The flames of the fireplace flickered and Amelia appeared to be lost in thought, abandoning her book about the White Witch. Nearly three days had past since the kiss in the snow, and now Narnia was covered in white. Despite how happy she was here, Amelia couldn't help but wonder what was happening back in London.
She wondered if anyone had even noticed her absence. Surely Jimmy would have replaced her by now, but someone must have tried to look for her. She remembered what Jimmy had said and felt a little more at ease. He was right; she had nothing to go back to.
Caspian was extremely busy with making sure his subjects were prepared for winter, managing how much food and supplies the people would need. He deeply wanted to be with Amelia, but he understood that the people of Narnia must be his first priority. Amelia understood this as well, and was not offended at all by the King's absence. An entire week passed before they were able to really talk to each other.
She had been carrying a rather large pile of books and scrolls down the hall back to the library when Caspian offered to assist her. She handed him half of the stack and they journeyed through the palace to the library. The fat white flakes slowly fell from the sky, creating a blanket of snow over Narnia.
Amelia had taken a few trips to the village and, despite the cold weather, the people were jolly and full of life. The castle was decorated with reds and greens, the halls always smelling of baked goods.
"Does Narnia celebrate Christmas?" Amelia wondered, examining the large tree being put up in the corner of the library.
"Definitely." Caspian grinned. "My uncle thought it was ridiculous, but I love it."
"It was always my favorite time of year back in London. The lights, the decorations… the family. "Amelia's thoughts floated off into memory. She remembered the tree her and her father would decorate with bulbs and stars. Caspian looked down at the floor, feeling foolish for being so nervous. He was the king of an entire country! How could he have let his nerves be scrambled over this wonderful girl?
"Amelia, I have been meaning to speak with you…" He chuckled at his own foolishness.
"And I with you." Amelia lead him over to a pile of notes. "I know how busy you've been, but I have a few questions about The War of Deliverance, more specifically your role with King Peter." She started to ramble on with details, as she often did, her words running together in her quick speech. Caspian was afraid she'd run out of breath before he had the chance to speak.
"Amelia." He interrupted. She watched, waiting for him to say something as he fumble for words. He took a deep breath. "Ever since I became king, I've made it a tradition to host a celebration for Christmas; a ball."
"How lovely!" she exclaimed.
"Yes it is." He paused, glancing over at the tree again before letting his gaze returned to her bright, curious eyes. "Anyway, I was wondering, hoping really, if you would like to accompany me to the ball?"
Amelia seemed stunned for a moment, before a wide, beautiful grin spread across her face. As always her happiness was contagious and Caspian's face lit up with a smile.
"That would be… fantastic." Amelia finally said. "I would love to." The pair stood there, looking at each other with joyous expressions for a while before Caspian remembered Amelia's previous questions.
"You were saying something about King Peter?"
"Yes! I was just wondering…" She asked many questions that he answered in as much detail that he could. He couldn't help but find her pure curiosity and desire to understand extremely attractive.
Whenever they were together, the minutes bled into hours, which blurred into days. The palace staff grew a custom to seeing the king and his new companion. They genuinely began to adore Amelia and her quirky personality. She was always kind to them and never raise her voice at anyone.
Besides Caspian, Amelia spent a lot of time with Reepicheep. He always had a delightful story of his adventures to tell, including that of his tail. After being wounded fighting the Telmarines, his tail had been cut off. His fellow mice brought him to the Lion Aslan and offered to cut off their own for their leader. Instead, Aslan provided Reepicheep with a new tail, one his has been very proud ever since. Besides the stories, she enjoyed the company of the charismatic mouse.
As the days went by, the castle transformed, even more red and green lining the hallways. Amelia often asked if she could help decorate and the maids were excited to ask her about her time with the king. She never gave them many details or indications that she fancied him, but the way she looked at him was all they needed to know that Amelia had feelings for King Caspian. Soon she was the gossip of the castle.
The night of Christmas Eve came quickly and the palace was buzzing with life. Servants were setting up for the ball and Caspian wanted to make sure everything was perfect. The halls looked festive, but it was the ballroom that looked truly magnificent. Icicle chandeliers hung from the ceiling and a giant evergreen tree occupied the far right hand corner, presents already over flowing underneath from servant to servant.
Those who worked during the day slowly made their way to their quarters, including Caspian. Butt he wasn't the slightest bit tired so he decided to go on a little adventure around the castle. Not entirely sure what had come over him, but enjoying it nonetheless, he thought that someone else would enjoy this childish endeavor.
Amelia had just settled in for the night when she heard the knock at the door. She sighed, thinking it was Mrs. Ashbey, who she had dismissed for the holiday to spend time with her family. She stood, wrapping a robe around her as she walked to the door.
"Mrs. Ashbey, I told you, I am perfectly capable-oh." When she opened the door, it was not her loyal maid standing before her. Instead, looking incredibly mischievous with a gleam in his eyes and a small smile on his lips, was Caspian.
"I hate to disturb you at this hour, but I am unable to sleep and I had an idea."
"And what is your fine idea that brings you here Caspian?" He took her hands and pulled her into the hallway. He leaned towards her, his smile becoming a smirk.
"A surprise." He whispered. She raised a eyebrow in curiosity. He lightly tugged her away from her room. "Follow me." He gripped her hand and took off down the corridor, Amelia momentarily trailing helplessly behind him. Once her shock faded, she was able to keep up with his pace unable to stop the giggles as they sped around corners and when she nearly tripped on an upturned rug.
"Caspian!' She called over her breathlessness. "Where are we going?"
"I told you, it's a surprise!" They continued running until Caspian stopped abruptly, pulling Amelia into a recess in the wall. Because he had stopped so suddenly, Amelia collided into him, latching onto his shirt to keep from falling. Since the opening was so small, they were pressed together, faces not even an inch apart. She opened her mouth to speak but he put a finger to her lips, listening for the servants he had heard to pass by. When he was sure they were gone, he brought his finger away, allowing her to talk.
"Why are we hiding?" She barely spoke above a whisper.
"It makes it all the more exciting, doesn't it?" He grinned, looking slightly mad. She had never seen Caspian act this way and she didn't know what to make of it. He took her hand once again and kept running until they reached the kitchen. Once inside, Caspian spotted a platter of ginger snaps on the table. He grabbed one, taking a rather large bite and handed another to Amelia.
"Is this the surprise?" She asked, nibbling on the edges of the cookie.
"Of course not. I just thought you might be hungry."
"What brought on this mysteriously giddy mood Caspian?" She smiled, his mood starting to rub off on her.
"I'm not entirely sure." He shrugged. "Perhaps it's the Christmas spirit." His smirk spread into a youthful grin and Amelia's light ringing laugh made him even more joyous. When they had eaten cookies to their heart's content, they continued Caspian's little adventure around the hour was drawing close to midnight as they reached the playful journey's end. Caspian quietly opened the door to the ballroom and the two slipped inside. Amelia gasped, looking at the beautiful room before her.
"Wonderful isn't it?" Caspian said, watching the light sparkle in her brown eyes. "And that's not even what I wanted to show you. Come." They went down the grand staircase and Caspian brought her to the large evergreen.
"Caspian, are you saying we should open our presents early?" Amelia scolded teasingly.
"Technically it is midnight." He corrected as the grand clock chimed. "Therefor we will be breaking no Christmas law tonight." He picked up a long, narrow box and held it for a moment, as if hesitating, before handing to her.
"Well now I feel awful." She whined. "For I left your gift in my room."
"That's alright. There's a ceremony during the ball tomorrow so you can deliver it then. I imagine the others will have gifts for you, but I am selfish and wanted you to open mine first." They laughed and she carefully untied the bow on the present. Caspian took a deep breath in anticipation for her reaction. She lifted the lid, revealing a silver rapier, with a handle decorated with red jewels.
"Caspian… it's beautiful." She carefully lifted the sword, examining the blade carefully. In the metal handle, there seemed to be an engraving.
"May your words never falter and your sword be quick. May your mind soar to the heavenly sky and may your heart forever be caught in the snares of love." Caspian recited.
"This is… thank you." She couldn't even begin to find the right way to say how much she appreciated the gift.
"It's a quote from your father's book, right?"
"Yes it is." She sighed happily. "It's my favorite. How did you know?"
"I have a few spies around the palace." He said suavely.
"Oh I'm sure." She tried to stay serious, but she couldn't stop a giggle from escaping her lips as he wiggled his eyebrows.
"I had your maid steal your father's book for me." He admitted.
"You stole my book?" She exclaimed.
"I made sure to return it." He lifted his hands to shield himself from the box she threw at him. "I'm the King, I could have you arrested for that!" He laughed.
"But it's Christmas!" She playfully pouted her lips and raise her blade, getting used the weight and length quickly.
"Opening presents early, your Majesty?" A deep, jolly voice said from behind them. Amelia's jaw dropped, looking at the man before her. He had a long white beard and a red cloak.
"F-Father Christmas?" She stuttered. He chuckled merrily. "But, you're a myth."
"Your world has lost its belief in me, faith belonging only to the children." He sighed. "But you seem surprised. Your father believed in me, did he not?"
"My father believed in everything."
"An admirable quality in your world, for a man who believes is one who truly sees." he set down the sack he carried and pulled out a scroll, handing it to Caspian. "You will need this for your journey." Unraveling the parchment, he saw it was a map.
"Thank you."
"And for you Amelia." He held a gold locket, the image of a willow tree engraved on the front. "Your father meant to give it to you. It meant a great deal to him that you should have it." He gave it to her and swung the sack over his shoulder. "As for the servers, you'll find that all remaining preparations for tomorrow's celebration have been taken care of. Merry Christmas!" He turned and left the two of them beaming in front of the tree.
Amelia opened the locket and smiled. Inside was a picture of a smiling woman holding a baby. It was her mother.
"Here, allow me." Caspian offered. She handed him the chain and he undid the small metal clasp, draping the chain around her neck before fascination it. She stared at it for a moment before meeting his gaze. Their eyes remained locked on each other and they each leaned in, getting closer and closer until- the sound of scurrying footsteps interrupted them. They quickly stepped apart, both awkwardly looking at the ground."
"Oh- my sincerest apologies your Majesty." Reepicheep bowed and shifted back to the stairs. "I was just checking to make sure no one was trying to steal gifts or anything. Merry Christmas." He sprinted up the railing. Caspian sighed, his shoulders shaking with quiet snickers. Amelia's face turned as red as the holly hanging on the walls, but she too had a smile teasing at her lips.
"I suppose I should let you get back to your room." he stepped toward her, offering his arm.
"Yes, I supposed I should be getting some rest before tomorrow." She took his hand instead. As they walked back to the western third floor, everything seemed brighter. Every color was more vibrant, every smell sweeter. Both Amelia and Caspian felt nothing by complete and utter bliss.
Caspian's heart practically leapt out of his chest whenever she looked at him and Amelia couldn't think straight when he smiled. They were both disappointed that the night had to end as the reached her room.
"This is my stop." Amelia sighed. "Tonight was amazing." She stepped into her room but turned back. She mustered up every ounce of boldness she could and grabbed the collar of Caspian's shirt, colliding her lips into his.
Caspian's breath caught in his chest, his eyes wide with surprise. After he could finally realize what was happening, he closed his eyes, lifting his hand to rest behind her head as their lips moved together. But the kiss ended just as quickly and suddenly as it had begun.
"Goodnight." Amelia gasped before closing the door. This was the second time she had left him speechless and alone after an unexpected kiss. Back in London, they would say she was being 'hard to get', but she honestly was at the mercy of her nerves. Where they took her, she went. She Was so afraid to see his face, to see his expression. What she didn't know was the every time they touched, Caspian was every bit as nervous as she was. It was if there were a thousand pixies flying around his insides. It felt like he was a boy again, all knobby knees and big eyes every time he saw her.
Amelia had to wait until her heart settled to a normal pace before she even tried to fall asleep. Caspian wandered around aimlessly before eventually going back to his quarters and falling in a deep wonderful sleep filled with dreams of the girl with a book in her hand and ideas in her head.
Morning brought the buzz of excitement and anticipation. Amelia stayed in bed for almost an hour after waking up, basking in the memory of the night before. She kept glancing at the rapier, which was laying on the large chest at the foot of the bed, very tempted to test it against one of her pillows. She spent most of the morning sneaking to the kitchen for hot chocolate and wishing all of the staff a Merry Christmas.
Mrs. Ashby arrived in the afternoon after having a lovely morning with her family. Although Amelia wished she would take the whole day off, Mrs. Ashbey insisted on helping her prepare for the ball, starting with spa-like bath with bubbles and peppermint oils. The two chatted happily about how Amelia was enjoying staying at the palace, and more importantly, how she was enjoying the company of King Caspian. Because Amelia thought the older woman had become a mother figure to her, and since she simply couldn't keep it locked inside any longer, she told Mrs. Ashbey about the two kisses she and Caspian had shared.
"You what?" She exclaimed. Amelia shushed her with a giggle. She bit her lip and nodded rapidly. "Well," Mrs. Ashbey nudged her arm, eyebrows raised, "how was it." Amelia sighed dreamily.
"Completely wonderful. He's just…" her voice trailed off. She laughed at her school girl silliness.
"He's definitely the handsomest king we've had." She handed her a towel and a robe and prepared the vanity with an array of jewelry for her to choose from.
"Well I can't argue with that." Amelia sat down in front of the vanity while Mrs. Ashbey ran her fingers through Amelia's hair, trying to decided what style would be best. They continued speaking of life and love while they figured out how her hair would be worn, ending with a braided crown with curls cascading down her neck. As for accessories, a band of golden metal roses was placed behind the braid and she wore the locket given by her father.
"Now if I could only decide what to wear." Amelia opened the wardrobe but Mrs. Ashbey held up a magnificent gown. Amelia admired the crimson fabric. "This is beautiful."
"I thought it would make a good gift. Well go ahead, put it on. I need to see my work." Amelia captured the older woman in a hug before trying on the dress.
People from all over Narnia and surrounding countries began to arrive at the kingdom. Caspian greeted them with a smile despite the nerves stirring in his chest. Of the few years of this tradition he figured he should be used to the amount of people. But tonight was different. Tonight he wouldn't be hassled by the daughters of powerful men in hopes of courting him. Tonight he would be with her. He would be able to present her as the woman he… well he truthfully had no idea how to describe the feelings he held for Amelia, for it was nothing like the boyish crush he had had for Queen Susan.
Of course, until Amelia arrived, there was no escaping the lovely, but insufferable woman who wished for the crown. He forced a smile and kissed the hand of the Duke of Galma's daughter. Standing in the middle of the ball room, he attempted to have conversation with her, but she only seem interested in flirting.
"So your Majesty, I have heard that you've constructed a new ship. Do you have any travels planned?" She asked with a seductive tone in her voice.
"I am not a liberty to say." He politely tried to dissuade her flirtatious efforts. "How is Galma? I haven't been for so long."
"Perhaps you'll have to visit." She bit her lip and started on about how wonderful Galma is in the summer. Caspian looked around until his gaze landed on top of the stairs, his jaw dropping. Amelia stood, searching the room, trying to find Caspian in the crowd of what seemed to be hundreds of people.
"Will you excuse me?" Caspian cut off the Duke's' daughter and moved quickly up the stairs.
"There you are." Amelia sighed with relief. Caspian approached her breathlessly, mouth still gaping in shock. "What?"
"Y-you look… stunning." He gasped and blush painted Amelia's cheeks. "Really, I mean… wow."
"Well you don't look too bad yourself." She noticed his fine black dress robes. She took his arm and the two faced the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Caspian announced, "let the holiday festivities commence!" The orchestra began to play, but the people waited as the king came down the stairs with the beautiful mystery girl and began the first dance.
This waltz was different than when they danced in the courtyard. It had more purpose and direction. Every move was bolder and Amelia felt as if they were floating as they glided across the floor. The song ended and switched to one that was slower. Amelia picked something from a fold in her dress. She presented it to Caspian.
"What's this?"
"I guess I selfishly wanted you to have my gift first as well." He examined the small object carefully. "It's a compass, for the journey Father Christmas mentioned. It was my father's." Caspian placed the compass in his pocket and smiled.
"Thank you." the song picked up again and they weaved through other dancing couples, not noticing the stares they were getting. "Speaking of that journey, I was thinking you may like to come with me. I'm sure your talents would be very much appreciated aboard the Dawn Treader. Of course, it would not always be glamorous. Time as sea can be difficult and-"
"Yes." She interrupted. "I'd love to go. I want to see more of this world and I want to be with you." Caspian's smile broadened.
"Great." He chuckled. "We'll begin the voyage this spring. I'll make preparations for you tomorrow." They danced happily and Amelia laughed, looking around the decorated room.
"I feel like I'm in Dicken's book." She noted.
"Who?" Caspian cocked his head still grinning wildly. Amelia beamed.
"Nevermind."
I'm so sorry! I know it has been a while, but I hope that this one is worth it. I've gotten off my writing schedule-thing so I'm going to try and get caught up before I post again. Again, I'm sorry but I really hope you all enjoy this one, I had so much fun writing it. And for those of you who have been waiting... the Voyage of the Dawn Treader will begin in Chapter Five!