Artemis

Chapter 19

"Prince Caspian!" 

Caspian snuggles closer to the fresh rain forest scent wafting off of Artemis while Princess Lena knocks on his chambers doors. He internally curses as he pulls himself out of the bed with her relentless knocking. Artemis still out from earlier activities. He opens the door and makes his way into the hallway causing Lena to step back. 

"Oh Caspian, I thought we could go for a stroll before dinner." 

Caspian pinches the bridge of his nose feeling his irritation come on fully along with a migraine. Lena watches the movement and feels her own frustration growing. She steps closer resulting in Caspian backing up against the door to keep clear distance between them. Lena's eyes narrowing. 

"Who is she?"

Caspian looks directly at her not wanting to play whatever game she is at. 

"Who is-"

"Don't play coy Prince Caspian. I know there is someone else who has your attention. WE are meant to be together, this commoner can never be queen." 

That is the tipping point for Caspian. He has had it with her. Her constant flirting, her dismissal for everyone else, and most importantly her belief in regards to his chosen queen. He stands up straight face hardening as he address' her. 

"Princess Lena, my father invited you before he was made aware of my attentions. We have not nor will we ever have any romantic attachments. I have chosen my future queen." 

Lena scoffs loud and crosses her arms like the ill mannered maiden she is. Caspian continues letting his point made loud and clear. 

"You will NEVER be my queen Lena. You will cower down to my future queen." 

"That peasant can never be a true queen!" She screeches out. 

"That. Is. Enough!" 

Both of them turn down the hallway seeing the queen strolling towards them. Neither of them were aware of her watchful eyes. The queen was proud of how her son handled the situation and more importantly his declaration. She walked graciously and poised to the pair. 

Lena had to biter her cheek from saying something further. Caspian's breathing was erratic due to his rage towards the princess and fear of his mother. He awaits her words as his mother looks back and forth between the two. 

"Princess Lena-"

"Your majesty, you do not understand. I was brought here to bring a union to our kingdoms. Caspian seems to not care nor agree with your husband's decision." 

The queen holds up her hand trying to reign in her own anger towards the despicable princess. She takes a deep breath clearing her face and placing a gracious smile across it. 

"Princess Lena, as my son has stated. You were invited before we were made aware of his decision. We had never nor ever will make the decision for our children on whom to love. We appreciate your journey however I feel it is best that we help you prepare to travel home." 

"NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" She yells disrespecting the queen. The guards at the end of the hallway along with a few maids watch on at the drama unfolding. Lena points at Caspian, "You are supposed to be mine." She then turns back to the queen still pointing making the guards step cautiously to their queen's aid. "Your husband said-"

"My husband said no such thing Lena and do not raise your voice to me." The queen says still calmly however her rage at it's limit under the surface. 

The tension is high when everyone looks to the door behind Caspian as it opens. Artemis awoken amongst all the voices and listened as her beloved defended her making her melt. She could not believe the insolence of Princess Lena. She was warmed yet again when the queen not only defended her son but her as well. She decided it was time to stop hiding in the shadows. If Caspian would  be willing to stand up for her. She can stand proudly by his side and battle the world with him. 

Artemis stands there with no cape baring her features to all. The guards and maids gasp only ever seeing glimpses of her. Caspian looks wide eyed panicked wondering if Artemis would believe the lies Lena was spewing out. The queen smirks seeing the poise of Artemis as her eyes travel from Caspian to Lena. Lena standing there struck by the odd features of the peasant. Although different, she still is nothing compared to her. 

"You! You peasant! This is all your fault." Lena steps forward still pointing at Artemis as she stands her grounds. Caspian attempts to step in however Artemis shoots her arm out stopping him from interfering. She needs to handle this herself. Artemis lets her arm drop and takes the one step to Lena with her head held high. 

"Princess Lena, I apologize for any misfortune that may have befallen you however... I will never apologize for the love I have for Caspian." 

"You are NEVER going to be the queen I will be!" 

The hall goes silent waiting to see how she retorts. All eyes are on her including the late arrival of the king. 

"You are right princess..." She says with her eyes finding there way back to the banshee in front of her. "I will never be a queen like you. If Caspian chooses me, I will follow the guidance of those who come before me. I will make mistakes and learn... but most importantly, I will love not only Caspian but the people of this land." 

The king smiles knowing she will make a great ruler one day. The queen stands beside her son and Artemis practically grinning looking at Lena's slacked jaw. Caspian wraps his arm around his future bride's waist while all others look upon Artemis proudly. 

"Princess Lena, it is time for you to leave. You are no longer welcome within our kingdom." 

The queen states making Lena straighten herself out. She looks around at all the faces and huffs before spinning on her heal stomping down the corridor back to her chambers. Caspian still holding Artemis tightly to his side. The queen takes the opportunity to stand in front of the couple and hugs them both. 

"You will make an incredible queen Lady Artemis." 

The queen pulls back looking at a blushing Artemis. Caspian smirks at his future queen seeing her bashful nature after the fierce performance she just gave. The king motions for everyone to return to their duties as he strolls down the hallway to join his family. He stops in front of them placing his hand on the small of his queen's back. She smiles up at him as he looks to the young duo. 

"I agree with my queen. Lady Artemis, you will become a fine leader." 

"Thank you your majesty." 

"Now that the excitement is over." The king looks down upon his wife. "My love, shall we?"

He gestures his hand to lead his wife away. She smiles and takes his arm as they walk away leaving the young couple watching after them. Caspian turns to stand in front of Artemis with his arms wrapped around her. Her hypnotic silver eyes finding his. His breathing faltering at the stunning beauty of his future queen. 

"My Prince" 

"Artemis." 

Artemis let her hands rub at Caspian's upper arms. His head slowly coming down wanting to taste her delicate lips. Artemis tilts her head upward allowing him the access to what he wanted. Their lips meet in a caressing manner while the world dissolves around them. After a few minutes, Artemis pulls back resting her head against his. 

"Artemis, what happened with Kaleo?"

"He needed help." Caspian nods not willing to push the matter. She rest her hands on the back of his head while gently brushing down his soft hair. She continues speaking softly, "Caspian, I heard what you said."

Caspian lifts his head to look down at her face wanting to see how she is feeling. Her face just looks curious not fearful. This is completely different from the Artemis he met a short time ago. He pecks her lips before locking eyes making sure she is listening intently. 

"I meant every word Artemis." 

She nods her head thinking of all the repercussions for his decision. He waits patiently not wanting her to fear their future. He wants nothing but for her to feel secure with this. He has no doubts even with so much still to learn. 

I love you Artemis

Artemis lips lift as she looks up at her prince. 

As I love you Caspian