Slow down my love

Artemis turns to find Caspian giving her in amused expression while shuffling to put his boots on. Artemis practically bouncing on her heels impatiently waiting. Caspian chuckles at his excited wife before standing from the bed to walk with her. She takes his hand practically dragging him from their chambers. Walking through the grand halls, they soon meet up with Navene and a happy Princess Cassandra arm in arm. All going quickly to the rear doors of the castle while Caspian attempts to keep his very pregnant wife from tripping over her feet. 

The snow has since began melting away allowing the gardens to show the hidden greens. The land showing it's hidden beauty that was protected under the white blanket. The queen is due to have her baby any day now. She has been bedridden for a few days now. The king although excited is equally terrified. He has been doing most of his duties from the castle for a weeks time. The villagers are joyful for the king and can not wait to celebrate the birth of the newborn of not only one but two royals. 

Artemis on the other hand has grown fully and her protruding one would believe would slow her down however the silver beauty proves yet again to be not was expected. She is still caring for a great deal of creatures however no longer exudes all her energy. The newborn stopping her from going over the edge. A bounty hunter has not been seen since word has spread of the protection. All who considered learned the fate of previous assailants and no longer dared to attempt their own lives. The man or woman who has placed bounty on her has since given up. No one to ever learning of the true nature of the person. 

Bursting out of the back doors with all the pack, the four make their way into the wet grass just as a two figure comes into view. Artemis smiling brightly to the sky just as the large winged creatures land graciously in the clearing. Artemis can't contain the squeal as she steps away. Caspian by her side protectively with a hand on her hip. He is still very cautious over the young gray dragon. 

Kaleo chuffles followed by Aneesa as the silver savior strides to them. Her companion glued to her side. She is quick to Kaleo walking to his ever growing face. He lays his neck on the ground allowing her to run her hand along his cheek. His eyes closing by the tender touch. 

I've missed you my friend

As I have you Artemis

He lifts his head allowing her to hug his neck. Her arms not nearly wrapping him making the raven dragon internally chuckle at her. She is quite a rare creature herself. The warmth he once had begins fading as she steps over to Aneesa. She equally has grown in size. The silver dragon with electric eyes becoming a great creature of the sky. Her features almost ethereal compared to the terrorizing features of her elder brother. Artemis places her hand against her snout before taking the final step to place her forehead to the scales between her nostrils. Caspian holding his breath and heart racing watching his wife. He however refuses to go back on her word and will trust that she knows what she is doing... Even if it terrifies him. 

Artemis steps back looking over her friends as a hand ensnares her waist pulling her back to a firm chest. The wolves bow making the dragon's mirror their gesture before the wolves run off to play in the maze of gardens. Both dragon's relaxing on the ground but their eyes turn to the two forms behind the silver beauty and her mate. Artemis and Caspian follow their line of sight to see an astonished Cass who is clutching tightly at Navene's arm. 

"It's alright Cass, come here" 

Cass still attempting to breathe feels Navene gently tug her arm making her walk forward. Never before has she been this close to a creature of this size. Their bright blue eyes trained on her. She feels Navene stop by Caspian before releasing her. Cass almost reaches back out to clutch at him before she realizes he is going down to one knee. His head falling forward slowly as he bows to the dragons before him. They nod at him while still looking to the dark haired young beauty. Cass slowly bows and jumps when she feels the breath of the silver dragon fanning her face. She stays frozen for a minute before the creature makes the same sound as it did to Artemis. She then feels the scales of it's skin brushing her making her lift her head. 

"Sis, this is Aneesa." 

"A- Knee- Sa" The dragon once again chuffles making Cass squeal and lunge for her no longer scared by the beautiful dragon. "You are beautiful Aneesa." 

Aneesa chuffles again enjoying the attention from the small human. Kaleo watches as his younger sister melts by the human child. A hand to his neck making him glance down to find Artemis rubbing him unconsciously while her eyes are on his sister as well. The four of them continue spending time together as the King carries his queen to the balcony. 

"What are you doing Casden?! Put me down!" 

Casden has seen how she has been cooped up and her temper has become a great deal shorter. He knows she is ready to pop but the stress is not good for her. The guards told him of the gathering and decided he wanted to show his wife. Carrying her to the balcony was more a challenge now with her very full belly but he was not one to complain. Gently placing her on her feet just at the ledge. His hand protectively encircling her and caging her to him. 

"Look my love..." 

His words soft against the shell of her ear. The queen feels her irritation dissipate at the sight below. Her children are standing next to the wing creatures that appear to be doting on her little princess. She melts at the picture against her husband's strong frame. The room had begun to suffocate her just ready for this baby to be born. Only Goliath remaining at her side through her continuous agitation at everything. This was exactly what she needed. 

"Oh my king... Look at them." 

Her voice shaking slightly with unshed tears. She has long since lost all control of her emotions and seems to cry at the drop of hat for anything. Casden chuckling at his emotional wife kissing her hair. A sharp inhale and pain shoots through the queen making her double over in pain. The king still holding her bares the weight not allowing her to crumble to the stones. 

Artemis receives a sharp chest pain and instinctively turns around. Her eyes landing on the balcony where she sees the king holding the queen. Her face holding extreme tension and Artemis feels her eyes go wide at realization. Not bothering to wait, she takes off out of the safety of Caspian's arms racing back into the house. Caspian follows behind her, not sure what is going on until a loud groan from upstairs resonates in the wind. Navene and Cass also look up to see where the sound came from before they see the queen getting carried back into the room. They are quick to follow in. 

Everyone races into the king's chambers. Analee has been since moved onto the bed where the king is holding her hand tightly. Artemis walks in to find Goliath looking up to his mistress from the side of the bed. The wolf fully aware of what is occurring and does not want to huddle her. Artemis instantly goes to the bathroom to gather a few things before going back into the room. Caspian and the duo have made their way upstairs to find their mom taking short breaths while her forehead begins to sweat. 

"Alright children clear the room" 

The king's words leaving the kids with dread. Caspian's memories flooding him while Cassandra has never experienced seeing her mom in such a state. Navene hugs her and directs her out of the room while Caspian remains frozen looking to his mom deep in thought. Artemis turns for a split second to see her husband's terrified eyes. She takes a deep breath before speaking to him. 

All will be well love... I will take care of her

Her calm voice leaving him to look to her who gives him a reassuring smile and nods. He feels a nudge at his calf and looks down to find Goliath nudging him gently this time. He turns with Goliath at his side exiting the room. Closing the door, his body slumps down against the wall refusing to leave the vicinity. Goliath taking a seat directly beside the prince with his eyes trained on the door. Shortly away Navene and Tesara are comforting the young princess who went from being extremely happy to completely terrified in the span of moments. Cass clutching to her friend like a life line. All silently praying for the safety of two loved ones. 

"Is everything okay Ar-Artemis?"

The queen tries to breath out while gritting her teeth. Artemis takes a deep breath before placing a hand once again to the queen's stomach. Humming gently like a siren song easing the contractions. The queen feels some of the pain lessen making her release a breath. The king's hands continue clutching to one of her hands. 

"I can feel the baby's heartbeat my queen. It's strong and healthy." 

She nods her head continuing to breath through the pain while her husband kisses her temple whispering words of encouragement. She looks back down to see the silver hair between her legs as another contraction hits strong. 

"It is time my queen" 

"Mom DAMN IT!" 

Artemis goes wide eyed at her while the king can't help but laugh at her outburst and the expression on the silver goddess' face. The sound breaking Artemis from her state and sighing looking back down. 

"Let's do this mom" 

The next few hours go excruciating slow to the young ones in the hallway. Hearing screaming and groaning every few minutes. Goliath at one point gets up and began pacing back and forth in front of the door. The hours seeming to be endless to the queen before the sound of crying feels the room. The king's eyes glistening over to the newborn. Artemis arms coated in blood along with the baby. She wraps the baby up between the queen's legs handing her to the exhausted queen. Her face coated and glistening in sweat as her chest continues to heave heavily. One look at the baby making it all worth it. 

Artemis gets off the bed to gather a bowl and rags. She first cleans the queen's area hearing the queen hiss from the tender touch. She lays her palm against the tender area and closes her eyes humming. Her hair illuminating as she gives the queen the energy to heal the damaged skin. The bleeding stopping making her reopen her eyes. The queen looks to her with grateful tear glistened eyes. The king has since wrapped his arms around his wife laying on the bed to her side. Artemis finishes cleaning her self up and the queen pulling down the blanket. 

"Congratulations, she is beautiful." 

Artemis words capturing both of their attentions as they look to her. She nods her head in confirmation before they both turn back down to their new princess. The king rubbing his hand over the bare head feeling utterly blessed. Artemis takes the moment to open the door. All are quick to their feet coming into the room. At the sight of his parents with a baby, Caspian relaxes. He instantly hugs Artemis thanking her numerous times lowly. Cassandra strolls over with Navene behind her. Goliath respectively waiting at the side of the bed to see his new charge. 

"Mom, what is it?"

Caspian and Artemis also coming over as the queen continues smiling at the new baby before answering her daughter. 

"Well my princess, you will have teach her how to be a princess..." At this the young girl gasp before squealing in excitement. Goliath whimpers capturing their attention. "Come up my dear friend." 

Goliath doesn't have to be told twice as he hops onto the bed slowly leaning towards his protected. She blinks her eyes open at the wolf making Goliath smile and wag his tail. The queen gasp capturing everyone's attention as she pulls the baby close to her face examining her. It is then that everyone sees what captured the queen's eye. The little baby has been born with silver eyes, almost matching that of Artemis'. The baby blinks a few times before closing her eyes going back to sleep. 

"I-I'm sorry" 

Artemis pulls back ashamed upset thinking she did something wrong. The queen's hand shoots out to capture her arm stopping her from pulling away. They lock eyes and the queen narrows her tired eyes onto her daughter in law. 

"She...is a miracle. Silver eyes and all. NEVER apologize to me again. Do YOU understand me?!"

Her tone making for no debate so Artemis nods her head thankful for her words. All the while Casden listens to the queen's words. 

"Family, I would like to introduce you to Princess Mira... our little Miracle."