The sound of horses' hooves disrupted the quiet stillness of the forest and the Beavers looked up from their task of gathering wood to see two figures on horseback galloping past them. The musical laugh from the front rider rang through the trees as she turned around to see if the rider behind her was gaining. The Beavers smiled at one another as the riders flew past.

"Queen Lucy and King Edmund..." murmured Beaver.

"I wonder how much longer before they realize..." said Mrs. Beaver, smiling.

"They have grown up now, it won't be long. The Deep Magic of Narnia has been working on them for some time. They will soon know, I can see it in their faces, even now." Beaver replied.

"And then we shall have a Royal Wedding," sighed Mrs. Beaver, "how wonderful that will be."

"Well, don't be picking out your hat just yet," said Beaver, "they will fight their feelings at first, I'm sure. They are still learning about the Deep Magic."

Mrs. Beaver nodded slowly. "Yes, I know, but in the end they will understand. And they will have a love for one another as deep as the Magic itself. I can feel it..." she said.

"You are such a romantic..." Beaver chuckled, as they watched the riders disappear into the trees.

"Edmund!" shouted Lucy, laughing again as he urged Phillip to cut her off.

He narrowly edged past her as they came into a clearing and reigned the horses up, both of them breathing heavily and stamping the earth.

"Really, your Majesty," Phillip panted, "these races are for younger days..."

Edmund patted the horse's neck, "Sorry, old boy, I keep forgetting you aren't as young as you once were."

"Neither are you..." Phillip said under his breath.

Lucy smiled at Edmund as he dismounted. He walked over to her and reached up to grab her waist, lifting her easily off the horse and setting her down. She grinned up at him, teasingly.

"I let you win, you know, can't have Phillip lose his dignity." she said.

Edmund's eyes narrowed and he grabbed her up in a hug.

"Yeah, right," he said, "Queen Lucy the Valiant would never let me win..."

They stared at one another for a moment, their arms around each other. The moment became a little awkward and Edmund let go of her, looking away at the trees. Lucy looked down at her dress, smoothing it, then laughed again, punching Edmund's arm lightly.

"You're right," she said, "rematch tomorrow."

"Let's go to the creek so they can have some water," Edmund said, "we'll talk about the rematch later."

They led the horses over to the nearby creek and sat down on the creek bank while the horses drank.

"What a lovely afternoon," Lucy said.

"Yes," Edmund said, "but we'd better head home soon, remember there's the ball tonight and Susan won't be happy if we're not ready on time."

Lucy frowned a little. "Another ball, Susan does enjoy those so..."

"You don't?" Edmund said, reaching over to brush a stray hair off of her face. He caressed her cheek for just a moment and the touch of his hand made Lucy's cheeks feel warm all of a sudden. She smiled at him shyly and ducked her head.

"I like to dance but I don't really like the possibility of suitors that I'm not interested in." she said.

Edmund felt a strange tightness in his throat as he contemplated her words. The thought of another man touching Lucy suddenly made him reach for the handle of his sword that hung from his belt. He took in a deep breath and wondered at the odd feeling he was having. He looked over at her and all he could think of was how beautiful she had become. He watched as she lifted her face and closed her eyes to enjoy the warm afternoon sun on her face and he felt an almost overwhelming urge to kiss her full lips.

He stood up quickly, shaking the thought from his head.

Lucy's eyes flew open. "Edmund, what's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing, nothing...just going to get the horses. We should head back." he said, striding off.

Lucy watched him walk away and a curious thought entered her mind. "When did he get so handsome and strong?" she wondered. He was her brother, right? Wasn't he? She felt strange as she suddenly couldn't remember.

"Lucy, what is it?" Edmund said. She looked up, startled, he was standing there holding the horses, looking down on her curiously. "You look like you are miles away..." he said.

"I was just thinking about something..." she said, her voice breaking slightly.

Edmund reached down to take her hand and help her stand. "Something you want to talk about?" he said.

"No, maybe later," she said, as she reached for her saddle horn. Edmund came up behind her to grasp her waist again and lift her onto her horse. She gathered her reins and smiled down at him. "Shall we race back?"

"No," Edmund said, laughing, "no rematch yet, Phillip needs a respite."

"Speak for yourself, your Majesty," Phillip said, "although I do think a later rematch would be more beneficial to my health."

Edmund swung up onto the horse's back and patted his neck again. "Have to remember to keep treating you well, old boy."

He watched as Lucy nudged her horse and they began to trot towards the path. He wondered if she was having the same strange thoughts he was having. He had always been close to her...she was his sister, wasn't she? Or was she...something else?

The music filled the great hall, Queen Susan watched happily as the guests danced around. She loved having these balls, to invite the peoples of distant lands, to keep the peace in Narnia. Her eyes caught sight of Edmund and Lucy dancing together and she smiled. They looked so happy together and strangely, she felt that it was right. She felt a presence next to her and a warm hand took hers. She looked up at High King Peter smiling down at her.

"Watching them again?" he said softly.

"Hmm, yes," she said, "It is only a matter of time, you know. You know what Aslan told us."

Peter nodded. He remembered the night that Aslan came to him and Susan and spoke to them of the Deep Magic that would soon be changing the future of the younger monarchs. Aslan wanted Peter and Susan to understand the power of the magic and what it meant for Narnia.

"Things will become how they were meant to be." Aslan had told them. "Because they were young when they came to Narnia, the magic will become part of them. They will not remember their previous lives and they will become the true King and Queen of Narnia for all time."

"But what about Peter and I?" Susan had asked. "Are we not to have this magic also?"

"Because you two are older," Aslan said, "you will have the choice. You can choose to remember your lives or you can choose to stay Narnians forever. The magic will be in you but the true Deep Magic is meant for Edmund and Lucy, they will be the future of Narnia.

Peter and Susan had not yet been able to choose, they instead watched their young brother and sister grow closer and both Peter and Susan knew that they would need to guide them to their destiny and help them understand.

Edmund spun Lucy around and she laughed as she fell into his arms. Edmund loved her laugh, he loved her smile, he loved the feeling of having her in his arms. He felt like they were the only two on the dance floor when he felt a tap on his shoulder and looked over at a tall Telmarine standing next to them.

"Pardon me, your Majesty, but might I have a dance with the lovely Queen Lucy?" he asked.

Edmund looked at Lucy and he could read her thoughts. It'll be all right. Just one dance and then we'll be together again. He reluctantly bowed to her and offered her hand to the Telmarine, who bowed before the Queen.

"Thank you, your Majesty." he said, and he took her hand and set his other hand on her waist. They spun away and Edmund felt nothing but jealousy as he watched his Lucy in the arms of another.

He walked off the dance floor, his smile fading quickly. He stood over by the food-laden table and picked up a goblet, bringing it to his lips, his eyes still watching Lucy dancing with the Telmarine. His eyes narrowed as he watched the man bring her closer to him and again his hand reached for the sword at his belt.

"Not thinking of starting a war with the Telmarines, are you?" Peter said.

Edmund startled. "What?" he said, spilling a little wine from the goblet. "Oh, no, of course not...what are you talking about?"

"Oh, nothing..." Peter said, smiling. "Just noticing that you seem a bit...distracted." He nodded his head towards Lucy dancing with the Telmarine. "Not enjoying her with another man?"

"No, not at all." Edmund said, his voice lowering into a growl. "But I'm not sure why that is..."

"That's what happens when you have feelings for someone..." Peter said, watching Edmund carefully.

"I have feelings for her? She's my..." Edmund suddenly stopped, "She's..." His eyes widened and he set the goblet down, turning to walk quickly away from the hall. Peter watched him stride away and looked over at Susan knowingly. Follow him, talk to him, she mouthed to him silently. Peter nodded and turned to follow Edmund.

He found him on the balcony, staring out at the sea. His hands clenched the railing, his eyes stormy and black. Peter gently put his hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Edmund..." he said softly, "let me help you..."

Edmund swallowed and his hands clenched tighter on the rail. He turned to Peter.

"Help me what?" he asked.

"To understand." Peter said.

"Understand? Understand that I'm...that I'm..." he suddenly couldn't get the words out.

"In love with Lucy?" Peter said, his voice calm and controlled.

"I c-can't be," Edmund said, "I don't know why anymore, though. I can't remember why, but I know I shouldn't be in love with her!"

"Because part of you does remember, but it's a part that you can't get to anymore," Peter said, "What matters now is what you do feel and that's how the Deep Magic of Narnia works."

"The Magic? Is that why? What's wrong with me?" Edmund said, his eyes still dark and worried.

"Nothing is wrong with you. Aslan explained to Susan and I that, in Narnia, things become how they are meant to be. The Deep Magic becomes part of you and you become what you are meant to be." Peter said patiently. He stared at his younger brother and his heart ached for him. He wanted Edmund to understand and to accept what was happening to him. But he knew that perhaps he still wasn't quite ready.

Edmund's eyes filled with unshed tears and he looked away. After a moment he spoke again, "Peter, am I going to forget about you and Susan? Because I don't think I can bear that..."

"I don't know, Edmund, because Susan and I don't know yet what our futures hold. We still have to decide. But the Magic has been working on you and Lucy for some time now and your future is determined. That's why your memories are fading and why you feel the way you do for Lucy. It's happening to her as well. Susan and I are here for you now to help you, we won't give up until we know you are both happy." Peter said, his hand coming up to touch Edmund's shoulder.

Edmund suddenly turned to embrace his brother, the tears spilling out at last. Peter held him tightly.

"Don't worry," he murmured, "Everything will be alright..."

Edmund's voice was muffled against his shirt, "Lucy...does she feel the same for me?"

"Yes," Peter said firmly, "But she is fighting her feelings as you are. She doesn't understand yet, but I know she will. She has always had the faith in Aslan and the Deep Magic. She will embrace her future and she will love you, Edmund, with everything that she is."

Edmund looked up at Peter's face, "How do you know?" he said, his voice still choked with tears.

"I have the faith, too, and I know that you and Lucy are meant for greater things. Somehow, I've always known." Peter said.

"I don't know," Edmund said, shakily, "I'm not ready for this..."

"You will be," Peter said, "just give it time yet. But don't give up on your feelings. Let your love for Lucy grow. It is already there, you just need time to let it become what it is meant to be. I'll be here for you, Edmund, and Susan and Aslan will, too."

Susan waited anxiously in the hall, watching for her brothers' return. She turned to see Lucy approaching her, the Telmarine with her. Lucy turned to dismiss him. "Thank you for the dance, kind sir," she said, offering her hand.

"Thank you, your Majesty, I would enjoy another later." he said, bowing.

"Perhaps..." Lucy said, but she didn't relish the thought.

He bowed to Susan, "Your Majesty," he said.

She nodded her head. "Thank you, Caldin, hope you are enjoying the ball."

"Most definitely, your Highness." he said, "thank you for inviting me."

He turned to walk away and Lucy clutched her sister's arm. "So glad that's over," she said, "I enjoy dancing with Edmund ever so much more..."

Susan smiled at her and gave her a hug. "Do you?" she said, "and does Edmund share your enthusiasm?"

"I hope so," Lucy said. She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Susan? I've been having some strange thoughts lately. I feel a bit confused."

"I think we should talk, Lucy," Susan said, "I believe I can help you understand them."

Lucy looked at her, her face puzzled.

"But don't worry over it right now," Susan said suddenly, "let's just enjoy the rest of the ball."

"Where are Peter and Edmund?" Lucy said, looking around.

"I think they went out to the balcony for some air. They will be back soon." Susan said.

At that moment, Peter and Edmund came walking through the doorway. One look at Edmund's face and Lucy knew that something wasn't right. She started quickly towards them. Edmund watched her coming over and Peter spoke under his breath.

"Don't worry, Ed, just relax. Just act like nothing is wrong." he said.

"She will know I'm lying..." Edmund said, "she always knows." He smiled as Lucy came up to him.

"Where have you been?" she asked, "you left me to my fate..."

"Was it awful?" Edmund said, taking her arm.

"No, not awful. It's just much more enjoyable dancing with you." she said.

"Then let us dance..." Edmund said, spinning her around.

Lucy laughed and they danced away onto the floor.

Peter joined Susan. "Well, how did it go?" she asked.

"Well enough. He is distraught but at least he knows now that something is happening. Are you going to talk to Lucy?" he said.

"Soon," said Susan, "she already realizes something is happening as well. She might not realize yet that she has fallen in love with Edmund."

"Well, we have to continue to help them understand this. They have to know that it isn't wrong." Peter said.

"Everything will be alright, Peter," Susan said, linking her arm through his, "Come on, dance with me."

He smiled and they joined the other dancers on the floor.

The hour was late when Edmund walked Lucy back to her room deep within the walls of Cair Paravel. They stopped at her door and she turned to grin up at him.

"Oh, I'm so tired. But that was actually fun, for once." she said.

"Yes, it was," Edmund said, "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Lu."

"Are you alright?" she asked, "You seemed upset earlier."

"It's nothing," Edmund said, "We can talk about it later."

"Well, if you're sure. But I don't plan to let you forget it." she said, "Good night..."

Lucy reached up to pull his head down to hers. She leaned in to kiss his cheek, her lips so close to his. He turned slightly and suddenly their lips were on each others. Lucy quickly pulled away, her eyes wide and startled. Edmund cupped her head and leaned down to her mouth again. She didn't try to stop him...eyes closed and they were kissing deeply, lips hot against each others. They couldn't seem to stop...bruising, devouring...

She tastes like heaven...

His lips are so sweet...

Gasping for breath, they broke the kiss, staring at one another.

"Lucy..." Edmund said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I'm sorry..."

She stilled his mouth with her fingers. "No, don't be..." she whispered, "I wanted it, too..."

She turned to go into her room, shutting the door quickly. She leaned against it, still breathing heavily. What just happened? She didn't know for sure but she knew that it was amazing. And wonderful. And she couldn't wait to do it again.

Edmund stood at her door, his heart beating fast. She had wanted it, too? She had kissed him with as much passion as he had for her. Did she love him as he loved her? He turned to walk to his room, hoping that he would soon have the answer to his question.

Peter and Susan watched from the end of the hallway and then turned to look at one another.

Things were becoming what they were meant to be.