I was born in the year 992, my family still under the protection of the current Archenland ruler. Though, I guess some could just see it as an extended family visit seeing as how all of us humans can trace our lineage back to King Frank and Queen Helen. However, our families were a bit closer than what some may think, because all those years ago, my great-grandfather had been the one sitting on the throne of Narnia. I rightfully, as the last living descendant, should be placed on the throne in Cair Paravel but instead they have been plunged into a long winter. Our line once strong was now reduced to a few bunches scattered in Archenland.

Soon after I was born my mother died of fever and my father who held a deep love for her followed soon after. King Lune graciously took me in as his ward and I was allowed to live in Anvard. While all of the subjects accepted me in to the family it was sort of noticeable that I didn't belong. All of them had fair features and while my pale skin and ice blue eyes fit, my dark brown hair stuck out.

That all changed though when the ones prophesied came; the ones who would lead my land into the Golden Age. Most would imagine that I would be sore about never getting my rightful place on the throne, but in all honesty I just wanted all the Narnian's who had made it through the dreadful time to be free. We didn't know until after, about what had happened over those long years until we received an invite from Aslan himself to go to the coronation ceremony. Just recently Queen Arisa had borne two twin boys, Corin and Cor, and they figured that it would be no time like the present to get them blessed. Also Uncle Lune felt the need to reform an alliance with the new kings and queens.

Those couple days later I met the Kings and Queens of Narnia, and we all became fast friends, especially Lucy and I with being the same age. Then there was King Edmund, whose single look seemed to make even my eight year old heart beat a little faster. His own though, didn't. I'm sure that he just found me an annoying little friend of his sister: loud, lanky, the normal awkward looking girl that ran around the castle with his sisters talking about dresses, and everything else under the sun.

We left after a couple days when Uncle Lune had resolved all negotiations with Peter and his helpers and siblings. It was then that their true bond as siblings worked itself out. They were all so different lending different points of view to each argument, always leading them toward the right answer.

Susan, the most logical always questioned everything, pointing out holes that no one else seemed to even imagine, while Lucy, more carefree than her sister pulled out an answer which seemed the most obvious whether it made actual sense or not. Edmund spoke a little bluntly but overall kept the place of the peacekeeper, taking everyone's idea into account before reaching his own decision. Peter though, seemed to take everything in maybe offering a couple ideas but in the end forming the final decision. If they were doing that at the ages of 8 to 13, I could only imagine what they would be like in later years.

Soon after we had gotten back to Archenland tragedy struck the kingdom with Prince Cor being taken; the son of the newest prophecy, that he would save Archenland. Queen Arisa fell ill in her grief, then died meer weeks later from exhaustion and lack of eating. In the years following, I mostly looked after Corin along with the help of others. Uncle Lune of course was an excellent father and in-between his diplomatic trips to Narnia and other lands he played the part perfectly to not only Corin but also myself.

Now at the age of 18 I was being invited to not only a grand masquerade ball at Cair Paravel for Lucy's birthday but also to spend the week before there by Susan and Lucy who I had kept a correspondence with over the years.

"Are you sure this is ok, Uncle Lune?" I asked as I prepared to leave Anvard.

"I will be fine," He pulled me into a tight hug, "you've worked far too hard over the past 10 years. You deserve a break, go have fun." He placed a kiss on the top of my forehead. "We'll be fine with the help of Lina," he talked about Corin's nurse.

"Alright," I frowned slightly and crouched down in my dark purple riding dress with lace up sleeves and a leather belt around my waist holding my dagger. Strapped to my horse already was my sword which I had been trained to use since I was young and was quite proficient with. I was also decent with a bow and arrow, though nothing compared to Susan. "You be good," I spoke to ten year old Corin, "listen to Lina."

"I will," he groaned, rolling his eyes.

"You better," I ordered and leaning down placing a motherly kiss on his cheek.

"Milady, we need to get going," one of my two escorts spoke.

"Alright," I smiled and gave the household one last wave before getting onto, Elian, my white and brown spotted horse.

"Have a good time," Uncle Lune smiled along with Corin.

oOo

"Really, Peter is it necessary for all of them to come now, I mean we already have to suffer through the annoying conversations during the ball. Then I also learn today that, that annoying girl...King Lune's ward..." I groaned falling back on my large chair in the council room. Peter was sitting at the head of the table while I had my position on his right.

"Ed, the last time you saw her was when you were 10 and she was 8, I highly doubt that she is the same. Then again you haven't changed much. Also you need to find someone for you to escort to dinner, unless you want to go with Lucy or Su again. You are 20 after all; it's kind of pathetic that you're still escorting your sisters because you can't find anyone."

I casted a glare at his amused smile as he looked up from the current documents we had been working on to finish before the guests arrived as per Susan's orders. "She's probably exactly like all the other girls around, hoping to get a date with the Kings." I stood as horns sounded, signaling another guest, "and I could get a date if I wanted, but I just don't pick the first girl that laughs at my jokes like you, Pete."

"Oh, I don't pick the first, usually," he played along, but in actuality he usually went on with some pretty nice girls. Though, he never seemed to have them around for long, choosing to focus more on his duties as a King.

Fully aware of my sour, childish behavior I moved forward looking out the window at the newest arrival, probably in a lavish gown hoping to impress, as others had arrived in, but totally impractical. Though, was surprised as my eyes set on a brunette beauty in a simple purple riding dress. There was a glint from the side of her horse, and I instantly knew that is was a sword along with the glint at her side being a dagger.

"Find something interesting, brother?" Peter asked coming to my side, "well, that's different."

"Very," I whispered, ignoring his smirk.

oOo

When I arrived I was allowed a bit of time to freshen up after the two day long trip. Based on what Tumnus-who had taken me to the large room-had said, many of the guests from far away were staying for the week leading up to the ball also, which I had thought would be the case.

I changed into one of my nicer dresses in a dark green color with a silver vine like embroidery below the bust and around the neckline. The sleeves were tight down to my hands were a loop wrapped around my middle finger. The same embroidery trimmed the edges of the sleeves and then the hem of the dress. I had my hair, which had been curled by the Faun, Soli-who would be helping me dress and get ready in my time here- and then pulled back into a half up half down style with a silver comb.

Just as I was slipping on the silver flats to match Soli knocked on the door saying that it was time to head down. Once we reached the great hall the sound of voices floated out along with laughter and my nerves built slightly.

"Thank you," I smiled at the faun as she stopped at the door. I turned and looked on at the room where people about my age were milling around. Finally my eyes found a familiar face framed with auburn hair with a circlet and petite features, she had grown of course since our last meeting but the child like smile still filled her features. "Queen Lucy," I smiled brightly as I got up behind her.

She turned and her eyes went wide, "your actually here!" she launched forward pulling me into a tight hug.

"Lucy," Susan's admonishing tone came from behind us, over our joyful laughing. Lucy's hold loosened though we kept an arm around each other. Susan's motherly act dropped as she moved forward, a lot calmer than Lucy but with the same tight hug.

"Wow, I wonder who could put our sisters into such a fuss," one of the brothers spoke as we pulled apart and both stood with their crowns atop their contrasting heads of hair. I saw Edmund's eyes widen for a second before going back to normal.

"Who might this be?" he asked getting a small flirtaciou smile.

"Why, don't you recognize me, King Edmund?" I smiled, dropping my arms from the Queen's shoulders. "I guess it would be understandable, after all the last time we met I was only 8."

"Eres?"

"Correct."

oOo

After going through introductions with Peter and Edmund again Lucy had pulled me away to introduce me to some of the other guests. I smiled and laughed, actually having fun with people my own age but there was a lingering thought that kept worrying me about home.

As I pulled away from the group, making an excuse for getting some air I walked out on the balcony only to find someone already there; a dark silhouette in the light of the moon.

"Oh, excuse me," I pardoned myself and turned to go find another place.

"No, it's fine," the person sighed and I turned back around. As my eyes adjusted I saw the dark blue over vest and light brown pants and my mind connected it to what Edmund was wearing earlier. Slowly, I walked forward standing beside him. He stood up from his hunched over position and looked over, his eyes lighting in recognition of me.

"At least this time you remember me," I smirked slightly at his cringe.

"Sorry about that it's just..."

"I'm not that annoying, lanky girl from before?"

"I wouldn't say you were lanky," he cautioned a smile.

"Yes, well, I'm glad for that," I let out a small giggle. "You've changed a lot yourself, it's just hard to not notice the clothing and well you are fairly recognizable person. Whereas you haven't seen me in awhile."

"Thank you for letting me off the hook," he nodded, "there are some that wouldn't be so gracious."

"Happen to be why you're out here?" I joked but was met with a serious nod. "Not as into entertaining as a certain brother?" I turned around looking through the sheer curtains at a happily talkative Peter.

"No, I believe he and Lu got those genes, while Susan got the charming, one leaving me with little else." He sighed and turned around, looking at the same scene.

"Oh, you're pretty funny, so there's one, and your quite chivalrous I would imagine being a King, and let's not forget Just," I smiled over at him taking note of the couple inches difference in our height.

"I guess I do have a few redeeming qualities," he chuckled. "So what are you doing out here, if you don't mind me asking."

"I just have a few things on my mind," I sighed and he motioned for me to continue. Giving a small laugh I turned back around looking out at the beautiful view of the water. "This is Corin's first time without me there, and I'm a bit worried that he'll probably act up or something."

"Not to sound to frank but..." he turned his body sideways looking at me, "why does that matter to you? Doesn't he have a nurse or something?"

I smiled, sort or appreciating his blunt nature, not feeling the need to skirt around the question. "Well, yes he does, Lina and she does take care of him, but I've been there since his birth. I can answer questions he has about his mother, should he ask. I've basically taken care of him like a mother should since she died when I was 9; meaning I and his father are pretty much the only ones that can get him to listen."

"Sounds sort of like myself at that age," Edmund chuckled.

"From Susan's letters it sounds like he's lot like you," I giggled and glanced up at him as he leaned against the railing, a sort of embarrassed look on his face.

"Yes, well..." he trailed off only making my giggles turn into laughter. That in turn only to started him off laughing as a horn blew. "Oh, dinner is ready," we quieted as he stood, "would you mind if I escort you so I don't look like a total dunce?"

"No, I would not," I smiled softly, turning around and he held out his arm for me to link my hand in. He moved back the sheer curtains for me as we walked into the room. What I didn't know, but should have figured is that everyone was waiting for the Kings and Queens to enter first. So as we stepped into the middle of the room most eyes were on us. "Could have mentioned this part," I glanced up at him as a soft smile came to my features.

"But then I would have ended up looking like a dunce," he smirked and it partially would have been true since all the others had an escort. "Plus I knew you could handle it and wouldn't act like a total spaz like some," he whispered as we got to the door. With a shared nod with Peter, and amused smiled from Susan and Lucy they started in, Peter leading, followed by Susan then Edmund and last Lucy.

With the head of the table reserved for Aslan, like at all formal dinners we took our seats, Edmund moving to the other side of the table so he was across from Peter and Lucy taking the spot opposite of Susan and on the other side of me.

"What is that?" she leaned over, whispering in my ear.

"What?" I whispered back as the servants moved out delivering the dishes.

"Edmund?" she spoke that one name and I realized what she and probably everyone else was thinking.

"We're just friends," I spoke and then furrowed my brows together, "if that. He just needed someone to escort to dinner."

"Alrightttttt," she drew out in a sing song fashion as the first course was placed in front of us.

During dinner and afterward was filled with more talking and tours of the castle courtesy of Susan and Lucy, though Edmund trailed along for some of it. By the time I got back to my room I was tired from both the journey and the night.

"That's all," I smiled at Soli after she had helped me get undressed.

"Are you positive, I could make you something to drink."

"I am positive," I smiled and pulled the comb out of my hair, "go have fun, it's still early."

"Thank you," she gave a small bow and went out of the room, closing the door behind her. I moved my hands through my hair untangling it as I walked to the one of two large windows in the room. Each one on either side of the large canopy bed, the room was actually pretty extravagant with gold colors, and white furniture with gold accents along with light wooden floors.

I opened the window allowing a light summer breeze to blow in off the water, cooling the hot temperature and I was glad that I had brought my chemise that hit above my knee. Only now was I truly allowed to forget everything about back home and just listen to the crash of the waves against the rocks down below.

"This just might be a great break."

oOo

Like most nights I stood out on my balcony just winding down from the day's events. It was pretty much the only time of day when I had more than a minute alone. Though this night, I wasn't able to give my full attention to my thoughts or even the amazing view because another view caught my attention.

As I looked over to the guest wing I spotted a lot of windows with lights on but only one was open with a certain brunette standing at it. Unable to help it I felt a bubble of excitement build inside of me as I watched her. She placed her hands on the iron railing and I remembered how it felt to have her hand on my arm. The wind blew a bit harder moving her wavy dark brown hair out and I found my mind wondering if it would feel just as silky as it looked.

"Get a hold of yourself, Ed," I shook my head and brought my hand up rubbing it over my face in frustration. I had only talked to this girl for a couple hours and that definitely wasn't enough to actually know a person. For all I knew she could have just been putting on a façade in front of the guests. If anything it was just a crush. It had been awhile since I actually met a girl that could hold a conversation, but it would take a lot more than an interesting conversation to keep my attention.