Now they tell me she's just vanished,
Some other place by the sea
But to me she was banished,
Not by her but by me
And though I still remember
The streetlights are low
Now dull in the night and the dance has gone quiet
But the sea still bellows

~"The Lily" by Blanco White

Edmund awoke to sunlight from his window pouring onto his face. He stretched lazily, feeling soreness in his muscles he'd never felt before. The sheets on his bed felt cool and light against his bare skin, and for a moment he wondered where his night shirt and trousers were. Then, the memories from the previous evening flooded his mind.

Ira.

Had it all been a dream? The woman he had longed for had come to his bed and taken his innocence. Just the thought of her curves against him was enough to make his body ache for her once more. She had been so beautiful. She had been his. After their love making, they had fallen into a restful sleep, him lazily running her curls through his fingers.

Edmund didn't care if the servants found her in his bed that morning. Peter had slept with dozens of women and nobody had ever mentioned finding them in his room at sunrise. But maybe Peter was smarter than Edmund. Maybe he sent these women away during the early hours of the morning knowing they would be discovered. But this was different. Peter never loved any of those women, hence why he sent them away. Edmund loved Ira, and she loved him.

He couldn't help but beam as he let his hands roam to the space next to him. Everything had changed. He had been so miserable just a few days ago, now he was the happiest man in the world. However, his hands only felt the soft sheets of his bed, vacant and empty. He looked over to see that no one lay next to him, not even a trace of Ira's scent.

He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Had it truly only been a dream after all? But no, there was one of Ira's anklets lying on the floor next to the fireplace and one of her dark hairs was on the pillow next to him. He got up quickly and peeked into the wash chambers, but they were abandoned. Where was she? As he sat on the edge of the bed to get dressed, he felt something crinkle beneath him. Lying on the empty space next to him was a small envelope with his name on it. He quickly took it in his hands, fumbling as he tried to open it.

Edmund,

I have to go. Please forgive me, as I'm sure you know I belong wandering by myself, rather than with you in this grand palace. My heart is yours, but I cannot stay here.

Please forget me and find a woman who will do justice to your kingdom and someone you'll be proud to stand beside you as your queen. I warned you that I would break your heart, and I'm afraid that time has come. I will miss you and wish you a long life as king of Narnia.

Yours,
Ira

Edmund read the letter with shaking hands. Yes, in the back of his mind he had known she wouldn't remain at Cair Paravel with him. But last night had been so intimate that he had pushed these worries aside. He felt his eyes begin to burn as tears formed.

Forget her? Forget Ira?

He had to choke back a sob. He could never forget her. She had changed his life, changed who he was. No, he wouldn't let her return to her loneliness and isolation in the desert. She deserved better than that.

"Flametail!" he bellowed, slipping on a pair of trousers and tucking the note away in its pocket. The owl appeared almost immediately, perching himself on Edmund's large wardrobe.

"Please have Brassmist ready my horse," Edmund said, almost breathlessly. "Have the servants prepare my things for a long journey. Inform my siblings I'll be leaving."

"A journey, sire?" Flametail said, cocking his head to the side. "And how long shall I say you'll be away?"

"I don't know," Edmund said, fumbling with the buttons on his shirt as he tried to dress as quickly as possible. "A few days, perhaps."

"Are you following Lady Ira, sire?"

Edmund nearly tripped over his feet as he tried to slip on his boots. He straightened, looking the owl dead in the eye. "Do you know where she is?"

"Some of the servants saw her slip away early this morning," Flametail said. The owl suddenly noticed the abandoned anklet on the floor, letting out a small hoot. Edmund quickly scooped it up, his cheeks burning.

"Did they see which way she was headed?" Edmund inquired, trying to keep a stoic expression to hide the redness in his face.

Flametail shook his head. "I would assume Lady Ira is returning to Anvard or the desert."

Edmund bolted from the room, not caring how disheveled his appearance was as he made his way to the stables. He was grateful for Flametail's haste as he was prepared to leave in just a few minutes' time. He mounted his horse and readied to ride out, when a cry stopped him in his tracks.

"Edmund!"

Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Evelyn were all racing towards him. It was clear they had just woken, as all four were still dressed in their nightclothes and their hair in disarray.

"Edmund, what are you doing?" Susan asked, panting. Peter came to Edmund's horse and took the reins, preventing them from moving any further.

"Let go, Pete," Edmund said, a growl in his voice. Peter glanced up at him, confused. "I'm going after her."

"Who?" Peter asked, unmoved by his brother's defiant stare.

Lucy lightly slapped Peter's arm. "Ira," she said. She turned to Edmund, her eyes filled with concern. "Ardas told me she left this morning. Did something happen between you two? Did you get into another fight?"

"No!" Edmund replied a little too quickly. "We were together last night and—"

He suddenly realized he had said too much, causing his ears to burn. Peter, Lucy, and Evelyn all tried to hide a smile while Susan looked at him incredulously.

"Oh, Ed," she said softly. "You didn't…"

"Don't you dare say anything about her," Edmund snapped, yanking his reins from Peter.

"Easy," Peter said, backing away. "Nobody's said anything!"

"Just let me be," Edmund said. "This is none of your business anyway."

"Ed." Lucy stepped forward, her voice calm and gentle. "We all care about Ira and we want to find her, but we don't even know where she went!"

"So?" Edmund replied, his voice hardening. "Peter sent Flametail on a wild goose chase for that slave girl. What makes this any different?"

Evelyn, who had been observing the siblings' banter, shrunk back. Peter scowled, but knew his brother had a point. "Will you at least let us send someone with you?" he asked Edmund. "Perhaps Sallowpad—"

"No," Edmund said. "If I find her, I need to be alone."

"Edmund," Susan said, placing herself in front of his horse. "You shouldn't travel through the desert alone! Remember what happened to us last time?"

"I'll be fine," Edmund said dismissively. "I'll be much less conspicuous traveling by myself and without my crown."

None of the Pevensie siblings were satisfied with this answer, but it was clear Edmund was going with or without their approval.

"Be careful," Lucy said, petting his horse.

Susan, Lucy, and Evelyn all started making their way back to the palace, talking in hushed voices. Peter lingered for a moment longer, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Listen, Ed, I know how difficult it is to let someone go that you've been together with, but—"

"Don't," Edmund said, rearing his horse and turning away from him. "You've never been with a woman you've loved. You don't understand and don't pretend that you do."

Peter's eyebrows knitted together. "Love? By Aslan, how long have you known this girl?"

Edmund scoffed. "She's hardly a girl, she's older than you. And how long have you known that Eviz? It's clear you're smitten with her."

"Evelyn," Peter replied. "That's… she's different."

Edmund let out a snort, startling his brother. "Don't try to play the older, more mature brother this time, Pete. You clearly haven't bedded that girl, otherwise you would understand."

Peter's cheeks flushed red, much to Edmund's satisfaction. He remained silent for a long moment before saying, "Ten days. If you're not back by then I'm sending Brassmist and Antius out to find you."

Edmund nodded curtly before galloping into the distance. Peter watched him, mesmerized. What had gotten into his brother? Ira was certainly captivating, but he hadn't realized the depth of their relationship. Edmund had let that woman take his innocence and was chasing after her. Peter had never chased after the women he had bedded, but wondered at Edmund's words of love.

He thought of Edmund's comment about bedding Evelyn and color rose to his cheeks once more. Ed was right. The thought of taking Evelyn's innocence was so different compared to the other women he'd been with. Evelyn and he shared a connection that even Peter didn't understand.

He shook these thoughts from his head before going back inside the palace. Perhaps Edmund wasn't the only fool in love...

Susan raced through the long corridors of Cair Paravel, doing her best to look composed even though she felt like her mind was going to explode. King Lune had written to them, announcing that Shasta, or Prince Cor, as he was now known, had been crowned and was on a tour of the neighboring kingdoms. They would be in Narnia that evening and she only had a few hours to plan and coordinate a ball in Prince Cor's honor.

"Evelyn!" she cried, racing into the girl's apartments. "Lucy is nowhere to be found and I need help with—"

She came to a grinding halt at the sight before her. Evelyn must have just finished bathing and was standing in a robe in her sleeping quarters, drying her hair. Her hair was no longer a disarray of auburn and black, but a bright golden blonde.

"Your hair!" Susan cried, running to her side. "It's so beautiful! How on earth did you get all of that dye out?"

Evelyn smiled brightly. "Ira taught me how to make an herbal mixture to strip it away." She frowned, picking up the ends of her hair and examining them. The hair that fell below her shoulders was tinted a faint orange and badly damaged. "Well, it mostly worked." She shook her head slightly before turning to Susan. "I'm sorry, did you need help with something?"

Susan laughed. "Honestly, I forget now."

Evelyn sat on the edge of her bed. "I was hoping the dye remover would help me look more presentable in front of the court. But I'm afraid I'll have to continue to wear my hair up to hide this awful orange color!"

Susan took the ends of Evelyn's hair in her hands and studied them. "Do you trust me?" she asked after a moment.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "I suppose so."

Susan smiled. "Good. Do as I say and you will look more than presentable for tonight's festivities."

Peter sat on his throne that evening, chatting happily with King Lune and Corin as the ball commenced. It had been two days since Edmund had left and it was the only thing the court was talking about and the Archenians were eager to hear where the younger king had gone. When Peter's back was turned and people thought he couldn't hear, he overheard the whispers that the just king had chased after the strange desert girl. Their disapproval was clear, but Peter hardly cared. Many would have the same objection if any of them realized the high king was potentially courting a former Calormene slave.

Lucy was at her throne as well, talking with Mr. Tumnus, Cor, and the young Tarkheena, Aravis. Susan was missing which was strange as she was the one who usually revelled in all the attention at events such as these. Peter scanned the many faces in the room, trying to see if he could spot her. At last he found her, standing by the main doors to the ballroom with a young woman who looked to be from the Narnian court. He made his way across the room, reaching out to tap Susan's shoulder, but his hand froze midair when he saw who she was talking to.

It was Evelyn who was talking to Susan, but he hadn't recognized her! Her hair was a beautiful blonde, the same shade as his, no longer spotted with dye. It had been cut to above her shoulders, almost the same length as his actually, but it had been cleverly curled with the front pieces pinned back. Susan caught sight of her brother and laughed. "Evelyn's been restored to her true self!" she exclaimed.

Evelyn blushed and brought a hand absentmindedly to her hair. Peter smiled warmly, offering an arm out to her. "You're no longer Calormene," he said as he led her away.

She shrugged. "I'm no longer anything."

Peter led her to the dance floor where they began to waltz among the many other couples. As they danced, Evelyn realized Peter had been right. People were no longer staring at her with disapproval as they had before tonight. She did her best to focus on her dancing, admiring the way his hand felt on her back and his other hand in hers. It seemed time was passing so slowly here in Narnia. Every day she spent here was another day of not seeing Aslan and not returning to Freya. But she leaned into Peter, his warmth comforting her. It seemed that the courtiers didn't recognize her and she heard whispers as they witnessed their intimate stance.

"Evelyn?"

She looked up to see that the music had stopped. Peter was staring at her worryingly and she gave him a reassuring smile. He moved them to a corner of the room, away from unwanted attention.

"Is everything alright?" he asked. He couldn't help but stare at her, now completely free of her Calormene ties. It was like he was seeing her for the first time.

"You know everything's not alright," she said softly. "I'm still waiting to see Aslan."

Peter did his best to bite his tongue. It seemed that this had consistently been the topic of all their conversations as of late. He knew she was impatient, but he had also sensed over the last several weeks that Aslan seemed to be purposefully avoiding Cair Paravel. Was it because of Evelyn?

Ever since their return from Anvard, Peter had felt stronger and more relaxed here at the palace. Evelyn was still a bit of an outsider, spending her days roaming the palace and gardens while Peter remained buried in Narnian affairs and council meetings. But there was something reassuring in seeing her every night at dinner, the walks they took along the beach when he had a break, and catching her eye in the corridors whenever they crossed paths. Her presence gave him comfort, strength…

He remembered the conversation he'd had with Aslan all those nights ago once more. Peter had always been considered a great warrior of Narnia, hardened with muscles and the scars to prove his experience in battle. But he had felt weak, useless even these last few years. It wasn't until he had seen Evelyn slapped by Rabadash, hearing of her escape, finding her in the old barn, did he feel like he had served a purpose.

This was certainly the strength Aslan had told him about.

He leaned down to her, gently planting a kiss on her lips. Ever since his conversation with Edmund that morning, he had been unable to keep Evelyn from his thoughts. Outwardly and in the presence of others, he had to remain polite and gallant, always the gentleman. But did Evelyn have any idea what he was like behind closed doors?

"I don't know how much longer I can sit around and just wait," Evelyn said. Her eyes were wide, with both worry and hope.

"Please," Peter said, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer. "Let's not talk about this right now. Can't we enjoy this moment? You look so beautiful."

Evelyn could see Peter's eyes devouring her. While she revelled in the feeling of this man's arms around her, a knot was forming in her stomach. Peter and his siblings, except for perhaps Susan, seemed to remember nothing of their life before Narnia. They were all too happy to leave their wartorn world behind because they were all together here, united as one.

She appeased him by planting another gentle kiss on his lips. They had to be discreet here in the ballroom, behind these shabby curtains which could so easily be pulled aside at any moment. If anyone saw them, it would be certain that Peter was courting her.

"Will you come to my room tonight?"

Peter's question caught her off guard. She let out a small gasp, half turning away. In a sense, she had seen this coming, especially after the show put on by Edmund this morning. Normally, she would have been offended by such a question, as this was normal practice for someone like Rabadash or the Tisroc. But Peter had asked, not demanded, and Susan had let it slip that it had been years since Peter had lain with a woman.

Her heart sank.

She couldn't. How many times had she told him she wanted to go home? Being with him like that would tie her further to this place. It was a cruel trick on his behalf.

"I can't," she said softly. She watched his blue eyes close off with her rejection. It broke her heart to see him look hurt and angry like this. "It's not fair to you or me," she continued, lowering her voice so she was certain no one else would overhear. "I don't want to end up like Edmund and Ira. Edmund knew Ira wouldn't stay, yet he bedded her anyhow. Why should we torture ourselves the same way?"

It took a moment for Peter to take in what she was saying. He knew it had been a bold question. He truly had not intended on wanting to bed her tonight, but seeing Edmund's distress and then Evelyn's restored hair had pushed all rational thought from his mind. He kept his eyes focused on her face, doing his best to smile despite knowing she had spoken the truth.

"Will you at least let me escort you on a walk to the beach?" he said, offering his arm. "Who knows? We may even run into Aslan."

Evelyn smiled but was doubtful. She took his arm and they snuck away from the party, laughing softly to themselves and trying not to think about their inevitable separation.

A little bit of fluff, but what FF doesn't have fluff? Plus every OC always needs her makeover moment. :)

Don't forget to R !