Artemis

Chapter 30

The journey back to the castle took longer than expected with an injured princess who wouldn't stop complaining. Artemis finally had enough of her voice that she helped her get on one of the horses with her hands still bound in chains. The queen slept soundly with Goliath still curled close to her. Artemis would ask time to time if she was okay and Goliath would confirm. 

Pulling up to the kingdom's gates, Artemis' felt her heart become heavy. Worried thoughts running through how Caspian will react. The guards open the gates upon recognition of Artemis. The horns sound alerting the castle to the arrival. She can see the castle guards racing to her. Swords at-a-ready until they see her. She doesn't speak, her body going rigid like she did in front of the crowd at the festival. Thankfully she sees a familiar face running down to her. His blonde hair whipping in the wind. 

"Artemis!" 

Navene could see how tired she was and some blood upon her beautiful silver gown. Fear strikes at him believing she may have been hurt. He walks directly to her lifting her arms to inspect but seeing no signs of the blood being her own. A groan catches his attention. He opens the carriage door to see the queen stirring. Her wrist badly bruised, her dress and hair an utter mess. She opens her eyes trying to focus. 

"Ar-Artemis?"

Her cracked voice making Artemis go into the carriage. She looks to Navene to close the door. He nods in understanding. The clanking of metal making him look towards the horses where Princess Lena sits with dried blood on her leg and dress. The pack wolves standing near the horse glaring at her.  The princess scared by the creatures not moving from her spot.

Navene catches movement out the corner of his eye to see the king, the prince and princess strolling through the group of guards directly to him. It doesn't take long the king to recognize the princess on the horse. His eyes narrowing making her squirm. 

"Guards, seize her!" 

His voice booming making the men spring into action. She whimpers as they pull her down holding her as they await further commands. The king strolls to the door opening it to see his beloved barely conscious while Artemis' hands are wrapped around her wrist humming making the red markings disappear. 

"My love..." 

The queen turns her head hearing her husband's voice. Her eyes welling up as she reaches her now injured free hand to him. He is quick to grab her hand pulling her up. He wraps one arm behind her back and the other below her knees. Lifting her from the carriage, the guards bow in respect of their queen. The king is swift in walking to the castle. His queen within his grasp where he plans to never let her leave again. He turns back around as Artemis steps down out of the chariot, his eyes glazed to her. 

"Thank you Lady Artemis" 

Artemis bows slightly but feels light headed. Her evening of no rest and her using the last of her energy to help ease the queen's pain catching up to her. She holds her head as Navene comes to steady her. She stands back up to see Cassandra following her dad. The guards taking Lena away leaving only Caspian standing there with a heart broken face. He turns not saying a word to Artemis. Artemis feels her own heart shatter at his actions. 

Caspian was happy she was safe but couldn't over look the fact that she left without a word. How easy it was for her to leave while he felt nothing but pain. He walked back into the castle resisting the urge to turn around running back to her. He can feel her pain and couldn't stop the treacherous tears from rolling down his cheeks. He went to his chambers slamming the door behind him. His head reeling and his heart feeling hollow. 

A soft click of his door makes him turn around to his sister. Her eyes narrowed on her brother and fist at her sides. 

"How. dare. you?!" Her words anything but calm. Caspian raises his hands confused by her voice. Before he can even speak she steps forward with her glare set. "You turn your back on her!"