Carlotta curtsied deeply in the proper fashion before raising her head to look at the thrones. Bright sunlight flooded through the large window in front of her, casting a halo on the four men and women in front of her. They looked almost ethereal in that light. Some would say they even looked.. blessed. Carlotta lowered her eyes to stare nervously at the floor.
A silence settled over the room as the four appraised Carlotta as she stood before them. She was still blinded by the painful sunlight but as her eyes adjusted she felt the weight of the careful stare. Carlotta knew that she was not only representing herself, but her proud nation too. With this knowledge in hand, Carlotta raised her head, meeting the blue eyes of the man in the centre left throne. This man then spoke with a great commanding voice "Your Highness. We, the Kings and Queens of Narnia, welcome you to Cair Paravel and to our kingdom."
Ahh. That must be Peter. Formal. Confident. Magnificent. Every inch a true king.
"I am happy to be here with all of you." Carlotta hoped that she sounded sincere despite the fact that her stomach was sickening for home.
Once formal introductions were over, the four kings and queens stepped from the dais, rushing to reach the newcomer.
"Hi! I'm Lucy!" exclaimed the smallest of the four, with a jaunty wave. She was around Carlotta's age and looked it to. Her face hadn't quite lost they round face of childhood and the scattering of freckles over her shapely nose added to her youthful appearance. Despite this, Lucy Pevensie's aura and position demanded respect. Carlotta however was too tired and cold to respond properly to Lucy's enthusiasm, instead choosing to incline her head and mutter "Carlotta". Again she hoped that her demeanour came off as shy rather than rude, but she really was very tired.
"What a beautiful dress!" The other young Queen, Susan, said in awe. The other Pevensie girl was clearly a woman, and a beautiful one at that. Her own dress was draped delicately over her slim frame with finesse.
"Thank you." Carlotta replied, giving Susan a small smile.
"Navy blue, the royal colours of your country I assume?" "Yes, Your Highness" like her sister; Susan commanded a certain attention. It was clear that the Gentle Queen was not someone you could ignore.
"Oh, Susan, please" waved Susan blasély with a smile.
She was sharply elbowed out the way by her older brother. "Your Royal Highness! It is truly a great pleasure to have you here. It is not often we are visited by other royalty!" announced Peter loudly, grasping her right hand and kissing the knuckles. Carlotta blushed and stepped back, pulling her hand out of his grasp.
"The honour is all mine, My Lord. Although I have seen very little, your country is certainly a beautiful one."
"My lady! Your hand is like ice! You walked here? I could easily have sent my royal carriage!" Carlotta blushed again and mumbled her reply. She cursed herself, marrying Peter Pevensie would certainly ensure Narnia's support should her kingdom find itself in trouble. Carlotta cleared her throat. "Erm, yes. I wanted to..see the people. I feel like walking among them is the best way to do that. Letting your populace see you is an important part of being a royal. And I guess I, er, misjudged the temperature.."
She smiled awkwardly as the High King roared with laughter. "Well here, my princess!" Peter declared, pulling his purple cloak from his shoulders with great show and wrapping it around Carlotta's shivering body. She smiled gratefully at the gesture, pulling the cloak further in, welcoming the feel of the soft velvet and fur. Percy reached down and took Carlotta's hand, the one that had not been swallowed by the too big cloak. "Come, gracious lady." he proclaimed, leading her to the doors she had just come through. "I will show you where you are to stay during your visit."
The pair strode on and just before they left, Carlotta glanced back. She realised that Edmund Pevensie, the Just King, had hung back. His dark eyes were following the pair as they left the room. Their gaze locked as Peter led her round the corner and away from the throne room.
Hey Everyone,
Here you are! Finally Lotta meets the Pevensies :)
But why is Peter so friendly with Lotta and Edmund so..not?
Writer for God – I felt like, as visiting royalty, Lotta would have to be presented to the ruling monarchs formally, not like at a ball or whatever. I hope you liked this better than an "in the crowd" thing. Also thank you so much for your second review I really appreciate your fabulous feedback
See ya later
Anna xx
