*Caspian is 27 years old in this story. The peace has once again been disturbed by Calormen forces trying to claim Archenland for thmeselves.*

I was seventeen years old during the first year of the Great War. I was the only daughter of Lord Drinian, King Caspian's closest friend. Even though he was ten years older than I was, his majesty had also become a dear friend to me as well.

He and King Bremar of Archenland had kept the forces of the Calormen army at bay for as long as they could. Stories told of a fierce Calormen warrior by the name of Trinian, who had slain a giant with one strike of his sword. I didn't know if any of this was true, but I did know (as did many others) that Trinian was the key to bringing down the main force of their army. If they could defeat him and his fierce band of warriors, then Narnia would have the advantage.

Caspian spent most of his time in sessions with his council going over strategies and plans. I had been graced by Aslan with the gift of healing, so I when I wasn't in the garden collecting herbs, I walked through the villages taking care of the sick. My morning ritual of picking herbs for my days work required me to walk past Caspian's library. Usually he held his council meetings in an upper part of the castle so that no one would be able to hear. But on this particular morning I could hear raised voices, one being Caspian's and the other was Lord Soryn, his personal advisor.

"…and it's completely out of the question!"

"Caspian, there is no guarantee that you will survive this war. What happens to your lands if you are killed in battle? It would be the right choice for you and for Narnia."

I didn't hear anything for a moment. Then Caspian broke the silence.

"Is there no one else?" He asked, with a melancholy tone in his voice.

"I'm sorry, your majesty. We needed to choose someone knowledgeable of the country in case-"

"Say no more. Give me time to speak with her. It's a heavy burden to bear."

"Certainly." I heard them moving towards the door. There was no way not to be seen by them so I pretended to just be walking past as they were coming out.

"Lady Celeste, how are you this morning?" Soryn asked.

"Fine my Lord, I was just coming in from the garden. Good morning Caspian."

"Good morning, Celeste." Although he gave me a smile, his voice betrayed his true emotion. Something was wrong.

"Would you excuse me your majesty?" Caspian nodded and Lord Soryn walked away leaving us alone. He stood awkwardly in front of me looking down at his hands. He'd never been nervous around me before.

"My Lord? Is something troubling you?" He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"I need to speak with you on a matter of great importance. Can you meet me in the council room after dinner tonight?"

"O-Of course. Concerning what?"

"There's something that I need to ask of you."

"Your wish is my command, my King." I said in a light-hearted manner. He smiled at me.

"I know. You're a good friend."

There was an awkward silence between us.

"I see you're on your way to the village." Caspian remarked, quickly changing the subject.

"Yes, a healer's work is never done."

"You do so much for our people Celeste. I can't figure how they ever got along without you before."

"I only wish I could do more."

"Maybe someday." It was an odd response, but I didn't inquire any further.

"Well, I should be going. Good luck today your majesty."

"Good luck to you also, my lady." He walked away, and I finished my walk down the hall in the opposite direction. I was very anxious to hear what favor he needed to ask me. But there was work to be done in the village so I cleared my mind of everything but healing and began to make my rounds. The effects of the war had only just begun to be seen. Men were returning home severely damaged, body and mind.

When I came back late that evening, I had almost completely forgotten about my earlier conversation with the King, until my father approached me while I was in the kitchen storing away my unused salves.

"Ah, Celeste, you've returned."

"Hello father." He greeted me with a warm hug.

"King Caspian wants to have a word with you."

"Oh, yes, he told me that this morning."

"He told you?" He asked, with one eyebrow raised.

"Well, he said he had a favor to ask of me, but that was all. Has he said something to you?" I said, putting away the last of my herbs in the pantry.

He sighed.

"It would be best if you heard it from him."

"Father-"

"Hurry up lass, don't keep the King waiting." I nodded, and headed off to the western wing of the castle. It was a long walk and there were three flights of stairs to contend with afterwards. I finally reached the last step, my nerves building as I stood in front of the door. I knocked softly and the door creaked open.

"Come in." Caspian gently closed the door and locked it behind me.

"Sit." He commanded. I'd never been in the council room before so I took in my surroundings slowly. It wasn't a very large room. Just enough for about eight or ten men. There was a table with a giant map spread out across it. Books, scrolls, and other various documents were lying scattered around. I sat down carefully not wanting to disturb anything on the table. He took the seat right next to me, and we faced each other.

"You've been a great friend to me, Celeste, despite our age difference. I've watched you grow from a little girl running around after me trying to cure me of potato disease…" We laughed at that memory.

"...into a beautiful, smart young woman. You're nearly eighteen years old now, and…your father, and Lord Soryn, think that it's time that you were wed." My smile quickly vanished. This was not the kind of thing I had expected for him to say.

"What?" He took my hands in his and stared at them.

"Which brings me to what I needed to ask of you…" He was nervous. I could feel his palms begin to sweat.

"I have no heirs, no one to carry on my name. Should I perish in this war, Narnia will fall to whatever Lords lay claim to it first. If you would…if you would marry me, and become my Queen, the future of Narnia would be secured." I was speechless. Caspian wanted to make me his Queen?

"But…but why me? Isn't there someone else, more suitable?" He looked me straight in the eyes, making me blush slightly.

"There is no one else I would choose, Celeste. You know the lands, you know the people better than anyone. They all love you already. They would be overjoyed at the idea of you being their Queen."

"I-I don't know what to say…"

"I realize this is a lot to have placed on you. I didn't want to put you through this. But it's the only way. You said you wished you could do more for the people. You'll have that opportunity now."

It sounded as if the choice had already been made for me. My hands had gone limp and cold in his, and I was barely breathing.

"I assume that you've already decided on this. Whether I agree to it or not means nothing." As was customary with royal marriages. Women never had a choice in the matter.

"I don't want it to seem like we're forcing you into something. But I would rather you first hear it from me than to have you to hear it come from the rest of the council who care nothing for your feelings." I sat in silence, trying to take in the news.

"You're right, I suppose." My voice was little above a whisper.

"Come…I'll walk you back to your bed chamber." He helped me to stand and we began the descent down the stairs. It was so quiet I could hear him breathing behind me. It was the longest walk I'd ever been on. Caspian and I had always been able to talk about anything, but now…I couldn't even manage to look at him. As we approached my door, he turned to me.

"Please don't be upset-"

"I know. It's better for Narnia this way. I understand that."

"Good. I care for you deeply, Celeste. I want you to be happy." He let his hand brush against my cheek for a second. It was a new feeling for me, and I didn't know how to respond to it. He realized that I was uncomfortable and pulled away, running his hand through his hair.

"You should get some rest. You've had a long day." He bent down and gave me a small kiss on the cheek.

"Goodnight." He whispered into my ear.

"Goodnight, Caspian."