Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: After almost a year of conflict in both the North and the South, Narnia's borders are secured once more. Hope brightens as Narnia prepares for a year of peace. Yet, when shadows from the past threaten, will the light be smothered or shine all the brighter?

A/N: If you have not read the first eleven stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakened, Shadowed, Revealed, Concealed, Rekindled, Refracted, Reflected, Veiled, Unveiled, Eclipsed, and Obscured), I highly recommend you do so for the full experience. However, I have included a quick summary of the previous stories so if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.

Chapter Twelve: Assignations

He watched, a little anxious, for her to appear. There. A smile curved her pink lips as she entered the room. It drew him and mocked him at once. Her blue eyes sparkled with a happiness that grated on him. He clenched his fist unconsciously before he became aware of it and forced his fingers to relax. The witch would not have much longer to taunt him. He would see to that. For now, though, yes for now he had to wait and lure her into a false sense of safety. Then, and only then, would he spring his trap.

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Susan smiled as she noticed Kat's happiness. The older woman's eyes shone with a secret joy and a fresh rose with forget-me-nots adorned her hair just above her left ear. She spoke in low tones to Deianeira and then laughed with the Nymph.

Satisfied that Kat would stay long enough to fulfill her duties as Princess Royal (since the baroness had been most insistent on speaking with her again), Susan returned her attention to the rest of her guests. Lucy was speaking with Raisa as they fawned over little William as he lay in his aunt's arms, Thalia having taken the opportunity to steal a chance to nap. The baroness was currently holding court with her nephew, Lord Jokin, and a mix of Zelaians and Narnians. Yet…there was one whom seemed even less comfortable at the tea than dear Cor as Corin teased him and Aravis.

Rising from her seat, she poured a goblet of wine and then carried it to her quietest guest. Captain Dejen's arms were folded across his chest but he lowered them as she approached. He seemed torn as she stopped before him and she could not escape the sense that he was a little wary of her. The poor man must have been feeling so out of place.

She offered the goblet to him with a friendly smile. "Captain, I could not help but notice you did not take part in the refreshments. If tea is not to your taste, I thought you might like some wine. Muriel wine is one of Narnia's finest vintages. The Centaurs cultivate it so it is a bit stronger than others."

Captain Dejen studied her a long moment before he reached for the goblet. His calloused fingers brushed against hers as he did so. Susan barely kept from jerking her hand away. She reminded herself he meant nothing by it, if anything, he seemed not to notice the momentary contact. His dark eyes rested on her face as he took a drink. Lowering the goblet, he said gruffly, "It is good. My thanks to you, Gentle Queen."

Susan flinched.

The Southern Isles captain's eyes suddenly narrowed. "I gave offense."

"No, it is not you." She glanced over her shoulder and met Kat's gaze. She offered a quick smile to the older woman before she turned back to her guest. "Believe me, Captain Dejen, it is not you. I merely… I had a most unpleasant suitor last year and he was fond of that phrase when he was not being effusively flowery."

"He hurt you."

"He… He tried, but he failed and was punished for his wicked deeds." Susan cleared her throat as she shoved away the memory of Rabadash and his cloying words, the memory of her own foolishness. "Will you not join us, Captain? My sister is often in the islands and enjoys sailing. I am certain that you will find an eager audience for your tales of the seas around the Southern Isles."

She did not think he would agree to it. But then, he nodded. He followed behind her as she led the way back to the others. Lucy immediately came over with Raisa trailing in her wake, pausing only to hand William to his godmother. Kat seemed more than willing to accept the baby as Marsalla and the baroness (along with some of her party) joined her.

Susan gestured for Dejen to claim a seat. He looked around rather skeptically and seemed to be considering standing but then he sat with exaggerated care upon the settee beside her. His large presence was impossible to ignore but he did take care to keep a distance between them. One of the Ocelots leapt into the empty space, neatly inserting herself between them. Susan breathed a little easier even as she told herself that she needed to cease reacting as though every man outside of her family would hurt and betray her.

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William gurgled as he observed the people around him. Alambiel couldn't hide her smile as she stroked the babe's chubby cheek.

"You've a fair hand with babes, girl." Baroness Jael's voice drew her attention to the woman. Light green eyes observed her keenly as she asked, "Have you children of your own?"

Marsalla shifted uncomfortably and Deianeira frowned at the nosiness of the question, but Alambiel merely smiled down at William's head. Light fuzz had sprung up to cover his scalp only a day past and she was more than tempted to kiss him. "No, we have not yet been blessed with children."

"Pity. Someone as capable as you are should be a mother, make no mistake about that."

Alambiel suddenly wished she had the Kentauri with her again. But, no. She was strong enough for this. Simple politicking was a game, though she did not particularly care for it. She met the baroness' gaze as she asked sweetly, "Have you been enjoying your stay in Narnia thus far, Baroness?"

"Indeed! Though, it is a mite colder than I am accustomed to up north. Why I can scarce believe it when someone tells me you are looking forward to an early spring. Although there is not as much snow as I was led to believe would be present."

Exchanging an amused glance with Deianeira, Alambiel interjected, "We had a rather gentle winter save for some storms in Yule. However, that is here by the sea. My understanding is that there is still snow on the ground the further north and west one goes. If your heart is set on seeing snow-covered ground, I am certain we can arrange an outing for your pleasure."

Ptah barely hid his amusement with a sneeze while Marsalla looked askance at her. But, the baroness gave a high-pitched laugh and pressed her ring-laden hand to her mouth as though she were a young girl. "Oh, well parried, Princess, well parried. Jokin! Jokin, do you not agree that was well parried?"

Lord Jokin's green eyes studied her face as a faint smile curved his mouth. "Indeed, it was. Well, Auntie, did you wish to go on a snow tracking adventure?"

The baroness graced him with an indulgent smile. "Foolish boy, do I look as though I wish to do so? Though, perhaps I might send you, hmm? Keep you out of mischief."

Alambiel kept her head bent during this exchange, ostensibly preoccupied with keeping William from grasping her pendant, but she watched them closely from beneath her lashes. The baroness seemed no more dangerous than the average gossip and busybody. She seemed friendlier than most, though. Her nephew… Alambiel still struggled with the utter disparity between him and the way she had been so certain he was the Monster. However, the eyes did not lie. Green could not be mistaken for black and the coldness that so marked the Monster was utterly lacking. At most, the Zelaian lord was prone to demonstrating a sardonic amusement with his surrounds in general and his aunt's antics in particular. Nothing in his manners warned her against his intentions, but it was difficult to accept she had been so distressed as to make such a disastrously unhappy mistake. A fit of her memories overtaking her.

"Flutters and butters! You let me forget the letter from Queen Kepa again."

"Did I, Auntie? I am most sorry. Shall I fetch it for you?"

The baroness paused then shook her head as she patted his arm. "No, no. I think I shall do it, my boy. Only not now. Is that more biscuits?"

Alambiel had her doubts that the letter would ever produce itself. The baroness never seemed to remember it and she wasn't certain if the woman even had a letter. But it gave her an excuse to continue speaking with Alambiel as much as she could corner her. Something the baroness seemed determined to ply to its full advantage. She turned back to her. "Now, there is something I have been most curious about. Exactly how long have you and the General been a couple? I mean married. It was obvious that you two were a couple when you came to Zelaia seven years past."

Ptah sneezed again. This time Alambiel kicked him in the leg. The Big Cat only blinked at her, all smug innocence. She forced a smile. "It will be six years come summer, Baroness. You mentioned in our last conversation that you wanted to see what your nephew would be able to do here in Narnia. I confess to my own curiosity as to what you meant by that?"

"I think the boy would benefit from spending time in another court." The baroness nodded toward Cor, Corin, and Aravis. "Clearly Narnia is in the business of training young nobles. Wise policy, if you ask me. Make them fond of you as children and they won't be as likely to bite your hand. Though, I'm not sure about the Calormene girl. A Tarkheena, no? Would not a Tarkaan be better? Girls aren't meant for more than birthing sons in Calormen, after all."

Alambiel caught William's chubby hand just before he snagged her ruby pendant. She glanced from the baroness to her nephew who was watching her closely. "I find that most of the children in Narnia who bite only do it on accident. Lord Jokin, you are not a child. Please, what are your feelings about this proposal?"

He inclined his head toward his aunt. "As Auntie Jael has mentioned, she has grand plans for me. I admit to a fascination with your fair Narnia. It is most unlike Zelaia with all your mountains and hills and trees, not to mention the sea. However, I would not wish to be an imposition. It seems rather that your hands are quite full."

She hesitated, something wasn't quite clear enough as she wished it. "Well, perhaps next week you can present me with a general proposal for an extended stay in Narnia. I will look over it, meet with you to discuss any questions I have, and then I will present it to the Four. In the end, it will be their decision, not mine."

William let out an unhappy squawk and she seized the opportunity to escape. Rising, she bowed her head slightly. "Pray excuse me."

To her disappointment, the baroness rose with her and followed along as she slipped from the room. "You can sway their majesties. They wouldn't appoint you as ambassador to such countries as Zelaia if they did not trust your judgment."

"I do not pull the reins of the kingdom. They lie firmly and solely in the grasp of the Four." Alambiel frowned a little as William let out another cry. He squirmed in her arms, grasping her pendant and yanking on it even as he rubbed his face against her. "I know, I know. Just a little longer."

Fortunately, they ran into Thalia in the second hall from the royal family's private wing. Just before Alambiel would have had to abandon diplomacy completely and told the baroness she could come no further. The Beech Nymph swept down on them and scooped her son up, kissing his cheeks. She nodded to Alambiel before the baroness placed her hand on her arm, pulling her attention away from mother and child. There was a hint of sympathy in her light green eyes as she murmured, "Six years is a long time to have empty arms. But, don't worry, girl. I'm sure you'll have one of your own. Why it took me a good five years before I was blessed with a wee daughter. Of course, my husband would have preferred a son. He got his wish a year later and thrice more after that. Fortunately, I kept my girlish figure." She ran a hand down her ample front with a laugh.

Alambiel wished dearly she could accept Ptah's unspoken offer to rid her of the baroness who managed to twist knives into her without meaning anything by it. But, she forced a smile and walked with the baroness back to the solarium. She wouldn't be able to escape until after the baroness was finished with her, it would seem.

She reached up to stroke the ruby pendant with her thumb, her thoughts straying to her Kentauri. If not for the fact that she knew he was caught in a disciplinary meeting for one of the soldiers she had clashed with during his absence, she would have been tempted to send him a note asking for him to rescue her.

"That is a very pretty trinket you have there, girl. Pray what is that gold carving?"

Alambiel blinked then looked down at her pendant before meeting the baroness' curious gaze. "It is a bird of paradise."

"And where did you come by that? I should love to know the name of the jeweler."

"I do not know the jeweler's name. It was a gift."

"From the General?"

She nodded in reply. Maybe Susan or Lucy would be able to rescue her from the baroness and she could slip away from the tea early. She had already been there for the majority of it. Not even Stonebrook could protest if she left. Well, maybe Stonebrook would. He was always the most concerned about the time limits she put on her princess duties.

"Well, how sweet. One can never tell with these warrior types. Some are as cruel at home as they are on the battlefield but you seem to have made an excellent catch. I'm sure he'll be a good father too. Eventually, that is. Don't worry if he seems a mite disappointed. Children are important to men, you know. Probably doesn't matter if they're human or Centaur in that."

Ptah suddenly brushed against her leg and Alambiel unclenched her fists as she took a calming breath. She was proud of herself for keeping any hint of quaver or irritation from her voice as she said, "Baroness Jael, have you had the chance to introduce Lord Jokin to Queen Susan? I mean, properly."

She mentally apologized to Susan, but the woman was going to make her scream if she didn't get her to stop talking about babies and disappointed husbands. Now she merely needed to endure the rest of the tea.

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"She said that to her?" Oreius repeated. His tail lashed his flanks as his irritation mounted. Between Marius' defiance and the slurs he cast toward Alambiel and now learning that the Zelaian baroness had nattered on about foals and his being disappointed over their absence from their herd, he was heartily weary of those who inflicted wounds on his wife. Intentional or not, he would not abide it. Not when Alambiel was so fragile.

Ptah gazed up at him unhappily. "Repeatedly, Sir. Despite my lady's best efforts to turn the conversation away from your marriage and cubs, the baroness always returned to it. She even engaged Lady Marsalla in the conversation and my lady bore the brunt of their comments. They may not have meant it to be unkind but I could tell it bothered her, General, though she took pains to hide it."

Was all his work in reassuring Alambiel, in wooing her over luncheon to be undermined by a diplomat's careless chatter? Oreius scowled, clenching his fists. "And where is the Princess Royal now?"

"She is working with Leeta to go over the rest of her paperwork." The Leopard paused then said quietly, "She is working on today's paperwork."

Never a good sign. When Alambiel was so upset that she needed the distraction of paperwork to preoccupy herself, it always meant that she did not trust herself to not have something numbing to do. She considered paperwork very numbing.

Oreius took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. He wanted nothing more than to go to her and comfort her, but he could not at the moment. "Ptah, I want you to go back to Alambiel. Do not leave the Princess Royal's side. I must attend to an urgent meeting with the Kings, then I will see to Alambiel. If anything happens, anything at all, send word to me."

"Yes, General."

He watched the Leopard slip out of the meeting room with a heavy heart. The progress made earlier had no doubt suffered. He could not confront the baroness without exposing Alambiel to further scrutiny, something she despised. He would merely have to set out a plan to banish the memories and feelings summoned by the baroness' careless words. He would fix it.

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Alambiel signed the last document and then leaned back in her chair. Ptah nudged her hand and she bent to give him a hug. She didn't say anything, just kissed the soft, silky fur betwixt his ears. The Leopard had tried hard to keep her distracted from the emotions the baroness had stirred back to life. Poor Marsalla had been helplessly caught in the conversation too with the baroness ignoring any and all attempts to change it from a running commentary about Alambiel's marriage and her speculations about babies and when they would come and why they took so long in coming and how disappointed men could be by their failure to appear, which led to wandering eyes.

She had nearly laughed out loud at the thought of Oreius cheating on her. He wouldn't even contemplate it. If she had not the heated looks he gave her as proof, she need look no further than his character and honor. The stars would fall before the thought of cheating even entered the Kentauri's skull.

She closed her eyes, still hugging Ptah, for a long moment before she sat back up and then stood. The Leopard's gold eyes were bright as he watched her and she held her head a little higher just to reassure him that she was still all right. She was.

"My lady?"

"Yes, Leeta, I know. The banquet."

The Nymph smiled. "It took longer than expected to finish the paperwork, which I shall see is delivered by tomorrow morn. However, you need to change for the banquet."

"If I must."

"You must, Your Highness."

Alambiel rolled her eyes at Ptah who smirked, but she went willingly enough to her quarters. A wave of disappointment crashed over her when Oreius was not there. She had hoped to see him before the banquet. Although, depending on how the meeting regarding Marius' discipline went, he might be obliged to miss the banquet and she would have to wait even longer to see him. She went through the motions of preparing for the banquet, not even arguing when Leeta selected one of the more elaborate formal gowns. She didn't have the heart to barter with her over a different, simpler gown. She was tired and wanted nothing more than to fall sleep in Oreius' embrace.

As it was, Leeta suddenly changed her mind and selected the simple white-blue gown, which was normally adorned with only a silver belt. Alambiel touched the pendant then opened her jewelry box. She rested the ruby in its proper place and reached for another necklace only to pause when she noticed an empty slot. "Leeta, where is the Lion necklace?"

"The Lion necklace? I have not seen it since you last wore it, my lady, over a year ago."

Alambiel frowned as she searched through her jewelry box. Where was it? The gold Lion Oreius had turned into a necklace for her was no mere trinket. The coin she had pressed into his hand and asked for his thoughts when she wanted to prove she remembered him again. She had seen it only that morn.

"My lady, there is a message."

Ptah brought the note to her. She cut through the unadorned wax seal and opened it.

If the lady desires once more to claim a Lion for her thoughts, she should come to the hill crowned with poplars at eighth hour. Then I shall return that which she has lost.

The note was unsigned but she pursed her lips when she recognized the handwriting. Still, she said nothing. She closed her jewelry box and nodded to Leeta. "Thank you, I think that is all. Ptah, would you accompany me on a short trip?"

"Yes, my lady."

"A trip, my lady?"

"Yes. Don't look so worried, Leeta, I am not intent on escaping the banquet. Go on with you. Enjoy your evening. I will see you tomorrow."

She waited only until the Nymph had left before she turned on the Leopard, hands on her hips, as she hissed, "Did you know about this?"

"Know about what, my lady?" The Leopard was all smug innocence again.

"I've half a mind to get a different guard to accompany me," she muttered without heat. Opening her wardrobe, she pulled out Oreius' red cloak and wrapped it around herself. "Come on."

The hill crowned with poplars was just beyond the southern walls of Cair Paravel. Alambiel reached the top as the bells of the Cair tolled the time. Eighth hour precisely. No one was there. "Ptah, do you-"

The Leopard was gone. She frowned, hand reaching for her nearest knife, when someone moved behind her. She whirled, drawing her dagger, only for her wrist to be caught in an immovable yet gentle grip. The Kentauri smiled down at her.

"Oreius! What are you doing?"

"Keeping an assignation." He released her wrist and then held up his left hand. The gold coin twisted lightly on its delicate gold chain as it dangled from his fingers. "You were missing this, were you not?"

Alambiel sheathed her dagger with a soft laugh. "You've gone completely mad. Stealing my jewelry and then forcing me to come searching for you? You have not done anything like this since…since the last time we were at the cabin and you stole all my clothes." She giggled at the memory. "It's a small wonder you didn't do the same now. I would have had to wear one of your tunics so I could come looking for you."

Oreius chuckled as he fastened the necklace about her neck and then tilted her chin up so they were looking each other in the eyes. "Ah, but I could not do that in Cair Paravel. You would distract far too many men by showing off your very pretty legs and then I would be required to remind them all that you already have a husband."

"And lover," she breathed even as she blushed.

He leaned in, his breath mingling with hers but not yet kissing, as he murmured, "Yes, you have that too. Hopefully, both still please you."

"You always please me. Even when you're being remarkably foolish."

"Foolish?"

"Out of character."

"Why?"

"This. Everything you have done today." She glanced at his lips, wishing he would kiss her already. "It is not like you to play like this."

"And, do you not enjoy it?"

"I enjoy it." She leaned forward, only to sigh in frustration when he drew back, continuing to be close enough for her to feel him without actually touching. "I have to go to the banquet. Will you not kiss me at least?"

He laughed. "Not yet." He raised his head, still watching her with a mix of fondness and passion in his eyes. "You also do not need to go to the banquet. I spoke with Queen Susan and explained we had a previous engagement that takes priority. She was most agreeable to our absence."

"Previous engagement? With who?"

"Come with me."

"Where?"

"You will see."

Alambiel waited for him to say more but the Kentauri left. She scrambled to follow him down the far side of the hill to where the trees grew closer together. She stopped beside him at a little grove at the foot of the hill and stared in surprise. A bower was woven of tree branches but thick blankets covered the front and she suspected there would be more within. She could smell her favorite foods and hot chocolate. Turning to her husband, she demanded, "Are you planning on camping out here? It's still Snowbrice."

He merely smiled. "Ah, but do you not trust me to keep you warm, my sweet?"

Alambiel bit her lip then smiled back at him. "That would depend on a few things, Husband."

"Come inside and tell me. I would relish the opportunity to fulfill your every requirement and your every desire." He held his hand out to her.

She didn't even hesitate before she placed her hand in his. Oreius led her into the bower. He had covered the cool grass with blankets. Pillows were everywhere, more than enough to let them lounge comfortably as they ate, and a familiar sumptuous blue coverlet she recalled receiving when they had been snowed into a cave near the Northern Marshes for their first Christmas as husband and wife topped it all.

When she turned to thank him, Oreius caught her. His fingers buried in her hair, knocking the flowers free, as he kissed her with a passion that left her breathless and no longer aware of the chill in the night air. She wasn't sure why he had been so ardent in chasing her today but she was grateful for the reassurance. Maybe she could believe that he still saw her as the woman of his dreams, his star. As Oreius lessened the kiss, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck as she returned the kiss with the same fire he had first shown.

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A/N: Please Read and Review! Things are about to get interesting... Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.