Peter had been taking a stroll around the Cair, mostly observing all of the End of Autumn Festival decorations going up and the people going here and there, when he spotted Morgana helping some fauns weave flower crowns. Upon meeting her gaze Morgana bowed to the fauns and dashed over to the High King who greeted her with a smile.

"Do you mind if I walk with you?" She asked confidently, as if she already knew the answer.

Peter didn't even take a moment to hesitate. "Of course." He nodded in recognition as a few fauns passed and greeted them. Once they had passed he turned back to Morgana. "I trust you're enjoying your stay here?" Peter got right to the question, all business, wanting to please his guests and ensure Narnia has what is best for it.

Morgana was quick to send a dazzling smile his way. "I can truly say it is one of the most wonderful places I have ever been."

"Where all have you been? I was pleasantly surprised at how easily you transitioned to Narnia, even with your magical abilities."

The Princess breathed in through her nose, enjoying the light scent of grass and salt, and her gaze turned upwards to the clear blue sky, where only the occasional cloud dotted the perfect surface. "I've been around decently enough, mostly places around Albion- Camelot, Essetir, Nemeth, Mercia, nothing else as north east as here, however. Narnia is by far the most welcoming and hospitable country I have been to."

The High King smiled politely, and Morgana recognized that expression, it wasn't the bright one he used with his siblings that caused his eyes to crinkle and his face to turn red with laughter, it was his political smile, with a calm demeanor and hands behind his back, portraying obvious confidence. "That's always good to hear. You like it here even more than in Camelot?"

"Yes, I believe I do. Camelot has potential, however there are many things about the country that I disagree with."

"Such as?"

"For one- Uther prosecutes anyone suspected of having magic, and executes them without a trial. Men, women, children. No magic is allowed under any circumstances, so I've been having to hide my abilities for fear of being killed."

Peter's eyebrows furrowed together only slightly, he was trying his best to maintain his unbiased demeanor. "Your own father would kill you?"

Morgana nodded at once. "Yes." The finality in her voice was enough and Peter put a halt on his questions, he could see the woman's mood worsening and he knew when to stand down.

"Where all have you been, Peter?"

"Nowhere you've been, I doubt. Calormen, Archenland, The Lone Islands, Ettinsmore, The Seven Isles, Galma, and Telmar, along with the majority of Narnia, of course."

Humming in acknowledgement every so often, Morgana listened carefully, trying to mentally place the location of each of the countries Peter was listing, and was able to successfully for a good many of them. "I would love to visit all of those countries, at some point, if possible."

"Some are more welcoming than others, I'm afraid." Peter lowered his voice, "Calormen's treatment of women may make Camelot appear to be child's play."

Morgana's eyes widened and her back straightened. The woman's lips pursed and she gazed at the grass, a frown on her face. They had now walked around the courtyard of the Cair and were facing the eastern ocean, the sun was reflecting off the clear waves and casting a light pink glow on the sand and a cool breeze moved through the trees, making Morgana lift her hands and wrapping them around her arms.

A calm silence settled over the two which was occasionally filled with mundane conversation regarding the weather and the like before Morgana crossed her arms over her chest and started, "so." Her tone was softer, more cautious, which was more than enough to peak Peter's curiosity. "I have been meaning to ask but we just have never had the time, how did you and your siblings come to rule over Narnia, especially so young? And with all four of you being monarchs?"

Peter nodded as the pair walked over the sand and to where the ocean met the land, stepping on the wet sand but not into the water itself. He was quite used to answering this question by now, but was surprised it had taken Morgana this long to finally ask. "Well, before us, a woman by the name of Jadis ruled Narnia, you've heard of her I'm sure, she was a witch who locked the nation in a hundred year winter and ruled very harshly, killed anyone who got in her way or disagreed with her, or turned them to stone and kept their statues in her courtyard for her own enjoyment. There was a prophecy…" Peter went on to tell the same tale he initially told Merlin, Arthur, and his knights, the abridged version that was shorter, more conscience, and told nothing of Edmund's betrayal, knowing that, like always, that was Edmund's story to tell and not his own. He also didn't want to give anyone the impression there was tension amongst the siblings when there was none. Morgana listened intently, as if taking in every single word regardless of how minor.

Peter noticed that Morgana was having to take a step and a half for every one of his and did his best to slow down his speed just a little, especially as Morgana bent down and picked up a cream colored sea shell. "So the prophecy came true in the end?"

"Yes it did."

"That's amazing, that it was so accurate. And it was, word for word, correct?" She clarified, to which Peter nodded. "Sorry for my questions, I just have a high interest in all different types of magic, but haven't been able to get my hands on much information regarding prophecies. Although I have to say Edmund's library was quite helpful, so thank you for the spare key." Morgana had been completely taken aback when Peter had offered it to her so quickly, but she had ensured that her only goal was to learn and Edmund's library had the most information regarding magic by far, making it the obvious location for the woman to study.

Morgana bent down closer to the water, and made no effort to avoid the water as it washed up over her shoes, and she placed the shell back into the sea, letting the wave carry it back out to the ocean. She stood there, listening to the birds and the waves and the crunch of sand beneath Peter's feet as he walked over to stand next to her. "I just have one more question, then I will allow you to go back to your walk, I did not mean to take up so much of your time."

Peter waved a hand absentmindedly. "It is no incontinence, I assure you. I have enjoyed our conversation."

"During the welcome feast, the first night I was here, you and your siblings were introduced with certain titles, what did all of those mean?"

There was a deep chuckle from Peter's direction. "That's a lengthy question, My Lady," his tone was teasing and there was a faint smile tugging at his lips, and Morgana grinned coyly in return.

"Feel free to provide me with a lengthy answer."

Shoving his hands in his pockets Peter walked along the ocean line, albeit avoiding getting his feet wet; Morgana, on the other hand, proceeded as if it didn't bother her at all. "Before we were crowned, and we were just at Aslan's camp, Jadis dispatched the secret police, led by a wolf called Maugrim. He, along with a few other wolves, cornered my sisters in a tree, with the intent to kill them. Susan had a horn with her, which she used to alert us to trouble. They were able to distract the wolves long enough to use the horn, and Oreius, some guards, and myself soon arrived. I killed Margrim, and Aslan knighted me, Sir Peter Wolf's-Bane," he said that with a hint of a chuckle, "Most Noble Order of the Lion. After Maugrim was dead, the others chased after the remaining wolves, who led them to Jadis' camp."

"Edmund led that attack, I'm assuming?"

"Ah- no. He was otherwise occupied."

"With something more important than defending his siblings?"

Peter's expression remained unwavering. "He was taking care of something else, unable to be pulled out, so I took care of the issue."

Morgana, sensing when no more information would be given willingly, continued on. "And then? The other titles?"

"Edmund was Knighted after the battle of Beruna, after he fought Jadis and destroyed her wand- the Most Noble Order of the Table-"

"Why the difference? Most Noble Order of the Lion and the Most Noble Order of the Table?"

Peter's head tilted to the side in a minute shrug. "They were earned for different reasons, thus deserving of different names."

"Are all of your answers going to be this vague?" There was a slight jest in her voice that made Peter laugh, however there was enough bite to cause him hesitation.

"Only the interesting ones." Morgana said nothing, so Peter took that as his cue to continue. "When we were crowned, Aslan, Son of the Emperor Over the Sea, gave us each our main titles- To the glistening eastern sea, Queen Lucy the Valiant, to the great western wood, King Edmund the Just, to the radiant southern sun, Queen Susan the Gentle, and to the clear northern sky, High King Peter the Magnificent. Aslan gave us each our domain and our titles with regards to what we could offer Narnia, and I was named High King I believe simply because I was oldest, however Aslan never directly explains what the intent of his actions are." Peter did not talk with his hands at all, which Morgana found slightly odd, and instead kept them at his side of behind his back, leaving him completely exposed; prim and proper. "As for the directions, our greatest threats lie to the north and west, the Ettinsmore Giants and Western Wilds along with the land of Telmar. While we do not see Telmar as a threat, the uninhabited territory poses as a land for those who do not wish to be found, and the Giants have caused us trouble many a time. Calormen is to the south, and while they are becoming more aggressive in their negotiations, the biggest problem has been Prince Rabadash's intentions of courting Susan, though she has rejected all advances. To the east is the sea and the Lone Islands and the Seven Isles, which we have had peace with for nearly our entire reign, except for a few run ins with slave traders which we have taken care of accordingly. The directions we were crowned with greatly decide who deals with which surrounding areas when problems arise, because they fall under one of our dominions."

"It makes sense, explained that way I mean, when you look at the Cair."

Peter raised an eyebrow good-naturedly. "How do you mean?"

"Well," Morgan pointed up to where the Cair sat atop the hillside. "To the ease, you are the safest. You have the ocean and are well protected. I happened across some of the documents regarding the navy and you seem to have a very capable one, perhaps add a few more ships to the fleet and you'll have one of the best navies for miles, no one would dare go against you at sea. To the south, there is the desert, which many would be foolish to attempt to cross. The risk of having no water for such a length could mean a quick and painful end to any army. It is to the north and the west you are most vulnerable. They are both wild territories, partially uncharted, especially to the west, and a many number of enemies could come from that direction undetected. Are you even aware of the locations of any of the countries I mentioned earlier?"

Peter stammered for a moment. "Um- I'm afraid not. I was hoping you wouldn't notice. No one is Narnia knows much about countries far away from here because no one was able to leave Narnia undetected by Jadis, but if they did, they certainly wouldn't be let back in. We're trying to make up for lost time."

Morgana curled her fingers around each other in front of her, head raised high. "I see. If you would like, I could work on updating some of the maps for you? My knowledge is limited, but it could at least provide a starting point for you."

Whipping his head to the side in surprise, Peter's eyes widened. "That information would be invaluable to us, Morgana."

"Then consider it done," she said proudly. "Do not fret, however. The Cair is well built, it has the higher ground with various watch towers in all direction, you have the courtyard to the north, which would provide ample time to prepare if an invasion were to take place, and to the west the woods would take longer to navigate and there is a higher chance of getting lost if you do not know the way. I think you are well prepared."

Peter's gaze light up with mirth. "This all isn't in some secret plot for Camelot to invade Narnia while our backs our turned, hm?"

Morgana laughed and shook her head. "Oh yes, I'm afraid you've caught me red handed." The two shared a laugh for a moment, and Morgana began kicking at the waves as they lapped over her feet softly. "However, it would be welcome for you and your siblings to come visit Camelot someday, if you so wish. Perhaps someday magic can be legalized there and you would have a warm greeting to look forward to."

Peter appeared to think about the offer for a few seconds before nodding. "It would be an interesting journey, for certain. We most likely couldn't all come at once, but we could come in pairs, so there is always someone in Narnia to take care of court or any disputes that come up. We could love to see Camelot someday, though."

They had walked along a good portion of the beach now, and one path would continue to lead them around the Cair while another were a set of stairs, which would eventually lead into the Main Hall and Throne Room. "If you have any more questions, Morgana, please do not shy away, you may come to me at any time. But only if you promise to answer some of my curiosities regarding Camelot at a later date."

Morgana was quick to bob her head up and down curtly. "Of course, Peter."

She had only ascended three steps before Peter's voice stopped her. "Morgana!" Turning around, one hand always on the railing, she smiled politely. "Before you go," for the first time that day, Peter appeared to be something other than a well-groomed king, and in face looked rather ruffled and unsure.

"Peter you can ask me whatever you wish," Morgana reassured. Peter grinned and glanced at his shoes before looking up once more.

"What do you think of my brother?"

Outwardly Morgana's only reaction was to raise her eyebrows, but inwardly she felt her stomach jump into her throat. Where was this question coming from? "Why do you ask?

"Please just grant me an answer, not this roundabout way."

Smoothing her skirt with her free hand Morgana looked down over to the High King. "I think he is a fine man and a strong warrior."

There was a flicker of a frown across Peter's expression. "And nothing else?"

"Were you expecting more?" Morgana asked boldly, sensing where this conversation was turning.

"I was more wishing there would be." For a long while the two starred at each other, eyes unwavering, unblinking, before Peter broke the silence. "I think he could benefit from," Peter paused and appeared to be grappling for the correct word for some time, "from a- a friend such as yourself. I worry about him, he has us, and Oreius, Tumnus, and Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, but I still am concerned. He has been through much, and I want to make sure he will be alright, regardless of what happens."

Finally, after a long silence, Morgana stood straight. "And you think I could be this friend you speak of?"

"You are a kind woman, Morgana. A talented fighter and capable strategist, and if I say so myself, a worthwhile companion."

She took a half step up, glanced towards the Cair once, and gave an ever so small inclination of her head towards the beach, the direction they were heading back towards the courtyards. "I will take this into consideration, Peter. He is a fine man. But Peter-" the High King, who had been halfway about to turn around, a satisfied smile on his face, wiped it off immediately. Morgana appeared to deflate and smile. "I will think this through, Peter. I appreciate how much you care about your siblings, I just am a bit concerned. You are so worried about them, about protecting them, but who is protecting you?" Before a reply could be given, Morgana set off towards the Cair, leaving a baffled Peter behind her.

As Morgana continued up the stairs, her grip on the railing tightened until her knuckles turned white, and for many moments her expression was so tense it appeared to be made of stone. But she took a few deep breaths, calmed herself, and thought of Morgause- of the reason why she had appeared in the first place. She needed that cordial, more than anything in the world, she already lost her parents, and a kingdom that was rightfully hers, her own free will had been snatched away, the trust of a friend, the goofball that Merlin was, and the caring of a brother, Arthur, who now looked upon her with hatred and pity. She needed no one's pity. She had Morgause, but in order to not lose her as well, she needed the cordial. She had snuck into the dungeons a few nights ago, and the vaults were under lock and key with various guards around the clock, stealing it was not an option- she would have to kill too many to get in. She liked these creature, this land of Narnia, and wanted to get the cordial with as little blood shed as necessary, they had done nothing to hurt her, after all, and so long as that remained true, she would mean them no harm. She would just need one of the monarchs to let her into the vaults, to gain their trust, get them to listen to their cause. At first she had been undecided as for who to target, but Peter had just given her an awfully strong hint as to who it should be.

She had reached the archway leading into the Cair now, took a deep breath, and composed herself.

It was decided.


Dear Sir Lancelot of Camelot,

Have you been doing well? I'm just asking since I know we haven't been receiving as many letters as we did in the past. However I understand you may be busy.

On another note, Morgana is still safe and sound here, you'll be happy to hear. She truly is a remarkable woman, very kind and loving and of a sound mind. We get along quite nicely and I know Lucy thinks her as a part of the family already. Peter was of course his dashing self but I know he truly just wants to face her in a duel. His passion for battle seems to never fade. I do not think that she an Edmund got along very well at first, but they seem to be doing better now. He tends to be a bit wary of strangers. However her extended stay has been going well and we are glad to have her, we didn't want her to adventure back to Camelot on her own and unprotected. I hope that isn't a trouble at all to the people of Camelot to have their Princess be gone for so long.

I hope you are doing well, and will patiently wait for your reply.

May the Lion watch over you,

Queen Susan The Gentle


Dearest Merlin,

Are you alright? It has been many days since we have last heard from you, and we're beginning to fear something has gone wrong. Please write back soon, and know we only wish you well.

Morgana is still fine and has been getting along splendidly. She's already like a part of the family. I know Edmund is at least a little interested in her, you may not want to tell Arthur that, though. He only teases those he likes, and has been doing that quite a lot lately.

Please send a reply soon, even if it is a short one, so we know you're alright. Sorry for how minuscule this letter is, but I'm running out of things to say, and currently only wish to hear that you are alright.

May Aslan Keep You,

Queen Lucy


Prince Arthur of Camelot,

Your sister Morgana is still here and welcome in Narnia, with us. I believe Susan's previous letter (or perhaps it was two letters ago) gives more detail regarding what happened. I'm yet to find something she does not excel in. It's clear she will make a great Queen someday. I only wish that you all could have stayed another fortnight, since the End of Autumn Festival is beginning tomorrow and we will have delegates from all over the nearby lands. However I understand what being away from your country can do, and can only hope you found your way back safely. How have you and the others been doing? The trip has been doing well, I trust? We're all getting rather worried, we've sent you many letters and yet have received no reply.

Well, Susan is currently telling me I must help pick out the fabric for the table cloths for the festival, I don't think the color matters much as long as it looks presentable, but Susan is quite persistent. Please write back soon, we have not heard from you in some time and are beginning to worry a little.

May the Lion watch over you,

High King Peter the Magnificent, Emperor of the Lone Islands, Lord of Cair Paravel, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion


Git,

None of you have written to us in some time, which is odd considering we were all exchanging letters rather frequently not too long ago. I'm beginning to think you were all captured by dufflepuds or something equally as terrifying.

Also Arthur's sister is still doing fine. She seems decent. I can handle being in the same room as her for an extended period of time, so I suppose that's something.

May Aslan protect you,

Edmund


The four monarchs sat in their lounge late into the night, a fire roaring in the corner while sipping hot drinks and talking. All of the decorations for the End of Autumn Festival were in place, and guests would begin arriving most likely before dawn the next morning, however the excitement and nerves caused all of them to be unable to sleep. The festival was one of great importance in Narnia, it held hope, to not fear another winter, and to instead enjoy it. All four of them had some role in the planning process, though Susan had taken on most of it, being the one of them who enjoyed parties the most.

"We might want to split up in order to been the delegates from Calormen, Archenland, and Brenn. They will all be arriving early in the morning and we don't want to risk offending any of them if we cannot have one of us-" Lucy put a hand on Peter's shoulder. He seemed to deflate, some of his energy dissolving off of him.

"We'll be fine, don't worry."

Peter nodded. "I know, I just want to make sure."

Edmund rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands. "This whole festival thing is fun and all, but it's just as much of a political game for us as it is a fair for our guests." There was a murmur of agreement and no one made a move to say otherwise.

"Have any of you heard from the men from Camelot?" Susan asked quietly, hesitantly. Everyone shook their heads and the Gentle Queen frowned. "I find it odd that they would just stop replying, even if they got busy, we have all sent them numerous letters, you would think they would at least send a quick reply back to ensure they're alright."

"I'm still blaming the dufflepuds," Edmund deadpanned, which earned him a small grin from Lucy but a glare from Peter and Susan. He was quick to somber. "Sorry. I'm just saying, if anything happened, maybe they're unable to reply."

There was an eerie tension that settled in the room, one that the fire, nor their drinks nor sibling's company could nullify. Peter was the first to stand up. "Enough talk about topics such as this. We do have a celebration starting tomorrow, we should all get some sleep, we must be up early."

The other three stood as well, and they made their way out the room, past the guards, and down the hall. "Anything before the sun is up," Edmund started, "should be illegal."

That got a chuckle out of the others, and they soon bid each other goodnight before slipping into their respective rooms. They had a big day ahead of them, after all.


A/N: I cannot believe this story has reached 30,000 words already. I'm also not sure what is more reason for concern, the fact that none of the men from Camelot are replying to the monarch's letters, or the fact that Peter is attempting to play matchmaker. Hm.

As always, any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. ro781727 recommended I add chapter titles, so I did. If you have suggestions, I do listen!

Sorry for any typos, I write for my own enjoyment and do not have a beta nor am I looking for one. I try to catch what I can, but don't always take the time to read back through chapters before publishing them. I will most likely go back and do that later. Thanks for reading!