Edmund's eyes snapped opened and his hand shot up like lightning. Edrima gave a yelp as his hand clasped around her wrist in a vice-like grip. His eyes darted to and fro as he tried to make since of his surroundings. Even though he had only been asleep for 20 minutes, he had been out like a light. Now, having awakened, reconnecting with reality was quite disorienting.

Edrima was scared stiff. She couldn't help but think that she had somehow committed an unpardonable sin, and was sure to suffer some kind of punishment.

"Forgive me My Lord!" she exclaimed. "I did not mean to…." Edrima paused when she realized that the King was not even fully aware of her presence. Edmund yawned an airy yawn before laying eyes upon the person whose wrist was held immovable by his own hand.

By Aslan's mane! He thought to himself. Who is this fair maiden?

"…I didn't mean to awake you," finished Edrima. For several seconds, Edmund was silent and his eyes danced over Edrima's image. His face was emotionless and Edrima's breath froze in her chest. But her heart found its strength to beat again as the strong fingers of the king loosened from around her wrist and clasp her small, feminine hand in his own.

"What is you name, Daughter of Earth?" he asked.

"Edrima," she replied, "Edrima of the Lantern Wood and servant to Queen Susan." Edmund slowly rose from the marble floor, Edrima's hand still clasped gently I his palm. On he feet, he stood nearly two heads higher than her.

"You serve my sister?" asked Edmund. "How is it that I have never seen your face, or even heard mention of your name?" Edrima blushed.

"Who am I but a simple maiden, my lord? The king has more to attend to than becoming acquainted with the humble servants of the Queen," said Edrima. Edmund stared into her eyes. They were blue, a brilliant, penetrating blue, almost glowing. He knew at once that she was of nymph lineage, not only from her eyes, but also from her light skin pigment, her slightly pointed ears, her hair, which, though it flowed from her crown in beautiful, billowing, brown waves, had a wildness about it, and her sheer, natural beauty, untainted with paints and jewelry. She was just…beautiful.

Edmund released her hand, and raised his own slowly until it was just inches from her face. He touched her cheek, and Edrima felt as if she would melt to liquid. Her eyes flutter slightly, and she dared to grasp his hand. It was much larger than hers, and she held in both of her small, light palms. But in that same moment, a fear swept over her soul, a fear of rejection. Edrima suddenly felt overwhelmingly self-conscious and uncomfortable. She dared not look into his eyes, his big, beautiful blue eyes. Against her deepest will, she averted her eyes from his.

"Sire, my lady awaits," she said timidly.

Edmund opened his mouth to say something, but he was interrupted by the thunderous crack of opening gates behind him. Edrima bowed her head and took two great step back away from the king. Edmund turned to see Kaigor the leopard entering the hall, followed by two male, oak nymph attendants, bearing sword and shield. The wild cat eyed Edmund and Edrima awkwardly.

"What is it Kaigor?" asked Edmund.

"I hate to interrupt," purred the cat, "but they party from Archenland will be arriving shortly." Edmund resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He detested preliminaries to welcoming guest. All of the strict formality was enough to make him sick. He looked down at his tunic which was sweat-stained at the collar and around the sleeves. The fabric itself was soiled with bits of twig, leaves and grass, all results from his hunting outing.

Oh, bother thought Edmund! I guess they expect me to change and bathe before the envoy arrives. He had completely forgotten that Cair Paravel was receiving guest today from Archenland. His plans to kickback on his couch, lock his quarters and indulge himself in much need sleep would have to wait until some other time.

"Thank you, I almost forgot," replied Edmund. "Have my nymphs prepare my bath and make ready my court garments. I'll be up shortly."

The leopard bowed low before exiting the hall, followed by the two oak nymphs. Edmund was glad to be rid of them, not because he had ought against Kaigor personally, but the attendant was always the barer of unwanted news, continuously reminding Edmund of his formal duties as king.

As he turned around to face Edrima, he saw that the nymph was no where to be found. He assumed that she had left to fulfill her responsibilities to Susan. He hated that their meeting had ended so abruptly and without a formal salutation. Never, in the seven years that he had been king of Narnia, had he ever laid eyes upon a nymph as beautiful and gentle and timid as this one. Her sincere humility and respect were admirable qualities, not often seen in the majority of the females that were daily swooned by the king.

As Edmund exited the hall, he tried to organize his thoughts priorities. But he could never get the image that beautiful nymph out of his head.