The Beavers' cubs were as adorable as expected, but Susan found little happiness in watching them, instead brooding over her awkward conversation with Gregory. Fortunately, Lucy was more than excited enough to cover for Susan's apathy.

Even so, Mrs. Beaver quickly noticed something was amiss, so before she could ask any questions Susan excused herself, citing the need to prepare for the ambassador.

It turned out that she had nothing to do: Cherrette had arranged everything. A banquet was being prepared, an appropriate guest chamber was readied, and even a gown had been chosen for her.

So she sat in her chambers, glumly listening to the commotion outside. The ambassador had arrived an hour earlier, so Susan knew she would be summoned to the banquet soon. Her dress was perfect: a peacock blue silk with black sleeves. And Cherrette was more than capable when it came to planning court affairs, so there was nothing to fear on that account.

Still, there was so much that could go wrong. Yes, she and Peter had called a truce, but would it last? Unfortunately, everyone knew of their disagreement, but Susan hoped that the cause of the argument would stay concealed. For the Tarkaan to discover their ploy would be disastrous.

And then there was the matter of her husband. Somehow, they would have to act the part of the happily married couple while barely being on friendly terms. And they would have to act perfectly, for one hint of the true circumstances of their wedding would have the Calormene army in Narnia before dessert could be served.

Susan nearly leaped out a window when someone knocked on the door. Taking a deep breath, she called out, "Please enter," and walked to the door.

To her surprise, Gregory entered, and quickly shut the door. Striding to her quickly, he took her hand in both of his. He swallowed, began to speak and then stopped.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "Susan, it appears as though we will need to share a chamber as long as Ilsombreh is here." Quickly letting go of her hands, he took two steps backward and waited for her to explode, and looked surprised and relieved when she did not.

Susan sighed. She just knew it was going to take her years to get him to realize that she was not normally so volatile. Biting her lip, she paced towards her bed and then back towards the wary young man.

Smiling ruefully, she said, "To be expected. But there is a couch that you will find comfortable."

Giving a relieved laugh, Gregory relaxed. "Of course, Susan."

They stood there self-consciously. Susan noted that Gregory picked at his cuffs and stared around the room when nervous.

He finally broke the silence. "Shall we?" he said, offering his arm. Susan took it quickly, glad to be able to do something.

The walk was interminable. Neither one could think of anything to say to the other. Susan hated feeling so ill at ease, but as they grew closer and closer to the banquet hall, there were more and more people to potentially overhear.

So she said nothing, and they walked on in to the banquet hall. She was relieved to see that Gregory showed none of his unease about her on his face. Susan, for her part, quickly disguised her nervousness and placed a gracious smile on her face.

The act was beginning.

My deepest apologies to all who were reading this. I completely lost interest in Narnia fanfiction, and I didn't write a thing. However, the story is more than halfway over, and although this is short, it should be followed closely by a much longer part. Thank you for your patience.