Ok, I admit, I am bad with keeping stories up to date. But here is chapter three. I hope that you enjoy it. Like I've said before, I hate writing the beginnings of stories but it's got to be done. It will get better soon though. Anyways, you know the drill: read and review. Enjoy.

I blinked rapidly. He was gone. I looked back at the room about to call someone but then stopped. It would be useless to alert anyone. He wasn't there so who would believe me?

"Would you like to dance?" I heard a voice ask. I turned and saw Peter standing there. I gave a nod and slight curtsy.
"But of course." We walked side by side out to the floor where a fast and lively tune was playing. I saw Edmund dancing with Lucy, bouncing around and laughing with her.

I smiled as Peter and I picked up the moves of the energetic song. Everyone was having a good time. "He really is a happy person," Peter suddenly said. I had been staring at Edmund and quickly snapped my attention back to the High King.

"Yes, I can tell. He seems to be having a good time." Peter picked me up around the middle and spun me round effortlessly. "He just wasn't very used to the idea of marriage when he was thrust into it, not unlike yourself I believe." We side stepped a faun dancing merrily through the crowd while playing a reed flute.

"Yes, I just fear that I will not be able to make him happy. I hate that I seem to be interrupting his life. I was quite shocked when I heard about the wedding. I was terrified of what he would think of me. He doesn't seem very pleased about this."

Twirling me by hand, he said "Yes well, as I said, it was very unexpected. And he has always been free to do as he pleases. He is our military leader and is usually running drills. He doesn't have anyone to answer to really. He is free to come and go as he pleases. It will be a new experience for him." He dipped me down as the song ended. "But you have to give him time to get to know you. He'll warm up to you soon enough. You seem very willing to make it work and he will appreciate that. So, have no fear. Everything will be fine." It seemed as though this was the only thing that anyone had to say to me lately. 'Don't worry. It'll be fine. Everything is ok.' But I was worried. I didn't even know my husband. How could I not worry? Still, I put on a brave face and didn't let anyone know that inside, my stomach was still twisted in knots from the whole situation.

He bowed as the last notes faded out and I curtsied. It was dark out and I really just wanted to lie down but my father stepped up and said "King Peter, may I barrow Julianna?" Peter nodded and gave my hand to him. "Please do. Julianna, thank you for the dance."

"Thank you," I countered. He walked away and I saw him pull my mother out to the floor. A much slower song, almost a lullaby started as my father took my hand, dancing with me at just short of arms length.

"So how do you feel about Edmund?"

"I don't really know. I haven't had much time to spend with him. But he seems pleasant enough." He nodded.

"Good, good. I would hate for you to be unhappy for the rest of your life. He will treat you well Julianna. He is an honorable man." I smiled at this sentiment. "Besides, this treaty is very important and needs to work. You both know that. I trust he will do anything to make it last." I scoffed, and then I stopped. "Is that all that matters? I get that the treaty is important. You haven't stopped talking about it since you decided to bargain me off to the king. But this is a very large change that I am making. You could at least pretend that you care about me for a moment and not mention the politics involved." My voice was raising and the couples nearest us were staring.

"Julie, be civil child. Keep your voice down." I glared.

"No, I will not. You say that you care for me and yet you can't go five minutes without placing my happiness beneath the importance of this treaty. I understand, father. I swear that I do. But please, stop forcing me to try and be happy about it."

"Julianna, I warn you now. I am your father, and I am your king. You will calm down this instant and you will stop behaving in such an infantile manner," Lucien said sternly. He had used my first name. I knew that he was angry. But at that moment, I didn't care.

I stepped away from him. A few more people were staring now. "No, father, you are not my king. Not anymore. I swear my fealty to the kings and queens of Narnia now. It only seems fitting, given that I am married to one of them." His face turned beat red. He pointed a finger threateningly at me.

"You listen here child. If you do not learn to speak to me in a manner fitting of a king, I swear to you, you will regret it. I will-." It was at that moment that Edmund appeared at my side. "I suggest for your sake that you do not finish that sentence. You're distressing my wife. I trust that you will allow me to take over from here," he said in a cool tone.

"Of course your majesty." My father stepped back, slightly abashed, a first for him. Although Edmund's words had been calm and respectful enough, his eyes revealed the true threat behind them and my father knew that he was not in charge here.

I watched him retreat into the crowd before turning to face Edmund. "Thank you," I mumbled. He gently pulled me to him, taking my hand in his own softly. "You seemed very unhappy. That and I think you were frightening some of the guests." I looked up in alarm but I saw he had a small smile playing on his lips. The first he had directed at me.

"And why was I so scary?"

"Well, you started to sort of shriek and screech a bit," he said. "I was torn to come and stop the argument because you were reaching quite an impressive pitch. And then he raised his hand to you and I decided that we would have to discover your full potential on another occasion.

"That's good to know I suppose," I said giving a small giggle. The laughter stopped and gave way to a small yawn, which I stifled on my arm. "Oh, excuse me."

"Are you alright," he asked.

"Yes," I replied. "I've just had a long day. I'm sorry."

"Sorry for being tired? I'm sorry that you've been kept up all night. If you would like, I could have someone take you upstairs." I looked over the crowd. No one was paying attention to us. I looked back up at him. "Yes please. I would appreciate that very much, not that this party is anything I want to miss," I said looking around the room with a smile.

He led me off of the floor to the edge of the room. He searched the crowd until we found who he was looking for. "Mr. Tumnus, would you please take Julianna up to our chambers?"

"Yes sir, right away. Queen Julianna, if you'll come with me." I followed him in a trance like state. Edmund had said 'our chambers'. I had forgotten that part. I was just getting somewhat comfortable with him and the general idea of being his wife. And I had forgotten the most basic, important thing about a wedding night.

We slipped quietly down the side of the room, catching glimpses of dancing and merriment as we walked. "Mr. Tumnus, have you seen Annalise anywhere?" He thought for a moment. "I do believe I saw her dancing with the fauns. Would you like me to fetch her?" I hated to be so selfish and to pull her away from the festivities but I needed her. "Yes. If it isn't too much trouble." I couldn't look him in the eye.

We were by the doors so I stepped out unnoticed and waited. When they returned, they were smiling and Annalise was red in the face and neck. "Oh Julie, the fauns are simply wonderful. You should go dance with them. I just know you would have a lovely time." I gave her a small smile.

"Perhaps next time I will. But tonight I am tired and going to retire for the evening. I was hoping you would help me out of my gown." She looked at me for a second and then there was understanding in her eyes as her smile faltered.

"Of course Julie." She took my arm as Mr. Tumnus led us up a flight of stairs. I leaned my head on her shoulder as we walked. "You'll be alright Julie. I promise," she assured me in a gently soothing voice. She released my arm and instead rubbed my back.

"I hope so." "I know so," she said. We walked the rest of the way in silence. Tumnus led us up many stairs in a spiraling case. After a couple of minutes and a bit of heavy breathing, we stepped onto a landing. There was a dark oak door with silver hinges and handle. Mr. Tumnus pulled it open and bowed. "Do you require any further service from me milady?"

I smiled. "No. Thank you very much." "Your welcome your Majesty." He started to retreat but I said "Um, Mr. Tumnus, if you would, could you call me Julianna or Julie, please?" He gave a small smile. "Of course Julianna."

"Thank you." When he left, Annalise and I stepped inside. I looked around the round room as she closed the door. If I had been forced to guess one thing about Edmund at that time, it would have been that his favorite color was blue. There was a large four poster bed and the curtains were made of deep blue, almost black satin. The blankets matched and had silver thread and pillows. There was a large doorway that led outside to a balcony and the curtains were made of blue and grey shimmering, see through material that swept the floor.

The room was very large and round. A table off to the side had what looked like maps on it. A pine book shelf that curved to fit the wall had shelves crammed with books. A few feet away from the shelf a grand fire place stood. Some small logs burned away in the pit of it, looking very cozy and comforting. There was also a large wardrobe against the wall near the balcony doorway.

"Julie, come here and I'll help you out of the dress and into a shift. And a gown if you want one."

"Yes, I do." I made my way to her and turned so she could undo my buttons. As her fingers began their work I asked "Anna, do I ever bother you? Well, not bother, but do I hurt your feelings?"

"No Julie. Why do you ask?"

"I just hate the fact that we're only friends because you have to be." I didn't know why I was suddenly feeling like this.

She turned me around and looked me in the eye. "Julie, I love you. You are more kind to me than anyone else. And you're not much of an authority to me anymore. I like making you happy. If I ever had a little sister, even an older sister, I would choose you." She hugged me close to her. I hugged her back. "Thank you. I love you too Anna."

"Now, let me get you dressed for bed." She continued to undress me and then walked away and returned with a short shift and an evening gown. It was sleeveless, soft and smooth, a thin ribbon lacing up the back and tying it closed.

"Where did you get that," I asked her. I blushed as I looked at it because it was not an article of clothing I was familiar with. All of mine had sleeves and were solid material, not flimsy little tied on pieces. She giggled. "It was made as a gift for you from Mysty and her assistants. They're very gifted with sewing silk in new ways. By the looks of it, it's as much a present for Edmund as it is for you."

"That is not funny. I can't wear that." She gave me a look and said "Yes you can. You can and you will because it's the only gown in the wardrobe." My eyes widened and I debated checking for myself but I knew it was no use. She had never lied to me before and she wouldn't start now. "That is, unless you want to wear just a shift," she added in an innocent tone.

I glared and took it out of her hands. I slipped it on over my head and although I was mortified by the flesh it showed (it stopped in the middle of my shins and had a low neckline, the tops of my breasts showing clearly), I couldn't help but caress the fabric. It was beautiful. I had never been a vain person, nor one to crave 'only the finest' but if I was or did, this gown did it better.

I turned, noting how it flowed over my subtle hips and ample chest. "It's very nice but I feel ridiculous." She laughed. "You look lovely." She stepped up to me and began taking the flowers and braids out of my hair. I shook my hair out and she looked at me. "If there's nothing else, then I guess I'll go." I didn't want her to, but I knew that I had to let her. She couldn't stay and I needed to calm down.

"I'm fine. Go," I said with a small smile. She hugged me closely and said "Breathe Julie. It's good for you." I chuckled and said "Thank you." She exited and I was left alone.

I walked to the book shelf, running my fingers lightly over the spines. Most were leather bound. Some were paper thin. There were many different kinds: new, crisp white pages, old yellowing edges, golden lettering, titles I recognized and some I didn't, sometimes because of them being in a language foreign and unfamiliar to me. I turned away from the shelf and walked across the room.

I stepped out on the balcony and looked at the view. It was warm out for this early in spring. I could see the shore line and lights of the party spilling out of the balcony below and casting shadows that danced like ghosts across the sand.

Farther out on the water, the moon, a glowing white beacon in the sky, cast it's silvery mist of light on the waves, pulsating serenely, heedless of the rest of the world. I walked to the edge of the pathway only to have it revealed to me that the balcony circled the tower. As I walked slowly around, I saw the forest, black now in just the moon light, mountains, a large city, and then the ocean once more. As I returned to my original view, I let out a small yelp.

Edmund was standing there feet apart, hands clasped behind his back, face peaceful; that is he was peaceful until my scream. He turned quickly to face me. "Julianna, are you alright," he questioned, stepping nearer me.

My hand went to my chest and felt my heart pounding. "Yes, I'm fine thank you. You merely startled me is all. I thought I was alone." He nodded. "I know the feeling. I'm sorry." "It's alright. I'll recover," I replied as I took in his apparel.

He wore soft brown pants that were not tight, but still managed to be fitted. His shirt was the exact opposite, loose fitting and white, slipping down off of his left shoulder to reveal the top part of his muscles. A light breeze ruffled his hair lazily. He really did look adorable yet still handsome.

I noticed that his gaze roamed my body, boldly apparent in my night gown. I casually crossed my arms over my chest and that seemed to break his stare. "Well, nobody expects to see either of us tonight. And I know you're tired, so would you like to go to sleep now?" My breathing stopped for a moment so I nodded and stepped towards him. He turned and let me step in first, and then he pulled the curtains closed behind him. They continued to dance as the warm air whispered through them. The dark blankets had been turned down, the fire was dim, and there was one oil burning lamp on the table with the maps, casting a dull glow.

He stepped to the side of the bed closest to the door. I sat down on the other side, the one closest to the curtains. I saw him lift his shirt off and set it on the table at the head of the bed. He wasn't dark like the Talmarains but he was nicely built. His abs were well defined, as well as his arms, but in a way that matched his slight frame.

He sat on the edge of the bed as I lifted my feet off of the ground and slid them under the covers. I pulled the blankets up as he lay down beside me, doing the same. It was awkward. I was in a stranger's bed, a stranger who had, I assumed, never had anyone in their bed before.

I rolled slightly so that I could see him. The top half of his chest was showing, his right arm behind his head, his left on top of the blankets, almost like he was reaching out to touch me but was unsure of how to proceed or whether or not I would allow him to.

My breathing sped up as I lay there in the nearly black chamber next to him. He must have seen or sensed my agitation because he said "This is new to me. And I don't want you to be afraid of me. We could just, erm… talk tonight. Unless you want to go to sleep. Or if you wanted to well, that is if you would rather…" He trailed off in an embarrassed manner.

"How old are you," I asked wanting to take some of the pressure of conversation off of him.

"I recently turned 17. At the end of the winter passed. And you?" "16, as of the fall, when the leaves just begin to change."

"I see. I love that time of year, as well as spring. Everything changes before your eyes." I nodded.

"Yes, they are lovely times. But I love all of the seasons. They each bring something good to the world."

He snorted. "Not winter. What good does it do?" I felt embarrassed and in a slight voice said "Well, the trees have a different beauty when it snows and they are frosted with icicles. And it kills off bad growth on flowers that they might be able to grow back healthier than before." He raised an eyebrow. "I've never thought of that before."

I smiled. "And you can go ice skating, you can play on the ponds. And there's Christmas." He smiled to himself. "Yes I suppose winter isn't all bad. But I still prefer other seasons." I smiled, then I yawned silently but the lack of noise didn't stop him form seeing.

"I'm sorry. I've kept you up." Before I could protest, he crossed the room and blew out the lamp. He was back in the bed in the same instant. I didn't see him as my eyes were still adjusting, the orange coals glowing in the fireplace being the only source of light, and he made no sound but I felt his presence. I tensed as it got closer, but relaxed slightly as he delicately placed a kiss on my forehead.

I lay down and faced the curtains, back to Edmund. I heard him clear his throat once and then all was silent as I and presumably he as well, drifted off into the smothering state of mind that comes with a dream.

I was aware that something was wrong. I was running up the stairs as swiftly as I could, but my legs felts heavier than the armor I was wearing. I pushed myself as hard as I could and then I saw it. I shot through the door and was immediately blinded by the bright sunlight; however I forced myself to run faster still, using my ears only until the blindness faded. I paid no attention to the motions going on around me. I ran straight through it all, ducking when I had to, jumping when I couldn't. I didn't know why I was going there but I was headed to the forest. Something was pulling me there as if by magic. But it was not a good magic…it was dark, scary magic, one that frightened me beyond all imagination.

I was breathing heavily as I dodged trees, packed densely together. And then BAM! I hit the ground hard, my lungs releasing the air they held. But that stopped me for only a moment. For some reason, this didn't seem to faze me at all. It was like I was used to it. I rolled with the hit and sprung up in the clearing, spiraling around to face the one who had hit me.

A man I did not recognize stood there with a rope. Another held a sword that I knew in a split second. I scanned the clearing for him. He was lying against a tree, hands and feet tied behind his back. His face was bloodied and bruised and I though I would be sick.

I spun back to face the man who had taken a step closer to me but it was a hesitant one. And then the unthinkable happened. The great lion stepped out of the trees and up between the two enemy men.

"What are you doing here? With them?"

"I am not with them Julianna. I am here with you." I looked around. The men had stilled, the trees didn't sway and I realized that the distant battle cries were silent.

"This isn't real is it," I asked looking for clarification. He shook his great head, mane moving only slightly.

"No, it is very real. It had just not yet come to pass. But I assure you, it is real." I looked back at Edmund, looking lifeless on the ground.

"Then does that mean he's…" I trailed off. I couldn't bring myself to say it.

"Edmund lives. He is wounded though." I faced Aslan once more. "Why are you showing me this?"

"Because it will be your job to save him, when the time comes."

"How will I know what to do when it happens?"

""You will have three choices when you again come to this moment. You may kill the men here at which point more will appear and they shall kill you both, you may stay away and allow Edmund to die, or you may come to fight, fight but do not kill, and you will be captured, but they will not harm Edmund further."

As I stared into his deep golden eyes, I knew it to be true. "Why will they not kill me if I fight only to disarm?"

"One of the two men that you face is a prince, a noble man that has his soldiers' loyalties. If you kill him, they will descend upon you faster than you would be able to react. However, if you challenge him to a duel, they will not intercede. It is against their customs. You will be able to win though."

"Well what kind of choice is that? Kill and be killed, don't kill and be taken or run like a coward and let someone else die?"

"It is not an easy task, but it will have to be your decision"

"But I can't even fight, so not coming seems to be the only option. But I can't let Edmund die," I cried throwing my hands up in exasperation.

"Peace Julianna. There is no use worrying about it. You do need to think about your options though. But this is very important. You must not discuss it with anyone; the choice must be yours and yours alone. If they intercede, it will change the entire course of events and it may not be that Edmund is the only one harmed."

I thought I would cry. I was faced with an almost impossible choice and now I had to face it completely alone. "But I can't," I cried in desperation.

"You can and you must: you will. You will know in your heart what you must do. You have a great destiny in the world and destiny always finds a way to be." And with that, he turned, retreating into the forest.

"But Aslan, Aslan wait, please," I begged. But he didn't stop and soon he ghosted completely out of sight. "Aslan," I screamed.

"Aslan won't help you now girly." I whipped around as I heard a voice. With Aslan gone, it appeared that the world had retuned to normal, leaving me alone with the two men from earlier.

The one who had spoken held his sword out and was walking towards me. "Please, no," I pleaded. "Don't worry my sweet, I'll make it quick." And with that he ran at me, sword head positioned for my throat.

I shot up in the bed, eyes still closed as I issued a blood curdling scream while awaiting the impalement that never came. I did however feel hands on my shoulders turning me to the right, shaking me slightly. I tried to fight them off until I heard the voice they belonged to.

"Julianna, are you ok? It's alright, it was a dream, you were just dreaming." Edmund was speaking to me. I opened my eyes, although it didn't make much of a difference. The black of night still blanketed the sleeping world and the dying fire had extinguished itself. I was quiet although my breathing was ragged and shallow.

"I'm alright. I'm sorry to wake you."

"It's ok. What were you dreaming about?" I remembered Aslan's words and even as I attempted to convince myself that it was only a dream, I knew better than to tell him.

"I don't remember," I lied.

"Oh, well you were talking about Aslan and that's when I woke up. And then the talking turned into screaming. I was going to wake you, but I didn't know whether or not I should."

"Really, I can't imagine what I must have been dreaming about. I don't remember it at all. But don't worry about not waking me. I'm merely sorry that I woke you." I felt his hand leave my shoulder and travel lightly over my cheek and to the top of my head. He ran his fingers delicately through my tresses, pushing them back over my shoulder.

"A few minutes of sleep are a small demand to know that you are well." He sounded so caring as he said this that I blushed at the sentiment in his words. "Thank you," I mumbled as I lay back down. I rested closer to him, close enough to feel his body's heat.

Suddenly his hand rested on my stomach, arm on my side. I knew it to be a caring gesture, so I eased back a few inches, allowing my back to touch his bare chest. He was warm and I realized how cold I was, but I still felt awkward to be touching him in any way other than formal. Even now, I was feeling like it was wrong to be this close so soon. However, it was a kind thing he was doing so I didn't pull away. I fell asleep like that and did not dream of dying or Aslan again.

Ok, so there's chapter three. I promise it will get better. I just need to set things up. And I know that in movies it doesn't really matter how unfamiliar Kings and Queens are on their wedding night, they seal the deal. But this seemed like the kind of thing that Edmund would do. I'll update again soon. Hope you liked it. Don't forget to read and review.