Perhaps it had been the tiring journey, or perhaps it was really just the majesty of the view. Either way, Cair Paravel was a magnificent structure, one that could almost make you cry out of sheer awe. High ivory walls guarded the city, and every road was paved with smooth stone. The kingdom, with its towers and turrets, large windows and spires, was a sight to behold. Around it sprung tall trees and sprawling gardens of every imaginable color. The peninsula on which it stood had white-blue waves crashing around it. Everything was heartbreakingly picturesque, and I gasped quietly as it came into full view.
Aaliyah, who lacked the intense capacity to appreciate such a scene, stopped her horse (as she rode ahead of us) and turned to me.
"What's the matter? Are you all right?" She demanded, her eyes wild – perhaps not out of concern for me as much as it was the hope that something had gone terribly wrong and we'd have to go all the way back to Archenland. She had spent the earlier part of the ride complaining loudly, the mid part of it grumbling, and the latter part of it in silence – perhaps contemplating the best way she could make her escape, or just saving her breath for worse purposes.
"Nothing's the matter," I replied.
"Then why did you gasp?"
"Because Cair Paravel is so beautiful," I explained, though I thought this should be evident enough.
"Oh. Well. That seems an unreasonable thing to gasp about. But if you must, then…" She trailed off, then continued on the road, her head held high. Caleb rode up to my side, a smirk playing on his lips.
"How long until she breaks, do you think?"
"What?" I asked, appalled.
"I'll bet you on it," He continued, watching my sister with wary eyes.
"I'm not going to bet on anything, Caleb; that would be an absurd waste of very valuable money. Furthermore, you should be supportive of Aaliyah, not trying to calculate when she'll snap and let loose all of her hellish rage."
"Alright. But considering the odds, I'd say that there's not too much to calculate."
I ignored this last jibe – still, Caleb who apparently found himself uncannily witty, chuckled under his breath the entire ride up to the grand entrance of Cair Paravel. A handful of stablemen and guards met us as we arrived, graciously offering to lead our horses to the stables. Aaliyah looked absolutely crestfallen, having to part with what could possibly the fastest means of escape, and even shot the stableboy leading her steed away a dark look that seemed to frighten him greatly. After this was done, we were led into the foyer, which was a great sight in itself. It seemed that majority of, if not the entire castle had been built with the finest white marble, and livened with the richest of décor.
"Oh, head's up, you two; old man walking our way rather quickly," Aaliyah hissed – we both looked up to see a finely dressed, elderly man striding purposefully over to us. With his right hand, he scratched the thin, white patch of stubble on his chin, as though in deep thought – or, perhaps, in the middle of a bad skin rash.
"Ah! A pleasure it is to have you in our humble kingdom, Prince and Princesses!" He exclaimed, clapping his hands together in obvious delight. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Brinn of the Council of Narnia, and of his High King."
At the sudden arrival of the Lord Brinn, we were rendered speechless. It was difficult to determine why – perhaps we were just too tired from the travel to respond properly. But Lord Brinn seemed expectant, awaiting our reply. Caleb seemed to come out of a deep, rather long stupor, closing his mouth, which had been slightly agape.
"Oh – yes, right. Er – yes. My name is Caleb, Prince of Archenland," He stuttered, rather caught off guard at being brought out of his trance so abruptly. After a sharp nudge from me, he added, "Oh, and yes. These are my sisters. Aaliyah and Victoria. Princesses, and all that."
"How eloquent of you, Caleb," I sighed, and he shrugged, like he couldn't help it.
"Wonderful, wonderful! Twins, I see. Which one is the bride? Very, very good to meet you, Princess; wonderful," He grasped my hand and brought it to his lips.
"Thank you, my Lord – however, I fear you are mistaken. Allow me to introduce my sister, Princess Aaliyah." I brought Aaliyah forward, who didn't look at all pleased. She seemed to have been hoping that she could just slip into the background unnoticed.
"Oh, yes, of course! How silly of me – Princess, an honor," He repeated his actions with her hand, though she received the gesture gracelessly – a surly look was plastered upon her face. "I hope your travels were well? Ah, but you must be tired – please show the Prince and Princesses to their rooms! We will call upon you later, your Majesties, if you please. For now, do make yourself at home – we extend our hospitality, that you may find your stay in Cair Paravel comfortable and pleasurable."
"Thank you, Lord Brinn," I gave a short curtsy, and Caleb bowed his thanks. It took a prompting, but Aaliyah managed an unhappy curtsy as well.
Two handmaidens bowed low before us, and gestured for us to follow them, while other servants hoisted up our embarrassingly heavy things, tucking our bags under their arms. All went quietly until we reached an intersection.
"Master Caleb, if you would follow me, please," The young handmaiden squeaked as Caleb began to turn right with us, into the east wing. He looked confused.
"Sorry?"
"Your quarters are down the west wing, sire."
"Oh." He blinked a couple of times, trying to let this information sink in. "Well – then, see you both. Don't have too much fun without me."
Looking rather disappointed at once again being isolated, Caleb trudged after the handmaiden, down the west wing. Aaliyah's face darkened considerably, and it was a relief when we arrived at our chambers – I don't think I could have stood her sulky expression for another minute, for fear of her bursting out into a fit of rage and humiliating all of us on our first day in Narnia.
The moment the handmaiden gave a low curtsy and backed out of the room, Aaliyah groaned and flopped herself upon the mattress of the bed. She lay quite still, not giving any sign that she would be moving any time soon. Patiently, I began to unpack, first her things, then mine. I placed everything in order, having a bit of a soliloquy as I did so, knowing she would begin wondering what I had done to her things in a day's time.
"And your jewelry box is on the dres – Aaliyah!" I stopped dead, paling at the sight of a sword hilt sticking out of her luggage. "What would possess you to bring a sword to Cair Paravel?"
"The desire to continue my training at any venue," She mumbled, her voice muffled. "Or will the High King deny me that right as well?"
"Oh, but we don't know how things work at his court, Aaliyah," I wrung my hands, vexed. Gingerly, as though it would begin to slice the air on its own, I picked up the sword, wrinkling my nose.
"We'd better have this hidden in a safe place. Really, though, Aaliyah. Can't you be a bit more practical about these things?"
"Just shove it in the wardrobe, it's not a big deal," She sighed, turning over onto her back.
"It is a big deal! It is a humongous deal," I argued, faint with worry.
"Well! Victoria, has Aaliyah finally convinced you to join her in the madness of her battle training? Or have you just taken a nice fancy to decorating your chambers with weaponry?" A new voice joined us, amused.
"Oh, Caleb – good, won't you keep this with you? It'll look less suspicious," I thrust the thing towards him, feeling a little sick. "Heaven knows what'll go around if the handmaidens clean and find this lying around a lady's chambers."
"Can't imagine what you would need a sword for here, though, Aaliyah," Caleb smirked, grasping it firmly. "Don't worry, it'll be safe with me."
"And where've they dumped you, then?" Aaliyah demanded, still staring intently at the ceiling.
"About ten doors into the west wing's main corridor. From what I understand, I've been placed in honorary chambers. I sincerely hope you envy me."
"And why would we envy your evident solitude?" Aaliyah snapped.
"Because from what I hear, I'm just around fifteen paces away from the young King's chambers. And perhaps another ten from that are the High King's chambers. I expect by tomorrow, we'll be the best of friends, jousting and all those other kingly things they do here in Narnia, whatever they may be."
"Oh, yes, I'm practically emerald with jealousy," She rolled her eyes. "I have no interest in being near the High King. In fact, the farther my quarters from his, the better."
"Keep it down, will you?" Caleb reprimanded her. "Why don't you just run around shrieking your hatred for the High King, then?"
"It's improper," She replied simply. Caleb could do nothing in his incredulity but roll his eyes pointedly.
At this moment, a handmaiden chose to appear, looking slightly breathless. We all turned to her, questioning.
"Forgive me, your Majesties. The Kings and Queens request your presence in their throne room, if it would please you," She said, panting a little.
"Thank you," I replied kindly. "Please inform their Majesties that we will arrive shortly."
"Yes, Princess," She whispered, then darted off.
"Maybe you two will. I rather fancy staying here." Aaliyah shifted in her position, looking supremely unconcerned.
"We've been summoned, Aaliyah. We have to go."
"She said they said if it would please me. It doesn't please me at all, so I don't think I'll be joining you. Do send the High King my regards, won't you?"
I planted my hands on my hips. "Aaliyah."
"All right, all right. I was only joking."
We paused for a moment outside the throne room, and I turned to Aaliyah, who looked pained beyond words. I touched her shoulder, and she flinched, as though I had burned her.
"It will be all right," I promised.
"All right, if you say so," She sighed. "But I won't speak, you know I'm rubbish at talking nicely. Could you do it for me?"
"I'll do my best. But you'll have to look a bit more enthusiastic than you do now, Aaliyah."
"But I'm really not enthusiastic," She complained.
"Then just try to look a bit more pleasant – please?" I begged. "You look as though you're about to execute the High King."
"Oh, good Lord. Don't bring that up. It'll plant such horrible thoughts in my head, and I can't have that. I'm in a horrid mood as it is." She grimaced.
"Smile just a little. If you can't manage it, then just look attentive," I smoothed out the creases on her skirt, and she attempted to lift her lips into a short, slightly forced smile. "That'll do."
"If you two are done clucking nonsense, there are people waiting for us," Caleb reminded.
The guards on either side of the entrance pushed the doors open, and we were greeted with the grandiose sight of the throne room of Cair Paravel. A large, polished marble floor spread to great measures, broken only by towering pillars that held up a high ceiling, lined with rich velvet curtains. Far back into the hall was a marble platform, on which sat four gold gilded thrones. Each were occupied, and the Kings and Queens stood in tandem as we ventured into the hall.
Lord Brinn appeared, taking his place at the bottom step of the platform and gesturing at each member of the royal family. "It pleases me greatly to introduce to the Kings and Queens of Narnia, the royal children of King Edward of Archenland – Prince and Princesses of the kingdom, Master Caleb, and his sisters, Lady Aaliyah, and Lady Victoria."
To my relief, Aaliyah curtsied as I did, though hers went along a little wobbly. No one else seemed to notice, though.
"Your Majesties, I speak for all of my siblings, and for my father as well, when I say that we are truly humbled to be in your presences, and truly grateful for your welcoming us into your fine kingdom," I said, keeping my eyes o the floor.
"And let me introduce the royal family of Cair Paravel," Lord Brinn continued. "Her Majesty, Queen Lucy the Valiant."
Queen Lucy was not what I had expected; though what I had expected, I did not specifically know. Whatever it may have been, it certainly was not a lovely, chestnut-haired child, with rosy cheeks and eyes like the brightest blue star. She must have been thirteen, fourteen at the most, only beginning her adolescent years. With an air of enthusiasm, she descended the marble platform and offered us all kisses on the cheek – even Caleb, who looked particularly shocked at this outgoing gesture.
"How lovely, to have you all in our court. I hope you all have a wonderful stay here," She clapped her hands together, nodded at the three of us, then returned to her throne.
"Her Majesty, Queen Susan the Gentle."
Queen Susan was considerably older than Queen Lucy, perhaps nineteen years in. She had a regal face as well as disposition - an air of grace and refinement touched every small movement she made. She did not make to step down, but curtsied at all of us, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders as she did so. Once she straightened up, she merely regarded us with eyes of startling, piercing grey.
Caleb and I exchanged a short look – perhaps, if she had been open to suitors, she would be the one Caleb would be wedding. He made a subtle face, and I shot him a warning look.
"His Majesty, King Edmund the Just."
The younger king, approximately seventeen years of age, stood, and descended from his throne, warmly greeting us with a small smile on his face. His hair matched the color of Queen Susan's, and his eyes were grey as well – though smoky, like diluted silver. There was a kindness in them, though there was a hint of calculating mystery behind them as well.
"Welcome," He murmured to each of us as he grasped Caleb's hand in a firm handshake, and pressed his lips to mine and Aaliyah's, who looked absolutely shot with boredom at this point in time. "If I may ask, which of your majesties will be wed to my brother?"
Reluctantly, Aaliyah raised her palm, as though sulkily reciting in class. He offered her a short look of assurance.
"A handsome match they have made. Thank you very much for coming."
He returned to his place, looking slightly thoughtful, though the smile never left his face.
"His Excellency, High King Peter the Magnificent," Lord Brinn concluded, and the last of the royalty descended the thrones.
A man of about twenty years, the High King stood rather tall and broad-shouldered, clearly a result of his battles. His posture read strong, unmoving. However, his face was curiously kind, though, at this point, it seemed rather unsure, bordering on apprehension. His hair was fair, and his eyes were blue, not unlike his younger sister, though his was deeper, more worn down with anxiety from ruling his kingdom. Like King Edmund, he took Caleb's hand and shook it. However, he did not greet us as his brother; instead, he bowed, rather awkwardly, at both of us. Aaliyah looked, for once, absolutely speechless. She might have assumed somehow that the High King would be a cackling old man with a long goatee and a large belly. Whatever the mental picture was, it must have made him more handsome, now that she was sure of what he looked like.
"It is my deepest honor to welcome you to my court," He said, rather quietly. "And I wish your stay in Narnia to be as comfortable as possible. Should you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask."
It seemed a rather odd thing to end with, but perhaps he felt a little disturbed – after all, Aaliyah, who had recovered from her initial shock, was now trying to force out a bad smile at him, which looked more like a sarcastic death threat than a smile of thanks.
"Thank you, your Excellency, for having us," I curtsied once again, and Caleb bowed. Aaliyah, however, did not do so, no matter how hard I tugged on her skirt. When I looked up, I saw her, unmoving, staring directly ahead. Her head was held high, looking challenging, intimidating. A resolute expression was upon her face – it was clear she was giving the High King a challenge.
I looked at the High King, and, for a moment, I thought his face might have mirrored hers.