"How will you be able to be with your mate looking like that? Who would want you?" she mused with a nasty smirk as my hand tightened on my sword hilt and father let out a loud roar. I closed my eyes and lowered my head as I listened to them speak.
"So then you know that, every traitor belongs to me." she said in a cocky tone causing my eyes to snap open.
"His blood is my property." she added. I snarled at her, reaching for my sword as I moved over to stand in front of Ed with Peter as he drew his own sword.
"Try and take him." "Seal your own death here witch" we growled.
"You dare to impede me of my right, Little king and queen?" she asked, giving us a bored look.
"You know what happens if I do not get my blood." the witch hissed, turning to look at our army.
"All of Narnia, will be overturned! And perish in fire and water! That boy! Will die! On the stone table." she ordered, turning to glare at us, her wand pointed at Edmund.
"As is tradition." Jadis added softly before turning to look at father.
"You dare not refuse me." the woman hissed.
"Enough. I will talk with you alone." father growled. I gave Edmund a reassuring look before walking to the tent and sitting down outside the flap, my sword laying across my lap as I stared at the army.
After an hour of silence I heard Jadis approach the flap and quickly stood, moving aside a she exited. The witch gave me a slight glare before walking back to her minions. Everyone stood and waited for the announcement on whether we would turn the prince over or not.
"She has renounced her claim on the Son of Adam's blood." he called, everyone relaxing at this.
"How do I know your promise will be kept?" the witch asked, glaring at father as she stood on the platform that held her chair. Father simply roared, causing her to sit down in shock as our troops cheered. I smiled in relief before looking at my father to see his sad eyes ghosting over everyone.
"Father?" I asked softly, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"I must speak with you alone, little one." he replied, slowly walking back into the tent. I furrowed my brow at this and slowly followed him.
"What is it father? What did the witch speak of when she said promise?" I asked sitting down in front of him.
"Little one, she only renounced her claim on Edmund when I offered my blood in his stead." my eyes widened in shock as I realized what he meant.
"F-Father! You cannot do this! What about this battle?! How are we to fight without you?" I asked, leaping to my feet.
"Little one, please understand I am doing this for the better good of everyone. Peter will lead the army, with you by his side to help him." father replied calmly.
"No! No! I will not stand for this! She cannot do this-" "Enough!" father roared, causing me to freeze in shock once again, he had never once in my life raised his voice at me in anger or in fear.
"What's done is done." he told me gently.
"Sir." I replied bowing stiffly before exiting the tent quickly, tears gathering in my eyes from fear and anger.
As I exited the tent I heard no movement from the army and knew they were just as shocked as I was that he had roared at me like that. I turned from the army and simply walked briskly to my tent. I sighed softly as I sat on my bed, my head in my hands as I pushed back the tears of anger and distress. The tugging at my heart was stronger now, due to my heightened emotions but I ignored it, trying to block it out before someone entered my tent, slowly walking to me.
"Dalia?" a voice asked. I jumped slightly and looked up to see Peter standing next to me. I nodded at him before returning my face to my hands, the pull stronger even to the point it was abet painful as it tried to get me to lean into Peter as he sat beside me.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, resting a hand on my shoulder.
"No. but is anyone really 'okay' right now?" I muttered, not moving away or closer to the boy.
I felt Peter shift slightly before he gently tugged me to his side and rapped his arms around me, trying to offer me as much comfort as he could. The tugging in my chest abruptly stopped and the warm feeling flooded me again as I gave in and relaxed, letting Peter hold me as tears silent began to fall down my cheeks. After a while I dozed off against the young king and when I woke, it was just growing dark outside and Peter was gone, the spot next to me warm, signaling he must have just left. I slowly sat up and rubbed my eyes before hearing the heavy yet gentle footfalls coming closer to my tent before stopping outside.
"Dalia?" my father asked as he stepped inside.
"My King?" I replied in a even tone as I stood and bowed.
"Please Dalia. Do not block me out tonight." father begged gently. I stared at him for a moment before seeing the sadness in his eyes. I slowly walked over to him and threw my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"Please don't do this. Don't give in to her." I begged.
"I am sorry little one, but I cannot stand by and let her kill and innocent boy. Especially when he is to be a king of Narnia. I cannot allow Jadis to create another tear in my people. I trust you to look after them, to help them. To lead them. You are my daughter. And tonight, I name you a Queen. You will rule along side the others as High Queen. Accept my blessing, my dear daughter." I felt tears well up in my eyes as he held out a small crown, made with dainty looking silver and gold strands and a single golden jewel that fell to hang down on my forehead. I felt tears gather in my eyes as I knelt down and felt father placed the crown on top of my head.
"I will try to be a worthy successor to you father." I whispered, my voice cracking as I hugged him once again.
"I know you will be a great Queen." father replied as he pulled away.
"Its time for you to go. Isn't it?" I asked. He simply nodded.
"Would you like me to accompany you?" I asked again.
"No little one. I do not want you to see this. Please stay here. Stay safe." he requested gently before lightly bumping his head against mine, turning, and leaving my tent. I felt more tears gather and turned, throwing myself onto my bed as I sobbed softly, knowing that was the last time I would see my father as I cried myself to sleep.
When I woke up the army was already moving around outside. I slowly pulled myself of the bed and winced when I caught sight of my reflection, my eyes a bit swollen and my face stained from crying. I sighed and quietly cleaned up, making myself look as presentable as possible before leaving my tent. I soon found Edmund and Orious standing outside father's tent, worried looks on their faces before Peter walked out, looking very troubled.
"They're right. He's gone." he mumbled. I stiffened and lowered my head, pushing back my tears before taking a deep breath.
"The war starts tomorrow. Its the Summer Solstice. It is the day we decide who is rightful ruler of Narnia and if we will descend back into darkness or if we will enter the time of prosperity my father spoke of. We need to plan the army positions for tomorrow." I voiced, the three men turning to look at me.
"I will tell the fauns to get the map of the valley out with a table for you to look at, my Queen." Orious replied with a bow as he took in the crown atop my head. I nodded back to him in thanks with a small bow.