A/N: So first off, I should probably say that I don't own Narnia. If I did own The Chronicles of Narnia, Suspian would be canon and they all would never leave. Anyways I just have some things I want to say before the chapter.

When I started writing this, I expected to get maybe ten, twenty reviews. I never believed I'd get almost a hundred in the first week. And four reviews as well! it seems you guys really like this work, and it means so much to me. Also I'd like to says something to those that took the time to review.

Wildhorses1492: OMG I almost started crying when I realized you reviewed. I LOVE your Star Cycle series and am currently half-way through Shooting Stars. Actually, it was how amazing I found your work to be that first gave me the idea to write about Narnia and hopefully help others feel the same. Thank you so much for your review, and I promise that I will continue with this story and the many sequels I plan. Your compliment on my writing means so much.

Anno1701: I hope this update was soon enough for you. I plan on sticking to just wednesdays,for now at least, but when I have enough pre-written stories and there's enough demand for this, I might start updating more times each week. It means so much to me that you like my story, and that you think I portray the characters well. I hope I do just as fine with Susan and Peter, with who have their POV's in this chapter.

RQueenLucyR: I definitely plan on having Lucy have a close relationship with everyone, really I want all the siblings to be close and eventually pull Caspian and quite a few oc's into it as well. And thank you for the review :)

MCH: Thanks, I tried hard to gain some interest with the first chapter. I promise though that their will be even more going on later in after I've settled everyone down. And you're absolutely right, what is the cost for them to stay? I hope you'll continue reading to find out.

Anyways, on with the chapter!

Chapter 2

The Ball

Posted on 12/30/2015

Word Count: 2881

Susan was sitting on her bed, her mind filled with millions of scenarios as her sister scurried around the room. Not long after Susan made her way back to her room, Lucy had burst in with all the fancy dresses she had, asking for help. Suddenly it was a girls' day, and Susan enjoyed that.

Currently, Lucy was flipping back and forth between two dresses, while going on about their future in this land of dreams. Susan wasn't really paying too much attention, her focus being on her own plans, and on the fact that she was actually allowed to stay. A few hours ago, Narnia was something that she believed she would be leaving forever. Now, Susan knew that things had finally reached a settling point, but still the fear had nestled its way into her gut.

She had made the mistake of revealing her heart when she came back to Narnia, and in return had fallen head over heals for a certain Telmarine king, with whom she wasn't even sure felt the same. But out of it all, Susan knew how her heart would break if she was forced to leave again. Yet still she held her breath, waiting for Alsan to return and say they had to return to her world, and the perfect life she had constructed here would crumble.

"Earth to Susan." A voice broke through her thoughts, and Susan turned to see her giggling sister beside her.

"Sorry Lu," Susan sighed, a smile forming on her face as her previous thoughts disappeared. "What was it you were saying?"

Lucy seemed to know something had been bothering her, but with the wisdom she possessed, far beyond her years, she knew to keep it silent. Instead, Lucy shook her head and sat down almost curling into Susan. "I asked what you were thinking was happening in the kitchens. Edmund did basically just proclaim a party without any notice. I do hope Camilla isn't too stressed."

Susan couldn't help but laugh when Lucy brought up Camilla. Camilla was a kind Elderly woman who ran the palace workers. She was truly a kind woman, and always wanted the best around the castle, but she was known to be stressed and always worried. "She wouldn't be Camilla if she wasn't stressed Lu. But don't worry, I'm sure she'll handle it, she always is able to make everything work out in time."

"Well then, we better get prepared. We wouldn't want her hard work to go to waste. Plus, I think I found the perfect dress." Lucy smiled, reminding Susan that although her sister lived through many years, she still truly was twelve years old. Susan had expected to see Lucy hold up the dress she was wearing to the ball, but as Lucy always does, she brought forward a surprise.

"Oh Lu,"

If you'd have told pre-Narnia Peter that he would greatly enjoy balls, he'd have laughed right in you face. But balls in England and balls in Narnia were two completely different affairs. In England, a ball consisted of important people in uncomfortable clothing, drinking terrible, yet expensive food. It was awkward, weird, and no fun for everyone.

But Peter learned fairly quickly in the golden age how Narnian balls differed. In Narnia, the balls consisted of dancing, laughter, and the best food you would ever taste. It was often a moment of celebration, and in Peter's mind, there was no better celebration than wearing comfortable clothing. Well, of course staying in Narnia, but who knew how long that would last for.

The three kings were currently waiting in the ballroom, none of them really speaking much, more waiting for the guests to arrive. It was a spur of the moment decision of Edmund's, and of course Caspian's, so there were no royal members of neighbouring kingdoms and a limited amount of Lords and Ladies. This ball was mainly one for Narnians; the Telmarines and the old Narnians. It was a source of fun for everyone after such difficult and trying times.

Edmund was treating himself to some of the appetisers (none of them Turkish delight, mind you) while Caspian spoke to the workers who put everything together in a few short hours. Peter was standing near the corner, waiting for the whole thing to begin, and for his sisters to join them, completely lost in thought. He was so oblivious to the world around him that he didn't even notice Caspian walking towards him until he was within speaking distance.

"Peter," Caspian smiled as he moved next to him, and Peter responded with a small smile. He and Caspian had started off on the wrong foot, but slowly he came to think of Caspian as another sibling. Of course the whole Susan thing made it a little different, and made him confused about whether or not to hate the new king, but when was Peter's life ever anything but confusing.

Peter nodded to Caspian, a silent way of asking what it was that Caspian wanted, and the king didn't disappoint. "I realized I still had Rhindon." Caspian spoke, his hand moving to his side where he kept a sword at all times, but Peter simply raised his hand to stop him. Caspian looked slightly confused, and went to ask Peter what he was doing, but Peter answered before Caspian got the chance.

"Rhindon was always meant for the High King of Narnia, who if I remember correctly, was crowned mere hours ago." He spoke, feeling a sense of sadness wash over him, but continuing on none the less. Peter had his time, now it was Caspian's turn. Peter was still king, still the magnificent, but now Caspian was to take charge and Peter to act as an advisor.

Caspian seemed to be as uncomfortable and unsure as Peter was, but he kept the sword none the less. Rhindon was a sword of legends, and it had never failed Peter. Father Christmas himself had given the sword, and it did pain Peter to give it up, but it was not his to wield any longer. That was something Peter would have to learn to live with, and it was a small price for staying in the land that was more a home to him than his birth world.

It wasn't long before Edmund joined them and began to speak of a chess match latter in the night, calming them down once again. The three kings spoke for a while, only stopping when it was announced that the first guests had arrived. Of course, the kings went to the front where they were to welcome those who had attended.

The kings sped through the few lords and ladies, along with the many Telmarine commoners and the magical creatures. Narnians, Peter reminded himself for the utmost time. We are all Narnians now. In fact, they went through many Narnians before anyone even asked about Peter's missing sisters, it wasn't until Glenstorm arrived that it was commented on.

"Where do you suppose the girls are?" Edmund asked when they gained a small time with no greetings to be made. Peter merely shrugged to his brother, unsure as well. Lucy and Susan were not the type of girls to spend an overly long time on making themselves look perfect, and they did like to be a part of greeting the guests. Lucy once told him that it was one of her favourite ways to meet new people, potential friends she called them.

As if they had heard the kings' questions, a horn went off and the entire crowd looked up to the top of the staircase entrance. The crier stood on his perch, surveying what it was that he was to say before his voice boomed across the room. "Now announcing, her majesty Queen Lucy the valiant." And as soon as the words, Lucy almost floated down the stairs towards her brothers (yes, she counted Caspian as her third).

Lucy was wearing a simple and delicate gold gown that truly made her shine while her dark brown hair was done up in curls. Her crown rested gently on top of her head as a reminder of her status, but her blinding smile was anything but a deterrent for anyone who wished to approach her. She stopped in front of the kings and took Peter's hand as she stood with them, her eyes resting at the entrance.

"You look stunning, Lu." Peter whispered to her, but she quickly shushed him before any of the others could compliment her as well, gesturing to the stairs as if they were going to miss the grand entrance, and supposedly they almost did.

"Announcing her majesty Queen Susan the gentle."

Susan looked as radiant as the southern sun that she was crowned for. Her long hair was kept down as it almost always was, but her natural curls were straitened, something rare for her. When Peter took a look at her dressed, he recognised it briefly from a life time ago.

As he remembered it, an open hearted queen had asked for an opinion on a dress she had just gotten, and wanted to wear it to the next ball. Peter could still remember an adult Lucy prancing around the room, and it appeared as though Lucy had remembered as well as Susan descended the steps in the forest green gown. The off the shoulder sleeves were very simple, yet they meshed in well with the bodice and the skirt. She easily was the most beautiful girl in the room, something Peter wasn't overly happy about. In fact, after just one look, Caspian's face was so comedic that if it was anyone but Peter's little sister, he would have laughed.

"Su," Peter smiled as his sister reached them, Edmund responding in step while Caspian attempted to control himself. And within the moment, it was almost as if a spell was broken and the entire room once again returned to dancing and talking. Lucy quickly scampered off to attempt to convince Trumpkin to dance with her while Susan and Caspian looked nervously at each other.

"My queen," Caspian started, bowing slightly as he finally found his voice. Peter glanced slightly at Edmund and missed Susan's light blush and the small emphasis on my. "Would you do me the honour of a dance?"

It didn't take long for the two to make their way to the center of the floor and begin their dance, much to Peter's annoyance. Of course, if it were anyone he was glad it was Caspian, but why did it have to be anyone at all? Edmund seemed to understand where Peter's mind was at as he brought over a goblet of wine.

"I think perhaps you should drink this. It'll be a long night if you just stand here and glare at the two. That is, unless you want a front row seat in a replay of this morning's events."

Peter merely groaned and took a sip.

Susan felt as though she was flying. The two royals had danced to five songs already, and while it would be much more proper for the two to choose different partners for the next dance or two, they couldn't seem to let each other go. Susan really had to thank Lucy for the dress.

"Oh Lu," Susan cried, looking at the beautiful green gown in front of her eyes. They whole thing seemed to be in somewhat of a delicate condition, but it held together as if it were brand new. Of course, the only way Susan knew any different was the style. It was the look of the golden age, and the signature beading of their royal seamstress, a faun named Oliva.

"Well…" Lucy asked, looking up at her big sister for some sort of answer. "Will you wear it tonight? I'm afraid it needs a good dance after spending 1,300 years in a dress box, and I don't exactly fit in it anymore." Susan had just sat there, her mind filled with the many reminders of their first trip to Narnia.

The two girls had sat there for another hour, just speaking about memories and what they hoped their past and future would have in common. Susan still couldn't thank her little sister enough, and even had managed to weasel an answer as to the reason for this dress out of her, which resulted in a completely different conversation.

They had lost track of time, and quickly had to make up for it as they dressed. Susan still remembered seeing herself in the mirror and Lucy's exclamation. Susan had never thought herself to be an ugly girl, but neither had she ever seen herself as anything special or very pretty. She was just an ordinary girl who needn't rely on her looks. But not needing and not wanting were two entirely different things, and for the first time since she was a mere child, Susan looked at herself and saw beauty.

Lucy saw it as well, although Lucy had always seen it before. But still, Susan thought it nice to have herself admired by others, although it did make her face heat up when Lucy proclaimed "Just wait until Caspian sees you!"

"Susan?" Caspian asked her, seeming to sense that her thoughts were elsewhere. Susan smiled as a response and continued the dance, remaining in the moment this time. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, of course. I think I may just be a little dizzy." She replied lightly, smiling at the king she had kissed in front of all the members of the ball room earlier on.

Caspian, ever the gentleman, stopped the dance when he heard of her ill feeling and led her off the dance floor. Susan wasn't quite sure where he was leading her, but she kept her hand in his and held trust as they left the ballroom and walked into the garden. She couldn't help but stare in awe at the many flowers that were in bloom as she was escorted around, enjoying the sight.

"How are you feeling now, your majesty?" Caspian asked, his voice quiet and calm, yet it sent shivers through Susan. She turned to him and smiled, blushing slightly as she noticed how close they were to each other.

"I am much better Caspian, thank you." Susan answered shyly, all the while berating herself. You are a strong woman who has taken down armies, one handsome king should not make you weak in the knees. But the problem was that he did make her weak in the knees, and she wasn't quite sure what that meant for either of them. "This garden is quite lovely, I find it very calming and serene."

"It was a wedding gift for my mother." Caspian responded, leading her around and pointing out flowers. "My mother loved the roses that grew outside her childhood home, so when she moved here with my father, he planted her roses along with many other plants with special meanings." Caspian explained, plucking a purple rose and cutting off the thorns with his knife. "She used to tell me this place was filled with magic. That it would always clear your head and give you the closeness and love you need."

Susan's blush darkened at his words, even more so when he reached across and placed the lavender flower behind her ear before continuing on with the tour.

Susan was a very attentive student, and tried her very best to remember the names of all the flowers and the many meanings they held, but her mind was preoccupied by a certain Telmarine king and the flower she wore. They had circled the garden many times before it dawned on Susan how long they had been out of the party and how very tired she was. It was quite late in the night, and most of the guests would have already left, but it felt like mere minutes to her.

Caspian insisted on escorting her to her chambers, and Susan couldn't say no, so that's how they found themselves outside her door in the middle of the night. Caspian bowed down, raising her hand to his lips as a goodnight kiss before making to move away and head to his own chambers, but some part of Susan didn't want him to leave.

"Wait," Susan called out quickly, not even realizing what it was she had said until he turned. Feeling her face heat up, Susan untangled the rose from her hair and smiled at him. "You never did tell me what a lavender rose means."

It was a terrible excuse and Susan knew it, but it seemed to make Caspian smile as he strode back to her. "Lavender rose," he whispered, and Susan waited for an answer that never would come, instead gaining a kiss on the forehead before the king left her sight. Sighing, Susan retreated to her bed, leaving the beautiful flower on her bedside table.

Sleep claimed her quickly, something that was not often common to gentle queen, but she had no fears for that night. No nightmare would dare plague her that night, for her dreams would be filled with sweet feelings and beautiful purple roses which Susan still did not know the meaning of.

A/N: Thank you all so much for liking this story and continuing to read it, it means so much to me. I hope you all continue to enjoy it, because I love to write it.

I'm curious as to what you guys think the rose means. So, the first person to send review with the correct answer (I'm hoping it will be real guesses and no google searches, though I can't really stop you either way) will get a shout out in the next chapter.