CHAPTER 1 – You're Getting Married
A.N. This is my first Narnia fic, so please be reasonable. I don't know every single detail of the books because I haven't actually finished reading them. I apologize this early if I make my own facts. Sorry to all the purists who might get annoyed. Anyway, this story will focus more on Peter/OC, but will have a few Suspian mixed into it. I don't know, really, but I just can't deal with doing a Suspian. I'm afraid I might butcher it up. Sorry. I'm not British, so please, just bear with me on this one.
Disclaimer: I have no intention whatsoever to claim the ownership of this franchise. I am simply a fan trying to express my desire to be selfish through my own stories with my idols. Please don't banish me to hell for this.
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"You've got to be kidding me," Peter groaned in mimic of Trumpkin's reaction the first time they met.
"It must be done, Your Majesty," Glenstorm, one of Peter's trusted allies, said as he rolled the piece of parchment. "I'm afraid that is what it says."
Glenstorm couldn't blame Peter for his reaction. One would also react that way if they found out that they were arranged to be married...1300 years ago.
King Caspian X, the new ruler of Narnia and the Telmarines, watched a number of Telmarines walked through the portal that Aslan had prepared for them. After a taxing conference with them, a lot of them agreed to leave and start anew. Some decided to stay, in hopes to rebuild their life in Narnia and make peace with the Narnians that have regained their old homes. Looking back throughout the whole ordeal that they had faced, Caspian couldn't help but sigh in relief. After defeating his Uncle Miraz and the Telmarines, Aslan decided not to send away the four Pevensies, assuming that Caspian still needed much help from them.
Too consumed by his thoughts, Caspian didn't notice Lucy pulling the end of his shirt. He looked down, finally realizing that someone was trying to get his attention, and found Little Lucy smiling up at him. He smiled at her and stepped back a little, bowing down at her. He stood upright, looking at her, waiting for what she had to say.
"Is something bothering you, Caspian?" Lucy asked as her siblings joined her.
"Not a thing at all, Your Majesty," Caspian replied, smiling at her.
"You know, you need not lie to us," Lucy stated, earning nods from her siblings.
"Well, I was just thinking about how I would rule Narnia now that I am king, Your Majesties. I am afraid that I am deeply worried that I may not live up o what is expected of me," Caspian explained, lowering his head.
"We all felt that way before, Caspian," Edmund said, earning a nod from Lucy.
"Yes, we were young like you when we first became kings and queens," Susan continued. "But we learned to adjust."
"Peter was only fifteen when he became High King," Lucy said. "And still, he was the greatest ruler there ever was."
"You will also learn the way we did, Caspian," Peter said, nodding his head.
"But I'm afraid I may not learn as fast as I should," Caspian reasoned out.
"Do not fret, Your Majesty. That is why the Kings and Queens of Old have been granted the chance to stay," Aslan said, walking close to them. "They shall support you in every way they could."
Caspian moved his eyes from the Great Lion to the four Kings and Queens of Old. From then on, he felt the burden of ruling a vast land filled with two different incontrollable races fall unto him instantly. He knew that it was going to be hard, but he could not expect anything at all. There was no knowing what was to come while he was seated on the throne. And the Great Lion wouldn't clue him in even so.
--
The High King Peter had never been bored since he set foot in Narnia. There wasn't exactly any free time for him to allow boredom to come in. So as she walked through the hallways of the Telmarine castle they were currently residing, he expected nothing more than to find work any time soon. And never has the High King's expectations been crushed. Work had always come first, even for Edmund, and he had it easy.
Remembering everything they had gone through 1300 years ago, it never occurred to Peter just how much each one of them had grown. Not because they did stay there for over fifteen years, but because they each had their own set of time to learn the things they needed to learn. Back in England, it seemed like time was at a standstill in each passing day. Peter felt as if he was trapped inside a frozen dimension, never to experience growth in his life. It frustrated him. He was, after all, more than thirty, though not physically. It was absolutely crazy.
"Sire, what a pleasant surprise," Reepicheep greeted. bowing as soon as Peter turned left on the curb.
"Why, hello, good mouse. It is a pleasant surprise, is it not?" Peter said, stopping in his tracks and looking down to the small creature. "Where are you headed to?"
"I was actually on a quest to find you, Your Majesty," Reepicheep informed. "Aslan has asked for you inside the library."
"Well, we shan't keep him waiting then," Peter said cheerfully. "Would you mind showing me the way, Reepicheep? I am not familiar with this castle as I was with Cair Paravel."
"It would be my honor, Your Majesty," Reepicheep replied.
Reepicheep bowed towards him before leading the way. As they walked, Peter couldn't help but look at everything they passed by. The grandeur of the castle, though masquerading as ominous, was evident, even with the dark past that it held. Truly the past Telmarine rulers splurge in the building of their castle. How they managed to do so was still a mystery to Peter.
"We are here, sire," Reepicheep informed him, stopping Peter in his tracks.
"Thank you, kind mouse," Peter said before knocking on the door. "It's me."
The door was immediately opened by Glenstorm. Peter nodded towards him as bowed, entering the room and seeing his siblings, Caspian, Doctor Cornelius, and Aslan inside, all waiting for him.
"The High King should not have needed to knock. Forgive me, Your Highness," Caspian apologized, bowing towards Peter.
"No need. I can knock when I am supposed to, Caspian," Peter assured him. "Well, what exactly am I needed here for?"
"Peter, I think you should sit down on this one," Susan suggested, gesturing towards the seat next to her.
"Alright, Susan never asks me to sit down unless there is something dire on the way," Peter said, looking around before setting his eyes on Aslan. "Is something the matter, Aslan?"
"Peter," Lucy interrupted, walking closer to her brother. "You're getting married!"
"What?!" Peter asked in shock. "What do you mean 'married'?"
"Your Highness, there seems to be a document that Glenstorm has found in the archives of this library," Caspian said, walking over to them. "It informs us of an agreement made 1300 years ago."
"Let me see that," Peter said, gesturing for Glenstorm to give it to him.
"The document says that you were arranged to be married 1300 years ago to a noblewoman from Archenland," Edmund stated as Peter quietly read the document.
"This must be some kind of a joke," Peter said, finishing the parchment and handing it back to Glenstorm. "I did not agree to be married!"
"You didn't," Susan told him, getting Peter's attention. "But your Council did."
"They did what?!" Peter asked, shocked at how the surprises just kept pouring in. "How could they have done this without my knowledge? And why?"
"Actually, according to history, the day that your Council had informed Mr. Tumnus of the arrangement was the day we suddenly disappeared," Lucy softly said, looking up at her brother. "They had agreed upon it because you were of age and was in need of a wife immediately. Narnia needed an heir. And Edmund was not the exactly the one they had imagined to give it to them."
"History? What history?" Peter asked, looking from one face to another.
"This history," Edmund said, swiftly tossing him an old book.
"A Telmarine history book?" Peter asked in confusion, looking at Caspian. "What does this concern me, Caspian?"
"I have studied numerous books about your ruling. Over the past years, I have been taught by the Professor about the legends of the four Kings and Queens. From battles to suitors, I have heard them all," Caspian explained. "One part of the history that remains an unsolved perplexity in these books is where the four great monarchs of Old have gone the day they all disappeared. Brief discussions in these books were written regarding the perturbation that the disappearance had caused. More importantly, the discussions focused on what seemed to be the greatest alibi in Narnian history, considering the fact that the High King enigmatically disappeared the day before he was to be married."
"An alibi? Of course I have an alibi! I was abruptly sent back to England!" Peter exclaimed in frustration. "And I did not even know that I was to be married the day after!"
"We know that, Peter. But no matter what we say, there is still that fact that the Narnians and Telmarines, even the other kingdoms, believe that you have abandoned your duty and broken a clear agreement between two families," Susan said, trying to see the facts.
"If this was an arrangement made 1300 years ago, then what is the need for a conference now? I suppose the noblewoman I was to be married has already passed on," Peter said, setting his eyes over to Aslan. "Aslan?"
"She has, High King Peter. But in true Narnian agreement, a man must honor his promise," Aslan said, looking rather serious. "In your case, Your Highness, you must continue on with the arrangement made by your Council, even if you had no knowledge of it. It is an agreement a king of your standing must honor."
"And it says so in there?" Peter demanded, gesturing towards the parchment in Glenstrom's hands.
"The ink does not lie, Your Majesty," Glenstorm said. "It was an age-old agreement, but one that the High King must fulfill."
"How?" Peter said, focusing back to Aslan. "How am I supposed to fulfill this if my fiancé is long gone?"
"Your fiancé was a young girl from a noble family in Archenland. It was a time wherein Telmar was slowly being built. That was when your Council found her. Her name was Lady Gertrudes," Aslan related, making Susan, Edmund, and Lucy chuckle at the name of the girl Peter was supposed to marry.
Peter glared at them before Doctor Cornelius spoke up.
"According to history books, Lady Gertrudes was outraged at your sudden disappearance. Her family's anger was further fueled when they discovered that the other monarchs have disappeared as well. They have sworn to avenge the embarrassment that was brought about to their family by Your Majesties' disappearance," Doctor Cornelius related, allowing himself to explain what he had learned from the history books. "But that did not create quite a stir compared to what has happened after the declaration of war against your kingdom, Your Majesty."
"What do you mean?" Edmund asked, curious as to what Doctor Cornelius had meant.
"The day after the declaration of war, the whole family of Lady Gertrudes disappeared," Caspian finished, glancing towards Doctor Cornelius.
"They what?" Lucy asked in shock. "How?"
"No one knows, Your Highness. The servant girl was said to have woken up the next morning and found no trace of the Lady Gertrudes' family anywhere in their estate," Caspian said.
"So, they just disappeared?" Susan asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Doctor Cornelius said, nodding his head.
Peter took a moment to let the facts sink in. Everything was pouring in too fast.
"Glenstorm, have you found anything regarding the life of Lady Gertrudes?" Peter questioned the centaur.
"None at all, Your Highness. There was nothing in the archives regarding her or her family except for what was written in the history books," Glenstorm replied. "Do you wish for me to look again, Your Highness?"
"Once is enough. Thank you, Glenstorm," Peter said before turning back to Aslan. "What should I do, Aslan? What must be done?"
Aslan looked at the High King. His eyes showed no emotion. He slowly walked over to the table near the center. He stopped and turned around to face Peter.
"You shall do what is the right thing, Peter," Aslan said. "You shall marry Lady Gertrudes' descendant."
"What?" Peter asked in complete shock. "H-how? W-why? She disappeared, right? How am I supposed to marry her descendant?"
"Lady Gertrudes may have disappeared in Narnia, but she lived her life in your world," Aslan stated, shocking everyone. "The day she disappeared was the day she crossed over to your world, prompting a change in her identity. She, however, did not cross over to your time, but instead, arrived at an earlier period, creating her own line."
"She's in our world now?" Edmund asked in disbelief. "Who is she then?"
"Lady Gertrudes had died years ago," Aslan cleared. "Only her descendants are alive. One of them shall marry Peter."
"Alright, let me analyze this first. My supposed fiancé was transported in our world but in a different time line. And because of this, I am to marry one of her descendants to fulfill a promise I did not even make?" Peter asked, a little bit irritated. "I simply can not do that, Aslan."
"Would you prefer King Edmund to marry her then?" Aslan asked, looking at Edmund.
"Me?!" Edmund asked in shock. "I am only twelve years old!"
"Not Edmund. Just to fulfill a promise, won't Caspian be better?" Peter asked, surprising his siblings. "To save the honor of Narnia. He is, after all, the new king."
All eyes settled on Caspian. His face showed not a hint of surprise or aggravation. It seemed as if he was alright with whatever decision was to be made. Peter took it as an advantage, having known that Caspian respected him even after their bitter beginning.
"Would you take on the responsibility, Caspian?" Peter asked, looking at the young king. "Would you do this to revive the honor of Narnia?"
"If it would bring back respect in Narnia, then I shall give myself willingly," Caspian said, bowing towards Peter.
"You would seriously marry a girl you don't even know and have not even seen just for the sake of gaining the respect for Narnia back?" Edmund questioned, his voice full of disbelief.
"If it would bring back the respect of people to this land, then I shall have no regret as to doing it," Caspian said, looking rather calm about it.
"Alright, allow me to say this then, Caspian," Edmund said, looking at him. "Are you out of your mind?"
"I...beg your pardon?" Caspian asked slowly.
"You can't simply marry a girl like that, Caspian. You have to have feelings for her," Lucy explained. "Or at the least, have met her."
"In our world, Caspian, it takes at least months, even years, before a couple would decide to get married," Susan supplemented. "It might even be the reason as to why Peter refuses to marry."
"Months? Years?" Caspian asked in surprise before looking at Peter. "That long?"
"We understand that Narnia has a different view on such issues," Edmund commented.
"Of course! What is the need for a delay if it will end up in marriage as well?" Caspian asked.
"But, Caspian, do you really wish to marry this girl that you don't even know, much more have not even seen yet?" Lucy pressed. "It's awfully peculiar."
"Whether or not Caspian would wish to marry is not a matter of importance," Aslan said, finally speaking up, getting the attention of everyone. "For the High King is the only one required and allowed to fulfill this promise."
All eyes settled back on Peter as Aslan's words ran through their ears. There was clearly no way out for the High King, and Aslan made sure of it.
"I really have to get married?" Peter had to ask.
"The preparations for the wedding will begin today, and tomorrow, the wedding shall commence," Aslan said, nodding towards Glenstorm.
"Yes, Aslan," Glenstorm said, bowing down before exiting the room.
Peter groaned in frustration before sitting down the armchair across from one of the tables. His siblings all approached him, trying to comfort him as he let the situation sink in his mind. Caspian watched from across the room as the Pevensies joined together. It was a touching scene, yet surprisingly peculiar. The situation, as of the moment, seemed very dire, but to Caspian, it didn't look as bad as the four monarchs found ti to be.
"Can I at least meet her before the wedding?" Peter spoke up, looking directly at Aslan.
"Worry not, Your Highness, for your future bride is here," Aslan said.
"What?" Peter asked, standing up from his seat and stretching out his arms. "Where?"
Aslan growled, causing Caspian to step back a little. Moments later, a figure miraculously appeared in the arms of Peter, shocking everyone, with the exception of Aslan, inside the room. Peter stared at the face of the person he was now carrying. Her face showed no signs of consciousness, as if she was asleep. Susan glanced at Peter as he looked at her, curious as to what her brother was thinking. She looked back at the girl, noticing the clothes she was wearing. Susan's brow furrowed. Suddenly, the girl stirred, slowly opening her eyes, meeting Peter's baby blues.
Peter managed to give her a weak smile before gently setting her down at a standing position. She almost faltered, holding on to Peter for balance before finding her momentum. Instantly, she looked around her, carefully taking in ever detail in the environment she was in. Her eyes moved from Peter, to Susan, to Edmund, to Lucy, to Doctor Cornelius, to Aslan, and finally, to Caspian. He bowed down in respect before smiling warmly at her.
"My lady, it is a pleasure to have you here with us," Caspian said, bowing once more.
"Où suis-je?" the girl asked, setting her eyes over at Aslan. "Un lion?"
Peter looked at her with wide eyes, glancing towards his sibling, before slowly approaching Aslan.
"Are you alright?" Peter asked, looking at her.
"Qui êtes-vous?" the girl questioned, staring at Peter. "Où suis-je?"
"I didn't understand what she just said," Peter said, looking at his siblings.
"It sounded French," Edmund commented.
Susan walked over to her, smiling sweetly.
"Can you speak English?" Susan asked, looking at her.
"Do you think she understood you?" Lucy asked, walking closer.
"Hello, I am Susan Pevensie," Susan said, extending her hand to shake.
"Amelia Nicolette Beauvilliers-De Bourdeille," the girl introduced, shaking Susan's hand. "Are you English?"
"Yes, I-well, me and my siblings came from England," Susan said, gesturing towards Peter, Lucy, and Edmund. "And where did you come from?"
"I am from France. Forgive my English. I have yet to finish my studies," Amelia said, looking around once more. "I was actually about to dine with Francois when I just woke up in the arms of this young man over here."
"Do you not remember anything in-between those events?" Lucy asked, walking closer to Amelia.
"I'm afraid I do not," Amelia said, shaking her head.
"Well, this is quite a pickle," Edmund commented, walking closer.
"Aslan, what is happening?" Susan asked the Great Lion.
"Aslan?" Amelia repeated, looking from Susan to the lion. "You're Aslan?"
"Why do you ask?" Peter questioned, looking at her carefully.
"My father used to tell me stories of a land wherein my great grandmother supposed to have come from. A lion named Aslan was its creator. My great grandmother was told to have been a resident of a land south of it, but was born on the land itself before moving away. It was a land inhabited by talking beasts and creatures, and four siblings ruled it as monarchs," Amelia related, looking at the four siblings before her. "And the land was called..."
"Narnia!" Lucy exclaimed in excitement. "You're in Narnia!"
Amelia stared at them before taking a step back, almost bumping into Caspian as he walked closer to her. She turned around and faced him, looking him from head to toe. She glanced towards Doctor Cornelius, taking in the difference in his ears, before looking back at Aslan. She stared at the lion before shaking her head in disbelief.
"Impossible," Amelia breathed out. "H-how?"
"Well..." Lucy began, looking at Peter. "It's quite complicated."
"What do you mean?" Amelia questioned.
"Allow me to explain," Aslan said, getting the attention of everyone.
Each of them related the story and the situation to Amelia, confusing her even more than clearing her head. Peter watched quietly as they talked, not wanting to say anything. His eyes were fixated upon Amelia. This was the girl he was to be married and he knew absolutely nothing about him. By the time the story-telling was over, Amelia was completely bewildered, making Peter chuckle at her surprised expression.
"I am the descendant of the noblewomen the High King was to be married, and because of his disappearance, I will have to agree upon the fulfillment of the promise made before by marrying him now?" Amelia summarized, looking at the faces before her.
"Yes, unfortunately, you will be married whether you wish to or not," Susan said solemnly.
"Oh, mon Dieu..." Amelia breathed out, rubbing her forehead. "That is...that is quite...illogical. Comment peut-il être? How...how can I get married to a man I do not even know? I have not even seen him yet! Je n'ai même pas vu encore!"
"Actually..." Edmund began, all of them looking at Peter with Amelia following their gaze.
In an instant, the betrothed couple locked eyes, and immediately, Peter looked away, walking over the window.
"He's the High King?" Amelia asked the children, earning nods from them. "Si il est le Haut Roi , then who are you?"
"Oh, I am Prince Caspian X," Caspian said, bowing again. "A pleasure to meet you, my lady."
"It's not 'Prince Caspian' anymore, Caspian," Lucy corrected. "It's 'King Caspian'."
"Oh, of course. Forgive me, Your Majesties," Caspian apologized. "I am sorry for the mistake, my lady."
"Not at all," Amelia said, turning around to face the Pevensies. "I assume you are the monarchs my father was talking about."
"I am Lucy Pevensie. Pleased to meet you," Lucy said, walking up to her and shaking her hand.
"Edmund Pevensie," Edmund introduced, bowing down towards her.
"Cornelius. Professor of King Caspian," Doctor Cornelius said, bowing down.
"And that is Peter Pevensie," Susan said, approaching them. "High King of Narnia."
Amelia's eyes traveled over to where Peter was standing. At that moment, he turned around to face her and nodded before looking back out the window.
"The preparations for the ceremony has begun. The wedding will take place tomorrow," Aslan spoke up. "Do you have any complaints, Lady Amelia?"
"Can I not go back home?" Amelia asked, almost begging the Great Lion.
Aslan shook his head but didn't let down his momentum.
"I do not wish to marry a stranger, Aslan," Amelia replied. "But with everything that my father has told me about Narnia and how much my great grandmother had loved being here, I suppose there is nothing more that I could do. I realize that in no circumstance will my attachment to this engagement be terminated. I can tell in your eyes, Aslan, that you will not send me back home, because it is not in your hands either. I have made my choice. I shall marry him."
Peter's eyes fluttered open at her words. He battled against his will to look at her, not wanting to make a scene.
"Are you really?" Lucy asked in excitement. "You're going to marry Peter?"
"Are you sure about this?" Susan asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't make her change her mind, Su, or else no one will ever want to marry Peter," Edmund joked, glancing towards his brother.
"Allow me to be the first to give my congratulations on your wedding, my lady," Caspian said, kissing her hand. "Professor, inform the whole kingdom about the ceremony that will take place. We shall all celebrate the wedding of the High King and Lady Amelia!"
Amelia managed to give a small smile as the Professor exited through the door. Her eyes slowly moved over to Peter, seeing him looking at her. In that precise moment she knew why her father had told her those stories. It wasn't just for show. It was because her father wanted her to live the life her great grandmother never had. Only thing is, she didn't know how she was going to live it, having to still get used to the fact that she was already residing in a world full of talking creatures and a future husband that would not even speak to her.
--
"Do not worry about a thing for tomorrow. Everyone is prepared. The ceremony will take place in the afternoon, which will give you plenty of time to prepare," Susan said as they walked Amelia to her royal chambers.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Amelia said, smiling at her.
"You don't have to call us that. We're all friends here," Lucy insisted. "And tomorrow, you will become our sister."
"I am sorry, Your Majesties, but my father has taught me to learn to respect royalty or superiority," Amelia explained, stopping as Susan opened the door to her chambers. "It is only appropriate for me to address you as such."
"Alright, we will not argue with you anymore. But tomorrow, once you are an official Pevensie, we shall also address you as the new Queen of Narnia. It is only appropriate," Susan said, gesturing for her to enter. "This shall be your chambers for tonight."
"It's marvelous. Merveilleux," Amelia said, looking around her room. "Merci. Thank you very much."
"I hope you don't get too attached though," Lucy said. "You'll be transferring to Peter's chambers by tomorrow night."
"Oh, bien sûr," Amelia said, turning towards them. "Of course."
"Amelia," Susan said, walking closer to her. "About Peter..."
"There is no need to worry. I understand the circumstances of the situation," Amelia said with a small smile on her face. "Il n'ya pas besoin de s'inquiéter."
"I have no idea what you had just said," Susan said, smiling at her. "But, we'll leave you now. It has been a long day for you. You should rest."
"Thank you," Amelia said, curtsying a little.
"Have a good night's sleep, Amelia," Susan said, walking over to the door. "The maids will be here tomorrow morning to serve you."
"Yes, yes," Amelia said, nodding her head.
"Good night, Amelia!" Lucy bid before she and Susan disappeared through the door.
As Lucy close the door, Amelia looked around her room once more. The grandeur was not to be taken lightly. Even after what Susan and Lucy had told her about the tyranny of Miraz, the Telmarine castle still boasted with beauty. Spotting her bed, she walked over to it and sat down, feeling the soft mattress that it had. Amelia sighed and crashed behind. It was unladylike, but her superiors were not there to lecture her, after all.
France was no where near Narnia. Apart from the talking creatures, there was the jaw-dropping castle and the vast expanse of the land itself. Totalement différentes de la France. Then there were those medieval clothes that she had only seen on history books that she was studying. Et les princes sont tarif plus beau par rapport à la France passé monarques.
As Amelia stared up at the ceiling, a knock on the door was heard. She immediately sat up and looked at the door before another knock was heard. Standing up, she brushed up herself before walking towards the door to open it. Turning around the doorknob and swinging the door open, she almost stepped back when she found out who was the person at the door.
"I need to talk to you."
--
A.N. So, what do you think? I know, it's kinda lame. But please review! I would really love to hear from you! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! Review! I know, I'm annoying. Sorry! Review! Haha!