Hi there,

oh dear, I've uploaded Chap 22 as 21, so I had to adjust that - sorry if this caused confusion with any of you! Here is the real part 2 of the wedding, but with less kitsch and more trouble.

I hope you still like where the story is going. Translating it from my German version is really fun, but it takes forever. And one thing I noticed, and I find this particularly interesting, is that the language of a story can completely change its tone and atmosphere. Wer hätte das gedacht - who'd have known? :)

Anyway, I hope you have fun with this chapter and I'd love to hear your thoughts on whatever detail caught your attention :)

Chapter 21

… you are mine

Long after sunset, the festivities were in full swing - the central ballroom of the palace was noisy and cheerful. The flickering lights of the capital touched the ocean below them happily, so the view did all the rest. Everywhere people were celebrating after the great fireworks.

Telmarine music, Narnian melodies and even Southern sounds made the palace's guests from all over the world dance. Colourful dresses and robes of all kinds could be seen and offered much to observe, while Henry and the personnel had their hands full pleasing the masses. Beverages were poured out in abundant measure and the banquet had not disappointed - Henry had once again proven his value and that he could be counted on any time.

For their part, the three flower girls had a surprise in store - not only for the bridal couple, but also for Juna and the others present. The three friends had practiced a traditional wedding song as a trio for days, and by singing it, they made many people smile.
Juna was beaming with pride when Ria was too touched to say a word while the King clapped and took a bow for Mirena, Tira and Anija. Of course, everybody else burst into resounding applause at once.

The newly-wed couple had stayed together as long as courtesy would allow, at some point, however, they had to look after their guests. Ria, her family and Addison had soon joined the aristocracy of Archenland, where also some familiar faces from the Wild Lands of the North and West could be found.

Caspian and Trumpkin, on the other hand, after many conversations here and there, were soon informed about news by Lorella - who was obviously still excited and busy with the organisation of the evening.

She was relieved to say, "Your guests clearly enjoy themselves, Caspian!"

"So do we," Trumpkin winked, looking up. But the King's smile was a faint one, as it so often was.

"What is it?", Trumpkin rolled his eyes, and Lorella also put her hands on her hips to ask, "¿Qué pasa?"

Caspian tried to not give to much gravity to his words, but he did not quite succeed. "It's surely nothing, but I don't like the way Alhajar's been looking at you."

"Who, the Tis'roc?" Lorella shook her head, "don't be silly!" She gave a dismissive wave with her hand when Trumpkin poked her.

"Maybe he's right," he mumbled as he watched Alhajar approaching them. "Looks like he can't take his eyes of you..."

As though she did not believe a single word, she turned around to ensure they were telling the truth, only to find that Alhajar was now making his way to them, with a charming smile on his face at that.

"No digas ninguna palabra," Caspian whispered instructions to remain silent to his cousin. He then took a step to bring himself between the nearing Tis'roc and Lorella and greeted him, "Alhajar, how are you? You're probably used to lively celebrations, right? Are you even enjoying yourself?"

"But of course," laughed the Tis'roc. He raised his glass and promised, "I and my men feel very comfortable here, Caspian. Wine, music and beautiful company - what more could I ask for?"

The King had noticed Alhajar speaking of himself in the plural of majesty only in the presence of his countrymen several times. It was likely meant to contribute to his mysticism in front of his subjects and advisors, but whenever he conversed with other nobles, Alhajar apprently could not see the necessity to do so.

Nevertheless he did not let Lorella out of his sight - while she stared down to avoid meeting his eyes. It was completely atypical for her to behave like that, but even Lorella suspected that she had to watch out. Alhajar was a very handsome, powerful man, but he had the same aura of arbitrariness and danger as Miraz around him. Lorella had sworn to avoid such men at all cost a long time ago. And as much as she hated to admit it, she loved Cuartio for being the complete opposite.

"Honestly, I'm really glad I was able to make it," Alhajar winked when he finally joined their circle.

As young as he was, Caspian had always been good at keeping his cards close to the vest. He smiled and said, "It's good to hear that. Especially in the light of the recent months."

"Oh, please, the faster one wins and that's just fair," Alhajar replied slyly, allowing the conclusion to be drawn that Calormen would not have hesitated much longer to attack Archenland had Narnia not acted.

"True words you speak," Valerik, who was followed by Lord Abney, joined their conversation. The two knew well enough to not be fooled by the Tis'roc's words, but they raised their glasses to drink to that for courtesy.

Whichever way Caspian looked at it - Valerik was his most promising representative in Archenland and he trusted him. Just like Abney - he always had his country's best interests in mind and that made him a loyal man.

"But let's not talk politics today," Alhajar took a strong sip and turned to Caspian. "I'd rather you tell us whether you're looking forward to your wedding night."

Caspian did not care about this kind of taproom tattle and he gladly played along as long as Alhajar just stopped starring at Lorella. Nevertheless, he answered the question quite briefly, "It'd be foolish not to do that, wouldn't it?

Abney and Valerik nodded in agreement, while Alhajar leered, "Oh yes, I like your choice. She's young and beautiful and she does seem agreeable - that's a great advantage in a harem, if you know what I mean..."

Trumpkin suggested, "To keep peace among the ladies?"

"Exactly," laughed the Tis'roc and turned to Caspian. "Are you already in love with another one?"

The King shook his head somewhat amused about the seriousness of the question, "Alhajar, you know that in these latitudes a harem is the exeption rather than the rule."

Lord Abney gave his voice the necessary undertone of irony as he added, "Perhaps it's a suggestion for improvement."

"Oh yes, do try it," Alhajar agreed cherfully and looked straight at Lorella. "There are so many beautiful women in this world. It'd be a shame if we let ourself be restricted by rules of tradition."

Caspian knew that Lorella got angry. She was too confident and free to hear such words without starting a fight over them. But he prayed that she was smart enough to keep her mouth shut just this one time...

"I'm sure you don't really mean that," she quickly dashed his hopes. "Sincere love prevents honorable men from destroying themselves by constantly looking for adventures!"

Alhajar seemed amused and pleased at the same time. "Is that so, my dear? I'm afraid you must explain your views to me in greater detail..."

Lorella regretted her comment at once and Caspian could hardly suppress the urge to exhale in annoyance. She was not fully aware of the trouble she could get herself into. The Tis'roc did never take no for an answer. When he liked something, he simply took it.

Trumpkin knew that as well, so he was quick to say, "A terrible idea, if I may say so. She's the exact opposite of agreeable, you wouldn't want to hear her out."

Lorella looked to the ground defiantly again - but still she appreciated that Trumpkin wanted to help. From now on she would certainly remain silent.

"Oh look, I'm afraid you've offended her," Alhajar simply shrugged. "Will you tell me your name, beautiful?"

"Lorella belongs to the family," Caspian replied saintly for her, stressing 'family' quite a bit.

"Interesting," the Tis'roc nodded. "Yet another young lady belongs to your family now - if I'm not mistaken." He pretended to try to remember for a moment, then he said, "Help me out, Caspian, what's the name of your bride's sister?"

The King hid his burning desire to put Alhajar in his place behind a faint smile. Of course the mighty Ruler of the South disliked the fact that Lorella was not at once offered to him as a whore. To talk about Diorn's broken engagement in that context was cunning and clearly the ace up his sleeve. The Tis'roc wanted to play cat and mouse under the guise of casual chatter, and he could have that.

Caspian calmly asked, "You must speak of Jhara. What makes you think of her?"

Just like Lorella, also Trumpkin, Valerik and Abney had decided to remain quiet as the supposedly harmless conversation went on. They only watched nervously.

"Well," Alhajar giggled, "scandals get around quickly, you know it..."

"I wouldn't call Margrave Diorn's broken engagement a scandal," Caspian surprised the Tis'roc, "I'd rather say a not very promising connection was prevented just in time."

"The avoid an almost certain divorce, so to speak?" Alhajar mischievously added.

Caspian nodded, "The margrave himself is a child of separated parents. He must have understood the sense of this decision."

"Sure," Alhajar laughed. "And he's also learned something."

"And what would that be?" Lord Abney asked since his curiosity prevailed.

Alhajar was too glad to answer, "That the women in the North have a propensity to dishonor. Not all of them, of course! I'd never say that."

They all knew that it was exactly what he said, but except for Caspian, everyone was too shocked by this audacity to speak up.

"Women's rights to have a say paves the way for controversies. It requires learning how to deal with it, and to not mistake it for dishonor." The King was calm and composed, but clearly addressed the lack of equality in Calormen.

Alhajar nodded with a grin because he perfectly understood what Caspian was saying. His counterpart was eloquent and canny, was that not the only way a conversation like this was fun after all?

"Controversies – that's beautifully put. But wars have been waged for less," the Tis'roc said with mock remorse.

Caspian gradually lost the patience to play games. "War and love... But let's save ourselves the metaphors. What exactly do you wish to say?"

"An uncomplicated approach - I've always appreciated that about you," Alhajar said honestly. "Caspian, this scandal, or controversy, whatever you call it, has spread anger among my Tarkaans and it shines an unsightly light on Narnia. The Queen's sister insults a member of one of the most respected families of my empire without any consequence... This puts me in an unpleasant position."

"To what extent," Trumpkin asked freely, and Alhajar explained, "My indignant Tarkaans know that I am here today, and they are eager to learn what I'm doing about this issue. Personally, I don't want to cause any discord. But such behaviour is difficult to approve of. My men are proud and offended as one of their dear fellow Calormenes has been rejected so shamelessly by a girl form the North. Who knows? Maybe because of his Southern origin?"

Caspian noticed how even Valerik got restless. But the King replied supposedly unmoved, "I assure you what happened to Margrave Diorn had nothing to do with his origin, but with his person. To be honest, it's only now that you mention it that I even remember he comes from the South."

"Oh yes, I believe you! But my Tarkaans are not as easily pleased. We are lucky, however, to them one woman is as good as the other!"

Lorella immediately felt sick as she heard these words, and Caspian knew what the Tis'roc was up to. He said mechanically, "You want to show them a compensation."

"Exactly," Alhajar grinned. "I knew you'd understand me. You must know that when the Margrave came to me with a broken heart, I could only ease his pain with a very generous offer."

Alhajar patted the puzzled Valerik on the back as though they had known each other for years and turned to Caspian to continue, "What was bound to happen has happened - he chose two of my favourite girls. So we could say I paid your debt - since we are both peace-loving rulers."

Valerik commented grimly, "That's too kind."

"Isn't it, my friend?" Alhajar returned dryly. "But it gets better. You only owe me one lady for the two girls because I am a modest man."

Every word he said so charmingly made Lorella's head spin. Caspian only managed to remain calm with difficulty and Valerik and Abney exchanged woeful looks with Trumpkin.

Finally Abney summed up everyone's hope in one proposal, "There are certainly many girls in Narnia who would love to accompany you to Calormen..."

"Thank you, but it must of course be a woman of status," the Tis'roc shook his head. "Diorn's former fiancée is now a member of the royal family after all. Like you, Lorella." He winked eerily and the King's cousin felt trapped in a nightmare.

Caspian shook his head as he said, "Lorella is out of the question."

"That's unfortunate, but is there an alternative?" Alhajar replied, daringly suggesting, "I mean, if you haven't yet consummated the union with your beloved bride as decency dictates around here, I'd be more than happy to - "

"This is outrageous!" Lorella shouted and did not let Caspian hold her back. Her stiffness was at once transformed into anger by her temperament. "You are standing here, before the King of Narnia, as a guest in Cair Paravel and you dare say such words? You should be ashamed!"

Alhajar did not feel attacked at all, much rather he really liked what he saw. Lorella seemed to fascinate him and he made no secret of it. He looked at her bluntly, from top to bottom, and was delighted to finally have her attention when he said, "I didn't mean to insult you, quite the contrary. You can be sure that I'm a dear friend of Narnia's and would like to remain one."

Then he turned to Caspian and smiled, "I would never expect a hasty decision either. We will all stay a few days, so you have plenty of time to think about it. And we'll simply discuss politics after that."

Caspian did not answer, he just smiled as faintly as his counterpart. The fact that Alhajar threatened to let the political future of their countries depend on such a matter was pure madness, and they both knew it. Nevertheless, Alhajar winked and quickly blended in with the crowd again.

"Increíble," Lorella said under her breath as she watched the ruler of the South leave.

Helplessness was a feeling Caspian hated, if not the worst he knew. He had nothing to bargain with, no false bottom, his hands were tied. Yet he sounded determined when he mumbled, "We'll find a solution."

But Lorella saw it in the others' eyes. There couldn't be any.

"Face it, Caspian, there is no other way!", Lorella cried and ran around the heavy Council table to the window so nobody could see her wiping tears from her cheeks again.

They had all imagined the wedding night to go differently. Spending it with the bridal couple was bizarre, but they had to face a seemingly unsolvable dilemma.

"There must be an alternative," Caspian shook his head stubbornly. "I won't let you leave with him."

"And I won't let you pay for my mistakes!" Jhara added and broke loose from Dylan, who feared to be robbed of his lover once again.

But Lorella only turned around with a sad smile on her face, "Oh sweetheart, Diorn is only a convenient pretext for Alhajar. Your Margrave means nothing to him, and his Lords don't care about him either."

"She's right," Trumpkin agreed, running his fingers along some lines of the wooden table. "The reason sounds conclusive, but we know the Tis'roc long enough to tell that he doesn't bother to protect his Tarkaans unless it's of use to him. He simply fancies Lorella."

The beautiful Telmarine almost shuddered at these words and briefly glanced at Cuartio for consolation. But the officer, for his part, struggled for composure, and he believed the illusion that they were no couple had to be maintained.

"Maldita sea, ya todos lo sabemos, ¡abrázala!" said Caspian, and Cuartio was just as astonished as Lorella, but he did as he was told. He took Lorella in his arms and she was grateful to have him. She already regretted all the times she had mistreated, insulted and rejected him.

To see them so happy together now, however, only made the situation worse. Ria could no longer suppress the tears and especially Jhara felt more than guilty. Even if Trumpkin and Lorella were right, she was the one who had given Calormen the leverage they needed.

"There must be something we can do - I must..." Jhara mumbled in tears, but she did not know how to end her sentence. Where was Aláseyas ingenuity for difficult situations when it was really required? Her mother had nothing to contribute to the conversation either.

"There's nothing we can do, Jhara," Lorella sniffed. "But I believe if anyone can keep up with Alhajar, it's me anyway..."

Lorella laughed bitterly and Caspian appreciated the hubris of his cousin in moments like this. But pride usually came before the fall and he could hardly put aside the legitimate concern that she might just as well be wrong.

"This experiment will not take place," Caspian repeated.

Lorella gently moved out of Cuartio's arms and walked towards her cousin as tears ran down her face again. She looked up at Caspian, cupped his cheeks in her hands and tried not to cry, "We have no choice - you'd start a war."

Caspian could not object to any word. But he desperately searched his mind for arguments, for any words at least. He was crushed, and Lorella was determined. Silence arose, as though the truth needed a moment to sink in.

Lorella bravely added, "You can't always protect me. There is no other way, don't you see?"

It was enfuriating and he knew she was right. But how could it have come to this? It didn't matter whether someone was to blame or not. All that mattered was that he had to let Lorella go, and it almost made him lose his mind.

Still he was unable to say anything, and in a way, Lorella was glad to see that he struggled so badly to let her go. Their teasing was really only fun and games, however it could never weaken their family bond.

"I wish..." Caspian began quietly, but he could not go on.

Lorella smiled as she said to him, "Ya lo sé."

"Oh dear," Henry was the first one to speak up and began to collect some glasses. "Looks like we could all use a drink..."

A huge thank you to the kind guest reviewer who helped me detect an odd Spanish phrase in this chapter :)