Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Narnia, only Makayla and anyone of her world. This applies to all of my chapters!

I didn't get the chance to proof read this, so IGNORE the typos. : Thanks

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Everyone enjoyed themselves, after having some food and chat with Patdor I was surprised when King Lune asked me to dance. From the table I had watched him dance with both Susan and Lucy, and I couldn't help but note that he would make an excellent father. I asked Patdor if Lune had children and found out that he had a son, too young to accompany them seeing that he was but a child, several years younger than Lucy. Once the song ended, I expected to return to the table when my arms were held by Peter.

Grinning he spun me around, bringing me back laughing. I had lost track of the High King, he continuously went around the room being congratulated and greeting everyone who came for the coronation. As much as it hurt my mouth, I couldn't stop smiling and laughing while Peter and I danced. Over his shoulder I spied Vicern and Susan waltzing themselves, nudging Peter to turn around, he frowned to see them together.

"He's not going to hurt her," I said calmly grabbing Peter's attention.

"I.. I know, but still she's my sister." He grumbled. "I suppose you're right, I'm just being protective."

I sighed and adjusted my hold on his shoulder, while Peter slightly held my other hand a bit tighter. "There's nothing wrong with that, just do not do anything that will interfere inappropriately."

Peter raised an eyebrow, "What's this? A princess giving her High King orders?"

Shaking my head I corrected, "No, a friend giving advice to another friend."

"Good answer." He chuckled but stopped when a finger tapped his shoulder.

We both came to a stop and Peter looked behind him. Patdor stood there, giving a low bow to Peter and then clearing his throat. "May I have this dance my lady?"

Caught off guard, I glanced at Peter unsure of what to do. "Do you mind? I don't wish to upset-"

"No." Peter said gruffly. "Go ahead, I should dance with Lucy anyways."

He walked away, and I felt a bit disappointed to see him go, but smiled when Patdor placed a hand on my waist and the other held my right hand. "Glad to see you off your feet Patdor, I worried that you would grow fat from sitting and eating."

My friend pretended to be offended, "I could not help myself! The food is too delicious to leave sitting there... All alone on the table..."

"Now it is all alone in your stomach."

Patdor dipped me, making me laugh, and brought me back up. I couldn't help but ask, "Where did you learn to dance like that?"

"You may find this hard to believe," scoffed Patdor. "But back in Archenland- where I do not sit and grow sat- I am quite the entertainer with the ladies when it comes to dancing."

"Oh really?' I said doubtful.

"I speak only true." He insisted. "If you do not believe me, one day you must come to one of our balls and see for yourself."

The invitation was casual, but I had a feeling he really meant it. Shrugging I replied, "Perhaps, I will speak to the others about visiting."

He nodded, "I will be glad to give you a tour."

The song ended and I stepped away from Patdor, as we, along with the rest of the dancers, clapped for the musicians. With a bow of his head, and a rather clumsy curtsy from me, we made our way towards the table. I noticed that many of the nobles had not danced yet, and if any did they either dance with Susan or myself, I assumed they felt a bit awkward asking a female centaur, dryad, or any other Narnian to dance... Hopefully in time they will grow accustomed to the variety of species.

Patdor made sure to pull my chair out for me, and thanking him I sat down next to a scowling Edmund. Why was he upset? Concerned I leaned in and whispered, "What is bothering you?"

He avoided my gaze, "Nothing."

"You're lying." I accused. "Tell me, what's wrong?

Ed sighed and glared at Patdor, who sat across the table speaking with another Archenland noble, "Absolutely nothing..."

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Five weeks passed, and I grew accustomed to my daily life at the castle. I would rise an hour before breakfast and help Susan with her duties around the castle, technically to keep the castle running was the duty of the Highest Queen, but I wanted to help Su. Being that we spent the entire day together, I grew much closer to her, she became my best friend. She watched over the kitchens, meals, furnishing, cleaning, organization, and other general responsibilities. Susan was in charge of maintaining the household, a difficult job considering the household was a castle. At times, she grew so busy that I was put in charge of certain things, not that minded, but it cut down on my personal time.

I rarely saw Lucy, except at meals, she always stayed outside in the gardens. Susan had turned over the duty of growing and caring for the gardens and plants of Cair Paravel to her younger sister. Many times I envied my young friend, wishing I could spend all hours out in the sun and look out at the ocean, but I needed to assist Susan.

It wasn't like I had anyone else to spend time with. Peter, Edmund, Vicern, and Stilden all left with a small regiment, headed by Oreius of course, to survey the damage and current condition of Narnia. They left over four weeks ago, a few days after the Archenland company returned to their own country. As much as I begged Peter, he would not allow me to come with them, saying that needed to adjust to my new life... Without powers.

At first I thought he was just being stubborn, but a few days after he and the others departed, I was glad that I had not joined them. Unlike before, I now needed a full night of sleep or else I'd be tired. Without enhanced strength and senses, I was forced to adjust to opening heavy wooden doors with two arms instead of a few fingers... Little things like that. I hadn't realized how much I used my strength in daily activities.

So I busied myself with tasks around the castle, sometimes helping the cooks, mostly with washing dishes since I could not make food.. Edible food at least.

Today I did just that, with my sleeves of my dress up I placed a bowl into the tub of water. The female fauns and several visiting dryads all laughed at something. I had tuned them out a while ago, they mostly gossiped about who was marrying who. In the beginning it made me giggle to hear such gaps when someone said, 'Did you hear? Heiwet the jackrabbit has began to court...'

Unfortunately for me, I knew none of the Narnians they spoke of. I only knew those who worked at the castle or visited from time to time, but I knew the gossip and happenings of the land. When the dryads came, they brought news of the royal party, this time though they had heard nothing... Usually they brought word where Peter and the others were at the moment.

"Your highness!" Mr. Beaver ran into the kitchens, causing the chatting to end. "They've been spotted from the watch tower!"

Leaving the bowel in the water, I lifted my hands and dried them on my apron. No matter how many times I asked, no one in the castle, save the Pevensies, Stilden, and Vicern would call me anything but 'your highness'. By the third week, I'd given up and just accepted the term. "Spotted who Mr. Beaver?"

"High King Peter and King Edmund!" said Mr. Beaver with a hint of impatience. "The Queens are already outside waiting!"

My eyes went wide, "They're back?!"

"Yes, they should be in the courtyard by now-"

I didn't hear what else he had to say because I ran out of the kitchens, but I heard him running on the stone floor behind me. They finally returned, after being gone for over a month now and not much contact, I couldn't wait to see them. Life had been quite dull without the boys to spar or ride with, Susan and Lucy were wonderful friends but I couldn't see myself stuck inside the castle everyday. Taking the smaller passages, used primarily by the servants- or workers seeing that they were by no means slaves- and entered the entrance hall panting softly. With no one to spar with and loss of power, I no longer was in the best shape.

Embracing before me was the Pevensies while Stilden sniffed the air. I assumed he caught my scent because he turned in my direction and ran. "Stilden!" I exclaimed happy to see him, but gasped when he pounced and knocked me to the ground. "Oof!"

He purred... Making me burst into laughter. No matter how much he denied it, Stilden was such a softie. "Makayla, it's good to see you."

"And it is wonderful to see you too." I rubbed the fur behind his ears causing his purring to grow louder. Thankfully he slid off me, and a hand reached down.

Edmund smiled down at me, before pulling me back to my feet. "Hello Kay."

"Ed!" I wrapped my arms around him, and felt him return the hug. "How are you?

He shrugged, "A bit tired... Though I am very glad to be home."

"I would hope so, it has been over a month." I pointed out.

"Kay? Why are your arms and hands wet?"

I flushed and rolled my sleeves down quickly, "Sorry, I was helping in the kitchens."

He chuckled, "You're a princess and you're helping in the kitchens? I like that."

"Just keeping myself busy." I smirked. "Well I'm just glad you're home..." Edmund gave me a strange, thoughtful look. But, my attention snapped to a figure behind Ed. I caught sight of Peter walking over and couldn't help but feel my heartbeat pick up speed.

"Peter..." I said quietly. Walking around Edmund, I took in Peter's appearance. His blonde hair had changed from blonde to a bit more golden, as did his skin, the sun had done him well. He, like his brother, wore a riding tunic with boots. The crown on his head was absent, but I didn't even wear my circlet most of the time, I had no need to. The two of us reached arms length, but didn't make any moves. "You're back..." My voice cracked a bit.

"I'm back," Peter grinned breaking the spell. I closed my eyes as he embraced me, and enjoyed the feeling of his shirt against my cheek. The hug lasted longer that I thought it would, but personally I wish it could last forever. Eventually we let go, but I smiled when he didn't leg go from holding my arms.

Then something clicked. Peering around I asked confused, "Wait, where is Vicern?"

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His Elfiness had stayed behind with the elves, in their city to the south. All Peter would say is that Vicern had some business to take care of before his return, but when he would come back was unknown. I knew that I wasn't the only one who would miss our Elvin friend, Susan's face fell slightly at the news.

With the return of the royal party, dinner turned out to be a bit more elaborate than usual. Susan thought her brothers would enjoy having a sit down meal, traveling around would not leave much opportunity for such feasts. As usual, Peter sat at the head of the table, while I had the chair to his right and sat besides Susan. Across from myself was Edmund and next to him, diagonal from me, ate Lucy. "I've missed this." I said sadly. "You would not believe how strange it was with just us girls here."

"It couldn't have been THAT bad." Argued Peter.

I winked at Lucy and replied, "You're right... There was more food for us." She and I burst into giggles, several days ago she had pointed out that there always seemed to be more for us to eat when Peter and Edmund didn't beat us to the food.

Ed rolled his eyes, "Ha-Ha."

"Susan, that's not true is it?" asked Peter

She opened her mouth to speak, but Stilden approached the table and cleared his throat. He addressed Peter, "Your highness, a messenger from Archenland has just arrived."

"Really?" Susan and I asked together. We had received no word or letters from our neighbors, strange considering that Patdor had promised to write. From what Susan has told me, several young men had expressed interest in corresponding with her as well.

"Send him in." Ordered Peter changing from his friendly demeanor to one of authority.

Stilden retreated to back to the front hall doors, and several moments a man with brown hair and very wrinkled clothes, obviously he traveled, entered with several envelops in his hands. "Your highnesses." He addressed bowing.

"Hello, you come from Archenland with news?" Peter asked.

"With letters from King Lune and the court." Said the man. He handed the white envelops to Peter who set them on the table.

"Thank you," Peter smiled at the messenger. "You're tired are you not? Speak with Stilden, the white tiger, he will give you a room for you to rest. Once you feel ready to return to your king, you will receive letters to take with you."

"Thank you your majesty." The man bowed once more and walked back out of the hall, I could tell he was relieved to know he'd get some sleep before traveling again.

Leaning towards Peter, and me being that I am in between, Susan pressed, "Who are the letters for?"

He picked them up and set one aside for himself, "This one's mine... Ah, there is one for Kay." He handed it over. "And.. Wow, the rest are for you Susan."

"Bloody admirers." Muttered Edmund watching as Susan took the handful of letters in surprise.

I looked down at the handwriting, it was in nice cursive and slanted a bit.

Her Royal Highness

Princess Makayla of Narnia

Tempted to open it, I tore the back a bit and looked at Peter and Susan. The two of them were already reading their own letters, and so I decided to follow their example. Ripping the rest of the white envelop, I pulled out two parchments full of the same handwriting.

Greetings Makayla,

I apologize that it has taken me so long to write, but my uncle had trouble finding a trustworthy messenger willing to go into

Narnia. Despite his announcement to our people that the White Witch is dead, many still fear Narnia. I personally offered to

take the letters myself, but certain duties forced me to remain here in the castle... Though, it would have been very pleasant

to see your lovely face again.

You might be interested to know that your are somewhat of a hero in Archenland. Many of the other nobles have spread word

that they met the Guardian witch in Narnia, all of positive description. My younger sister, Calantha, has expressed great

interest to meet you. It is rather strange, you remind me of her, being a strong woman... Not because of your sword, but

because of your heart. I believe Uncle Lune has written an invitation for Peter and yourself to visit Archenland. Members of

the court have insisted that the High King and Guardian, having such a reputation, present themselves in person. I'm afraid

the people wish to see the saviors of Narnia and thus prove that the reign of the White Witch has ended.

If I may be so bold, I do wish to give you the tour we spoke of. It would be a pleasure to know you better and show you my

home, as you showed me yours.

Yours,

Lord Patdor of Archenland

"Kay? Hello, Kay?" Lucy threw a grape and it hit my nose causing her to giggle.

Finished reading the letter, I looked up to see everyone staring at me. "What?"

"You seem a bit, well, flushed." Noted Susan. She attempted to look at the signature, "Who wrote to you?"

"Patdor." I sighed and caught Peter's gaze, "Are we going?"

He nodded.

Silence ensued, before Lucy chirped, "Going where?"