We had changed out of our old clothes, and into some new ones. They seemed to fit our proclaimed status as well as the time period we were in, which, conveniently, no one knew what it was. My own dress matched the style of Susan's and Lucy's, though mine had been made of a golden cloth, to signify what I was to these natives: hope. I was now overlooking the land, with my hand placed on the hilt of my sword. I'd taken a few lessons earlier today. It wasn't one of my talents, but I would have to try, as it was my duty to the natives. I didn't turn when I heard footsteps pad up behind me.

"That is Cair Paravel. The castle of the four thrones." When I didn't respond, he turned to me. "What are you thinking, dear one?" Aslan pondered in his deep voice.

"This all seems so fateful." I replied in a soft voice. "My father never gave me a real reason as to why I would be marrying Peter, he just told me what to do. Helen Pevensie told me we would be moving to the country due to the war, but of all places we go to, we end up in a professor's house whose wardrobe lands us here in Narnia. And now here we all are, with our destinies played out before us. Mrs. Beaver told me that Peter needed guiding that only a wife could give him. And that I stood as a beacon of hope because of my inner talent. But I just don't understand why it had to be me."

"People often wonder that when something of dire need is asked of them. I will tell you. You were chosen because of your purity, and open mind. Your heart is filled with desires that are all hopeful and honest. Anything can be a result of what you want to happen. Elizabeth, you must know that Peter needs to be guided by someone like that. Peter is what someone might call a stubborn spirit." I couldn't help but smile at that. Even Aslan chuckled a deep rumble. However, another thought came to mind; a reminder of what Peter's and my relationship was like.

"But we rarely get along. I'm surprised we haven't had a screaming match yet here in Narnia." I admitted. It was almost as if I that was the only excuse as to why this would fail. It was the only excuse. Then I dropped my voice. "I just don't see how I can help him rule, and bring peace to Narnia if our own opinions and personal stubbornness would just get in the way."

"Mrs. Beaver explained to me that you talked about a change in people. And she told me that you have a deep understanding that you cannot change someone, only yourself. Alice, you can't wait for Peter to change himself."

"I understand. But…I'm just not sure how to change myself. It should be natural to balance each other out, so that equality would burst through. But I can't do it alone." Aslan looked at me with a sparkle in his eyes.

"You should not be forced to do everything to make your marriage work, Elizabeth. So here is some advice, it would do well to heed to it. Do what you think is right. Do not act impulsively, and do not take action to spite anyone. Think about what you're doing and decide for yourself if this is truly what you want to be doing." I absorbed it and smiled at the majestic animal. "The thing about being a Protectress is that when you want something, odds are, everyone else will want that as well." He added slyly with what I could only consider a grin. It made me smile broadly.

"I have one more question."

"Ask away, my dear."

"It may sound silly and maybe just wishful thinking of a young girl, but…do you think that Peter would ever love me? Mrs. Beaver asked me in return if I could ever love Peter, and at the time, I couldn't answer because our conversation was cut off, but I think that if we both tried at this marriage it could happen. But I'm not sure, what about you?" I uttered the last sentence quite quickly, and I almost thought that Aslan might not have been able to understand me. But he chuckled.

"My dear, love is the hope that we all thrive on. Love is everywhere, and I am quite sure that there is a hope for love in your marriage." Then Peter walked up. I avoided his gaze.

Blimey, that's embarrassing.

Peter, too, scanned Cair Paravel with his eyes. He seemed to have changed since we'd gotten here. His eyes held a fierceness that I'd never known. It wasn't anger or aggression, but he seemed bolder, and his stature held a confidence that I'd never seen in him.

"You will sit there, Peter, as High King." Aslan told my husband. There was a pause as Peter looked down at his new boots; the confidence and boldness were now fading away. "You doubt the prophesy?"

"No." Peter responded. "That's just it. Aslan, I'm not all you think I am." This was it. I shrank away to give my husband and Aslan some privacy, but the great lion stopped me.

"No, Elizabeth, you must stay." And so I did. "Peter Pevensie, formerly of Finchley, married to Elizabeth Nicholson-Pevensie. Beaver also mentioned that you planned on turning him into a hat." Peter and I shared smiles at this. "Peter, there is a deep magic more powerful than any of us that rules over Narnia. It defines right from wrong, and governs all our destinies. Yours and mine."

"But I couldn't even protect my own family."

"You've brought us safely this far." I reminded him.

"Not all of them." Peter pointed out gravely.

"Peter, I will do what I can to help your brother. But I need to consider what I ask of you. I, too, want my family safe." Aslan seemed tired, and weary. It was as if a heavy burden was weighing itself down upon his shoulders. Peter looked over at me with the same tired eyes. He was so worried about Edmund, and all he wanted was his family safe. And the way he looked at me, I knew that I was included in that. I hesitantly reach for his hand, and he pulled me into an embrace. His arms were wrapped securely around my waist as we held each other as tightly as lifelines. It was the closest I'd ever felt to him. And I knew he was scared. To be honest, so was I.

Suddenly a horn was heard. I recognized it as Susan's.

"Susan!" Peter exclaimed. "Ellie, stay here!" He dashed off. I made a move to follow him, but Aslan stopped me.

"My advice, remember? What is right?" That made me pause. Peter feared for me, and had told me to stay, so I might as well. I could see from this point that the wolves had tried to attack Susan and Lucy. Peter didn't want me to be involved as well. So I watched as Peter took out his sword to fight the predators. I could see that he had hesitated again, unsure of what to do. It seemed that they were having a conversation, though I couldn't hear the words that were being spoken. I hoped that Peter would suck it up and kill the creature already. It may have been a harsh thought, but deep down, he knew what he had to do.

"Come on, Peter, you can do it." I whispered, even though he wouldn't be able to hear me. Aslan had taken action against the dumb animal that was trying to attack Peter from the side. During which, a small group of soldiers had obviously heard the commotion and had run to the aid of my husband. They were stopped though, by Aslan. I wondered why. Then I watched with a slight choke as the wolf leaped from his position to attack Peter. I muffled a small scream, but then noticed that Peter was getting out from under the slain animal. He had finally killed the creature. I breathed a sigh of relief. Then I took my chance to run to him. "Next time you pull a stunt like that, I might as well kill you." I whispered jokingly. Then Aslan spoke.

"Peter, clean your sword." He did so and knelt toward Aslan. Aslan placed his paw on Peter's shoulder. "Arise, Sir Peter Wolfsbane, knight of Narnia." I smiled at the astonished look on my husband's face. He looked at us, and the fierce look was back in his eyes. The confidence was regained in his stature and I found myself very proud to be married to a knight and a king.

Night was approaching, and I had had another sword lesson. And then we ate a simple meal as a family, though we were still on edge about Edmund. We worried for him, even though we had high hopes of getting him back soon. Then, we we to our respective tents to sleep.

"Ellie?" Peter asked kindly. I was surprised that tenderness had surrounded the word that had come out of his mouth. But I supposed that I needed to stop underestimating him. I turned to face him. "What did you mean when you were talking to Aslan about our marriage?" I was silent for a moment, trying to arrange my thoughts into a coherent little speech. I was also slightly embarrassed and I tried to stall. But I knew this conversation had to happen, otherwise, nothing would change.

"When we first met, I'd hoped a friendship would grow. But our different personalities clashed, causing outrageous arguments that we should have been mature enough to cease. Then, after we got married, it seemed to only worsen. I hated nearly everything about you because you seemed to disagree with me on everything. I wasn't sure if I had done something wrong, or you just were against all of my opinions. Then Lucy and I came to Narnia and my mind was at peace again. I didn't have to worry about petty arguments between us, because Narnia was filled with so much hope, even though it had been taken over by the White Witch. Aslan's followers never gave up believing in him because they believed him." At this point, my thoughts seemed slightly jumbled up, but I could prove my statements. "And when no one believer either Lucy or me, I was appalled. Lucy and I are not liars and though Lucy is a creative soul, I doubt I have that much imagination to make up this place."

"Oh, you never know. You might just be crazy." Peter joked. I smiled softly before continuing. I was surprised that my husband hadn't interrupted with an actual rude comment or something snarky to say. He was actually listening, the way I'd always thought a husband should. I found that he was very good at it.

"But when we all came here, I thought things might change, between you and me that is, and for the better. I hated fighting with you, because I know that a husband and wife are not to fight. I know there are some women who would tell me to obey and respect my husband no matter what. But I'm not a dog, and I refuse to be treated like one. I have my own opinions and, if necessary, I will speak them aloud. And because you and I have different opinions, those clash as well. But because of what we were nearly being forced to do, I thought that our attitudes toward each other might change. And I hope that someday…we might be able to love each other. Because I doubt we're going anywhere anytime soon."

"So…you want to change the way our marriage is going." It wasn't a question, and I sighed in frustration.

"Never mind. You don't understand." I was about to turn away, but Peter stopped me.

"No, help me understand. Because I do, Ellie. I want to know why we stand where we are."

"I'm here to guide you, Peter. As Protectress of Narnia, I'm meant to guide you as a ruler. I'm here to bring peace and prosperity to all around me. But I can't do that if you won't let me. I may be stubborn, but I'm willing to change myself to help those who need me. I'm not perfect, but I have hope that you might accept me that way. But you must know that I can't do this all on my own. I'm not that strong." I whispered. "As much as I'd like everyone, mainly you, to believe that. I'm vulnerable; I don't know what I'm doing and so I need everyone to be patient with me as I learn. I also need love. Peter, I grew up without a mother, and father who couldn't stand me. The only friend I had was Lois, and she left me on our wedding day. I just…want to know that-that love is there…for me." I didn't want to start crying. Not now. "I've seen you display it to your mother, sisters, and brother. But, and maybe I haven't been looking, but I haven't seen it from you to me. And I can only hope that maybe one day, I'll receive it." I breathed a shaky breath.

Wow, it felt wonderful to get that off my chest.

"Ellie…I don't know how to show you that. We were forced into this marriage, and I don't know you at all. We don't talk, and when we do, we end up screaming at each other."

"Except now." I stated. He smiled.

"Yes, except now. But you have to remember that I wasn't a man ready for marriage. I'm still very young. I can't understand my own emotions very well, let alone someone else's; some like my wife's. And I'm still trying to figure everything out. You're not the only one who thinks about where our marriage stands." He revealed, surprising me. "I know that I can be a handful at times. I can act like a total cow most of the time I'm around you. I have flaws as well. Yes, I'll admit that when I entered Narnia, a new wave of feelings for you hit me. It his me square in the chest. I felt like I was beginning to know you. But it turns out; you're more of a puzzle than ever." I flushed slightly.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be." I apologized. I could see a faint outline of a smile.

"Don't be. Something about this place has made me realize that I'm truly lucky to have you. And I hope that we have a lot of time left together so I can figure you out." I smiled. There was now an easy silence between us as we simply sat next to each other. It seemed that we seemed to have resolved a lot since just a few hours ago. "Ellie?" He asked timidly. "Can-can I kiss you?" The question took me by surprise.

"As your wife, I think it would be strange if I refused."

"I don't want you to kiss me because you're my wife. I want you to kiss me because you want to."

"Either way, you want me to kiss you." I don't think he understood my joking tone.

"Well, er, yes, but-." I cut him off by place my hand against his cheek, and drawing his face toward mine. I planted a kiss on his lips before blushing.

"What if I kiss you because I want to?"

"Er, that works too." He stuttered slightly. It was sweet. And suddenly, I had a husband beside me and a whole lot of security.