Aaaahhhh! I love you all so much! Thanks so much for the reviews on last chapter! I know I kind of disappointed you, so sorry about that, but I kind of like having you all freak out about Henri and Ed. ;) And remember THREE reviews=new chapter! I only got two last time :(

Anyways, this one could be considered kind of boring compared the more serious action of the last chapters, but I really want to do more with Henri's relationship with Edmund and Peter, along with some of the other Narnians such as Trumpkin and Trufflehunter.

Enjoy everyone! :)

Sing Out!

SW

Disclaimer: I do not own any copyrights to C.S. Lewis' Prince Caspian, nor the movie version by Disney and Walden Media

Chapter 10: A Duel

Henri

Edmund walks away from behind the arch, a scowl gracing his familiar features.

Caspian turns suddenly and I follow his gaze. It's Susan. She shakes her head slightly at both of the boys, as if in disbelief. She whips around and storms out of the chamber, Lucy and Edmund following. He doesn't give me a second glance.

My heart hardens when I look at Peter and Caspian. I'm so angry at the both of them, I can barely talk. What in Aslan's name did they think they were doing?!

"I can't even bear to look at you two right now," I manage to say quietly, fury lacing my words. "How could you?! Both of you!"

"Henri, it's not what it looked like, please—" Caspian starts desperately.

"I don't want to hear it, Caspian," I snap. "I understand that you didn't want that whole thing to happen in the first place, but when she offered, you thought about accepting."

"I was wrong," the prince replies quietly, his voice cracking with emotion. "I know the stories of you and Edmund. I know of what she has done in your past. I am sorry."

I feel myself soften a bit at his statement. "It's alright. At least it's over now."

Caspian nods and starts to make his way out.

Then I turn to a shameful looking Peter. He puts his sword away and stands there, expecting me to yell. But I don't.

"Don't you even try to defend yourself, Peter Pevensie," I growl. Tears start to well up in my eyes as I speak. "Since our last time in Narnia, you've changed, and not for the better. You're angry, you're spiteful, you're cruel, haughty, prideful…it's someone that's not you. I don't know what happened to the boy I looked up to like an older brother. He was kind, noble, generous, and humble. Everything you're not. And I miss him. I miss my good friend and older brother.

"I don't know why the heck you even considered joining forces with such a horrid being like the Witch. Think of what Aslan would want you to do, Peter. Would Aslan want you to fight with someone like the White Witch? After all that she has done to us? I thought I knew you. I guess I was wrong."

I wipe a few stray tears away and stand there, waiting for a response. "Well? Aren't you going to say something?"

Peter sheaths his sword and stares at the ground by his feet. He takes in a deep breath and exhales loudly. Then he looks at me. "I was a git."

For some reason, I can't help but laugh a bit. It's just funny to hear him admit that.

"Yeah, you were," I reply, still chuckling. Peter is even smiling, something I haven't seen him do in a long while.

"I was an idiot, thinking I was the one that was supposed to be in charge now," he says. "I think as you started to yell at me that I was completely mental for even thinking about bringing back the Witch, I realized that Aslan is the one we should be looking to for help."

"Finally!" I say, pleased. "Thank Aslan you've finally gotten a grip!"

"You were right, you know, about the raid. I should have listened. I just thought what I was doing was the right thing. I thought that I would be admired by all the Narnians if we pulled it off. I didn't think about the results if it went wrong, which it did…but what I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to turn into something I'm not," Peter says, not meeting my eyes.

I grin and throw my arms around my good friend, wrapping him in a big hug. "I'm sorry I was so hard on you."

Peter laughs, hugging me back. "But that's what you're here for; putting me in my place. Thank you, Henri."

"Any time," I reply. "Just remember that if you ever behave that way again, I will not hesitate to give you a good sock in the nose. By the way, the Narnians admire you anyways. You don't need to prove that you're worthy to be king, because you already are."

He chuckles and releases me from the embrace. "I'm going to go find Caspian and apologize. Maybe you should go talk to Edmund."

I suddenly am very uncomfortable under Peter's gaze. I refuse to make eye-contact. "And why should I do that?"

"I can tell when he's upset with you, Henri. I'm his brother, I just know," he says. "Did something happen?"

I groan. "I HATE drama!"

And with that, I turn and make my way out of the chamber. I'm surprised that Peter hasn't responded yet. Maybe he'll just let it be.

Edmund

I'm not usually this frustrated. I feel like I'm twelve again, always sour and snarky.

I understand Henri's reason for not wanting to kiss me. A part of me feels the same way. But the rest of me knows that it's meant to be. Wow, that sounds so very cheesy…

As I follow Susan and Lucy down the passage, I can only wonder what Henri is telling Caspian and Peter. I bet she's lecturing them and telling them that they're bonkers for wanting to team up with the White Witch.

"Alright there, everyone?" Trumpkin asks as we reach the end of the tunnel.

"As much as we can be at the moment, Trumpkin," Susan says.

"Thank you for saving me," says Lucy gratefully.

Trumpkin nods. "You're welcome. I only wish it wasn't Nikabrik that tried to hurt you."

I scrunch my eyebrows together in shock. "Nikabrik attacked you?"

"Tried to kill me, actually," Lucy replies quietly, eyes starting to fill with tears. Susan puts an arm around her.

"Why would he do that?" Susan wonders.

"He attempted to revive the White Witch," I explain. "Henri and I saw that hag and the werewolf performing the spell. It looked like Nikabrik had asked them to do it for Caspian."

Susan shakes her head, her jaw clenched. "And Peter and Caspian almost accepted her offer…how despicable."

"Don't worry," Lucy says smugly. "Henri will tell them off."

"I've got to stop her," Susan grumps, turning away.

I gently put a hand on my sister's shoulder and stop her. "Su, it's no use. If anyone can convince them they were wrong, it's Henri."

"She's just a girl!" she counters.

"So are you," I reply.

"I guess you're right," Susan sighs, not wanting to admit it.

"We've set up a sort of training camp in the next room," Trumpkin says. "Would any of you like some practice in fighting or shooting?"

"I'd like to throw a few daggers," Lucy says cheerfully.

"Maybe I should get in some target practice," Susan murmurs.

"Is anyone willing to duel me, Trumpkin?" I ask. Maybe a good duel is all I need right now, just to work out what happened earlier.

"I'm sure we can find you an opponent, Edmund," says Trumpkin. "Although, I'm not sure anyone is quite as good a match for your skills as Henri."

The three of them start walking towards another chamber, our dwarf friend leading the way.

I'm not sure anyone is quite as good a match for your skills as Henri…

Those words echo in my mind, cutting into each nerve like a knife. But what he's said is the truth. She's the only one who can beat me in swordplay; the only one that counters my bad jokes and foolish antics with her own logic and witty comebacks; the only one who matches my temper and calms me down…

I feel a stirring inside me as I follow behind Susan, Lucy, and Trumpkin through other halls and rooms. The Narnians bow their heads in respect as we pass, just as they used to during the Golden Age.

I remember hearing how Henri defended me in the Battle of Beruna. I remember her trusting in me to keep her secret at the banquet after the coronation, that she was frightened and anxious. I remember getting to grow up with her, fight alongside her, laugh with her.

I feel a jolt in my stomach when the thought sinks in. Henri and I are meant to be best friends and something more. I really do like Henri.

But we're not exactly in the speaking mood at the moment. I can't just go up and tell her that, can I? Or maybe I can, once I get a chance. However, knowing Henri, she might stride away.

I hear a clang of metal and a few shouts of encouragement as we near the training room. It reminds me of all the times we used to have sparring matches before battles or when we used to have tournaments on Cair Paravel's grounds.

I can't help but give a small smile as we enter. Maybe this is exactly what I need.

Henri

I come out of the end of the tunnel to see Trufflehunter scurrying along, leading some of the younger Narnians somewhere.

"Oh, Queen Henri!" he exclaims, bowing a little. The others follow his example. "We were just on our way to the training room. Would you care to join us?"

I can't help but grin at my Badger friend's kindness. "Thank you, Trufflehunter, but I'm afraid I'm a bit—put out to do any training."

"If you please, Your Majesty," says the young Centaur foal, "most of us here would love see you spar."

"We've heard the stories about your swordsmanship skills, My Lady," another Faun tells me.

"Maybe when you're feeling more up to it?" says a young panther.

I inwardly sigh and clap a hand on my sword. Maybe a spar is just what I need right now.

"Sure," I finally comply, "let's see who's brave enough to let me fight them."

I laugh as the young warriors shout with joy. I join Trufflehunter in the front of the pack and carry on towards the training room.

As we enter, I see a large circular ring roped off on one end, two soldiers already sparring as a small crowd cheers them on. Some Narnians on the other side of the room are practicing their archery skills. I hear a loud THUNK, the sound of an arrow hitting its mark.

I spot Susan at the very end, closest to the sword ring. Another bulls-eye, of course.

I begin making my way to the ring when I see Edmund, shouting instructions at one of the fighters. I avert my eyes and walk over to Susan instead. I'm not ready to talk to him yet.

Just as I stop beside her, she shoots another arrow. Yet another close to being dead center.

"Will you ever not miss?" I joke. Susan gives me an annoyed glance and turns back to her bow.

"I will if you keep talking I will," she says, picking up another arrow.

"Fair enough," I say.

"For goodness sake, what are you doing over here? Shouldn't you be speaking to Ed?" she scolds.

I throw my hands in the air in irritation.

"How the heck does everyone know we had a riff?" I cry, exasperated.

Susan just laughs. "I can tell, Henri. You came into the room and didn't immediately run over to him. That's when I know something's wrong."

"What's going on?" Lucy asks, suddenly appearing at my side. "What's wrong, Henri?"

"She and Edmund had an argument," Susan clarifies. I give Susan a warning look. She turns innocently back to her shooting.

"What about?" Lucy inquires.

"Nothing," I say quickly. "It's really nothing."

"If it's nothing, why did you quarrel in the first place?" Lucy asks.

"I mean it's nothing you need to worry about, Lu," I reply.

Lucy shrugs. "Alright, I won't."

"Queen Henri!"

I whip around to see all of the Narnians' eyes on me. I go rigid for a moment.

"Won't you spar, Your Majesty?" says one of the Fauns.

I scan the merry faces of all the Narnians. They seem so happy to think that I, Queen Henri, the Sword of Narnia, might duel one of them. My voice catches in my throat when I see Edmund's detached expression. Caspian stands there, hopeful for me to try fighting.

I slowly nod. "Sure."

They give a shout of delight as they part, waiting for me to pass through and enter the ring.

I step forward, wondering who I'll be sparring.

The Narnians grin and shout as I pass them. I put on a smile, hoping they won't see through the mask. I really just want to work out my feelings right now. I don't want to show off or gain respect or approval from these creatures.

I climb over the rope, draw my sword, and glance around at the faces outside the ring. "So who will I be fighting?"

No one responds. They mutter to each other, their whispers hissing like snakes in the echo of the chamber.

"I'll do it!" a familiar voice declares. My heart stops beating. It's—

"King Edmund!" Trufflehunter says giddily. "By all means, go ahead!"

I can barely take in air to breathe as Edmund steps into the ring. His eyes are hard, cold, calculating…it's intimidating. But I clear my throat, brushing that from my mind. He's nothing but a rival swordsman now. And I'm going to beat him.

He draws his sword, the Narnians' eyes flickering between the two of us. I straighten my spine and roll my shoulders a bit. I don't break my best friend's gaze. I'm focused, ready to hear the clash of our blades.

I pull my long blonde hair into a ponytail and push back some of my bangs. Edmund's gaze isn't as intense any more, his sword lowering for a moment. It's as if he's realized something. But then he shakes his head and he returns to his unfeeling self.

"Ready, Your Majesties?" asks a Centaur.

"Ready," I call. Half of the Narnians on my end of the ring bellow in support. I smirk and get into my stance.

"Ready," Edmund calls back. His own side roars.

"This spar will be until someone pins the other or their sword is knocked out of their hand by their opponent," says the Centaur. "In three, two, one…SPAR!"

I think the Narnians cheer again, but I'm too focused on Edmund to really hear them.

We circle each other, waiting for the other to advance.

I twirl my own blade once. Then without another second to spare, I strike. Edmund blocks it easily. Then aims for my shins. I jump and strike several times more. I feel his grip weaken.

Then he fights back hard, more fierce than ever. I block his strikes and parry. I smack his rear with the flat side of my blade, just like I did with Trumpkin. I hear the Narnians laugh.

Edmund pauses, just for a second, and scowls, starting to circle me again.

"First stand me up, then make a fool out of me?" he growls, just quiet enough for the Narnians not to hear.

He thrusts his blade towards me several times, and I dodge and block.

"I'm not trying to make you look bad, Ed!" I hiss back. "You should know that above anyone else!"

We fight for a short while longer before Edmund speaks again.

"Why should I know that?"

"Because you're my best friend!"

He strikes to the side and I hit his blade near the handle. He stumbles forward and I kick his side, trying to keep him away.

"Yeah, my best friend who's beating me up!" he sneers.

"It's just dueling! I'm not trying to beat you up! And I didn't know I was going to be fighting you!" I say back.

He strikes again and, suddenly, we're in a full-fledged battle, neither of us showing any mercy.

"Why did you volunteer anyways?" I ask, panting from the effort of fighting.

"Because I thought we'd both feel better in the end!" says Ed, parrying my strike.

"Well, it's not really working," I reply, ducking from his swing aimed at my head.

We continue to fight. Edmund really is the only one (maybe besides Peter) who's skill is matched with my own. He's the only one who puts me in my place when I need to be. And he's the only one who can really calm me down after a battle.

I gasp when the thought suddenly jumps into my brain—Edmund is my perfect match.

I finally get a good grip on my sword with both hands, and swing as hard as I can, knocking his blade loose in his hands. I do it three more times, and his sword flies to the ground.

His chocolate brown eyes stare deep into my own, my sword pointed at his chest.

I hear the Narnians roar and clap in approval. Their voices shake me from my daze and I look into the crowd of people. All the archers from the range even stopped and came over to observe our contest. Susan, Lucy, Peter, and Caspian gawk, wide-eyed, at the two of us in the center of the ring.

I snap quickly back to Edmund and lower my blade. I put it away and can't help but say something.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, not looking at anything but my best friend.

"I'm sorry, too," he whispers back.

We jump into each other's arms and the Narnians shout even louder. I hug Edmund tight, not daring to let go for even a moment.

I have a mixed jumble of feelings making a sickening knot in my stomach. I regret pulling away from him. I am confident now that even if we did end it, we would still be friends. It's not possible for us not to be friends.

We pull away from each other for a moment, our arms still lightly around each other. Our eyes lock and Edmund starts to lean in again.

I smile. This time it will be alright. I won't run.

Then a hand is on my shoulder, dragging me away from the moment.

"You really are terrific at swordsmanship," Caspian compliments.

I'm a bit annoyed that he couldn't just leave us be, but I respond politely all the same.

"Thanks, Caspian," I say as Ed's arms unwind from my middle.

"That was an amazing spar," says Peter, coming up beside Ed. "Maybe next time Caspian and I can fight."

"That would be interesting," Susan chuckles, appearing next to Caspian.

"Yes, yes it would," says Lucy, scurrying up in front of us.

"Come on," says Peter, smiling, "we've got to teach Caspian how to fight more efficiently."

"Hey," Caspian jokes. "At least I didn't lose to a girl."

Edmund frowns. "What's that supposed to mean? Henri is the best swordsman—"

"Woman," I correct good-naturedly.

"Oh, sorry, swordswoman," he grins.

Thank Aslan we're okay again. I missed him for that hour we weren't talking. Or was it even an hour? Who knows…

HAHA! I loved writing that! Hope you loved reading it :) THREE reviews=new chapter!