Now this is a longer chapter than usual but I don't split the story up by length, I split them up by scenes and cut off when I feel it's right.

But here it is! Hope you guys like it. Remember to review, 'cause I love 'em!

Caspian sat outside the How when Doctor Cornelius joined him.

"Why did you never tell me about my father?" He asked in a small voice.

The Professor sighed, "My mother was a black dwarf from the northern mountains. I risked my life all these years so that one day you might be a better King than those before you."

"Then I have failed you," Caspian replied bitterly.

"Everything I told you, everything I didn't... It was only because I believe in you. You have a chance to become the most noble contradiction in history. The Telmarine who saved Narnia."

"How can I do all that when I've only hurt everyone? I lost so many good people back at the raid. I let the Kings and Queens of Old down. I let you down. I let Richelle down..." Caspian wiped at his eyes.

The Professor put a hand on his shoulder and said softly, "You didn't let us down. You didn't let her down. She knows you mean well. But you love her. You have to tell her before the chance is missed."

"Excuse me."

The two turned to see Richelle walking up behind them. She smiled shyly, "Sorry to interrupt. But I needed to talk to you." She directed this to Caspian who stood gingerly, trying not to gape in shock that she wanted to be in the same area as him let alone talk to him.

The Professor stood from his place and smiled gently at the girl, "Of course. I'll leave you to it. But my Prince," he looked at Caspian, "Do not forget what I've told you."

Caspian nodded as his mentor left him and Richelle alone. He looked at her awkwardly, "I did not think that you would want anything to do with me after what I almost did."

"Almost being the key word," Richelle replied. "I don't blame you, Caspian. The Witch has a way with manipulating people. She manipulated Edmund and I almost let her manipulate me. If Peter hadn't come when he did, I'm sure I might have let her out."

"Why?" Caspian asked astonished.

"She hit close to home. She manipulated my fear to lost my family. And she manipulated my feelings for you." Richelle shuffled at the confession.

"You're feelings for me?" Caspian asked perturbed.

Richelle nodded with faux-confidence, "Yes. My feelings for you." she realized how close they were now. That if she just leaned up, she could press her lips to his like she'd been longing to since they stole weapons from Miraz's mens' camp.

Caspian seemed to notice the proximity as well as he licked his lips and swallowed. He slowly leaned closer to her, his eyes starting to close. Richelle felt her heart sore from her chest as she leaned up to meet him. Their lips just met when they heard...

"Caspian!" they both pulled apart form one another to see Susan standing there. She had, at least, the decency to look embarrassed, "Oh, was I interrupting something? I was just coming to console Caspian for what happened earlier."

Richelle cleared her throat, "Yes, you were. And don't worry about what happened. It's forgotten."

"I'd like to hear that from Caspian," Susan replied curtly. She looked at Caspian who suddenly felt like an ant under a magnifier light.

"I'm fine, Queen Susan. Richelle and I talked it over." The all noticed the difference in which he addressed Susan and Richelle. He addressed Susan as Queen, while she may think that gave her a leg up, it meant he only saw her as some sort of authority figure he respected. He called Richelle by her name, he saw her as something informal and close to him, special. Richelle smiled.

Susan hesitated, "Well... if you're sure."

"I am," Caspian replied.

Susan huffed, turned and stormed away.

Richelle looked up at Caspian, "Why not her?"

Caspian looked down at her and smiled, "She's not you."

-:+:-

Peter sat in front of the cracked Stone Table and looked at the carving on Aslan. Lucy walked up to him and sat beside him.

After silence, "You're lucky, you know."

"What do you mean?" Lucy asked curiously.

"To have seen him. I wish he'd just give me some kind of proof."

"Maybe we're the ones who need to prove ourselves to him."

They heard a shuffle by the door and looked behind them to see Jo standing awkwardly. Lucy stood, "I'll leave you two alone."

When Lucy was gone Peter stood and stared at Jo who seemed to be thinking over what to say in her head. She sighed, "Hi."

Peter didn't let whatever smart remark come out and just said, "Hi."

Peter stepped forward hastily, "I am so sorry... for everything."

Jo nodded, to herself, "I know you are, Peter."

"How can I ever make this up to you? You must hate me." Peter looked down sadly, waiting for Jo to leave.

But then he felt a hand cup his cheek gently and Jo pulled his face up to look at her. She smiled softly, "I could never hate you, Peter. I love you more than words can describe. Things have just been so messed up right now. You're still so lost and I don't know how to show you your way back home. And that scares me." Peter saw tears building up in her eyes.

Jo had always been so tough and put together. But with Peter she let herself go. She felt her emotions truly and dealt with them. She still didn't know if that was a good thing or not. If one man could make her lose herself so completely and consume her. But he also love her so completely and made her life so much better even though it was bleak and desolate without him. She knew that he was it for her.

Peter held her face in his hands, whispering, "I promise you that I'll be alright. I'll do whatever I can to make this alright. I swear."

Jo nodded, "I know, Peter. But you have to understand that you aren't in this alone. You have me, body and soul. And your family. And the Caspian. And Narnia..." she paused, "And you have Aslan."

Peter paused and leaned away but Jo wouldn't let him go, "I know who you're really angry at. You're angry at Aslan for disappearing and in turn frustrated with yourself because you think you can't prove yourself to him. You think Aslan has abandoned you."

"He has," Peter replied curtly. "He abandoned all of us. Look at what Narnia has become!" He waved his hand around for emphasis as he paced away from her. "Look at what's happened since we've been here! Nothing has gone the right way. The raid! Caspian! Us! Nothing!"

Peter slammed his fists down on the cracked Stone Table and stayed there, breathing heavily. Jo took a tentative step forward. Peter closed his eyes and whispered, "Why can't he just come help us? Like last time."

"Things never happen the same way twice," Jo answered wisely, "We need to stand on our own. Aslan saved us from the Witch because we were young and didn't know what we were doing. We're older now and need to figure out what we're doing. He can't do everything for us all the time."

Jo came to Peter's side and pulled him into her arms, kissing the side of his head with affection. Peter sighed and wrapped his arms around her tightly.

Just then Edmund ran up, "Pete, you'd better come quickly. Oh-sorry!" He turned red when he saw he'd interrupted something.

Peter sighed, "It's alright." But he was looked straight at Jo when he said it.

Outside, the Telmarine army was fast approaching. Miraz rode in front in full armor.

Inside the How, the Narnians discussed battle strategies. When Peter told them his plan Trumpkin spoke up aghast, "Cakes and kettledrums! That's your next big plan? Sending a little girl alone into the darkest parts of the forest?"

"It's our only chance," Peter insisted.

"And she won't be alone," Susan stepped forward to put a hand on Lucy's shoulder.

"Haven't enough of us died already?" Trumpkin asked.

Trufflehunter consoled his friend, "Nikabrik was my friend too, but he lost hope. Queen Lucy hasn't. And neither have I."

"For Aslan!" Reepicheep cried out with his sword in the air.

"For Aslan!" Bulgy Bear seconded.

Peter looked at the bear as Trumpkin said to Lucy, "I'm going with you."

"No, we need you here." Lucy refused.

"We have to hold them off until Lucy and Susan get back."

"If I may..." Caspian spoke up. He looked back at Richelle, who smiled at him and nodded encouragingly. He stood and addressed the Narnians, "Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer. But as Kind he is subject to the traditions and expectations of his people. There is one in particular that may buy us some time."

-:+:-

Edmund, Glenstorm and Jo walked across the battlefield carrying green branches. Miraz watched them through a telescope.

Glozelle spoke, "Perhaps they intend to surrender."

Miraz glowered, "No. They are much too noble for that."

Glenstorm waited outside and Jo stood by the tent's entrance as Edmund read from Peter's decree, "I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel, and Emperor of the Lone Islands, in order to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to single combat upon the field of battle. The fight shall be to the death." Here, Jo inwardly flinched at the thought of Peter fighting this man to the death, "The reward shall be total surrender."

Edmund rolled up the scroll as Miraz began to speak, "Tell me, Prince Edmund-"

"King."

"Pardon?" Miraz looked at Jo.

Jo repeated herself, "King Edmund, actually. Just King though. My husband is the High King. We know it's confusing but do try to get it straight." She smirked at his flushed face.

"Why would we risk such a proposal when our army could wipe you out by nightfall?"

"Haven't you already underestimated our numbers?" Edmund asked, "Only a week ago, Narnians were extinct."

"And so you will be again."

"Then you should have little to fear," Edmund smirked.

Miraz laughed, "This is not a question of bravery."

Edmund grinned, "So you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?"

"I didn't say I refused," Miraz scowled.

A Telmarine Lord spoke, "You shall have our support, your majesty, whatever your decision."

Sopespian interrupted, "Sire, our military advantage alone allows us the perfect excuse to avoid-"

"I am not avoiding anything," Miraz growled, standing with his sword drawn. Jo placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready.

Sopespian backed down a little, "I am merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse."

Glozelle stared Miraz down, "His majesty would never refuse. He relishes the chance to show his people the bravery of their new kind." He challenged.

Miraz glowered to Jo, "You had better hope your husband's sword proves sharper than his pen."

Edmund smiled and Jo smirked, "I'm sure he won't disappoint."

Inside the How, Susan and Lucy climb up on Caspian's horse. Richelle helped Lucy on as Caspian said, "Destier has always served me well. You are in good hands."

"Or hooves," Lucy giggled.

Caspian smiled at the little girl before looking at Susan, pulling out the horn, he held it out to her, "Maybe it is time you had this back."

Susan smiled in what she must have thought a sensual way, "Why don't you hold onto it? You might need to call me again."

Richelle fought the jealousy rising up in her as Susan blatantly flirted with Caspian right in front of her. But she ignored it and didn't say anything.

"I insist you take it back, respectfully," Caspian put the horn in her hands. He pretended not to notice her frown and then she and Lucy rode off.

Caspian immediately began to saddle another horse. When he was ready he looked back at Richelle with guilt in his eyes. Richelle whispered, "I know. Do what you have to do."

Richelle leaned up and swiftly pressed her lips to his. Caspian's eyes widened but he quickly got over his shock and moved his lips with hers. She pulled away as soon as she'd kissed him and looked into his eyes, "You're father would be proud of you. I know I am."

Caspian gave her a thankful look and kissed her again. He swiftly got on the horse and rode off, not daring to look behind him.

Peter and Edmund walked out of Aslan's How as the Narnians cheered.

Miraz spoke to Glozelle, "If it should appear to be going poorly..."

Glozelle glanced at the crossbow in his hands, "Understood, my lord."

Peter drew his sword and stepped forward. Miraz stepped forward and they began to circle each other.

"There is still time to surrender," Miraz goaded.

"Feel free," Peter replied calmly.

"How many more must die for the throne?" Miraz mocked.

"Just one," Peter swore before he pulled down his helmet and lunged at Miraz. Their swords clashed loudly as the two armies cheered for their kings.

Jo flinched at each cling of the swords and felt her hand being taken. She turned to see Edmund smile encouragingly at her, "He'll be alright."

Peter hit Miraz in the back. Miraz knocked off Peter's helmet and then his coif.

Jo gasped worriedly.

Peter swung low and cut Miraz's leg. The Telmarine glanced at his second, Glozelle, who was still holding his crossbow. Miraz swung and Peter fell over. He quickly recovered when Miraz tripped him and stepped on his shield.

Jo clung to Edmund's hand, feeling Peter's pain as he yelled out. Miraz swung but Peter rolled out of the way. He kept rolling until he could block Miraz's strikes. Miraz tripped and Peter stopped. They both quickly stood, heavily breathing, staring the other down.

"Does his highness need a respite?" Miraz mocked.

"Five minutes," Peter requested.

"Three." Miraz growled, limping off.

Jo swept Peter into her arms and helped him sit down. Susan and Caspian just arrived. Caspian immediately took Richelle into his arms as she fussed over the cut on his forehead.

Peter looked to Susan, "Lucy..."

"She got through... with a little help."

Peter looked gratefully at Caspian, "Thanks."

"You were busy," Caspian brushed off. He looked back down at the girl in his arms and smiled, "Are you alright?"

Richelle playfully glared, "I'm not the one with the cut on my face."

"It's not bad." Caspian insisted softly, kissing her temple.

Peter addressed Susan as Jo cleans his cuts, "Better get up there, just in case. I don't expect the Telmarines will keep their word."

Susan hugged Peter and he winced in pain. She grimaced, "Sorry."

Peter gasped out, "It's alright."

"Take care," with that she went off.

Edmund murmured, "Keep smiling." Peter raised his sword and forced a smile, making the Narnians cheer. Peter held his arm and groaned. Edmund looked down at it.

Peter looked won, "I think it's dislocated."

Edmund put his hands on Peter's arm.

Peter frowned and for once his scared demeanor was let out for a moment. Jo saw his face and sighed...

"What do you think happens back home if you die here?" Peter asked ominously.

Jo's face went stiff and stoney as she grabbed Peter's face and made him look at her, "We won't have to figure it out. Go out there and beat him."

Peter nodded, looking deep into her eyes.

"You know, you've always been there. I never really-AWW!" Edmund pushed his arm back into its socket.

"Save it for later."

Peter shook his head when Jo went to hand him his helmet. She gave him a quick kiss on his lips before he walked out to meet Miraz.

Peter attacked quickly, but Miraz parried. Miraz started hitting Peter with his shield as Peter fell. Peter blocked him and then tripped the older King. They both recovered before Peter knocked Miraz's sword out of his hand. Miraz used his shield to continue fighting. Peter caught the shield and twisted it behind him. Miraz elbowed Peter in the face and pushed him into a pillar.

Miraz picked up his sword and swung but Peter blocked it. Peter stood and punched Miraz's wounded leg. Miraz yelled out and fell, dropping his sword.

"Respite! Respite!"

"Now's no time for chivalry, Pete!" Edmund called out.

Peter hesitated. Miraz held up his hand preparing for the blow. Peter lowered his arm and started walking back to his side. After Peter's back was turned, Miraz grabbed his sword and ran towards Peter.

Jo saw this and screamed out, "Peter!"

Peter turned and dodged just in time, grabbing the sword, twisting it around and stabbing Miraz beneath the arm. Miraz gasped and fell to his knees. Peter hesitated again.

"What's the matter boy?" Miraz goaded, "Too cowardly to take a life?"

"It's not mine to take," Peter looked to Caspian. Caspian looked at Richelle uncertain. But she didn't have any words for him. Instead she just smiled and squeezed his arm before letting it go. Caspian stepped forward and Peter handed Miraz's sword to him. Caspian slowly raised the sword.

"Perhaps I was wrong," Miraz said. "It seems you have the makings of a good Telmarine Kind after all." He bowed his head.

Caspian raised the sword before he let out a scream and stabbed the sword into the ground. "Not one like you," he swore, "Keep your life, but I am giving the Narnians back their kingdom."

Caspian walked away and the Narnians cheered. Sopespian walked over and helped Miraz up.

Caspian was immediately taken into Richelle's arms, "You did a brave thing there. You did the right thing."

Caspian kissed her hair and nodded, "Still proud of me?"

Richelle looked up at him and smiled, "Always."

"Treachery!" Everyone turned to see Sopespian dragging a limp Miraz with one of Susan's arrows sticking out of his side, "They shot him! They murdered our King! To arms!"

Caspian glared hatefully and whispered to Richelle, "Stay by me this time."

Richelle gulped, "Always."

Dun dun dun DUUUUUN! And the battle begins!

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