A/N: An update within a month? Yep no need to rub your eyes, it's REAL! XD

And oooh I was so excited to write this, especially the hashtag Edaline after literally eons! Hope you do enjoy.

Chapter 32; coming back to you

Come back to me, Edmund, Aline's voice echoed in him the same as yesterday as it sounded clear as day to him in that horror house of mirrors, as he rode as hastily as he could, Cair Paravel bound.

Since releasing the dryads that still had any semblance of a life force left in them while the rest...

His duties did not simply end at that. And this part, he did not mind as much in fact, one could say it was something he'd rather enjoyed.

Sacking Lord Rynelf off the Castle and stripping him off his position, and the very public trial which ended the disgraced lord found guilty of utmost treason.. Oh, just the look on his face.

Anyways, with Drea and Merleen in charge of Ettinsmoor and him heading right to Cair Paravel with the paperwork's to finalize it and of course carrying the heavy news all that had happened.. the road in front seemed rocky to say the least. They still had a lot on their plate. Most of it pertaining to a certain girl that never seemed to leave his mind and another the woman who had just stuck her claw like fingers into his head and probed his mind. Besides not to mention.. the prophecy.

They'd be searching far and wide for any semblance of a prophecy concerning the newest daughter of Eve, he ought to almost feel relieved now that he'd found it, but Edmund was not. Not in the least.

"From the bowels of darkness shall a fire be awoken;
Reborn under a moonless night;
Armed with an army of good men forsaken;
The blood of the ancients christened at first light;
To once and for all, unite sword, stone and time."

"Show him, Al!" Lucy cooed from the stands as Aline smirked at Peter with his hands up in a surrender.

"Alright, I admit you've gotten way better than I'd expected," he finally admitted only deepening the smirk on her face. "Ed's trained you good."

"Why, is that a compliment I hear from the High King? You're welcome, royal brother." chimed a voice from behind her that made Aline's heart beat quicken as time seemed to slow down around her. For a moment she felt acutely aware of everything, her pulse, the rush of blood in her veins, the heat on her cheeks. Everything in her told her to not turn around, after weeks of not seeing him yet obsessing over everything to do with him, she surely wasn't ready to face him. But her body betrayed her as she turned around just the same, just as Lucy squealed "Edmund you're back!" as she ran into her brothers arms engulfing him in a surprised hug.

Edmund seemed to stare passed his sister's shoulders, his gaze instead falling squarely on Aline. She had her hair tied up in a pony tail again and she seemed to look at him with an expression he could not recognise. Her lips were parted as if in shock and her green eyes bright yet the lines on her forehead seemed to convey that she wasn't entirely happy at his sudden presence.

And for a fact, Aline was not. For right beside the Just King, dressed in red and her face set on the King's face in a look of flirtation was none other than Lady Carissa. Aline's eyes slitted. Of course, she thought almost rolling her eyes. She was a fool to think anything of whatever the nature of their relationship was.

"Or-" Edmund continued his gaze yet fixed on her, "may it be that you have grown weaker." he smirked, now turning to Peter though the way he'd lingered on her form not lost on her.

"Or maybe," Aline interjected, "I have grown stronger. Besides don't be so quick to take that compliment, Edmund."

Finally, to hear her utter his name pierced his heart. Edmund steadied himself, if he had any way of winning her back he needed to keep his cool. Even if it was from his own brother. Edmund's eyes slitted at the very thought as his gaze slipped back and forth from his brother to her trying to read whatever transpired in between them in his absence.

Oh for Aslan's sake, he thought to himself, Narnia was on the brink of something dark and sinister they couldn't even figure out yet the biggest problem in his mind was the nature of Peter and Aline's relationship.

"If you recall correctly, my progress had nothing to do with you. In fact, you were barely around if I remember correctly. Isn't that right Peter?" she finished.

The way Peter's eyes flickered onto her form angered him beyond reason. "Well, she isn't wrong." he shrugged with an easy laugh before turning to Edmund, "besides you heavily underestimate me brother."

Before Edmund could respond a voice he'd almost forgotten had found and clung onto him since he'd got back, spoke up, "How about, we settle this like gentlemen. Maybe you two should duel it out!" Carissa spoke.

Only for cheers and shouts of exclamations from the few soldiers who'd been training around them. They'd rarely had a Royal's presence when training and now the both of them?

"Yes!"
"A duel till first blood!
"Oh I wager the Just King's still got it"

"That would indeed settle this once and for all." Lucy agreed.

"I'm not duelling Aline, and surely not till first blood is drawn," he rejected immediately. No, there was no way he was letting a single drop of her blood spill for any reason whatsoever.

"No silly," Carissa giggled, "I meant the High King and you, the Sword of Narnia of course!"

"Oh in that case," Edmund couldn't help but smirk a little, "bring it on."

"No." Aline's clear disagreement rang over the excited chatter that immediately sprang up at his words. "No-one is fighting nor spilling anyone's blood here today." Concern rang through her voice clear as day and he did not miss it when her gaze turned to him as it marred her features. Concern for him. It sent a jolt of electricity through his system. Does she really think Peter stood a chance against him?

"Oh Aline worry not," the High King interjected instad, "this has been a long time coming. It's about time we settled this for good. I promise I'll try not to hurt my little brother."

Despite the High Kings confidence, Aline had not the heart to tell Peter that wasn't her concern at all. In fact, she knew Edmund and how good he was with his sword. What she was worried about was actually, Peter. She'd seen the look on Edmund's face, the clear jealousy that betrayed his otherwise impeccable mask at the way his brother mentioned her name. And just knowing that sent a swell wave of satisfaction through her however it did nothing to ease her feel about this duel they were supposed to have. He wasn't known as the Dark King for nothing after all. And Aline knew better than anyone the dark side that came with Edmund, especially when something triggered him. And right know, she knew she did.

"Since you seem that confident brother," Edmund walked into the middle of the already drawn field. "Let's begin."

"King Edmund wait!" Carissa called back, "if you are doing this, let me help you do this the right way." was that a blush on her face? Aline fumed.

The lady took her kerchief that had been folded in her hands as she daintily spread it letting it open into the soft breeze that riffled through them as she pressed a kiss to it. " Here, now you have my favour." she tied it to his fore arm.

And of course, again, he'd just accept it without a second's thoughts and a silly flirt of a smile on his face. Typical Edmund. Aline rolled her eyes. In fact, she hoped, and prayed that Peter put him in his place today.

But when he turned to look at her, as if he wanted to see her very reaction to it, Aline forced her features to seem nonchalant. No way she was letting any of the distress show on her face. Aline inwardly cursed him, if he hadn't left for so long while letting her broil in her emotions after his sudden confession she was pretty sure each day he'd have done something to show her exactly why she'd rejected him and by now she'd be way over the pompous, egoistic jerk.

"Well, my lady," the High King's voice broke her out of her thoughts as she subconsciously uncleanched her palms she hadn't realised she'd balled up at that.

"Are you going to bestow me your favour or would you rather let Edmund get away flirting with Lady Carissa so easily."

"I.. don't know what that- or a favour even means," Aline stammered out as her cheeks colored badly at the perceptive older Pevensie's observation.

Peter only smirked, of course he didn't know what exactly had transpired between his younger brother and the girl that had grown so close to his family over these few months, even a blind man could detect the tension and chemistry in between the two.

"A favour is a token of a lady's wishes and good luck bestowed on a knight before a duel." he proceeded to explain as she nodded in recognition.

"But I don't even- oh wait," Aline remembered the ribbon that held her hair high up in its place as she pulled at it letting her long silky hair cascade down her shoulders. With a smirk on her lips, knowing without having to look they held the Just King's full attention- and mirth, "would that do?" she questioned with a brow raised to which Peter smiled.

"And now a kiss and it would send him over the edge-" he joked to only to elicit a blush from the lady as she playfully smacked his arm- "I was only joking!"

But then to his surprise- and ever hers, Aline leaned forward on her tip toes as she pressed a single quick kiss on to Peter's cheek.

"Oh great, Al. Now you've for sure ensured my funeral."

The exchange had for a fact not escaped the Just King's gaze. He could hear not the exchange between them but when she pressed a kiss to Peter's cheeks, Edmund lost it.

He took all the rage, the feeling of betrayal, of heartbreak, of this deep dark thought inside of him saying she made her decision and he had only pushed her to it- and put it into the duel. Peter's sword crashed into his with clangs that echoed through the compound again and again that if it were someone else they'd have given up but not him. No, Edmund was just getting started, and Peter by now had already exhausted half his energy.

Edmund smiled wickedly as he could feel his brother's offences grow sloppier while he hadn't even started.

Edmund couldn't dare look at her face, not after what she did. Carissa's favour meant nothing to him but her on the other hand.. A rage of anger seeped through him as he stuck in offense for the first time.

Peter stumbled back, but Edmund showed no mercy nor sign of slowing down. "Pete!" he heard Lucy cry out.

He struck again. And again. In a rage that was a long time coming. It was more than just today, he had always felt the pressure to measure up to his older brother, the golden Magnificent High King. Yet he had followed Peter in every order he'd commanded, protected him and his siblings from all threats around them before they even manifested. He stayed in the shadows so that his siblings could bask in the light and normally he was okay with that. He wasn't much for the spotlight anyways. But when it came to her, Edmund knew not what possessed him. She somehow shifted something in the core of his being and all it pointed to was her. And something about the reality of losing her made him lose it all. He may have had his faults, he was a traitor after all, but he deserved one good thing in his life at least did he not?

"Do not make me wound you brother, give up." Edmund gritted through his teeth as with a sudden surge of energy Peter managed to shove away his swords blow as he staggered forward with gathering his energy after his brothers repeat assaults.

From the side, Aline could see it, Peter contemplating giving up, Edmund would not go as far as seriously harm his brother would he? But no, she gritted her teeth. Peter isn't losing this one. Not if she were to have a say in it.

Edmund's sword met another that wasn't Peter's frail attempt at a block.

"Aline!" both the brothers sounded at once.

"What are you doing?"

She looked towards the older Pevensie a smirk on her face, "I'm doing you a favour, your Majesty."

With that she turned to the other, "So are you going to make a move or do I end this right now?"

Edmund glared at her. Despite everything, he could find no anger in him directed at her. He could never hurt her. Did she not know that?

Aline struck this time, which he did nothing but block at the last minute. "Fight me damn it Edmund!"

Aline struck again. Her sword gliding smoothly through the air as if an extension of her hand itself which he blocked again with ease. "I do not wish to harm you Aline."

His sword found hers midway this time as they engaged in a power struggle both of them refusing to back down.

Aline managed a cold laugh through the toll it took to keep him at bay, " You never seemed to mind the countless other times."

Edmund opened his mouth to argue but right then she stepped back. Her moves held a certain elegance and grace to them like they were engaged in a dance. A dance he had danced countless times before. Before of course, he'd gone and messed it all up.

"Least respect me enough to fight me as an equal Ed," her quiet voice cut through to him. He looked at her properly for the first time since he'd gotten back. Her free hair now spiralled around in a halo around her head. Her pink lips quivered. Nothing had changed, not even the way he got immediately got lost in her eyes like he had so many times before. Like hell, he thought the distance between them would help.. "Don't hold back for me. Please." Aline begged.

How could he refuse her anything if she asked it of him that way?

So Edmund struck and she blocked.

They got into this dance they'd become all too familiar with in the past. She'd grown considerably stronger, Edmund realised with a frown. This much of energy expended ought to have tired her out by now.

Instead Aline persisted, she kept going at him, not giving him an opening to get any in on her. Like she had requested, he did not hold back except that.. she was good. Almost too good. She was an angel of vengeance, a power of destruction and he could barely keep up.

That was when she saw it coming, that was a chink in his armour and Aline smiled to herself, she was going to exploit it.

She faked a step and he took the bait. His sword raised expecting her to parry his block but she did not instead Aline sidestepped as she crouched down low drawing her sword with her. Then using a trick she'd just recently perfected Aline aimed right at his hilt praying the sharp end of her sword did not slice his fingers. Now where would the fun be at if she won so easily?

It worked! she realised as the Just King found himself defense less as his sword clamoured to the ground. Realising what she'd done Edmund reached to his side where rested the other twin of his double swords. Only to find the scabbard that hung at his waist.. empty.

He looked up, from on his knees to find her hold them both, her own and one of his swords while the other lay discarded on the ground. She looked up triumphantly.

Edmund read her mind, as her eyes met his. She had no intention of winning, no she was right he was the egostic one out of the two of them though she sure did put up a close fight in many ways than she'd thought. He leapt forward in an attempt to stop her just as the audience around them collectively gasped in astonishment. No one saw this coming. None except him.

"Aline no!" he shouted but it was too late. With an outstretched arm that held his sword Aline let her own on her other clatter to the ground, as she brought his sword down to her exposed skin.

Edmund managed to push it away but he was just a second late and instead only worsened it as his own sword that should've left a light tear in her skin instead slid to the ground leaving a gaping gash.

"What possessed you to do that?" he half yelled at Aline.

"I don't particularly care about winning and you're too-" she paused here as if she was searching for the right insult to hurl at him, "egoistic to handle defeat. So you're welcome. And congratulations Edmund, you win."

He said nothing as he without a second thought tore a chunk of his tunic wrapping it around her now bleeding arm.

"You're impossible, do you know that?"

Without sparing the dumbstruck audience around him or any of his concerned siblings a second thought Edmund linked her good arm through his while she held on tight to his makeshift bandage on her other, over the deeper than expected cut as he motioned her forward half dragging the poor girl.

"What are you doing?" she hissed only to be met with a expression she couldn't quite catch.

"To the infirmary to have that seen to."

"I don't need it seen- Edmund- stop dragging me- I-"

Now that they were out of earshot of any of the annoying courtiers he turned around as his grip on her hand slackened and Aline almost flinched at the ire-filled look in his eyes. And despite her fierceness during their fight earlier seeing him pissed off, truly pissed like this made her shrink. Edmund seemed to notice.

"That was the stupidest thing you could do and look at what you've done now, you're hurt."

"Well, it was supposed to be a tiny cut to simply draw blood, but no you needed to come along and play hero," Aline rolled her eyes.

With an exasperated sigh and almost before Aline could process his intentions with a gasp she felt his arms slide around her torso as he lifted her up and into his arms with ease, and this time unlike the last she did not protest as she threw her good arm around his neck.

After weeks of nothing, not even a word from him this felt.. intense. And yet despite everything, despite Carissa today or her stupid kiss on Peter's cheek that had riled him up so much Aline couldn't help but feel a warmth that spread over her body. She felt not the pain that should've coursed through her arms, she felt not the hurt that ached her heart, instead she laid her head against the crook of his neck and Aline breathed in his scent as his steps found their way into the Castle's infirmary.

"You know what you really need? Stitches on your mouth."

"Move!" he commanded everyone gawking at the unlikely sight of a Narnian King with a Lady in his arms make his way into the infirminary. And just as expected, everyone scurried out of his way.

"Someone get me the supplies," he barked out orders as he laid her on one of the beds.

"My King, allow me I could handle this."

"No." the single word made the dryad that approach him flinch. "Did no one here hear what I said? I said get me the supplies."

"Edmund," Aline breathed out almost embarrassed at the fuss he was causing, not like her arm was rotting off..

"You." He glared at her in accusation, "-have no say in this."

The dryad that spoke before brought him the supplies and without a word he began unwrapping the rough cloth that he'd wrapped on her wound. It had bled right through as he couldn't help but feel a pang at his chest. She winced in clear pain she'd been trying to hide this long, "that looks deep," she commented with a forced laugh through the pain.

"King Edmund, that indeed does look deep. It needs stitches."

"Besides she's losing blood."

Edmund looked at her a forlorn look on his face. How could he let this happen? She was right. Every word of hers, of course all he caused her was hurt how could he deny it now as she lay there on a bed bleeding cause of him.

"I need to fix her hand up, if you'll let me."

He gave up. "Alright then," the Just King conceded, "I shall.. let you fix her up then."

He stepped back as she felt a hand wrap around his, "Ed,"

"It's just a cut that that needs to be stitched up. I'm not dying."

"I'm sorry," he breathed out.

"Stay."

"Edmund, stay."

"Are you sure that you want me to?"

"Yes. I mean, hell yes. I.. need a hand to squeeze while Delilah pokes needles into me don't I?"

A/N: THE NEXT CHAPTER IS ALREADY WRITTEN ANNNNND EVEN MORE INTENSE! So you know exactly what you should do lovelies,, review! review! review! (please) and who knows? It might be up by tonight!