Chapter 3

The Road to Love

(Operation: Royal Romance)

In the castle Anvard, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Eustace, Jill, Caspian, Lilliandil, Tirian, and King Nain II all gathered around a candle-lit table. Peter was off planning for war with Aslan, while Nain had sent Lyra off on an errand. Excitement seemed to boil in the room. Susan smiled as everyone sat down and spoke first.

"Welcome, everyone, to Operation: Royal Romance." She greeted.

Eustace chuckled, "What?"

"I came up with it," Lucy said.

"Ahem." Susan coughed, "As I was saying, that is the name we have chosen for our plan to get Peter and Lyra together. Now, before we begin, can someone please tell me why they haven't gotten together yet?"

The group looked around at each other before Nain spoke, "Well, she doesn't tell me anything. I think she's afraid I will tell Peter."

"She told me once that she doesn't want to ruin their friendship," Lucy stated.

"Yeah, and Peter sucks at romance," Edmund cut in.

"Oh shush," Lucy shot back, "You know he's afraid of the same thing."

"Ok," Susan ended the argument, "Here's what I had in mind…"

Peter sighed as he fell on his bed. Stress and fatigue chased each other in circles in his mind. The words Aslan told him earlier filled his head, causing the stress to mount. In a desperate attempt to calm his mind, the King turned his thoughts to the one place he could always find peace and happiness, Lyra. Peter sighed and stared at the ceiling as thoughts of her filled his head.

"Come in," Peter responded to a knock on his door.

"Peter?" Peter's head turned at Lucy's voice as she entered the chamber.

"Yeah?" Peter said as he got up on his elbows.

"Do you want to come for a ride? A bunch of us are going, and we thought you might like to do something relaxing for a change."

Peter smiled, "Sure. I could use a change of pace. Thanks. I'll be ready in a little bit."

Peter reached the stables to find his siblings, Eustace, Jill, Nain, and Lyra waiting for him. The group mounted their steeds and galloped out of the castle. They raced through the town and out onto the plains beyond. They were all laughs and smiles as they wove back and forth in between each other.

"Hey guys!" Lucy shouted, "Let's go to Owlwood!"

Peter didn't like the idea of being in a place with such low visibility. "I don't know, Lu. That might not be a good idea."

"Oh come on Peter!" Edmund said, knowing that challenging his brother's pride would get him to go, "You're not afraid are you?"

Peter glared at the younger King, "Fine. But we have to stay together."

Edmund took the lead towards the woods. Peter fell to the back, so he could keep an eye on their tail. He was not about to get surprised again. The sunlight swiftly diminished into splotches as they headed into the forest. Peter noticed that as the group began to thin out into doubles, Lyra ended up in the back with him. Eager to catch up with her, Peter leaned into his horse and spurred him on faster.

Unbeknownst to the two at the back of the group, Caspian and Lilliandil were crouched on two trees on either side of the path the horses and their riders were on. Each of them had a branch pulled back, waiting to unseat the two lovebirds. The branches weren't thick enough to do any major harm, but they would knock Peter and Lyra from their horses.

The group came around the corner with Edmund still in the lead. Peter's and Lyra's horses had purposefully slowed down somewhat to separate themselves from the group and present the ambushers with better targets. Caspian and his wife waited for the main group to pass and unleashed the branches.

Both Peter and Lyra shouted in surprise. Lyra's branch hit her in the stomach, knocking the air out of her as she fell. Since Peter hadn't sat upright yet, his hit him in the face, causing him to yelp in pain as he was unseated. The High King landed on his back and immediately brought his hands to his bleeding nose.

Caspian glanced nervously at his wife to find her glaring at him. As planned, the two took off into the forest, using the sound of the horses to cover their own noises. Peter and Lyra were left alone. Peter's nose stopped bleeding, so he got up to check on the Archenlandish Princess.

"Lyra, are you okay?" Peter asked as he knelt beside her.

The Princess grunted angrily as she got up, "Do I look okay to you?" Then she got a look at Peter's face, "Peter! I'm sorry! Are you okay? Your nose is bleeding."

Peter raised a hand to his nose, which once again was dripping blood. He quickly pinched his nose and tilted his head back. The pose made him look very comical, and Lyra couldn't resist the oncoming fit of giggles it gave her.

"What's so funny?" The sound of his voice as he pinched his nose only made her laugh harder.

"I-I'm s-sorry," the Princess tried to control her laughter as she took a handkerchief from the pocket of her deep green dress, "Here, let's lie you down until the bleeding stops."

Peter hoped she couldn't see his blush as she put his head in her lap. The young princess unstopped a small flask of water and poured a few drops on the handkerchief. She gently wiped the dried blood from the King's face, then proceeded to clean the spots on his leather vest and forest green tunic where the blood had dripped.

They stayed like that for a while, even after Peter's nose stopped bleeding. It wasn't until the wind suddenly picked up and the trees began to groan and sway that the two suddenly separated, uttering empty apologies and excuses to each other. An uncomfortable silence filled the air between them before Peter spoke.

"The others must be wondering where we are. We'd better go look for them." He said as he nervously kicked a rock on the ground, "And thank you for helping with my, um, my nose." He mentally kicked himself for sounding so stupid.

"No problem," she replied, doing much the same as he was, "I'm glad to help, but you're right, we should probably get going."

Meanwhile, Caspian and his wife met up with the others in a previously chosen clearing. The others had dismounted and were standing together talking as the two emerged from the forest.

"Well?" Susan asked anxiously, "How did it go?"

"Everything went according to plan," Lilliandil started before glaring at her husband, "except your brother might have a broken nose."

"What!" The Pevensies exclaimed together as they looked incredulously at Caspian.

"How was I supposed to know he was going to have his head down?" Caspian asked, his was face completely apologetic, "Why did he have his head down anyway?"

"It doesn't matter," Susan said quickly, "We have to hurry at prepare for phase two of our plan. Come on!" All that were present mounted the horses and rode off into the trees.

Peter had the odd feeling that something wasn't right. It was difficult for him to say for sure, but he could have sworn that the trees were deliberately leading them away from the trail. Lyra, as if being able to read his mind, suddenly broke the silence between them.

"Do you get the feeling that we're not going the right way?"

"Yes," Peter answered.

"We aren't lost are we?"

"No, we're not lost exactly," Peter had trouble explaining what he felt, "it feels as if the trees are leading us somewhere." The thought had him very on edge and ready to fight at a moment's notice, until one name rang through his head: Lucy. Was this a setup? Had she and the others conspired to get him and Lyra together? He knew she wanted to see them together, but would she really go this far?

As they continued to walk, the sound of running water reached their ears. It wasn't long before the pair came upon a small stream running through the woods. Sitting next to the water was a basket on a blanket with a small piece of parchment sitting next to it. They found their names written on the parchment.

"Oh good! I'm starving," Lyra said as she reached for the basket.

"Wait!" Peter commanded. He still wasn't sure this wasn't some sort of malevolent plot. "It might be poisoned, let me try it first."

"What- but- wait!" Peter ignored her protests and took an apple as well as one of the two goblets from the basket. He studied the goblet as he approached the stream. The High King took a bite out of the apple as he dipped the goblet into the water, out of which he drank. The two stood perfectly still for a few moments until Peter was sure everything was ok.

"Alright," he said, "it's safe to eat."

"Yay!" Lyra exclaimed, "Seriously Peter. You are so paranoid."

"Well," Peter protested as he sat on the blanket with her, "I just wanted to make sure. I don't want to get caught by surprise again."

Lyra gave the man a look of understanding and sadness, "Peter," she put a hand on his shoulder, "you can't keep beating yourself up about that. We had no idea that he was already in Narnia. And personally… I'm glad you didn't get to fight Omen."

"Thanks," Peter blushed a little.

After he finished eating, Peter went over to the creek and washed his face. Then he just stood there, staring off into space. He was completely oblivious to Lyra's presence in the water. Thus, the King was unprepared as he was suddenly splashed with water.

"Wha-what?" Peter looked over and saw Lyra standing there with a devious grin on her face. "Lyra, what are you—"

He was unable to finish his sentence, as he got another face full of water. He quickly returned the water attack, causing her temporarily freeze while the water hit her face. With a shocked look on her face, she flung more water back at him. Soon their laughter filled the air as they engaged in an all-out splash fest.

As Peter moved to dodge one oncoming attack, he tripped over a rock hidden in the water. Lyra shouted in surprise as he fell on her. It took a few moments for the two to get their heads together, but when they did, it was the bloody nose incident all over again. The two were blushing madly as they separated. Rubbing his head, Peter cleared his throat to speak.

"Maybe we should get going."

"Yeah, maybe we should."

The two continued to follow the path made by the trees into the forest, no longer really caring where they were being led. As the two walked down the path, taking in the sound of the wind winding through the trees and the beauty of the woods around them, the pair's hands touched. They recoiled instantly; the two royals were beet red. Then, gathering his courage, Peter took ahold of Lyra's hand. The two reddened again, their hearts beating rapidly, but they held on.

They emerged from the trees to find themselves on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. The sun was starting to set, and the two sat on the edge of the cliff looking out at the water as the light disappeared. The setting sun displayed brilliant colors on the clouds and water.

"It's beautiful," Lyra stated in awe.

"Yeah," Peter sounded breathless, "it most certainly is." Lyra turned to see Peter gazing at her dreamily, "But it's nothing compared to you."

Susan stood at the top of a tower at Cair Paravel, watching the two through a spyglass. When she saw the two turn towards each other, she couldn't help but smile. Putting down the spyglass, she turned to Lucy, who was also in the tower.

"Ok, it's time. Hurry and light the torch."

"Yes, your Majesty," Lucy replied teasingly at her sister's stern tone while she lit a torch hanging on one of the tower's corners. Lifting it up, the Queen waved the torch back and forth three times.

On the edge of the forest a ways away from Peter and Lyra, Edmund and the others began lighting a bunch of fireworks. As they did so, Jill and Eustace took four horses and disappeared into the trees, heading for the lovebirds.

Peter and Lyra were both pleasantly startled as the fireworks shot into the air, exploding in bright flashes of a myriad of colors. The watched in silence for a moment before turning to each other once again, unconsciously closing the space between them.

"Lyra," Peter started as he felt her breath on his face, "I wanted to tell you something. I-I just wanted you t-to know that I—." He didn't get a chance to finish, as the Archenland Princess closed the space between them, pressing her lips to his.

The kiss sent an odd tingly, electrifying feeling through their bodies. When they finally pulled away, Lyra whispered, "I know. I feel the same way."

"Peter! Lyra!"

As if on cue, the two turned to find Jill and Eustace emerge from the trees with their horses. Peter turned back and smiled knowingly at Lyra, who returned it. Together, they got up and walked hand-in-hand towards their friends.

"Well look who decided to show up," Edmund teased as the four rode into the castle. He and his fellow conspirators had come to the castle shortly after Eustace and Jill left. Judging by the looks on the faces of all of the Narnians present, Peter and Lyra now knew for sure that they had been set up.

"Okay," Peter began as he dismounted and walked to his siblings, "who set up all of this?"

The other Pevensies exchanged guilty looks, but Edmund caved when Peter glowered at him. "It was Susan! It was her idea!" The King said as he pointed to his sister.

Susan glared at Edmund before apologizing to her other brother, "Peter, I'm sorry."

"What do you have to be sorry for?" Peter laughed, surprising his brother and sisters while Lyra pulled the Narnian Queen into a hug.

"Thank you," Lyra whispered as she let Susan go, allowing Peter to embrace his sister.

The submarine's alarm was starting to annoy the demon. Searching the room for the source of the sound, he spotted a console on the wall which had a flashing red light. Omen crossed the room and ripped the console from the wall, silencing the ring. He was about to turn away, when he noticed a sailor still breathing by his feet. Omen drew his sword, and plunged it into his heart. The man let out a short groan before becoming completely still. Satisfied, he sheathed the weapon and returned to his men in the room.

The enemies of Narnia were present as they observed Omen's plan go into action. He studied a few consoles and screens before turning to the small party of soldiers he brought with him, "Search the bodies, two of them should have keys that go here," he pointed to a keyhole on one console, "and here." The demon pointed at the other.

The soldiers shuffled around as they searched the sailors. Soon, two came forward with keys in their hands. Omen motioned for them to insert the keys, and then signaled them to turn them at the same time. A new alarm flared as the strategic missiles were armed. Omen wasted no time before slamming down a red button.

"Attention all crew members," a mechanical voice echoed over the intercom throughout the vessel, "missiles are away. Repeat, missiles are away."

Several roars practically shook the ship as the nuclear missiles blasted towards their designated targets. Omen turned to the villains, whom he had called to be his generals, "With this the war will begin. With just a little more help on our part, all of the major governments in this world will collapse. We will then be able to easily seize control, and annihilate all resistance."

After officially becoming a couple, Peter and Lyra became virtually inseparable. Even when they had different things to do, the two were never very far from each other. In the dark and fearful times in which they lived, when Narnia could be invaded any day, the Narnians took joy in seeing the two so happy. Lyra suddenly found herself being treated as if she was already High Queen, something she wasn't sure she liked or not.

Susan took great pride in being the one responsible for the couple's bliss. However, there was a side effect she hadn't planned for. Lyra's brother, King Nain II, was suddenly spending an inordinate amount of time with the Pevensies. While it made sense with his sister's almost permanent attachment to the eldest of the siblings, the Archenland King seemed to be popping all over the place around Susan. What made the Queen the most suspicious was that he didn't seem to be doing it to her brothers and sister. She regarded him with a polite, but neutral attitude, as she wasn't quite sure what to make of him yet.

And so it was that, one day, as Lyra, Susan, and Lucy sat having lunch and watching the Pevensie men practice their swordsmanship; Susan let loose a quiet sigh as Nain approached the three women. Her sign of exasperation wasn't quiet enough, however, and Lyra let loose a short giggle at the Queen's predicament. King Nain, completely oblivious to the situation, assumed that the smile on his sister's face was from the blonde haired man she was watching, not having a clue as to the true meaning of the grin.

"May I sit?" The King asked.

"Sure," Lyra and Lucy said at once. Susan and Lyra scooted over to leave room for the King between Lucy and his sister. Lyra's grin grew wider, and Susan became amused when they noticed the look of disappointment on his face as he sat down.

"So, how are you fine maidens this day?" Nain asked the three women.

"Better than you," Lyra answered with a voice laced in glee as she took another bite from her apple. Her eyes never strayed from the dueling Pevensies as she watched Edmund back pedal from one of Peter's powerful blows.

"I'm excellent, thank you," Lucy replied sweetly.

Receiving no answer from the other end of the bench, Nain leaned over and looked at Susan hopefully, "And you Queen Susan? How are you today?"

"Fine, thanks," Susan replied in a monotonous tone, also not taking her eyes from her brothers.

Nain's brow furrowed at this less than enthusiastic reply, "Is there something bothering you, Queen Susan?"

"Maybe," Susan answered with just a hint of irritation in her voice, "but somehow I think I'm just going to have to live with it."

Lucy leaned back to look at her sister curiously, while silence fell on the group. For several moments, the only sounds were the clangs of the duelers' swords as well as their grunts. During this time, a thought struck Lyra, and she smirked deviously. The two sitting on either side of her watched her with nervous suspicion because of that look.

After a few moments, Nain decided to speak again, "So… I was thinking of going for a ride later today. Does anyone else want to come?"

Before he could receive a reply, a loud clang and a groan drew everyone's attention. Edmund lay on the ground, his sword out of reach. Peter stood over him victoriously with his sword pointed at his younger brother. As he lowered it, Lyra suddenly stood up and walked toward them.

"Alright Edmund!" She called, "Let me show you how it's done!" She beamed as she approached the pair, partially from the thought of dueling her boyfriend, and partly from the glare that she knew was targeted at the back of her head.

"Give it here," the Princess said as she took Edmund's sword. She turned to face Peter, who looked rather unsure of himself. "What's wrong Peter? Not afraid of a girl are you?" She asked.

"N-no," Peter stuttered, "It's just that I-."

He never got to finish his sentence, as she suddenly charged at him. The High King's brain screamed at him to move and his reflexes threw him into action. The King parried her blow, but soon found himself struggling to keep up as she unleashed a flurry of attacks on him. He was shocked at the speed and finesse with which she handled herself as she fought. It wasn't until she swung for his legs, at which he jumped over her blade, and he parried her next attack that he managed to end her offensive. Panting slightly, the two faced each other with swords at the ready.

"Where did you learn to fight so well?" Peter asked.

"My father and my brother," Lyra replied with a smile, "they both thought it would be a funny surprise for anyone that broke my heart."

"Oh," Peter gave her a weak smile and muttered under his breath, "That's lovely."

Lyra stepped forward to renew her assault, but this time Peter was ready for her. She was caught off guard blocked her attack and threw his weight against her, making her stagger back. The High King pressed forward, his sword flashing in the sunlight as his attacks increased in accuracy and power. Lyra proved herself to be defensively strong as well, but soon found her strength waning. Shortly thereafter, with one powerful blow, Peter knocked the sword from her hands.

Peter panted as he lowered his sword. Smiling, Lyra gently placed her hands on his heaving chest and planted a kiss on his cheek. The two became aware of eyes on them, and looked to find not only their respective siblings, but Aslan as well. The lion smiled at Lyra apologetically.

"Excuse Lyra, but I need to borrow Peter for a while. His duties as High King require some attention."

Blushing lightly, Lyra nodded and let the two of them leave. She then turned to the group on the bench, "So, what now?"

"Apparently," Susan answered with mock enthusiasm, "We are going for a ride."

Peter and Aslan entered the Cair Paravel Library, and Peter ordered that they were not to be disturbed unless and emergency occurred. Walking into the room, Peter took notice of the unpleasant look on the lion's face.

"What is it Aslan?" He asked.

"Take a seat Peter; I have something I need to tell you."

There, it's done! I feel exhausted, what with it being midnight and all. I really had fun writing this chapter. The next one will be up soon. Once again, please review if you like what you read, I really appreciate it. Thanks!

Darkguymelef