Chapter 12: The Ball

Peter watched as both Susan and Lucy walked down the stairs towards the thrones. Edmund, Caspian, and himself had made their entrances almost 10 minutes before. Though he wasn't surprised that the girls were late.

He looked over to catch Caspian practically drooling at the sight of Susan. Being the gentleman he was, Caspian stood and offered his hand to the lady, helping her up the dais and into her throne. Edmund did the same to Lucy.

Peter was taking a sip of wine when he heard it, "Lady Parker of Cair Paravel!". He instantly turned to the doors to see her making her way into the room.

Head held high, she seemed to walk with an aura of confidence. However her eyes betrayed her, they darted around the room in fear and trepidation. Now it was he who was drooling. Sure, her natural beauty had always caught his eye, but tonight, tonight Peter could find no word good enough to describe her.

Parker made her way toward the dais, smile don't trip…smile don't trip…she kept telling herself. Her eyes scanned the crowd for familiar faces, she got questioning looks from some and encouraging smiles from others. No one had heard of the new Lady Parker, and she was going to make sure her first impression was a good one. If not for me, then for Peter. As she got closer and closer to the thrones her eyes flicked from member to member of the royal family. Lucy gave her a very large, welcoming smile, encouraging her forward. Even Edmund flashed her a small grin. Susan gave her an approving nod and gentle smile, meanwhile Caspian winked and flashed her a large toothy smirk. Lastly, Parker's eyes landed on the High King and she almost stopped.

She had never seen such adoration in a man's eyes and it was terrifying. She came to the foot of the dais and curtsied. As fast as she'd knelt down Peter had stood and hurried down the stares of the thrones to meet her, guiding her by the hand back into a standing position.

"There are no words Lady Parker, your beauty astounds me." Peter whispered as he led her to a smaller throne below the monarchs.

Parker blushed and smiled, "You flatter me King".

Peter winked and kissed her hand, "with perfect reason milady".

He bowed once more before returning to his seat.

"Lady Emma of Cair Paravel!" This is it. You got this. You may not be the prettiest or the most graceful, but you can stand your own against anyone. Emma adjusted the hem of her dress, pinched her cheeks, and strutted forward through the doors.

Upon entering Emma froze. Sure, she had helped Parker through her nerves but never in her life had she ever felt this way. Wide eyed, hands shaking she looked around as people began to whisper at the new and mysterious lady.

The announcing centaur approached her from behind and nudged her along with an encouraging smile, "You must walk down the stairs and bow to the royals my lady", he whispered.

Emma nodded, "Right, yes, ofcourse, umm", she gulped.

Meanwhile on the dais Parker and the Pevensie's were shocked by Emma's stage fright.

Edmund turned to Parker, "What's she doing?".

"I don't know! Emma's not afraid of anything I've never seen her act like this", Parked replied.

"Someone has to do something the poor girl looks like she'll faint!" Susan frantically whispered.

With a determined look on his face Edmund stood from this throne and paced down to the aisle towards Emma.

Narnians gasped as their King made his way to the bottom of the stairs to wait for the lady.

Emma was shocked. Upon reaching the bottom of the stares she was met with none other than Edmund. She looked at him confused before taking his outstretched arm.

"Why are you doing this?" She whispered as they began to make their way towards the dais.

"Well", Edmund began, "it has come to my attention that I've been a big-headed, egotistical, insufferable little prat and I think it's about time I started making up for it", he said nonchalantly.

Emma paused, "…thank you my King. That means a great deal".

"Edmund".

"Excuse me?"

"You may call me Edmund".

Another surprise! Thought Emma. "Then you must call me Emma in return".

Edmund gave a small smile. They had reached the dais and Edmund was walking Emma to her throne next to Parker when she stopped.

"Wait", Emma said.

She released Edmund's arm and walked back down to the aisle as he looked on in confusion from the top of the thrones.

"It is an honor to be here Your Majesties", she said as she dipped down into a curtsy. There, I've done one thing right. She smiled to herself before walking up to her throne. Edmund waited until she had been seated before sitting himself.

Peter laughed then stood to face the Narnians who had watched the event take place with confusion. "It is an honor tonight to introduce Lady Parker and Lady Emma to Narnia, I'm sure they will be a great addition to our court so please welcome them, and let the night begin!" The Narnians cheered and formed a large circle around the ballroom as the orchestra began playing.

Peter walked over to Parker and held out his hand, "May I have this dance milady?".

Parker leant into him and whispered, "Peter I don't know how to dance in this world!"

"Well did I forget to mention that it's tradition for the royals to start the first dance?" He gave an apologetic smile (even if he wasn't really sorry) and reached for her hand.

Parker sighed and gave a small smile in return before following him onto the floor.

Caspian followed along with Susan, Edmund with Emma, and Lucy with another lord.

"Don't worry I won't let you fall, just go with it", Peter said as he took her waist.

"If you say so!".

(Gone Gone Gone—Phillip Phillips)

They began to twirl with the music as the tempo increased, gliding across the floor in perfect synchronization. Parker had been watching her feet, determined to keep in step and not ruin anyone's toes.

"Parker look at me", Peter said.

She looked up slowly and her eyes widened. I didn't realize how close we were. She though to herself.

"Have I mentioned how beautiful you look this evening?" Peter asked.

"I believe you have my King". Parker smiled a toothy grin.

"Well it must be said twice, you look stunning".

Parked blushed and looked down.

Peter gently lifted her chin back to meet his gaze, "what have I said about looking at your feet?" he smiled.

"Not to", she replied sighing.

Peter laughed, "Exactly, now! Shall we?" He took her hand again and spun her around and around the dance floor.

"They look quite good together do they not?" Susan asked as she swayed with Caspian.

"They do". Caspian smiled. "However I must say it has been hard to concentrate on anything other than you tonight milady".

Susan looked at him questioningly.

"You look beautiful Susan".

She smiled and kissed his cheek, "That means a lot Caspian thank you".

"If I say it again do I get another kiss?" He jested.

She playfully smacked his arm, "Don't push it".

"I hope you realize I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing", Emma said as Edmund began to lead her in the dance.

"I assumed as much". Edmund smirked.

"Just making sure!"

"Dancing isn't even that hard, it's just like fighting", Edmund said after a moment.

"Right because I'm totally trying to cut open your neck right now", Emma replied sarcastically.

Edmund rolled his eyes, "What I'm trying to say is that in both two partners must be in sync, always aware of each other's movements to then match them".

"Hmm, I guess you're right. I've never really thought about it like that", She replied.

"Looks like it isn't all air up there after all!" Edmund laughed.

Emma just rolled her eyes, "Don't flatter yourself, what's not air up there is wood".

Edmund laughed, a good hearty laugh and it made Emma smile to herself.

"You're quite a feisty little thing you know".

"I would hope so! Keeps weirdo's like you off my back", Emma replied.

Almost 3 hours later the night and gone into full swing. Emma and Parker were introduced to a great deal of Narnians and were asked to dance by many suitors.

There was laughter, dancing, and a little too much to drink. Edmund had wandered over to Lucy after awhile to see her standing with Susan.

"Hello Ed! Enjoying yourself?" Susan asked.

Edmund wrapped his arms around both his sisters in a strong hug, "Very much yes!"

Susan giggled, smelling the wine from his breath, "I can tell, please be careful Ed we are suppose to act respectful here and you know how gossip travels."

Edmund groaned, "Oh come onnn Susan lighten up! It's a party and we're all having a good time."

They all looked to observe the cheeriness around them, Peter and Parker were still wrapped in each other's arms on the dance floor. Caspian was catching up with the a Telmarine lord he had grown up with.

"Where's Emma?" Edmund looked around but couldn't spot the fiery brunette among the crowd.

"Oh she needed some air so she walked into the gardens about 10 minutes ago" Lucy replied.

"Hmm, well if you lovely ladies will excuse me I think I'll go get myself another drink," he said after a moment.

Susan nudged him playfully, "Righttt, don't do anything foolish!" The girls giggled to themselves before leaving him to wander.

He rolled his eyes in response before heading over to a table for another glass, girls…hmph what do they know. He battled with himself on what to do, then finally gave in. Grabbing another glass he headed out the balcony doors and walked down into the gardens in search of his little demon girl.

My little demon girl…He played around with the possessiveness, how it sounded right on his tongue to call her his own. He found her swaying back and forth on a wooden swing hanging from the oak tree in the back of the garden. He stopped to admire how perfectly she fit there. The fiery orange and red leaves that tainted the ground matched the color of her hair and skin illuminated under the moon. Who would've thought such a beautiful thing could be so big and loud on the inside, he laughed to himself.

Apparently his laugh had been aloud as Emma suddenly jerked at hearing another's voice. However instead of a witty remark or crude joke she merely looked at him, deciding he wouldn't speak up again she turned back.

He walked to stand beside her on the swing and looked up as she did towards the moon. It really was full this time of year.

"Back in America, had you ever heard the song Buffalo Gals?" Edmund suddenly asked.

Emma looked at him, surprised by the randomness of the question, "Ofcourse, it's a classic. Featured on the film It's A Wonderful Life", she began singing it to herself,

"Buffalo gals won't you come out tonight,

Come out tonight, Come out tonight?

Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight,

And dance by the light of the moon"

Edmund smiled, "That movie was a hit too, even in England!"

"My adopted parents watch it with me every Christmas, it's tradition," she stopped, "atleast we did and it was," she hung her head and smiled at the melancholy memory.

"Adopted?"

She sighed, "Yes Edmund, adopted."

Edmund thought for a moment, "When my siblings and I came to Narnia the second time, our father was fighting in the war. I hadn't seen him in years. He wrote a lot of letters though, about coming home to us," he laughed, "he used to say he was only coming home for mother's cooking, 'I expect 6 full courses' he'd say…guess they had terrible rations in the military."

He paused before continuing, "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I know what it's like to miss your parents, whatever the circumstance. And that I'm not at all as heartless as you make me out to be."

Emma furrowed her eyebrows, "Never in a million years will I miss my real family," she spat.

Edmund came to stand in front of her now, "But…I don't understand."

"I was taken from my real parents alright! They didn't die or give me up for a better life, I was taken!" Tears threatened to fall down her face so she ducked her head, hoping to hide in the shadows.

Edmund waited silently for her to continue.

However instead of speaking she stood and turned, moving her hair over to reveal a long thin scar across her right shoulder.

Edmund's eyes widened in shock as he approached her, hesitantly he reached forward and gently traced the line with his fingers. She shivered for a moment and stepped away.

"You don't have to continue," Edmund said quietly.

She turned back to face him, tears freely falling down her face now she refused to hide it.

"I want to continue. I'm not telling you this out of pity, I'm trying to make you understand! Don't you see, from the beginning you've judged and picked on me. I'm trying to prove to you why I'm stubborn feisty little bitch, why I yell, why I don't stand down!"

"You name it I've been through it. Drugs, alcohol, my parents did it all. I was beaten for anything really, even if it wasn't my fault. Kind of like a punching bag you know? Their stress relief was through my pain. I was finally taken away when I was 13. When they first found me I was taken to a hospital then moved into an orphanage. I was barely there a year before my new family took me in."

She stopped and began to smile, "I didn't think I'd ever be lucky enough to get them, they genuinely did love me! Scars, past, and all. We did everything a normal family was suppose to do. Watch It's A Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve, go to the beach during the summer. HA and no matter how hard we tried we always managed to burn the turkey each Thanksgiving."

Edmund laughed, he had become teary eyed as well.

Emma walked back over to the swing and sat down, she wiped her eyes and put her head in her hands, "I guess that's why I never let people talk down to me, why I'm not afraid of little emotions. Because I've had to handle so much worse."

Edmund just looked at her, how could he have been so wrong about a person. He had never met anyone else who had gone through the kind of pain he had when he betrayed his family for the White Witch. Not even physical as much as the mental. This girl, this fragile looking girl was inside a warrior.

Suddenly Emma felt herself being pushed back and forth on the swing, she turned up to see Edmund looking down at her with nothing but concern and adoration.

"Whenever my sister's were upset I'd push them on the swing in our backyard back in England. It always seemed to work for them." Emma smiled. She swayed back and forth while he pushed her from behind. After a moment Edmund stopped pushing, he walked around to the other side of the swing and knelt down in front of Emma taking her hands.

"I just wanted you to know that I really am sorry. You should know I've never held a higher respect for anyone more than you as of now. I would be lucky to have someone like you alongside me in any trouble."

Emma thought for a moment, "Would that be a paid job?" she cracked a toothy grin.

"Edmund rolled his eyes and stood up, "Just when we're about to make peace and have a serious conversation there you go again!" But she could tell inside he was smiling too.

"I don't like serious conversations!"

"Well fine I guess I'll just head back inside then, you can push yourself on that swing all you like" Edmund pretended to be upset as he stomped up the path.

He had barely been gone a moment before he returned carrying two wine glasses.

Emma raised her eyes, "Well I originally came out here to make peace with these, I didn't know what I was getting myself into." Emma laughed.

"Hmm a peace offering I see I see. Well you English folks don't party like us Americans so I guess wine will do."

Edmund was astounded, "You drink?"

Emma chocked in laughter as she sipped the wine, "Please, I'm from the twenty-first century! There is no limit to the types of alcohol a woman can drink."

"You're definitely not a lady then." Edmund smirked.

Emma smacked his arm, "Am too! I'm a lady only around the people who's opinions I care about."

"I'm offended Lady Emma! So I guess that means you don't care what I have to say then"

"Maybe I do maybe I don't, though I'll never say" she said mischeviously.

Edmund stepped closer, "Let us test this theory shall we? I know where the kitchen staff keeps the more 'manly' alcohol. Think you can handle it?"

Emma thought back to her conversation with Edmund only this morning:

"Oh come on I was only joking. Thought you could handle it!"

"ENOUGH! You don't know hell of what I can handle".

She thought about how their relationship had changed in such short time. Edmund acted as a friend now, she had shared her dark past and he had fully accepted it, no pity or judgment. Whether they ended up being friends or enemies Emma couldn't tell, but either way she knew she would have fun with this boy Edmund Pevensie.

"Bring it on," was all she had to say.

So there's another chapter! Sorry it's taken me so freaking long to update but I worked really hard to make this chapter nice and long for y'all. Read and review!

NarnianLady14