I stood upon the balcony and looked out across the miles and miles of lush green land across the gorge, towards the forest that only over a year ago I had been running towards to escape from this very kingdom. But during those days this place had seemed like less of a kingdom and more of a prison. Nearly every day I had stood at this spot since the Kings and Queens of Old had left and looked out over all that I ruled. I still could not believe it, and I still could not believe that my friends would not be returning, especially Queen Susanne..
Today has been the anniversary of my rule, and still it riddles my thoughts. And soon enough I would not be ruling alone. I ran my hands over the rough banister and sighed.
"Your majesty?"
The soft address still startled me, I turned quickly to see Trufflehunter standing near the doorway, his dark eyes soft with concern,"Princess Amberlynne will be arriving soon for the festivities."
"Oh, yes,"I said, nodding quickly before walking past him,"I should get ready." I paused to see which clothes had been picked out by the chamberladies. I looked over the magnificent garments and shook my head. They always had to make a big production of everything. I hoped Amberlynne didn't believe I dressed like this everyday.
The kind badger was not put off easily, he followed quietly,"You two have been seeing much of each other lately.."
I nodded, distracted as I grabbed a dark blue set of clothes- the simplest looking of the bunch,"Yes."
"But,"Trufflehunter continued,"You don't seem to be happy with her."
I hesitated and turned to face my old friend, attempting a smile,"What is this about my friend?"
"Your happiness, my grace,"Trufflehunter replied,"If you are going to marry the Princess you should be in love, yes?"
I'd been trying to avoid this conversation with everyone for weeks and so far it had worked, but nothing could get by the sly badger."The marriage was arranged long ago between our parents. It is the wish of my father to wed Princess Amberlynne, and so I shall."
A sigh came from Trufflehunter as he handed me a belt from the table for my clothes,"But as you said, that was long ago and times have changed. You are the King of Narnia now, so shouldn't the marriage be voided? And wouldn't your father want you to be happy?"
I sighed in turn and stepped behind the curtain to change,"It is not the question of my happiness, but of my people's. The alliance would benefit Narnia as well."
"The country is only as happy as his King,"Trufflehunter countered.
Thank Aslan a knock interrupted the conversation and I heard one of the chamberladies' sweet voices,"Your majesty, Princess Amberlynne has arrived."
Fully dressed I stepped out and thanked the chamberwoman before she left. Trufflehunter grabbed my crown and walked over, handing it to me. Our gazes met briefly and I offered him a smile. He only clucked and shook his head before walking towards the door.
A temporary assembly had been set up outside to view the festivities for the day. Princess Amberlynne was already sitting at the throne to the right of mine. She was a tall, slender girl with intricate mahogany hair and bright dark eyes which contrasted against her pale skin. She seemed more like an angel than a princess of Archenland at times, and yet I still could not bring myself to love her. Other than our high positions in government I felt that we had nearly nothing in common. She was sweet and kind, but quiet and so even tempered. She was nothing like Susanne had been. Every time I tried to make myself have feelings for her the dark haired girl from my past would appear in my thoughts and wash away my attempts like a tidal wave.
I gave her a grin as I approached and bowed to kiss her hand,"Hello Princess Amberlynne, I trust you have had a safe journey."
"I have, thank you, your majesty,"She replied sweetly as I sat down,"I hope you've been well, I have missed you."
I was about to reply, trying to force myself to feel the same when Trufflehunter approached, interrupting our pointless talk.
"Your majesty..a brigade of gypsies have arrived, asking to perform for you. They said it would be their honor,"He said, his expression seemed hesitant,"..Would you like to allow them entry?"
"Oh, I do love gypsies. They are most talented,"Princess Amberlynne said, though her voice did not offer much of her inner-enthusiasm. Normally I would not allow strangers within the palace walls. Still, I wished to please her.
"Let them in, please."I replied to Trufflehunter with a nod.
He nodded and turned away. A few moments later a group of fifteen men and women approached, dressed in the most brightly colored silks that I had ever seen. They did not enter in a straight formation, but of a grouping of their own ranks. A hush fell over the congregation as the gypsies came upon the center floor. Their leader, I supposed, broke the ranks and walked towards me.
She was one of the most interesting beings I had encountered with my eyes since coming to Narnia, and one of the most innocent faces I had ever seen. Her most prominent feature was her eyes. Large, wide eyes, with the color of the sea and framed by long dark lashes. But I wondered if she was human or maybe a murderer. She had an innocent, kind face, with a small nose and lips and sun-washed skin. But the glittering of her eyes..and her hair! It was the most feral looking I had seen, like that of Aslan's mane, and just as gold, falling past her shoulders. For sure she was something to be feared..or loved, like a wild animal.
"Your majesty,"She murmured, her voice was as smooth as glass. She bowed for a couple of moments before rising,"My clan and I wish to perform for you and your dear Lady in thanks of our prosperous year under your rule, may there be many more."
I nodded and regained my voice,"You may proceed."
The girl nodded with a smile and slowly backed away and as she did she began to clap her hands in a quick beat and slowly drums that the various members of the clan carried followed suit. Very quickly the gypsies began to dance, their movements as if hypnotized by the drums and their moves could only be described as acrobatic. I watched and wondered how humans could move so, I felt I could watch them for hours..
