A/n: Thank you LOVEM, PeterCaspianRlz, Connors, GoldenAgeNarnia, QueenLucyfan, Aslanmane, Jezlanzorinel, Emily, Narniafan, EC, QueenElenaofnarnia, Emma, Bella, CairParavel, and all the other guests. ;D


(Rodney Mansion, the precincts of Anvard, Archenland)

~Katrina's POV~

Having spent more time at the Archenlander Court and with G, I was glad that she was preparing me for my future role as the Queen consort of Telmar and Narnia. And, yes, that title was going to belong to me and not anyone else, especially not the bitch from Bleckley. Whenever Caspian wasn't available to spend time with me, and whenever I wasn't attending any event, I'd spend time studying the books that G had lent to me, about politics and diplomacy and management. I was still learning the ropes about managing state affairs and it sure was going to take me some time, but I had to lucubrate, because I knew that my archrival had an edge in that area, given her high birth.

After finishing a section of one of the books I had borrowed from G, I decided to take a break. I had one of the grooms arrange a horse for me as I would like to ride to Rodney Mansion, an estate located in the precincts of Anvard. Caspian and I went there the other day and we really liked it. I figured I could purchase it as a vacation resort in Archenland for myself and Caspian.

On the way, I realized that I hadn't been on horseback in a while now. Oftentimes I was in a carriage as I wouldn't be travelling on my own. But I liked the feeling of riding a horse. I was always better at it than my barmy, inane sister was.

I was also reminded of the time I had playfully pretended to not know how to ride a horse just so I could use that as an excuse to ride with Caspian on Destrier instead. And then when he found out about it when he saw me on horseback on Peter's birthday just a couple of months ago...his face was priceless!

It didn't take me long to ride to Rodney Mansion. As it was on sale, there were agents and marketers around the estate's premises. Knowing that I was a potential buyer, I was welcomed in and could have a look at any room in the residence as I pleased. But I was not pleased because I did not expect to see Madeleine Wakelin in the vestibule, shaking hands with the seller. My appalled gasp must have drawn their attention.

"Ah, how nice of Your Ladyship to deign to join us. Welcome to my new mansion! To what do I owe the pleasure of your most unexpected yet most pleasant visit?" the Duchess of Bleckley rose from her seat and spoke to me. Never in my life had I ever seen her like that — she sounded so polite! But also really fake because I was sure she'd never be this civil to me.

The seller had bowed at me and then went outside to the courtyard so that my archenemy and I could have oh so pleasant a little chat in private. I plastered, on my face, a smile no more genuine than hers. "I must congratulate you with all my heart, Lady Bleckley. What happy news! I'm sure you'll find Rodney Mansion a very comfortable place to stay at."

"Indeed that's how I feel, Lady Selby. I have no doubt my lady mother, Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Bleckley, would love it here. The view of the Court from the second floor balcony! Ah, it's splendid. I thought it might make a pleasant birthday present for her, but of course if Your Ladyship has any brilliant birthday gift ideas, I am all ears, as always," she replied, appearing to be kowtowing to me but every syllable she uttered was a knife sheathed by venom. It was difficult for me to imagine that she'd ever do anything nice, so I didn't really believed that she had purchased this mansion for her mother's birthday.

"Oh, you flatter me, Your Grace. How could the silly, preposterous thoughts in my feeble mind ever compare to Your Grace's limitless, immeasurable wisdom? Why, the most I've ever done for my mother on her birthday was make a simple salmon and egg mayo sandwich," I said singsong. I felt proud of myself and confident as I knew that a highborn lady as her would never be capable of preparing a meal for her mother yet I could do that for mine and my mother loved it. It wasn't my signature dish for no reason, ha!

"Hmm, what a thoughtful and caring daughter Your Ladyship is," she said dramatically, placing her hand over her chest as if her tone wasn't sufficiently exaggerated already. I could throw up any minute. "Me, all I can do for my mother is buy a mansion and perhaps bring home a husband. Nothing special, really. And to see that you are so kind and goodly, I must bring myself to make my peace with you, my Lady! I think we must set aside our differences for I have good news: I have every intention of arranging a marital alliance between myself and King Peter!"

My eyes widened and my jaw tightened but I didn't let it drop. Neither did I gawk or gape at her because I would not give her the pleasure of knowing that what she had just revealed was having such an effect on me. I was, at first, relieved that she might be backing off now, even though on all accounts it was really unlikely that she'd give up on her pursuit of Caspian. However the next moment I had felt the aggravation of the 'oh shit' moment kick in. If she was wed to King Peter then that meant she'd be the High Queen of Narnia. Although her authority would not be above mine as whoever popped out from my vagina would still end up on the throne of Telmar and Narnia, I'd still have to see her around my Court all the fucking time and I was not ready to put up with this shit.

I had to lie and play along anyway because apparently it was entertaining to put on this show and coat our barbs with saccharine compliments. "That is indeed delightful!" I responded with fervor, appearing to be squealing in exhilaration and straining my voice to make it sound squeakier. Yes, I was very sincere. "Your lady mother must be very pleased to hear that!"

"Yes, definitely! Though Her Grace shan't be the only one. My royal cousin, King Yann of Terebinthia, is thrilled too! His Majesty is very excited for the international alliance to be solidified through my marriage to the High King of Narnia. I'm also very honored to be doing my duty to my country! I mean, I do know some sense of loyalty to my own family and there's nothing I wouldn't do to make sure that my family members are happy, although it is a pity that I can't say the same for everyone else," she added pointedly. But amidst all the lies I kept wondering whether or not His Majesty would agree to the marital alliance. He certainly was fond of her, but their sexual attraction would be a poor basis for anything serious. And surely the High King would know better? Shit, she'd never stop generating problems for me. I needed to make an excuse and get back to Anvard Pass and get some answers for myself.

"I wish you every success then, Lady Bleckley. And now I must take my leave of Your Grace, for my presence at Anvard Pass is required," I said smoothly, bowing my head so, so slightly that it was indifferentiable from a lazy nod. I couldn't bring myself to curtsy at her. No way.

"Of course! It was so lovely to have you drop by today, Lady Selby," she replied once more with that cloying voice of hers that I really could regurgitate my stomach's contents instantly. I left as soon as I could and rode back to Court, black storm clouds rolling inexorably down my nagging thoughts and doubts.


(Village of Cair Paravel, Narnia)

~Chronicler's POV~

After a busy day at work, Ines Farmington had gone to sleep at an earlier hour than usual. Her dear Uncle Hugh and Aunt Eileen were quite tired too, but unable to fall asleep because their thoughts of their other niece had kept them lying awake in bed.

"Darling, are you still peeved because of how nasty Katrina was the other day?" Eileen rolled over and asked her husband.

"Not so much now," Hugh confessed. "I'm still disappointed in how ornery she was, but more saddened that that was the last time we saw her or talked to her."

"Yes, it's true we haven't heard from her in a long time," Eileen replied sorrowfully.

"And she was so full of hatred. And we didn't do anything to make her feel better," Hugh stated blankly.

"How do you think she's doing now?" Eileen inquired.

Hugh eyed his wife ruefully. "She has the King's love and affections in her keeping, so I have no doubt His Majesty is treating her kindly and on all accounts King Caspian is known to be a gallant gentleman."

Eileen nodded in agreement. "In addition to that, Katrina's position in the Queen's household as Her Majesty's lady in waiting is also secure."

"Actually I believe our Kat ought to be the head of Queen Lucy's household now. So it shouldn't be too bad," Hugh added, trying to sound hopeful.

"And to think that Ines could have been the head of Queen Susan's household had she stayed strong a little longer…" Eileen shook her head.

"But she's always been so close to Ines and now all of a sudden she has to do without her sister," Hugh commented worriedly.

"Yes. It mustn't be easy for Kat either, right?" Eileen sighed.

"It's just gall and wormwood to see what has become of our most beloved nieces," Hugh remarked ruthfully.

"Sometimes I wish we could go back to the good old days before they went to Court," Eileen couldn't help but admit, gathering tears in her eyes. "Times were much simpler back then."

"Oh, sweetheart. You're not the only one who thinks so, I assure you," Hugh agreed, patting and embracing Eileen to soothe her.

"They were just two young, sweet florists, so full of life and energy," Eileen continued, her voice breaking as she reminisced.

"I remember them, darling. I remember them clearly," Hugh uttered wistfully.

"I miss them so much," Eileen sniffled. "I just want them back and we could be a family, the way it used to be."

"But look on the bright side, sweetheart. You see, if they hadn't ever gone to Court then they wouldn't be able to find the happiness that they did," Hugh pointed out. "And even if things got complicated we mustn't hold them back from their happiness."

"Oh, what would Sebastian and Rebecca think if they saw their daughters like that now…" Eileen's voice became muffled as she attempted to hide her tears of nostalgia.

"Hush," Hugh said softly. "They'd find strength in strife, darling. I know they would."

"You're right," Eileen said breathily. "And we must do that too."

"They will be happy," Hugh said confidently. "They'll find a way like they always do. And things will work out between them. Things will fall into place like they should. They'll reconcile, make amends, and be sisters again. They will."

"I earnestly hope so," said Eileen, dabbing at her eyes to dry her tears. "Because they deserve to be happy."

"Yes they do," Hugh nodded. "For instance, I think the Sutton boy is good for Ines. I'm not saying she has to fall straight into his arms, but I mean apart from us and our clients, and other than her friend Miss Sutton, there's no one else that she'd talk to. I don't want her to find her life a bore; I don't want her to find herself to be in a rut. It's as if she doesn't feel bad enough already."

"I agree. She won't love him, but they could be quick friends," Eileen replied.

"And you know who he reminds me of?"

"Who?" She enquired.

"Our old neighbors from many years ago. The Ackley family," he revealed.

"Oh! You mean their young son Maximilian who our Katrina played with all the time. My, they were such close friends and the boy always put little Kat in good cheer," she smiled brightly at the memory.

"Yes, them. It's a shame that they moved away right after my brother got into trouble with the Usurper," he said, slightly saddened.

"Where did they go?" she asked.

"I haven't heard from them. Perhaps they were too scared to have any association with our family. All I know is that they left Narnia altogether," he answered with a shrug and a sigh.

"That's a pity. I can imagine young Mitchell as a good friend to our Ines just as little Maximilian was to Katrina so long ago though," she replied. There was hope after all, and for now it was enough for the couple to drift into slumber without letting their worries and concerns get the best of them.


A/n:

How did y'all like the scene between Katrina and Madeleine this time? ;D

Some interesting things will happen to Gilda and Edmund in the next chapter. :P