I haven't completely finished chapter 10 yet, but I thought I'd go ahead and post this chapter before the weekend. I live in NC and we are currently awaiting the arrival of hurricane Irene. (Fun.) So, just in case the power goes out and/or I don't have internet connection, here it is.

I think it's completely logical that someone from France (or a French speaking country) found a portal to Narnia and founded the Seven Isles, don't you? So, I gave Tianna a French accent inspired by Fleur Delacour from Harry Potter! (Yeah, I totally cracked open my Goblet of Fire book to find out how she speaks!) Thanks a million to Shadow 1n2 and Kari10 for the French lessons!Just a reminder there's a picture of Tianna on my profile. There's a translation at the bottom for those like me who don't know French.

Hope you all enjoy!


The Naiad Trilogy

Part 3: The Naiad Queen

Chapter 8

Laughter rang out from the beach where Ava sat on a large blanket between Helaine and Tianna. The Seven Isle's Princess had arrived in Narnia earlier that morning, and after a brief hour to settle into her rooms Ava had taken Tianna, Helaine and her daughter Gael down to the beach for a lunch picnic. A Faun, a Satyr, and one of Tianna's men stood guard a few meters away allowing the girls to talk amongst themselves without having to worry about their conversation falling on unwanted ears. Not long after they had arrived for their picnic, a couple of Faun children had showed up and Gael began to play with them down the beach. They were currently trying to teach her one of the simpler dances they performed, during which she had face planted into sand.

"Are you alright, Gael?" Helaine called out to her daughter, while Ava and Tianna continued to laugh in their hands.

"Yes, Mommy!" Gael called back as she picked herself up and continued with the dance.

"I can't believe you two, laughing at falling child," Helaine said with mock contempt.

"Oh, we knew it was just a bit of sand, and we only began laughing after you did," Tianna said in a dominant Seven Isle's accent.

"I remember falling plenty of times while learning that dance," Ava said. "I suspect we shall be seeing many more face plants." No sooner had she spoken and Gael fell once more, but she quickly picked herself back up and began again.

"So, you say you've only been in Narnia for a month?" Tianna asked Helaine.

"That's right."

"'Ow are you liking it so far?"

"Oh it's splendid. Everyone is quite generous and very friendly. Gael has had no trouble finding friends, and Rhince gets to his sailing mates often. And the weather has been most agreeable. Don't get me wrong, we loved Narrowhaven, but the last few years have been…trying to say the least. We made the move mostly for Gael; she was having severe nightmares each night."

"Well she seems to be adjusting quite well," Ava pointed out.

"She has adjusted very well."

"What about ze rest of your family? Do you miss any of zem?" Tianna asked.

"Sadly, Rhince and I had no other family left on the Lone Islands."

"Zat is unfortunate, but not to worry. I am sure Ava is more zan willing to accept you as part of 'er family."

Ava nodded in agreement.

"Yes, she is already like the younger sister I never had and didn't want."

"Uh!" Ava gasped.

"But I am thankful Aslan blessed me with her anyways." Helaine wrapped her arm around Ava's shoulder and pulled her into her side.

Tianna laughed. "I know exactly what you mean."

"Well you two certainly know how to make one feel well loved," Ava said.

"Yes, well we will like to leave ze loving to your new husband," Tianna teased with a smile. Helaine laughed and Ava just blushed.

"Speaking of husbands, where are ours?" Helaine asked looking up and down the beach; they had come out to the beach as well, but they had not been seen for quite a while.

"Oh I am sure mine 'as found somezing to explore. Zere is no'zing to keep zat boy still and planted for long."

"And yours is probably making sure hers finds his way back to the castle in one piece," Ava said. "As for mine, there is no telling how long Father and Drinian will make him stay in court listening to the nonsense of those lords."

"What is their nonsense about now?"

"Me still, or rather my marriage to Caspian. They acknowledge that I am his wife by law, and yet they do not think I should be Queen."

"Well what do zey propose be done?"

"That's just it. They have no real solutions. The last time I went to court with Caspian, one lord suggested that Caspian take another wife, one of noble birth, and name her Queen."

"Which I promptly refused to do," Caspian suddenly said from behind them, causing all three to jump in their skins.

"Caspian!" Ava exclaimed.

"Don't you know you shouldn't startle a woman like zat?"

"My apologies, Princess," Caspian said with a bow before holding out a hand and helping the dark haired princess to her feet. "It is a great joy to see you again, Tianna. I trust your travels were well and your quarters are to your liking?"

"Yes. Ze wea'zer was splendid for sailing and ze rooms are lovely. Ze view from ze balcony is simply breaz'taking."

"I am pleased you like it. Good morning, Helaine. All is well?" Caspian asked as he helped her to stand as well.

"Yes, thank you, Caspian."

Caspian then turned his attention to his wife. He smiled warmly as she placed her hands in his and he pulled her up.

"Should I even ask?" Ava asked warily. Caspian sighed and opened his mouth as if to speak, but he had nothing to say that would not upset her so he closed it again. "That's what I thought.

"They will come around, Ava. They have to," he said while rubbing her shoulders.

"It is politics, Ava. I 'ave seen it a zousand times. Ze lords 'ave tied zemselves in a knot and zey cannot undo it until zey admit defeat and let go of zier stubborn ways. In ze meantime, you must stay strong and show zem zat zey do not frighten you."

"Hopefully she will listen to those words when you say them, Tianna, because she does not seem to hear me when I say them."

Ava bit her lip and looked down at her feet, not sure how to respond to Caspian's statement. She knew it was true; she had stopped listening when he told her to be strong. Fortunately for Ava, she was not caught in the awkward silence for long because there was a great commotion from behind them. They all turned their attention in the direction of the noise in time to see two things covered in leaves, twigs, and mud tumble out of the forest.

Caspian, not hesitating and not waiting for the creatures to attack, quickly stepped around Ava and pulled the other two girls back. He now stood between the creatures and the girls; his hand rested on the hilt of his sword ready to draw. The sentries standing watch also acted quickly and placed themselves between Caspian and the creatures. They all looked upon the creatures curiously, trying to figure out what they were exactly.

The two creatures stood up and brushed themselves off, pulling leaves from their matted hair. Underneath all the mud there appeared to the form of a man. One figure had fair skin, dark curly hair, and dark eyes; the other had darker skin, slick black hair, and shining green eyes. The latter bore a smile full of mirth while the first looked at the other incredulously.

"Cyril?" "Rhince?" Tianna and Helaine asked at the same time. The one with the green eyes looked up as his name was called and waved zealously at Tianna.

"My apologies, King Caspian, but it seems my 'usband 'as done what 'e does best, and found 'im somezing messy to roll around in."

"That's—ah—that's quite alright, Tianna. We do have baths in Narnia," Caspian said as the two muddied men approached them.

"Oh no, Monsieur, 'e will not be traipsing zat zrough your beautiful castle. 'E will wash up in ze ocean, or in ze river zere," Tianna explained as she looked pointedly at her husband and pointed to the ocean behind her.

"Oui, Madame," the green-eyed Cyril responded with a nod of his head.

"That goes for you too, Rhince," Helaine said. Rhince sighed wearily, and looked to his muddied comrade.

"A swim zen?" Cyril said excitedly.

"The wives have spoken; a swim it is," Rhince resigned. "After you, Cyril."

"Your land is beautiful, King Caspian. I zank you for allowing us to stay 'ere."

"We are glad to have you for as long as you wish to stay," Caspian replied.

"Cyril, ze ocean, now! You can zank Caspian all you want later!"

"Oui, désolé." Cyril nodded his head again before running towards the ocean. Rhince followed behind at a slightly slower rate. Just as he reached the water, Cyril turned around and shouted, "Je t'aime!"

"Je t'aime aussi!" Tianna called back.

"Mentius, will you send for a couple of towels for them please?" Caspian asked the Faun standing watch. He replied with a simple, 'Yes, Sire,' before trotting off.

"Rhince no!" Helaine called out too late. Caspian turned around to see Rhince tossing Gael into the ocean as well.

"Make that three towels, please!" Caspian called out to the Faun; he received a nod of the head in response.

"I hope you were taking notes, Caspian," Ava whispered. Caspian raised in eyebrow in question. "Neither Cyril nor Rhince argued with their wives when they told them to do something."

Caspian smirked. "Oh, I thought you meant about this." Without warning Caspian tossed off his sword and threw Ava over his shoulder before running to the ocean.

"Caspian!" Ava shrieked in protest. "Put me down!"

"Yes, my wife," Caspian replied before dropping her into the water.

XOXOX

Several minutes and several cold splashes later Ava, Caspian, Rhince, Gael, and Cyril emerged from the chilled ocean and wrapped themselves in large, warm towels.

"Th—thank you f—for the extra t—towels, Mentius," Ava said through chattering teeth.

"We zought zat you might like zem," Tianna said.

"V—very much."

"Ah, my wife; she's not used to jumping into cold water and not being able to warm it with her magic immediately," Caspian explained to no one in particular.

"I d—didn't jump in. You threw me!" Caspian merely smiled mischievously.

"Well, either way, we should get you all back to the castle and in dry clothes. Especially you young lady," Helaine said as she placed a hand on Gael's shoulder and began to direct her back to the castle.

"Sire," Mentius said as Caspian and Ava began walking back. "This arrived for you while I was inside; Drinian requested I bring it to you."

"Thank you, Mentius," Caspian said as he took the offered parchment. He unrolled the letter and read quietly to himself.

"W—what is it?"

"A letter from Lord Bern; he plans a visit. His expects to arrive early next week."

"N—nothing has happened, I hope."

"I'm sure everything is fine. Come; let's get you inside, my love." Caspian wrapped an arm around Ava's shoulders and led her inside behind the others.

XOXOX

The days of the proceeding week passed, for Ava, in a haze of picnics, horseback riding, sparring with Tianna (who was very skilled with the sword), shopping in the local market, and most of all laughter. Helaine and Gael accompanied Ava and Tianna on most of their excursions; Gael was enthralled by the sparring and eagerly asked to learn, but Helaine wouldn't allow it until she was much older. Caspian, Cyril, and Rhince also accompanied the ladies occasionally, but mostly they enjoyed their own time.

Ava discovered that Cyril was very much a boy trapped in a man's body. He always managed to find something dirty, he always wore the same mirthful smile, and his eyes were always shining; yet, Ava noticed that somehow his eyes shined even brighter when he looked at Tianna. Ava, of course, knew instantly that it was love that made his eyes shine brighter. On these instances she would always sneak a peek at Caspian only to find him looking back at her with the same brightness in his eyes. Ava could not stop the warmth that flooded her senses at this simple sign of love.

Tianna and Cyril had been in Narnia for ten days before another ship was spotted off the Narnian coastline. It bore two flags; one was the red Narnian flag, and the other was the new Lone Islands flag. Drinian and Caspian presumed this to be the Duke arriving and so a greeting party was assembled. As the gangplank of the small vessel was being lowered, Caspian stood on the dock with Ava and Dr. Cornelius to his left and Drinian and Trumpkin to his right.

"Greetings, Lord Bern," Caspian said as he stepped forward and shook hands with the Duke.

Ava greeted Bern next and then introduced him to the two lords he hadn't met yet (Dr. Cornelius was Caspian's Lord Chancellor and Trumpkin was the Lord Regent). Ava then proceeded to introduce Bern to their Seven Isles guests who were also among the greeting party.

"Bonjour, Princess. Bonjour, Monsieur," Lord Bern greeted.

"Ah, bonjour Seigneur Bern," Tianna replied happily.

"How are things in Narrowhaven? Everything is alright, isn't it? Nothing's happened? Oh I'm sorry Caspian; I couldn't help it. I need to know," Ava said.

Bern chuckled lightly. "Everything is fine; the islands are in good hands."

"We are glad to hear it," Caspian said. "And we are glad to have you. You may stay as long as you wish."

"Thank you, Caspian, but I do not intend to stay for long. I have merely come for the Queen's coronation."

"Oh," Ava gasped sadly, her eyes darting to Caspian.

"I'm afraid there's been some mistake, Lord Bern. The coronation has not been planned yet. It is my intent to make Ava Queen, but…"

"You are having some trouble convincing some of the lords?" Bern asked.

"Yes, a few of them are more traditional, I suppose."

"I thought as much, and that is why I have truly come. With your courtesy, I would like to speak with them. I think I may know how to sway them; I once thought as they do."

Caspian looked to Ava and saw the doubt on her face; she clearly did not believe that anything could persuade the lords. He reached down and grabbed her hand, offering a comforting squeeze, before turning his attention back to the Duke.

"We would be grateful for your efforts. Court is scheduled to resume tomorrow. You are welcome to speak with them then; unless you prefer to do it with a private consolation?"

"No, no, all at once will be just as effective I think."

"Then tomorrow it is. Now, you must be weary from your travels. Let us show you to your rooms." Caspian and Ava turned and began walking back to the castle with Tianna and Cyril close behind. Dr. Cornelius and Trumpkin followed next, but as Drinian turned to leave Bern held out a hand and stopped him.

"A quick question, my Lord," Bern said quietly.

"Certainly, Lord Bern. What is it you wish to ask?"

"Have there been any correspondences with Lord Mavramorn recently?"

"Lord Mavramorn? The last we heard from him it was to tell us that he and Lord Argoz decided to stay at Narrowhaven. Was that not the case?"

"Oh no, they stayed. Lord Argoz is still there, but I'm afraid there's been a bit of a falling out between Mavramorn and myself. He left about two weeks ago, and I have not heard from him since."

"Was he coming here?"

"He didn't say."

"Well I will inform His Majesty and we can form a search party if you wish."

"Oh no, no. That will not be necessary. I am sure there is nothing to be worried about. Mavramorn is hardly dangerous." Bern laughed half-heartedly. "Why, he is probably hiding on Felimath or Avra somewhere. It was just a simple curiosity. I should not have burdened you with such unnecessary worry. Now, about those rooms?"

"Certainly, Lord Bern. Right this way," Drinian nodded his head and began to lead the way, oblivious to the anxious look on Bern's face or the thoughts passing through his head.

"Where could he be?"

XOXOX

Ava anxiously sat by Caspian's side at the next court meeting. Drinian stood to his right and around the room sat the other fifteen lords that served on the council; among them were Dr, Cornelius, Trumpkin, Tavros, Rynelf, and Voltinus. Rhince, having only lived in Narnia for a month and since the council was already full, did not serve as a lord on the council. Lord Bern was occupying Drinian's chair, waiting to be recognized. One by one, those lords that had something to report did so. When all the new matters had been attended to, Caspian called upon Lord Bern; he rose from his seat and went to stand in the middle of the room.

"Thank you, Your Majesties," Bern began with a bow to Caspian and Ava. Ava nodded her head back as though she didn't see some of the lords shift in their seats.

Bern turned to face the lords. "I have a tale to tell the council. A tale of great courage. A tale of noble sacrifice."

Ava cast a sideways glance to Caspian out of curiosity. His face was set and his eyes locked straight ahead, but still, as though knowing she were looking at him, he reached his left hand out and placed it over hers.

"He knows," she thought. "He knows what this is about." And soon, as Bern continued to speak, she knew what it was about too.

Ava tried with all her might to keep the blood from draining from her face, but as Lord Bern continued his tale she could feel the blood leaving. She was growing paler by the minute and she knew it. She fought; she fought hard to maintain her composure. She tried to keep her breathing smooth and even, yet it continued to grow more rapid.

It was her story! Lord Bern was telling the council of her actions on the Lone Islands. He was telling them how she fought the slave traders, and how she offered herself as Princess so they would not think of Caspian or Lucy. He told them of the intense questioning she had been subjected to, and yet she did not reveal the identity of her King. He told them of how she continued to fight though she had no strength to even stand.

As he spoke, she saw the images flash through her mind. He told the tale with such detail she saw the scenes with perfect recollection. How did he know? She hadn't told anyone so much detail. Caspian nor Lucy knew all that really happened. Ava hardly remembered such details herself. The only thing she knew for certain about the event, was that it was a story she never wanted told.

Ava was vaguely aware of Caspian's hand still holding hers. His thumb traced lazy soothing circles on the back of her hand. Ava lifted her eyes to look at him again, and she saw the firmness set in his jaw. She knew this was difficult for him to hear, and yet his thumb continued to act in a calming manner that was contradictory to his hard features. Slowly, Ava could feel herself beginning to calm down. Her breathing slowed and her muscles loosened. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she turned her attention back to the lords.

Lord Bern had his audience captivated. Ava could clearly see that they hung on every word, and perhaps if she had been paying closer attention to what he was actually saying instead of focusing on her growing panic, she might have known why. Not once through his tale did Bern mention the name of this brave warrior, nor did he give any indication that the warrior was female. By the time Bern was finished with his tale of undisputable bravery, every lord (that did not already know) was eagerly awaiting for the brave warrior's identity to be revealed.

"Who is this person, Lord Bern?"

"A great Lord for certain."

"If not a Lord already, then he should be made one."

"And if he lives not, his name and his family should be honored."

"Agreed, they should be honored and they do live. In fact, they are in this very room now," Lord Bern said.

The eager lords looked to Drinian knowing it must have been him.

"It was not I; though, had I been in the position to do so, I would have acted similarly," Drinian said.

The lords began looking around again, but it was Dr. Cornelius who guessed correctly.

"Ava?" he asked.

"No."

"Impossible." A few of the lords said.

Ava nodded. "It was I."

"By the Lion's Mane, child," Dr. Cornelius placed a hand over his rapidly beating heart as the truth of the dangers his daughter had been in came to light.

"What else was I to do? My Kings and Queen were in trouble, in danger of being found out. I only did what any loyal citizen of Narnia would have done in my stead. It was a foolish act, I know, and ill planned, but it spared their lives and I would do it again in a second if need be. For what is my life compared to the safety and well being of my country? What are any of our lives compared to Narnia?"

The room was deathly silent for a few moments following Ava's speech, and the only solace she had to go on was Caspian's gentle touch and ever present thumb rubbing the back of her hand.

"Well said, Lady Ava," Drinian broke the silence at last.

"Spoken like a true Queen of Narnia," one of the lords confirmed.


Here's a translation:

Oui- yes

Oui, désolé- Yes, sorry

Je t'aime!- I love you

Je t'aime aussi!- I love you too

Bonjour- Hello (that one I did know.)