I'm really sorry, I know this took forever to update.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapater is a bit of a filler but it's still important.

Please comment!

I'll never know how Blade and I agreed to give us another chance. At some point, after he calmed down, we decided we would fight for each other and the feelings declared not so long ago. Neither of us wished to be alone, not after we got a taste of what it was like to have someone with you. All was sealed with a sweet kiss. His lips tasted of the salt that had left his eyes minutes before. I wished I could just erase such a flavor. It should never be there, just like he should never have to be in this kind of pain.

After that, we both zoned out. I couldn't read his thoughts but I was sure we were thinking of the same thing: how would we make all the promises we just made come true? Somehow, I felt like I couldn't tell him what I was planning, as if, as soon as they became words, the actions would be cursed to never happen. For a moment I wondered if this would be breaking his trust until I remembered how differently we thought. This was a breach of trust in my book, not his. He wasn't asking for everything that was in my mind but rather for actions and if not speaking of them made it easier for me to act, than surely it was alright.

Whenever I looked at him to gauge what was going on with him, I drew nothing but a blank. His eyes were fixated far away, his breathing perfectly regular, his mouth a straight but relaxed line. The moon played with the shadows in his face, shifting them slightly as the night went on. For the first time I noticed a small scar on the side of his cheek that seemed to attract the moon beams. His eyes were glassy and red but stayed so beautiful, seemingly lit from within with thousands of small stars. It almost seemed he wasn't truly there, too outwardly to be real. Every time, I would have to shake myself to come back to reality. It was easy to get lost in contemplating him, not to mention enjoyable, but other matters had to be solved.

While we sat in silence, Myra had laid down between us, staring intently at Maria. She was following all of her movements and whenever my maid seemed to get close to the door she would growl and show her canines, rooting her to the spot. Upon realizing this, the girl had kept herself very still, contenting herself with staring at us like we had grown a second head. It soon became a little irritating but I said nothing. After all, I knew for a fact that I would have to talk to her when Edmund left as to ensure her silence. That was sure to be difficult but it seemed to me it could wait for another couple of hours. I would ignore my anxiety for as long as I could.

Indeed, I wouldn't only have to talk to Maria, much else was to happen and not a single one of those events seemed anything less than daunting. I would have to break every rule of decorum and status come sunrise but I was willing to do it for the men sitting in front of me. His principal issue, it seemed, was the war raging in the West. The battles in Western Woods had him exhausted, isolated and filled with guilt for the lies he was forcing on his siblings and kingdom. If I wished to help him, I first needed him back at the Cair.

The issue, however, was how to stop a war in which I had no influence. Reinforcements wouldn't follow me for I had no authority, I needed the order to come from the three remaining monarchs or risk a bigger fraction. Which meant I would have to discuss this with them. The prospect terrified me. For one, King Peter's temper made me want to hide in my rooms for the rest of my stay. Even more, a bigger problem remained: how could I ask for help without admitting to my crimes? All I knew came from their brother, which I could never tell them, but without a credible source they would dismiss me.

Queen Lucy knew I had become involved with him but that hardly mattered. If I was to show Edmund he could trust me, admitting what had happened to anyone could do no good. I had to be cunning. Of course, I could say I had found out thanks to overheard conversations from the councilmen when they were drunk at the parties. It was a good opening but not enough to cover my tracks completely: I possessed more information now than most people inside the castle. The youngest sibling would probably figure out where this was coming from and accept, but the eldest siblings had to be convinced as well.

I kept repeating the matter in my head, looking for a solution I was blind to before. It was only when the sun started to raise and I heard the soft sound of snoring that I stopped. Surprised I looked at the young man sleeping soundly in my couch. It seemed his expression of far off thought was more a proof of exhaustion than of concentration. I was immediately pulled completely from any sort of scheming as my breath was taken from my lungs. He looked… gorgeous. The calmness in his features was uncanny, almost out of character but in the best sort of way. None of his walls could be seen at the moment. The layers of the strong warrior had been peeled away by sleep to reveal a child. His closed eyelids showed off his long lashes that fluttered against his high cheekbones with every intake of breath. His mouth was ever so slightly opened in the softest version of a snore as his chest rose and fell regularly.

This moment made me realize how exhausted he always looked, how the weight of the word was constantly resting on his shoulders, no matter how well he seemed to bear it. For the first time he seemed truly calm. And yet, the most beautiful part was how fragile he appeared. Gone were the extremely talented fighter and the strong men. All that remained was the veracity of how undoubtedly human he was. How I treasured his strength but I had come to understand than this flimsy and breakable persona was much more valuable to me.

I smiled fondly at him and took the covers from the bed, tucking him in like you would a toddler. He positively melted into their warmth and let out a small sigh of contempt. He was still far in the land of dreams when I caressed the side of his head gently. He didn't move or react. If it wasn't for his steady breathing I would've been scared. As it was, I found myself enchanted with the lack of response. When I walked away from him, Myra stepped closer and cuddled with him on the couch, still not taking her eyes off Maria. I knew it was time to talk to her.

The poor handmaiden trembled when I neared her, staring at me like I was nothing but a stranger to her. Thankfully, she was relatively new to my service and I felt no pain from her judgement. All that mattered to me was making sure she would stay silent. "Maria" I started but was cut off by her small whimper. She was shaking her head like it would make everything go away. Sighing was only natural at the moment. "I understand you are confused, but I must speak with you." My statement snapped her put of her uncontrolled fright but did little else.

"My Lady, with all due respect, I refuse to be a part of this. I am quite happy you have found someone that makes you happy but I will not be a criminal over an affair that will end in four days. Your title protects you but I am in the most vulnerable of positions given the circumstances. I can't keep quiet." She announced, managing to keep the tremble almost completely off her voice. She was right, and I knew it. If my position was precarious, hers was the definition of hell. I wished I could make her forget but it was simply impossible. What could I say to make things better, however? I couldn't back down nor annul her troubles. Appealing to pity would be downright cruel, considering what I was doing to her.

"You say you appreciate your life." Myra's voice startled both of us. She had stood and walked to stand next to me with the discretion of a falling snowflake. I turned to Blade, wondering if we had woken him, but found him still unconscious on the couch. "If that is the case, it is better for you to keep quiet. If anything was to happen that threatened my boy I would be obligated by law to kill you." It was weird to hear anyone call King Edmund a boy. He was one of the most powerful and influential men in the world, not a child hiding behind others to fight for him. I guess, however than Myra, being his shadow saw him in a different light. I wondered, for the first time, about her age. Was she old enough to see Blade as nothing more than a pup? It felt like something I should know.

Maria seemed to have a different train of thoughts. She was focused on the death threat coming from the perceived beast in front of her. I could hardly blame her after I had a similar reaction the night at the beach. I realized then that I didn't fear Myra anymore. Of course, I knew I never wished to be on her wrong side but seeing her protect Blade as she had tonight finally made me see her for what she was. A guard, a shadow, a woman with a job she would not fail at, specially because that would cause 'her boy' pain. Edmund had told me she perceived me as a treat and now that Maria was involved I could see why. This, of course, didn't mean I liked her after all she'd done.

"Plus," continued Myra "think of what you could gain by holding your tongue. You are talking about having one of the Kings of Narnia owe you a favor. Imagine the reward you could get." Myra eyes looked oddly human as she was doing something akin to raising one of her eyebrows. The Maid on the other hand looked suddenly quite interested. I glared, realizing she was quite opportunist. It disgusted me but I felt highly relieved when she nodded her agreement.

"If he doesn't want to get caught, he'll have to leave soon." She announced and as much as I knew it was true, I wish she hadn't brought it up. He needed to rest, not to be rushed around. Also, the selfish part of me didn't want to give up the beautiful sight he made sleeping on my couch. Myra nodded and was walking towards him when I interrupted "Wait". I hardly knew what I was about to say but I knew it had to be said.

Both women were now staring at me expectantly. I knew, from the way she looked at me Myra wasn't belittling me as much as she did before. However, I knew that if I became an indecisive little child again that wouldn't stay the case. I had to realize what I wanted now. The easiest way was to eliminate subjects. It wasn't a filler conversation to keep Edmund here, because as much as I wanted to his security was much more important. It wasn't about Maria being an opportunist since, as revolting as it was, it still kept us safe. Only one topic of the night remained. I just hoped I could convince the she-wolf to help me.

A long conversation after, I found myself in the strangest situation. Walking with the white Narnian through the open halls of Cair Paravel was terrifying. I felt like the biggest criminal in the land, and in a sense I was. We didn't bother to be discreet either and so all the guards who saw us ended up with a slack jaw and staring as thought we were ghosts. The wolf seemed completely unbothered, like this was a normal thing. Not for the first time I realized how alike her charge she was: cold exterior and warm insides with her friends.

On the other hand, even if I tried to look impassive I doubted I was doing that well. My heart was hammering in my chest. After all, we were entrusting Maria, a woman who barely knew him and cared only for money, keeping Edmund hidden. What if she changed her mind? If she figured she could get a bigger reward if she snitched on us? The mere ide had me trembling. I didn't wish him to be at risk, but perhaps this could take him out of harms way for longer. Aslan, did I hope this risk was worth it.

Not to mention it felt like I was betraying the young man who'd given me this information. I had the support of one of his closest friends but not his. How I feared another fight with him. He seemed, after all, to control my own emotions better than I did. Our time was dwindling and I truly didn't want to waste it with a betrayal hanging between us. But wasn't I already doing that? Could the fact that I wanted to help him be enough to tell others his secrets? Perhaps this was all a mistake.

"Sir Myra, it is good to have you back." Said general Oerelius, nearing us. I was surprised to hear that Myra had been knighted even if it made perfect sense. She was King Edmund's shadow, that was a great honor that clearly came with a knighting. My cheeks colored with embarrassment for my ignorance. "May I wonder where…" Myra didn't let him finish.

"He's not here. I'm here on his behalf." She announced calmly. "I must speak with Their Majesties at once." I couldn't comprehend her calm demeanor. It was like nothing could affect her. I hated how much I admired her for it.

"I understand. They are in the western balcony, breaking their fast with their guests." He told us, walking to the side to let us through. I smiled my thanks, but no ne else around seemed to believe it appropriate. Defeated once more, I started walking with the wolf to where we had been directed. We had barely made it five steps further when the centaurs voice stopped us again. His tone had grown softer and gentler. "Myra, I just need to know. Is he alright?"

The wolf stopped dead in her tracks. I studied her, saw her tense and frown before exhaling that anger and becoming impassive again. I couldn't quite comprehend what made her so mad. The Narnian was, after all, just asking about his ruler's wellbeing. Not to mention his friend's. Edmund's shadow turned her head to stare at the general. Her eyes were empty and scarier than her anger. Her words could have frozen spring. "He'd be better, Oerelius, if you hadn't turned your back on him and left him to deal with an army with only a battalion to help him. Ask me again when you were part of the few that didn't betray him using a ten years-old's mistake as excuse."

All the guards in the hall hung their head or looked at each other in shame. It was good to know they could at least see their errors. Edmund was a great men, he didn't deserve to be alone, much less when doing something to help his entire country. I smiled with pride and saw, once again, how this King was able to earn undying loyalty to all who bothered with more than rumors. It truly was a man worth loving. The centaur was looking at her with mouth gaping but soon recovered and shook his head. "So it's true?" he asked.

This time it was my temper that flashed. Why did everyone believe others but not Edmund. No wonder he felt like he needed to take such extremes measures. Before either Narnian could speak, I found myself running my tongue. "I believe, general, that if you didn't believe it when it came from your King, whatever Sir Myra says will be little more than noise. Unless, of course, you are suggesting, that her word is more than that of King Edmund." The centaur physically stammered but I didn't stay to see. Things had to be done and wasting time bickering wouldn't help anyone. I was surprised when I heard what sounded like a chuckle at my side. I stared at the wolf to see her smiling and giggling a little.

"Nicely said. The General, like King Peter, needs to be knocked down a few notches every once in a while." She told me with a sardonic smile that reminded that me of her charge. I returned the gesture, pride dancing in my soul. I would do things right, now. "By the way," continued my companion "I'm sorry about all the threats I threw at you." Now I was sure I looked just like the centaur. I didn't know what to say. I had wanted her apology, had even demanded it from Edmund. Now that I got it thought, it didn't feel like I had imagined. I realized I didn't really needed it since I understood why. Of course it was nice, but I was no longer dependent on it. Even so, it seemed crazy to have her admit her mistake.

"Thank you." I finally got out. "And also, thank you for everything you do to protect him." I told her, meaning it completely. I was glad that, no matter what, he'd have help from others. He was a good warrior, or so I'd been told, but still needed a lot of protection from other matters.

"We're good." Said the she-wolf. That seemed like more than enough and we took to the halls once more. Foreign nobles were looking at us questioningly and even if a part of me wanted to hide from their judgments I kept my head held high. Doubt would be my enemy today. Guards kept stammering.

When we finally reached the western balcony, it seemed time froze for a couple of seconds. I was about to do the one things Blade had asked me not to do since the beginning. I would put his secret in jeopardy. I wasn't going to enter, leave it to Myra to inform the monarchs of what was happening but it still tasted like betrayal. Of course, guards had already seen me with Myra but it was one thing to be spotted with her and another to admit treason by lying to them. Queen Lucy knew, I reminded myself, trying to convince me that when the guards informed them her siblings could be as understanding as she was.

I realized, a little belatedly that Myra was staring at me expectantly, the guards before us clearly waiting for my nod to open the gates for us. I panicked instantly; this wasn't part of the plan. The Narnian made a gesture for me to enter but upon seeing me shaking my head strongly enough to hurt my neck, she took a step back. "I'm not going in without you." She declared. Of course she had lied to me, this why she insisted so much in my walking her up to this point. I stared at her, terrified and annoyed. "Look, the damage is already done, they will know you were with me the moment we leave the room" and there was the blackmail. Damn my naivety. "They're not dumb, they'll know eventually. This will keep you safe, it will show them you are under their brother's protection."

"I swore to him so many times I wouldn't outer a word. I can't betray him like that." I protested angrily and loudly. She stared at me with unimpressed understanding in her gaze. With a sigh she turned to face me with her whole body. Her gaze held gravity.

"I'm going to give you a piece of advice a great man once gave me. Betrayal is relative. If you defy an oath for your own gain, you are a traitor. If you defy a promise to help someone it is initiative. Intentions show and it is them that earn forgiveness." I smiled. I knew who she was talking about, it was pretty evident with the context after all. If he could think that way than maybe this could be put behind us.

I held on to my courage. The sovereigns of this land were unpredictable. I couldn't predict how they would react. I would soon find out. I nodded to the wolf and together we entered. I vaguely heard me being announced, not a word of Myra. It seemed awfully rude. The siblings first stared at me with concern, confusion and a bit of annoyance but when they saw Edmund's shadow they all jumped up. Those around them didn't seem to understand yet when my father spotted me he acted like I was a ghost. I gave him a reassuring smile and went on. Talking to him could wait. I notices the main table was occupied by the monarchs and some of the most distinguished guests from Manis. I remembered that their prince, Prince Agash, was intend on courting Queen Lucy if his behaviors at the previous balls were to be believed. I felt slightly embarrassed for interrupting but this was much more important.

"Myra, is he…?" started Queen Lucy with hopeful eyes.

"He's not here." She interrupted. I knew she had cut General Oreius but this was much more than that. This was her Queen. Not that she seemed to care much. I saw the three siblings deflating, seeming depressed at the news. They truly missed him. "He's not too hurt either before you ask." We all picked out on the 'too'. I tried thinking of injuries I could have missed and realized he had been favoring his right side all day. This was bad enough if you didn't consider that he was left-handed and as such depended on his left side to fight. I wanted to kick myself for not realizing before. He was in even more danger than I thought…

"You left him alone? What is wrong with you? And why…?" Queen Susan was losing her temper at great speed. I couldn't find any trace of her rumored gentleness in her. She was gesticulating wildly as she stalked towards us, looking positively murderous.

Time to act.

"I suggest you either dismiss your guests or propose another place for us to talk." I stated, my voice firmer and colder than I thought it could ever be, especially when interrupting someone of her status. Everyone in the room seemed to remember then that I was there. Odd looks fell on me. I felt myself wanting to tremble but put that aside. Now wasn't the time. I couldn't be weak.

"Excuse me?" It seemed King Peter's temper was back. He probably didn't take lightly to being ordered around. His eyes weren't flashing dangerously like they did before, however close they were to doing so. When she noticed, Myra stepped closer to me in a protective gesture. I wasn't naïve enough to think it was out of care for me. no this was so I wouldn't get in trouble and Edmund with me. It still gave me confidence. I wasn't alone.

"Unless you want them to know confidential information, of course." My voice dripped sarcastic sweetness in a way I hadn't known it could. Where had this confidence been before?

"What could you possibly know?" The eldest Pevensie's disdain was tangible. And it made me shiver a couple of times before I managed to control it. I put a strong mask back on and reminded myself I wouldn't cower in front of the men who refused to acknowledge Edmund's efforts. I let anger protect me.

"You'll know soon enough. Meanwhile, are you willing to risk it?" I told him. I had the upper hand, I reminded myself. He wouldn't hurt me, not with his brother's protection around me and I had blackmail material. I was stronger than them right now. I looked at his face which had gone livid in anger. He seemed to want to say something but kept glancing at Myra to remind himself he couldn't.

"She is right Pete. We better talk alone." Agreed Lucy with a meaningful look. She knew I could have precious information on her missing brother, after all. A part of me was truly enjoying this newfound power over people this land considered almost as Gods.

"What is going on?" asked the prince of Manis, coming to stand next to the youngest sister, protectively. I had to stop myself from smiling at the cute gesture. It was not the time. I had to be strong if I wanted to get Blade the help he needed.

"It doesn't concern you, Your Highness." Spat the wolf standing next to me. I could tell she had only used the title out of obligation. She felt no respect for anyone in this room and was happy to let us all know. The whole company looked offended by her and some over exaggerated gasps were heard. I rolled my eyes at their theatrics even if I sometimes acted that way as well.

"And who are you to decide what concerns me?" said the prince, straightening to seem more intimidating. I tried to compare that with Edmund gesture when doing the same thing and couldn't help but giggle a little. It was ridiculous. This wolf worked for one of the scariest man I had ever met and he wanted to be an authority out of fear. "What are you laughing about, you silly girl?" his tone angered me but before anyone could blink, before even Myra could react, a knife was at his throat.

"That is no way to talk to her. Don't you think, Agash?" said that perfect velvety voice from behind us.

Edmund had finally shown himself to the court to threaten a dignitary.