Artemis

Chapter 11

The kingdom was a buzz with the talk of a young enchantress staying with in the castle with the royal family. The guards and maids speaking of her unique features. Some speculating on what is to come of this woman. While the kingdom speculates, Artemis feels overwhelmed with the situation they have found themselves in. 

She is currently sitting on a bench behind the castle out looking the garden of various flowers and bushels. Her eyes closed as she allows her mind to expand to listen to the calls of the nature and the animals that are residing here. Her thoughts are interrupted by the presence coming up behind her. 

"Prince Caspian." 

She says in a soft voice. His heart begins to race hearing her voice. Her voice sounding like the sweetest of melodies. He goes and sits beside her studying her features as she continues to let her mind wander. Glancing down, Caspian just now notices that Vatalanie is lying at her feet. He looks back up to Artemis, his gaze looking at her elongated lashes touching her sun kissed cheeks. Her soft pink lips pursing as if she is thinking hard. 

"Artemis, please call me Caspian." 

Her eyes blinking open and turning to Caspian who can see how they are more vibrant than usual. She blinks a few more times and they return to their normal metallic pools. He wants to ask but also doesn't want to push her. He looks down to her hands lying on her lap. He reaches out running his fingers through her palm before intertwining their fingers making his pulse skyrocket. She looks down to his hand now holding hers and can feel her body warm from the intimate gesture. Taking her free hand, she traces the veins of his hand. Caspian sits there complete enthralled by her delicate touch and the effect it has on him. Her touch living an electrical charge in it's path. 

"Caspian." 

He grips her hand hearing her say his name in a breathy tone. His eyes now looking back into hers. Artemis can't think straight with his close proximity. He slowly leans forward making Artemis breathing rapidly increase. Leaning his forehead to hers, he intakes her scent as he cups her cheek. He can feel Artemis' hands on his grip tighter while they both close their eyes. 

"Artemis" 

She hums in acknowledgement. Deciding to chance it, he tilts her head slightly allowing her lips to be a breath away from his own. He pulls back enough to look into her hypnotic eyes for any objections. She looks to Caspian's electric irises and is render speechless by the emotions rushing through them. He takes her silence as compliance as he finally takes the chance to taste her lips. The initial spark turns into a blazing inferno once he feels the softness of her lips. Her hand that was on top of their intertwined hands comes up to his neck feeling his pulse under her touch. Caspian groans as he presses more firmly to her lips. 

So engrossed in their own world, they don't notice the watchful eyes from afar. The king and queen standing at the balcony hand in hand watching the youthful couple falling in love. The King sighs heavily as the queen squeals beside him in pure happiness. The king turns his gaze to his love seeing her joyous expression making him smile. 

"You realize the repercussions of this union?"

The queen turns to her husband still smiling. Disregarding his worries she leans up kissing his cheek gently. 

"It is our son's choice. We promised this when we had our children. We would not force them into a unrequited marriage." She grins turning back to see them still in each other's embrace. "I think she will be a perfect match." 

"And how did you come to this conclusion? We haven't had a proper conversation with her. We don't know what her intentions are or how she feels-"

He is silenced with a sealed kiss ending his rambling. He cups his wife's cheek while she smiles against his lips. She pulls back with a beautiful smile still intact. 

"You can see the bond between them my love. Everything else will fall into place with time."

"My love, we do not know her... or her abilities." 

"She fears us my king. We will need to be patient with her." The king nods his head agreeing with his wife's statement.  

"We still have the arrival of the princess, she will not be pleased." 

The pair turns back to the young couple watching them. Caspian smiling ear to ear as he stands up still holding Artemis' hand. She graciously stands up as he walks her through the garden in an intimate embrace. The queen's heart melting at the sight of her joyous son. 

"I fear she may not but our son's happiness comes first." 

The queen says with the conviction of a ruler. The king wraps his arm around his wife's waist as they continue to gaze upon the couple who are laughing and strolling throughout the garden. The wolf still laying where they left however following Artemis' figure. 

Caspian feels elated walking around with Artemis wrapped in his arm. Her scent flowing into his nostrils as he kisses the side of her head gently. Her silver threads dancing on the wind. Artemis turns her head looking up at him. His happiness radiating off of him, she can't help but smile as well. He pulls her behind a tall bushel and moves her to be standing in front of him. 

"Artemis, you have bewitched me." 

Artemis doesn't know what to say so she takes a leap and pushes herself up to him and kisses him soundly. Caspian cups the back of her neck holding her to him. The kiss heating their bodies as he has her pinned between the bushel and himself. She pulls back and has made a decision. 

"Caspian, I would like..." She clears her throat and Caspian waits patiently for her to continue. "I would like to form the bond with you." 

Caspian is slightly confused until it clicks. She wants to speak to him the way she does with Navene. His heart begins racing wildly attempting to leap out of his chest. He is ecstatic to hear she wants to form a connection to him. He nods his head to her which she takes as his agreement. She takes a step back and places one hand to the side of his head and the other to his heart. Caspian stands there studying her. 

Artemis closes her eyes and begins singing softly. Caspian notices her hair and her tattoo begin to glow. Her arm's inkling changing from black to a vibrant silver almost white. He closes his eyes feeling a warmth spread throughout him. Artemis steps forward still hands on the prince as she finishes her chant kissing his forehead. Caspian opens his eyes as she releases her hands from him. 

You have bewitched me as well Caspian

Caspian's eyes bulge out hearing her sultry voice dancing in his mind. Her hair and arm returning back to their norm. He reaches forward cupping her face within his hand. 

"How did- How do I?"

Just relax and think of what you would like to say

Caspian takes a deep breath exhaling slowly before he attempts. Artemis' face still within his palms. 

I have fallen for you Artemis

Artemis smiles gently but her insides are completely haywire hearing his words. He smiles and chuckles realizing she heard him. He is quick to attack her lips again not getting enough of her. The kiss begins fervently and slows down into a delicate dance that neither wants to end. 

As I have for you Caspian