AN: SUPER long chapter.. and it's the last one! Yay! Or boo, however you want to look at it. I asked a while back if you'd prefer the last chapter and epilogue to be posted together or separately. The nearly unanimous decision was to post them together. However, since my writing isn't a democracy and is more like a dictatorship (ha), I'm posting them separately. I think you'll thank me in the end... I also don't have the epilogue written and this chapter is burning a hole in my computer to be posted! So, I guess in the mean time, you could always go back and reread the story, review it some, whatever you like!

One of you reviewers asked me about Caspian and how I imagine him, whether it's the one from the movie or the one from the book. And really, I don't remember him completely from Prince Caspian, mostly because it's been a while since I read it. I did, however, stay glued to Voyage of the Dawn Treader while writing this, so I got to know the teenage Caspian a little better, who I sometimes liked, sometimes got annoyed with. As I suppose most people do with 16 year olds. I also thought about the BBC version of Caspian while I was working on this character. So, I kinda squashed all three of them into one main character. Physically, this Caspian is the one from the newer movie, because he's pretty good looking and just works for me. But the personality is all from the books/BBC movies (which stay pretty close to the books). There's a particular scene in VODT that really sticks out to me that sums up Caspian's relationship with Peter and Edmund in particular. It's when they go to Deathwater Island and Caspian and Edmund get into the argument. I think Caspian's kind of like the red-headed stepchild of the group. He wants to take his place as an equal to Peter and Edmund, but just can't quite get there. It doesn't help that the Pevensies have 15 years of experience on him, even though most of them are younger than he is.

Anyway... last chapter. Go read. Just keep in mind... there's an epilogue... there's an epilogue... there's an epilogue...

Chapter 25

It was nightfall before the Dawn Treader reached the mouth of the great river that led to Tashbaan, where Prince Rishdamar was expecting them. The Pevensies, Caspian and Georgie ate a quick dinner on the deck under the clear night sky before Peter, Caspian and Lucy retired for the night. Edmund had asked Georgie to walk with him on the deck for a bit before bed. Bidding the others goodnight, Georgie placed her hand in Edmund's offered arm as they turned to walk. Peter and Caspian went below to their cabin, Lucy following behind but turning to look back at her brother and Georgie before she began to walk down the stairs. I wonder if he'll ask her tonight, she thought, a large smile growing on her face.

Edmund led Georgie to the starboard bow, stopping at the railing and leaning back against it. He pulled Georgie close to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her. She placed her head on his chest and wound her arms around his waist.

"I wish we could stay like this always. No more adventures, no more disturbances. Just at peace to grow old," he said softly. Georgie smiled and pulled back to look up at him.

"Are you at peace?" she asked.

"With you in my arms, how could I not be?" he replied.

"Well then I'll be sure not to ever leave them," she teased. Edmund chuckled and hugged her tightly. When his arms loosened she looked back up at him and asked, "What did Peter talk to you about earlier today?" Edmund sighed and dropped his arms from around her. "What is it?" she asked, alarmed at his reaction to her question.

"It's nothing," he said, lifting his hand and running it through her loose hair. "Peter wanted to talk to me about how I wanted to proceed once we find Lord Brin," he explained.

"Oh," Georgie said softly. "What did you tell him?"

Edmund exhaled sharply before answering, "I told him it wasn't my decision to make. I wasn't one of the ones he tried to have killed. I guess he should have asked you or Susan."

Georgie's eyes widened. "I never thought about that. About what I want to happen to him," she said softly, walking towards the rail and leaning on it, staring out at the dark sea. "I feel like I hate him for what he's done to me, to you, to your family-" she began but was interrupted by Edmund.

"We're your family, too," he said softly. Georgie turned and stared at his face, touched by his words. She had considered the Pevensies her family for years, but was still hesitant to say it out loud.

"I can't wish a man to be killed because he offended me," she said firmly.

Edmund nodded in agreement. "I feel the same way. I've killed before, and I would kill again, when threatened, in battle, in defense. Sentencing a man to death is different," he said. Georgie looked at his face, hardened in the moonlight.

"What do we do when we reach Tashbaan?" she asked, changing the subject.

"When we make port, it's custom for the Tisroc and his caravan to come to greet us. We'll then be taken to the palace and shown to our rooms," Edmund said.

"That isn't quite what I meant," Georgie said, rolling her eyes. She knew he had purposely ignored the true meaning of her question.

"I know. And to be honest, I don't know how to answer your question. Peter and Caspian have looked at where Brin might be. Rishdamar was supposed to send guards out to begin looking for him," he said. Leaning on the railing beside Georgie, he smirked and added, "As much as I think I would enjoy hunting him down, I truly hope the Calormenes have already found him and have him locked up."

"Why is that?" Georgie asked, smiling at his remark.

Edmund laughed softly and replied, "Tashbaan is really hot. Miserably hot even."

Georgie laughed loudly and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Of all the things to think about," she commented.

"I remember when we were here before and visited Tashbaan. I don't think I stopped sweating once while we were there. Poor Susan got as red as an apple from the sun our first day there and was miserable for days later. I'm not sure how the Calormenes live like that. They're used to the heat, I suppose," he said.

"Tell me about what happened between Susan and Prince Rabadash," Georgie said. "You've both mentioned bits and pieces of the story to me, but I feel like I'm missing something."

"That is a long story," Edmund said, reluctant to tell the tale.

"Well, we have all night," Georgie said.

Edmund sighed and began. "Rabadash came to visit us at Cair Paravel and met Susan. He was very charming and weaseled his way into Susan's heart. She fell hard for him, nearly as hard as she fell for Caspian. They were practically inseparable while he was visiting and, after he left, she wanted to visit him in Tashbaan so that she could get to know him better. Although I wasn't sure how much 'better' she could get to know him after his visit. Peter had gone to Ettinsmoor to deal with an issue with the giants who lived there, so I went with Susan to Tashbaan. Lucy stayed behind to keep things in order in Narnia. Rabadash was a completely different person at his home. He was no longer charming and likable man he had been in Narnia; he was prideful and unnecessarily cruel to others, especially those he deemed beneath him (which was most others). Susan refused his proposal, which made me extremely happy. I'm not sure what happened between them.

"One night she came to me and said that we needed to leave, that Rabadash was not the man she wanted to marry and if she stayed any longer, he might force her to become his wife. I know Susan has her faults, but she isn't a fearful woman. To see the fear and hurt in her eyes that I saw then still bothers me to this day. We managed to escape during the night, luckily. I didn't think Susan would ever get over her pain from her visit there. I guess she still hasn't, since she didn't come with us."

"Poor Susan," Georgie said softly. She remembered the day when Susan had received the news about Caspian's fiance and how broken she was. Susan's personality had hardened since then, her beautiful face a constant mask. "It's such an unhappy story," Georgie said, wrapping her arms around Edmund's arm.

"It is," he agreed. "I think we should be heading to bed now though. We should reach Tashbaan by lunch time tomorrow if this wind keeps up." Georgie nodded and both turned to walk towards their cabins.

As Edmund predicted, the Dawn Treader reached Tashbaan right after lunch. As the Narnians departed the ship, they were met by a large caravan. At the head of it was a litter held by four elaborately dressed Calormene men. When Peter, Caspian, Edmund, Lucy and Georgie had all stepped off of the gangway, the litter was lowered and the curtains drawn back. A tall, handsome man with a short silvery beard stepped out, his dark skin contrasting with the white robes he wore. A wide gold sash was wrapped around his waist with scimter hanging from it. That must be the Tisroc, Georgie thought.

"The Tisroc (may he live forever) welcomes the Narnian kings, queen and princess to Tashbaan," a man standing near the Tisroc cried. Peter, Caspian, Edmund and Lucy walked forward to greet the Tisroc. Georgie stayed still, unsure if she should walk forward. Edmund realized she wasn't next to them and turned to look back towards her. He saw the unsureness in her face and smiled warmly. He held out his hand to her and motioned with a slight jerk of his head for her to come with them. Georgie smiled back at him and walked towards where the four stood, placing her hand in Edmund's.

"Welcome, O Kings. Welcome, O Queen and Princess," the Tisroc said, bowing slightly before the Narnians.

They repeated the gesture and Peter stepped forward. "We thank you for your hospitality, Tisroc. I'm only sorry it's under such dreadful conditions," Peter said.

"I only hope you can find this Lord Brin and remove him from my country, O High King," the Tisroc said.

The Narnians were led through the streets of Tashbaan to the Tisroc's palace. The streets were lined with Calormenes eager to see the barbarian visitors, as they referred to the Narnians. When the caravan reached the palace, the Narnians were shown to their rooms, a slave leading the way.

"Calormenes have slaves?" Georgie whispered to Edmund as they climbed up a tall staircase. She noticed his jaw harden as he nodded and leaned his head towards her.

"It's disgusting. But act like it doesn't shock you. We're here as their guests and they see it as a grave insult if we disapprove of their traditions," he whispered back. When they reached the top of the stairs the slave led them to a hall of bedrooms.

After showing each their room, the slave bowed deeply and said "The Tisroc (may he live forever) and Prince Rishdamar wish to see you in an hour." Peter thanked the slave and he turned to leave, bowing deeply again.

"I suppose we should get cleaned up before we go to meet the Tisroc and Rishdamar. Hopefully they will have some news regarding Lord Brin," Caspian said. The others nodded and turned to enter their rooms.

Georgie shut her door behind her and glanced about her room. It was lavishly decorated, fabrics of gold and red draped on the bed and windows. The bed was high and looked plush, covered in pillows. Georgie walked towards it and ran her hand over the silky bedding, smiling at the garishness of it. She hopped onto the foot of the bed, sinking down into the feather mattress, and laid back. For as different as this country is, they sure know how to make a bed, Georgie thought, giggling to herself. She closed her eyes and laid in bliss for several long moments before a knock on her door sounded.

"Come in," she called, sitting up quickly. The door opened and two slaves walked in carrying a large trunk. It was Georgie's from the Dawn Treader. They placed it against the wall and bowed to her. "Thank you," she said. They nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind them. Georgie stood, walked to her trunk and opened it, pulling out a dress. She began changing as she began to worry about their meeting wit h the Tisroc and Prince Rishdamar. What if they found Brin? What if they haven't? What are we going to do? she thought. "Stop it, Georgie," she scolded herself aloud. Things will be okay.

An hour later Peter, Caspian, Lucy, Edmund and Georgie found themselves alone with the Tisroc and Prince Rishdamar in the Tisroc's private meeting room.

"We appreciate your cooperation and assistance with this situation," Peter began as they all sat around a large dark wooden table.

"It is our pleasure, O High King," the Tisroc said. "I have sent our guards to search throughout our largest cities. So far, there have been very few leads, although a few rumors have returned to us saying Lord Brin was last seen in Tashbaan. However, we have been unable to locate him," the prince explained.

"Could it be he knows of your search and has hidden? Or disguised himself?" Caspian asked.

"It's very possible," the prince answered. "We will continue to search until he is found. I do not like him in our country. He is a threat to the peace we so highly regard with our neighbors to the north, Archenland and Narnia."

"Do you have a plan for if you find him?" the Tisroc asked. The Narnians exchanged worried glances. "I could offer to decide his fate if you have not already," the Tisroc offered, a gleam in his eye.

"Thank you for your offer," Peter began, shooting a sideways glance at his brother. "But I believe we have already formulated a plan for when we find him."

"Oh? What is that plan, O High King?" the Tisroc asked. "I think it's only fair that we return him to his home country of Archenland and he be put on trial. While he is unquestionably guilty and deserves the highest punishment of the law, he is technically a prince by marriage," Peter said.

"A prince? You have me searching for a prince?" Prince Rishdamar cried, jumping up from his chair.

"Sit down, O my son," the Tisroc said, slightly annoyed with the rash behavior of his son. The prince glared at his father before sitting.

"Why did you not tell me this? Do you realize the strain it will put on our relations with Archenland if he is 'accidentally' killed in our pursuits?" he asked.

"I do not believe King Sol will be upset in the slightest bit if Brin is killed. The Princess Laira, Sol's only daughter, married Brin in secret. The king and queen were extremely unhappy with this arrangement, especially since their new son-in-law attempted to have the man they hoped to marry Laira murdered," Peter said, his voice slightly sarcastic towards the end of his explanation.

"I see," said Prince Rishdamar, mollified with Peter's assurances.

"What do you need us to do to help you more?" the Tisroc asked.

"We would like to search with your guards," Edmund said. "If Brin was last spotted in Tashbaan, then we should begin here." The Tisroc and Prince Rishdamar both nodded in agreement.

"I will assign you our best unit of guards in the morning as well as several of my personal guards," the prince said.

"Thank you," Edmund said.

"Now," the Tisroc began, turning towards Lucy and Georgie who had remained silent throughout the meeting. "What are we to do with the Queen and Princess while you are searching?"

Lucy gasped at hearing this and turned to her oldest brother. "Surely you don't mean to leave us here Peter!" she cried.

Peter narrowed his eyes at Lucy and said, "Lucy, this isn't the place for this." She tightened her lips in anger but kept quiet regarding the matter.

"O Queen, it would not be fitting for two women such as yourselves to follow the guards into the city. You will be happier to stay here. I will personally see to some entertainment for you," Prince Rishdamar said, his charming voice attempting to soothe the angered queen.

Lucy, finally remembering her position, relaxed and smiled politely at the prince. Susan's not the only one who can remain gracious to such a disgusting man, she thought. "We appreciate that, Prince Rishdamar. Thank you for your hospitality you've shown us," she said kindly.

"You are very welcome, O Queen," Rishdamar said, smiling widely at Lucy.

"Since we have decided on how we will proceed in the morning, I believe you should head to your beds. I am sure you are very tired from your travels," the Tisroc said as he stood, indicating that the meeting was over. The others stood and bid the Tisroc and prince goodnight before walking back to their rooms.

Georgie had been asleep for several hours when she felt someone shaking her shoulder roughly. She opened her eyes and screamed in fright before a hand clamped down on her mouth, cutting off her screams.

"Shh, G! It's only me," Edmund said softly. She sighed deeply as her heart raced and narrowed her eyes towards him.

"Are you trying to frighten me to death?" she cried as she ripped his hand away from her mouth.

"Sorry," Edmund said sheepishly. He picked up her wrapper that was laying across the foot of her bed and held it out to her. "Come on. They've found Brin," he said.

"Oh!" Georgie exclaimed as she jumped out of bed. Edmund's eyes widened as he noticed the moonlight shining through the window behind her. Wearing only her nightgown, it illuminated her silhouette through the thin material. He threw the wrapper towards her and turned quickly, chuckling softly.

"What is it?" she asked, confused by his behavior.

"I'll uh, wait until you're more, um, decent," he chuckled. Looking confused she glanced down and remembered the thinness of her nightgown, gasping loudly with embarrassment. Her face felt hot as she quickly pulled on her wrapper, stuttering out an apology for her immodesty. Edmund turned back towards her, a sly smile on his face.

"Believe me, I don't mind in the slightest," he said, winking at her. Georgie's face felt hotter, but she managed to smile at him, laughing softly at the situation. "Let's go," Edmund said, holding his hand out to her. She walked around the bed and took his hand as he leaned down and placed a kiss on the top of her head before they left Georgie's room.

When Edmund and Georgie entered the meeting room where they had gathered earlier, a young woman slightly older than Georgie was sitting at the table, her face clearly distraught. Peter and Caspian were standing near her and Lucy was sitting next to her patting her hand in comfort. The Tisroc and Prince Rishdamar were also in the room, along with two of the Calormene guards. All eyes in the room turned towards Edmund and Georgie as they walked in, except those of young woman seated at the table.

"Ed, finally," Peter said quietly to his brother.

"Where's Brin?" Edmund asked, his voice inscrutable. At hearing Edmund's words, the young woman's head jerked up, her eyes flashing. Georgie gasped when she saw the woman's face, realizing instantly who she was.

"Princess Laira!" she exclaimed. Her skin had darkened considerably from the hot Calormene sun, making it nearly as dark as the Calormenes. Her once blonde hair had darkened as well, making it a pretty light honey brown color. She had filled out from the skinny girl she had once been, her birdlike features completely gone. The years have been rather good to her, Georgie thought.

"Lady Georgiana," the princess said stonily.

"It's 'Princess Georgiana'," Caspian said sharply.

"My apologies, Princess," Laira said, nodding towards Georgie.

"It's alright," Georgie said, unsure of what was happening.

"Where's Brin?" Edmund asked again, his voice slightly louder.

"He's dead, O King," Prince Rishdamar said.

"What?" Edmund yelled.

"He's dead!" Princess Laira choked, jumping up. Edmund turned quickly towards her, his eyes wide at her reaction.

"Sit down!" Caspian said firmly, placing his hand on Princess Laira's shoulder. She sat slowly, her eyes quickly filling with tears. Georgie immediately felt sorry for her, understanding how she must feel to lose the man she loved. She couldn't imagine how she would feel if she lost Edmund.

"What happened?" Edmund asked slowly, his voice low and steady.

"I killed him," Princess Laira said, her voice void of emotion.

"You what?" Edmund yelled angrily.

"Ed," Peter said warningly.

"What?" Edmund asked, confused by Peter's calm reaction to the princess's admission. Peter shook his head slightly at his brother. Georgie saw the look in Peter's eyes that told her something wasn't right about the situation and placed a hand on Edmund's arm. He looked down at her, seeing a pleading look in her eyes.

"Let me," she said softly so only he could hear. Edmund nodded slightly and Georgie walked to the table where Princess Laira sat. She sat next to her and asked, "What did he do to you?"

Princess Laira looked up, tears brimming from her eyes. "In Archenland when we marry, it's for life. There's one person you stay with, you love. I married Brin because I thought he loved me. When he was exiled, I followed him because of his supposed love. But here things are different. Here men have many wives or women, not just one. I've been pushed aside for so many others. When I heard of what he did, when he tried to kidnap you and make you his, I found I couldn't take it anymore. I confronted him last night, ordering him to stop. Begging him to love me. He told me he never did. He just wanted my father's throne. He explained his intentions to have my father murdered once I had conceived and our marriage was brought out into the light. I became so angry, I hit him, which caused him to become angry. He has such a temper! He hit me, knocking me to the floor, but I was so angry I felt blinded by rage. I reached for his sword laying on the table and ran it through him. I don't know how to explain why, but I felt so much better after. I finally felt free from him," she explained, her tears streaming down her face.

"We do not take lightly to wives killing their husbands here, no matter the situation," the Tisroc said. Princess Laira looked up at him, her face in shock as she understood his meaning.

Peter stepped forward and said firmly, "There will be no repercussions from this situation. Princess Laira is still the rightful heir to Archenland and will be returned to her parents under the safety of the High King of Narnia." Georgie and Lucy both turned to stare at Peter, their eyes wide at his words.

Prince Rishdamar sniffed loudly as his father said, "So be it, O High King. In order to retain the peace, we will allow you to take this murderous woman away."

The Narnians spent the rest of the week in Tashbaan, exploring the city. Edmund pointed out changes to the city from the last time he had visited. They spent time in the open air market shopping and buying exotic foods, fabrics of every color to bring to Susan (who had remarked once that the only thing she liked about Calormen was their use of colors in their clothing), and various trinkets that caught their eyes.

Princess Laira and Peter had spent a great amount of time together and were nearly inseparable by the end of the week. Georgie smiled as she saw them together, remembering how she and Edmund had been during the first days of their newly discovered love. She remarked upon this to Edmund, who laughed as he pulled her close to him.

"I was thinking the very thing. It's funny though. I always thought Peter would find someone before I did. I guess I feel like I'm the older, more experienced brother who should go and offer him relationship advice, instead of it being the other way around," he joked.

Georgie rolled her eyes and said, "I would hold off on giving out advice if I were you. Peter seems to be doing perfectly fine without his little brother being a pest."

"Oh, a pest, am I? You'll pay dearly for that one, my dear," he said, his eyes narrowing at Georgie, grinning wildly. Georgie gave a slight shriek before running from Edmund, who followed her close behind, weaving through the people in the market. As they dashed past Peter and Laira, who were looking at a booth of metal bracelets, Laira laughed slightly at them.

Peter rolled his eyes and said, "Children."

The Dawn Treader set sail at the end of the week, Princess Laira joining them. The Narnians had invited Princess Laira to return to Cair Paravel with them before she traveled home to Archenland and she had eagerly accepted. When the ship was well away from Tashbaan, Peter, Edmund and Caspian found themselves standing on the deck while the three women were below. Princess Laira, who had not done much sailing in her life, had felt slightly seasick so Georgie and Lucy had offered to sit with her while she laid down.

"I'm thinking of asking Laira to marry me," Peter announced.

"You're what?" Caspian asked, surprised.

"Well, maybe it's time I settled down. I am High King, after all. How will it look with everyone else married and I not?" Peter said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Could it be you also love her?" Edmund teased his brother.

"Oh shut it," Peter said rolling his eyes.

Caspian chuckled at Peter's discomfort. "I think perhaps that's it, Edmund," he said, nudging him in the arm.

"This is a good match for Narnia and will ensure our future ties with Archenland," Peter began, but was interrupted by Edmund.

"Someone seems to have spent too much time with the Tisroc. Next thing you know, he's going to begin calling us 'O King' and spouting that ridiculous poetry they seem so fond of," he laughed.

"Fine, I have started to develop feelings for Laira. Happy?" Peter said frustrated. Caspian and Edmund laughed loudly, but stopped abruptly when Peter added loudly, "But I refuse to act like a love-sick puppy around her like you two have become around your women."

When the Dawn Treader reached Narnia two days later, Susan and Caspian's wife met them at the dock. After rounds of embraces and exchanging greetings, Susan noticed their guest. "Princess Laira!" she exclaimed, uncertain of what she was doing with them. "What are you doing here?"

"It's okay Su," Peter said throwing an arm around his sister. "We'll explain later."

Later that evening, after a large dinner and explaining Princess Laira's story to Susan (who was extremely understanding and sympathetic to Laira's plight), Georgie was getting ready for bed when a knock came from the door that connected her and Edmund's room. Surprised, she went to open it. She and Edmund had agreed not to use the door to enter the other's room since they were unmarried. While it was tempting to sneak into the other's room rather than make a show of walking into the sitting room first, they both thought it would be inappropriate for Narnia's king and princess to act so unaccordingly. He had only used the door once; she had woken up groaning loudly and, hearing her, Edmund had burst in, worried something might have happened. It had turned out that she had eaten bad fish at dinner earlier in the evening and had gotten sick from it.

When she opened the door, Edmund was leaning against the door frame smiling. "What are you doing?" Georgie asked, smiling back at him.

"I just wanted to talk to you for a bit," he said, nonchalantly.

"Okay, so talk," Georgie giggled. Edmund smiled wider and rolled his eyes, pushing past her into her room. "Now Edmund, I don't believe I invited you in," Georgie jokingly corrected his behavior.

"Well, that's really too bad, isn't it?" he asked. Georgie laughed and shook her head. "So are you happy to be home?" Edmund asked as he walked towards a chair next to Georgie's bed, turning it so it faced the side of her bed.

"Extremely. I've really missed it," she answered, walking to her bed and sitting on her bed across from Edmund.

"I'm glad to hear that," Edmund said. "So, while we were on the Dawn Treader, Peter told Caspian and me that he's planning on asking Laira to marry him. What do you think about that?" Edmund asked, reaching over and taking Georgie's hand in his, rubbing his thumb across the back of it. Georgie raised her eyebrows, surprised at hearing the news.

"Well, it's a little sudden, but if it's what they both want, then I don't see how I can be anything but happy for them," she said, smiling.

Edmund nodded his head and returned her smile. "I agree. I think Peter needs a woman. Preferably before he gets too old to enjoy being with one," he said mischievously.

Georgie laughed and cried, "Edmund! That's awful!"

"Well it's the truth. Peter's not as young as he used to be. He's really getting up there in his old age," Edmund laughed.

When their laughter had died down, Georgie asked, "Will it be odd to have your brother married?" Edmund shrugged.

"I don't know. I used to think so when I was younger, but now..." he trailed off, deep in thought. "It feels right for all of us to start getting married. Don't you think?" he asked after several moments.

"I-I think so," Georgie stammered, unsure of the look Edmund was giving her. His eyes seemed both determined and nervous at the same time. Edmund stood and came closer to Georgie, standing between her legs that dangled off the side of the bed. Georgie's heart began racing so wildly that she feared it may burst from her chest. Edmund placed his hands on the sides of Georgie's face and tilted her head towards him as he leaned down and kissed her deeply. She reached up and wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as she laid back, bringing him with her. He moved his left hand from her face, holding himself above her as he continued to kiss her, feeling her body pressed beneath him.

Edmund pulled away from Georgie and began placing small kisses along the side of her jaw before moving to her neck. She let out a tiny moan as he kissed down to her collarbone, causing him to return to her mouth and kissing her again. She ran her hand through his hair, stopping at the back of his head to hold him to her as she deepened the kiss.

A sudden knock on her door interrupted them, Georgie gasping slightly at the sound. Edmund's eyes remained closed as he let out a low growl.

"For the love of all things holy. If that's Lucy, I'm going to be short a sister come morning," he said as he stood, pulling Georgie back into her sitting position. He smiled slightly at her mussed hair and blushing face. "Come in," he called, keeping his eyes on her as she tried to fix her hair.

Peter walked in and saw the state of his brother and Georgie and rolled his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. "Really, Edmund?" he asked sarcastically.

"Did you want something, Peter?" Edmund asked dryly.

"Not in particular. I had knocked on your door and there was no answer and Susan nearly had a heart attack over the thought that maybe you had snuck into Georgiana's room. I see she wasn't wrong," Peter chuckled.

"Well you can tell her there's nothing to worry about. We were only talking," Edmund said, struggling to keep guilt off his face.

Peter saw through his brother's story and laughed loudly. "It's a good thing you two are almost-" but was cut off quickly by Edmund.

"Shut it!" Edmund hissed at his brother.

Georgie glanced confusedly between the two brothers and asked, "What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing," Peter said innocently, raising his eyebrows towards Edmund.

"Edmund?" Georgie asked, turning towards him.

"I'll tell you later," he said, winking at her. Peter snorted, causing both Edmund and Georgie to glare at him.

"I'll just leave you two alone. Behave yourselves," he jokingly warned. "Goodnight."

When he closed the door, Edmund and Georgie exchanged relieved glances before bursting into laughter. When their laughter faded, Edmund sighed and reluctantly said, "I guess I should go on to bed. I know you must be tired from the trip."

"Well, I'm not that tired," Georgie said, a half grin forming on her face as she wrapped her arms around Edmund's neck.

"Behave, Princess," he laughed, kissing her on the nose.

"Alright, alright," she said, pouting slightly before letting out a small yawn.

"See? You are tired. Go to bed. I'll see you in the morning," Edmund said, hugging her tightly to him before releasing her and pushing her gently towards her bed. She climbed in the bed as he walked to their adjoining door and opened it.

Turning to her before he walked through it he said, "I love you, G. Goodnight."

Georgie smiled and replied, "I love you too."

The next month seemed to fly by for everyone at Cair Paravel. The chilly fall weather had set in, causing the trees to change from their normal lush green to various hues of orange and yellow, making Narnia only more beautiful than it already was. Caspian and his wife announced they were expecting a baby, causing excitement throughout the country. Peter proposed to Laira, who gladly accepted his proposal, and the two planned to wed in the spring. Susan, who had been thoroughly excited over her new fabric she had been brought from Calormen, spent weeks with dressmakers, designing new wardrobes for her, Lucy, and Georgie. She also spent several days designing special dresses for Caspian's wife for when she grew larger from her pregnancy. The forthcoming baby had allowed Susan to finally be at peace with her rejection from Caspian and his marriage. She had become good friends with his wife, finding they had much in common, other than loving the same man. The most exciting news, in Lucy's opinion, was a letter that arrived from Terebinthia near the end of the month. It was addressed to Peter from the Prince of Terebinthia asking for Lucy's hand in marriage. He had invited the four Pevensies to Terebinthia to make wedding arrangements if she accepted his offer. Lucy had squealed and jumped up and down as she read through the letter, which she had snatched out of Peter's hand when he told her of its contents, and immediately ran to her room to write a reply letter, accepting the marriage proposal.

"Can't I go with you?" Georgie asked Edmund the evening before the four siblings were set to sail for Terebinthia. They were in his room as he packed for the trip.

"G, sweetheart, you know you can't. It's not a long trip, I promise. We'll be home in a matter of weeks," Edmund sighed, drawing her closer to him.

"I know, but Laira gets to go," she pouted, knowing her behavior was very unbecoming and childish.

"She's going because she's engaged to Peter and because we're taking her to Archenland on our way home. If we weren't doing that, I doubt she'd be coming either," he said soothingly.

"I know, I know. It's just that I'll miss you," Georgie said softly, leaning her head on Edmund's chest.

He dropped a small kiss on top of her head and said, "I know. I'll miss you as well."

The next morning Georgie stood on the cliff overlooking the ocean. The sun had risen several hours ago when Georgie arrived at the cliff. Closing her eyes she thought, Please Aslan. Keep them safe. Bring them home to me. A warm breeze blew against her face, calming her fears.

"I thought I would find you here," Edmund called from behind her. She smiled and opened her eyes as she turned to greet him. His dark red cloak flapped in the breeze as he walked towards her. "What are you doing out here? It's nearly freezing! You'll catch your death," he scolded.

"I'm fine," she said, waving her hand towards him as if dismissing his lecturing.

"It's time for us to leave. Come see us off," he said, taking her hand in his. A wave of nostalgia came over her as she remembered a similar scene, one that took place years before, when Edmund had come to find her on this very cliff before he left. A tear formed in the corner of her eye, slipping out before she could catch it.

"I've told you before, none of that," Edmund said softly as he wiped her tear away.

"I was just thinking of the last time you left me like this. When you sailed with Caspian and Lucy. How scared I felt," she admitted.

"G, I've left you dozens of times over the years to sail to this or that place. This time is no different," Edmund gently explained.

"Then why does it feel so different?" she asked, staring up at his eyes, hers full of worry.

"It's not. Trust me," he said firmly. "Now, are you going to come see me off willingly or do I have to drag you?"

Georgie smiled slightly and said, "I suppose I'll come."

When they reached the docks, Peter, Susan and Lucy were waiting. Laira had already boarded the ship to help her get acclimated to the motion of it before they set sail. Caspian and his wife had decided not to see the Pevensies off as she was still having terrible morning sickness from her pregnancy and didn't want to risk ruining their departure. Caspian had become a wreck seeing his wife sick and did not want to leave her side for a moment.

"It's about time you two got here! We're going to miss the wind!" Lucy cried as Edmund and Georgie walked towards them.

"Calm down, Lu," Edmund said. "Your 'fiance' isn't going anywhere."

Lucy rolled her eyes before turning to Georgie. "How do you put up with him? Oh, never mind that. Give me a hug! When I return I'll be a nearly married lady!" Lucy cried, throwing her arms around Georgie in a tight hug. Georgie returned the hug, giggling at Lucy's excitement.

"You had better not get married without me there. I would hate to miss it!" Georgie warned.

"Oh I won't! I want a wedding here in Narnina, not on some small island!" Lucy laughed. Georgie turned to Susan and Peter and hugged both tightly.

"Be careful. I'm going to miss you all so much," Georgie said softly to them.

Susan gave Georgie a quick second hug and whispered, "We're going to miss you, too. I'm so glad you came to us and are part of this family. No matter what happens." When she pulled back, Georgie noticed tears welling in Susan's eyes.

"Are you okay?" Georgie asked softly. Susan nodded quickly and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand before anyone else noticed. Georgie turned to Edmund, smiling at him.

"Are you sure I can't come?" she teased.

Edmund chuckled and said, "You're relentless, aren't you?" Georgie nodded and walked to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Hurry home to me, won't you?" she said softly.

"You know I will," he said, leaning down and kissing her softly on the lips. He pulled her tightly to him in a hug before releasing her and turning to follow his siblings to the ship. Before he stepped onto the gangway, he turned and called to her, "Meet me here when I return. I have something to ask you." She smiled and nodded. He turned and walked up the gangway onto the ship. The four siblings stood at the rail and waved to Georgie. She lifted her arm and waved back, blowing kisses to them as they set sail.

Watching the ship until it was no more than a tiny dot on the horizon she smiled to herself and whispered, "They'll be home soon."

Over the next several weeks while the Pevensies were gone, Georgie kept busy by helping Caspian and his wife prepare for their expected child. She helped pick out fabric for new bedding for the baby's cradle and decorate the nursery. She stood in for Caspian during Council meetings while he attended his wife when she was sick. She even helped sew clothes for the baby, until it was discovered how poorly she sewed. After that, Georgie merely provided conversation for Caspian's wife as she stitched tiny gowns and bonnets for her baby.

Late one morning, Caspian, his wife (who was in need of some fresh air after spending hours being sick earlier) and Georgie were in one of the gardens walking when Trumpkin came running across the lawn. When he reached them, he was breathing hard.

"News from Anvard," he gasped as he held out a letter to Caspian. Georgie's eyes widened at Trumpkin's worried expression.

"These are for you, Princess. From Terebinthia," he said, holding out a small box and letter to her. She took the items from him and examined the small box, made of various types of inlaid wood. The box was smooth to the touch and intricately carved on the sides. Turning the letter over, she saw Edmund's familiar scrawl on the outside, a simple "G" written on it. Walking from Caspian and his wife, she opened the letter.

My Dear G,

I WISH I had brought you with us. It's absolutely dull here in Terebinthia. Peter is either negotiating a marriage treaty with the King of Terebinthia or off somewhere with Laira. Lucy is attached at the hip to her new fiance and Susan is with the Queen all day planning this massive wedding. I do nothing but wander around, bored. I tried helping Peter with negotiations, but that was a huge mistake. I've luckily been able to explore the island, which really is quite nice. But I wish I could share it with you. I know you would appreciate it.

I've ordered a present for you from here, which I hope it doesn't arrive before I do. It would ruin my surprise if you did. So if it does arrive, you are NOT to open. That's an order from King Edmund the Just, Duke of Lantern Waste, Count of the Western March, and Knight of the Noble Order of the Table. (You know I'm serious when I list all of my titles.)

We leave for Archenland in a few days. I've never been so relieved to go there in my life. At least there are things to do at Anvard. And I know once we go there, I'm nearly closer to you. I miss you more than I thought possible, G. I can't wait to be back with you.

Love,

Edmund

Georgie smiled as she folded the letter and turned her attention back to the box. This must be the gift he got for me, she thought. I wonder if a peek would hurt.

"No!" Caspian yelled from behind her. She turned quickly and saw the horror on his face. He jerked his head up and looked at Georgie, his mouth slightly open in shock.

"What is it?" she cried, unable to move. Caspian's hand shook as he held the letter up.

"It's from the King of Archenland. The Dawn Treader left the Terebinthia over a week ago," he began, but stopped as his voice cracked. Georgie's heart began to beat loudly, worry setting in.

"I know. Edmund wrote me and said they were to sail," she said.

Caspian shook his head quickly. "They never made it to Archenland, Georgiana. There was a storm, about a hundred miles off the coast of Terebinthia. The ship was hit badly by it," he said, before taking a shaky breath. "There were no survivors."

The box Georgie was holding slipped from her fingers, falling to the ground. The top popped open, revealing a delicate silver ring with a large round diamond surrounded by tiny orange stones. Georgie felt the earth move below her, her body swaying slightly before everything went black...