A/N- Good day my lovely readers! Okay, this is the PENULTIMATE chapter. It is actually the LAST chapter of this series, but I do have an epilogue on the way, so never fear!

I cannot believe this is actually the end of the story (in Narnia at least) and I could cry! I am going to write a HUGE author's note after the epilogue, just basically explaining a few things and thanking a lot of people who have followed me on this journey. That sounds so cliched, but I don't care.

So, I won't blab on, because I have an entire authour's note to do that, so enjoy this chapter. It's long, but it has a lot going on, so read it carefully and hopefully, you won't be too disappointed that it's coming to an end.

Thanks for the support! Reviews are welcome as always!

Emmmerald xxx


The early hours of morning approached far too quickly for Eilonwy's liking. As she dressed, she glanced down at the man that laid before her. Even asleep, he was so handsome; his golden hair brushed against his cheekbones so perfectly. His muscular arms wrapped around the space where she had been only a few moments ago. Separating herself from his warm embrace had been difficult, but she knew she had to do it. Luckily, it was only just beginning to get light, so she knew she had enough time to sneak out and make it back to her room unnoticed. She leant down to Peter's face and left a gentle kiss on his forehead, and wiped away the tear that fell from her eye. She walked over to the door and opened it, slipping out as quietly as she could.

She had made it to her corridor undetected, but she got a sudden feeling that somebody was waiting for her. True to her words, as she walked down the corridor she saw Aslan waiting for her. He was sat upright, and he was calm; although his eyes spoke a different story entirely. Eilonwy bowed to Aslan; needless to say she was a little embarrassed. She knew that Aslan was not stupid and she was sure that he knew exactly what she and Peter had gotten up to last night. They stood there in silence for a few moments before Aslan rose to his feet.

'Wash and dress Princess. We have much to discuss before today's proceedings. I shall meet you in the Courtyard. We have little time.'

Eilonwy nodded as Aslan turned and walked in the other direction to make his way to the Courtyard where he would wait for her. Eilonwy took a deep breath and entered her bedchamber. Donnamaria was asleep in her chair, and she looked so peaceful that Eilonwy decided it was best not to wake her. She prepared her own wash basin and washed herself. She saw that Donnamaria had already prepared her dress for today, but Eilonwy decided to change later this afternoon when Caspian was to address the kingdom. She opened her wardrobe and found a simple dress which would suffice until then. She dressed herself, slipped on a pair of shoes and wrapped herself in a cloak. She made her way to the Courtyard, not fully knowing what Aslan was to speak to her about. She knew that it was important, and the thought was scared her slightly.

She walked out onto the open Courtyard and saw Aslan sat very comfortably on the stone front, looking at the sunrise. Eilonwy walked gingerly over towards Aslan. She stood a few inches behind him.

'Sit my dear Eilonwy.' Aslan said calmly.

Eilonwy did as she was told, and sat next to the mighty lion.

'I trust you have made your decision.' Aslan asked.

She sat there for many moments, not knowing what to say. She had changed her mind countless times, mulling over her thoughts, her options... she was torn between doing the right thing, and the thing she wanted to do. She knew deep down what the right thing to do was, and it was shame it was not something which could be compromised.

'I have' she answered simply, and she felt her heart sink at the thought.

'Well then,' Aslan began, turning to face her. 'We must discuss all of this and make your preparations.'

Eilonwy nodded as she leaned into Aslan, gripping him tightly. And then the tears came, faster than any waterfall that had ever existed in Narnia. She knew what she had gotten herself into now and there was no going back. Her fate had been decided, and it was final.

She just had no idea how to tell Caspian.


Caspian awoke later than he thought that morning. It was a beautiful day and it was his first full day as King. Today he was to address the Kingdom and give them a choice as to whether they wished to stay in Narnia under his kind and fair rule in coalition with the Narnians, or whether they wished to return to Telmar. As a good King, he would support whatever the Telmarines decision was. He lifted himself out of bed, and had a sudden head rush which made him clutch his head slightly.

I must have too much wine last night he thought to himself. He reached for his breeches and shirt and began to dress. He washed his face to wake himself up and made his way down to the hall for breakfast. He saw Donnamaria walking past the hall, possibly going to Eilonwy's bedchamber.

'Donnamaria,' Caspian called. Donnamaria stopped in her tracks and faced Caspian. She smiled and gave a bow to Caspian.

'Buenos dias King Caspian' she spoke generously.

Caspian smiled. 'I will always be Caspian to you my dear Donnamaria. Tell me, where is my cousin this morning?'

'She has just returned to her bedchamber. I am going up there now to dress her ready for this afternoon.'

'You say she has just returned. Where has she been?' Caspian asked with a tone of concern in his voice.

'She was with Aslan this morning, or so she told me. Said she had things to discuss with him.'

'Is she okay? Did she seem unhappy?'

'A little quiet, but she seemed fine enough' Donnamaria responded honestly.

Caspian sighed in relief that at least Eilonwy was okay. 'Okay, well tell her that I will meet her within the hour and we shall go to the ceremony together. I wish for to be stood beside me. I think I'll need her courage.'

'If you had any more courage between you, you would give Aslan a run for his money, I assure you.' Donnamaria laughed. 'Anyway, I will tell Eilonwy and have her meet you within the hour.'

'Bless you Donnamaria' Caspian smiled, giving her hug before she departed to meet with Eilonwy.


Caspian waited at the bottom of the staircase for Eilonwy. It was just after noon now and the ceremony was soon to start. He was aware that some of the Telmarines had already gathered in the main courtyard outside the Castle to wait for Caspian's speech. He heard footsteps behind him and Eilonwy walked down the stairs. She looked beautiful in her sapphire coloured dress and cloak. She had left her hair loose and on her head was a laced headband. Even though Caspian had always admired his cousin as a beauty, there was something different about her today and he couldn't pin down what it was. In her honey eyes detected a sense of uncertainty.

'Good morning cousin.' She said kindly as she approached him.

'Good morning, Radiant Princess' he replied as he embraced her. As he released her, he looked at her lovingly.

'Is something wrong?' Eilonwy asked. 'What is it Cas?'

Caspian examined his cousin. 'You look different.'

'I do?' she responded, raising her eyebrows in a confused state.

'You're glowing. Well, not literally, but your face has a glow to it. Are you feeling okay?' Caspian pressed his hand against her forehead. Eilonwy giggled trying to dodge his hand.

'Cas, I'm fine.'

Caspian was not entirely convinced, but decided to think no more about it.

'How are you feeling about today?' Eilonwy questioned.

'Nervous,' Caspian replied. 'This is my first day as King. What if I mess it all up?'

Eilonwy placed her hand on her cousin's shoulder. 'You won't. Aslan is here and he will make sure that you will be okay.'

'Yes, I guess you're right. I am glad you are here with me.' Caspian grabbed Eilonwy's hand.

'You don't need me to help run your Kingdom. You're more than capable.'

'I coudn't do this without you. I wouldn't even be here without you.' Caspian pulled Eilonwy into another hug. Eilowny hugged her cousin back.

'Just promise you'll never leave.' Caspian almost sounded like her was pleading with her, like he had a feeling she was going to leave him.

She felt a pang against her heart as she saw Aslan walking with Peter and Susan. They were in deep conversation. She saw Susan look over, her eyes filled with tears. Eilonwy knew exactly what was going on. Her eyes panned across to Peter who looked at her with nothing more than love. She wanted to go over and embrace him and never let go. He knew that she knew what was going on.

Caspian released Eilonwy and turned towards Aslan and the Pevensies. 'We are ready. Everybody has began to assemble.'

Susan looked over at Aslan, trying not to make contact with Caspian, who was none the wiser to anything that was truly going on here.

'Give us a few moments, King Caspian. We will be along shortly.' Aslan replied.

'Oh course.' Caspian bowed his head. Eilonwy sensed Caspian was disappointed by the look on Susan's face, and he quickly realised something was not quite right.


'Narnia belongs to the Narnians just as it does to man.' Caspian began to speak. Eilonwy stood to his right, next to Aslan, and the Narnians and the Pevensies stood to his left. 'Any Telmarines who wish to stay and live in peace, are more than welcome to. But for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers.

A Telmarine stood forward. 'It's been generations, since we left Telmar.'

'We're not referring to Telmar.' Aslan stepped in. 'Your ancestors were sea faring briggins, pirates run aground on an island. There, they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world. The same world as our Kings and Queens. ' Aslan looked over at the Kings and Queens of Old. Eilonwy glanced over at Peter who only stared back her.

'It is to that Island that I can return you. It is a good place for any who wish to make a new start.' Eilonwy heard Aslan's words and the voice in the back of her head was telling her to listen to him.

There were murmers from the crowd as they discussed Aslan's proposal. It seemed as though some people were considering it.

'I'll go.' A voice shouted from the crowd. Everybody turned to see who the voice was coming from. A figure made his way down to the front where the Royals and Aslan were stood. Eilonwy was shocked to discover it was Glozelle. He came forward towards Caspian. 'I will accept the offer.'

Caspian bowed his head to Glozelle, acknowledging his request. Glozelle bowed back.

'So will we.' A female voice was heard as Prunaprismia stepped forward with Hector. Eilonwy's heart dropped as her mother bowed before Caspian. Caspian moved towards his aunt, and reached out his hands to her. She stretched out her free hand to Caspian.

'Is this truly what you want?' Caspian asked kindly.

'It is.' She replied.

Eilonwy stared at her mother and walked over to her. Eilonwy was already crying and as soon as her mother saw her, she too began to cry. She handed Hector over to Glozelle and embraced her daughter. Eilonwy gripped hold of her tightly, not wanting to let go.

'You understand, why I have decided to go?' Prunaprismia asked.

'I wish you would reconsider.' Eilonwy begged.

'I have lived my life here Eilonwy. It holds unhappy memories for me, but at the same time,' she stroked her daughters face. 'Some very happy ones. You have made me a very proud mother but it is now time to give my son a chance of a new life.'

Eilonwy looked over at her brother Hector, and caught his smiling face. She did understand now. It was just such a shame she would never see her brother grow up.

'I will not ask you to come with me if you do not want to. I know your loyalty is with Caspian. He needs you here.'

Eilonwy nodded and wiped her eyes. 'Will I never see you again?'

'Not in this lifetime hija,' Prunaprismia stroker her daughter's hair. 'Perhaps in the next?' Eilonwy nodded and hugged her mother one last time. Her mother placed a kiss on her daughter's head. Glozelle handed Hector back to Prunaprismia. Eilonwy looked down at her brother's face and smiled. She leant in and gave him a kiss on the head. 'Bless you Hector, and take care of our mother.' She whispered. She stood back and allowed her mother to walk forward towards Aslan. Glozelle stopped before Eilonwy and Caspian and bowed to them both. They bowed back.

'Your majesties,' he began. 'I am very sorry for the trouble I have caused. I only hope you will forgive me.'

Caspian and Eilonwy exchanged glances and looked back at Glozelle. 'All is forgiven, my friend' and he held his hand out to Glozelle. Glozelle shook it kindly before facing Eilonwy.

'Please take care of her and my brother.' Eilonwy pleaded. Glozelle reached out and took Eilonwy's hand.

'I will, my dear Princesa.' He placed a kiss on Eilonwy's hand. 'Will all my strength.'

'Gracias.' Eilonwy replied as Glozelle let go of her hand.

He walked over to join Prunaprismia and Hector. Caspian pulled Eilonwy closer to him and put his arms around her shoulders trying to comfort her. Eilonwy wiped away the tears and she watched her mother, brother and Glozelle begin to walk towards Aslan.

'Because you have spoken first, your future in that world will be good.' Aslan spoke majestically, and he breathed onto them, like he breathing new life into them. Caspian and Eilonwy were fascinated by the power that Aslan had over them. Both of them looked on as the tree began to unravel, revealing a hole, a chasm. There were gasps and whispers from the crowd. It was an incredible sight to behold. This was true magic.

Prunaprismia looked back at her daughter and nephew and smiled. 'May Aslan bless you both.' She spoke before she disappeared with Glozelle.

'Where did they go?' Somebody shouted from the crowd.

'How do we know he's not leading us to our deaths?'

'This is impossible!'

Eilonwy watched as Reepicheep stepped forward along with his gang of mice. 'Sir, if my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice through with no delay.' Caspian smiled at Reepicheep chivalrous nature, however Eilonwy's eyes shot immediately towards Peter. She looked into his eyes and she knew that this was it. It was time.

Peter's eyes strayed away from Eilonwy's to look at Susan, who in turn nodded. Eilonwy saw Peter swallow hard, before speaking. 'We'll go'

Edmund and Lucy's heads shot up staring at their older brother. 'We will?' Edmund questioned.

'Come on. Time's up.' Peter turned to face Caspian and Eilonwy and began to walk over towards them. 'After all, we're not really needed anymore.' Peter stood before Caspian and handed his sword over to him. There was moment of silence between the two Kings, but Caspian gripped the sword.

'I will look after it until you return.'

'I'm afraid that's just it,' Susan spoke gently, stepping forward. 'We're not coming back.'

Eilonwy's heart dropped. She knew this had been coming all day, but hearing those words come from Susan's mouth just made it a reality. Caspian's eyes widened in confusion as he stared at Susan.

'We're not?' Lucy asked, on the verge of tears.

Peter turned away from Caspian and faced his youngest siblings. 'You are. At least, I think he means you two.'

'But why? Did they do something wrong?' Lucy questioned Aslan.

Aslan chuckled. 'Quite the opposite dear one. But all things have their time. Peter and Susan have learnt what they can from this world, so now, they must go live in their own.' Eilonwy saw Lucy's face drop at Aslan's response. Eilonwy suddenly understood how much of impact Narnia had on their lives; so much so that they would all have to leave it one day and carry on.

Peter walked over to his sister and bent down to her height. 'It's alright Lu. It's not what I thought it would be, but it's alright,' he stood up again, placing his hand on his sister's shoulder. 'One day you'll see too. Come on' Peter led his sister over towards the Narnians who were waiting to say their goodbyes.

Susan was the only one who stayed where she was. She and Caspian just looked at each other saying nothing. Eilonwy stood waiting for any goodbye she would receive. Edmund made his way over to her and bowed. She smiled returning the bow.

'You know for a girl, you fight pretty well.' Edmund spoke.

'Thank you, Just King.' Eilonwy replied, reaching out to Edmund and hugging him. Surprisingly, Edmund returned the hug. 'Maybe our paths will cross again someday.'

'Perhaps. In that case, I'll work on my fighting skills.' Ed winked which caused Eilonwy to smile. Ed made his way over to Caspian and shook his hand. Lucy was next, and she already had tears in her eyes. She ran straight to Eilonwy and hugged her tightly.

'I don't want to go.' Lucy whispered.

'Don't worry Lucy,' Eilonwy replied, releasing her. 'I think you will back before you even have time to miss us.' Lucy wiped away her tears, before reaching to her neck and removing her necklace. 'I want you to have this.' Lucy handed Eilonwy her 'L' necklace which Eilonwy had found in the woods when she had been trying to track Caspian down. 'Perhaps it will help you find us again.'

Eilowny felt her own eyes fill a little at the sentiment. 'I will keep it close to me always Lucy.' Eilonwy reached for wrist and removed her bracelet and handed it to Lucy. 'This is a Telmarine bracelet. My grandmother made this and gave it to me when I was born. I want you to remember Narnians and the Telmarines are at peace now so whenever you wear it, you'll remember that you helped bring that peace.'

Lucy slipped the bracelet on and looked up at Eilonwy, her face beaming. 'Thankyou.'

'You are most welcome, Valiant Queen' Lucy embraced Eilonwy once more, before moving on to Caspian.

Susan was stood back from everybody so Eilonwy made her way over towards her. 'Have a safe journey home Susan. It was pleasure to have fought alongside you.' Eilonwy held her hand out to her. Susan smiled and shook Eilonwy's hand before they hugged.

'Thank you, for everything Eilonwy. Caspian is lucky to have you as a cousin. You will restore Narnia properly. I have every faith in you both.'

'Thank you,' I turned away from Susan to look at Peter who was stood waiting to say goodbye to her. 'But you know this doesn't have to be goodbye for you two Eilonwy' Susan whispered to Eilonwy.

Eilonwy turned to face her. 'Caspian needs me.'

Susan nodded as if she understood. 'Well, don't keep him waiting.' Susan gave Eilonwy a little push over towards Peter. Eilonwy inhaled deeply and walked over towards him. Both of them stood there not knowing what to say to each other. Peter held out his hands to Eilonwy and she accepted them. He pulled her towards him a little bit more. Their hands enveloped into each others.

'You knew didn't you?' Peter asked calmly.

'Yes' Eilonwy replied.

Peter's grip tightened around her hands, not aggressively, more in a protective way. 'I wish things were different.'

'Do you wish we'd never met?'

'Never. I would never wish that. I just wish that we could stay or that you could come with me.'

Eilonwy swallowed hard. He didn't know that Aslan had given her a choice. She had made the decision not to go with him, but she now had to deal with the consequences of that choice, and she knew it would not be easy.

'Do you regret last night?'

'No, I could never regret what happened. Last night was the greatest night of my life. I am glad it was you and nobody else,' Eilonwy's hands tightened onto Peter's this time. 'Thank you.' she whispered.

Peter nodded. 'I guess this is goodbye then.'

Eilonwy nodded, as Peter pulled her to his chest. She placed her head where his heart was and she felt the rhythmic beating next to her ear. Peter inhaled the sweet scent of her hair and stroked it gently. Neither of them wanted to let go. Eventually they did and they made no eye contact as Peter walked away, but something inside Eilonwy made her change her mind. This was not how she wanted to leave things.

She spun around. 'Peter!' She shouted. Peter turned around only to see Eilonwy before his eyes. She reached her hand behind his head and pulled him into a deep kiss. He could feel the tears falling from her eyes as their lips made contact. Peter put his hand behind her head, feeling her soft hair between his fingertips. Both of them felt all the passion that they had experienced last night and for those few moments, only they existed. As they broke away, Peter whispered, 'I love you'.

I love you Peter Pevensie. Please don't forget me.

Eilonwy released herself from their embrace and stood back as Peter rejoined the rest of his family. Caspian was not shocked by the display of affection that had just taken place between his cousin and Peter; he had seen it coming for a long time. Hestood beside his cousin and wrapped his arms around her shoulder as the Pevensies disappeared through the tree chasm.


Aslan dismissed the hearing little after the Pevensies disappeared and everybody returned to the Castle. Before Aslan departed, he walked up to Caspian and Eilonwy. 'Your new lives begin here. I know that whatever struggles come your way, you will help each other. I am proud to have you ruling Narnia.'

'Thank you Aslan.' Caspian replied, bowing to him.

'I'll give you a few moments. I'll be waiting back inside the Castle for you first gathering King Caspian.' Aslan turned and walked back inside the Castle.

Eilonwy let the last tear roll down her face and she felt Caspian's warm hand tighten on her shoulder. She placed her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

'Are you okay Eilonwy?' Caspian asked.

'I will be' Eilonwy replied, removing herself from her cousins embrace.

Caspian looked down at his cousin and smiled.'Well, now we have a Kingdom to rule' he smirked.

Eilonwy laughed. 'Correction, you have a Kingdom to rule. All I have to do is look pretty in Court.'

'Actually,' Caspian said, putting his arm around her again. 'I'm making you my second in command, so therefore, you will be at my constant need 24 hours a day.' Caspian laughed as he held his cousin close. Eilonwy rolled her eyes at her cousin's comment.

Caspian looked back at the tree chasm. 'Do you think they'll ever come back?'

As she stood next to her cousin, the new King of Narnia, Eilonwy's hand snaked down to her stomach where she pressed her fingertips into it. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes, as her conversation she had with Aslan came into her head.

We must discuss all of this and make your preparations

'I think they'll back sooner than you think' she replied looking up at her cousin and smiling. But this smile was not one of entire happiness, but one of which also hide a secret. Her hand was still on her stomach of where the consequences of her decision where beginning to take place...