A/N: Hi. I know, I know. My lack of uploading is inexcusable, but here is yet another chapter for you - if anyone still reads this. Leave me a review or a PM with your thoughts?

CH26.

Peter tapped his foot impatiently on the tiled atrium floor. He was leaning against a large pillar with his arms crossed in front of him, a severe look on his face. Peter wasn't a patient person. His mother used to always chide him for refusing to wait. She would always say, "Now, Peter, darling, one must learn how to wait, for not only is patience a virtue, but a valuable life skill to have." She told him that the more he practiced patience, the easier it would be to wait…well, Peter had been practicing his whole life and he still didn't find waiting any easier.

He scuffed one of his boots on the floor and shifted his weight, glancing once more at the clock on the wall. Half an hour had past since dinner was to have begun and the majority of the dinner party was still missing. Wexford, King Archibald, and Clayton had all been very prompt to arrive and were now meandering around the atrium and the great hall. When Lucy, Reyna, Ed, and Anneliese had not arrived Peter sent servants to the garden and to their rooms to fetch them. He was in quite a bad humor. Susan had barely been behind Clayton and was trying to appease everyone's irritation by chatting with Wexford and King Archibald. Peter was ever grateful for Susan and her ability to handle any situation.

I'm so glad that I won't be losing her when she gets married, he thought to himself and smiled slightly. I don't know what I'd do without her. Her strength will be a valuable asset once Reyna and Edmund get married. Married…The thought still made him want to vomit – that or crawl under a rock and never come out again. Peter felt the heavy weight that seemed to have permanently taken up residence on his chest grow heavier. He sighed loudly and spoke under his breath,

"I will overcome this. I will."

Susan must have heart Peter's sigh and interpreted it as a sign of annoyance. She glided over to him and placed a hand on his arm.

"Don't worry, brother. I'm sure our siblings will be here momentarily." She said, placatingly. I shot her a speculative glare and shook my head.

"Lucy and Anneliese have a bit of an excuse for being late." I said "Lucy is outside reading and walking in the gardens so the time must have slipped her mind. You know how she is… completely loses herself in nature. And Anneliese is still recovering from the journey – besides, she is a guest and leeway must be granted to guests of the castle. However, her brother does seem a bit peeved that she's late," both of us glanced over to where Connor Wexford stood with an intense frown on his face and arms crossed tightly across his chest. Susan nodded back at me in agreement.

"Rey and Ed, on the other hand, …they knew when dinner was. Edmund especially knows that he was expected to attend all the meetings, dinners, card games, etc., whenever company was visiting the castle. Its an expectation we all hold ourselves to out of respect for our guests." Susan nodded again, "Tonight, we are going to have a family meeting because this is unacceptable. I'm going to clap him upside the head when he gets here…if he ever does."

Susan rubbed the frown out of Peter's forehead, making him smile.

"If you keep frowning so much, your face will get stuck that way you know," Susan said, laughingly. I rolled my eyes, chuckling. She then wound her arm over his and leaned her forehead on his shoulder.

Peter checked his timepiece for the sixth time in the past three minutes and let out a giant sigh.

Is Rey purposefully doing this because of our fight yesterday? Peter wondered, or are she and Ed just so enthralled with each other that they can't bear to be separated by the space of a dinner table…?

Peter's frown deepened, and he coughed once. He patted Susan's hand and then walked with her towards their guests.

"Well, my friends," Peter began, "I cannot express how terribly sorry I am for this atrocious delay. We need not wait any longer for-"

"Peter!" came Edmund's voice from the righthand hallway.

Peter's icy glare fell on Edmund as he rounded the corner looking a bit disheveled. Peter took in his ruffled appearance and frowned even deeper. What a wonderful impression to give to our guests, brother… Peter thought to himself, hair mussed and shirt askew and not even tucked all the way. Edmund began talking quickly as Peter stalked toward him in a few large strides.

"Mate, I am so sorry. You have every right to be angry…but, we were in the library and-"

"Of course, I have every right to be angry. Do you have any idea how long we have been waiting for you…Its extremely disrespectful to our guests," Peter began, trying to keep his aggravated tone quiet.

He stopped when he noticed Anneliese standing a few paces behind Edmund, brushing and straightening her skirt.

"Ah, my lady Anneliese…forgive my outburst." Peter bowed to her, then shot Edmund another dangerous look that clearly said 'we are not finished with this discussion.'

Peter turned on his heel and quickly walked back to the rest of the party. Not wishing to wait any longer for Rey and his youngest sister he said,

"Come, let us begin our feast. My sister and Princess Castellian will arrive momentarily, I'm sure," as he extended his arm towards the entryway into the great hall. The other Pevensies and Clayton thought the use of Reyna's formal address very odd, but none chose to comment on it.

The whole company had just sat down to eat the first course when Lucy came rushing through the doors carrying a book in one hand, a blanket thrown over her arm, and pulling a young kitchen boy after her.

"I fear something has happened to Reyna!" She declared excitedly and out of breath.

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Reyna stared up at the grey sky. Icy raindrops hit her face and her eyes, but she didn't blink them away. She was lying on her back on the muddy ground where she'd fallen from her horse. She wasn't sure how long she'd been lying in this position; it could've been minutes or hours. When Reyna had taken off on Ellie, she had no idea where she was going. All she knew was that she needed space and air. As soon as Reyna had reached the gates of the castle, she prompted her horse into a gallop and didn't bother to look where she was going. The wind hit her face sharply, blowing her auburn locks behind her. She must've looked like a mad woman, riding bareback on a jet-black horse, her hair flying wildly around her head and face. She hadn't bothered to take notice of where she guided her horse and didn't slacken her pace at all.

Reyna couldn't remember how long they'd been riding for, before she finally allowed her horse a break. They'd slowed to a trot and when Reyna had looked around, she didn't see anything familiar. Her head still pounded and her body ached from her tumble down the stairs. The stickiness that she had felt earlier had spread all down her back. She moved to peel her thin dress off her back and her hands came away red. Reyna had held her hands up in front of her face, uncomprehensive of what the blood on her hands meant.

What a beautiful color, she'd thought to herself.

Her vision had begun to grow hazy and then went to reach for the horn of her saddle. Finding only air and not her saddle, she lurched forward and fell off her horse hitting the ground with a loud thud.

The sudden impact of the ground had caused even sharper stabs of pain in her head, and Reyna's hands came up to clutch her scalp. When Reyna finally opened her eyes and looked around, patches of darkness blurred her vision, and her horse was nowhere to be seen. She tried sitting up, but an instant wave of dizziness and nausea had assaulted her. She'd slowly lowered herself down to the ground and hadn't moved from that position.

At some point during her ride, rain had begun to fall. It started as a gentle spring rain, but quickly had picked up and was down falling fast and hard. As the sun disappeared behind the clouds, the temperature dropped swiftly, and the cold slowly seeped into Reyna's body. Reyna's body grew numb at a certain point, so she could no longer feel the sharp pricks of each chilly raindrop hitting her skin.

Her thin chiffon yellow dress that she'd arbitrarily thrown over her head this morning was now soaked through with rain, mud, and sweat. Reyna shifted very slightly and the soft ground sunk a bit with her weight. She felt like the roots of the trees around her were inching out of the field and wrapping themselves around her. She felt like if she waited long enough, she would merely sink underground; the thought of moving seemed so daunting.

A shiver wracked Reyna's body, causing her to convulse. The sudden movement sent another wave of pain through Reyna's head. She took short breaths, struggling to get air into her lungs through the tight confines of her corset. Lying down was not conducive to proper ventilation.

She coughed.

I wonder if this is what death feels like? She thought to herself.

Numbness interrupted by occasional bouts of severe pain? The melancholy thought made her smile.

At least when I'm numb, I don't have to think or feel anything about Edmund.

Her smile dropped as the image of Anneliese and Edmund popped back into her mind. It was like her brain had taken a perfect snapshot of that moment. The two of them snuggled into the couch, next to the fire, in complete contentment. They'd seemed utterly oblivious to the world outside them. Edmund's hands wrapped protectively around Anneliese as if he were the only thing that would protect her, and if he let her go, she'd break.

I don't think Edmund's ever held me like that. The thought made Reyna's heart sink.

How come Edmund had never spoken about Anneliese before?

Reyna pondered. Reyna wasn't stupid; she'd seen and understood that there was some history between Anneliese and Edmund. The way they acted at the docks this morning was evidence of that much at least. Even Lucy had mentioned that they used to be close.

Had he loved her before?

That thought seemed likely, given the way he appeared completely dumbfounded and infatuated with her appearance this morning.

Was that why my brothers seemed convinced I was courting Peter? Because Edmund had been acting so strange today?

Reyna tried to recall the interactions that occurred on the docks this morning. Everything seemed blurry now. Her head started to hurt more; sharp stabs of pain hitting her from every side.

He's seemed distant all day today… was he second-guessing his decision too? Is that what drove him into her arms?

Reyna choked on a sob.

How could he betray me like that? She thought desperately.

How could he give himself to her to intimately? He's never tried to be intimate with me like that? Why after declaring his love for me and offering marriage to me would he do something like this? I don't understand it. Is there something wrong with me? He would have had me for the rest of his life. He wouldn't have needed anyone else. Surely, he could have waited a few more months. He knows the importance of maintaining integrity and virtue. I'd be a fool to let him have me now before we were married… He probably knew that I hold my virtue in high regard and wouldn't give it away to anyone unless I truly loved them…but, I'd agreed to marry him.

Reyna's thoughts flew briefly to that heady morning in Peter's tent. She'd felt such a passionate and intense love for him at that moment that had they continued she most likely would have surrendered her virtue to him. That thought gave her pause.

Would I truly have done that? Why with Peter and not with Edmund? Was it because Edmund never pushed me there? Or because so much of my relationship with Edmund has been put on the back-burner because of the war? Would my love for Edmund be stronger if he'd stayed and Peter had been the one to leave? Did I truly love either of them at all? Or was the love I felt something simply fostered out of convenience and need to feel connection?

Reyna's pain spiked, and she took in a sharp breath.

Okay. My brain doesn't like that train of thought… She let her mind go blank for a moment before it came back to Edmund's betrayal.

She'd never been betrayed before, so the emotions she felt were painful for her to identify. There was definitely pain there, and sadness. But it was a different kind of pain — something mixed with grief and disappointment simultaneously.

How could he promise himself to me in a betrothal and yet seek out the comfort and intimacy of another woman? Reyna thought, anger bubbling within her. Did he hold his word in such little regard?

When Reyna had agreed to marry him, she had tied herself to him in word and honor. Yes, she may have been having some second thoughts, but she would never have broken her vows to him while they still held. They had formed a contract together that was perceived as legally binding. If Reyna came forward with this news, it could be grounds for war between her country and Narnia. Her brothers would most likely feel obligated to challenge Edmund, and maybe even Peter to a duel over it. They'd see the offense as an insult to her honor and reputation. Not to mention what Lord Wexford would do if he found out his sister had slept with one of the Kings of Narnia out of wedlock.

Well, this is a right mess you've gotten us all in, Edmund… Reyna thought ruefully.

No, Reyna would keep this news to herself. She'd broach the topic with Edmund only, and she would release him from his bond to her. She couldn't imagine Edmund would still want to get married to her after he'd slept with Anneliese…could he?

Is this the kind of thing he is expecting of me as a wife? Am I just seeing a different side of Edmund? Is this the type of treatment and behavior I have bound myself to? Does Edmund expect me to sit idly by knowing that my husband goes around being intimate with other women? Does he think I'll be okay with that?

Reyna's thoughts were running so fast her vision started blurring again. She was vaguely aware that she no longer had feeling in her hands and feet. With the numbness she had felt earlier, she was at least still aware of her limbs being there and could move them easily enough. Now, however, she couldn't even muster the energy to lift her head and see her limbs. She felt so heavy, like she was sinking down, down, deep into the ground. The roots she'd imagined earlier felt like they were squeezing her into the dirt and mud. Her breathing was still labored, but her vision was hazy and the sound of the rain hitting the earth and the leaves was now muffled.

She could feel darkness tugging at her consciousness, beckoning her into the warm embrace of oblivion. Reyna's grip on reality slowly slipped away as she drifted in and out of consciousness. The blood seeping from her head wound was pooling in the mud and water around her, staining her yellow dress crimson. The gash was deep, cutting almost to the bone. She'd hit her head while tumbling down the stairs on the steel railing, slicing to her scalp. She was lucky it hadn't sliced across her vertebra because it would've easily cut through her spinal cord, killing her instantly. The gash was situated on the side of her head, dangerously close to her spine.

The darkness called to her with different voices. She heard Elise's, Susan's, her father's, Edmund's, even Peter's voice. They echoed in her mind, bouncing off the confines of her skull. None of them were clear enough for her to distinguish what they were saying, but they were calling after her, pulling her deeper into the dark.

The darkness welcomed her with open arms. It should have been cold, but she felt warmth there. Comfort. The muffled voices in the background helped move Reyna toward the serenity of blackness. She wasn't thinking anymore, wasn't feeling. She felt nothing, and that was okay. She didn't have to feel the soreness of her heart and the bitter twinge of betrayal. She didn't have to guess about her feelings for the Pevensie men. She didn't have to fear what the change of Limean leadership meant for her and her position. She was simply in blissful emptiness and darkness. Reyna's breathing slowed, giving up struggling against the confines of her corset, until it was almost nonexistent.

Peter's voice called to her again, this time echoing louder. Her energy was so drained that she couldn't even conjure up an image of his face to match his voice. Suddenly, warm hands, that felt like fire on her icy skin, touched her. She would have jerked away if she'd been able to move. The calloused hands went to her shoulders and then to cup her lolling head. The echoing still continued, but she couldn't distinguish any words; just muffled sounds.

"Rey. Come on. Come on. I know you're still here. Can you hear me? Reyna?"

The words started to sound more concrete as Reyna was pulled away from unconsciousness. Reyna felt her body being pulled out of the cold dampness of the forest floor and closer to the heat source that seemed to want to consume her. One hand remained wrapped around her shoulder, supporting her head, while the other came to her neck, checking her pulse, then to below her nose. She heard the sound of tearing fabric. Another shiver spread through her body as cold air hit her bared abdomen and sternum. A hand was placed over her heart briefly before moving back to cup her face. Fire seemed to scorch her skin every place the warm hands touched. She wanted to cry out but couldn't make the sound form.

"Reyna… please. Come back to me. I know you're still in there. Listen to me, come back. Come on, baby, please. Please."

The voice cracked on the third "please," almost in what sounded like a sob. Reyna felt warm raindrops fall onto her chest. They fell slowly and softly, but as each one hit her exposed skin, she felt a warmth spread through her chest.

That's odd because the rest of the rain is still very cold, she thought.

"…Please…" The voice said one more time, desperation evident in its tone.

Reyna focused all of her energy on lifting her eyelids. She had to see the owner of that voice one more time. She tried opening her eyes, once, twice, three times without prevail. Finally, her heavy lids slowly fluttered open.

As her eyes focused on the blurry form hovering over her, she felt her breathing come a little easier. The rain was still falling into her eyes, but she could see him clear enough. His golden hair, soaked from the rain, clung to his face and neck, taking on a darker almost brown color. His head was bowed, his chin resting on his chest as he held her body close to his. His eyes were closed tightly, while gentle tears slipped from the corners of his eyes. His brow was furrowed and he was biting his lower lip, as if to keep from letting out any sound. He was kneeling on the muddy forest floor and had her body supported over his thighs. His right arm was coiled tightly around her shoulder, holding her waist, while the other caressed the side of her head. Reyna noticed he was rocking her slowly back and forth. His clothes were dripping wet and were plastered to his body. His tan shirt, unbuttoned at the top showed just the smallest hint of toned chest.

Reyna's eyes fluttered closed again before she struggled to pry them open again. Peter leaned his head forward, keeping his eyes closed, so that his forehead rested against hers. She could feel his warm breath on her face. His lips brushed hers briefly as he shook his head back and forth against hers. He sighed deeply and pulled her body tighter to him.

"You can't leave. You can't. I know you chose Edmund, and that's okay with me. If I never get to talk to you again; if I never get to touch you again; if I never get to set eyes on you again, I'll be okay. But I need to know you're at least alive and out there. I can't stand the idea of you not being here in this world. I can't imagine the world without you anymore. I know I said I didn't love you and that it was all a ruse, but we both know that was a lie. Its always been you. Ever since the beginning, I've wanted you. I love you so much; sometimes I can barely breathe from wanting to be with you. When you're not in the same room, the air feels heavy and stale. The instant you enter, I feel lightened. When you touch me, I feel like I'm on fire. It's like I would go to the ends of the earth, fight any battle, do anything just to feel you close to me again. You have to understand that I'm just trying to do the right thing. I'm just trying to be the man that you need me to be; a better man; a man worthy of your affection. If I can't be the one you choose, then I'm going to do anything in my power to help you be happy. But, Reyna, I can't do that if you're dead. I need you here. I just…I just need you…" Peter whispered to her, sniffling in between his words.

Reyna mustered up all the energy she could and focused on moving her right arm. She bent her elbow and placed her cold hand softly overtop of his warm one that was cupping her head. His eyes shot open immediately.

Instantly, his sharp eyes focused on her tired ones. He searched her face for a few moments, eyes flicking to every part of her face before coming back to land on her eyes. Worry and confusion clouded his features like he couldn't distinguish if her awakening was his imagination or the truth.

"Rey…" he breathed.

Reyna felt the corners of her mouth twitch. Her hand moved from his hand up to touch his cheek, wiping a tear off. As her fingers ghosted across his skin, she saw his eyes close momentarily. He sharply inhaled before crushing her body into his chest. Her hand dropped as he held her.

"I thought I'd lost you," she heard him say into her shoulder, his voice vibrating her entire being. He held her for what felt like a few minutes before loosening his hold on her. He pulled back just so that he could see her face. As he looked at her, her hand again came up to caress his face.

"…Pete-" Reyna barely made out before she succumbed to the unconsciousness that she'd been desperately fighting against.

Peter frantically scanned her face and her body.

"Rey? Reyna? Reyna!" He yelled.

He swiftly pulled off his brown vest and tan shirt and placed them over her exposed chest. He'd sliced through her dress and corset to help her breathe easier, but he wanted to maintain her modesty on the ride back to the castle. He placed a tender kiss on the top of her forehead before carefully gathering her up into his arms, letting her head rest on his shoulder. He quickly walked back to his horse attempting not to jostle her.

"Look, boy, I need you to stay extremely still for me." Peter said quietly to his horse as he carefully balanced Reyna on the horse's neck. He jumped up in the saddle and pulled her back to his chest so she wouldn't fall off. He readjusted her so she was nestled between his arms tightly encased in his embrace. He made sure her body was covered properly and she wasn't going to slip out of his arms before giving his horse a kick to the sides. His horse jumped into action and sprinted off through the woods back towards the castle.