A/n:

Hey everybody! Thank you for the warm and enthusiastic responses you've been giving HighQueenP and me. We really appreciate your feedback and that you took the time to read our story. So thanks, fellow KesseGirl1, elomeno, Narniafan, GoldenAgeNarnian, Anon, QueenLucyfan, Guest, Emily, EC, QueenElenaofnarnia, Anonymous, sarahwood, BarnCat23, and other guest reviewers. :D

This chapter is going to revolve mostly around Princess Gilda, but of course we're going to find out whether or not Caspian will accept clever King Nain's offer of a royal marriage. Enjoy! :)

(Anvard, Archenland)

~Gilda's POV~

~Flashback~

Father had instructed me to meet up with him in his office after his council meeting. He had something important to tell me. He was rather serious, but wouldn't reveal yet or hint at what he had to talk to me about. I asked Mother about it, and she replied that it had greatly concerned my future, and probably Archenland's future as well. Knowing that I was going to inherit the throne when Father wanted to step down, given that he was fairly advanced in years, I ought to be extra attentive.

And so I arrived at where Father was awaiting me. He didn't look as if he had an urgent matter to discuss with me, but he looked serious nevertheless, so I had taken the initiative to ask him what he had to talk to me about.

"My daughter," he began, "you know that tomorrow the Narnians will visit."

"Yes, Father," I replied. "My handmaids have already prepared a few dresses to receive our guests and all should go well," I paid a lot of attention in my classes when I was but a pupil, so I should be able to answer, in detail, any question concerning Archenland and its history, culture, and other policies.

"Good," Father looked relieved, and a little proud of me. "Gilda, there's something I would like to discuss with you, regarding your marriage plans. You know that your husband will one day be King Consort, and therefore special deliberation is in order when it comes to which of your potential candidates and suitors would be best."

I was 16 years old, and there were many girls my age who were ready to be mothers by now, but not all of them married for love. I would like to marry a person my heart desired. But I knew that it was going to be difficult because I hadn't met anyone that had captured my heart yet, and now Father wanted me to be wed. I also knew that Father was a considerate person and he would never force me into a marriage, but I had more or less expected myself to be involved in a political marriage and I didn't really mind it, as long as my spouse and I could tolerate each other, even if love wasn't part of the equation.

'People will always put a Queen first and themselves last, but a Queen must always put her people first, and herself last.' That had been my motto for longer than I could recall. As Crown Princess, my first duty was to Archenland, and my own heart's desire could not alter that.

"My daughter, I would never coerce you to marry someone you do not enjoy or appreciate being with. Bear in mind that Queen Aravis, thousands of years ago, escaped Calormen and fled to Archenland because she wanted to be free from an arranged marriage to a callous man. I would not be the Tarkaan that brute of a father she had," Father said in reassurance.

I said nothing in reply yet, knowing he still had a lot to tell me and it would be best to let him finish before I spoke my mind.

"Do keep in mind that although a marriage can be politically advantageous, doesn't mean it can't be one of love and happiness as well. I only want the best for my country, just as I only want the best for you, Gilda," Father continued. "Ideally, your husband would be not a mere nobleman but someone of a higher rank. A King by his own right, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, is someone I want for my daughter."

"A King?" I piped up.

"Indeed," Father went on. "And now I intend to be direct with you, Gilda. I wish to arrange a betrothal between you and the newly crowned King of Telmar and Narnia, Caspian X."

I stiffened in my seat. I had no idea what this new King was like. I had heard whispers of what Telmarines were like, and they weren't all good. Of course, it would be impossible and unfair to judge a person by his race, or judge a race by a person, but I still wanted to find out what his character was like, before I decide whether or not I want him as my husband. Even if he wanted me as his wife, I cared not. If I could not even tolerate him then I would not accept him as my spouse.

I aspired to be fair and just in my judgment, for not a lot of people could do so. The most esteemed person who was known for his sagacity and fairness was the Just King, Edmund of Narnia, who, I was informed, would not be visiting Archenland this time, but it was possible that he might, in the future. And if I could travel to Narnia I might get to meet his royal person myself.

"If you wish, it could take form of an engagement, rather than a union right away," Father announced, and I was relieved.

"And why not a courtship?" I queried curiously.

"Gilda, each day, within the bounds our kingdom, courtships begin, and courtships end. Courtships are so devalued these days. Only an engagement can have enough meaning, significance, and bearing. Especially when it comes to us. Royals. I cannot have a man who is not willing to commit to you," Father explained, with insight. Perhaps his reasons and motives might not always be understood by others, but I believed he did love me and merely wanted the best for me as indeed all parents should for their children.

"And tomorrow, my daughter, you will have the chance to meet the Telmarine-Narnian King. If things look promising, and he intends to accept you into his royal house, then your future would be secure," he added. "But, you must tell me whether or not you are in favor of this arrangement."

"I have no objections to this deal," I stated candidly. "It brings benefits to both Narnia and Archenland, and I reckon it would be quite nice if two countries could be closer than ever. We'd be like how we were back in the Golden Age. I'm sure the four ancient sovereigns of Narnia would like it very much. Wouldn't they, Father?"

"You speak with wisdom, my daughter," He nodded in approval. "No wonder they call you 'young Queen'."

"'They', Father?" I inquired.

"Councilors," He replied. "They dub you that not to challenge your mother's authority, but I think we can all agree that I might have to step down sooner rather than later. My health is nowhere as good as it used to be when I first ascended the throne."

"I do think I am ready," I declared, wishing to lift a weight off my father's shoulders. It would nice to lessen his burdens.

"I believe I shall have no more worries about Archenland's future, when I place the kingdom in your hands," he said a little wistfully. "You have never disappointed me."

"I do not ever intend to disappoint my family, and my people," I agreed. "And it is not a must for me to have a King rule by my side, but…I know very well what advantages a royal union between myself and King Caspian will bring, and for the sake of Archenland, yes, I will consent to the engagement."

Father sighed in relief. "I am blessed to have you as my daughter, Gilda," He beamed at me lovingly. "Just as Archenland is blessed to have you as her future Queen, if not more so."

I grinned. I had done the right thing, and I had made Father proud. That was all that mattered, wasn't it?

Again, Father had requested my presence in his office today. When I knocked and entered, I saw that King Caspian was in the room as well. He stood to greet me, and I curtsied and beamed slightly shyly at his gentlemanly gesture. I had to admit, he looked quite handsome.

As I took my seat, I saw that a document was laid out before me. It was a confirmation of an engagement to ensure that both parties are voluntarily engaged, and my name was tidily inked on one corner of the parchment, King Caspian's on another corner. Both our names had a straight line above, a field for a signature.

"Gilda," Father looked delighted, if not more relieved, as he spoke. "King Caspian has given us a reply to our proposal."

I turned to King Caspian as he spoke firmly. "I do accept your offer, and…Princess Gilda," he turned to me. "I do accept you as my fiancé…as long as you accept me as well," he finished, his gaze fixated on me. It wasn't forceful, though, just a little intense.

Subconsciously, my eyes darted away for a moment, but eventually I returned to looking King Caspian in the eye. There was no turning back now. It was going to be official. Once I've signed the pact, I would be officially engaged to this Telmarine King. To my surprise, my heart wasn't beating particularly fast.

Reweighing my options, I sighed inwardly. Caspian X had it all. He had just turned 19, tall and handsome and athletic, a respectable and honorable man as far as I knew, and he was a King. What more could a young lady as myself possibly want?

I didn't quite know how to feel about him. I wasn't in love with him, of course, but there's a chance I could grow to fall in love with him. We respected each other, and we got along quite well, even though we hadn't known each other for long; it had just been a week.

I didn't expect to be invited to speak. It's not like I didn't have a say in the matter, and I found no reason to say no to this carefully crafted arrangement. It wasn't like Father was being manipulative. I was doing this for the sake of my country, and it was considered a noble thing to do, in fact. It was for a greater good, and I was willing.

"Yes, Your Majesty," I announced. "I do accept you."

"Very well," Father smiled, and motioned for us to sign the pact. We did, and Caspian shook hands with Father while Father mentioned again that he appreciated our cooperation. Our nations and races were going to get along very well from now on. Or at least, that was the whole point of our betrothal.

~Chronicler's POV~

A week had passed. Princess Gilda was in her bedchambers packing her clothes and other belongings, assisted by a handful of her handmaidens. She and her retinue would be leaving the next day with King Caspian and Queen Lucy to Narnia, and she wouldn't be returning to this chamber in quite a long time. Starting from the moment that her father had announced the engagement between her and Caspian, King Nain had the idea that she should go to Narnia, so they could know each other better and she would be more familiar with Telmarine Narnia and the other sovereigns.

There were knocks on the door, and when her guard opened it, it was announced that "The King Caspian is here, Your Highness."

Gilda gasped, but nodded at the guard. "Please, let His Majesty in." She then dismissed her ladies temporarily. They curtsied and exited the room obediently. She was going to summon them back into her chambers later on. Right now, it seemed her fiancé wanted to have a word with her, in private.

"Princess Gilda," Caspian smiled, stepping inside. "I apologize for coming over unannounced. If you want, I come back later," he glanced at her suitcases.

"Oh, no. Now's a good time, Your Majesty," Gilda said politely. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" She inquired, feeling a little nervous to have a King of Narnia in her private bedchambers.

"I won't take up too much of your time. I just wanted to tell you that I have spoken with your royal parents just now, and I have promised them that I will take care of you while you are staying in Cair Paravel. You are free to bring with you as many handmaids as you need, as part of your entourage. Additionally, we will also be holding a feast in celebration of our engagement," Caspian stated concisely. "I hope that Your Highness is, too, pleased with this arrangement."

"A simple banquet is fine for me, my King," Gilda grinned.

"No, I insist, my Princess. I suppose this is the least I could do, seeing as I've put you in a difficult position," he bit his lip.

Gilda tilted her head to the side. "I'm afraid I do not understand what you mean, Your Majesty."

Caspian took a deep breath. "You are a very beautiful young lady, Your Highness, and I'm sure, like many others, you would like to marry out of love, and not to someone you're not in love with."

It was as if he had read her thoughts. Gilda blushed a little, and looked down on the patterned carpets, realizing that Caspian was almost a whole feet taller than her. Although she carried herself in a regal and dignified manner, and almost everybody at the palace had to bow to or curtsy at her, at 5'2" she still felt so small.

"I could say the same thing to you as well, my King. I mean, you're a gentleman and you deserve to marry for love as well," she beamed.

"Either way, my Princess, I will treat you with the respect that you deserve, and I want for us to be friends as well. Since we are going to be married, after all, and we'll be living life together."

Gilda smiled. King Caspian was in fact a nice young man, and that made her feel less stressed. "Friends. I like that."

"Then it is a friendship we have here," he beamed. "Now, I will take my leave of you, and return to my quarters, so that your handmaids could resume aiding you in preparing for our trip back to Narnia. My Lady," he said with a slight bow. He didn't have to, for he was neither her subject nor below her in rank, but he was mannerly and courteous.

"My Lord," she curtsied as well, bowing her head slightly. And with that, he left the room, leaving her to finish her packing, but with a grin on her face. Maybe this trip to Narnia would be better than she could ever have anticipated.

A/n:

So, there you go! Caspian agreed to the betrothal, and is now engaged to Princess Gilda! What do y'all think about that? Do you think Caspian did the right thing by agreeing to marry Gilda?

Also, what do you think of Gilda's character? Let us know in the reviews! :D