King Vispan was prepared for this. He turns away from King Casden. His eyes zeroing in on Artemis. Her chest begins feeling heated with the strong amount of anger not only from the dark king but from Caspian as well. She attempts to take deep breaths to stop the feeling. Her hand rubbing her chest.
Caspian, my love, do not let your rage control you...
Artemis words rendering him powerless. His rage simmering down slightly while his eyes continue being trained on the enemy before him. The crazed king begins holding his arms out like a grand welcome however the motions gives the feeling of anything other than welcome.
"So Lady Artemis..."
Artemis snaps her eyes to the sinister grinning king. A ruckus outside the doors makes everyone turn to them. The doors bursting open with guard after guard following through. However the crescent on the iron clad not one of this kingdom. They come in file as the great hall grows loud in distress. Artemis eyes still trained on the crazed man that believes he is fully in charge.
Her chest burning and she knows the rage is hitting a tipping point. She looks to the scared guest and sees the fear rolling off in waves. She looks to her companion, Navene. He is slowly getting Cassandra out of the room. King Casden standing in front of Queen Analee. Goliath coiled around her legs snarling.
"Lady Artemis, you have a decision to make.."
He gestures his hand towards the King and Queen. A few of the guards are quick to draw their swords on them. Goliath's growl ripping through the air. His eyes calculated on the enemies before him. Artemis grips onto Caspian's hand trying to control her feelings.
"You can come willing or..." He looks to the royal couple before turning back to her. "you can be the murderer I know you to be."
She takes a deep breath releasing slowly before stepping forward. Caspian is quick to grab her arm refusing to release her. Artemis turns to him giving him a look pleading him. He is flabbergasted by her want to be a martyr.
Caspian... Trust me
He releases her reluctantly but Vatalanie is not so quick to allow her to pass. She turns barking at Artemis. Artemis kneels down in her ball dress placing her forehead to the wolf. Vatalanie snorts but doesn't move away.
Vatalanie, please stay with Caspian. I will return.
Vatalanie opens her eyes with a low growl not daring to go against her but disliking the situation. Artemis stands back up with her head held high. She graciously walks past the she wolf right as Caspian begins to lunge for her. Vatalanie stopping his advance while Caspian looks confused to the wolf.
"Ah... Good choice."
She steps right to him and he holds out his hand. She hesitantly takes his hand shivering at the contact. His hand ice cold and unforgiving while his slimy fingers wrap tightly around hers yanking her chest to chest with him. His eyes locking into her silver pools. She takes a deep breath in and out of her nose trying to control the heat overcoming her.
"Release all of the guest."
Vispan inhales sharply hearing her voice. A siren to hypnotize any man. Velvet smooth and easy on the ears. He leans down dangerously close to her face causing Caspian to step forward only to be stopped again by Vatalanie.
Do not fight my love... I have a plan
Caspian growls and fist his hands attempting to not plow through the she wolf. His father and mother looking upon Artemis with worry. Artemis silently telling the wolves to protect the crowd and royals.
"Oh I think I will wait til we make it out first." He takes her hand that is still in his grasp placing it in the crease of his arm before tugging her out. "Come Lady Artemis"
She takes a final glance to her beloved as he looks to her with utter fear and rage. She reigns in her emotions before turning forward.
I love you my prince
As I love you my queen
She closes her eyes feeling his words touch her soul. A tear running down her cheek. As they make their way out, all the guards follow out behind them. Artemis takes one final glance back before getting yanked out the front doors of the castle. She closes her eyes letting her mind expand reaching the vast regions until she finds what she is searching for.
"Come on witch"
His sneered words holding venom. They continue walking in the darkness of the night with only light being the stars for their guide. They make it to the gate line where Artemis sees the bodies of men lying like trash along the wall. She lets her final words go to her companion before getting hauled onto a horse with the evil king.
While they begin their voyage away from the kingdom. The mass they left behind begins to breath. Caspian sneering down to Vatalanie.
"How. Could. You."
Vatalanie gives him a warning growl which Caspian disregards walking away from her to his parents. They already striding towards him. His mother visible shaking where as his father is surveying the room. His mother bringing him into a hug.
"Alright everyone. Let's please remain calm. We ask all our guest to retire their chambers or their homes for the evening."
That was all they needed to begin leaving while chattering of the commotion and heroic act of the young Lady Artemis. King Casden searching for his daughter.
"She's right here my king."
They whip around to see Navene strolling in with Cassandra by his side. Tear stricken cheeks and a wobbly lip as she jumps into her father's arms. He thanks Navene who bows to the king.
"Dad, what are-"
"I don't know son..." He looks around to make sure everyone makes their way out. Caspian's rage charging forward at his father's lack of worry for his beloved.
"WE HAVE TO GO AFTER HER! SHE JUST SAVED YOU!!"
The King turns his eyes upon his son's heated face. He is about to speak but is interrupted by the clearing of a throat.
"Your majesty, I know where to meet her."
The queen grips the young man's shoulders waiting for him to continue. He looks directly into her eyes.
"She said to meet where the queen was saved."
Her grip loosening as she rakes her brain trying to remember where that was. She was practically past out for the rescue. The only other person that was with her they killed. Then she remembers, she whips her head around to look at Goliath. She kneels down looking into the wolf's dark eyes.
"Goliath was with me.."
"What good does-"
She stands back up turning to her husband.
"He can direct you to the spot."
"Mom, we can't speak to them..."
"No we can't." Navene grinning to the wolf before looking at them. "But I can understand them."
Caspian, Casden, and Analee share looks not sure if sending him would be a good idea. The king hands over Cassandra to the queen before kneeling to the young man. His eyes leveled with Navene.
"I will go with you along with a group of guards."
Navene nods while pulling up his hood. Goliath growls looking to his mistress for guidance. The queen sees his torn face. She leans down slightly looking directly into his eyes.
"Go save our future queen Goliath."
The wolf nods before brushing his body along her legs. He follows Navene out of the great hall.
"I will go as well."
Caspian's words making the King shake his head negatively. Caspian looks ready to explode again. Outraged at his father's disapproval.
"You have to remain son... If I do not return, you will need to rule our Kingdom."
Caspian turns to his mother for help but she is giving him the same expression. He scoffs ready to step away but Vatalanie stops him from moving. He looks down to the she wolf with rage. His emotions no longer in control.
"YOU WILL LISTEN CASPIAN."
"Yes my King."
His words practically being spit out before stomping from the great hall. Vatalanie following behind to keep an eye on him. King Casden sighs before looking to his wife. Her eyes swelling with tears. He pulls her and their daughter into his arms hugging her tightly while kissing her hair line.
"Go save our daughter."
King Casden smirks. He pulls back to see a small smile upon her lips. He kisses them tenderly before pecking his daughter's head. Turning he leaves the room to find Navene and Goliath standing there. He directs a dozen of his most qualified men to follow him. Taking off his crown and replacing his dress robes with iron clad.
He appears to be ready for war... for if Artemis is injured, that is what it will be.