Saga of My Heart Chapter 25: War and Peace, a chronicles of narnia fanfic

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own original characters...Good grief! *facepalm*

A/N: I KNOW! I haven't updated in two weeks! I'm horrible! *cries* BUT, this chapter is really long AND it has a bonus. It's written in Charlotte's point of view, but also written in different points of view, so I wouldn't ramble on (same strategy as before). So, when you see this: Lord Palamore or something like that, that means he's the person the segment of the chapter is centered around. Point of view. Yep, I think you got it! Now, I must say a HUGE part of the plot will be revealed in this chapter and by huge I mean HUGE. So huge the whole world would be shocked. Okay, maybe not THAT huge but you know what I mean! Enjoy :)

War and Peace

Peter and I hadn't even bothered to have breakfast with the others in the grand hall that next morning, so the first meal of the day was held in bed. We nestled up against each other laying the tray of food onto the sea of covers, and the breakfast itself was nearly forgotten. The morning hours were spent playing childish games and deciding on a honeymoon spot, and after endless sessions of giggles and kisses, we dressed ourselves and set out into the long halls of the palace.

"Your majesties," we were confronted by Lord Hakim, who seethed out the words and bowed to us. "We are bubbling with excitement Queen Charlotte, since your task has finally been revealed."

"Thank you, Lord Hakim; I will do my best to please Narnia." I forced a small smile, and spoke as confidently as I could.

"I am here to inform you that there is a council meeting in the afternoon." The Calormene lord's eyes shone a small hint of triumph.

"Thank you for the information, Lord Hakim," Peter nodded, "but today I will be leaving for my honeymoon, therefore there is no need for politics on this day."

"All the more reason for a council meeting," the lord persisted, "to settle several matters that will be at peace during your time away from the palace."

"There will be no meeting today, Lord Hakim," Peter fought to control his emotions, "you may tell the other Lords of the Council.

Lord Hakim nodded, and continued his walk down the hall; I could swear I heard him mumbling to himself. I let out a sigh of relief, and Peter's arm slipped around my waist, squeezing lightly.

"There's no need to be afraid," he murmured against my hair.

I looked up at him, my eyes searching for assurance. His expression was calm, and unwavering, and we were broken out of our reverie seeing Susan, Edmund and Lucy walk towards us.

"You're leaving today?" Susan asked softly. I nodded.

"So soon?" Lucy's eyes were pleading.

"We'll be back, dear," I bent down to kiss the young girl's forehead. "Peter and I are taking a ship to a newly discovered island called Tara."

"Isn't that dangerous?" Susan asked.

"An entire army surveyed it and labeled it free of all danger." Peter said. "We'll be leaving this evening."

"You're going to leave me alone with the Lords of the Council?" Edmund whined. "I wish I was married…just to get away from politics and rules and regulations."

"Why would you name the island Tara?" Susan shrugged.

"Tara, meaning earth," Peter explained slowly, then turned to his younger brother. "And what do you mean leave you alone with the Lords of the Council?"

"Lord Hakim told me there was a council meeting today. Why?" Edmund was puzzled.

"I told them there wasn't to be a council meeting today! They disobeyed me." Peter's face turned red. Crimson, if you will. His fists clenched and his jaw set.

"Peter don't," I whispered frantically. I looked around the hall. "Naramay!" The Dryad appeared.

"Yes, majesty," She curtsied gracefully.

"Is everything packed for the honeymoon?" I asked, grabbing Peter's hand and pulling him back.

"Yes, your highness," she nodded, her smile never wavering.

"Peter, I want to go now," I turned back to the High King. He relaxed and put his arm around my shoulders.

"I guess we say goodbye now, then." He turned to his siblings.

They each in turn came and said their goodbyes, and Lucy clung to me tightly. "

"I will miss you, sister," she smiled, her eyes shining.

"And I will miss you," I kissed her cheek, took Peter's hand, and turned away.

This is the beginning of the rest of my life here, I thought. I won't let anything stand in the way of my happiness.

Peter and I had boarded the ship—which was called Braveheart; named after my title—and bid the foreign guests and the Lords of the Council farewell. We were now surrounded by water, nothing else was in sight, and I felt anxious for the events of the following days. The sun was beginning to bed into the ocean, and I gazed at the sky, which was turning peach and gray and azure before my eyes. I was dressed in a silken white gown, with short sleeves made of sheer fabric and a sash that matched the color of the sun.

Leaning against the ship's wooden rails, I let the sea air travel through my dark brown tresses. A small smile escaped my lips, and I breathed in deeply.

"Enjoying yourself?" Two hands squeezed my shoulders lightly and pulled me back. I let out a sigh when I felt Peter lips gently graze my neck; I heard myself moan.

"Yes," I murmured, turning and pressing a kiss to his lips. "Where were you?"

"With Captain Garner, checking to see when we'd sight the island. We should see it tomorrow, around noon," Peter was dressed an ivory shirt with drawstrings that were unlaced at the top, and he wore dark brown breeches with ivory buttons that matched the pins that were in my hair. He fixed his gaze at the sea; the water glistening against the sun's rays. "Don't you think we should retire for the day?"

I studied his expression. "The stars haven't even begun to come out! Why must we go to bed now?"

"Because tomorrow is going to be a busy day, and we need our strength." His eyes extinguished my temper.

I let him lead me below the ship's deck, and we settled into our quarters. There were tables and chairs made of the finest wood, and our gifts from Father Christmas were inside a glass case that was accessible if needed. A large bed was set near the window of the cabin, and the window was large itself.

I fell against the bed and pulled Peter beside me, and I nestled up against him, placing my right hand onto his chest.

"May I ask you something?" his voice broke the silence.

"Anything," I murmured, feeling his heartbeat against my palm.

"Why did you ask if we could leave earlier than planned?" my thoughts turned to the events earlier that day.

"I didn't want you to do anything you'd regret," Was my simple answer. I fought to keep my voice calm.

"Concerning the Lords of the Council, I wouldn't regret anything," he scoffed.

"I didn't want politics or war to get in the way of our first day bound in matrimony," I said the last three words rather dramatically.

"War?" he asked. "What do you mean 'war'?"

"It seems as though there's an endless war going on between you and your council," I shrugged, wrapping my arms around him.

He sighed before speaking. "They don't matter now. This is our honeymoon. It's supposed you be about us, not them."

"You asked the question first," I giggled.

"And now I'm ending the conversation." He pressed a kiss to my lips and sat up, pushing me down by my shoulder.

"Will this happen at the end of every conversation?" I asked in between kisses.

"If you want it to," his eyes pleaded.

I nodded, letting myself fall weak into his arms. "I want it to."

We made love deep into the night, and I had assurance. I was truly happy.

Lord Palamore

The lord from Archenland paced in his chambers. When would that blasted king listen? Yes, a council meeting on this day would be productive, but it would also give the council some time with the High King, time that they could so easily manipulate. If only he had agreed to have a council meeting, maybe the honeymoon would be postponed until tomorrow. But, no, he had to leave with his precious Charlotte for some peace and quiet. Peace and quiet be damned! She had wormed her way into the royal family, and stolen King Peter's heart, and he was so vigorously engrossed in her, that he'd just have to ride himself of the both of them. But how? The words Peter had told the Lord of the Council flashed through his mind once again.

"You are engaged to your mistress! Though it would be the proper thing to do, considering the circumstances that could have ensued, it's in no way right to marry a commoner, one who wasn't in the prophecy to begin with."

"It wasn't your decision!" King Edmund had said. "It was Aslan's, and he chose her for a reason."

"Maybe not the right reason," Lord Hakim contradicted, "or maybe the Great lion made a mistake."

"Don't you dare suggest that!" The High King spat, "Aslan has done all things for a reason, and even if it is possible for him to make mistakes, I'm sure it's a very rare occasion."

"It's tradition for the king to marry a royal, and if I may say, Lady Charlotte is no royal," Lord Palamore persisted; he was only trying to make a point.

"You may not say, sir!" The eldest king's voice had risen to what very well might have been its full peak. "Edmund and I are the kings of this land, and you are overstepping your boundaries! I suggest, you watch your words, or they will get you in very hot water…."

He was only trying to make a point. But now, since his royal high-and-mightiness had threatened him, the tables were turned. For he, Peter Pevensie, High King of all Narnia would soon be in hot water.

"Yes," Lord Palamore rubbed his hands together before nestling down in his own bed. "Very hot water, indeed."

He had finally fallen asleep, and his dreams were filled with triumph. But not triumph for all.

Charlotte

I lay in the immense bed, covered in the silken shelter that kept me warm. My head was on Peter's bare chest, and I occasionally traced lines into it, feeling the familiar features of his skin. The night had been peaceful, and I was just now drifting off into the land called sleep. Peter had long since journeyed off into that land, and I enjoyed the sound of his soft heartbeat rumbling against my fingers.

I eventually rolled off of Peter's chest, and fell into my own position, steadying my eyes at the window, where several small fish swam through the sapphire blue water eagerly, and though I could've watched them all night, I found myself drifting off into peaceful sleep.

I found myself in a large bedroom; the lamp was on, and I found a man pacing uncontrollably about the chambers. It was Lord Palamore! But what was I doing here? I was supposed to be on a ship headed to Tara!

"What is this place?" I murmured softly, roaming around the chambers.

Several artifacts were placed around the room, an immense book case with popular Narnian titles and the like, ruby rings and emeralds and sapphires placed in wooden boxes, and the drawing of a crown hung just over his bed. I was taken aback.

"That looks exactly like Peter's crown!" I exclaimed, then shut myself up knowing I'd given myself away. But I hadn't. The lord went on pacing and grumbling to himself…as though I wasn't there. He couldn't see me! This was a dream. A vision…I suddenly heard voices inside my head. I stopped and listened.

"It wasn't your decision!" King Edmund had said. "It was Aslan's, and he chose her for a reason."

"Maybe not the right reason," Lord Hakim contradicted, "or maybe the Great lion made a mistake."

"Don't you dare suggest that!" The High King spat, "Aslan has done all things for a reason, and even if it is possible for him to make mistakes, I'm sure it's a very rare occasion."

"It's tradition for the king to marry a royal, and if I may say, Lady Charlotte is no royal," Lord Palamore persisted; he was only trying to make a point.

I opened my eyes again, knowing the words had ceased. Lord Palamore's pacing had slowed, but hadn't stopped. He was thinking, mumbling to himself.

I was only trying to make a point! I could nearly feel him say the words. But now, since his royal high-and-mightiness had threatened me, the tables were turned. For he, Peter Pevensie, High King of all Narnia would soon be in hot water.

"Yes," Lord Palamore rubbed his hands together before nestling down in his own bed. "Very hot water, indeed."

I glanced at the crown once again, and soon all became black. It was as though I had fallen into an abyss, with no help getting out—

My eyes had opened as wide as they could and I sat up in the bed. Looking out the glass window pane, I saw the fish still swimming as calmly as could be. I was breathing heavily, and I suddenly felt two arms encase themselves around my waist.

"Sshh," Peter whispered, pulling me down again next to him. He planted a tender kiss on my bare back and settled his hands on my hips. "It was only a dream. I can't wait until tomorrow…" he was asleep again, and the feeling of fear had ceased.

Safety; assurance.

I couldn't wait for tomorrow either.

When I awoke again, a stream of sunlight shot through the ocean and made it way to the window, and the little sea creatures were scurrying at a greater speed that they were last night. Peter and I were in the same position as before, and I wriggled around some, finally taking his hands off of my hips and turning, giving him a tender kiss.

His lips twisted into a smile, and his eyes opened, revealing his azure blue irises. I returned the smile, twirling a lock of his hair into my fingers.

"Good morning," I whispered, stretching my legs and feet. "Are we almost at the island?"

"I don't know, since I just awoke, myself," He sat up and stretched his arms; I couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful he really was. "I do believe Captain Garner will be yelling 'land ho!' sometime soon, though." He imitated a sailor's call, and I let myself fall into a sea of giggles.

"Well, we should probably dress now," I said, putting on my robe before getting out of the bed and walking to the wardrobe that held all of our attire.

"I would suggest," Peter stood, coming to me, "That you were some of my things. After all, you are a queen, and I do believe your gowns will become a bit soiled after walking along the beach."

After dressing and eating breakfast in the four walls of our cabin, we went to the deck and eyed the sights before us. No land was in sight yet, but the sun was ascending to its peek. The sky was a bright blue, several shades lighter than Peter's eyes, but it was beautiful nonetheless. I was dressed in Peter's white linen shirt, with navy blue breeches and amethyst colored buttons along the sides. I also wore his boots, and the whole outfit looked rather large on my feminine features, but Peter delighted the way they looked.

"It's nearly high noon, your majesties," Captain Garner bowed; I was surprised to find that he didn't sound like the pirates I'd read about in storybooks. He was tall, with curly brown hair and playful nutmeg brown eyes, and he wore pale yellow shirt with a tan colored belt, and black breeches and boots. It was nearly like what Peter and I were wearing.

"…we just might hit the island a little later than planned, but in plenty of time," he was saying. "I must say, Queen Charlotte, you will like what you see there. The High King has labored many nights to make Tara into a beautiful place, and it is." He smiled gaily and genuinely, and I returned the smile with just as much pleasure.

We spoke for another hour or so, until our conversation was interrupted by the familiar call, "Land ho!" and the crew set about to work.

The ship was anchored a ways from the shore, and a boat was lowered with Peter, Captain Garner and I all inside. The king and the captain rowed until we reached try land, and then I realized why the island was called 'Tara'.

The beach was glistening with white sand, with each crystal reflecting the sun's light, and just beyond it, was earth. Grass. Emerald green grass that matched the color of my eyes, or maybe it was slightly darker. The vivid colors of trees captivated my attention, and a fresh wind wisped across my face, letting my hair loose.

"Do you like it?" I turned to see Peter walking towards me, happiness etched into his face.

"Yes!" I said thank you by running into his arms and showering him with hugs and kisses, and while the crew had set up there camp, Peter led me into what seemed like a small woods.

"It's alright, there's nothing here to hurt you, I'm sure of it." I grasped his hand, taking in my surroundings, and eventually there was a break in the woods, and a glorious mansion was set before us. It was the color of mahogany and cherry wood, and several trees and bushes surrounded it; the sun's glow seemed to rest on the whole area.

"Oh, Peter!" I breathed, following an impulse and running to the house, opening the door in one motion. The inside was even better than the outside. There were pillars towering high above us, and marble stone floors and portraits on every wall. There were artifacts and a library and a vast staircase covered with a velvet carpet.

"It is to my liking," I turned to Peter who had followed at my heels.

"I am glad." He swept me up into a passionate kiss, one that I would remember for a lifetime.

Lord Sosorion

"Thank you for attending this council meeting," Lord Sosorion announced, forcing a grin to those whose eyes he beheld. "The High King and Queen have left for their honeymoon, and King Edmund will not be joining us today, since he has no knowledge of this gathering."

"Which will give us a chance to discuss things without being interrupted by their royal highnesses," Lord Palamore said, mockery in his voice.

Yes, very high indeed, Lord Sosorion thought, stifling a chuckle.

"We have come to discuss a matter that has much to do with our fellow man. Lord Palamore was threatened by his majesty, and he does not like it. Not one bit." The lord from Calormen nodded in Lord Palamore's direction.

The lord from Archenland fought to control his emotions before he spoke. "His majesty High King Peter said something about me being put into hot water. Very hot water. Well, it's time to put the shoe on the other foot. Seeing as we're more experienced in matters than a mere boy, I propose a way to…get back at the High King."

"Get back at him, my lord?" Lord Anoris asked.

"Yes," Lord Palamore continued, "if Narnia is going to continue to be run by a boy with no backbone or mind to make decisions with, and a brother who's a drunk—" Several laughs rang out in the room. "—I suggest we put an end to it, and put someone on the throne who is more capable of running a country. Of course, it will not be easy, so we must go to the heart of the beast."

"Overthrow the king?" Lord Anoris asked again, "but they were apart of the original prophecy! How would we do that?"

"By crushing his spirit," Lord Sosorion stepped in. "Lady Charlotte is quite beautiful and if anything happened to her, then…" he trailed off, not even bothering to stifle the laugh that rose in his throat.

"King Edmund will be very easily dealt with. Details and plans will be discussed in later time," Lord Palamore nodded, "thank you for being here."

The Lords of the Council filed out of the room and eventually disappeared, save Lord Sosorion. The council doors were still open and a woman had passed by.

Let's see what I can make of this… he thought, and left the room, catching up with her.

"Lady Calloway," he could be flirtatious if he wanted to. "I just wanted to say how lovely you look, you seemed to have blossomed overnight."

The woman, more like a girl, whose hair was auburn and her eyes gray, blushed furiously and scampered away more quickly than she had come.

The Calormene lord smiled to himself, and walked in the other direction, descending the flight of stairs that led to the beach. He entered the orchard and walked briskly until he reached the garden, and he stopped, smiling to himself at the sight.

It was finished, it was beautiful. There were four stone pillars marking the garden's territory, and the path was made of marble. There were flowers and garlands and bushes and ivies, and a statue resembling a Naiad in the center. He stepped towards it and caressed the stone woman's features.

"You are marvelous," he whispered, and pulled back suddenly, feeling a shock jolt through him. Rubbing his hand, he touched the statue again, feeling the same sensation, but seeing some flash before him as well.

He trailed his hands around the statue's torso, and he saw…Charlotte! She was in Tara, sitting on the balcony at the mansion, and her eyes were closed, and her face was conflicted. She was holding herself tightly, as though something was touching her…

It suddenly clicked in the lord's mind. Whenever he touched the statue, he was touching Charlotte! What a marvel! The Naiad was made in the image of Charlotte. Both were very beautiful.

"This just adds to the victory," Lord Sosorion chuckled, pulling his hands away clapping them excitedly. "There is only one way to weaken the High King. And we shall succeed."

Charlotte

The sun had begun it's descended into the ocean sometime ago, and I had settled myself in a bath. Earlier that day I had felt the same hands moving around me, and a filthy feeling had risen. I had to stay strong for Peter; I couldn't let this get in the way of our honeymoon! Or our marriage…

I sunk below the water's surface but kept my eyes open. My hair was flowing around me, and the water's warmth gave me a feeling of peace. But then again I had been feeling a lot of peace lately. I welcomed it with open arms. Sitting up once again, I gasped to see Peter sitting on the floor next to me.

"What are you doing here? You frightened me!" I scolded, but couldn't help but giggle.

"I couldn't stand being away from my queen too long," he pressed a kiss to my lips, and I deepened it, running my wet hands through his hair. Pulling back, he said. "Do you really like it here?"

"I would live here if it was possible!" I exclaimed.

"I made it as perfect as I could, but it cannot surpass you." He smiled. "And now it's time for us to retire."

"Will we be retiring so early on our honeymoon?" I asked, rising from the tub.

"I'm afraid so," his eyes were mischievous, and I shook my head.

"You are a needy king!" I said, ruffling his hair. "But I love you for it."

Wrapping my arms around him, he lifted me out of the tub, and captured my lips into his.

I will not let him know about earlier today. I promised myself. It is a peaceful time. And I intend to keep in that way.

Whatever it takes…

A/N: Did you like it? Oh, I HOPE you liked it! And yes, A TON of the plot has been revealed, but not the whole thing believe it or not! Haha there's still some things I know that you don't! I hope you liked the Peter/Charlotte romance. I didn't want to go into extreme honeymoon details or anything like that, and I hope it turned out good. So, please, PLEASE review!