CHAPTER 2 – It's Only a Wedding
A.N. Thank you for those who reviewed. This is actually a risk venture for me since I have never tried working on a Narnia fanfiction, nor have I ever tried such a plot. I do hope you enjoy it, that's all that matters. As per request, each French word/ phrase will have its translation at the end of each sentence. Hope that'll do for you.
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.
--
Peter bowed in respect towards Amelia as she held out the door open for him to enter. There was a short silence between them as Amelia stood by the door after closing it, her back against him. Peter breathed in and turned around to face her, seeing her back facing him as she held tight on the doorknob. He decided to make his first effort of the day to try and converse with her, at the least. It was what a respectable man must do, not to mention, what a monarch of his standing should exercise.
"Lady De Bourdeille," Peter addressed, causing Amelia to turn around. "I wish to ask for your forgiveness for my disposition earlier today. I was...surprised at the downpour of facts that...Aslan had told me then. I apologize for not being...accommodating to you as I should have been."
Amelia looked at him, half in disbelief and half in great awe. It was the first time she was actually face-to-face with Peter, in a way wherein she could see everything of him; from his face to his feet, she could see them all. And at that very moment, Amelia realized just how handsome the High King was. His face could marvel anyone. Lucky enough for Amelia, she was the blessed girl chosen by Aslan to be the young king's wife-to-be. Si "la chance" soit le mot de choix. (T.R. If "lucky" is the word of choice. )
Peter waited impatiently for Amelia to say something. He fought against himself to stare at her, with her staring at him as if it was the first time she met him. Unfortunately, his curiosity got the best of him, and he looked at her face. It was then that he found a girl almost as beautiful as Susan, for Susan still remained to be the most beautiful in all of Narnia. Peter shook his head before averting her gaze. It was not what he had intended to do, but if he wanted to end the night peacefully, he had to.
"Oh..." Amelia finally spoke, walking over to the vanity table in front of her bed. "There is no need for any apology, Your Highness. It was...understandable."
"Well...I...thank you, my lady," Peter said, giving a short bow. "I do, however, wish to speak with you about...the wedding."
"Yes, of course," Amelia said, pretending to comb her hair. "What would you like to discuss about it, Your Highness?"
"With all due respect, my lady, you do not know me and I do not know you," Peter began, taking a few steps over to the other side of the room. "Why marry me then?"
Amelia half smiled at Peter, almost as if she was expecting the question. She set down the brush and took a good look at herself in the mirror before turning to face the High King. Peter looked at her, eying her carefully as she walked closer to her bed for that night. She stopped and faced him once more, a small smile planted on her face.
"With all due respect as well, Your Highness, you said so yourself, you do not know me," Summer paused, the same smile still on her face. "Maybe I only wish to marry you for your title."
"The throne of the High King?" Peter asked. "Clever. But that is not your reason now, is it?"
"I have never been a gold digger in my life, Your Highness," Amelia told him. "Nor do I ever plan to be one."
"My luck then?" Peter joked.
"The very reason why we are to be married is the only reason why I am to marry you," Amelia stated, earning a look from Peter.
Peter looked at her. His face nothing but blank. He sighed heavily, walking over to her bed and sitting down on the edge. Amelia looked at him, wanting to ask what she already knew. There were no words spoken for a time being, not one of them knew how long. Peter rubbed his face before looking at Amelia, smiling slightly at her confused and worried expression.
"I apologize for my behavior," Peter said, standing up. "Have a good night's rest, my lady. Thank you for accommodating me for this evening."
"It was nothing, Your Highness," Amelia said, both of them bowing towards each other before Peter walked over to the door. "High King?"
"Yes?" Peter asked, turning around. "Is there something you wish to say, my lady?"
"If I may, Your Majesty," Amelia said, sounding like a question.
"Of course," Peter said, now fully facing him.
"Will I ever get to come back home?" Amelia asked, almost hesitant.
Peter stared into her eyes, her gaze burning right through him. He looked down a little, not wanting to answer a question he knew he could not find the right answer. Instead, he turned around and walked out of her room, leaving a very confused and stressed queen-to-be all alone in more ways than one could even begin to imagine.
--
Amelia Nicolette Beauvilliers-De Bourdeille was no ordinary girl. Sure she went through the same process many girls her age went through at 1940s London, but Amelia Nicolette knew that she had always been different. Born as the daughter of a French nobleman, Amelia learned from nothing but the best in everything. To say that she was served everything in a silver platter was an understatement, but she herself knew that not all must be spoon-fed to her. So Amelia Nicolette Beauvilliers-De Bourdeille grew up to be responsible rather than dependent. But even the most independent woman could use a little help once in a while.
"Hello..?" Amelia asked when she opened the door of her temporary room after hearing a soft knock.
"Good morning, Amelia," Susan greeted, smiling at her.
"We're here to help you prepare for the wedding!" Lucy exclaimed in excitement.
"Oh, well, isn't the wedding this afternoon?" Amelia asked, letting the two queens and their maidservants in. "Is it...not morning...just yet?"
"Yes, but we must prepare this early," Susan said, walking over to her vanity table.
"A wedding like this can not go wrong," Lucy commented, sitting on her bed.
"Remember, Amelia, you are not marrying just anyone," Susan reminded. "You're marrying the most powerful man in this land."
"I thought...King Caspian ruled this land," Amelia slowly stated.
"Yes, Caspian does," Susan paused, smiling at her. "But Peter is still the High King, which means that he has rule over all kings and queens in Narnia, now and forevermore,."
"You are marrying the High King," Lucy supplemented. "And the High King is the High King."
"Yes, yes, of course," Amelia only said, nodding her head. Oh, chers Miséricordieux Seigneur... (T.R. Oh, dear Merciful Lord...)
"Now, you must bathe first before we begin with the preparations," Susan told her. "Please draw her a bath."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the maidservants said, bowing down before walking inside the bathroom.
Amelia followed them with her eyes before a sudden knock was heard from the door. She immediately walked over and opened it, surprised at who it was. She bowed down before holding out the door open for the guests to enter.
"Thank you, my lady," Caspian said as soon as they entered Amelia's room.
"Good morning, Amelia," Edmund greeted. "Su, Lu."
"What are you two doing here?" Susan asked, walking closer.
"We wanted to inform you that Peter has not begun preparing for the wedding," Edmund said, sitting on the bed as well.
"What?!" Susan exclaimed in shock. "How can he not be preparing yet?"
"You know, Peter, Su," Edmund casually said. "He gets ready in his own time."
"He can not get ready at his own time because it's his wedding day!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Excuse me, but I will have a talk with a certain High King for a moment," Susan said, walking over to the door as Caspian opened it. "Amelia, you should go bathe. Do not worry about Peter. I will take care of him."
"Alright..?" Amelia managed to say before Susan left.
"There goes another one," Edmund said as Caspian closed the door.
"Poor Peter," Lucy commented.
"Is he going to be alright?" Amelia inquired, looking at the siblings.
"Oh, he will be fine," Edmund said, looking at her. "He's just going to get an earful from Su."
"Quite a feisty woman the Queen can be, my lady," Caspian said, standing beside Amelia. "I have witnessed it in the battlefield nonetheless."
"Battlefield?" Amelia asked, glancing at the faces of the three. "What battlefield?"
"Oh, Susan joined Peter, Edmund, and Caspian during the battle against Miraz," Lucy related.
"Oh, ma bonté... C'est dangereux!" Amelia exclaimed, confusing the three. "Is that not quite dangerous for a girl? The battlefield is barbaric. Should not a lady like Queen Susan better off at a safe place?" (T.R. Oh, my goodness. That's dangerous!)
"Susan's a queen of Narnia, and a queen of Narnia is far different from the queens...back in our world," Edmund explained.
"Susan's a very brave girl. We've gone through fifteen years of wars and tragedies before. Something like that would not easily shake her down," Lucy supplemented.
"Fifteen years? How is that possible?" Amelia asked in confusion.
"It's a very long story. One which can wait a little longer," Lucy said, standing up and walking over to Amelia. "You need to get ready soon."
"And we'll be off then," Edmund said, getting up. "We'll see you two later. Amelia?"
"Yes, King Edmund?" Amelia said, facing him and Caspian.
"Best wishes," Edmund said with a grin before bowing down and walking over to the door.
"I will see you for the wedding, my ladies," Caspian said with a bow. "Have a good morning."
"Thank you, Caspian," Lucy said as Caspian walked off with Edmund. "Now, Amelia, time for that bath."
--
Susan Pevensie, Queen of Narnia, was no ordinary queen. Having fought alongside two kings and one future king in a battle against a tyrant, Susan had already proven herself more than needed, and that did not even include her excellent archery skills. This alone is proof enough that nothing gets past the Queen that easily, not even the High King himself.
And Queen Susan knew the High King Peter very well, more than anyone ever could. She spent all her life beside him, learning more about him each and every day that they played together, went to school side-by-side, and fought against each other. The Queen herself was vulnerable to Peter. He knew her pretty much. So, it was no wonder that the High King knew just why his sister was screaming his name all over the castle that morning before finally spotting him at the east garden, training with his sword.
"I see you're up early, Susan," Peter said, swinging his sword the opposite direction as Susan came close.
"Peter, what are you doing here?!" Susan asked in frustration. "You know where you are supposed to be at this moment!"
"If you had not yet noticed it, Susan, I am practicing my swordsmanship," Peter stated, not stopping.
"Yes, I can see that perfectly well," Susan mocked. "But you should not be here. You should be preparing for your wedding!"
"What is the use of having the wedding in the afternoon if we have to prepare this early in the morning?" Peter asked, finally coming to a stop. "You are making it seem like we have to have the wedding this instant."
"Oh, you are just like Amelia," Susan sighed, earning a look from Peter. "She does not believe in preparing this early as well."
"She is a smart girl," Peter commented.
"And that is why you are marrying her," Susan said. "Now, you should go and get ready. Take a bath and go to breakfast. You will have to check on everything before the wedding this afternoon."
"I am sure Glenstorm has had everything prepared quite alright," Peter said, wiping his sweat off. "There is no need for me to be scrutinizing whatever he has done."
Susan breathed out heavily walking closer to her brother as he sat down on one of the stone benches. She sat down beside him and placed a hand on his.
"Peter," Susan said. "You know that this day is important to Amelia as it is to Narnia."
"Of course, she's getting the wedding of a lifetime," Peter stated in a rather dull tone. "What girl would not be happy?"
"No, that's not because of it," Susan corrected, getting Peter's full attention. "She's getting married, Peter. She's entitled to deem it important."
"I don't see why it's such a big deal," Peter said, sheathing his sword back. "It is only a wedding."
"Marriage is more than that, Peter. It's about spending a lifetime with someone. It's about commitment, which is something you obviously know of," Susan said. "Now, go and take a bath first. I will meet you at the throne room later. Everyone is busy for the wedding. You should be too."
Peter sighed heavily, standing as Susan pulled him up. He managed to give out a smile towards her as she patted his back before walking away. As soon as she was out of sight, Peter walked back to his chambers and took a bath. Moments later, he sat on his bed, thinking about how awkward it would be after the wedding, when Amelia would have to share it with him. As if that was not bad enough, he had to think about an heir as well.
Yesterday had been pretty overwhelming to him. After discovering that he was arranged to be married to a woman 1300 years ago, meeting the replacement bride, and preparing himself for the wedding that was to take place the day after, he was too confused. Unfortunately, that did not end there. Just when Amelia was being escorted by Susan and Lucy around the castle, Peter was hold up by Aslan in the throne room. The Great Lion had discussed with him about having an heir. It was not like Narnia needed one or soon. Caspian was technically the new ruler, and he was the one entitled to give Narnia an heir. Peter having a child would be like showing Narnia and the other kingdoms that he was a man of word and that he was willing to do anything for Narnia. Plus, it was only appropriate for him to give Amelia a child. She deserved it. A woman can never be left alone in a place like Narnia.
That day was no different than yesterday. He was getting married in the afternoon and he needed to check on everything, just like what Susan had said. Even if he did not want to get married, he, at least, had to make sure that Amelia had the wedding she had imagined to have, if ever she did marry a king. It was the least he could do to the girl who wanted to marry him even though they didn't even know each other. So, after finishing off his breakfast, he immediately went over to the throne room, where the ceremony was to take place. As soon as he arrived, Trumpkin welcomed him, holding a big basket of white roses.
"Your Majesty," Trumpkin acknowledged, setting the basket down and bowing towards Peter.
"I never knew you were a flower lover, Trumpkin," Peter joked, smiling at the dwarf. "Where did you get those?"
"They were a gift from one of the villagers who owns a flower store in town," Trumpkin said. "It's for the Lady Amelia."
"I'm sure she'll...love it," Peter said, walking over to the arch that was set up. "I like what you have done with...this, Glenstorm."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Glenstorm said, bowing towards him. "Queen Susan had instructed us to do it that way. Queen Lucy had asked for it to be decorated with the best flowers in the garden."
"She's a bright kid," Peter stated before his eyes settled on the thrones in front. "What is that?"
"That is your crown, Your Highness," Glenstorm said. "Aslan had asked us to retrieve it from the ruins of Cair Paravel for the ceremony this afternoon. We have also retrieved the other Majesties' crowns as well."
"And the other one?" Peter inquired, looking at the smaller crown.
"It is for Lady Amelia," Glenstorm replied, watching as Peter approached the thrones. "It was supposed to be the crown for your future bride before. We managed to retrieve it, along with your crowns, on Cair Paravel."
Peter nodded in understanding before taking the smaller crown in his hands. He carefully inspected it, almost marveled at how ornate the design was. It was a simple rustic gold crown, no smaller than Susan's and Lucy's. The only difference in it was that it had a significance to the High King's crown. It was modeled exactly like the High King's crown. Proving just who she is to the High King and to Narnia.
"I see you're here," Susan's voice filled through Peter's ears.
"I see you are here as well," Peter said, smiling at her as Trumpkin and Glenstorm bowed towards her. "You did not join me for breakfast. Actually, no one was with me during breakfast. Is this some sort of a habit you will be starting?"
"Edmund is at the castle grounds, seeing the preparations of the food for the townspeople and the Narnians. Caspian is in the castle gates, helping with the structures to be set up. Lucy and I, however, were with Amelia just a moment ago. Now, Lucy's the only one with her. I am here to help decorate the throne room," Susan said. "And you should be the one who's busier than all of us, but here you are, just staring at this stunning crown. Whose is it?"
"It's for Lady De Bourdeille," Peter said with a smirk on his face.
"Really? It's very beautiful," Susan said, inspecting the crown as Peter handed it to her. "It looks oddly familiar."
"Like this?" Peter said, showing her his own crown.
"They copied it off from the High King's crown?" Susan inquired, looking at Peter.
"I think it should be more like 'modeled' from the High King's," Peter said, setting his crown back on the velvet pillow.
"How did they manage to make one so soon?" Susan asked.
"It was for my first bride, Lady Gertrudes," Peter said, taking back the crown from Susan. "Amazing, isn't it?"
"That so much has gone on behind your back? Yes," Susan said, making it into a joke. "But, it really is a beautiful crown."
"Only the best," Peter said, setting it back down on its place.
"Of course, she is marrying the High King," Susan commented, walking down. "Will she be considered as the High Queen now?"
"I thought you had that title," Peter said, walking down as well.
"Well, she is going to be the wife of the High King. Do you not think it is only appropriate for her to have the title?" Susan questioned. "She will be your wife."
"We'll decide that when the time comes," Peter said, looking over to where Glenstorm and Trumpkin were. "What are you two doing there?"
"We are decorating the windows, your Highness," Trumpkin said, looking at him.
"With flowers?" Peter asked, looking at Susan.
"It's a wedding!" Susan reasoned.
"This is too girlie. I'll be on my way," Peter said, smiling at his sister.
"Go check up on Edmund or Caspian. I don't want you to be procrastinating again," Susan said before Peter walked off.
Peter laughed as he walked out of the throne room, careful enough not to run into any of the servants and maidservants who were busy preparing for the ceremony. It was a very rare sight to see the whole kingdom rushing around as if there was a big event to take place. Well, there was a big event to take place. The wedding of the High King was the biggest event since the coronation of King Caspian. There was no wonder everyone was close to freaking out.
But the High King himself was no where near freaking out. For a man who was getting married at the age of sixteen, he was actually very calm and collected. After all, there was no need for him to be nervous. No matter what he does, the wedding will still take place, even if he didn't want it to. It was as simple as that. So, as the whole Telmarine castle and Narnia inhabitants rushed along with whatever they had to do for the wedding ceremony that afternoon, the High King was casually strolling around the castle, acting as if he had nothing in particular to do.
It was those quiet moments that he enjoyed so much since he stepped into Narnia. Back in England, the noise of the war was deafening to his ears. There was not a moment of peace, not even in their home. Since staying in Narnia, Peter had experienced the beauty of tranquility like no other. Though he may be busy as hell, there were still times that he would just sit in his throne or his function and savor the quiet surroundings of their palace. And he knew that his siblings all felt the same way he did.
Not knowing exactly where he was going, he did not notice where he already was. As he was passing by a somewhat familiar route, in his head, someone came out of the door he was about to pass. He stepped back a little, noticing the familiar figure. As the figure turned around, she jumped back in surprise, making Peter chuckle. Lucy breathed out heavily, placing hand over her chest as she calmed herself down.
"Are you alright, Lu?" Peter asked in-between laughs.
"You scared me half to death, Peter!" Lucy exclaimed, her face flushed.
"Alright, alright, I am sorry," Peter said, smiling at his little sister. "Now, where were you off to?"
"I was just about to get some flowers from Trumpkin," Lucy told him. "What were you doing here outside Amelia's room?"
"I was just walking, Lu," Peter reasoned. "I had no intention of any kind that has to do with her."
"Well, you can not see her now. The groom can't see the bride before the wedding," Lucy said, taking hold of his hand. "Now, let's go find Trumpkin."
"Why do you need flowers from your D.L.F. anyway?" Peter asked as Lucy dragged him to towards the throne room.
"I need it to decorate Amelia's hair," Lucy said, smiling all the way.
"What is up with all the flowers today?" Peter asked, sighing heavily.
"Amelia loves flowers," Lucy said, looking at him.
"All girls love flowers," Peter commented, almost rolling his eyes.
The two walked in silence for a while, until Lucy opened her mouth to tell Peter something.
"You know, she's very nervous," Lucy said, keeping her eyes on the hallway.
"Who?" Peter asked.
"Amelia," Lucy said in an 'it's obvious' tone. "She's not showing it, but I know she is."
Before Peter could answer, the two of them arrived at the throne room, where they heard Susan talking to Glenstorm about the arch.
"What are you two doing here?" Susan asked, facing her siblings.
"Lucy wanted to get some flowers from Trumpkin," Peter said. "Hair decorations or something."
"Well, Amelia does love flowers," Susan said, walking over to Peter. "Her favorite flower is the iris."
"How do you even know that?" Peter asked, looking at her questioningly.
"She told us when we were showing her around the castle yesterday," Susan said, looking at Lucy as she took flowers from the different baskets that surrounded Trumpkin. "You should have been the one to spend some time with her."
"I'm already marrying her. I think we have a lifetime to do that," Peter stated.
"Still," Susan said, looking at him.
"I'm going," Peter said, walking away. "I'll be there on time. Don't worry, Su."
"You always were on time, Peter," Susan said before turning around to face the arch.
Peter slowly walked over to the exit door, his eyes roaming around the things inside the throne room. He stopped just as he was about to exit the room and turned around to see if anyone was looking before picking up something from one of the baskets near the door. He smiled and walked away, walking faster than he usually did. As he neared a familiar hallway, he breathed in and stopped in front of the room in the middle. He got down on one knee and gently placed the object on the floor. He stood up almost immediately and stared at the door in front of him. He sighed heavily before lightly knocking on the door. As soon as he heard footsteps nearing it, he immediately walked off as fast as he could.
Amelia gently opened the door of her room as soon as she heard a knock. The maidservants that were inside her room were busy with her wedding gown but they still insisted on opening the door. Amelia had to ran past them in order to do it herself, prompting the maidservant to get back to what she was doing. As Amelia held the door open, she looked outside questioningly. The moment she opened it, she saw no one in sight, not a living soul. Confusion still planted on her face, Amelia shook her head before her eyes caught something on the ground. She kneeled down and picked up the flower that was resting outside her door. An iris?
Amelia looked around, wondering if anyone had left it there and why. Finding no one in sight, she simply smiled and stood up. Inspecting the flower, she brought it closer to her nose and smelt it, feeling its beautiful fragrance fill her body. She smiled, taking one last look at the surroundings before stepping back inside her room, closing the door in the process. Because of this, she did not even see a spying High King lurking in the shadows at the end of the hallway smiling a little before walking away.
--
"Where did you get...that?" Peter questioned Edmund, looking at what he was wearing.
Edmund looked down at his royal robes, the ones given to him by Caspian. They were apparently sewn by the Telmarine dressmakers. It was a present for him, even Peter, Susan, and Lucy had royal robes given to them. It was sort of a peace offering from the Telmarines to the Kings and Queens of Old. They were all beautiful robes. Unfortunately, Edmund wasn't exactly familiar with how to wear them.
"From the Telmarines," Edmund replied. "Just like yours."
"Well, mine is not exactly worn oppositely," Peter said, walking over to his brother. "This goes in the back and your cape is just on the side."
"Well, that's just great," Edmund said, stomping off towards the nearest room and closing the door.
Peter smiled to himself before looking ahead. He was standing right outside the throne room. The doors were closed and everyone who was allowed to enter were already waiting inside. The outskirts of the castle were willed with numerous Narnia inhabitants, waiting for the announcement that the High King has finally gotten married. It was only a matter of time before he really was.
Sighing heavily, he leaned against a column and closed his eyes. He needed to get it over and done with. The more he waited, the more he became restless. He sighed once more before fixing his cape. He looked absolutely handsome in his wedding robes. They were in blue and gold, the classic colors of the High King himself. One of the many gifts from the Telmarine dressmakers. As he straightened his shirt, Edmund came prancing back to his spot, now correctly dressed.
"Your Highness," Caspian called, getting Peter's attention.
"Caspian," Peter acknowledged. "What is it?"
"I have something that Aslan has asked me to give to you," Caspian said before handing him a familiar object.
"Oh, this one," Peter said, taking the crown from him and placing it on top of his head. "Maybe later."
"Is Amelia going to be crowned today?" Edmund asked as Peter removed his crown from his head.
"It seems that she will be," Peter said, breathing out. "I saw the crown."
"There's already a crown?" Edmund asked in shock. "Wow, these people work fast."
"It was actually..." Caspian stopped when Peter's voice interrupted.
"He'll find out soon. There's no need to tell him the story now," Peter said as Glenstorm approached them.
"We are ready, You Majesties," Glenstorm said, bowing towards the three kings.
"Alright," Peter said, standing straight and walking in front of the closed doors.
"Are you not nervous, Your Highness?" Caspian asked Peter as they stood in front of the double doors.
"Not exactly," Peter said, shaking his head.
"Why should he be nervous? He's marrying a very beautiful woman," Edmund said, walking to Peter's right side.
"Well, the wedding is about to begin," Caspian said, looking at the doors in front of them.
"The sooner we get on with it, the sooner this whole day will end," Peter stated before placing his crown back on top of his head.
--
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!
