The night sky turned to the morning rise awakening the kingdom. Caspian's arms securely locked around his most beloved treasure. His hand unconsciously holding her flat stomach against his palm. Artemis can't help but bit her lip as her happiness pours out. He did not leave, he stayed as he said he would. She lifts his arm to get out of bed finding her dislodged clothing putting the dress back on. Turning back around she finds her beloved still sleeping soundly.

She pads out of the room to find the wolves guarding the door. She hums waking stirring them before they all wake up as she continues walking. She notices that Tesara, Goliath and Vatalanie are not present. Not surprised by the first two but the last.

Vatalanie, are you safe?

Yes Artemis, I am with the king

We are heading out if you would like to join

The guards open the doors to the back of the castle allowing her to the garden. The wolves taking off to relieve themselves. Artemis allows her feet to sink into the cold moist grass. The feeling soothing her. She has always loved being one with nature. She walks over brushing her hands over the flowers while singing softly. She does not hear when the back door opens. Vatalanie quickly coming to her side brushing her legs before taking off. Artemis smiles at her friend before turning to the door. The king slowly strolling to her.

"Good morning your majesty"

She bows respectfully as Casden sighs at her. He waits for her to lift before narrowing his eyes on her.

"When will you just refer to me as Casden or dad?"

"Time will tell.."

He chuckles before walking along side her. They both continue in peaceful silence. The morning dew brushing onto Artemis' feet. She smiles down feeling it making the king glance down.

"Are you not cold princess?"

'Not at all... It is refreshing. I used to run barefoot for the longest of times. Navene is the one to have convinced me otherwise."

"You must have quite the stories to tell?"

"As we all do my King."

"Oh I do beg to differ, not all of us have traveled the country... And none to my knowledge at such a young age."

Artemis smiles thinking of all the adventures she has made over the years. They find the bench in the center of the garden that no so long ago, she sat with the queen. He tosses his cape over the back of the bench while sitting down. Artemis sitting to his side while they watch the wolves run about.

"I only remember bits and pieces of my past before becoming... this."

She looks down to her hand. Her fingers tracing over the inkling that lays upon the length of her arm. The king watches while she tries to find her words.

"Well, this-" He points to her arm. "does not define you. It is only a piece of the woman we have grown to care for."

Artemis smiles gently still getting accustomed to the royals affections towards her. The silence envelops them both as they watch the sun rise over the tall bushes. The first light of the day warming Artemis' face.

"I am still not sure of who I am" She pauses waiting for his reaction but receives none. He continues listening with his eyes closed basking in the morning sun so she continues. "For years it was just me and the wolves, then Navene became my charge... And now..."

"Now... you have a family that cares for you, a kingdom that adores you, and a husband that will cherish you." He peaks open one eye to see her so deep in thought. "It is a lot but I feel you are strong beyond measure."

"My king, what if I fail? What if I make a grave mistake?"

She looks to him finally with genuine concern while he hums in response. He knows she is sincere but finds it ridiculous to believe she will fail.

"Do you plan to take advantage of our love for you?"

"No.."

"And the people, do you plan on hurting them?"

"Of course not bu-"

"And my son, do plan on dishonoring your marriage or fleeing?"

"Never"

Her voice coming out stern and harder than she attended but stated with clear conviction. The king chuckles looking down to her with adoration in his eyes.

"My daughter, you have nothing to fear. You are human, you will stumble, and you will fall... It's in our nature, but so is the ability to rise up again."

Artemis lets his words sink in as Vatalanie comes back to her placing her nose to silver beauty's stomach. The she wolf looking up to her friend with a low whimper. Artemis giggles before stroking her head affectionately. It does not take long for the other wolves gathering to get attention from both the king and the princess.

Artemis love, where are you?

She closes her eyes before answering her worried husband's question. Her eyes opening to find the king looking to her as her eyes return to normal.

"May I ask what you were doing just then?"

"Your son was acquiring as to where I was."

"Does the bond between you two ever cause issues."

Artemis thinks about it for a moment before shaking her head negatively. "Not from my perspective. It allows me to feel his emotions when they are heightened as he does mine."

"So he can speak to you whenever he wishes?"

"Yes your majesty. He may also hear me when I am sleeping..."

"Wow"

At this they hearing the padding of feet walking towards them. The wolves turning to find Caspian smiling as he strolls over to Artemis. Disregarding his father sitting there, he pecks her lips before standing back up.

"Father"

"Son"

"We have an announcement to make. I do believe mother already knows but I wish to tell you first."

The king raises an eyebrow at his son while Artemis' eyes go big. Her heart begins beating erratically. She bows her head to hide from the king's eyes. Caspian isn't having any of that. He takes her hands pulling her up before wrapping an arm around her waist. The king's eyes dancing between the two.

"Artemis is with child."

The king looks to the young beauty who will not make eye contact with him. He stands up making Artemis' eyes snap to him as he steps forward gathering both of them in his arms. He then surprises Artemis feeling his lips press to her head before doing the same as Caspian.

"Bless it be"

Artemis can feel her tears welling up again at the outpouring of support she receives from this family. She always believed all people to be the same yet here this kingdom is not shying away from her. Her features she always believed to be repulsive are viewed as beautiful and unique. Her family although looks terrifying has been treated with much kindness. When she was a child, she thought castles to be highly guarded prisons while forest were utter freedom. Now she finds comfort in none other than her prince's arms. His secure hold bringing her safety and security that she never believed she was deserving of.

She is brought out of her thoughts when the king cups her cheeks in his palms. His dark eyes looking to her warmly.

"You will forever be a part of our family Princess Artemis. Do not fear for you will always have our support."

"Thank you my king"

He kisses her forehead before releasing her to embrace his son again. They all return into the castle as the king walks with a wide smile into the dining hall. Artemis slows down as she feels the familiar pull in her chest. Caspian notices and looks to her expectantly. She closes her eyes allowing her mind to expand before finding the stress of the call. Her eyes snap open.

"Oh no.."

She races off into the castle leaving Caspian to stroll behind her. She doesn't care as the guards look upon her in question. She is quick to rush by them all making her way to the chambers of the distress. Flinging the doors open, she can hear multiple guards telling her to not enter but doesn't bother to listen. Her pace still quick walking to the bed. She looks down feeling her pulse race. Caspian follows her into the chambers completely confused until he makes it to the bed. What he sees has his face pale and his breathing halting.

"Mom?"