A/N: All right, so here is the last chapter before the Epilogue - I can't believe we got here so quickly!
If I didn't reply to your review this time; I am so sorry! I have barely been home this week! Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH! 23 REVIEWS!! WooHoo!
CHAPTER VI
Allisonia's life was soon consumed with the search to truly know Aslan. However, it was interrupted when it was announced that the annual "Peace Between Countries" Ball was to be held in Archenland this year. It had always been Christine's job to plan balls for the King, but now that she was dead it fell to Adrianna or Allisonia. Adrianna, fortunately, loved that sort of thing and gladly took on the project and Allisonia was only asked to help pick out the menus. Delicacies from all of the countries (Archenland, Narnia, the Lone Islands, Calormen, and Telmar) must be included. Because of this, it was a rather long process because Allisonia had to taste each delicacy before approving it. However, it was a task she happily obliged to – she loved trying new things. While Allisonia worked on the menu with the cooks Adrianna worked on the guest lists. It was a great honor to be invited to this ball, and everyone wanted to attend. Since everyone cannot, though, it is vital that the correct people are chosen. It would not help the peace mission to make some important noble offended because he or she was not invited.
Although she immensely enjoyed picking the menu, it was a demanding job and Allisonia was very grateful when the ball finally arrived. She was excited to show off her new gown. It was a light green, with some yellow and silver. It fitted her form nicely and had a long train, and large bell sleeves that reached the floor. Her jewelry was a simple tiara, much like the one she wore to her first Narnian ball. The difference was that this one had many emeralds embedded in it and silver chains that hung down her neck and around her ears.
The ball had been going on for an hour and everything was going splendidly. That is, until Edmund and Lucy arrived. Allisonia had been standing at the very bottom of the entering staircase when the two were announced. Allisonia had tried to become lost in the crowd, but it was too late. Edmund had spotted her. The two locked eyes and Allisonia became afraid of confrontation. She spun around and weaved through the crowd, finally reaching the outer courtyard. She ran to the willow tree and sank to the ground in its shade. The sun was beginning to set, and you could see the hint of starlight. She hugged the tree and tried to breathe evenly again. She shut her eyes and leaned her head against the tree trunk, taking deep, even breaths.
Minutes later she was joined. She did not open her eyes to see who it was, assuming it was Adrianna come to check on her. They sat like that in silence until the guest spoke, laying a hand on her shoulder. It was a man's hand. Allisonia's eyes popped open, but she refused to look at the man. "Allisonia, I feel bad that we parted ways on rocky ground." Edmund spoke. "I apologize for that."
It took her a moment to remember how to speak. "...Nay, it was my fault. I should have told you about why I came to Archenland. Perhaps then…perhaps things would be different than what they are now."
"Perhaps." He took a deep breath. "Perhaps, but I still would not have married you."
She held back her tears, "Why not?"
"Because I could not marry someone who does not believe in Aslan as I do."
She began to laugh. "Oh, Edmund!" she turned to look at him. "You have no idea what has happened to my life – how it has changed! I do believe in Aslan! I've been wanting to give my life to Him for some time now!" Edmund began to laugh as well. He smiled at her and then put his hand behind her neck and kissed her.
"Allisonia, will you marry me?"
"Yes!" she shouted. "A million times yes!"
Edmund was more anxious right now than he had even been in all his life. He and Allisonia were about to tell her father that they were engaged. Allisonia was searching for her father and was going to bring him back to the room where Edmund was waiting for them now. He began pacing back and forth. He stopped short when he heard the door handle turn. It opened, revealing Allisonia and her father. Edmund bowed, "Ambassador Tarnor."
The Ambassador bowed back, "King Edmund, my daughter said you had something the two of you wanted to tell me."
"Uh, yes. We better sit down." He gestured to the chairs in the room. Once all three were seated Edmund began. "Ambassador Tarnor, I have asked your daughter for her hand in marriage. We...We ask your blessing upon us."
The Ambassador stared at them, dumbstruck for a moment. He then boomed, "By all means, yes! You have my blessing!"
"There is a catch, Father." Allisonia spoke up. "I – I have chosen to go to Narnia with Edmund to live. Instead of his coming here. Which means that it is up to Andrew to produce an heir."
"Andrew?"
"Yes, Father, Andrew. He can still find a wife. He is only 23. I feel it is unfair to Edmund and to Narnia to force him to live in Archenland."
"But – but the law! He must come into our house!"
"But Narnian law says I must go into his house. And the law of the husband is greater than that of the wife's. Like I said, Andrew can produce an heir. Adrianna, even, if she must. She could still consent to marriage."
The Ambassador let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine…fine." He said, although he did not sound fine at all.
"I do." Allisonia said, placing a ring on Edmund's finger.
"You may now kiss the bride." As Edmund kissed Allisonia applause filled Cair Paravel's chapel. "I know present, King Edmund Pevensie and Queen Allisonia Pevensie." Allisonia's title as queen was just that – a title. She was not a queen in the sense that Susan and Lucy were. Narnia had enough rulers. Allisonia turned from the crowd and faced the Lion that had just married her. She threw her arms around his mane and whispered, "Thank you, Aslan."
"No, thank you, my daughter." He replied.
"Whatever for?"
"For believing in me."
A/N: Ah, short but sweet. Please R/R!!
--For Narnia!...and for Aslan!
