Disclaimer: Do I have to say this again? Peter and Edmund are, of course, not mine. Forme, the Unfortunate Bird, and all mentioned Gary Stus and Mary Sues belong to me.

Interlude:

Peter rubbed his temples as he came out of the meeting room after talking with Lady Delphina of the Sore Finger. His head throbbed from her perfume. His eyes hurt from his constantly forcing them open. His fist ached to come into contact with Edmund's nose.

Passing a cheetah in the hallway, the High King paused to ask if the noble creature had seen King Edmund recently. The cheetah nodded its head towards the library door and replied that he thought the younger king was in there. Peter nodded curtly and stormed into the library.

Edmund looked up from the window-seat, surprised at first by the abrupt entrance. Upon seeing his brother's murderous expression, Edmund knew he was in trouble. Big trouble. All that the High King needed was a handful of thunderbolts to complete the image of Jove. "Hullo, brother," Edmund greeted him, assuming a smile of enormous proportions. "My, aren't we looking…er…chipper."

"My head hurts," Peter growled. "That woman wears so much perfume it made a bird on the tree outside faint dead away. She spent an hour just giving me her full name and lineage. And what," he thundered, "are you laughing about?"

Edmund recovered himself and cleared his throat. "I wasn't."

"You are cruel. You have no idea what agony I've suffered."

"Wait just a moment, brother-king! I was forced to keep her at bay while you were (and I quote) 'indisposed'. Where were you, any road?"

"Checking on Rhindon; Forme the Centaur was repairing it for me. What were you doing in the hall alone?"

Edmund tossed aside his book in an irritated gesture and replied snappishly, "I was still waiting for the embassy from the Lone Islands, like the just king that I am, because a certain brother of mine did not find it good to inform me that they have delayed their meeting until next month due to bad weather."

Peter reddened slightly and muttered, "I apologize for that, Ed. It slipped my mind."

Edmund gave a small laugh through his nose. "Well that was obvious."

Peter ignored the comment and changed the subject. "We have two other visitors as well; Prince Falan and his sister Vindora, from Calormen. Prince Falan has come to seek…"

"…Susan's hand in marriage," Edmund finished. He'd heard it all before. "And I expect his sister is after you."

"I hope not," Peter laughed nervously. "That would make for an awkward visit: Lady Delphina and Lady Vindora."

Edmund started, his eyes dilating. Now, that would make for an awkward visit, wouldn't it? His mouth began to water as ideas formed in his mischievous mind. "Yes," he remarked. "Yes, it would, wouldn't it?"

A/N: I know it's short, but this is just an interlude. Next chapter will be bigger, I should think. Hope you enjoy this!