneels down next to some of the orphanage children. She holds out the basket and gives a smile to the children. The oldest hesitantly reaches out for the basket. Artemis waits patiently for him to grab it. He finally takes it and Artemis stands back up walking back over to Caspian. Caspian sporting a proud smile while Leo looks sincerely happy. 

"Ah, you young lass are pure of heart." She bows her head not sure how to react. She looks back seeing the kids smiling and eat the basket away. "It looks as if you have won many hearts today." She looks up to Leo causing him to suck in a breath. Her eyes yet again astounding the older gentleman. "My word, Artemis you are quite the beauty... Beauty and heart, Prince Caspian- don't let this one go." 

"Not an option Leo. Thank you for your time." 

"Always a pleasure Prince Caspian." 

Caspian takes her hand guiding her away unbeknownst to the pair the vengeful eyes lingering in the crowd. Although someone has noticed the hooded figure, and her eyes continue to narrow in on the stranger hidden amongst the crowd. 

Artemis can feel the difference in Vatalanie's emotions and begins looking to where she is looking. She sees it, she sees a broad man with a cloak lying upon him. Her eyes look but do not stare not wanting to alert him. 

Vatalanie, what is your evaluation?

His energy is off, Artemis. He seems to have a determined one shot mind. What ever it is, he is solely focused on it... and it, seems to be you. 

Artemis continues to smile gently as Caspian grins with his beloved still on his arm. They begin walking and come to stand near the hooded figure. Artemis is on full alert along with Vatalanie. The moment they are about to pass he pulls out a dagger and attempts to throw it at Artemis. Artemis pulls out her sword deflecting the dagger. The crowd erupting with screams as they scatter for cover. The assailant knowing his cover is blown pulls out his sword and runs to his attended target. 

Caspian gets pushed amongst the chaos and the guards are quick to pull him back. He looks around and finds her. His beloved sword fighting against an masked figure. The crowd has mostly dispersed allowing the prince to get a clear view. He pushes against the guards but the don't let him pass. The king has also arrived with protection of the castle guards. The queen is holding Cassandra and Navene to her. Navene is stunned by the queen's actions and is frozen within her care. 

"YOU WITCH!" 

The assailant bringing his blade down rapidly. He however is not prepared for the swift-fullness of the silver beauty. Her skills show prominent against the hooded figure. It's as if child's play to anyone watching. 

"You killed him! You are the reason he's dead!" 

Artemis doesn't even notice her hood falling allowing the crowd a fair view of her silver threads. The crowd now watching intently with pure shock. Never have they seen anyone like the beauty warrior. They don't even notice as they stand out from their hiding spot. 

Artemis land a strike to the back of his legs making him fall to his knees in pain. Caspian breaks away from the guards finally barreling to Artemis who is holding her blade to his throat. She puts her hand up stopping him from engulfing her even though she knows it's exactly what he wants. He stops and is panting as the king steps forward. 

"You attack a guest of this kingdom!" The king roars. 

"She is a WITCH who has no rights being alive!" The guy throws off his hood with Artemis' blade still pressed to his throat. The king instantly recognizes the man. 

"Charles, your son threatened my daughter... now you stand threatening a guest of the kingdom." 

"SHE KILLED THIUS!" 

Artemis drops her sword finally understanding this man. He is Thius' father. She steps to stand in front of him the guards now standing beside the man. 

"I am sorry for your loss, I truly am... but I will not apologize for protecting the royal family." 

"IT WAS YOUR FAULT YOU WITCH!" 

"THAT. IS. ENOUGH. Guards take Charles away. I will see to him later. Now." 

With the kings order the man is dragged away still screaming and grunting in pain. Artemis relaxes and re-holsters her sword. Caspian then pulls her in holding the back of her head and the other snaked around her waist. She can feel his erratic heart and holds him back trying to soothe him. He pulls back at the sound of his father's voice. 

"Artemis, your head is bleeding." She is quick to touch her forehead and hisses pulling away with red stained fingers. She feels the familiar thrumming telling her body to heal. She reaches back realizing her hood has fallen putting it back in place.  

Caspian, hold me while I heal

Caspian regathers her as she places her head close to his shoulder without touching it. She closes her eyes as the warmth seeps to her forehead healing her wound. He continues holding her and can see her hair slightly glowing. Thankfully no one has noticed however they are all looking to the hooded beauty. 

"Please everyone, continue enjoying the festivities. Tonight we will hold the feast in the banquet hall. Everyone is welcome to join!" 

The crowd begins to bustle about as the band begins playing. Artemis is no longer in the mood nor is Caspian. He pulls back and can feel her eyes drained. He looks to his dad who nods in understanding. The prince pulls her to his side walking her back to the chariot with Vatalanie. 

"God sweetheart, Please do stop frightening me." 

"Not a chance my love..." Her eyes close and Caspian scoops her up bridal style carrying her into the chariot. Vatalanie coming in laying at her feet. Caspian's eyes glued to the sleeping Artemis. He leans down kissing her forehead. 

"What on earth am I every going to do with you..."