Artemis

Chapter 25

"Mom, are you aware there is a wolf next to you?"

Princess Cassandra's whispered question causing chuckles to erupt from the table. A few maids laying plates down on the floor for the wolves. The wolves nod in thanks before they scurry away. Goliath still sitting on the floor next to the queen. Vatalanie laying between Artemis and Caspian whereas Tesara lays between Navene and Cassandra on the opposite side. The king is the only one without a companion while the other 5 wolves lay near the wall watching the royal family as the maids bring out dishes for them. 

"Yes my princess I know." 

The queen answers reaching down to rub Goliath's head. The king clears his throat catching everyone's attention before dabbing his mouth with a napkin and standing up. He looks to the guards and maids first. 

"Please clear the room everyone." The guards step out along with the maids who were in the room. Artemis and Navene go to stand up but the king is quick to notice. "Artemis-Navene, please stay." 

They sit back down as Caspian and Cassandra give confused looks to both parents. The queen smiles watching her husband puff out his chest like a proud peacock. 

"Children, your mother is expecting." Caspian drops his fork with his eyes going wide. Cassandra still looks upon her mother confused. 

"Expecting what mom?"

The queen looks to her daughter in amusement of her innocence then back to her husband to see a mirrored image. Artemis and Navene sit there quietly feeling like intruders during this private moment. Caspian takes her hand still in a state of shock without processing his movements. Artemis however squeezes back. 

"Sweetie, we are going to be having another baby. You are going to be an older sister." 

Cassandra gasp before releasing a squeal and jumping out of her seat running to mom hugging her tightly. The queen smiles down at her daughter who now looks to her belly. 

"When will she be here?" Cassandra says still looking to her mother. 

"Princess, it may be a boy." The king says sitting back in his seat glancing at his queen who is smiling with teary eyes. Cassandra turns to her father shaking her head negatively. 

"Nope. I have a feeling it will be another princess." 

The table laughs gently at the young princess and her declaration. The only silent one is the prince who now is staring down at his breakfast plate. The king and queen notice and look to each other. 

"Excuse me." 

The prince stands up still holding Artemis hand who gets up not sure of the emotion running though him. She follows behind him as he takes her out of the dining hall. The king and queen feeling confused by their son's actions. The king stands up following the pair out. Navene leans down petting Tesara still being silent. Cassandra still gushing to the flat stomach of her mother. The queen refocuses on her daughter but glances to the door hoping to see her son and husband reappear. 

Caspian makes it to a hallway with a window where he stops letting the fresh breeze roll onto him. He closes his eyes still holding onto Artemis' hand tightly. She stands there waiting for him to speak rubbing her thumb on their conjoined hands. The king stops back a bit hoping to find out what is wrong. After a few minutes, Caspian opens his eyes looking down to Artemis before pulling her into his arms. Artemis can clearly see the worried eyes of her prince and holds him hoping to bring comfort. 

"She had issues giving birth with Cassandra and almost didn't make it. I don't want to go through almost loosing my mother again." 

The king's head drops and heart grows heavy as memories of that day flood his mind. He now understands why his son wasn't happy to hear of the news. He steps around the corner but stops as he sees the intimate moment between the two. Artemis cups her love's cheek making his glossy eyes look to her. Her reassuring smile relaxing him slightly.