Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own original characters...WE KNOW THIS! Seriously, people.

A/N: Yay! A quicker update! And a longg juicy one, too. This chapter is by far my favorite, and I do hope you'll enjoy it. It does kind of add a twist to the story, like I've said, and yay I'm so excited! *squee* Okay, read this. Like, now. Enjoy :))

A Purpose Unveiled

The days passed quickly, and so began summer. The gala was to be held that week, and everyone was bustling around doing last minute preparations for the grand affair. The Lords of the Council created a well-drawn distance from me, one that I was thankful for. Since Aslan's appearance in the Council meeting, there seemed to be no turmoil concerning the king's advisors.

To my sincere happiness, the days leading up to the gala were spent with Susan, Lucy, Naramay and Ripple; the Dryad making endless measuring for new ball gowns for the three of us. Lucy's gown was to be ivory, and a ruby red, that glistened against her mesmerizing blue-green eyes. It was slightly revealing for a girl as young as Lucy, but it suited her perfectly. Susan's gown was a wintry blue, that matched her own icy blue eyes, that was slightly off the shoulders, with a golden rim around the bodice. My own gown was completely ivory, with sheer sleeves that hung loosely about my shoulders, with golden designs that resembled diamonds running down the full skirt.

Naramay had worked night and day since the moment we were informed of the gala, and we were all thankful for her dedication to us, including myself, since very few people were courteous toward me in this time.

The gowns were finished during the early evening hours, and Susan, Lucy and I departed from the Dryad's dressmaking quarters, preparing for our slumber. I found the young queen tagging along at my heels, and I welcomed her into my chambers, and we plopped onto the bed squealing uncontrollably.

"It was fun seeing our gowns made," Lucy giggled, her eyes twinkling, "it was the most fun I've had recently. The croquet games and teas with our foreign guests; it's not pleasurable anymore, it's more mandatory."

I sighed, taking her hand. "I do agree, though I haven't been to nearly as many occasions as you."

She sighed, her expression growing solemn, and she weaved her fingers through mine. "Susan says you don't want to be with us anymore. She thinks you are growing apart from us, and that you've become different since we were made kings and queens at Cair Paravel."

"It's something that I cannot comprehend," I said, a sudden pain wrenching inside my heart, "if I could stop it, I would, but…life as a Lady of the Court just isn't…easy. Actually, that would be the understatement. But I'm sorry for any trouble I've caused, and…" I hesitated for a moment, lifting the girl's chin to meet eyes with her, "can I tell you something?"

"Yes, we're like sisters, you can tell me anything," Lucy sat up straight, her eyes now mirroring her concern.

"For some time now, I've been having visions, and more pain. I see things. Cair Paravel burning in fire, cloaked men saying evil things; the same men in a large ship harpooning the mermen and women. I've prophesied, things that I didn't dare think the Emperor over the sea would give me the permission to say. My place in this country is weakening, and those who know I came to Narnia for a purpose are losing their faith in it." I shifted my eyes to and from the young queen's eyes, searching for acceptance of my confession, then retreating them quickly thinking that even the girl who introduced my eyes to this very land wouldn't understand the events that had occurred in the past weeks.

She hesitated at first, then leaned in, her eyes grazing over my features before finally resting on mine. "He must know what he's doing."

"If he knows, then why is he letting this happen?" I asked, feeling a sudden rush of tears prepare to spill over my eyelids.

"Nothing is revealed before its time," she nodded eagerly, her words somewhat comforting.

"You sound like Aslan," I said, finding a small smile curve around my lips.

"Well, we all have a bit of him in our hearts," she said softly.

"That has been shone by you, Lucy," I said, as she stood, and made her way towards the door.

"You should know," Lucy opened the door, but turned back to me for a moment, "they are many who adore your presence. You're here for a purpose. That purpose will not be discouraged, but fulfilled." She was gone.

I let myself fall back onto the bed, and I shut my eyes, drinking in Lucy's words.

"You're here for a purpose. That purpose will not be discouraged, but fulfilled."

Words of wisdom, and words of power. I silently thanked the girl, and found myself drifting off to sleep.

The day of the ball arrived, and the only silence that occurred was nearly an hour before dawn. A hearty breakfast was to be served, and I dressed informally, making my way to the Grand Hall. A commotion of voices rose and fell as I entered the room, and I was escorted into my chair by Mr. Tumnus, seating myself between Susan and Peter. Peter's hand trailed over the white cloth and rested upon mine, and I glanced at him, noticing a very different look in his eyes.

"My queen," he nodded, pressing a kiss into the palm of my hand. "Before I'm swept away by some sort of quest or task, promise me dance at the ball."

"Your wish is my command," I answered his plea with just as coy a voice as his, "my king."

The corners of his mouth twisted into a smile, and he dropped my hand just as quickly as he had taken it, passing me a tray of pastries and waffles and delicacies. I took the tray and filled my plate with several pastries and waffles, passing it to the right of me. I took a boat of maple syrup and let it drizzle in what seemed to be a heart over my waffles, and passed it to the right of me, beginning to cut them into pieces and let them fall into my mouth.

The bread tasted light and sweet, and I nearly closed my eyes in delight when it melted in my mouth. I was slightly started to see that Peter hadn't taken his eyes off of me, and I tried not blush, but I found that no matter what I did, a bright pink color seemed to flood against my cheeks.

"Such a lovely breakfast at an early hour," I mused, in between the bites of food.

"Until the ball, I fear this will be our only meal," Susan said, running her eyes over the silver trays of pastries and picking up a few. "The rest of the days shall be consumed in last minute preparations for the ball, I'm afraid, Charlotte, you won't see us again until the evening hours. Of course, you find comfort in solitude. That's what your actions have been implying the last few weeks."

I shuddered involuntarily. Solitude that was forced upon me, I was dying to say it. But I held my tongue, and instead, teased a bite of a waffle into my mouth.

"Have you seen Aslan recently?" it was the first time Edmund had spoken that morning, "his expression seems to be different than before. It's as though he's holding a secret inside of him, that will soon be revealed, yes, and there's much excitement held within that secret, excitement, and a silent hint of mourning."

"Mourning?" I asked. Could this be of my purpose?

"Your plan will appear blissful, and it will be," the lion had said, "but it will cause uncertainty, and cause mistrust in some ways, ways you've already experienced."

But what did that have to do with mourning? I thought. My mind ran over my visions. Cair Paravel's fire, the cloaked men, the harpoons…

"Charlotte?" Peter's voice gently awoke me from my reverie. "Are you alright? You seemed to be in a different world a few moments ago."

"A 'different world', Peter?" Edmund asked, and his eyes were amused. "You say that as if we're back on earth."

Several tones of laughter rang out through the hall, and quieted down just as quickly as they had begun. Peter lifted his eyes to ceiling and shook his head.

"It's just…I'm anxious for tonight," I nodded, noticing a heavy sigh of relief from Peter.

Why is he acting like this? One moment he's distant, and the other… My thoughts trailed away.

"Nothing is revealed before its time…" I heard both Aslan and Lucy speaking the words.

Then the time must be soon.

As Susan had predicted, the rest of the day was spent in endless last minute preparations for the ball, though it was now just hours away. Naramay had made me a bath, and I let myself soak in the crystal water, that became slightly murky from the soap used. My hair was washed and dried, and pinned up, only a few soft curls draped loosely over my neck. The pins that held my hair together were amethyst, and were designed to resemble the shape of a rose.

After my hair was finished, Naramay began lacing my corset together, and finally the gown itself was lace up as well. Soft white slippers accompanied the gown, as well as golden earrings and the locket my father had given me. I breathed in deeply, spinning in the life sized mirror, and I blushed at Naramay's praises.

"You're exquisite, your majesty," the clasped her hands together in delight. "No one would dare hold a candle to you!"

"Thank you, Naramay." I nodded to the Dryad, turning once more. "I do hope tonight will meet my expectations." Every other affair hasn't.

"It will, your grace," she said eagerly, leading me out onto the balcony, where a small plate was set, with toast and jam, and a cup of tea. "Though the kings and queens said there was no time for more than one meal before the gala, you need your strength."

I opened my mouth, attempting to protest, but the words didn't rise, and I began to eat.

After finishing my light snack, I left my chambers and went to the Grand Hall, with several people and creatures at my heels, waiting for the kings and queens. The Lords of the Council were there, and though their distance was prominent, they eyed me suspiciously, almost as though they were drinking in my presence.

Standing to the side of the marble platform that led to the four thrones, I watch with excitement as the Great Lion appeared, with the kings and queens following close behind. They ascended the steps, and I saw Peter's eyes dancing as he stole a look at me. The Pevensies stood in front of their thrones, and set themselves down, a look of content gleaming in their eyes.

The entire room was silent, and every human being, every creature, every specimen of life in that grand hall, bowed in allegiance to the monarchs. A soft rumble from Aslan instructed us to rise again.

"Welcome native Narnians, and welcome to our guests from Archenland and Calormen," Aslan said, his voice low, and solemn, but its glory faded not in the least. "Many of you have journeyed far to celebrate the first summer of the kings and queen's reign. The prophecy has now been fulfilled, and the White Witch is defeated." Several shouts rang throughout the hall. "Now, eat, drink, and be merry in our triumph. Joyous happenings will come."

Peter instantly rose from his throne and took my hand, leading me to his right side at the large dining table. Aslan chuckled softly, and walked out onto the balcony. I turned my head for a moment, and when I looked back, he was gone.

The conversations of many rose swiftly, and soon the hall was filled with loud chattering. Peter and I glanced at each other, knowing we didn't need words to express how we felt. Each plate that had been filled with delicacies of all sorts were soon bare, and the music began, and I was whisked away by several men, from both our neighboring countries. I was startled when Lord Sosorion had cut into a waltz I was dancing with a Calormene guest, and he smiled; a twisted smile, one of which that contained contents I couldn't comprehend.

"You're looking well, Lady Charlotte," he attempted to talk over the crowd.

"Thank you, Lord Sosorion," I acknowledged his compliment with a nod, "as are you."

His smile turned to what seemed like a sneer, and though it disappeared quickly, there was a look of rage in his eyes. I silently thanked the heavens when Peter gripped the lord's arm a bit firmly, wordlessly instructing him to move on.

I sighed deeply when Peter's hands were in mine, and he chuckled, seeing the relief in my eyes. "I do agree with your thoughts, Charlotte."

We danced for an unknown amount of time, and I gasped when Peter took my hand and led me from the room.

"Come with me," were his only words.

With Peter's hand still attached to mine as we descended the long flights of stairs, eventually finding ourselves on the beach. I breathed in deeply, noticing the sun had begun to set. The waves crashed delicately onto the white crystal sand, and I let go of Peter's hand, walking ahead of him, drinking in my surroundings.

"I'm not quite sure what it is about the beach," Peter said, turning to the sun. "I felt a great deal of expectation and uncertainty on my shoulders, and here, it all seems to fade away."

Mirrors of crystal… I thought.

"I wasn't certain about many things, and I even wished I could go back to our world, where everything seemed so much simpler; where I was a boy, and…not a king."

I stopped in my tracks, but didn't turn around. He stopped as I did, and his voice changed. As though his throat became constricted, and I squinted, not knowing what he was going to say next.

"But I do know this," his voice threatened to crack, and I sensed tears in his eyes. "I can't take another day being king, without you as my queen."

I turned sharply, finding him now on one knee, with a ring in his hands. The ring was made in rose gold, with two diamonds encrusted in the sides, and a single red ruby in the center. Peter's eyes were glazed with the colorless film that eventually turned into tears.

"That day, when Aslan returned from his long absence, he told me your purpose. You're to be the fifth ruler of Narnia. And my queen." He paused for a moment, and the tears in my own eyes began to flow. "I suppose I should do this the proper, 'worldly' way. Charlotte Isabella Dawson…"

I smiled at the usage of my full name.

"You were brought to me for a purpose and that purpose is now unveiled. I cannot deny that I've fallen in love with you, and I hope you feel the same for me. I've been through pain with you, ecstasy with you, and joy with you…" he stopped once more, clearing his throat, and his eyes meeting mine. "Will you marry me, and be my queen, my love, and my only?"

I gasped, clasping my hands over my mouth, stifling several sobs. "But, we're so young," I said, finally regaining my composure.

"We're ready for whatever lies ahead," he rose, taking my hands in his. "I'm a high king, among my brothers and sisters, and I love you. I wouldn't have it any other way." He began to slip the ring onto my wedding finger.

"Hang on," I smiled through the tears, "you haven't given me a chance to say 'yes' yet."

He stopped, looking into my eyes with an unashamed plea.

I bit my lip, but couldn't contain myself any longer. "Yes, you dolt!" I screamed excitedly, throwing my arms around him, and I gasped in delight as he swept me up into his arms, spinning me around and pressing kisses into my face and neck.

I didn't know then, that the Lords of the Council were watching.

Peter and I spent the rest of the evening hours on the sand, when we saw the guests had begun to retire to their chambers. We ascended the staircase once more, and were surprised to see we were alone in the palace hallway. I opened door to my chambers, and walked in, and was half-surprised when Peter followed me.

I turned, seeing a glint of mischief in his eyes. I let a laugh ring out, and I planted a light kiss on his chin. "I should grow to expect this."

"You should, after all, in a matter of time…" Peter trailed off, and I knew he didn't need to finish the sentence.

I sighed, hiding a blush. I heard his footsteps making their way to me, and I looked up into his eyes, not realizing until then how tall he had become.

He kissed my forehead and my cheeks, and ran his hands through my hair, eventually removing the amethyst pins that held it up.

"Why do you wear your hair up?" he asked, throwing the pins onto the bed. "It's more beautiful down, and I want to remember you this way in fifty years."

I blushed again, this time not bothering to hide it. He moved against me, pressing his lips to mine, softly at first, and began to deepen the kiss, and I immediately felt his desire. His tongue traced over my lower lip, and he bit down gently, drawing it out.

I moaned out, and felt myself being laid gently onto the bed. Peter pressed deep kisses into my neck and shoulders, wrapping his arms around my waist.

Laying back onto the pillows, I closed my eyes contentedly, opening them again to see moonlight dancing on my ring. I ran my fingers over it, and smiled, feeling my eyelids grow heavy.

I felt safety in his arms. I felt Aslan smile, softly, if lions do smile.

I closed my eyes, this time not bothering to open them again.

A purpose has been unveiled. And a great purpose it is.

A/N: Did you like it? Please tell me you did. The proposal came out 100 million percent like I imagined, and I'm so happy! Please please please please review, update shall be soon :))