That evening Eustace was summoned for dinner. Instead of going to the great dining hall, he was surprised to be ushered into a small room upstairs, where only Jill and Rilian were sitting. They both smiled when they saw him.

"Eustace! Come in!" Jill called as he entered.

"Rilian, Jill," he nodded as he sat down.

"I hope you found your rooms comfortable."

"Very, thank you. Are we dining alone tonight?"

"Tonight, yes. Our guests will join us tomorrow – but Jill thought you may not wish to have a royal banquet to deal with on your first night."

"Thank you, that was very kind," he sat down in honest appreciation. "Although, I do believe I met one of your guests this afternoon. Adelaide Bern of the Lone Islands?"

"Ah, our messenger. Yes indeed," said Rilian.

"Then you are one up on me, I have yet to see this mysterious Lady Adelaide," said Jill. "I haven't been attending many official receptions recently," she patted her stomach and smiled. "What's she like?"

"Very interesting. In fact, Rilian, I found out some things about her that you should know before you consider her proposals."

"Really?" Rilian and Jill exchanged glances.

"Darling, do we have to discuss this right now?" Jill asked her husband.

"Do we?" Rilian asked Eustace.

"I'm afraid we should – before you see her tomorrow."

"Alright," Jill said as she sat back. Four years of being married to the King of Narnia had come hand in hand with political discussions taking over dinner". "What's going on?"

"Well," Eustace took a sip of wine and cleared his throat. "She is not here under the Duke's orders."

"What?" asked Jill. She looked at her husband in alarm.

"She came in his ship – and her scroll carries his seal," said Rilian.

"Oh, she is his daughter. But he didn't send her."

"How do you know this?" Jill asked, clearly alarmed.

"She told me so herself," Eustace answered.

Rilian looked at his wife then back at Eustace, but didn't speak. Jill look concerned, but Rilian looked angry.

"Apparently the Duke is deathly ill, and she came herself to try and stop this mess."

"And who is she to think she can do that?" Rilian demanded.

"Well she is the Duke's daughter – "

"And because of that she thinks she has the right to single-handedly negotiate peace between two nations?" Rilian was getting angrier every second. Jill placed a hand on his shoulder and he closed his eyes and seemed to calm a little.

"Rilian," Eustace began, "I'm not condoning what she did, but she did have a reason for it."

"That I believe," said Jill. Rilian's head snapped up. "Rilian, you know as well as I what relations are like right now. There's even talk of succession!"

"And you know what? I have half a mind to let them have their independence!" Jill and Eustace both stared at Rilian as if he had lost his mind. "See how long they can last without Narnian protection!" he stood up.

"SIT DOWN!" Jill yelled. The King of Narnia instantly obeyed. "Alright, that's enough politics for one meal. I have not seen my friend Eustace in over five years, I intend to enjoy this meal. Rilian, pass the rolls." With Jill in charge both men calmed down. The Queen seldom gave orders, but when she did everyone obeyed.

The rest of the meal was much more agreeable. Eustace told Jill what was happening back in England, and about his family. Rilian was interested to hear about his cousins. Then Eustace realized there was still something he hadn't said yet. "Congratulations on your baby, Pole," he smiled. "I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner."

Jill beamed proudly. "Thank you, Eustace."

"When is it due?"

"August," she smiled at Rilian. "Dr. Regus says it will be a boy – "

"But he's often mistaken," Rilian smiled. "And Jill refuses to go to the centaurs to find out what the stars might say."

"I don't care what the stars say. I'm going to be happy no matter what it is." Eustace smiled at his onetime school friend.

"So have you thought of any names?"

"Actually, we really haven't," said Rilian.

"Eustace Clarence is a fine, aristocratic name," he said. He smiled to himself as the monarchs both looked terrified. "I'm only joking."

Jill laughed out loud. "Scrubb!"

"I wouldn't wish my name on anyone." Jill and Rilian both laughed. Eustace smiled to himself, they seem so happy.