Can Love Find Its Way In A Month?

by clearwaterangel

Aslan has given the Pevensies a month to stay in Narnia, but has he foreseen what can happen in that month? Movie-verse. SusanxCaspian, PeterxOC ON HIATUS

36. Chapter 36: Of Babies, Talking, and

Helloooo people!!!! Another chapter is here and just out of the oven!!! A LOOOT happens in this chappy and I hope you all enjoy!! Another long chapter so I hope you don't get too tired of reading...

This is especially dedicated to my best friend ever, Star, who gave me a biiiig, HUGE hand with some parts!! Thanks dear!!

Enjoy!

Chapter 36: Of Babies, Talking and Foreign Affairs

Katine and Ameril visited the royal family a few days later, once the guests had left. The princess' belly had grown fast and now popped onto the view in a lovely round shape. The queens were endeared with her and started talking animatedly. "You should stay here with us, the midwife lives here so if the baby comes you won't have to move and we can take care of you" Susan suggested. "Well I was thinking on going to back to Koperskai, have my baby at home, with my mother there" Katine spoke softly, bending her head, looking at her bulging tummy. "But you can't travel such a distance in that condition, unless you want to have the baby on the way" Maram exclaimed. Ameril passed an arm around his fiancée's shoulders and pulled her closer before speaking. "She is scared, being at home and having her mother close would bring a little reassurance, even if I, too, disagree on the trip" he explained to the queens. "Oh darling, you won't be alone in this, you've got us! How can you believe that we could leave you alone to this, and if it's necessary we can send someone to bring your mother" Susan told Katine, reaching for her hand, giving it a squeeze. Katine looked at her and then at Ameril, clearly confused and utterly scared. "It's going to be ok, kochanie, I'm going to be with you all the time" he reassured her, looking into her clear eyes trying to inspire some courage in her. Seeing this and the evident fear in the princess' eyes, Lia spoke. "Let's do this, we'll write a letter to your mother and have griffin to send it as soon as possible, asking for her opinion on this matter". The people in the room looked at her and Maram have a little nod, moving to get some parchment and a quill. "I-it's not necessary, mother told me to stay here if it got too late, she trusts on your experience and k-knows you'll help me the b-best you c-can" the princess uttered, starting to sob softly, her shoulders shaking slightly. The mob of queens, including the pregnant Prioska rushed to comfort her and hug her, assuring her that she was going to be really well taken care of and that she had nothing to fear. As soon as Katine seemed calmer, Susan sent for a room to be fixed, making sure it was very well warmed and was closer to the main chambers, so all of them could access it if something happened. "The midwife is already alerted, she'll be attentive to anything" Lia told the rest. Zerind came into the room, looking for Lucy and the queen suggested he took Ameril to distract himself; do, as she called it, some man thing.

The two friends excited the room just in time to escape the baby ramble from the queens. "The big moment is coming huh? You must be excited" Zerind commented. "Yes, quite" Ameril said quietly, gazing at the corridor ahead. Zerind looked at him and remained quiet, knowing his friend was quite daunted by what was coming ahead. They both walked away, Zerind leading the way towards a small room enclosed to his, with some small sofas and a desk. The prince racked some drawers and took a small glass bottle containing a clear liquid and a couple of small glasses. "Cheers mate" he said, passing him one of the glasses and filling it. "What is this?" Ameril spoke, eyeing the liquid weirdly. "Drink it and then I tell you" Zerind said, raising his glass and both drank, wincing and letting out a low growl as they swallowed it. Ameril started coughing right after, his face still contorted in a wince. "What the hell was that!" he yelled after the coughing, breathing deeply. "My chest and throat still feel like on fire!". Zerind broke into laughing at the boy's face. "Sorry mate, I couldn't contain it, you look hilarious" he told Ameril, who just glared at him. "That is called Khajri, commonly known as dragon's breath" Zerind explained. "I really can't see why" Ameril said sarcastically, rubbing his throat. "It's made with a mix of some spicy herbs and alcohol, after some minutes you're supposed to feel a fruity flavour" the prince commented. "Well, fruity or not I'm not going to have another ever" Ameril said, pushing his glass towards Zerind. "That's fine, one is enough to relax you enough to tell me what's really wrong with you" Zerind said coolly, leaning back on his armchair. "Right, it's just excitement, really" Ameril voiced. Zerind just cocked and eyebrow and gave him a disbelieving look. "It's a bit scary and daunting, you know, being aware of the responsibility it represents and that you have to be there for that little person, someone that depends on you" Ameril said, looking down at his hands. "You've carried on as responsibly as you could, you stuck to her, you are marrying her, why would it scare you now? You already knew what was coming" Zerind enquired. "It's not the same, at the beginning you don't realize, and now is the end of the road, the time where I know I'm going to meet my child soon and this whole thing hits you straight in the face with full force" Ameril vented, his face changing completely and Zerind knew his friend was really frightened. "Look, I wish I could give you some useful advice, but I know who can" Zerind nattered. "Wait here".

Ameril was left alone in the room for some long minutes, which he spent looking at the snow falling on the railing of the terrace on the other side of the glass doors, thoughts swirling in his head. The sound of the door startled him and he looked at the person who entered, finding King Edmund looking back at him. "My King" he spoke, jumping to his feet on a reverence. "Easy there... I already have to endure old, balding men calling me like that all day, give me a break" Ed told him, his voice ringing with glee. "But onto the matter, Zerind told me you have something worrying you". Ameril looked at the dark haired man and sighed, following him with his eyes as he sat down on the same armchair his friend was sitting minutes ago. Time passed silently and Ed stared at the boy patiently, waiting for him to start speaking. "May I hint that is all because Katine's incoming birth?" he ventured, noticing when the boy tensed up. "You should be excited" he continued. His brother in law remained silent for some seconds and finally answered. "I am, truly, but..". Edmund looked at him, analysing, and waited for him to continue. "I'm daunted, being a father is a big thing to me, I'm not sure I can handle it" he confessed, looking down at his feet, his face hidden from the king. "That is normal, it happens to everyone, or do you think that Caspian, Peter and I weren't scared to the bone when the time came?" Edmund spoke, his tone casual and even, hoping to calm the boy. Ameril rose his gaze to meet the king's but turned a second later, looking through the window. "I bet it gets easier when one is older" he murmured. "Ah, I see, you think you're too young? It has nothing to do, you're not some irresponsible child, or you would have abandoned her as soon as you knew. I was your age when the twins were born, and here I am, happy as I can ever be with them, all the fright, the insecurity, was blown away as soon as I got them in my arms" Edmund said, his tone softening as he spoke of his twins. Ameril sighed one more time and looked far across the window, getting lost on the thick curtain of snowflakes. "Just when you think you're not ready for something it's when you really are, trust me on this one. Give it some thought" Edmund said, getting up from the chair and patting Ameril's back before leaving the room.

Caspian saw the Just king as he exited Zerind's room and jogged towards him. "Join me for a hot chocolate?" he asked and Ed nodded, both men catching the gossip spark in eachother's eyes and very eager to know what the other had to say. They marched on to the kitchen and minutes later Ed placed two mugs with steamy hot chocolate on the table. "You first" Caspian spoke, blowing on his drink before taking a gulp, hissing as he burnt his lips and tongue. "On a second thought, let me ask, what were you doing in Zerind's room?" he asked. "Talking to Ameril" Ed answered simply. Caspian cocked an eyebrow. "He needed some spirit lifting, the idea of being a father soon has him really frightened and losing faith in himself" Ed explained. "Just a normal reaction we all had at one point, but I guess he got it worse because of being so young?" Caspian questioned and Ed nodded. The both remained silent for a while, sipping frequently from their mugs. "So what is that you had to tell me?" Ed asked after a while. "Oh that, I saw something, well I'm not sure if I saw, or maybe I dreamt it, anyway, the point is that I'm pretty sure I saw Zerind and Lucy in a..um.. compromising situation in the cupboard close to the ballroom" Caspian said, lowering his tone a bit. "It probably happened, Lia told me and interesting story about how she found both of them presumably naked covered with their own clothes and she did mention it was on a cupboard" Ed commented, looking through his memories. "Nooooow, that is interesting, what I saw was nothing like that" Caspian smirked, leaning back on his chair. "Well, it's not news to us, but I have to admit that the cupboard did surprise me" Ed spoke, getting up to get some bread. "I agree on that, buut, and you have to agree with me on this, we are not going to leave dear Zerind get away with this without a proper dose of cruel teasing, are we?" Caspian voiced, a smug smirk plastered on his face. "But of course not, what kind of brothers we would be if we didn't!" Ed exclaimed dramatically, faking shock. "Good ones?" Caspian played along. "We are, but not to the saint scale. We learnt that Peter is a bad brother model" Ed continued, snickering. "So what is the plan?" Caspian asked curiously. Edmund just smirked and leaned back, his brown eyes carrying a malicious flicker. "Well I was thinking..." he started.

Days passed and both Ameril and Katine got used to the usual bustle of the palace, and generally enjoying the constant company they had. The queens were very attentive on Katine, always asking if she was comfortable, minding her as if she were another sister to them. As the birth date started approaching, even the kings joined this constant asking on how she felt and if she needed anything, causing her to feel slightly embarrassed for causing such trouble.

Katine was walking down the long corridor on the private part of the palace, looking for Ameril, who had been kidnapped by the other men with the excuse of him "needing to have fun" as Zerind had told her before. Thankfully the guys told them all where they were going to be in case they were needed, and so the princess was walking towards the study. The queens had insisted that she didn't go alone, but she assured them she was going to be fine, her legs needing to be stretched, and so they let her go, but not looking very convinced. She stood in front of the big oak door and knocked, opening the door as soon as she got the answer. Her pregnant belly preceded her on entering the room, and the kings looked up at her from their activities. Ameril shot up to her side looking worried. "Are you ok? Feeling anything? Should I get the nurse?" he ranted, causing her to smile at his sweet concern. "I'm perfectly fine, just came to see what you were doing" she explained. "The girls sent you, didn't they?" Caspian snickered, knowing how curious his wife and sister got when they were all gathered together. "They were wondering, but I volunteered myself, I needed to stretch my legs" Katine explained softly. "Would you like to join us in a card game?" Caspian offered from the sofa. "Ah, sure, but I'm not very good" she smiled. "We'll play something easy don't worry. Do you mind getting the cards? They are just over there on that drawer" Caspian said, pointing to a chest of drawers on Katine's left side. The princess nodded and walked over to the piece of furniture, but as she reached for the handle, she felt something wet and warm sliding down her legs, causing a loud gasp to escape from her mouth. The men in the room all looked at her immediately and she turned around softly, looking at them with wide eyes. "I... I thi-think m-my wa-wa-water br-broooooke!" she stuttered, her hand gripping the chest of drawers for support, her knees feeling as if they were going to give up very soon. "Your what did what?" Zerind asked, his green eyes open wide. "The baby!" Caspian shouted, jumping from the sofa to grab Katine, afraid that she would collapse onto the floor. Edmund hurried along with him and both grabbed Katine's arms, looking at her almost expectantly, as they all knew that a contraction was about to happen.

Ameril froze the moment he heard the word baby. The sole fact of knowing that he was to be a father in a matter of hours had him rooted to the spot. The weight of everything that was implied in this situation crashed over him like a huge tidal wave, knocking all reaction and coherence from him. He just stood there, facing Katine, not even taking in the fact that the kings were holding her now. Inside, he was panicking, his heart was beating wildly and he could hear it on his ears, like a persistent parade drumming. No other sound reached him, and all he could feel was his stomach tossing and turning, the nauseous feeling taking over him.

"What are we going to dooo!!!" Zerind repeated frantically, standing and sitting every few seconds, taken completely by the panic. "The sofa!" Caspian yelled and Zerind hurried to take all the cushions from the top, then deciding to put them all in one of the ends and then throwing half of them to the floor again, considering there were too many and that Katine needed more space. The two kings got Katine to walk slowly towards the sofa, the three of them in a state of shock, Katine wondering why the contractions didn't start yet. They helped her to sit delicately on the couch and she leaned against the cushions. Peter had spent the whole time since the incident pacing back and forwards, his mind torn between getting a glass of water for the princess or alerting the queens, his state of shock so great that he didn't see which of his options was more important. Few seconds passed and the kings looked to eachother and Katine, completely freaked out, and this got only worse as Katine gave the first of many screams, the first contraction hitting her. Her yell was accompanied by Zerind's who had stopped ranting and was now pacing, moving erratically. Ed grabbed the closest, small thing to him, a book, and started fanning Katine's face vigorously relieving the girl slightly. Caspian was the first to get out of the shock and immediately focused on the task in hand, organizing the priorities. "Zed, go get the girls" he shouted, getting the prince to stop pacing like a lost mouse and have him running (and stumbling) out of the room in a matter of seconds. "Ed, go get the midwife and tell the maids to prepare everything, tell them there is a birthing woman on process" Caspian spoke again and Ed nodded, reacting out of his stupor. He grabbed the nearest cushion and threw it to Peter, getting him flat on the face. "Come here and keep fanning her" he said, throwing the book to him as the king got closer. As Ed got out of the room, Caspian noticed Ameril, standing like a statue, unmoving, pale as the fog that was surrounding the castle, his skin shimmering with a light layer of sweat. "Peter, grab her hand" he told to his brother and went to check on the soon to be father.

"Ameril!" he said loudly, shaking the boy by the shoulders. This movement, despite being quite weak, got the boy's knees to give up, and he fell to the floor like a bag of potatoes, taking Caspian by surprise, his reflections acting a second too late and all he grabbed was thin air. Despite the sharp movement and the fall, Ameril did not react, just turned to look at Caspian, staring blankly at his face. Caspian sighed and lifted him, pulling a feeble arm around his shoulders. "Ameril!" he voiced strongly on his ear, waiting for any sign on the boy, but nothing happened. He then left him standing somewhere close and grabbed a small glass and a bottle from a shelf, pouring a generous quantity of a strong amber liquid on the glass and passed it to Ameril. "Drink it" Caspian spoke and the boy did as told, still immersed in the waves of shock.

He felt cold and he knew he was sweating for some unknown reason, he could feel the damp sensation on his palms, but he didn't care, he wasn't even paying attention to what was going around him, images flowing his head, leaving him there staring to the wall, feeling a hole opening in his chest. How was he supposed to take care of a defenceless baby; how was he going to help Katine through all this, if he felt like vanishing, weak and scared!! The dark cloud of fear was taking over him and his thoughts started turning gloomy, the images of what he feared the most presenting into his eyes with a sinister clarity. He felt someone shaking him and then he fell, but didn't feel the clash with the floor, King Caspian's face appeared in front of him, looking concerned and he understood that he must have looked pretty silly at the moment. He felt himself being moved and then stopped, his body obeying the pushing, moving automatically to he was being taken to. Something was thrust on his hand and the king's voice arrived to his ears, prodding him to drink, and he did, not even caring for what was on the small glass. He drank everything on one gulp.

Caspian looked at how the boy downed the whole measure of whisky in one gulp and waited some seconds, expecting a violent reaction. Ameril was brought back to reality coughing and choking, tears spurting from his eyes. Caspian patted his back, shaking his head slightly, knowing the effects of that whisky. After some minutes of violent coughing, groans and deep breaths, Ameril looked up at Caspian, and the king was glad to notice a lively spark on his eye. The young man rushed over to Katine's side, kneeling beside her and caressing her hair, while Peter continued to fan her, looking completely out of place. The door opened with a bang and the queens hurried inside, Susan and Maram going over to Katine. "Lu, go with Lia to your room and strip the covers from your bed. Put all the cushions and pillows you can on the back end" Susan commanded and the two queens disappeared on the corridor, dresses swishing behind them. Meanwhile, Maram had gotten a glass of water for the princess and was helping her drink, which she accepted greedily, being terribly thirsty. "The maids are preparing everything, but the midwife is nowhere to be found" Edmund shouted from the corridor as he jogged, arriving to the room moments later, panting. "Right, take Zerind with you and help them to bring the stuff into Lucy's room, we'll find the midwife later" Susan instructed. Ed grabbed the prince by the collar and shook him. "Stop it! We need you to be coherent now!" he shouted and Zerind trembled at the yell, shaking his head right after, brushing the panic away and they trotted out of the room towards the kitchen. "All ready!" came a muffled shout on the corridor and Susan nodded. "Peter, Caspian, get Katine over to Lucy's, Maram go with them and start preparing everything needed, I'll go see what happened to the midwife" Susan said, marching out with a frown.

Katine was placed on the bed carefully and thanked the kings through pants, her breathing quick and hurried, interrupted by some groans from time to time. Peter and Caspian started helping to take the flood of towels, water basins and other stuff inside. As soon as everything was ready, the boys understood that they needed to leave some more space for the girls to work, the room being too crowded. Ameril stood in front of the closed door for some time, his eyes piercing the wood. Caspian signalled Ed and both grabbed the young man by the arms and pulled him from his spot on the corridor. They were surprised by his reaction, as he put some resistance to be moved and moved back towards the door, but not getting close on his task, as both kings were stronger and pulled him along. "I want to be close to her!" he said loudly. "It's not a good idea" Ed said, as they continued to pull him, Zerind and Peter close behind. They entered to a small room adjoined to the study, where small shelves contained dozens of bottles with the most diverse liquids on them. On one of the walls, a stone fireplace stood, ready to bring them some heat, and Peter marched towards it, arranging some wood inside and lighting it. They sat on the several armchairs that were scattered around the fire, Peter and Zed looking at Ameril, who seemed pretty calm despite the situation. Caspian and Ed brought some bottles and several glasses and put them on the small table in the centre. "For Katine" Ed said as soon as all the glasses were filled and they cheered, Ameril taking sipping his drink in silence.

On Lucy's room, the mood was starting to get nervous, the queens pacing around, waiting for the midwife or Susan to arrive, things getting worse with each of Katine's gasps and yells. As they boys left, they had changed her into a light cotton nightdress, bringing some little relief and comfort to her. The sheets covering the bed were crumpled on her hands, as she grabbed onto them each time a contraction hit her. For now they weren't too frequent, and she had some time in between to rest and get some air, but not having the midwife close was not helping on relaxing her. Susan entered the room with a frown, and looked at Maram, her crystal eyes concerned. "The midwife had to go out of town to treat an emergency, there is no way to bring her back on time" she said softly, looking over at Katine with a sorrowful expression, which turned into a heartbroken wince when the young princess started crying, her fear and despair seeping from her eyes, her sobs piercing the hearts of the queens. Susan hurried towards her and held her hand with one of hers, the other reaching to caress her hair. "I don't know how to do it! The pain.. its unbearable! I want my mother... I can't do this!" she screamed, her words stopped by her hiccupping, and tears continued to flow richly down her cheeks. "Katine, listen, we are here, and we won't let anything bad happen to you or the baby, we are going to help you, but we need you to be strong, all this needs to be done with your help, you are the most important person in this room, please, be strong!" Susan said, her soft voice trying to pass some confidence to the princess. Maram and Lia got close too and showed their will to help and the immense affection they had towards her, succeeding on her ceasing her crying. "We are going to deliver this baby" Maram said strongly and she, along with Susan and Lia started preparing everything and organizing all what they needed. Lucy remained next to Katine, holding her hand and whispering soothing words, holding her hand when a contraction reached its peak and wiping her face with a damp cloth when the pain receded. Katine was thankful to her friend for all what she was doing, being her support when the pain seemed to be about to rip her insides. "Lu, got get some water with your cordial" Maram asked and Lia took the youngest queen's place beside the princess.

The guys had been chatting for quite a while, pouring second and third servings of the old whisky Caspian had brought, laughing at some small jokes and messing around with eachother, but always keeping an eye on Ameril, who was quiet, just looking at them, sipping from his glass every few minutes. "Oi, Ameril, are you ok?" Edmund asked, eyeing the boy. Ameril nodded and forced a weak smile, taking another sip from the dark liquid. "Spill the beans" Caspian prodded, leaving his glass on the table and turning his head to the side to look at him. "It's nothing really, it's just that this situation is daunting" Ameril confessed, feeling a little silly for telling this to the kings, but there was something in King Caspian's gaze that prompted him to talk. "It is, indeed, and I doubt any man wouldn't feel scared or intimidated by fatherhood, I for example was quite frightened, and was completely sure that I was going to be utterly useless and not able to hold my baby, or that somehow I would end up hurting him" Caspian told, knowing that the best way to get him to relax a bit was sharing some experiences. "You should have seen Peter here, he almost fainted when he knew the baby was coming" the telmarine king continued, smirking at Peter's grunt. "I panicked ok? It's not every day that your wife looks up to you with wide eyes and tells you her water broke" Peter defended, glaring at the snickering Caspian. "Fiancée, but never mind. Ed here was pale, as white as we had never seen him before, he looked like he was going to turn into a ghost at any moment" Caspian commented turning to his youngest brother. "I was scared shitless, you mean. I didn't know what to do, and there was nothing I could do in that state, not even encourage Lia, and that is completely normal, no one is ever ready to be a dad and you can't learn it from books or from someone, it has to happen, and you learn day by day, having your baby close, feeling that little life in your hands" Ed spoke, the others silent around him, listening attentively. Peter and Caspian had always admired his courage, having had twins right on his first time, and he was coping excellently, both Astrid and James making him a better man.

Ameril took in every word the Just king said, fitting his situation perfectly, and he knew that King Edmund knew well what he was feeling, as he had experienced fatherhood quite early too, but didn't regret it, that was clear when he was seen holding or playing with his children, happiness seeping through his eyes and loving smile. And it was this same thought that broke Ameril's resistance and he collapsed, a suffocated whimper vibrating on his throat, his hands covering his face desperately as tears started flowing. He felt some pats on his back and knew that they were all trying to comfort him, but he felt it was impossible to gather any strength to face this. "I am not ready..for this... I can't do it, I... don't know h-how! How can I take care of that baby...if I can barely take care of myself!" he sobbed, his voice telling how desperate he was. The kings and prince said nothing, waiting for him to vent completely, vacate his heart of all that anguish that was eating him. "I don't want anything to happen to Katine... this was all my fault, she was so scared, I know she wasn't ready for this, and yet.. I don't want to lose her... I never got to meet my mother, I don't want to have a baby and lose Katine" he said, his sobs getting louder, the pain in his heart shattering everything inside. Two strong arms gripped his shoulders and shook him slightly and he raised his tear stained face to look at Edmund, who was looking straight at him, his brown eyes severe. "Stop being condescending with yourself! Fight those fears away, stand up to them and fight back! Katine needs you strong and full with courage now, or she won't believe in herself! And you are ready, all that daunting feeling just proves it. If you came this far is because you're fully prepared for this challenge, you're bringing yourself down on your own! I was scared too, and I faced it, and it's been the greatest thing that has ever happened to be, I know you can too! You are not a coward Ameril, show up the man you are!" Edmund shouted, his voice harsh and rough, shaking the young man every now and then. Ameril looked at him with a startled expression. Edmund continued to glare decidedly at him. Finally, he let go off him and walked towards one of the shelves, pouring himself another drink, breathing deeply to steady himself, as he was still shaking from his fevered speech. The young lord was still shocked by Edmund's words as they started to sink in slowly, realizing he was right, he was not like that, and he had to be brave and face it. A hand in his shoulder forced him to look away and he met a little glass in front of him, filled up to the rim with a water clear liquid, vodka without a doubt. He slowly looked up and met a grassy green gaze, his friend smiling at him, holding the glass to him. He grabbed the glass and downed the liquid, hissing as the alcohol burned his throat, but this fiery sensation was soothing the painful hole inside him, relieving him, and his muscles finally started to relax. As soon as he gave the glass back to Zerind, another was placed in his hand, and he drank again without even questioning. After a third serving, the kings stopped handing him more vodka, as he had finally gathered himself and had a better look on his face. "We are here to help you, mate, we won't be able to tell you exactly what to do, but at least we've got some experiences to share" Peter said, giving two strong pats on his back.

"Well, now that this got sorted out, I suggest we have a toast" Zerind said, taking a small bottle from inside his coat. "Oh no, not that again" Ameril winced, recognizing the liquid inside. "Ah, Khajri! I didn't know you fancied it, Zerind" Caspian exclaimed, taking the bottle from him and inspecting it. "I keep it for very special occasions" the prince said, a small blush creeping over his neck. The least he wanted was for the kings to think he was a shameless drunk. "What is that?" Edmund asked, watching as Caspian prepared the glasses. "It's a very nice drink from Zharolum, I tried it once when I was fifteen" Caspian told, passing him a glass. "Cheers" they chorused and drank. The reactions were varied, several hisses were heard, coming mostly from Caspian and Zerind, both shutting their eyes tight, wincing at the familiar burning sensation on their lungs and throat. Peter started choking as soon as he swallowed, tears spurting from his eyes, feeling as if he was swallowing flames, his whole chest burning. Ameril choked too, but in a lower scale, and he was just gasping and taking deep breaths, swearing that he was about to spit fire. Ed let out a guttural low growl, his hand beating against the stone wall repeatedly, as the fiery drink started wearing off. "What the hell was that!" Peter breathed, looking at Zerind through the blur of some tears. "Um, it tastes fruity after sometime" Ed said, feeling a delicate spicy hint in his mouth. "If I'm not wrong, it's made of a mix of local fruits and spice herbs from the north of Zharolum and loads of a handmade fruit based alcohol, isn't it?" Caspian explained, looking at Zerind for confirmation. "Yes, it's a very traditional and artisanal drink, highly appreciated of the people of the north, because of the cold" Zerind told. "Oh I can imagine why they love it so much" Peter said hoarsely, the flame in his chest starting to die, but he was breathing more or less normally now. "I swear I was about to burst into flames" he complained, rubbing his chest, getting a glass of water to wash the sensation away. "Pansy" Ed said smirking and Peter glared at him from over his shoulder. "Shut up".

It had been four hours since the labour started and the sky was now completely dark, the room covered in candles, the queens needing all the light possible to help Katine. The princess was exhausted and was running a mild fever which was only increasing her tiredness and the queens concern. "I can't bear it any longer! Please make it stop!" she cried, her tears falling into Lucy's dress, who was holding her close, trying to calm her down. Her whole body was sore with pain and she just wanted to finally be able to rest, the jolts of pain becoming unbearable as hours passed. The queens had oriented her on how to breath and how to take a contraction, but she was starting to give up, crying desolately. Her tiredness was wearing her off, her sob-interrupted pained moans turning to Candemnian, her mother tongue. "Chce moja mame" she whispered repeatedly and Lucy could only hold her closer, having absolutely no idea what she was saying. Prioska entered the room slowly and went to talk to the queens, volunteering to help in anything that was needed. "It's been four hours already and she hasn't dilated enough" Maram informed, looking at the darkness outside. "She's running a small fever now, but I'm afraid it will get higher, she is already very tired, and she's been whispering something repeatedly for quite some time now. "Chce moja mame" Katine whispered again, a loud, long sob erupting from her throat and Prioska's heart squeezed in her chest. "She's asking for her mother" she said softly and sat on the princess' vacant side, taking her hand and humming softly. "Everything is going to be alright, sweetheart. As scary as this is, you will manage just fine, cause you are brave. Just don't give up" said the pregnant queen, smiling tenderly at the girl, who returned her gaze through teary eyes. "Every time you feel pain, focus on your baby, on bringing it to the world" she advised. Katine lifted a weak hand and brushed her tears, somehow finding the way to believe in those words. The other three queens moved closer and sent her their most encouraging smiles, and deep inside, she felt the strength to go on, for the sake of her baby. "I may not be as good, but ill substitute your mother in this occasion" Prioska said and Katine whispered her thanks, a new batch of tears pouring from her eyes. "Just some more, Katine, you're progressing" Maram said, checking on the girl.

Cseke had been looking for the kings for almost an hour when he finally reached the small room they were all gathered, chatting about trivial things, hoping to distract Ameril from his thoughts. "Ah, there you are! I've searched the whole eastern wing for you!" the king beamed and approached the closest armchair. Ameril was sitting on his side, and the king noticed that, despite being still quite pale, he was smiling and chatting relaxed, laughing about the jokes going around him. The king smiled. He had expected to find him in a deep state of fear and shock, but to his surprise, he was far from the image in his head. "That's it boy, hold your head up high and show the world the man you are. Don't fear your age cause you are far beyond your years. Welcome your baby with joy and pride, because its thanks to this situation that you have grown into a man, and a very admirable one at that. Cheers!" Cseke said regally, extending his hand to shake Ameril's, who was shocked to hear this from him. "Father, have you been drinking?" Zerind asked, frowning at his dad. "No I haven't, but this would be a great moment to make start and make a toast" Cseke said, causing the rest to laugh. Caspian passed some glasses around and uncorked a bottle of wine. "For the new heir of Koperskai-Candem!" Cseke cheered and they all raised their glasses, Ameril smiling at the friendly demeanour of them all. "Who knows, maybe next time it will be my grandchild!" Cseke commented. Peter and Zerind both sputtered their wine and started choking violently, coughing brutally. "Father!" Zerind screamed, blushing, his voice hoarse, a strangled cough putting the yell to an end. Cseke only laughed and clapped Peter on the back as he kept coughing. Ed and Caspian raised their glasses towards the prince while Cseke was occupied with Peter and smirked deviously, their eyes holding a knowing glint. Zerind swallowed hard and grew a few shades paler, his blush completely lost in this motion.

Susan looked tiredly through the window. If her calculations were correct it was already past midnight, and Katine had only dilated a few centimetres. They have been eight hours in there already and Katine was only halfway done. The young queen was hoping that things would speed up, not even for herself and the other queens, that were starting to fall sleep on the chairs, but for Katine, as she had been bravely coping with the pain. Maram brought a cold infusion of several herbs some time later, the herbs known to refresh and relax and they were all getting worried for Katine's fever, which hadn't gone up, but was decided to stay despite the many cold damp cloths Lucy had placed over the princess' forehead. Katine drunk the infusion thirstily, feasting on the refreshing feeling that the cold brought her. Less than fifteen minutes after, Katine's contractions got more frequent and stronger, and the women in the room became alert and ready, knowing this was a huge advance. "I need to push!" Katine said through her clenched jaw, after some contractions, her hands gripping the light silk bed sheets under her. "Not yet, don't do it yet or you can hurt the baby and yourself" Susan told, much to the girl's despair. Pained yells left Katine's throat with the contractions that came later, her throat starting to be sore. She was beyond tired, her body aching everywhere, and her inner strength was starting to vanish, sobs finding their way out again. Lucy added few more drops of her cordial onto the water and gave it to Katine, the preparation taking some of the pain away. Another hour passed and the situation didn't get better, Katine growing tired and weak, falling onto the pillows on her back, her eyes starting to close, the queens getting desperate to keep her awake. By the time she was ready to push, her strength and willingness were extinguished and she had fallen almost completely sleep, opening her blue eyes for no longer than a minute before falling asleep again. Susan and Maram were constantly checking her state, and prodding Lucy and Prioska to keep her awake, fearing that Lia's experience would repeat itself, but no, Aslan was not going to let that happen, that baby was going to born healthy and alive, no matter what.

"Ameril, you're looking disgusting" Ed said to his brother in law, looking him up and down. He had just dropped his whole glass of wine over himself and had a huge stain on his shirt, his hands getting wet as he tried to keep it away from his chest. "Go to the bathroom, clean yourself and get another shirt" Zerind recommended and his friend nodded, marching through the door. "Do you think it was a good idea to let him go alone?" Peter asked. "He won't do anything, we'll hear it if he does" Caspian answered, shrugging. Ameril excited the bathroom in Zerind's room, being the closest to the little room he had been moments before, and borrowed one of the prince's shirts, knowing he wouldn't mind. He fixed himself more or less presentably and went back, his mind roaming over to Lucy's room, hoping that at least his spirit could be with Katine. It had been long, more than ten hours already, and he wondered how his darling was doing and hoping for the best. He stepped towards the small room again, when his thoughts lured him into getting closer to Katine, just get closer to the door and see if he could listen something. He turned on his heel and went over, stopping silently in front of the door, leaning and pressing his ear onto the cool wood. What he heard made his whole body tense. He could hear several voices, all of them carrying a worried tone, mixing with eachother as the queens spoke. Then silence came and he could clearly hear Queen Prioska's voice, desperately calling after Katine. "Katine, Katine! Wake up, its time! This is the last part, come on, wake up!" she said urgently. Ameril froze. His Katine had fallen sleep, probably out of tiredness and it was time for their baby to arrive, but how could it if she couldn't help! His mind was racing, wanting to do something, failing to find a solution, to get her to react. He closed his eyes and let his heart guide him and soon he was shouting into the door, wishing with all his soul to be heard by his love.

The kings were having a light chat while waiting for Ameril to go back, when Caspian rose to from his chair. "He's taking too long to come back, let's go check" he said, and they all excited the room towards Zerind's, where they guessed he was. They arrived to the main corridor and stopped, watching Ameril leaning onto the door. Zerind reached to stop him but in that same instant the Archenlandian closed his eyes, took a deep breath and screamed, his voice echoing on the walls, reaching every corner of that side of the castle. "Badz dzielna, kochanie! Dasz sobie rade! Wiem, ze dobrze sobie radzisz, nie poddawaj sie!! Pamietaj, ze kocham cie nad wszystko, wytrzymaj jeszcze troche! Dasz sobie rade!! Dobrze ci idzie, jeszcze tylko troche!! Zaluje, ze nie moge tam z toba byc... Wybacz mi. Kocham cie, kochanie, kocham cie!!"

Katine was in a semi conscious state. She knew that the queens were talking to her, shaking her, trying everything to wake her up, but she couldn't open her eyes, her lids too heavy. She knew she needed to push, be able to finally relieve that need, but she was weak, none of her muscles obeying her. And then, she heard a muffled voice, Ameril's voice, speaking to her, in Candemnian, encouraging her, saying how much he loved her. Her heart started to beat faster and stronger, seeming to have gained a new strength, he was there with her, passing some strength to her! His declaration of love touched her deeply, making her feel that she was not alone, and that she could do it and end all this! She opened her eyes and saw Lucy's worried expression. "I need to push" she said feebly but determinately and lifted up with some effort, the queens instantly helping her to sit back against the pillows. "Tell me when" she said. Susan nodded and placed her palm on her belly. "Now" she commanded, and Katine took a deep breath, pushing with all her might, as if her life depended on this.

Ed and Zerind hurried over to Ameril and pulled him away from the door, urging him back to their little drinking room, the boy not putting much resistance. "What was that!" Peter exclaimed as he closed the door, looking at Ameril with wide eyes. "He encouraged her" Caspian said, smiling at the young man. "You understood? What did he say?" Edmund questioned. "Yes, forgive me, Ameril, if I'm wrong. I quote – Be brave, sweetheart! You will manage! I know you're doing great, don't give up! Remember I love you above all, please hold on a little longer! You will manage! You're doing great! A little bit more! I'm sorry for not being there with you.. Forgive me. I love you, sweetheart, I love you! - I'm not sure about some words but I believe it was mainly that" Caspian translated, the rest looking at him wide eyed. "Yeah, that was pretty much it" Ameril said smiling, and the wide-eyed crowd fell on him, the five pairs of eyes opening even more at him. "A-are you alright?" Peter asked in shock. "Yes, much better, I now know that I helped my kochanie, even if it was a little bit" the boy answered, feeling very content. "So did you speak Candemnian before going to Koperskai?" Caspian asked. "No, not a word, but most of the court speaks Narnian and the people on the castle speak the Archenland dialect, so I wasn't that worried" Ameril explained. "But you seem quite a master in it now. I know it is one of the hardest languages to learn" Zerind commented. "It is, it took me almost five whole years to learn it, and I'm still not very good at it" Caspian said, remembering all those hours he had spent with the professor going over and over Candemnian grammar. "It's easier when you hear people speaking it every day, and I had a lovely and patient teacher" Ameril said smiling. "Impressive" Cseke said, patting his shoulder.

Katine had been pushing for the last forty minutes, the queens telling her she was doing very well and that it wasn't going to take long for her to finally see her baby. This was her only motivation to continue, knowing this last great effort was going to be compensated greatly. "You're doing just fine, push again" Susan said softly, feeling the muscles of Katine's abdomen tense with a contraction. Katine took a big breath and pushed with all her might, supported by Lia and Prioska, Lucy wiping her face and encouraging her. "I see the head! Give me another push like that one, you're doing great!" Susan exclaimed. Katine was thrilled to know that this suffering was soon going to be over and was extremely curious to meet her child. Lia and Prioska supported her back, and pushed her forward very slightly. She was feeling the pressure in her hips and pelvis and focused all her thoughts and feelings into pushing, letting out a yell that reverberated in the walls as a battle cry. "Excellent! Another one and the baby will be out completely!" Susan cheered, holding the small head of the baby in her hands. Katine opened her eyes and looked ahead, her blue eyes dark and fierce as she took another big breath and pushed for the third time, the baby's shoulders coming into view, and Susan grabbed them softly, pulling softly and lifting the baby onto Katine's lap, the rest of the queens erupting in cheers and congratulations. "Katine smiled at her baby and her heart beamed with love as a soft cry was heard. Her baby was finally there with her! She had brought it to the world successfully; she had done it! She wiped her tears with a shaky hand, and let Maram and Susan take care of the baby, as she laid back on the pillows, exhausted to the bone, but utterly happy. "Please take care of my sweetheart, I need to sleep" she told Lia, and the queen nodded, understanding the feeling completely. Lucy peeked over Susan shoulder to get a better view of the baby and she awed. "It's a lovely little boy!" she exclaimed, looking at Katine, who gave her a weak smile. By the time the queens had gotten the little boy clean, Katine was sleeping deeply, Lia and Lucy helping her onto a lying position and blowing some candles. "She can finally sleep after all this effort" Prioska said warmly, looking at the princess' relaxed face.

The kings were still awake, but mostly staring into the empty space, fighting not to fall sleep. Ameril had started to doze off a couple of times, but had been awaken by one of the men in the room. Caspian perked up from his slurred position in the armchair when he heard the ruffle of a fabric and the pattering of steps on the corridor. Ed caught this motion and looked up at Caspian, following the direction of his gaze. The door opened with a creak and Lia appeared inside, hair and clothes ruffled, her breathing fast, her forehead slightly sweaty. The men jumped from their seats as soon as they saw her, eager for the news. Ameril looked at his sister, worried that she might be carrying bad news, but as she saw him, a huge smile lightened her face and he was washed by an extremely pleasant relief. The queen run over to him and hugged him close, squeezing him hard. "It was born big a healthy! Everything went fine!" she said and the men cheered and whispered, as Ameril was still digesting the news. His baby was born, that horrible torture was over, his Katine was fine and he was finally going to meet that little being he helped to create! Lia, pulled away from the hug and smiled at his dumbstruck face. "You are the proud father of a lovely baby boy!" she exclaimed and his eyes were wide. Silence took over the room for some seconds before they were all booming with congratulations, Ameril screaming and laughing out of sheer joy. "Jestem taaaata!! I'm a daaaaad!!" he screamed, through the pats and congratulations. "What are you waiting for? Go see your son!" Peter said, pushing the boy towards the door. Lia took his hand and guided him to the room, asking him to wait on one of the adjoining rooms.

Minutes were unbearably long while he waited. He wanted to hug Katine, tell her how proud he was and how much he loved her, his whole body tingling to look, touch and feel his son close. Lia entered the room slowly, carrying a small bundle in her arms, smiling warmly and patting it delicately. He jumped from his seat and Lia passed him the covered baby, forcing him back onto his seat. The fact of having his son in his arms, feeling his warmth in his hands, gave him one of the most amazing and gobsmacking emotion he had ever felt and he soon found himself crying, his joy being unable to be contained inside him. His son, that small life in his arms was his son! He was amazed at how perfect he was, how beautiful he was. He chuckled at the tuft of black hair that appeared when he moved the cover a bit and how alike his little nose was to his. His heart beamed and threatened to rip his chest open with love when the baby yawned, a tiny hand peeking over the cover, his eyes opening softly and adjusting to the light. "Czesc sloneczko!" Ameril whispered, tapping the tiny nose with his finger. "He looks quite alike you" Lia whispered, looking at her nephew. The little boy woke up and looked around, fixing his eyes on his father after some seconds, analyzing him. Ameril was enchanted by his baby boy and brought his finger to caress his chubby cheek. "He is such a sweetheart, he is so calm, hasn't cried much until now" Lia whispered again. "That he must have taken from Katine" Ameril said, his chest filling with a great loving feeling when his little son's hand grabbed his finger. "He is adorable!" he exclaimed in a whisper. "He looks a lot like Katine" he continued, mesmerized by his baby's attention. "Can I go see her?".Lia looked up at him and sighed. "She is sleeping, and by the looks of it, she won't wake up too soon, this was veery exhausting for her. She's running a small fever, but I think tomorrow it will go away. It will be better if we don't bother her" she said, patting her brother on the arm. They stayed silent for a while, both siblings staring at the little baby, smiles on their faces. "You never really told me how this all started, you know, with Katine" Lia whispered. "Well, there isn't much story to tell, it sort of happened just like that" he explained. "I guess it started when father sent me to Koperskai" he related.

He was furious, fuming even. He had been stuck in a chariot for days, having to cross the entire continent, only because his father had had the great idea to send him to Koperskai-Candem. Yes, Koperskai of all places, where the coldness was practically permanent. He could have been sent to Krasjhali or Calimera, somewhere with a warm weather, he was a person from the warmth for heaven's sakes! But there was nothing to do now. They finally arrived to Akessa and he groaned, seeing the piles of snow in the streets. As he arrived he was received by a boy more or less his age, and he supposed it was Prince Krzysztof, not exchanging much words apart from the polite ones needed.

In the next days he spent most of his time in his room, going out occasionally for meals and to retrieve a book from the library, locking himself up in his room as soon as these activities were finished. During the meals he didn't talk much, just answering the questions directed at him occasionally. This behaviour lasted for quite long until one day, he was in the library, choosing another book to entertain himself. He found one that seemed rather interesting and walked away, looking intently at the picture in the cover, not paying attention on his way. He did not stop until something bumped against him, and he looked up from the book, finding a girl on the floor. "Sorry, it wasn't looking where I was going" she apologized and rubbed her arm. "Neither was I" he said, looking at how she lifted from the floor and brushed the dirt from her dress. He sighed and continued walking, his eyes again on the book. "Do you come here often?" the girl's voice said, and he stopped. "Quite" he answered a little rudely, as she was starting to annoy him.

"I can't believe you didn't even offer her your hand to stand up" Lia said disapprovingly. "I would have done it now, but back then I was bitter, and she didn't represent anything to me, I lived my days thinking only on when I was going to be allowed to come back, the rest was irrelevant" Ameril explained.

It had been a while since he arrived and he continued his daily routine of reading and spending time on his room. He hadn't sent any letters to anyone, but gotten a few from his sister and brother, telling him the news. He had read them without much interest and put them aside, sour at the happy things they were saying. His brother most of all, telling him of all people how in love and content he was with Queen Lucy. Idiot. And then there was a knock on the door. He groaned and felt obliged to open. His irritation grew bigger as there was no one on the other side and he whispered a curse before turning to close the door. But just before the door closed completely he saw something on the floor and opened the thing again, his brow rising at a small silver plate holding a single chocolate muffin. He took the plate sceptically and closed the door again, staring that the muffin enquiringly, almost as if he had never seen a muffin before. Out of nothing better to do, he decided to try it and was surprised by how good it was, and he soon ate the whole of it, leaving the plate on the side. This event repeated itself the next day and the day after that, always accompanied by a knock and when he went to open, he would only find the pastry on the floor, everyday something different, biscuits, cakes, all fresh from the oven. Each time he became more and more curious at who it could be, and he started looking for hints on who the mysterious person was, finding it out rather soon after.

He leaned on the wall carelessly and waited for the person to arrive, holding the empty plate in his hands. He smiled smugly at the ruffle sound he heard in the distance and prepared himself to greet the person he was waiting for. She appeared mere seconds after, gasping as she found him there, on the entrance of her room, smiling. "My L-lord" she greeted, still quite spooked. "Here" he said, thrusting the plate to her and marching away. "Everything was excellent" he said seriously from a few meters away, continuing to walk and disappearing through a corner. From that day on, he would wait for her sitting at the door of his room, and she would sit down with him, waiting patiently till he finished eating to take the plate back, all in silence.

"You horrible boy! You didn't even thank her or talk to her! Insensible!" Lia exclaimed outraged, swatting her brother on the arm. "Hey! Let me continue the story!" he complained.

He was eating an apple tart that afternoon, and for some unknown reason to him, he looked up at her instead of staring at his plate as he normally did. She was staring at the opposite wall and moving her head rhythmically. "Is it you who makes all this?" he asked, taking to her for the second time during all his stay in Koperskai. "Yes" she answered simply, smiling cutely at him before turning back to stare at the wall. "And why do you give it to me?" he asked again. "Well, I thought you could be hungry in the afternoon" she replied. "You could have waited till I opened the door instead of leaving the food on the floor, you know? The floor is not exactly clean" he said gravely, cutting another bite of the tart. "You don't seem to be the talking kind, so I thought I would disturb you" she said and he felt a little sting in his chest but ignored it, what could this girl know of what he was going through. He finished eating and gave her the plate, which she took and with a smile she went. And the same thing repeated every day, and soon he found himself looking forward to the time when they would meet, enjoying his talks with her, and starting to feel in a better mood. So far, she had been the only person in the entire castle with whom he had spoken more than a few words. He found himself comfortable talking to her, and she showed him a side of things that he hadn't consider, his opinion changing on some matters.

Months passed and he started talking more with people and for the first time he took walks around, discovering gardens and places he would love to spend time on. Most of the time he was joined by Katine, and they talked about nothing and everything. She was his best friend and he felt happier than he ever was since his arrival. He had laughed for something she said and she looked at him, her eyebrows high in her forehead. "It's the first time I see you laughing" she said. "Really?" he asked, surprised. "Yes, you have a great laugh, it only took you four months to do it" she said, teasing him lightly.

More time passed and he slowly lost his sour spite and started to enjoy his time out, experiencing new things and learning new stuff. And at the same time a warm feeling was growing inside him, and he noticed he was becoming more attached to the princess. Several young men, mostly sons of members of the court, appeared in the castle to attend to the several balls and parties held, and every time he felt very conscious of Katine, tensing when any of those boys approached her, and he could feel an angry monster well on his stomach when he caught them getting too close or putting their hands too low on her waist when dancing. It was on one of those parties, when she appeared on the door, leaving him flabbergasted with her beauty, when he realized he loved her. He had fallen deeply in love with her without even realizing.

"Aww!! That is so sweet!" Lia squealed, and Ameril only sighed and shook his head.

And he spent weeks suffering from that lovesickness, wanting his heart to stop racing when he saw her, stop looking like a fool whenever she smiled or laughed, stop to leave everything he was doing to hear her talk and spend time with her. He was madly in love, but couldn't tell her, if she didn't feel the same, their friendship would be ruined and he couldn't stand the idea of losing her, even if that meant containing the growing

love that was seeping from his heart.

They were taking a walk on the gardens, covered in heavy fur coats, their feet leaving marks on the fresh fallen snow. "Ah I forgot my gloves" she said, blowing on her frozen fingers. "Take mine" he offered, taking them off and giving them to her. "Your hands will freeze, don't" she argued, and he took her hands in his, covering them with the gloves. "Don't worry about me" he said smiling and they continued walking. After a while he stopped feeling his fingers and he rubbed them together, calling her attention. "I told you" she said softly, taking his hands in hers and covering them, rubbing her gloved hands against him, a warm sensation spreading not only in his hands. His heart was jumping in his chest, her closeness fogging his senses. She let go of his hands and moved slightly, but his hands grabbed hers, pulling her closer and even his mind was racing with thoughts preventing him, he shortened the distance and kissed her. Her lips were cold, and he pressed his harder against hers, wanting to heat them with the warmth that was radiating from him, his arm pulling her closer. She was tense at first, but responded to the kiss seconds later, letting herself to be trapped into the moment. He felt terribly guilty when the pulled off. "Forgive me, I.. I got caught in the moment" he excused. She just looked at him and blushed, melting his heart completely, guilt being pushed away, vanishing.

Lia squealed again at this and he looked at her with an annoyed expression. "Stop it or I finish the story here" he told her. "Sorry, this is just soo cute" she said with a mini squeal. "Yes, yes, now be quiet" he answered embarrassed.

Things were awkward for him for a while, the kiss drilling his thoughts. His feelings, this uncontainable love was suffocating him, forcing him to tell her, confess his love for her. And he did. She knocked on his door, a plate of biscuits in her hand. He opened the door and let her pass, taking a deep breath to keep his hand from shaking as he took the plate and put it aside, turning to look at her directly in the eyes. "Look, I... you... um.. Katine, I.. wanted to... um.. tell you.. I.. AAAARG!" he yelled, pulling her by the waist and planting a feverish kiss on her rosy lips, transmitting like that all the mess of feelings inside him. "I love you, that's it, I said it, and if you don't love me back I promise I won't ever mention it-" "But I do love you" she interrupted him. "-agai-what?!" he asked, surprise thick in his face. She blushed and looked at her hands, and he understood; she had loved him all along, ever since that first muffin.

The months that followed were wonderful for him. He was content with life and had forgotten completely his old self, feeling as if he was born again, all thanks to Katine. After a while of openly assuming their relationship, he started feeling a less and less innocent love for her, hormones finally making an appearance and throwing him off completely. His imagination started playing with him, producing images that were not honourable and chivalrous at all, and creating this ache inside him, and ache to be with her as close as it was humanly possible. Every time he kissed her, a fire started blazing inside him, and he had to put all his efforts on stopping himself on going farther. Many times he had to stop a kiss and invent some sort of excuse, only to be able to take a deep breath and slap himself mentally. And each time it got harder.

They had been kissing quite fervently in his room one night, and he knew everything there was wrong. They were in his room of all places, it was quite late and they were both quite heated, their kiss being several steps higher than deep. He was battling hard with himself, restraining his hands from going farther, trying to ignore the tingling sensation on his fingers as he brushed over the fabric of her dress. And then a huge blow on his resistance happened. A single motion that tore down any pitiful remnant of his self control. Her fingers laced into his dark hair and pulled him closer, deepening the already heated kiss. Their clothes were soon tore down from their bodies and they were eagerly exploring eachother, tracing the patterns in their skins, giving free will to their lust. It felt wonderful, to reach the peak of indescribable pleasure, and still not be able to transmit the whole magnitude of the love they felt for one another. The flame inside him became a flaring, roaring fire and he let it run free, enjoying every bit of it, every caress and every kiss. They laid down later, his arm around Katine's shoulders pulling her closer to his side, feeling a joy greater than anything he had ever felt before.

"I can't believe that I'm telling this to you" Ameril spoke, groaning, feeling really awkward and embarrassed. "I'm your sister, you're supposed to tell me" she reproached. "And that makes it all more and more awkward" he responded. "Um, thinking about it, I'm feeling quite guilty for being such a bad example to you" she said, having a thoughtful expression. "For wha-oooooooh, yes, you did" he said, pulling his best cheeky smile, causing her to chuckle.

He was reading a book on his bed when a desperate knock hit his door. He opened hastily and Katine zoomed in, shaking, looking quite frightened. "What happened?" he asked immediately, pulling her in his embrace. She hugged him tightly and he rubbed her back, trying to calm her. Eventually, she stopped trembling and he moved them to his bed, where he sat and looked at her eyes, fear written all over her bright blue orbs. "What's wrong?" he asked softly, rubbing her hand with his thumb. She was pale and cold, and he started wondering if it was something related to her health, every second of silence worsening his worries. "I am... well, I'm quite sure I.. I.. I'm pregnant" she whispered, gripping the skirt of her dress. He froze right on the spot, and looked at her petrified, his mouth hanging open for a while. "I'm scared" she whispered and he reacted immediately, pulling her into a loving embrace, ignoring his own fear at the situation. "My parents will be soo disappointed and mad" she spoke, and he held her tighter, more to comfort himself than her. He could consider himself a dead man once King Aurek knew what happened. "Don't worry, I won't ever abandon you. You and this baby are the greatest thing that happened to me and I will stick to you till the end, and that includes facing your father" he spoke bravely and sincerely. Tears were now seeping from her eyes and she held him tighter, relieved by his words. "Aren't you scared?" she asked shakily into his chest. "I am, but that is not enough of a reason to run away; I love you too much and I'm no coward" he whispered and smiled. He had to be strong for both of them.

The King and Queen had quite a surprising reaction to the news, rejoicing them and toasting. As their joyful mood diminished a little, they spoke to them about the responsibilities and everything that involved having a child, but were not angry or disappointed. "We knew this was going to happen sooner or later, and we trust you Ameril, we know you will take good care of Katine and the baby" King Aurek had told them, and Ameril was very touched by those words, making a silent vow not to fail to this trust that was put upon himself.

"And that was how it all happened" he finished, looking over at his son, who had cuddled comfortably in his arms and was now sleeping profoundly. "That is such a lovely story, I'm so moved!" Lia said, passing an arm around him and pulling him close. "I'm really glad you found happiness, you deserved it" she whispered, kissing his cheek. "Well, I'm glad that at least he inherited the unmistakeable mop of black hair from our side. Father's inheritance reached the third generation" she said after a short pause, chuckling. "He will be happy to know" Ameril commented, imagining his father's reaction. "I'll send a letter to him in the morning, he will be soo thrilled he'll leave everything and come right away!" Lia said, intending to stand up but Ameril stopped her. "Tell him not to bring Taril along" he said, grabbing her arm. Lia looked at him, the obvious question evident in her eyes. "I don't want him anywhere near Katine and my son" he said fiercely and subconsciously brought the sleeping baby closer to himself. "Ameril, what happened, father told me you were the only one Taril would talk to" Lia asked apprehensively. "He is a bastard, that he is, he doesn't talk, he spits venom" Ameril said bitterly and Lia sensed something big had happened between the brothers. She sat back down, frowning, her heart in pain at her brother's drastic change in character. "Oh dear, what did he do this time?" she asked.

Ameril was very happy with having his father and brother visiting. He hadn't seen them for so long and he couldn't wait to have a nice chat with his twin, having missed him terribly. He found him on one of the gardens, looking at the trees. "Taril, hey! How are you!" he said cheerfully, jogging up to him. Taril just looked up at him and said nothing. "It's been so long, I have loads of things to tell you!" Ameril continued, ignoring the lack of emotion from his brother. "Like how you impregnated that princess?" Taril answered bitterly, snorting. Ameril was surprised by the sarcastic tone in his voice and looked at him in shock. "Really how much of an idiot you have to be to bed a princess and get her pregnant" Taril commented, chuckling ironically. "Tell me, are you with her only because Lucy rejected you or because your pathetic sense of responsibility has you stuck to her because of that reckless mistake you did" he said venomously, his blue eyes piercing his brother maliciously, a smirk on his lips. Ameril was horrified, the things that came out of Taril's mouth had struck him hard, and he was in pain. This was not an unknown person in the street telling him this, it was his own brother, someone that was with him even before being born, someone who had always been his best friend. "I pity you, brother. You are so sour, so angered, that you can't see with good eyes the happiness of others. Don't throw on me your bitterness of what happened with Queen Lucy. I pity you, for being that dark, horrible, cynical person, but I hope that someday you find someone to love, someone that will bring you back to what you were before" he said calmly, looking at his twin seriously. Taril's gaze was filled with anger and he jumped from his sitting position grabbing Ameril by the collar. "Don't you dare to feel bad for me, you are the only one that is screwed in here, I'm not the one who is going to carry a little bastard for the rest of his life" he said furiously. "This only proves my point. Open your eyes to what you have become and do something about it" Ameril responded in a calm voice, despite flaming with anger, but he knew that shouting and even hitting his brother wouldn't do any better. But if he was willing to remain calm, this certainly could not apply to Taril. He advanced towards his twin and punched him, hitting his jaw, and sent him backwards a few steps, Ameril raising a hand to rub the affected area, but doing nothing else, concealing his fury behind a mask of coldness. He walked away from him, ignoring the yells that he was throwing at his back. He looked at him over his shoulder, his blue eyes dark with a mix of anger and sorrow. "There are lots of people that love you, Taril. I'll be waiting here for you until you realize this and when it happens, I will call you brother again" he said gravely and continued walking towards the castle. As soon as he was out of reach, he took his anger out on a wall, aiming a punch at it, opening small wounds on his knuckles at the harshness of the wall. Katine found him there, sitting on the corridor, holding his swollen hand, and gasped, noticing another swell on his cheek. "Don't worry, please, I'll be fine, my wounds are only superficial, he, on the other hand, has one that can't be cured with anything, only by himself" he answered referring to his brother, smiling, wincing at the pain in his cheek.

He finished telling this story to his sister and he turned to see her, his heart squeezing in pain at the sight of her sobbing form, her emerald eyes washed with tears. "Sis, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said all this to you" he apologized, reaching up to brush the streaks on her cheeks. "I can't believe he said all that! He has become such a horrible person" she sobbed, awfully hurt by her brother's attitude. Ameril passed an arm around her shoulders and rubbed her arm, not knowing what to say. In that moment, Edmund opened the door softly and his eyes opened in surprise at the sight of his wife crying, making him sprint to her side. "Star, tell me what's wrong" he said, concern deep in his voice and eyes. "It's nothing, do not worry, my love" she said, wiping her tears. After some more reassuring, both king and queen left Ameril with his baby, dawn being merely a few hours away and all of them claiming that they needed a rest desperately. Ameril arranged himself on the sofa and held his son to his chest, the little boy whimpering at being moved from his comfortable spot and wriggling himself on his new position, continuing to sleep right after he found a right spot. Ameril watched him for a while, taking in the new sensation of being a father and he sighed, feeling extremely happy, and he fell asleep, this happiness taking him into a wonderful, relaxed slumber.

The next morning, he realized his baby was nowhere to be seen and panicked a little realizing, then, that it was quite late in the morning and it was likely that his sister had taken his little offspring to be fed. He walked to his chambers and changed into new clothes, eager to go see his Katine. As he walked down the corridor, he met Lia and used the opportunity to thank her for taking care of his son. "Ah, never mind, you were so deeply asleep it would have been a crime to wake you up" she said, brushing his thanks with her hand. "But before you go, I need to talk to you. This is a letter to father, I'm about to send it" she said softly, showing him a neat red envelope. "I can always rewrite it if you have changed your mind about Taril" she asked softly, not wanting to open old wounds on him. "No. I don't believe he has changed in all this time. I don't want to risk having Katine and my baby insulted and hurt by his venom" he said very seriously, his blue eyes looking at hers with great determination, but in the back, a hint of sorrow could be seen. "Very well, now hurry up, Katine has been asking for you" she said with a smile, his face lighting up and he sprinted down the corridor after bidding her goodbye. He stopped at the door and took a deep breath, steadying himself before opening it slowly. There she was, his sweetest Katine, sitting on the big bed, cuddling their darling close, smiling in the most loving of ways. He stood there on the door, looking at them for a moment, taking in the vision. She looked far more beautiful than ever and despite looking tired, she was radiant, a gentle, caring aura surrounding her and making him fall in love with her all over again. She looked up from him and smiled brightly, her clear blue eyes shining with love and he answered the smile, walking towards the bed and sitting on her side, his hand cupping her cheek. They remained silent for a while, just looking at eachother, happiness enveloping them completely. Their little boy squirmed and whimpered a bit and both looked at him, Katine rearranging him so he could be fed. The door was left slightly ajar, and the queens were all peeking inside shamelessly, not wanting to miss the fluffy encounter. The kings soon joined them out of pure curiosity on why they were spying and so, there was a small multitude crammed on the door. Lia returned from sending her letter and joined the crowd, occupying a gap just in front of her husband, smiling as he rounded her waist with his arm.

The couple inside was completely oblivious of the curious eyes outside, enclosed in their little bubble of joy, not caring about anything else than eachother. Ameril smiled and kissed Katine gently on the lips, very sweetly and yet lovingly, hoping she would feel the great emotion that was stirring inside him. "Thanks, dziekuje kochanie, for the greatest present that I could ever get" he said softly, his eyes shimmering with love for her. Outside, Peter made some noise. "What did he say? I didn't get what he said in the beginning" he whispered to Caspian. "He thanked her, in Candemnian" the telmarine answered.

"Jak sie czujesz, kochanie?" Ameril asked, moving closer to her and passing an arm around her shoulders. "W porzadku" she answered, looking up at him, smiling sweetly and planting a small peck on his lips. He smiled back and kissed her forehead, looking down at their son, who was sucking contently in her breast, his baby coloured eyes looking at him intently. "Czesc, tatusiu" Katine spoke in a high pitched voice, grabbing the baby's little hand and waving at her fiancé. "Ah, czesc sloneczko!" he babbled, caressing the tiny fingers that soon grabbed his thumb.

Again, a questioning whisper was heard on the other side of the door. "Can someone translate please?" Ed asked, not having understood a word of what was said inside, and getting annoyed by it. "Ameril asked her how she was, for what she said –alright-, then she said -hello daddy- in a baby voice and he answered –hello sunshine-" Lia explained to him. Ed rose his eyebrows in understanding and nodded, making a mental note to ask her where she had learnt the language.

"Masz piekna mamusie, wiesz?" Ameril spoke to his child and Katine smiled, for the praise was directed at her. A whispered chorus of "Aaawws" was heard on the corridor and part of the crowd looked at the sources. "He literally said –you've got a beautiful mummy, you know?-" Maram translated, and both Lucy and Susan awed, causing an eye roll on the men. The women glared at them. "Insensible bunch" Lucy whispered and then turned to peek into the scene in her bedroom again. Peter was about to retort, but Caspian elbowed him on the ribs, shaking his head when his brother looked at him. "It's better not to upset them" he mouthed and Peter nodded.

A pleasant silence surrounded them, disturbed only by the content whimpers of the newest addition to their family, who was clearly enjoying his meal and the attention his parents were giving him. "Nie moge bez ciebie zyc, kochanie, wyjdziesz za mnie?" Ameril whispered all of a sudden, and Katine looked at him in surprise, laughing softly. "Tak, juz mnie o to pytales, pamietasz?" she replied through chuckles. "A, tak... glupek ze mnie..." he said, a huge smile splitting his face, making him look like a child, both laughing at this.

"That was soo sweet!" Lia squealed, and Maram nodded, both having a dreamy look on their eyes. "He said he can't live without her and proposed" Caspian told the others, Lia and Maram seeming to be too dumbstruck to translate. "I thought they were engaged already" Zerind commented. "That's what she actually said, that he had asked her already, but she answered again anyway" Caspian said. "Then he said he was a silly fool" Lia said, looking at his brother lovingly.

"I think we should better go, leave them some real privacy" Susan said, blushing at how shamelessly they had all been spying on the couple. They all nodded and got away from the door, walking to the tearoom. "I was wondering, my star, where did you learn Candemnian?" Ed asked curiously, pulling Lia to his lap as he sat on the sofa. "Ah, I had classes when I was younger, my father insisted it could be useful for the future and I have to admit that it's great to eavesdrop on my brother's conversations" she admitted chuckling and blushing slightly. "But it's a veery tricky language, horrible to learn, I had some great headaches while trying" Caspian commented, wincing at the memory. "You learnt it in Archenland too, sweetheart?" Peter asked Maram, nuzzling his nose on her cheek. "Yes, but just out of nothing better to do, and to keep Lia company, that teacher was just horrid" Maram said, looking at Lia while speaking, and they both started laughing. "He just talked and talked, nonstop, and then when he would turn, Maram would do faces at him, it was hilarious!" Lia exclaimed, laughter bubbling in her throat again. "It's incredible how many different dialects and languages there are, I was so silly to think that everyone spoke narnian" Peter wondered out loud. "Most of the countries do speak narnian as one of their official languages, as it becomes easier to communicate in between countries, but nobility and the royal families normally speak others" Zerind explained. "Ah, is there a native language in Zharolum?" Peter asked to the boy, clearly interested. "Yes, and some dialects, but not very used, most of the people speak Zhartian, just the people that live near the border with Narnia speak only narnian, the rest speak both languages" Zerind told. "We didn't hear any foreign language when we were there" Ed pointed out, remembering their time in the neighbouring country. "Well, inside the castle we all speak narnian most of the time, and as you were our guests the servants all spoke narnian to make you feel like home" the prince clarified. "Aw, how sweet!! So how do you say sweetheart in Zhar... Zhat.. well, your language" Lucy asked, and Zerind laughed at how the name tangled in her tongue. "Zhartian. And sweetheart is lika for women and likos for men" he told her. Lucy smiled and started calling everyone a sweetheart only to practice the new word she had learnt, snatching several smiles on the process. "Does Krasjhali have a language of their own?" Susan asked Caspian, who opened an eye to look at her, being sprawled on the sofa, his head resting on her legs. "Yes, two actually, Halij and Rahakta, you should ask Keerthinath or Akshamala to speak it when they come again. Ah, and Rashid speaks Albaara, I bet you will love to learn it, is quite easy" he told her, raising his hand to play with a strand of her hair. "In the Golden Age they only spoke a dialect from narnian" Ed told, curious about the appearance of the new language. "A lot happened since then, they still speak the dialect, but I really don't know how Albaara was born" Caspian told him, closing his eyes again and sighing as Susan massaged his scalp. They continued to discuss and learn more about the other languages for some long time, interrupted only when it was already lunch time.

Later that day, they all visited (announcing themselves this time) Katine and Ameril, Lia worried about her brother, for he had not eaten with them at any of the meals of the day. "So, have you decided of a name for this cutie?" Maram asked, caressing the sleeping baby's head. "Cyprian, we thought of it this morning, and it seems to suit him well" Ameril said, sighing at Lia's insistence on getting something decent for him to eat. "I love it! It is a Koperskaian name, isn't it?" Maram asked. Katine nodded and gasped as Cyprian shook slightly and whimpered, slightly in panic. "I'm guessing its eating time for him, we better leave you" Susan said calming the newly made mother and ushered everyone out of the room, leaving the small family to enjoy their private moment alone.

Lucy, who was now occupying one of the guest rooms while Katine used hers, pulled Zerind inside, closing the door softly behind him. "Lucy, what are you doing, you know someone can walk on us" Zed whispered, smirking at the impish glimmer in her eyes. "I wanted some... private lessons of that language of yours. I think it's fascinating" she whispered back, approaching him and tugging lightly at his shirt, all while looking at his green eyes and biting her lower lip. "If that's the reason, then I think I can help you" he said smirking, deciding to play along with her, rounding her waist with his arms and pulling her against his chest. "Great! How do you say I love you?" she said seductively, playing with the laces of the front of his shirt. "Ib dali nur" he whispered slowly onto her ear, spreading a shiver all over her body. "Sounds nice" she whispered very low, her eyes closed, pressing her face closer to him. "It is meant to sound nice" he said, his breath tickling her ear, and she felt the urge to whimper. He then bit her lobe softly and a soft moan was heard coming from her throat, her hands gripping the soft fabric of his shirt with force. He trailed down to her neck delightfully slow, placing hot wet kisses along the way, teasing her torturously. He continued his exploration and arrived to the curve of her neck and licked the spot softly, earning a gasp from the queen. His arm brought her closer to him and the other pulled the rim of her dress away, his kisses covering every inch of her shoulder. A deep hiss erupted from his throat when her hands made their way under his shirt, his skin threatening to turn into flames as her touch left ardent trails over it, tracing his muscles and doing some random gibberish. This gave her the opportunity to get a small revenge and she kissed his neck, finding his weak spot and sucking on it lightly, rewarded with a low grunt coming from him. Her fingers traced the rim of his trousers, softly and lightly, her touch leaving what felt like millions of fire ants running across his skin, his hands hurrying to grab her wrists and stop her, looking deeply into her stormy blue eyes. His lust was mirroring on her eyes, darkening them, tempting him even more. He pressed his lips against hers hardly, the kiss passionate and feverish, his teeth scraping her lower lip lightly. His fingers worked at full speed on the laces of her bodice, pulling the fabric away from her body harshly. Next followed his shirt, which he practically tore from himself, throwing it away in a random direction, hurrying to help her with his trousers. She was standing in front of him only in her light chemise, her legs almost completely uncovered, and he couldn't contain the urge to slide his hand along them, feeling the creamy skin under his touch, the unbearably pleasant tightness in his body getting even stronger. She separated several steps from him and untied her hair, letting it run free along her back and with a mischievous shimmer flashing in her eyes she started to unbutton her chemise slowly, revealing her skin painfully slow for his taste. He pulled the rest of his clothing off, not caring to be stark naked and rushed over to her, pulling her chemise open with a strong pull, several buttons popping out and landing somewhere on the carpet. He pushed the light cotton fabric from her shoulders and let it slip to the floor, admiring her, his fingers brushing against her collarbone, forcing her to close her eyes and bite back a whimper of pleasure. His arms pressed her once again towards him and he let a soft growl at the raw contact of their skin, igniting the sensation of an electric shock on the pit of his stomach.

The knot on her stomach was tightening more and more, becoming an unbearable torture, but yet, so very pleasant that her soft groan couldn't be contained. He lifted her from the floor and she immediately hooked her legs around his waist, causing him to grunt loudly before walking towards the bed. She missed the contact of his body for the mere seconds it took him to place her on the bed, but she was soon rewarded by the feeling of his skin over hers completely again as he joined her, smirking deviously. He showered her neck with kisses and covered her collarbone in soft bites and licks, blowing on them softly, her moans only prodding him to continue; her whimpers enlarging the desire that was welling on him. "Zaib tuj amat eb, mahani" he whispered, his green eyes gaining a darker shade, the one of a forest darkened by storm clouds. "What.. does that.. oh dear.. means?" she asked between grasps and whimpers, his fingers trailing up and down her side, his thumbs brushing torturously against the curve of her breast. He leaned over to her ear, his hot breath on her collarbone, snatching yet another groan from her. "I want you, my love" he whispered, placing a wet fevered kiss on top of one of her breasts, biting the spot softly, leaving a dark pink mark there, one of his hands pulling her knee to his waist, her leg hooking on his back. Soon, they were making love passionately, their fervent bodies pressed against eachother; gasps, moans, whimpers and growls echoing around the room, not loud enough to trespass the walls. The blazing fire inside them turned the kisses and caresses wilder, a light layer of sweat starting to cover their skin. Lucy was the first to reach the peak, her breath hitching in her throat at the intense and sharp wave of pleasure that washed her entirely, each and every of her nerves tingling delightfully and she bit his shoulder to keep herself from screaming. He came right after her and kissed her harshly, the echo of a growl resounding on his throat as the painfully delightful bubble of pleasure grew on his lower abdomen and spread all over his body. He moved from over her and dropped on her side, exhausted, but extremely content and relieved, the astonishing pleasure of making love to her still running along his body, dying slowly. With some effort she cuddled close to him, his arm going around her automatically, resting her head in his chest, smiling at the hard fast beat of his heart hammering against his ribcage, and how his rapid breaths raised his chest rhythmically. "You are the love of my life" he whispered once he had caught his breath, brushing his fingers up and down her arm lazily. Warm love exploded in her heart at his words and she lifted herself to rest on her elbow, looking up at him and kissing him tenderly. "You are too, the one and only" she answered, kissing him again.

Ed and Lia hadn't sleep well for several nights, both having dark circles under his eyes and looking generally tired. The twins were teething and they were both very morose, their gums bothering them and spoiling their mood. They have woken up crying at nights, urging to be cuddled and taken care of, and the king and queen had spent hours trying to get them to sleep.

Caspian raised his eyebrows and the miserable state of his brother. "How long have you slept?" he asked eyeing him. "Um.. about twelve hours in the last three days" he answered tiredly. "That is bearable for a normal person, but on you, being a massive sleepy head, its veery worrying" Susan said with a smile on her lips, and Ed didn't even bother answering, too tired to care. Lia entered the room, carrying both twins and Ed instantly rushed over to her, grabbing James from her embrace and shushing him softly while patting his back. "Alright, you two need some rest, we'll take care of them" Maram offered, stretching her arms to hold Astrid. Lia smiled to her and nodded, Astrid complaining slightly in her auntie's arms, but then contented herself by chewing on the queen's sleeve. Caspian took pity of his best friend and grabbed James, offering him a folded handkerchief to chew on. "Go to sleep, you are not as half as funny to talk to when looking like a sleep-walker" he said, urging Ed to get off his armchair. James started whimpering soon after his parents left, the handkerchief not being useful anymore and Susan hurried to him, checking on his gums. "Oh dearie, it must be really bothering, he's got quite a big tooth coming out" she said, spotting a very white spot on his lower gum. "Go wash your hands before doing anything" she told Caspian, as he was about to let James chew on his finger. Caspian did as told and gave James to Susan who calmed him more or less, the whimpers reducing considerably. Caspian returned quite soon and brought a bottle of amaretto with him. "You are not considering on getting them drunk, are you Caspian?" Peter said from his seat, one eyebrow cocked at the telmarine. "I bet they are more resistant to alcohol than you, but no, this is to rub their gums, it's an old well known remedy for teething itch" Caspian said, smirking at the glare he got from the magnificent king. He passed the bottle to Maram and picked James from Susan's arms, sitting him in his lap. James and Astrid seemed to have liked the sweet flavour of the amaretto and seemed relieved, the bothering itch leaving them for a while, improving their moods considerably.

The effect of the amaretto disappeared after less than an hour and both babies were morose again, whimpering and squirming. "We can't use the amaretto anymore, they'll end drunk" Maram said, rocking Astrid gently. Peter sat next to her and wriggled a toy in front of the princess, distracting her for a moment, before she focused on his hand and pulled it up to her mouth, giving a content squeal as her itch was relieved. "I don't really mind being used as a chewer, but I don't think this will be any good" Peter said, smiling at his niece, ignoring his much drooled finger. Caspian had pulled James over his shoulders and was walking around the room, managing to get the boy giggling for some time, the boy chewing on his thumb. "I don't know how longer I'm going to resist feigning a horse" he said, James' giggles telling him he was nowhere near getting tired of the game. The door opened slowly and Trufflehunter excused himself, greeting the kings and queens on the room. "Hello Trufflehunter! How opportune!" Caspian greeted, knowing that the badger could help them on the teething problem. "We need your help" Maram said, pointing at Astrid and Peter's drool-covered hand. "I see, King Edmund sent a message for me on the same matter, and I've made this ointment, it should relieve Their Young Majesties itch" he said, passing a cream pot to her. She applied the greenish paste on Astrid's gums and waited. Meanwhile Caspian got James off his shoulders and imitated his sister, both waiting for the reaction of Trufflehunter's ointment. The effect was almost instantaneous, both twins becoming more lively and stopping to chew on things, distracting themselves with their toys, not being as cuddly as before. Trufflehunter smiled and blushed under his fur at the praises he received. Thankfully for him, Professor Cornelius entered the room some moments later, deflecting the attention from him. "Ah I see I arrived late" the old man said, looking at the much happier twins. "But nevertheless, I believe these could be useful sometime" he spoke again, bringing two round silk objects, one pink and the other blue, not bigger than a common biscuit. Caspian grabbed one of them and looked at it, pressing it between his fingers, discovering it was quite soft. "They are supposed to chew on these?" he asked, guessing its function. "Yes, quite simple design really, just some cotton wrapped in leather and covered in silk to avoid any scratches. It's been used by telmarines for centuries, both Your Majesties had some when young" the Professor told. "Well, I think we'll give them to Ed and Lia, they'll be needing them for later. Thanks a lot Professor" Maram thanked, passing the bright pink object to Astrid, who was clearly interested on it. She lost interest on it minutes later and looked up at the Professor, who was talking with Maram, and extended his arms to him, whimpering to be held. The old professor didn't deny her that wish and grabbed her, the little girl surprising him with a hug, babbling excitedly onto his coat. She continued to converse with him while playing with his beard, her hazel eyes looking at him interestedly. He smiled and replied to her, inventing a conversation, the princess giggling in his arms. "Would you take care of her for a while, I've got to check on Chronos and Rahn, and see if Orion hasn't done any mischief" Maram asked him, concerned about her children. The Professor shook his head and took the princess with him to his study, pulling a big book of narnian fairytales, catching Astrid's interest on the drawings.

James squirmed in Caspian's hold and the king finally let him free on the rug, the prince crawling towards Trufflehunter, spooking him as he caressed his fur. "Hello Your Majesty" the badger greeted him and James clapped, smiling brightly. "Love, could you go check on Cas? I'm afraid he could have escaped from the nannies again" Susan asked Caspian. "Sure. You coming with me, Peter? I'm sure Orion followed Cas if he fooled the nannies, I'll need some extra help if that happened" Caspian said gravely, smirking at his son's adventurer spirit. Peter nodded and they parted, kissing their wives before exiting the room. Maram followed them out, promising Susan to check on Indira too and return to make her company as soon as she could. "He wants to play with you, dear friend" Susan told Trufflehunter, who seemed quite surprised by James' sudden interest on him. "It will be a pleasure to play with you, Majesty" he responded and Susan rolled her eyes at his politeness.

Later that day, Zerind and Lucy were taking care of Rahnia, Maram pleading them to do so as Chronos was suffering from what she suspected were belly cramps and was quite needy of her. Lucy agreed immediately and they were now sitting in the greenhouse like garden, several coal heaters placed around them. Rahnia was a lovely little girl, so very calm. She was three months now and was starting to spend more time awake, looking around curiously. Lucy was wriggling a fabric squirrel in front of her and squealed as she smiled, her hands reaching to touch the furry fabric. Zerind was looking at her lovingly, thoughts and images swirling in his head. He imagined her holding their baby, fooling around with toys and faces to distract him or her, much as she was now doing with Rahn. They both loved her so very much, and he sometimes even felt as if he was his daughter, smiling at his own silliness. He was sure that Lucy felt the same only by looking at how she acted around her, a shine of motherly instinct lightening her, and he couldn't help to be aghast at how this highlighted her beauty. His thoughts were interrupted by the soft voice of a servant, telling Lucy that Susan needed her. "Can you look after her while I go see what Susan wants?" Lucy asked him and he nodded. Rahn was placed on his arms and Lucy kissed him lightly, before sprinting towards the castle.

"Oh well, it seems that is just you and me now" he said lightly, tapping the princess' little nose with his finger. "Come on, let's take a look at the snow" he said and rose to his feet, rearranging her on his arms and moving closer to the glass. He walked around the room, pointing to various objects on his way, and talking to the baby girl, explaining to her what those objects were. His thoughts focused on parenthood again and he had to admit that the warm feeling he had when holding Rahn was quite pleasant. He started pondering about the subject. What if Lucy got pregnant sometime soon? How would he react? He would be scared, no doubt on that, but at the same time he would be flooded by a huge happiness, knowing that she would be carrying a piece of him inside her, a little life they created together. He didn't feel ready for being a father now, but if it happened, he would welcome the news with joy, much like Ameril did. Images of a pregnant Lucy appeared in front of his eyes, and he found himself smiling, for she looked very beautiful. A tickling sensation accompanied this image and for a moment he wished that this happened soon, finding nothing more elating than having a child with the person he loved the most in his life. But then again there was the fear, fear of not being mature enough to handle having someone depending on him, someone looking up to him, and of course, failing Lucy, not being enough of a good father to meet her expectations. Fortunately, he was interrupted from these thoughts by his mother, who gently called up for him. "Oh, I see you have company" she said, smiling at Rahnia and at how her son seemed to be concerned about her, pulling the little blanket to cover her better. "Ah mother, it's you" he said warmly. "Let's sit, you shouldn't be standing for too long, your back will hurt" he continued, pointing to the small bench in front of them. "Don't worry, my back hurt way more when I was expecting you, sweetheart" she chuckled, making him smile. "But never mind, I'm here to have a talk with you" she said, her tone casual but indicating him it was not a silly matter. "Why do I sense I'm going to be uncomfortable with this talk?" he asked wincing, earning a short laugh from his mother. "It's possible. I've noticed a subtle change on you, licos, is there any reason?" she asked him bluntly. "I don't know, I don't feel like I've changed mother" he answered, puzzled by where she was heading. "Ah you have dear, maybe it's not obvious to you, but it is for me, I am your mother after all, and I know you through and through" she told him and he looked at her, prodding her to continue. "You have slept with Lucy, haven't you?" she asked after a short silence and he opened his eyes wide, opening his mouth to reply, strangled sounds coming from his throat. "I can see it on the way you look at her, in the confidence of your touches to her, there isn't that fear of overstepping the limits, and by the way you two act, I dare say you haven't been together only once" she commented, and he grew pale. "Mother, I.." he tried to explain, but she only smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm not mad nor disappointed. That was bound to happen sooner or later, I just want to know if you did it out of lust or love" she told him, her green eyes looking at his. "I love Lucy with all my heart, mother, she is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, the one I see building a family with, of course I, we did it out of love, but I cant say lust was not mixed in between" he admitted, feeling awfully awkward to be treating such a personal matter with his mother. "Ah, that's what I wanted to hear. There is always desire mingled in, but the important thing is it wasn't the reason why you did it, that calms me" she commented. "I wonder what kind of person you think I am, mother" he said in a joking tone. "A person just like your father, darling, he too was very chivalrous when it came to this" Prioska said, patting her belly softly. "Was?" the prince asked. "Well he was quite unsure and didn't want to do anything dishonourable, so he created a barrier regarding this matter, but he only needed a push in the right direction" Prioska said smirking, winking at her son, who made a disgusted face. "I believe that as your tata, you tried your best to avoid this situation and Lucy had to work her way through the wall, am I mistaken?" she questioned, looking intently at him. Zerind blushed and looked away, and the queen got her answer. "Anyway, I only want to advise you, treat her nicely, enjoy your time with her and take care, whatever happens it will be the responsibility of both of you and I don't want you to regret it. And whatever you do, don't listen to your father, he is getting quite excited with the idea of having a grandchild, I'm starting to think he forgot about this baby here" Prioska said laughing, and Zerind relaxed a bit, laughing along with her. "To tell the truth I don't think I'm ready for the consequences, but I can't bring myself to stop either" he confessed and Prioska rounded him with one arm. "Just be careful, you will do the right thing when the moment comes, and I don't think you will be ever ready for being a parent, anyone ever does, your father was a walking bunch of nerves when you were about to be born but he calmed down the moment he saw you, and he's been a wonderful father ever since, hasn't he?" she asked and he nodded, a loving smile crawling to his lips at the thought of all the great moments he had spent with him. "I just.. I doubt that I will be a good father, or a good husband for Lucy. I fear I'll crumble and not be able to give her the support she'll need to go through a pregnancy. I don't want her to suffer because of me, I'll be too guilty if I get her in a situation she doesn't want herself in" he told his mother, pouring all the insecurities that occupied his thoughts, subconsciously rearranging Rahnia in his lap so she could be more comfortable in her nap. "Oh darling, you will be a great father, just look at how you took care of Tizane, you helped me so much when your father was not around! For more proof, look at yourself now, taking care of Rahnia as if she was your own, I bet you didn't even realize how you covered her and rocked her, all while talking to me. As per being a good husband and a support for Lucy, I'm sure you will be just fine, because you love her and that is enough support on its own. And it hasn't happened yet, so stop worrying! Let things happen on its own accord" she said, pulling him even closer, caressing his hair and hugging him close. "I'm sure you'll do the right thing" she told him, looking into his eyes, her hands on both sides of his face. "Thank you mother, really" he said and kissed her forehead, wrapping his free arm around her. He pulled away hastily as she grasped and looked at her in horror. "Mother, you can't.. the baby is not.." he babbled, his eyes darting from her face to her overgrown belly. "Oh no, don't be silly, your sibling just kicked, that's all" she smiled, and took his hand, placing it over the zone of the kicking. He jumped slightly at the small movement under his palm and smiled. "You were much more restless, kicked me like a punching bag" she laughed and he joined her, both of them stopping dryly at the bothered whimper coming from Rahn. "Ib dali nur mama" he said. "Aw, I love you too, my darling!" she answered, hugging him.

An endeared squeal made them turn and they saw Lucy standing on the entrance, a smile on her lips. "You're so cuuute!" she said approaching them. "Help me up, I should get going, your father is probably missing me" Prioska said, taking Lucy's hand and getting off the bench. "We have to go too, Maram has finally gotten Chronos to sleep and she said she doesn't want to bother you more" Lucy said, her heart filling with love at the sight of her prince sweetly holding the napping Rahn. "It's not really a bother, but I believe she needs a proper meal and a diaper change" he agreed and the three of them left the glass greenhouse, Zerind feeling much lighter after his conversation with his mother.

The night was cold in Taasban, the wind blowing strongly, humming loudly on the open corridors. Alithia was sitting on her armchair close to the fire, gazing into the flames, deep in thought. She knew the reaction she was going to get with this, but it was for the greater good. It pained her heart, knowing she was going to be strongly disliked for this, but things were getting slightly off hand and this needed to be done. She had spoken to Rashid about it, and he didn't like the idea either, but agreed with her that things were going to be safer like that, and bring them some peace of mind. Yes, it was for the best. The door of her room opened and she looked at the person in the door slowly, containing some tears as she saw her daughter there, unknowing of what was going to happen. She called her close and hugged her tightly, using the last opportunity she had to do it before she got angry at her, before she yelled at her as she was sure she would do. "Sit here sweetheart, I need to tell you something very important" she said softly, looking for the right words. "What is it mother, has Amir done something? Is father alright?" Aliha asked worriedly, her tone desperate. "No, no, your father is in perfect condition, and Amir hasn't done anything... yet, this is the reason why I have taken this decision" the queen started, and Aliha looked at her expectantly, scared of what she was going to say. "A carriage is waiting for you outside, it will take you to Calimera in three hours, that's the time you have to gather all your important things" she said seriously and her heart was sliced painfully when she saw the disbelieve and wrath in her daughter's water green eyes."How long will I be there?" she asked through her clenched teeth, not liking the idea, still not knowing the worst part. "I don't know, for as long as I judge prudent" the queen told her and she opened her mouth in shock. "But mother.. why?!" she asked, her voice raising some octaves. "For your protection, I was told what Amir did to you and it happened while I was here. I cant permit anything worse to happen, and it's evident that my presence here makes no difference to him, I don't want you hurt anymore, Aliha" she said strongly, imposing herself towards her daughter, leaving no room for questioning. "Mother, you can't send me away! I know how to defend myself from Amir!" Aliha said hotly, gripping the fabric of her dress, almost ripping it apart. "I've made my decision, you'll go" Alithia responded, keeping her strong charade, for her heart was constricting in her chest, pleading her to take back her words. "Mother, please, don't send me away, I don't want to be away from you, from my brothers. Mother, how am I going to be in peace knowing that you're here, at Amir's mercy! Don't do this to me, mother, I beg you!" Aliha sobbed, tears spilling copiously from her eyes, throwing herself at her mother's lap, her eyes looking into hers, desperation and pain filling them completely. But the queen didn't react. "Mother, please mother, I don't know how to react in foreign courts, I have never stayed out of Calormen for more than a few weeks, don't send me away!" she begged once more, reaching for her mother's hands, sobbing uncontrollably. "Don't try to change my mind Aliha, as I said, it's for your own good, now go, get your things ready" she said coldly, looking away from her face. Aliha continued to sob, but stood up, throwing her a furious glare. "And don't even think of disobeying me" the queen added, her voice threatening. Aliha got out of the room, slamming the door and did as told, crying all the while, her sobs getting louder as she entered the carriage.

Alithia held herself together until the chariot crossed the gates of the palace, crumbling down in pained yelled sobs when it disappeared through the thick wooden doors, her heart destroyed at what she had just done to her daughter, hating herself for all this, despair spreading in her chest at the image of Aliha's despising glare at her. Taabish entered the room in a hurry, worried at his mother's state, Gabir hot in his heels. "Mother! Mother! Talk to me, mother!" Gabir yelled, holding his mother close, looking at her in panic. The queen continued to wail loudly, grabbing onto his shirt and hiding her face in his shoulder, gasping every several minutes. The brothers waited patiently for her to calm down, hugging her close and whispering words of love, and eventually her sobs receded a bit. "Mother, what happened? Why did Aliha have to go?" Gabir asked, and she cried some more, looking at him with an unbearable pain in her soul. "It was for her..own.. good!" she yelled miserably, gasping in mid sentence, holding his hand close, pressing it hardly against hers. "What? Mother please, what do you mean?" Taabish asked her, wiping the tears from her face. "She will be safer, they will protect her" she wailed, new tears replacing the ones he had just wiped. "I did that only for her welfare, please, don't.. judge me wrong!" she begged, looking into the two pairs of brilliant green eyes that were looking at her. "Mother, we know you wouldn't do any wrong to us, please calm down" Gabir begged and darted a look at Taabish, his brother understanding that they had to drop the matter, for their mother's good.

On the other side of the wall, Amir was smirking, unable to contain the sweet joy that was invading him. Yes, his mother's strength was slowly starting to crumble along with the kingdom behind her.

She had cried for days, the scenery becoming nothing more than a blur mix of colours on her window. The trip was long, and she was starting to feel sick to look at the same things inside the carriage. Archenland passed through her window in a combination of whites, greens, blues and greys, and she couldn't care less, her heart in awful pain, feeling betrayed by her mother. But as much anger she had for her, she worried, worried greatly, for her safety, and for her brothers, who were as in danger as she was. She felt so useless, being sent away, the impotence of not being able to help the situation drilling into her skull. He had slept very little during the whole trip, the pain that her worries brought waking her up, images of her family presenting to her every time she closed her eyes. After a week and a half of travelling, the driver finally told her they had arrived to Narthros and they would arrive to the palace quite soon. She did her best to hide her tears and clean her face, combing her hair more or less presentably and brushing the wrinkles away from her clothes. She looked through one of the walls and saw the imposing sandstone construction on the top of a cliff, coming closer and closer as they approached it. After some minutes of staring intently at the wall of the carriage and new tears flowing down her cheeks, the carriage stopped, and she hurried to clean her face. The driver opened the door for her and she took his hand to go down, squinting her eyes a bit at the luminosity of the place. A pleasant light breeze played with her hair and she turned around to look more of the palace surroundings. The sound of steps caused her to face the entrance and she saw a young man coming towards her.

He had been told to welcome the princess of Calormen and he sighed at the idea of having to take care of a silly brat, as were all the princesses he was introduced to. He took pity on the girl, the situation in Calormen being quite troubled at the moment, and he decided to approach her nicely, trying to understand her. The servants told him the chariot was on the gates of the palace and he hurried down. The corridor leading to the door was long and he could see her standing there, looking around as if lost. The breeze blew around her and her long hair was swung on the air and she certainly heard him approaching cause she twirled, facing him now. He would be lying if he said she didn't impress him, he even held his breath without noticing, and he discovered her water green eyes as he approached, and he just couldn't stop looking at them. "Welcome to Narthros Princess Aliha" he said, taking her hand and kissing it, his eyes not leaving hers at any moment. "I am Cohn, please feel free to let me know if you need anything" he introduced himself, adding the last bit willingly, wanting to spend more time with their newest guest.

He was tall quite muscular but lean, his dark short hair strengthening his features, his lightly tanned skin making the greenish hazel of his eyes stand out. He was a handsome man, that she couldn't deny, and the lightness of his welcome made her relax a bit, as she was expecting all the stiffness of politeness and diplomacy.

On the next days she rested quite little, her worries about her family waking her up several times, tears seeping from her eyes, her sobs echoing on the walls. King Makis and the rest of his family worried for her as she didn't exit her room, barely eating what was brought to her by the maids. They gave her some space and hoped she would feel better soon. I was quite late at night when Cohn was awaken by some sobs and he decided to go check, reaching Aliha's door. He knocked lightly and asked the girl what was wrong, receiving no answer. He knocked again and enquired one more time, repeating the action several times before receiving an answer, a nasal confirmation that she was the one crying. "I am not going to leave before you calm down and tell me what's wrong" he whispered and sat on the cool stone floor leaning onto the door frame. He heard some pats on the stone and guessed she had come closer to the door. "Why does my pain concern you so much, I am only a stranger to your family" she asked, hiccupping softly. "A pretty girl like you shouldn't be locked in a room, my father promised to take care of you, and worries, like the rest of us" he murmured. There was a long silence, only her sobs heard for a while, and then a swishing sound that told him she was now sitting on the floor, just like him. She then started talking to him, opening to him and he listened attentively, doing his best to ease her heart, spending the whole night sitting on the same spot, talking to her. And this repeated almost every night for some more nights. He would wake up to her sobs and sit on her door frame to listen to her, exchanging opinions and comforting her, both of them separated all the time by her door.

She woke up with the fresh breeze entering through her window, the curtains blowing softly and the great view of the sapphire blue sea greeted her. She felt rested and relaxed, finally being able to sleep a good amount of hours for the first time since she arrived. The worries for her family invaded her again, a tight knot appearing in her throat and some tears squeezed through her eyes, her hand brushing them away hastily, but she remembered the countless nights she had spent talking to Cohn and she decided then to try to ignore that persistent pain and prepare for the day, looking for some decent clothes to wear, finding them all wrinkled, and she cursed herself for throwing everything on the chests with such lack of care. A maid knocked gently and she let her in, surprised of the big full tray she was carrying and that she deposited on a small table located next to the window. She thanked the woman and sighed at the grumble in her stomach, deciding to eat before getting ready. Her door opened softly again and the same maid was now carrying some folded clothes on her arms, putting them on the bed and retiring with a bow. After eating everything on the tray, she took a close look at the clothes. They were made of light cotton, and she took quite an interest on the silver embroideries on the white fabric, the small details amazing her. She dressed in the light and surprisingly comfortable two piece set and looked at herself in the mirror, liking the clothes very much.

It was very late when she decided to take a walk on the surroundings, finding her way to the gardens facing the sea, on the very border of the cliff where the palace stood. "Your Grace" a deep voice said on her side, pulling her from the mesmerizing view. "Ah, My Liege" she said softly, deflecting her gaze to the floor and making a soft curtsy. "I see that calimerian clothes look splendid on you" he commented and she blushed slightly, feeling quite silly. "Thank you very much, you shouldn't have troubled yourself" she spoke, smiling shyly, pulling her hair off her face as the sea breeze blew, her tresses dancing merrily on the air. He stood there, looking at her for a moment, before realizing he was being impolite and he immediately looked away, clearing his throat uncomfortably. "I hope you get to feel like home in here, after a while, of course. I take it you found your rooms comfortable, after all the time you spent there. Is there anything you need? Anything missing?" he asked, looking at the sea, speaking to her face to face for the first time in ages. "It is all very pleasing, yes, I have no complaints, I actually want to thank you and your family for all what you're doing for me" she said, sitting on the small wall, her back facing the sea. "Oh no, that wasn't an inconvenience at all, I-we thought you would want some privacy" he responded, looking at her and tensing at the slip of his tongue. "That was very nice, thank you" she said, smiling again. "I...I imagine it's hard for you, and I understand how you must be feeling, and we all understand if you want to spend time alone, feel free to get as much as you judge necessary, just let us know if there is something we can do, to make you feel better" he said. She felt like crying again, the fear for her family mixed with the grateful feeling she experienced at his sincere words tightening the knot she had in her throat since that morning. Cohn panicked slightly as she saw some tears rolling down her cheeks, racking his mind for something to make her stop. "Let's take a walk around town, see the beach maybe, you can start knowing the city a little" he blurted, this being the first decent idea coming to his head. She brushed her tears and nodded, smiling weakly, appreciating his efforts. She took a deep breath and laced her arm on the one he offered her and they walked away to the warm city of Narthros.

By the end of the day she found herself feeling a bit happier, sighing as she plopped on her bed, exhausted from all the walking she had done that day. She ended up spending the whole day with the prince, going around the city and the beach, talking about nothing in particular, and discovering they had loads of things in common, generally enjoying the trip a lot. It seemed that this time far from home as not going to be as bad as she had pictured it.

AN: You all deserve a big fat thank you for arriving here!! I know its long!! 21600 and more words long, but it was worth it, wasn't it??

I've got news for you, I'll make a trip next week and will be back home only in the end of November, so as I'm going to be quite busy the next chapter will take a lil longer to be posted, so please wait patiently!!!

All what Ameril said in Candemnian is actually polish, for Koperskai is based in Poland. My dearest friend Star helped me with the translations, thank you again dear!

Reviewwww!!

See you in the next chap!

Cheers!