Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: Of the blessing of princes...

A/N: This is a two-shot requested by Quarterhorseranch and is part of my A Light in the Darkness universe. Enjoy!

Princes Blessed

Part One

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27 Twirleaf 1000

Cair Paravel was in a state of excitement as it was the first time that other Sons and Daughters of Adam and Eve were coming to Narnia since the fall of the White Witch. It had been over a hundred years since any foreign sovereigns had set foot in Narnia and now King Lune and his queen were coming to visit the court of the Four with a special request. Stonebrook watched as Queen Susan fluttered between her siblings, brushing at King Peter's tunic, adjusting King Edmund's cape, and straightening Queen Lucy's crown before they all took their seats. A full honor guard had been assembled under Captain Ardon's command (General Oreius was away to the south rooting out a Fell stronghold that had been identified). The Faun Tumnus stepped forward as the doors opened and announced, "Your Majesties, may I present Their Majesties, King Lune and Queen Zusa of Archenland, and their party."

The party was of great interest to the Narnians as it was the first time many of them had seen full-grown Sons and Daughters of Adam and Eve. Stonebrook himself was more curious as to what changes had been wrought in the royal family of Archenland since he had last witnessed a gathering of Sovereigns within Cair Paravel's walls. King Lune was a jolly fellow and reminded him very much of the younger Prince of Archenland who had been given a number of diplomatic duties in the final years before Jadis invaded. His queen had a sharper beauty as the contrast between her large dark eyes and luxurious black locks and creamy skin proved she was from the islands and most likely had some Calormene ancestors (if he recalled correctly), but her features were softened by a glow of joy in her face that Stonebrook recognized well. A piercing cry from one of the bundles being carried safe within the arms of two of the ladies-in-waiting following close behind the King and Queen confirmed his suspicion.

A number of the Talking Animals present rose up on their hindpaws as they peered at the ladies-in-waiting. The Queens exchanged excited looks then the High King cleared his throat. "We welcome Your Majesties and your party to Cair Paravel. It pleases Us and Our Royal Siblings greatly to renew the friendship between our nations."

Stonebrook gave the slightest nod of approval as the Four had spent half the night attempting to memorize the proper protocol for greeting the visiting sovereigns. King Lune laughed, "It is a fine thing! A fine thing, indeed, Your Majesties, to at last step foot in the fabled Cair Paravel."

Queen Zusa lightly touched her husband's arm and he cleared his throat then led her a little ahead of their party. He bowed and she curtsied. Her soft, dulcet voice seemed to soothe the slight anxiousness in the Four as she spoke, "It is a great honor to us that you accepted our request to visit, Your Majesties."

The Just King leaned forward slightly. "We are curious as to why you requested to visit in such a short amount of time since we received your request only a week past."

King Lune smiled at his queen then beamed at the Four. "It is our humble request, Your Majesties, that you would permit us to bring our twin sons to be blessed by a Centaur prophet. I apologize for not sending word sooner but we did not wish to request such a visit until my lady wife was…" He faltered for a brief moment as his queen gave him a warning look, then chuckled before continuing, "That is to say, we did not wish to request such a visit until we could time it so as to arrive within a week of our sons' birth."

Queen Susan glanced over at Stonebrook, who once again nodded slightly. She knew the protocol; she just needed a little reassurance that she was correct. The Gentle Queen took a deep breath then smiled graciously. "I am certain that we are all in agreement to grant your request, King Lune." She glanced from her brothers to her sister, who all nodded, then continued, "But, your journey has no doubt been tiresome. Please take your rest this afternoon then you would honor us greatly by joining us for dinner where we might discuss the details of your request so as to best determine how to aid you in its fulfillment, if that is suitable to your majesties."

King Lune grinned, "We would be delighted, Your Majesties, won't we, Zusa?"

Queen Zusa gave him a look of fond exasperation then smiled and bowed her head gracefully, "Your plan is most suitable to us, Your Majesties."

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Stonebrook entered the room and bowed, "Your Majesties."

Queen Lucy's light laugh greeted him, "Stonebrook! We were just telling King Lune and Queen Zusa how you should be able to answer their questions best! Oh, here, let me get you something to drink."

Stonebrook smiled slightly as he accepted the glass of wine Queen Lucy offered then he bowed respectfully to the King and Queen of Archenland. "How may I be of service?"

King Lune rested his hand on his queen's shoulder as he stood behind her chair. "As I was telling their majesties, it was once traditional for the sovereigns of Archenland to bring their children to be blessed by the Centaur prophets partially to commemorate our shared heritage as the descendants of King Frank the First and Queen Helen. However, we've an additional reason to desire this blessing. Zusa and I were married sixteen years ago, our marriage was arranged, but the Great Lion blessed us and our marriage has been filled with love."

He paused and searched his queen's face for something, a signal if Stonebrook judged the situation rightly. Queen Zusa reached up to wrap her fingers around his hand and nodded, "Tell them, my lord. Our words are not being transcribed, after all."

King Lune nodded, "Aye, my lady. For many years, it was believed we would never have children, but then, five years ago, my wife was with child but the child did not live long enough to even be born. This happened five more times before she was with child this last time. This time, praise Aslan, our sons were born alive and healthy. We cannot help but feel that our sons have a special purpose and we greatly desire to have a proper blessing by a Centaur prophet on our sons, our gifts from Aslan."

Stonebrook nodded. He could understand their desire. Queen Lucy abruptly rose from where she had been sitting on the settee next to her sister and hurried over to the Archenlandish Queen, throwing her arms around her. "I'm so glad Aslan gave you your sons!"

Queen Zusa seemed startled at first, but then her features softened into a smile as she hugged the Valiant Queen in return. "Thank you, Queen Lucy."

The Gentle cleared her throat and turned to Stonebrook as Queen Lucy returned to her seat. "We were hoping, Stonebrook, that as one of the elders of your people, you might be able to best direct King Lune and Queen Zusa as to where to find a Centaur prophet."

Stonebrook bowed his head. "Stormseer is who you seek, Your Majesties. He was present at the coronation here, but he makes his home above Caldron Pool. Of all the Centaurs, he is the chosen seer and prophet of Aslan."

King Lune nodded, "Then we will go to him."

High King Peter interjected quickly, "Narnia's still unsettled as we continue sorting out the damage wrought in the years she suffered under the White Witch's oppression. Our own general is currently hunting down the Fell menacing the pass between our countries and it's worst in the west. We will provide a full escort for your party, so as to deter any attack."

King Edmund nodded, "We'll go with you, which would have had the Captains in a rush to provide a large escort anyway. Besides, the west is mine to look after, might as well conduct an inspection as to the general lay of the land at the same time."

The look between King Lune and Queen Zusa spoke volumes as to their thoughts concerning Narnia's young rulers. Stonebrook was proud of how the Kings thought ahead and were already prepared to take the exact steps he would have advised. He suspected that General Oreius would also approve of the colts' decisions. The Archenlandish King clapped his hands together and grinned, "Well, that's the end of that! Ha ha, I shall enjoy getting to spend more time with your majesties."

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A/N: Please Read and Review!

A/N2: The Centaur Stormseer is being graciously lent to me by WillowDryad. He's very important and impressive in her story Counted Among the Traitors (yes, that was a giant hint and encouragement to go read it if you haven't, you won't regret it).

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