~Greetings Narnians! I want to present to you this shocking chapter that took 2 months to write and edit. Let's review what happened last time.

Lucy is taken to Castle Caput Anguli by Sire Merrick and the armies of Narnia. The Narnians want her to become High Queen since Edmund and Peter are in Jerez's dungeons and Susan is likely in trouble with Lance. At the end of the Chapter 11 Lucy runs away from Sir Merrick after a fight and stumbles into Lord Greco. She screams. Susan seemed to have been attacked by Lance and she is beginning to think he will kill her before she reunites with her family.

I want to thank you for all the reviews! Please keep them coming, and without further ado here is Chapter 12: The Coronation ~

His eyes flamed. The insolent woman before him laid sprawled out on the floor, struggling to rise. He had struck her hard. Was it too soon? Lance shook the thought away. She would have to learn how to be a proper wife sooner or later.

Taking a deep breath, he strolled over to Susan and knelt down next to her on the floor. She lifted her face. Blood trickled down her forehead. He could see the look of utter shock and betrayal in her eyes. He sighed. "I am sorry I had to do that Susan, but you were out of line, my dear. I only did it because I care about you."

She shook her head, her furry obvious. My, she was a headstrong one. It was a good thing Lance was a patient and considerate man. "My rose, you had the audacity to argue with me, in front of the staff. We can't have that. The men need someone to control them."

A guard strolled down the hall. When he saw the queen on the ground in agony, a wound on her head, he dashed over, pushing Lance out of the way. "My queen, whatever happened to you?" he asked, astounded that she was attacked in her own home. Even as he said it though, the guard turned to Lance, his hand at the hilt of his sword. "What have you done?" he asked icily.

Lance narrowed his eyes at the guard. "Whatever do you mean? The queen happened to trip and hit her head. I was helping her up, before you very rudely pushed me out of the way. You do not dare suggest that I had something to do with this incident, do you?" He said it calmly, but his message remained clear. If the guard challenged Lance, he would suffer dearly.

"I-"

"My good man, Lance has spoken true," Susan quickly interrupted. She pushed herself between the two. Apparently she had also heard Lance's message. "Please do not trouble yourself any further, for it is my own clumsiness that has harmed me." She smiled at the guard and laughed.

"If you are certain Your Majesty," the guard said unconvincingly. However, he did not move. It looked like Lance would have to continue to use force afterall.

Susan saw the change behind Lance's eyes. She feared for the guard's life. His name was Anthony, and he had two beautiful little girls. Sir Merrick was their uncle. She did not wish orphanhood upon them. "Anthony, please leave. I am fine, truly."

The man looked at her, so many questions in his eyes. Why didn't his queen stand up and fight? Why did she protect this coward, who had no power? There was a time when Susan asked these questions herself. In the end however, she reminded herself that Lance had many followers in Cair Paravel. Dolphus, the brave man who had originally kidnapped Lucy and now sat in their dungeon, had told her so. If she revealed that she did not love Lance and that she knew he was a traitor, she would be cast into the dungeon before she could do anything about it.

"I will defend my Queen, even if she will not defend herself," the guard stated, drawing his sword. "There is nothing you can do to stop me. You are still only a courrier, though you have become friendly with the Queen."

Though the fire raging behind Lance's eyes was obvious, he smiled. "We shall see." With that, he turned on his heel, and strolled down the corridor, a purpose in his step.

Susan's shoulders sagged in relief. She raised a hand to her head. There was still blood. She turned to Anthony. "Thank you, my friend, for your support, though I am afraid it shall cost you dearly."

He shook his head. "Your Majesty, my brother, Sir Merrick, has instructed me to watch out for you closely, since most of Cair Paravel's most loyal soldiers have been sent away. I am worried as to why we have not yet received word from Merrick or your brothers."

Susan fought hard not to cry. "As am I, Anthony. I do not know what to believe. Sir Merrick sent out a few scouts ahead of them to ensure it was not a trap. Alas, I suppose it is possible Lance has intercepted the messages. It was he who previously held the message of Lucy's death."

"On the other hand, Your Majesty, my brother may have thought of that. If he knew it possible of Lance to intercept messages, he might have sent none at all. As for the kings... well, let us pray to Aslan that they are alright."

"Papa!" a voice shrieked.

Susan and Anthony jerked around in horror, seeing little Lana running down the corridor. "What is it Lana?" Anthony asked of his daughter. "Whatever is the matter?"

"Papa," she cried, wrapping her frail arms around her beloved father. "Some men came in and they took Elle! I tried to stop them; I did! But they came in saying she had stolen jewelry from Queen Lucy's quarters."

Susan closed her eyes, not believing her ears. Lance was going to rip this family apart. Just like he had shattered her's.

Lucy screamed.

Greco stepped back. "Now there is no need for that. I am here to help."

Lucy, with all the fury raging inside her, lunged at the man. They fell rolling onto the ground. She clawed at his face with her nails. "Get off me!" he choked, trying to push her off of him.

Somehow, Lucy managed to grab his dagger and flew off into the wall, as his forearm pushed her back. Shaking, she rose to her feet, his dagger in her hand. Greco rose as well, drawing his sword. Suddenly, she heard the sound of fast-approaching footsteps. Never turning her head, for it was quite foolish to do so in a duel, she commanded them to stop.

"Lucy!" she heard Sir Merrick shout. Quickly, he corrected himself. "Your Majesty, please put down the dagger and explain."

Lucy and Greco began circling each other, carefully placing their feet as both of them had been trained to do. They were now surrounded by Narnian warriors on all sides, forming a barrier. There was an anxious look on everyone's face. Their queen had commanded them to do nothing, when all they wanted to do was to intercede and slaughter the man who appeared to have threatened her. She saw Damien, Leif, and Liam among them.

"Sir Merrick, this girl appears not to want my help. Perhaps I should leave." Greco said, appearing troubled by this inconvenience.

With annoyance, Lucy considered her options. She was a young Queen of Narnia, who had been trained in swordsmanship for several years now. She knew she was gifted with the natural ability to fight, but unfortunately in this duel it would make little difference. Greco was the son of a Telmarine general who had undoubtedly been trained to fight as soon as he could walk. He was older, stronger, and more experienced. Even if Lucy had the same experience under her belt, she would never be able to match his strength. Not to mention while he had a sword, she simply had a dagger.

Then, she felt herself smile for the first time. A wicked smile. "Greco you remember when I escaped from your home? After you had whipped me of course." She heard many gasps at that revelation, and saw the furry in her men's eyes. In Sir Merrick's eyes there was deep sorrow. She quickly flicked her gaze back to Greco.

"How can I forget?" Greco asked, still frowning. Lucy could see he knew where this was going. His eyes spoke truth.

Still circling each other, she continued. "If I recall correctly, I stopped Zephrus, your father, by hurling a knife at his wrist. Imagine what I could do with a dagger, meant for such an occasion."

Greco's face fell. The battle was lost. He dropped his sword. The Narnians let out cheers, as a few came up and dragged Lord Greco away. He began thrashing about and shouting, "I came to you! The Narnian Kings will die without my help!"

Lucy surveyed the crowd of the Narnian warriors. Their eyes beamed with pride for their warrior Queen. They wanted her to lead them. She closed her eyes as they shouted praises. "Queen Lucy the Valiant is a Lioness!" "She destroys the sons Telmar!" "She will be a strong and mighty High Queen!"

She could not stand there and take it for another minute. A single tear trickled down her cheek. The voices around her faded as she opened her eyes and pushed her way through the crowd. She had to be alone.

Once she was through the brunt of the masses, she broke out in a sprint. She would never be a High Queen. She ran down the spiral stone stairs, through the kitchen, and out the servants exit. Still she kept going, only halting when she made it to the closed draw-bridge. The twin knights, Quinn and Luca, guarding the gate looked at her, completely shocked.

"Open the gate," she commanded swallowing back her tears. She knew these men. She knew all of Narnia's knights. They were protective big brothers to her. And that was all she wanted. To be protected by those who loved her. She would never be able to protect them.

"Queen Lucy…" the knight spoke.

"Luca, please just do it," Lucy pleaded.

Against their better judgement, the knights opened the gate. And once again, Lucy ran. She sprinted deep into the woods. Branches swiped at her as she plowed through them. Names echoed in her mind. Those whom she longed to return to: Peter, Susan, Edmund. The friends she had made: Damien, Leif, Liam, Dolphus. Those she had failed: Chrystine, Sir Merrick, Markus. And those who sought to destroy her: Greco, Zephrus, Lance, Jerez.

Above the names though one screamed out to her. Aslan.

All of a sudden, she was flying; soaring through the air before slamming into the steep earth. She rolled until the ground leveled out. Lucy couldn't move. Tree branches spun above her. She was broken.

"Lucy..."

She closed her eyes when she heard his voice. It washed over her like an ocean wave, soothing her pain. "Aslan," she muttered her head still spinning.

"Sweet child, you come here why?"

She laughed weakly. "I believe I tripped on a ridge, and fell down a hill."

Aslan's beautiful face appeared above her. The Lion himself was so bright and real and strong that everything else began at once to look pale and shadowy compared with him. "Dear one, tell me why are you in the midst of these barren woods. Should you not be back at Castle Caput Anguli, leading the people I have bestowed to you?"

Lucy sighed, and closed her eyes again. "Aslan, please. Let me stay, if only for a moment, in Your presence." She opened her eyes and sat up, to see that He was gone. "I guess not."

Out of nowhere, a massive form pounced and pushed her back down. It was done, however, in such a gentle way. The Lion let out a hearty laugh, prancing in circles around her. Lucy looked at His glistening eyes and laughed as well.

She rose and dove on top of Him. They wrestled playfully, rolling around on the leaf-covered earth for what seemed like hours. Finally, the Lion had softly pinned her arms down with His tender paws. She once again stared up at his eyes, those ocean-blue eyes, full of understanding and no condemnation. Meekly, he lowered his face and licked her softly on the nose.

Lucy smiled, as He stepped back, His mane brushing playfully across her cheek. She closed her eyes. "I have to go back now, don't I?"

"Yes, dear one. Return to lead. But do not worry, I shall lead you. My word is a lamp for your feet, a light for your path."

Lucy nodded, knowing what she must do, yet still fearful. "Aslan, will you come with me?"

The Lion smiled. "Dear one, I am always with you. Yet, I shall walk you back to Caput Anguli."

The Great Lion and the young Narnian Queen walked side by side back to the humble castle. Lucy was surprised the see the stars already twinkling in the sky. Certain everyone was worried, regret consumed her.

Finally reaching the drawbridge, the Lion turned to Lucy. "Dear one, much has happened of late. Much is coming still."

Lucy nodded.

"You must remain valiant, child. It will seem as if I have deserted you. Your friends will disappear. Lucy, you must meditate on the truth. Stand firm, dear one, not all will be lost."

"Aslan, there is something you are not telling me," Lucy ventured, scrunching up her eyebrows.

"There is much I am not telling you, my daughter. Fear not, it will be revealed to you in a proper time. Light shall prevail over darkness."

"Who goes there?" a voice rang out, causing Lucy to jump.

She looked back at the Lion, but He was already gone. "It is I, Queen Lucy the Valiant."

The drawbridge was quickly lowered. Her head held high, she strolled back over to meet her people. As she was ambushed by the questions of Sir Merrick, Lief, Liam, and Damien, she reflected on Aslan's words. Your friends will disappear.

Damien sat silently in the corner of the room with Leif and Liam as Sir Merrick bombarded Lucy with questions. "Your Majesty, where in the world have you been?! Do you have any idea what you have put us through today? You could have been captured by Telmarines, and where would that have left Narnia?"

Lucy, however, remained diligent in her silence as she stared into the fireplace on the far side of the room. Sir Merrick and the other three knights were greatly distraught as they glanced back at each other uncertainly. They needed her to lead, but she wouldn't even speak.

Something had happened outside the castle, that much Damien was sure of. He rose to his feet. "Sir Merrick, if I may, I would like to give Queen Lucy her chance to say something." He put emphasis on the word "queen." Sir Merrick obviously had good intentions. He was a good man, and it was obvious that he loved Lucy like she was his own daughter. Yet, if they were ever going to convince her to become High Queen then they couldn't treat her as a child.

"I agree," Leif said, as he strolled over and knelt down beside Lucy's chair. "Please tell us what transpired," he pleaded.

Finally, Lucy tore her eyes away from the fire and swept her gaze across all of the room's occupants. Solemnly, she stood. "I was with Aslan."

Several gasps were heard. Damien himself was taken aback, though he knew he shouldn't be. In the short time he had been with Narnians he had learned the Lion came and went as He pleased. Damien had discovered that it was usually Lucy that Aslan appeared to; more often than the other kings and queen.

"Your Majesty, this is splendid news," Sir Merrick proclaimed. "Please tell us what wisdom the Great Lion has shared with you."

Lucy hesitated a moment before she spoke. "We merely… well… we played." Seeing Sir Merrick's eyebrows rise up in shock, she quickly hurried on. "Sir Merrick, please explain the ancient laws of Narnia, regarding becoming a High King or Queen."

Uncertain, he recited what he knew. "Narnia must have a High King or a High Queen. This King or Queen must have already been appointed by Aslan to rule, so no other party may be accepted to fulfill this position. The High King has power to rule above all other Kings or Queens and is under Aslan alone," he paused. "If Narnia does not have someone to fill this position, it is likely all will fall into ruin and chaos."

Damien turned to Lucy who started to appear desperate. "It was never suppose to be me," she pleaded. "In the case of Peter's death we decided as a family, that Edmund would rule as High King." She gazed into his eyes. "Then it would be Susan. Do you not understand I was the last choice for this position?!"

Liam, finally took this as his time to speak. He walked over to her, and carefully clasped his hands in her's. "It appears as though Aslan believes you are the only choice, Lucy." He smiled goofily at her. "Besides, I would love to see the look on King Jerez's face when he realizes his plans have been foiled by you."

Damien relaxed a little as Lucy weakly smiled back. He was grateful for Liam, who seemed to know exactly what to say to her when no one else did. "Okay," Lucy said. "Okay. I shall do it for Narnia."

Sir Merrick clapped his hands together in relief. "Wonderful, wonderful!" he shouted. The other knights laughed easily as well. Lucy spoke again. "Before the official ceremony, however, we must decide what to do with Lord Greco."

The company sobered once more. "Your Majesty…" Sir Quinn began. "Did that man truly whip you?"

Damien already knew the answer to that question. When he had played the diminutive part in helping Lucy escape, she had almost died in his arms due to her wounds. His blood boiled at the thought of his childhood friend hurting the girl he loved. "It is true. Given the opportunity, it is likely he would have done much worse."

"The man must die!" Liam shouted, plopping into a chair. They all turned to look at him, taking in the gravity of what he said, yet still finding it a little comical that the lively lad found his way to this conclusion.

Lucy chuckled and gracefully sat down in the chair next to him. "Well, I believe that was my original plan in the duel, but seeing Aslan reminded me of a dear friend…"

"Who?"

"King Edmund the Just, my brother. Something about Lord Greco reminds me of him."

With that statement it was clear Queen Lucy the Valiant had lost her mind. How could she compare the vile Greco to the strong and courageous King?

Seeing their doubting eyes, Lucy smiled. "Not who Edmund is now. I am speaking of the Edmund who was a young lost boy when we came from Spare Oom to Narnia. He had been so hurt that he betrayed us all to the White Witch. Only through Aslan's grace was he able to put his own guilt behind him and become the man he is today. I believe Lord Greco is like that lost little boy."

Sir Merrick smiled. "You shall make a great High Queen, Your Majesty."

Damien slipped out of the room. How could Lucy still see any hope for Greco? He clenched his fists. That man deserved a fate worse than death. Still brooding, he made his way to the dungeons. There was a guard at the entrance. Great, now he would have to lie his way in.

Before he could even open his mouth, however, the guard spoke. "Oh, you must be here for that little girl who refuses to leave."

Damien's heart stopped. Little girl, what little girl? He nodded and rushed past the guard. There were voices, confirming the worst as he approached the last cell.

"I like climbing trees. Do you like to climb trees? I am a faster climber than my brothers. I do sometimes have nightmares though about falling off a tree into a river, though. Even so, I like being up high," Arabella expressed, sitting just outside of Greco's cell.

Lord Greco spoke back. "My father never let us climb trees because we-"

"What on earth is going on here?!" Damien demanded, grabbing Arabella' arm and dragging her away. She snatched her hand back seeming crestfallen. "We were just playing. He looked lonely and mama always said to play with the lonely kids."

Damien fought hard to control his emotions. This was his little sister, though she did not even know it. He hated seeing her hurt. He knelt down to her height. "Your mama would be very proud of you Arabella, for being kind to this man." Amira smiled weakly. "But, I am certain neither your parents nor Leif would want you to be around a dangerous man, would they?"

"No, Prince Damien."

He smiled and squeezed her shoulders gently. "Then, run upstairs and play with the others. I'll be up shortly."

Arabella curtsied and ran off. As soon as she was out sight, Damien propelled his arm through the cell bars and grabbed Greco by the collar of his shirt. "Just what do you think you're doing?! I should kill you right now." His eyes flamed with furry.

Greco shook him off and sunk to the cell floor. He appeared thoughtful for a moment, then grinned. "What a sweet little girl the princess turned out to be." Damien's jaw dropped. "Oh don't look so flabbergasted friend, any fool could see the resemblance. How did she survive?"

"That is none of your concern," Damien said through gritted teeth. "Why did you come here?"

Greco shrugged. "I have been asking myself the same question. I betrayed the Narnian Kings to your father. I simply… I know not. They refuse to give up hope. In addition the plans King Jerez has for the girl, are not honorable. Damien, if your father gets a hold of her she will yearn for death. But death will not be bestowed upon her."

Damien barked a joyless cackle. "I am sure this is to your great pleasure. The way you whipped the Narnian Queen confirms the fact you wish her dead."

Scowling, Greco rose to his feet. "If I wished the young queen dead, do you believe I would have came here?! It almost certainly has doomed me to my own grave."

Damien gasped, though not at Greco's dramatics. "If you know we are here so does my father. Will he attack soon?"

"Fear not, Your Highness, I have my own people. Your father is unaware of my presence in this charming castle."

Damien sighed in relief. He sunk to the ground, leaning his head against the stone wall.

"Damien," Greco spoke, a hopeful tone to his voice. "We once were friends. Brothers. Could we not be again?"

Damien looked into Greco's eyes. They pleaded with him. They yearned for change, like a lost little boy. They had once been best friends.

But Damien wasn't a little boy anymore and neither was Greco. He was a grown man. One who should understand that actions have consequences. "You crushed our friendship the day you betrayed me."

Greco's hope drained away and he laughed. "Mayhap, but had I not betrayed you, Queen Lucy would have perished long ago. If it weren't for me you would have run her through with your sword by now."

"I know not of what you speak." Damien clenched his fists.

"Do not play the fool with me. I have yet to decide though, if I shall share what I know with the queen. I am tempted, I must say."

It was in that silent moment, that they knew one of them would end the life of the other.

"Damien?"

Their heads turned to see Lucy descending down the dungeon stairs with Sir Luca, supposedly one of Lucy's most knights. How much had she overheard?

"Yes Lucy. What is it?"

She glanced uncertainly at Greco then back at him. "We are preparing for the coronation ceremony. Will you come?"

He bowed his head. "Of course."

Lucy turned to Greco. "I am prepared to hear what you have to say, Lord Greco. After the ceremony we shall meet and discuss our agreement."

Greco only stared at Damien. "Of course, Your Majesty."

Lucy turned on her heel and strolled away, leaving Sir Luca behind. He took a step forward. "She is aware something is amiss, I am almost certain."

"Is she aware that we are all apart of it?" Greco asked.

Sir Luca shook his head.

The three men glowered at each other. But they hated no other man more than they hated themselves.

Arabella, clasped the sapphire necklace around Lucy's neck. They sat in her royal quarters, hardly saying a word.

Lucy could not shake the words of Aslan. Your friends will disappear.

Which friends? Why would they leave her?

There was a knock at the door. Arabella skipped to open it. Sir Luca and Sir Quinn entered the room as Lucy rose to greet them.

"Your Majesty, you look splendid," Quinn said. Or at least she thought it was Quinn. As twins, he and Luca were so difficult to tell apart.

Lucy twirled in a circle, shaking off her despair and enjoying the feeling of the beautiful violet gown. It brought out the color of her eyes. For a brief moment, she was able to forget why she was doing this. "Thank you kind sirs," she said giggling. "Is it time to go?"

Sir Luca bowed and held out his arm for her. Drawing herself up, Lucy exhaled and grasped her friend's hand. Sir Quinn offered his hand to Arabella with a chuckle and the small party set off.

As they walked, Lucy was once again lost in her thoughts. She could hardly believe what was about to transpire. I am about to have more power in Narnia than any other man. And I am terrified. What am I supposed to do about King Jerez? How am I to save my family?

Before she knew it, they were standing at the entrance to the Great Hall. She tried to calm her breathing, as her people were certainly awaiting her inside. Yet she could find no peace. It was not the fact that she was to be High Queen. No, she was coming slowly to terms with that. Something else was very, very wrong.

"Your Majesty?" Luca inquired, squeezing her hand slightly. "We must enter."

Lucy knew he was right, but she could not find the strength to open her mouth or to move her feet. The Castle danced around her. Just as she thought she was about to faint, it was gone. As quickly as the spell had come. Wanting to get this all over with before something else occurred, Lucy nodded her head for the doors to be opened.

Instantly, she was serenaded by the glory of the Great Hall. It was no Cair Paravel, but it was magnificent all the same. The ranks of the centaurs stood, swords raised, as she glided by them with grace. Men she had come to know and love, stood just behind the centaurs, their eyes beaming with pride. All the beasts of the Earth roared and pawed the marble ground proclaiming the majesty of their queen. And she was their queen.

Releasing Luca's hand, Lucy ascended the ivory stairs and joined Sir Merrick and Prince Damien. The men bowed. "Rise Sir Merrick, trusted Knight of Narnia," Lucy commanded, her voice echoing off the walls. "And rise as well, Prince Damien, son of Telmar."

Sir Merrick stepped forward. "To the glistening Eastern Sea, you are Queen Lucy the Valiant of Narnia. Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia. Your Majesty, what is it you require of your people?" he asked, as they had rehearsed.

Lucy concentrated, on remembering the right words to say. This had to be perfect to make it official. "I wish to invoke the ancient laws of Narnia, our beloved home. I pray thee sir, bestow upon me the title of High Queen."

Sir Merrick nodded. "Your humble servant shall do as you wish. Your Majesty do you-?" suddenly he stopped, his mouth still open. Lucy turned around to see what had caused her friend to freeze and found the entire assembly was unmoving. Eyes were opened, unblinking. Time had stopped. What in the world had happened? A cardinal was hovering in mid flight, though his wings remained still. Lucy could hear her own shuddered breaths, bot not he breathing of any other. This was wicked magic.

She felt it then. The dark presence entering the room. Her heart stopped as the doors swung open and in walked a man. She could not see who it was in the shadows. "Reveal yourself," she commanded her voice shaking. "Why have you com here?"

The man stepped from the shadows.

"Peter!" Lucy gasped. Her brother stood before her, and yet she was not running to him. Why? What was stopping her?

"Hello, Lu," he spoke softly. It was even Peter's voice. His eyes were vibrant, yet sad. He slouched slightly.

"Peter what is going on?" she demanded. This could not be her brother. Her brother was in King Jerez's prison. Not to mention, Peter did not have the power to freeze time.

"I have come to kill you Lucy," he said quietly. "I have come to kill you."

The High King drew his sword.

~Peter has come to kill Lucy?! Will she ever be High Queen? What is going on with Sir Luca, Lord Greco, and Prince Damien? Has Damien deceived us all? What abut Sir Anthony's family?

So this chapter has hopefully (though likely to your distaste) left you with many questions. Please review and let me know what you think will happen and what your favorite part of the chapter was! God Bless!~

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.~