Chapter Four

Finally, after hours of riding in the bouncing carriage, the Pevensies, Caspian, and Brielle finally arrived in Archenland.

Brielle leaned forward and looked out from the window along the sprawling country she called her home. Despite having lived in Narnia with the Pevensies, working as Susan's lady-in-waiting, it wasn't Narnia she considered her home. It wasn't the place she spent much of her time after having arrived in the other world.

After arriving from falling in the bottom of her tub, to the beach of Cair Paravel, she watched as the prophesied Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve followed the prophecy to defeat Jadis. All the while learning of her own powers with and without her familiar. So much so that while the Pevensies were coming and going from Narnia, Brielle found herself stuck there, unable to return to her former life.

A normal life.

As normal as could be for someone who had a small group of friends growing smaller by the day, evacuating as the war came closer to land. Wondering if their home was the next to be bombed. But continuing to live life as if it was to be the 'normal' for the rest of their lives. And it had been, as far as she was concerned. The newspapers and talk at home were fodder for conversation in between classes, during lunch, and quieter times while on holiday.

It was then she found herself growing closer to Maugrim, not knowing why she was sow drawn to the wolf that would've otherwise, probably ripped her apart as quickly as he chased after those that dared to oppose him. But around her, he seemed to turn into that of a pet dog. And she enjoyed her time, figuring things out.

Until it all ended.

Until…

Brille squeezed her eyes shut. No, don't think of that, she scolded herself. Don't let yourself fall for that again. She opened her eyes once more, taking in the nation to the south of Narnia, but to the North of the Great Desert. Took in the hilly country of gorges and open parkland sparsely wooded with many different species of trees.

The mountains that formed the border with Narnia loomed in the distance, growing even smaller as they drove closer to the capital of Anvard. Though, incidentally, drawing them even closer toward the Calormen, the equally formidable enemy of nearly every country nearby. Brielle tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned back in her seat, letting out a low breath.

She looked over, noticing Caspian had done the same, complete with running his hands through his hair.

Even Peter noticed as he said, "That's not the way for a King to act, is it?" He tossed a teasing grin towards the Telmarine.

"I'm about to try and restore peace with a country that used to be a very close ally of the Narnians," Caspian explained in a low, subdued tone. He kept his gaze lowered to his hands as he spoke. Words hollow, conveying the sheer amount of discomfort that he wouldn't show to anyone else but those closest to him. "The very same country that made themselves independent while…while my uncle invaded and occupied as many countries as he could. Trying to exude his force on all those innocent." He shook his head. "Even doing so much as to his own people."

Peter and Susan exchanged a glance. Susan lifted her chin, eyebrows coming together, lips pursing as her blue eyes took in Caspian's discomfort. She'd been in the middle of the fight against Miraz and those that followed him, saw all the men that blindly followed his words. Or, rather, knew exactly what they were doing. Saw the realities of those that tried to stand up to their friends and family who had fallen beneath Miraz's spell and became lost to the times. A memory that only monuments in their name could remember.

"They know it wasn't you, Caspian," Peter reminded his friend. He looked fiercely at Caspian, as if daring him to tell him anything different. "They know you were trying to save your people. No matter what it took."

"If anything, they should find your want to change things, to mend broken ties with Archenland to be noble," Susan agreed. She carefully earmarked her placement in her book with a graceful placement of her finger. She held her book out for Brielle to take and carefully replace into Susan's carrier bag. "That you aren't attached to any of the ways of living your uncle made your people live under as…" Her nose wrinkled, trying to find the right word to come close to how Miraz had ruled. "Ruthless and careless as they were."

Caspian snorted. "Ruthless and careless? And yet, he continued to have as many followers as he had detractors." He shook his head. "And that's not to say what he wanted to do to me." He lifted his chin, looking out the window once more. "He wanted to kill me to ensure there was nothing standing in his way of a true rule over Telmar. And he would have succeeded if it weren't for Doctor Cornelius."

Peter swallowed hard. Blinked slowly. Worked his jaw back and forth as he figured out what to say in response to Caspian's truth. Brielle watched him all the while, wondering what it was he was going to say, what words of wisdom he'd managed to put on Caspian to take him out of his downward spiral of dark thoughts, of 'What ifs' and 'what could have beens'.

Brielle found herself stuck in that trap enough times to know how difficult it was to get taken out of it. She felt for Caspian, if she were being honest. Having met him and fought by his side, then seeing how he was to rise to power as a King, Caspian had grown used to herself and the Pevensies being around. The young man that had wanted to take revenge against his uncle and his plot to take over the throne of Telmar. If she were being honest, after hearing of Caspian's life, she wondered if there was ever a chance for him to be the King of Telmar.

It seemed, to her, that Mriaz had Caspian's head on a platter the moment he was born. Of which, she knew how it felt. Her eyes narrowed slightly when something struck through her chest, a strange feeling that she quickly pushed aside.

"We mustn't worry about that now," Susan pointed out, bringing Brielle's attention once more. "We need to focus on what is bringing us to Archenland."

"She's right," Peter agreed. He nodded to Caspian. "The matter of everything with Narnia and Telmar residing on this meeting is much more important." He laughed when Caspian shoved him hard on the arm. A move that would've been provided by Edmund to Peter (and vice versa) for even less. A sure sign that Caspian had become a part of the Pevensie family and vice versa. All memories of Peter's and Caspian's animosity had faded.

Brielle turned to look out the window of the carriage as it started to slow. No matter how many times she had traveled there, the sight of Anvard—the moatless castle where King Nain and Queen Aria of Archenland resides—took her breath away. All the castles surrounding the world of Narnia did so, even those of Telmar and Calormen. True, the buttresses and the spiers festooned upon the Telmarine castle was difficult for her to forget, despite the dark shadow that seemed to always cover it. Though it was the castle they lived in while Cair Paravel was rebuilt, Brielle did miss the golden aura that seemed to hover around the Pevensies' castle.

Nevertheless, Anvard held a similar golden glow. The red-brown stones that constructed the walls of the castle off-set the emerald green lawn it sat upon. Castle Anvard seemed to be bustling with life as the carriages finally pulled to a stop in front of the opening, the entryway lined with knights and noblemen and noblewoman who waited for the arrival of their guests. At the very front stood King Nain and Queen Aria, who held their heads high, nodding only slightly when the carriages were open, and Caspian and the Kings and Queens of Narnia stepped down.

Caspian, Peter, and Edmund fell in line and strode confidently toward King Nain and Queen Aria with Susan and Lucy falling in behind them, and Brielle and the servants behind them, even further back. Silence that stretched around the great lawn made way for the crunching of the dirt under their footsteps as they came closer to the rulers of the country they hoped to bring peace to.

"There is time to speak of such things," King Nain pointed out. "However, it is known for us to greet any and all that come out way with respect until that respect is taken advantage of." He nodded once. "I hope to see you at the entertainments tonight."

Peter and Edmund exchanged glances. Peter's one of concern and Edmund's one of curiosity. "Entertainments?" Peter finally repeated.

"'Why, yes." King Nain smiled. "Serious conversations can only be created once a bit of steam has been blown off, right? And as it is, Narnia used to be our allies, it would be what Aslan would want if we were to welcome you before we decided what to do moving forward." He leveled his gaze on Caspian. "Even if there are such matters we may not get past." He lifted his hands. "I shall see you all at the entertainments tonight, I hope you find Anvard a warm place to stay."

With a sweep of his arm, he turned his company to go back into the castle. The Pevensies and Caspian watched them leave, exchanging curious, if not looks of concern. All until a taller man with dark hair curling at his shoulders moved to stand in front of the group.

"By King Nain and Queen Aria, I welcome you to Anvard," he said, looking over the face of each and every person who stood in front of him. Then he looked to Brielle. "It is good to see you again, Lady Brielle."

Brielle held out her hand and allowed Silas to press a gentle kiss to the back of it. She lifted an eyebrow, watching him closely, aware of the Penvensies' eyes on her. "It is good to see you, as well, Silas." She motioned towards her friends. "May I introduce His and Her Majesties Caspian, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy of Telmar and Narnia."

"The pleasure is all mine," Silas said. "As soon it was known that peace had returned to Telmar, with Miraz's death, I was quick to ensure King Nain would give you counsel."

"And what are you to King Nain?" Peter demanded.

If Silas were offended, he didn't show it other than a quick lilt of his eyebrow. He brought his hand to his chest. "I'm the head of the King's guard," he explained. "His protection is of the utmost interest to me. I'm not sure what it is that Brielle has said about me, but I understand your hesitation to trust me…just as His Majesty is wary of trusting you."

"Yes, well, I see it as a good sign that he allows us counsel," Caspian said.

Silas merely nodded in response. He didn't acknowledge Caspian's comment, instead, changed the subject and said, "Again, we hope you enjoy the festivities. If there is anything that you need our servants have been instructed to help you become acclimated. We do have rooms readily available for you to prepare yourselves for the entertainments as well as retire to if you grow tired. I believe that are certain accommodations to be met?"

"Oh, no, you don't have to fuss over us," Lucy said quickly.

Silas sent her a charming smile. "As our guests, we have been instructed to ensure your comfort for the duration of your stay. Including guards posed at every door to ensure your safety." He nodded, clasping his hands behind his back. "If there is anything you need, a list of sorts, please have any of your valets or ladies write it down and let any of our servants know. I'll personally see to it." He blinked when Brielle brandished a piece of parchment toward him. He blinked rapidly.

"Then who'll read said list to you?" Brielle with a sickeningly sweet smile.

Silas slowly smiled in response, running his fingertips over the ring that sat on his middle finger. The red gem inside seemed to pulse with energy, following his movements. Brielle held the list to him once more, hardly flinching when he snatched it from her hand fast enough to cut her fingertip.

"I hope you enjoy your stay," he drawled.

"Do you think it was a wise decision for us to come?" Edmund asked. He fastened the buttons on his dress shirt. "To leave everyone without at least one of the nobilities in case there was an attack?"

"Who would be foolish enough to want to take on our armies?" Caspian asked with a teasing smile. He shed himself of the shirt he traveled in, quickly changing into a tunic that was more suited for the festivities for that night. "Especially when we're gone? They'd know we'd come back twice as hard if the news were to come to us. And besides," he pushed his head through the hole of his shirt. "Who else would be sure to eat our hosts out of house and home?"

Peter glanced over at Caspian. Surprised to see that he was able to joke so easily when, not long before, he was distressed over what could happen if nothing were to work out, no matter how much negotiating went on. Then he turned his attention to getting dressed himself, doing his best not to look in the mirror that was set up in the corner of the bed chamber the three young men were to be dressed in.

It took everything for him not to look at the scars that festooned his body when he did so, every time he did so. Scars that came from many avenues of conflict; from him and Edmund sparring, where he would move too slow and receive a nice long slash from a blade, from the times he'd be working on his own swords work and become to exuberant in his movements, some from the times he and his siblings would wrestle with each other back on Earth. Their Earth. And the fights that he'd break up that Edmund would fall into.

Those were the easy ones to see along his sides.

It was the ones on his chest and back he slowly grew to dislike. He first wore them with a badge of pride, to remember the difficult fights he put himself through to ensure the battles against the White Witch and Jadis had the good side prevail. But as time went on, as the puffiness of the scars continued to catch his eye, the memories of the victims continued to haunt him.

Too many victims. Too many lives lost because of his stubbornness to keep pressure among Miraz's men. It was a good decision, he thought, tried to remind himself. To put himself back into the shoes of the Peter—the King Peter—that had to make split-decisions in the middle of the battle. It was right. He didn't allow himself to think the rest of the sentence: at the time. It was right at the time.

The Narnian army of centaurs, minotaurs, and others that believed in the word of Aslan followed Peter's words down to the letter and stayed…stayed until they were compromised, and he had no choice but to shout for them to retreat.

To fall back.

To run away.

And as Peter said the words, "Retreat, fall back," he felt his heart sink, knowing they had been compromised and were backed into a corner they couldn't fight their way out of. The sickening feeling continued to haunt him as he ran around, making sure everyone—most importantly Susan—were able to escape the fray. So much so that he hadn't realized he was wounded; had been stabbed and slashed in the back and front as his adrenaline punched through him in his haste to escape.

Didn't realize he was so wounded until he slumped over his horse on the way back to Aslan's Howl, until the news of their defeat had reached everyone, and he moved to take stock of himself, seeing blood drip to the dusty floor. His gasp of surprise had alerted Lucy to his side, using her cordial to heal him. And he had been healed. Healed of the physical pain.

Nothing would be able to take down the emotional and mental pain of knowing they'd lost and it was his decision that'd secured that loss.

"What do you think, Pete?" Edmund's voice grabbed Peter's attention.

Peter quickly dressed himself and turned to face his brother. He lifted his pale brows, pursing his lips as he tried to think of what they'd been talking about. It'd been in the back of his mind. That's right, leaving Narnia to fend for itself. Maybe…it hadn't been a good idea.

"What other choice did we have?" He asked, challenging Edmund's concern. He nodded toward Caspian. "It wasn't like we could leave Caspian at home and go ourselves, now could we?"

"I don't know." Edmund shrugged, a mischievous smile came to his face. "We could have. It might've made the trip a bit more pleasant."

Caspian scoffed. "You're just upset you were in a carriage with Lucy, eh?"

"Have you heard her?" Edmund shot back. "The entire way all she talked about was what she thought Archenland was like, and that Anvard was like, and what sorts of new friends she would make there." He shook his head. "If she weren't my little sister, I'd forget she was a queen."

"You know, I think the same thing about you." Peter laughed when Edmund shook his older brother's hand off his shoulder. "And, like I said, what choice did we have? We couldn't leave Caspian behind. He's the one that everyone is looking to, to regain peace between these countries."

Edmund pressed his lips together.

"Being in friendship with Archenland is a win-win situation for all," Peter explained. "We can't think about what would happen if we aren't able to return our alliance to what it was before. We must act as if we are confident things are going to work out." He took a deep breath. "Or else we'll have to figure out what else to do to ensure that no other country sees us as weak." He looked to the two, focusing his eyes on Edmund. "You must remember, Ed, when we were older? That we evaded attack from the Carlomens because of our alliance with Archenland. With Lune?"

Edmund swallowed hard and nodded.

Peter could see it was just as hard for him to still think of the friends they'd lost over the years. The magical, and talking creatures, that'd fearlessly gave up their lives, waiting for their Kings and Queens to return.

Caspian shook his head. "You really know how to take the fun out of any situation, don't you?" He asked. Peter rolled his eyes while Edmund burst out laughing. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but smile as Caspian added, "King Nain and Queen Aria determined that we're to have a good time tonight, right? It would be nothing short of insulting if we were to mope all night."

"So, what do you think?" Brielle backed away from Susan, watching her turn back and forth in the mirror.

Susan held the top of her dress toward her chest, making sure it wasn't to fall down with the back open and loosened. She held her hair up above her head, mimicking an updo that she was thinking of going with that night. Lucy watched her for a moment then shook her head.

"Honestly, Susan, people would think that you'd have a big head, the longer you look at yourself," Lucy remarked.

Susan frowned. "They would not."

"Your reflection's already taking up the whole mirror." Lucy let out a shriek when Susan turned from the mirror in a move that she was about to charge towards her little sister. Lucy, however, darted toward the other end of the bedchamber, being careful to gracefully drop herself to the armchair that sat around a smaller table, holding cups of tea. "Susan, you look beautiful," her voice turned wistful, continuing to watch her older sister's movements as she twisted and turned in the mirror.

"Thank you," Susan murmured. Then she dropped her hair down around her shoulders then moved to the bedpost, grasping it with both hands. Brielle moved behind her and started to pull at the strings that'd tighten her corset.

"I suppose all those guards noticed, too," Lucy continued.

Brielle snickered when Susan turned to look at Lucy, making Brielle force her head back toward the front with a warning look. Nevertheless, she could see Susan's shoulders tense at the accusation. "I didn't notice," she replied with a too-calm tone to her voice.

"Please," Brielle teased. "Every eligible man in Narnia would like to have a shot with you." Her lips pulled back into a smirk. "A shot with you, shot by you, I'm sure they aren't picky."

"Brielle!"

"Cupid is real, Susan!"

"Honestly." Susan gathered her skirts and moved away from Brielle, who followed her across the bedchamber, still tying the back of her corset. "You need to think about something else."

Brielle looked at her pointedly. "You mean you haven't thought about falling love? About getting married?" Susan looked at her out the corner of her eye, an almost withering look that made Brielle know she was treading on dangerous ground. Nevertheless, Brielle was curious. She'd seen the way Caspian and Susan had looked at each other since they met, had seen the kiss they'd shared.

Lucy seemed to agree for she said, "And what about Caspian?"

Susan turned her glare from Brielle to her little sister. "What about him?"

"You gave him a good kiss, didn't you?" Lucy asked. She continued to grin despite her sister's growing agitation. "I saw you!"

"Well…" Susan nodded her thanks to Brielle as she finished tying her corset and fastened the back of her dress. "I thought I was never going to return to Narnia. I thought we were to leave and never come back—"

"—And you thought that'd be a good way to say goodbye to Narnia?" Lucy giggled, making Brielle start to laugh quietly as well. "Why didn't you go ahead and kiss the minotaurs as well?"

"Why don't you?" Susan knew it was a cheap response to Lucy's teasing, the flush that came to her cheeks and chest was enough proof.

"I wish I was old enough to kiss someone," Lucy mused. Her eyes turned downcast, playing with the hem of her dress as she pulled her knees to her chest. "I remember when I was old enough to be married. I had a lot of princes after me…to be their queen."

Susan went to her sister and grabbed her hand, holding it firmly in her own. She look her sister in the eye, being sure that her words were taken seriously. "All those princes may have wanted you to be their queen, Lu, but Narnians needs you to be theirs."

"I know," Lucy replied with an air so haughty that Brielle was sure she'd finish her sentence with, "silly". Lucy squeezed Susan's hand. "Thanks, Su. But it's nice to think about."

Brielle hid a smile as she made sure to finish getting dressed herself. She took in Susan's emerald green dress, with gold trimming and jewels festooned around the collar, sleeves, and hem then at her own champagne colored body dress and smiled. She was home, with her friends. And they were going to get their alliance back together.

They were going ot have a good time.

"So, no suitors here, Brielle?" Lucy asked, grabbing the lady-in-waiting's attention once more. However, Brielle couldn't help but note an eagerness to Lucy's tone. She always was the one to get the most gossip out of everyone without trying very hard. "Su told me about Silas and Vincent. Silas is a very good looking man."

"Lu!" Susan laughed.

"I might be young again, but I can at least notice."

Brielle was saved from the conversation as there was a knock on the door. She called for it to open and a guard stepped inside. "It is time to start," the guard said with a hint of a smile.

With one last swish of her dress, and a pat of the golden diadem resting carefully over her parted hair, Brielle ensured Susan was ready to go before looking over Lucy's own attire. She smiled when Lucy held out her arms and spun around, letting the hem of her deep orange dress to flare around her.

"How do I look?" Lucy struck a funny pose, making Susan and Brille both laugh.

"Like a royal," Brielle said. She reached out and tipped Lucy's head back. "Like someone I'm glad to follow."

Lucy squeezed Brielle's hand and the three swept from the bedchamber and toward the grand ballroom that was to hold the feast and festivities that night. As they went, Brielle quickly whispered what was to be expected of that night, what sort of food was to be served, the kinds of dancing that would be done, anything that may be different to what they'd seen in Narnia.

Brielle brought up a hand to cover her mouth as she and Susan walked into the hall that was to hold most of the festivities. While Susan—Queen Susan the Gentle of Narnia—held her head high, gaze focused forward as her dress swept the floor, Brielle took note of all eyes around them. Eyes that sized her up as the highest queen of Narnia from age as well as beauty. The gaze that, Brielle noted, took on a hungrier gaze of those suitor age and older.

It wasn't the looks of the suitors that made Brielle quell her laughter, but that of Peter and Edmund, who stood with Caspian at the far end of the hall with expressions clearly battling between their duties as the Kings of Narnia and as Susan's brothers. The sheer banality of a brother's love and want to protect their sister couldn't be ignored despite the rights and rituals they knew to be their way of life.

Lucy, on Brielle's other hand, audibly gigged. She and Brielle exchanged a look, making Brielle press her lips together harder, trying and failing to keep from snickering. Susan's eyes briefly flickered towards Brielle, a cutting glance to those who were unlucky to find themselves on the receiving end of to understand just how steadfast and dangerous she could be despite her beauty making her appear innocuous. At least Lucy understood the entertainment value in the situation.

The three stepped to the floor, joining the other noblewomen, ladies in waiting, viscountess, old enough—or in other cases, young enough—for suiting, with Queen Aria standing in front of them. She swept her arms aside and announced the meeting of their newcomers, starting with the queens.

"I thought you said we were going to dance," Susan murmured out the side of her mouth.

"We will," Brielle said. "But not after you meet each and every eligible suitor who may want to court you." She smiled as Susan's features slowly tightened with each and every one of Brielle's words, taking on the men that slowly yet steadily moved from their places across the floor to meet with the women on the floor. "I think you said something about wanting to be properly introduced to Vincent and Silas."

Susan parted her rosy lips, wiping away the look of horror that threatened to come up. A look that wouldn't be becoming of a queen who was currently in a very public event with all eyes on her as the fate of Archenland's and Narnia's treaty hung in the balance.

"Brielle, remind me later to have a word with you," Susan murmured.

"I love you, too," Brielle replied sweetly, making Lucy giggle louder.

"Oh, go on, Susan," Lucy pressed. "I'm sure there's someone you'll find interesting tonight."

Susan shot her another sharp glance over her shoulder, before turning a smile—a fake one, Brielle noted—to the first suitor brave enough to step forward and extend his hand to the queen's. A hand, Brielle noted, was dripping with sweat.

Susan was definitely going to get her for that later.

Not after Vincent—who stood shorter than Silas with a mop of blonde hair and a goatee to match—went to Brielle and extended his hand to her, sweeping low in an almost bow as he did so. Brielle studied him cautiously, before allowing her hand to take his, making him immediately correct himself and stand up straight, pulling her into his chest. He placed a hand on her lower back, shifting the other up into her hand and aligned his neck and shoulders properly, making Brielle follow suit.

With the start of the music, he took a step back, making her fall in line with him, and the two moved ot the music that started up.

"I need to speak with you," he said.

Her eyes landed on the sapphire hanging around his neck, only just visible at her angle as he swept her around the floor. Something settled in the pit of her stomach. She knew she could avoid them for so long. "I don't doubt it,"

A/N: Aww, some bonding with the girls and the guys. But we've got some drama coming up soon, not just with the potential alliance between Narnia and Archenland, but with Brielle, Silas, and Vincent. Thanks for all the interest so far you guys! :)

Cheers,

-Riley