Mostly the Magnificent

by CheerLoveDance

Avaline and Edmund are back in this sequel to "Just the Justice." But when a pretty Calormene gets in Edmund's way, will he fall for her instead? Also, Peter has received some shocking news: an arranged marriage. And what happens when seven rulers become four? Not everyone is who they say they are. Narnia's one true king is no exception. Second in the Rule of the Royals series.

1. Prologue

- Prologue -

The young woman rode through the forest on her horse, wanting so badly to get away, even if only for a few hours. She was tired of being stepped around.

She gripped the reins tighter in her hands as the horse galloped away. The sound of hooves behind her got closer. She didn't know who was following her, but anyone following her in the woods in the middle of the night couldn't be good.

The heavy winds around her picked up, and in the blink of an eye, she lost her grip on her horse's reins. She gasped as the wind carried them into the branches of a tree.

Her horse leaned back on its two hind legs, and she lost control completely as she was sent flying backwards into the ground. The fall had winded her, and she could feel herself drifting away. So she continued to lie helplessly on the ground, watching her horse gallop away into the night, and fell into unconsciousness.

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A pair of hands shook her gently. "My Lady?"

The young squeezed her eyes tightly, and opened them. She blinked several times as her eyes adjusted to the dark setting around her. It was late at night, that much she knew. Upon further examination, she noticed that there was no moonlight visible. She glanced beside her to find a tall, blonde-haired man kneeling beside her.

The man gave a relieved sigh, glad to see her awake. However, she wasn't quite as thrilled to see him. She scooted backwards a few inches, fear in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked in confusion.

She stared back at him. "Who are you?"

"Don't you think I should be asking you that question?" She didn't answer. He glanced around him. "Why are you out here at such a late hour, my lady?"

"It isn't anything of importance."

"I don't believe you."

She sighed. "I found out that I am betrothed, and a man from Calormen who wanted to marry me is angry."

"I would love to know, my lady, to whom your love will belong?"

The blonde-haired beauty looked to the leaves scattered on the ground as she answered. "The High King."

The stranger sitting before her sat, bewildered, not saying anything. A few moments of silence took place as he collected his thoughts. Then, he took a deep breath and said,

"My Lady, I am High King Peter."