That was the busiest week yet. Busier to come... Sorry this is so short but I have very little time on my hands for writing, I will try to update as much as possible. :)

Bobby Corwen: This is also an Artemis-centric chapter, what can I say, I love that girl. Richard is always a troll. ;) Now, she only guesses who Robin Hood is, based on her conclusions, but that's not relevant for this chapter right now. :D

mixxi: I can't teeeellll!

Writer'sInsanity: Hey, I try to keep it interesting! :D Since my writing isn't something at least I can do mystery haha. Well I'm a Traught shipper and I love their conversations. :3 And since they'll never be canon... Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you squealed. ;) I hope you like this chappie!

Yuka Muntou: First review: Was that, like, positive or negative? Second: Maybe.

PaintingFlowers13: Don't worry, it all becomes clear in this chapter! Well, most of it, anyway.

Kelly1432: She thinks she knows, but does she really know? Mwhahaha. Thank you!

Dissemination (and if you'll believe me I read your username in a singing voice this time): No no no no, they won't burn Zatanna! Uhh I don't know if she was flirting. Up to your personal view, I guess. Well Alfred does cook great, but he has very little to work with, you know? Still it's delicious but Selina refuses to believe that... Well she almost fell down so that has to count bahaha. Anyways did you really mean all that on my other story? :3 I felt so flattered because I'm really not much of a writer. (there are SO many out there that when I read their fics I just want to set myself on fire) Thank you so so much!

Shojobaby: I can't tell, I can't tell! Keep guessing though mwhahaha. You won't find out just yet...

Questionable: Thank you, thank you and thank you and here's more! :D

JMC: Awww thank you! You're always making me blush. :3 Ugh I can't wait for spring - first the weather and second I'm graduating so I really can't wait! Omg you were the only one to notice poor Cameron! He was shaded by Artemis... Uhh sorry I made you feel puzzled but that's really how it is! As I always say, keep guessing on Robin Hood... The answer is maybe near...

Rocketeer101: Thank you!

Guest1: Thanks! Here it is! :D

Guest2: Thank you very much, I try my best. :)

Okay, guys, enjoy!

Artemis keeps pacing back and forward. The dungeon is made of stone walls and it's very dark – sends chills down her spine. There's a small window in the height of her head; too small to try and get out but enough to get a little light in the room. There's something that resembles a bed in the corner and the blonde doesn't dare even take a look at it. There are weird bugs crawling everywhere and she keeps stomping on them, not even noticing. Wally hasn't given her the reason why she's under arrest; he muttered something when she asked him and he kept quiet the entire way to the castle. Roy didn't even bother to stop them – he just threw her a glance that said I told you so. Could Slade have found out she was planning on attacking his carriage? Did Wally rat her out?

She hears someone twirling the keys and she approaches the bars, not wanting to touch the dirty surface. A face pops in front of her – she recognizes him as the black guard who was with prince that day. "The king wants to see you," he says and opens the door. If her hands weren't tied up she would have punched him and run, but obviously the guards were very prepared. She raises an eyebrow but before she can say anything he grabs her by her arm and starts pulling her.

"I can walk by myself," she grunts and wiggles out of his grasp. They continue to walk in a steady pace and reach the stairs. "What did I do?"

"No talking," he replies not even looking at her.

Artemis casually glances at him. He has unnaturally blond hair for his skin tone and he looks very young. His eyes are piercingly bright and his whole appearance brings some sort of fear into her bones, even though he is surely around her age. "Come on," she says sheepishly. "I was placed under arrest; can't I at least know the reason?"

"His Majesty will explain everything to you shortly."

She lets out a frustrated sigh. "Kaldur, wasn't it? Haven't you ever-"

"I said no talking!"

Artemis wrinkles her nose but keeps quiet. No need to push things, she doesn't want to get into more trouble. They're now in the hall and Artemis is amazed by richness of this place. While the peasants are starving, this looks beautiful – great portraits on the walls, carpets from Far East, amazing and rare plants softening the look. "Whoa," she stops to take it in, but Kaldur pushes her so she must keep walking. Nevertheless, her head keeps turning in order to get a good look at the place. They reach these huge wooden doors with two guards in front of it.

"Tell His Majesty I have the prisoner with me," Kaldur says and one of them nods and goes inside. He comes back in a minute.

"He is ready to see you."

Kaldur nods and she notices he's sweating. The king must treat them poorly too. Life here should be fun, at least that's what her mom used to tell her when she was a little girl. With puffy dresses and flirting and drama. Artemis knows she wouldn't fit in here; she was always a rebel who prefers tights to skirts. They enter the room; Kaldur says something she doesn't hear and steps away from her, and for the first time in her life she takes a good look at the man who they call their king.

He's sitting on the throne, his gray hair tied in a ponytail which Artemis finds ridiculous – if the situation weren't this serious she would start laughing. His dark eyes lazily observe the figure in front of him. His skin is very pale, making the stories true – he never goes out. He likes the shadows so much he had practically become one. No matter how pale, though, his muscles are strong and she doesn't doubt that he was once a fighter. Her glance slips and she sees Richard – he's standing next to Slade in a red shirt and white pants, his dark hair messier than usual. She narrows her eyes at him.

Slade yawns. "Name? No, wait, it doesn't matter. You must be wondering why you're here."

"Sure do."

"Tell me, what do you think?"

"You want to decapitate me for some reason?"

He laughs. "Of course not!" He leans in and a smirk stretches on his face. "On one condition."

"And that would be?" She raises an eyebrow.

Slade leans back lazily, suddenly uninterested. Artemis begins to think he isn't completely sane. "My son informs me he wants to learn archery." She already sees where this is going, her eyes keep widening. "And no matter who I suggest," Slade throws him a glare. Richard smiles innocently. "He insists he takes lessons from a peasant that is yourself."

Richard is eyeing her with a smirk, waiting for a reaction on the word peasant. She winces but doesn't say anything – it's too risky to do it. If anyone were to ask her yesterday what she would do, she'd say everything on her mind – but being here, in front of him, her hands tied and without her bow, she really can't rebel. "And if I don't?"

"Then off with your head."

"Oh."

"Do we have an agreement?"

"Yes," she mutters.

"Good. Any questions?"

Her head jerks up. "Yeah. Why put me under arrest just to tell me that?"

"That's a question my son will answer to you on your first lesson. Guards! Escort this peasant to her room."

"Excuse me?" She almost screams out.

Slade raises an eyebrow. "Since you are now one of my son's, let's say, teachers, you will be living here where he can reach you at any time. You get your own room and soon enough we'll get you some clothes. Decent clothes. Now off you go."

"Wait!" She yells when a guard takes her by her arm. "I'll be living here?!"

"My king, I'll escort her out," Richard steps in before Slade can change his mind and decide to decapitate her immediately. He grabs her by her shoulders and pushes her out. The guards close the door behind them and he lets out a sigh of relief. She's still stunned by everything that's happened.

"Why are you ruining my life?" She asks as he starts to untie the rope around her hands.

"Any girl would want to live in a castle," he smirks.

"Yeah, well, not me!"

"Come on, I'll show you around."

She crosses her arms. "No."

"Fine," he shrugs and starts to walk. "Then you find your own room and your way to the kitchen. I'm guessing you're rather hungry, but you know, you can handle yourself."

Her stomach objects to that statement. She sighs and catches up with him. They walk side by side for a couple of moments in silence.

"Won't you answer the question?" She asks, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"What question?"

"Why did you have me arrested?"

"Figured you wouldn't come otherwise," he shrugs again and glances at her.

"You're… right," she says surprised and they laugh. "The dungeon is a creepy place," she adds and shivers. "You could have at least arranged something else."

"Maybe this will make up for it," he smirks and opens the door of a room. She slowly steps inside and finds herself amazed with its glory. Unlike her cell, this room is so bright she has to squint; the windows are huge and the air smells like flowers; the bed seems so comfortable and soft that she just wants to throw herself on it and fall asleep immediately. Her stomach complains again though, and she puts her hand on it in order to keep it quiet. "Are you sure we're in the right room?"

"Hey, my teachers get the best rooms." His glance falls on her dirty clothes and her wounded hand. "What happened?"

"Nothing," she smiles and hides it behind her back. "Now, can you be so kind and show me the kitchen?"

He bows jokingly. "Ladies first."

"Well what do you know, you do have some manners," she says and walks by him, and her hair tickles him once more today.

"I am the prince," he grunts and closes the door behind them.

After a whole maze of stairs and hallways they reach the kitchen. Artemis eyes the tall chef curiously as Richard introduces them and extends her left hand, still hiding the right one behind her back. Richard doesn't miss that, and when she's done talking to John, he whispers something into her ear that makes her blush.

"There's really no need for that," she says almost shyly.

He smirks at her, but there's a hint of concern on his face. "Yes, there is. Now if you excuse me, I have to go now. John, give her anything she wants to eat. I'll see you later," he says and walks out. Artemis watches after him, her cheeks still red, and smiles.

John wipes his hands off a cloth, his mind elsewhere. "I'm sorry, new girl; I have to get to the market. Megan will give you some food," he says and walks out in a hurry, grabbing his hat on his way.

Artemis sighs and sits at the small wooden table. She hasn't eaten in a long time, she hasn't slept all night, her hand is starting to pulse and she's pretty sure she looks more like a beggar than like an ordinary girl. She scopes the room but can't find anything of her interest that would take her mind off her hunger. Luckily, she hears someone humming lightly so she stands up and waits. A redhead dances in with an empty bowl, not even noticing the stranger.

"Hey uncle, I fed the-" She turns around and spots Artemis who smiles weakly at her. "Chickens. I'm sorry; did my uncle promise you food? We aren't allowed to-"

"Oh no, I'm not…" Artemis sighs and collapses back in the chair. She really does look like a beggar. "I'm Rich- prince Richard's new archery… teacher. John said to wait for you to give me some food."

"Oh," the girl smiles and two dimples appear on her face. "In that case… I'm Megan," she approaches her and extends her hand.

"Artemis."

"Pretty name," she notices with enthusiasm. "So. What would you like to eat?"

Okay so not much happening right here...

NOT MUCH HAPPENING THEY'RE AT PEACE FOR GOD'S SAKE.

I bet you didn't see that coming.

Again sorry this is so short but I might write another chapter today because I have Monday off. :D

Hope you liked it!