Wunderkind

Disclaimer: Do not own the Chronicles of Narnia: all rights go to C.S. Lewis, Disney, and BBC.

Chapter 2: Meeting with King Lune

Henry's POV

"Lucy!" I called for Lucy in the garden. "Come on, Lucy! Mr. Tumnus wants us in the library."

I got no response. I sighed scratching my ginger hair. She is not in her room, not in the kitchen, Great hall, and places where she normally hides. Of course none of us really wanted to have our daily lessons, but at least she has it easy compare to me. If I go abroad to Archenland then my lessons are longer and heavier when returning.

"Lucy, I'm gonna tell Susan you are the culprit for stealing the cookies from the cookie jar!" I called out.

"You wouldn't dare!" Lucy shouted.

There she is; I thought relieved, walking over to the tall oak tree where Lucy hid in the branches. She sat on the thickest branch with a book. Her long hair in a braid, though she indeed wore a pair of leggings and tunic today.

"I can and I will if you don't come down. I don't want Mr. Tumnus breathing down my neck if I show up for tutoring without you." I stated.

"Oh come now, Henry, we can miss one day." Lucy suggested.

"And hurt the faun's feelings . . ." I thought aloud. "I don't think so."

Lucy sighed as she tossed down the book which I caught before she climbed down. She dusted off the dirt before grabbing her book, "You know you changed a lot?"

"I have?" I asked.

"Yes, did you do something with your hair?" she replied.

"No, I answered.

"Hmm," she hummed as she leaned closer trying to figure what change. Next thing I knew she somewhat pushed me tossing back to the ground. I look up surmised to find Lucy running away laughing.

"Lucy!" I exclaimed, getting up and chasing after her.

This was our usually schedule. All we ever wanted to do is have fun and go on some adventure. But lately with slight rebellion of what remains of the White Witch's army there couldn't much fun. Mainly we had been in the library doing our lessons with Mr. Tumnus. Afterwards Lucy would go with Susan for private lessons while I go to the training room Oreius or any of the soldiers to practice my sword fighting skills.

I was catching up on her until the horn blared out through the castle. Lucy and I stared at each other and smiled. Peter, Agnes, and Edmund have return from the battle. We couldn't stop smiling as we ran to the front of the gates where Susan, Mr. Tumnus, and the Beavers waited with other Narnians. Up ahead from the trail the Banners were up with Peter leading them home. Wait, where is Agnes and Edmund? Instantly negative thoughts that my sister and Edmund were dead.

When Peter reached the gates he unmounted his horse and walk over to us with a smile. Lucy ran up giving Peter a hug followed by Susan.

"Been gone for a week and smothered by love." Peter teased. "Maybe I should go to wars more often."

"It's good to have you back, Peter." Susan said.

"Where's Edmund?" Lucy asked.

"And Agnes?" I added.

Peter let go of his sisters, "King Lune sent a message in need to talk person. Edmund and Agnes went to see what the problem is. They'll be back soon."

I sighed relieved knowing my sister wasn't dead. Although I wonder what seems to be important that King Lune needed them to come over? I hope it's nothing serious. Then again King Lune likes to exaggerate things once in a while.

.o0o.

Agnes POV

Edmund and I rode nonstop to the Kingdom of Archenland. We travel continuously only to rest for our horses when crossing rivers and stream. If Edmund was riding Pegasi we would have arrive to Anvard by late afternoon. But since he is riding on Philip I let Yara galloped instead of flying to Anvard.

By early morning did we finally reach Anvard, the capitol city of Archenland. The palace is made out of towers and lacks a moat. The materials of stone were a rustic color as the castle rested on a green lawn in the far north. Once we entered through the gates, the courtyard is busy for it was feeding time for the dogs. You couldn't ignore the kennels for Kings Lune obsession to go hunting no matter the season.

A horn blared announcing our arrival. Two guards came up to lead our horses to the stables while a squire escorted Edmund and me into the castle. Right now my bones ache and fatigue from just coming from a battle if not riding throughout the night. Edmund seemed to hold the same feelings for he limped a little.

"King Lune would be please that you to arrive in such short notice." The squire said.

"Anything for our neighbors," Edmund said.

The squire nodded, "Your chambers have been arrange, you may rest and meet his majesty at noon."

"That would be nice," I breathed.

The Squire led us to the guest chambers. Edmund and my rooms were next door to each other so no need to be worry if something bad is going to happen. I enter the bed chambers setting my weapons on the desk, though placed a dagger under the pillow. Strip my armor and gown, and went to bed in my chemise. The moment my head hit the pillow sleep took over in a flash.

A few hours later a maid woken me up and help me prepare for the meeting with King Lune. With a quick bath to get rid of any traces of blood and dirt it was time to get ready. The maid brush my hair into a simple bun, and helped me lace up the dress. The dress is forest green flax linen with golden trim and elegant buttons on sleeves. One dressed with simple slippers, I put on the cloak and left my chamber just the same time as Edmund. He looks exhausted and wore simple tunic and trouser, with his boots.

"Sleep well?" he asked.

"I prefer a few more hours." I answered.

"What is it with girls and their beauty sleep?" Edmund teased.

"I don't know, what is it with you and chess." I countered.

"Touché," he muttered, and then offers an arm.

I chuckled tiredly accepting his offer arm as we head to the throne room. Please Aslan, please let this not be another war or sudden invitation for a ball. I love my dear cousin dearly, but after the slight battle with the enemy . . . the soldiers need their rest. When we enter the throne room, King Lune sat in his throne room with a neutral expression. However his brown eyes twinkle with much excitement. Oh dear, he has a new idea.

"Ah, King Edmund and Lady Agnes, thank you for coming on such short notice." The jolly king said.

"Anything for you, your grace." I said.

"Yes, how is the slight revolution?" he then asked.

"We defeated the last of the White Witches army, but we don't know for sure." Edmund said.

"Well, if you need any assistant don't be afraid to ask." Lune said.

"I'll keep that in mind," Edmund said.

King Lune gestured us to some chairs. Edmund and I took our seats when a servant offered some tea. Edmund generously refused as I accepted a glass. The taste of rose is soft and gentle along with herbs to soothe the muscles. After a moment of silence King Lune watched us pleased before getting down to business.

"You must be wondering why I summon you here at such short notice." He said. Edmund and I nodded. "You see our two kingdoms have been in an alliance for four years now and I think we should establish a new agreement. "

"Establish a new agreement?" Edmund repeated.

"Does our trade not satisfy you, sir?" I asked. Narnia and Archenland have been in trade since the alliance was made. Narnia gives gold and rich materials from the Lone Islands in exchange Archenland trade ripe agriculture and produce.

"Oh yes, the trade is splendid, but I think there should be more." Lune said.

"More as in?" Edmund continue.

"I propose we set an arrange marriage." Lune clarifies proudly.

I choked on my tea in hearing this. Edmund gulped down air looking at the Archenland kings as if he grown a second head. He must be joking? Unfortunately he isn't as he sat there with a huge smile. Going through the list through my head of possible candidates for marriage is Peter and Susan. However Susan is holding herself for love if not being courted by several suitors. So the only person available of age is Peter.

Aslan, if you can hear me now be the time to show up. I thought.

Sadly the great lion did not come as King Lune discusses the possibilities. How great to unite the two kingdoms by blood and hopefully provide heirs. Edmund could only nodded interjecting the cons of the situation. Lune assured this is only an idea and would like to send maidens over to see if any would catch Peter interested. It won't be a force marriage and the alliance we have would stay in tack. However, how he says it he truly wants an alliance through marriage.

"We shall discuss the matters with High King Peter then," Edmund managed to say.

"Yes, that is an excellent idea." Lune agreed. "I hope I haven't disturbed you both on the idea?"

"Um no, just surprised. Where we come from . . . people get marry in their mid-twenties." I explained. "But we understand that customs are very different."

Lune nodded with a smile of understanding. Once the meeting was done Edmund and I excused ourselves and return to our courters. We occupy Edmunds bedchambers discussing the matters. Well more like processing. In fact Edmund was pacing back and forth debating how to explain the news to Peter. I on the other hand sat in the chair in deep thought.

The entire meeting I felt something stir deep inside on the topic of Peter and marriage. It hardly occurs but I really like Peter more than friendly matter. The reasons why I haven't perused these infatuations is because of our duties. Peter loves Narnia to a point he doesn't think of anybody else, except his family. His country and family is his top priority. And the rare moments like we have by the River Rush is hard to comprehend. I guess we are both stubborn to consider who would cross the line.

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