Artemis stood at the stream in the forest taking long deep breaths. Her mind racing with endless thoughts of what all today meant. Today she is to wed her prince, today she is made to be Princess Artemis of Tesalee. She is not fearful of the first however petrified of the second. She has been told countless times that she is loved by all but what if they turn on her? What if the people do not wish to have someone without title become their future queen.

"This is a serene spot."

She whips her head around to see King Casden strolling to her side. Her breathing showing how panic she is. She left the castle not wanting to alarm Caspian, Navene, or the wolves of her racing mind. That is how she ended up here. The stream where Caspian first saw her... truly see her.

King Casden could see the terrified look in Artemis' eyes. He had been there before. Not for the same reason of course but still. He looks around attempting to locate anyone with her before realizing she came alone.

"My dear, you should have brought at least one guard with you."

"My apologies your majesty-"

"Dad... no more your majesty"

She nods her head feeling a lump in her throat her gaze traveling back to the stream. The sun barely rising allowing the sunrise to glisten on the water. Her silver dress illuminating the forest. The king dressed in his red attire with the crown upon his head.

"You do realize Caspian will panic when he wakes with you not by his side."

Artemis shakes her head negatively still looking at the water.

"We did not sleep together last evening... Traditions according to Cassandra."

At this the king throws his head back laughing picturing his stern little princess waggling her finger at the couple. It takes a few minutes for him to control his laughter.

"Well then my dear, what brings you out this early?"

She can hear the sincerity in his voice but struggles to express her concerns... Especially to him. King Casden waits as the young beauty finds her footing.

"I am fearful your ma-dad."

Casden smirks at her correction of his name.

"Of what my daughter?" Artemis' insides warm at his acceptance of her. She picks at her fingernails looking to her feet. "Do you not wish to wed Caspian?"

"NO!" She is quick to answer snapping her eyes to him and answering strongly. The king just chuckles in return at her. "It-It's not that. My heart is one with your son's... My fear stems from the acceptance of the people."

"Ahhh"

"How are they to accept a woman as their future queen with no title. I do not bring anything new to the kingdom with my alliance."

King Casden smiles down in adoration and slight bafflement at the young maiden. She has absolutely no idea of her self value. He takes her hand into his own making her focus on him.

"My dear, you are so much more than any title could bring. The queen and I never wanted our children's lives to be dictated by the notion of forced marriages... We were lucky it worked perfectly for us since we fell madly in love but we have seen rulers who don't have a harmonious balance to support on. Those kingdoms crumble over time. That is why you are perfect... Not due to your abilities or your skills with weapons... But due to the immeasurable love you carry for Caspian as he does for you. "

Artemis smiles gently gripping the king's hand in her own. She finds her mind to relax at his statement.

"Thank you... Dad."

He leans forward to kiss her forehead as she sighs relaxing her body. There moment is interrupted by a loud thud splashing into the water. Both snapping to the stream as a silver scaled creature springs up from the water. Screeching to the heavens and flailing in the water. Artemis steps forward allowing her silver dress to get drenched past her ankles. The king watches on with worry while the young maiden walks to creature with no hesitation.

Aneesa

The beast snaps all it's attention to the voice. Familiar but unfamiliar at the same time. The white eyes locking with silver ones. The water is now knee deep to Artemis as she slowly walks to the scared dragon.

It is alright Aneesa... I am Artemis. Do you remember me?

Ar-Artemis?

Artemis smiles gently nodding to her. Taking the final steps to reach her. The creature looks over Artemis' shoulder to see another person looking upon her. He doesn't move forward although watches on intently. Her gaze snaps back down feeling a soft hand on her chest. The silver human now standing directly in front of her. Only her eyes are looking all over the dragon's body. Inspecting it for any injuries. Aneesa searches the sky for her brother but loudly roars trying to locate him. Artemis looks up understanding what she is doing.

However the King is confused. The hidden guards begin coming out to stand by the king with swords unsheathed prepared to defend. They all watch on in amazement and slight terror as this beast roars.

Aneesa can feel multiple eyes on her making her attention snap back down. Her eyes landing on the weapons making her hiss and lower her body into a defensive stance. Artemis immediately notices the difference and turns around to see armed guards standing next to the king. Aneesa begins growling towards the men making them get in a fighting stance.

"Put away your swords men, NOW!"

Casden can see the men give disbelief looks to one another not listening to his order. The dragon standing tall and glaring intently at the men.

Aneesa, please listen... They will not harm you.

The white eyed dragon does not listen. Swiping her tail, Artemis is thrown through the air landing hard on the pebbled stones in the creek bed. Her body lying half submerged in the water. The stream rolling over her while she tries to remain conscious.

King Casden's heart stops watching as the young beauty is tossed aside. His men instantly standing in front as a barrier to the raging creature.

A loud roar rings through the skies before a black shadow plows into the side of the silver scaled dragon. The force stopping the attack. The two beast tumble together making the forest quake from the force.

King Casden looks to see the raven wings standing in front of the smaller beast. He instantly recognizes the black dragon. His attention then turns to Artemis who has yet to move from the water. His blood runs cold as he pushes his way through his men. Rushing into the stream before gather an unconscious Artemis into his arms. His hand braces the back of her head pulling her up, the other below her knees. As he adjusts her in his arm, his hand becomes visible coated red. He gulps treading out of the water with her in his arms.

Kaleo whips around still guarding all the humans from his infant sister. Aneesa is still glaring at the weapons but no longer attempting to charge forward, not with her brother stopping her. Kaleo gives a warning sound before nudging Aneesa to fly. She complies lifting into air. Kaleo watches as she flies away before turning his attention back to the silver savior. He chuffles seeing her sleeping form in the arms of another. His heart growing heavy.

King Casden hears the unfamiliar sound the winged beast is making directly towards Artemis. He slowly walks towards it making his guards step forward. Casden instantly glares at his men.

"Do NOT intervene." The men halt at his sharp tone. "Drop. Your swords. Now."

His emphasis not going unnoticed by the men. They listen this time dropping them to the ground watching their king with the young maiden. King Casden then strolls forward to the dark creature whose eyes are still glued on his daughter. Bowing down slightly, he lifts to see the electric blues still on Artemis.

Kaleo feels sorrowful for Aneesa's actions. He did not make it in time to stop her. Only there in time to save the other men. He slowly leans forward sniffing the familiar scent. Casden holds his breath as gigantic head gets within inches from him. He opens his mouth enough for the king to see the sharp teeth. His serpent tongue comes out to lock Artemis. Casden has to steady himself from the force.

The guards stand their petrified. All the beast has to do is take a step forward and he could easily kill the king. They hold their breath watching the interaction.

A soft groan causes everyone to look to the beauty in the king's arms. Artemis' head is throbbing as she attempts to open her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she relaxes her body feeling the warmth course to her head.

Casden finally breathes easier watching as Artemis' hair begins to brighten. His memory of when the sword pierced her chest coming to mind. After a few minutes her hair returns to the silver he has come to known. Her eyes flutter slightly but don't open. Her body begins to shake as the wind picks up. Casden pulls her closer to him until the dragon makes the same sound again. The king watches as the dragon bares it's back and neck to him. He looks confused for a moment until he realizes the wing creature wants him to get on. He timidly walks to it's side waiting to see if it moves however it does not. He looks at it's back, the height above his head, trying to figure out how to climb on.

Kaleo feels the man's hesitation so his tail comes to coil around his waist holstering him off the ground. Casden goes stiff holding Artemis tightly at the change. His body lifting from the ground to land softly on the back. The creature's body heat radiating off of him. He coils his body over Artemis' to shield her from wind as Kaleo presses off. The king's legs tightening on it's side attempting to find stability amongst his back. He glances over to see the kingdom. His smile stretching never having experience something like this before. It does not take long for the creature to land in the back gardens of the castle.

King Casden gathers a sleeping Artemis in his hold before sliding off the dragon's back. He begins walking to the castle doors before turning around to the creature.

"Thank you"

Kaleo bows his head in respect to the man. He feels secure in his decision to leave his savior in his care. He spreads his wings to take off into the skies. Casden doesn't hesitate getting into the castle. The heat of the building helping warm both himself and Artemis.

"My heavens!"

He turns to see his queen coming full speed towards him. Her eyes worried looking at him before locking onto Artemis. Reaching him, her hands instantly go to cup Artemis's face.

"What on earth happened?"

"Not the time love. Help me to get her to the chambers before-"

"Dad?"

Casden curses turning around to his son at the entrance to the hall. The moment his eyes land to Artemis in his arms, he runs to his father. His eyes holding panic.

"Wha-What happened?"

Caspian's hands searching over her realizing she is soaking wet. He takes off his cape placing it over her before taking her from his father's arms.

"Artemis, Artemis love..."

He whispers gently in her ear. His heart pounding out of his chest with worry. He leans down putting his ear to her chest to hear the gentle heart beat.

Caspian

He sighs a breath of relief hearing her soft voice in his head. He chuckles looking to his parents who are giving him curious looks. He takes a deep breath before speaking.

"She is alright."

"Sweetheart what happened?" The queen asks to her husband. The king's eyes still locked on her sleeping form.

"This dragon came out of no where. A silver one with white eyes."

With this Caspian's eyes snap up recognizing the description.

"Her name is Aneesa... but what-"

"She pushed Artemis out of the way to try attacking our men."

Everyone looks down to her sleeping form before he continues.

"The black dragon came down to stop her from hurting anyone."

"But why did she attack?" Caspian asks knowing there is more to the story.

"The guards refuse to holster their swords." The king says running his hands down his face.

"That would do it." The queen says lowly brushing Artemis' hair back out of her face. Caspian turns with her secure in his arms before taking her to his chambers. The queen looking onto him walk away. "What on earth were you two doing out before sunrise?"

The king sighs before holding out his elbow allowing the queen to link arms with him. He turns her to the dinning hall before answering.

"Our daughter was nervous about how the people would accept her."

The queen giggles until she realizes he is being serious. Her mind in awe of the young maiden. Artemis has no clue as to how much the people already favor her.

"And I am sure you gave her wisdom to brave her fears."

At this the king chuckles leaning over to kiss her temple. His queen knowing him oh so well. His mind going back to the young maiden.

"My dear..." The king hums in response.

"What are we to do about the wedding?"