"We think ASLAN sent Jewel to us." Susan repeated patiently.

Peter's eyes fastened on Jewel. She sat meekly in a chair between Susan and Lucy. Her head was bowed, her long straight hair hid her face. She looked lost and forlorn.

"For what reason do you think?"

Susan shrugged. "We don't know."

Peter didn't know either. He had no idea how he would be able to tear his eyes away from the figure seated so calmly and so enticingly before him.

The Bewitching

Sometime during the night Peter awoke with a start. He didn't know what had waked him, but he stood up, pulled on some decent clothes and stepped out onto the balcony. At this point of the castle, railings had been built non-stop for about ten rooms. Peter walked past Edmund's room, past Susan's and Lucy's and stopped. The door to the first guest bedroom opened and none other than Jewel stepped out. She wore a very simple dress and her silver hair gleamed in the moonlight.

"Jewel?"

She turned sharply, but when she saw him, relaxed. "What are you doing up this late?"

He joined her at the railing. "I don't really know. What about you?"

"I don't wish to complain."

Peter felt sorry for her. "Tell me, whatever it is." She murmured.

"It's silly." Jewel turned away.

"Of course not." He reached out for her, but she stepped just beyond his reach. "Please tell me."

She came back to stand beside him. "The rooms here are too bold for me; the colors too bright. The bed isn't like mine. Not like home."

Peter just couldn't resist. He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her closer to him.

Jewel did not resist. "Now do you think it was silly?" She whispered, looking up at him from under her long eyelashes.

Peter stared into her eyes. "Not at all. I'll have your room changed immediately. Only tell me how you want it, lovely Jewel."

"But what will the others think. I did not mean… You need not do it."

"Nonsense." Peter pressed her against him softly.

"But it's not necessary!" Jewel jerked loose. "Oh, why did I tell you anything at all. Now you will think I complained only to be more comfortable. I ought to have been satisfied."

Peter pulled her back. She resisted only a moment, then became quiet. He ran his fingers over her hair. "Where did you get such silver curls?"

She stirred. "I don't know."

"Where are you from?"

"A country called Wales."

"Do you call that home?"

She nodded and let her head fall back onto his shoulder. "There's a small forest there. I live alone. No one dares come near me, they're afraid I'll bewitch them with a look or a gesture. "

Peter smiled. "You've bewitched me, Jewel. But I wouldn't stay away from your forest."

"Oh, no?" she said in a teasing voice, then softened. "The stars are different here. Do you know their names, Peter?"

"These are the summer constellations." Peter said gently. "There's the Hammer – see it?"

Jewel nodded. "What about that one?" She pointed.

"The Ship. See it sailing through the sky, there? And that's the Leopard, Lucy's favorite."

"I see them. They're beautiful

They stood there for long minutes. Then Jewel shook herself and gently pushed Peter away.

"We're being childish. We've barely met each other."

Peter nodded, sad that the moment was over. "Will you be able to sleep?"

"I'll sleep like I've never slept before. Peter, please don't mention this to anyone."

"Of course not. Will you meet me here again tomorrow?"

Jewel hesitated. "I got a little carried away, Peter. It's been so long since I've had the privilege of talking with someone else. But yes, I'll come out tomorrow."

Peter slept late the next morning. When he did wake up, his first thought were of the night before. He groaned and pulled the covers over his head. What had possessed him to go so far? He had assumed too much and now Jewel might never forgive him. She was right, they had only just met, but still, it had felt so natural to put his arm around her. Watch yourself, Peter. He thought.

"Your Majesty, are you awake?"

Peter reluctantly sat up. "Yes."

"There is an urgent message from your royal sister, Queen Susan. She request you meet her in the throne room as soon as possible."

"Thank you." Peter dismissed the young faun and got to his feet. He dressed as quickly as he could and hurried down to the throne room. All his siblings were there, but Jewel was nowhere to be seen. Peter took his place and studied the group before him.

They were bareheaded and fair-skinned. A group of men stood guard around a small woman dressed in very fine clothes. Archenlanders. Archenlandians. Whatever.

"Your Majesties, we are ambassadors from His Highness, King Lune of Archenland. He has sent you his greetings and asks you to guard his daughter while he leaves to attack the Calormenes. He also says that if either of the kings takes an interest in Princess Rochelle, they have his blessing."

A/N : Tell me how you like it, pretty please! I won't post the next chapter until I get five reviews. No kidding. R&R!!! I'll love you forever… Maybe…