Chapter 34 ~ A Kingdom Reborn
The Lord has done what was prophesied. He has placed the kingdom into the hand of another.

It had been late into the night before Susan had bestowed her blessing on all the Coronation Day preparations and called them complete. Thankfully Edmund had missed most of that. After waking him from his all-too-short nap and haunting dream, Susan had hustled him off to a meeting with Caspian and a group of his councilors to discuss the treasonous plot Lorzan had concocted. Edmund very briefly shared what he had overheard in the servant's tunnel, which kicked off a half hour of everyone expressing their shock, disgust, and from the lone Telmarine councilor, caution about taking Grinespian head on.

Edmund was distracted, wondering how Mim was doing, wondering how he could get a moment with her to apologize, wondering if Aslan was still somewhere around the castle, wondering how many of the people present really thought talking the plot to death would help the kingdom move forward. Then there was a soft knock on the door. Helmfire, who was standing closest, opened it and ushered Mim into a seat almost opposite Edmund.

"Mimlia, thank you for joining us," Caspian said, nodding to her. "King Edmund has already given us his statement of events, but I would like for you to share what you heard as well."

"Yes, Your Majesty," she said softly. There were splotches of color on her cheeks, and she wrinkled up her nose before beginning to speak. "First I would like to ask that Maeve not get into trouble for what she did. I insisted on going into the tunnel myself and listening to the men's conversation. If I had just told the Mouse, Cheekipeep, how to get in, he could have been much more stealthy about the whole business. But I wanted to help…" her voice trailed off and she looked down at her lap, frowning. Then her head jerked up sharply. "No, that isn't quite true," she amended, still frowning. "I did want to help, but I wanted to be important, to do something that mattered. And so I went into the tunnel. I didn't listen when King Edmund told me to leave, so when he went to get help, I got caught." She turned and looked straight at him, face pale and eyes glistening as though she were close to tears. "Your Majesty, I am so sorry I ignored you when you told me to leave, but Maeve was only protecting me, which is what you told her to do. So if she's to be punished for killing that man, I would ask that you punish me instead."

Edmund was properly gobsmacked by the recitation. As were most of the other councilors if the murmuring around the room was anything to go by, though probably for different reasons. Here at last was an intimation that Mim could handle herself with dignity in a difficult situation, the first real hint that she might be a Narnian queen after all. He studied her intently. Good posture, stiff, which was appropriate for the moment. Her hair had been tidied up with just a few soft wisps of hair escaping. The frown and hint of tears was reasonable and probably compassion-inducing for the audience, mostly seasoned soldiers. Her voice was clear, the right emphasis and tone in the right places. And she'd not only asked for mercy for her friend, but was willing to sacrifice herself in the process. All in all it was beautifully done, and Edmund was nonsensically a little proud of her. She—

"Stop glaring at her, Ed," Peter's exasperated voice interrupted. "She's trying to apologize."

A small smile broke Mim's stiff expression, her nose wrinkling once more. "It's all right, he's just thinking," she said softly.

Edmund huffed. He didn't quite mean to. It wasn't really a chuckle, this wasn't the time or place for levity, but he had almost laughed. She'd caught him out. They'd have to have a little chat later about not giving away his secret. He cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter. "Your apologies and request are duly noted, though hardly necessary." Oops. That was maybe overstepping things a bit. He wasn't the king, not really. He paused and glanced at Caspian.

"Agreed," said Caspian. "I doubt any here would say that every decision they make is without thought for their ambition or reputation. And as far as the Wolf is concerned, your life was in imminent danger. Had I, or indeed any at this table, been present, we would have acted as Maeve did — sword, teeth, or claws at the ready."

Caspian smiled warmly at her and Mim's cheeks pinked again. Ugh. That won't do. Why do girls have to lose their composure anytime a bloke smiles? He's just being polite—

"I didn't mean to entirely cut you off, Edmund, please continue," Caspian said, waving his head.

Drat. What had he been going to say, anyway? Well, that probably didn't matter. He'd needed a moment to apologize to her, now was as good a time as any. "I, uh, I too must offer you my apologies," he finally said. "I should have made sure you were following me when I left the tunnel. A soldier should ensure all of his men are accounted for at the end of a mission. I was negligent in my duty, and I'm very sorry you were placed in danger and hurt because of it."

Mim smiled. "That is most gracious of you, Your Majesty, since I'm sure your men would have learned by now to follow orders better than I do. I will endeavor to try harder in the future."

"Let's hope so," he replied, letting one side of his mouth crook up wryly. She was optimistic, he'd give her that. She might try harder in the future, but he wasn't sure she would be terribly successful. There was some willful streak in her that made her think she had to go about things her own way, which would probably often wind up being the harder way. Still, she was starting to recognize it, so that was something.

Mim then shared her version of events, eyes cast down when she got to the part about Lorzan hitting her and threatening her. Her hands, which had been folded together on the tabletop, started to tremble, and she moved them to her lap. Helmfire placed a hand on her shoulder, which seemed to steady her. She finished quickly and was excused, Caspian thanking her for her loyalty to the kingdom and commending her bravery.

Edmund supposed he ought to check on her later tonight, or in the morning depending on how this meeting went. Maybe he should ask Lucy. Back at the beginning of the bombings she used to have nightmares. Mum said she did so well during the day holding herself together and trying to be cheerful that at night her mind had to process all the fear some other way. After everything Mim had gone through he wouldn't be surprised if she had nightmares too. It was good Maeve was with her. That thought brought a little twinge of remorse. Yes, Maeve had been with her and he hadn't. Still, Aslan had forgiven him, and he'd apologized to Mim. He'd tackle the Wolf next.

Helmfire closed the door behind Mim quietly and took up his position beside it, muscled arms crossed over his chest, a solemn expression on his face. There was a general uneasy shifting of bodies in chairs and shuffle of papers before Trumpkin spoke up. "Pasties and peppermint, there you have it! Treason right under our noses! What are we going to do about it, Your Majesty?"

Caspian leaned forward on the table, tenting his fingers and tapping them slowly, frowning. "I confess, I am not entirely sure what to do," he said softly.

"The penalty for treason is death, that has always been the fate of traitors," came a low, growling sort of purr near the end of the table. The Tigress, Amala, was stretched out languidly on a low sofa.

Edmund felt a chill. You know that every traitor belongs to me as my lawful prey… Those had been Jadis' words. Lawful prey. That had been him. Now Govari had already paid with his life. But what of Lorzan? Should he face the consequences that Edmund himself had escaped? Peter, sitting beside Caspian, caught Edmund's gaze and tried to offer an encouraging sort of smile. He alone knew how this discussion might prick at old wounds and Edmund loved him for the attempt.

Trufflehunter, the Badger, tapped one long claw on the table. "Aslan is merciful," he said slowly.

"He is also just," said the Tigress, her tail flicking back and forth, now slightly agitated.

"The entirety of the Telmarine army fought against King Caspian," blustered the grey-haired Telmarine, throwing up his hands. "Would you execute all of us?"

"Peace, Lord Alazar," Caspian murmured. "No one is suggesting such a thing."

"Not at all," said the old Professor, straightening up in his chair. He furrowed his brow and shoved his spectacles back up his nose, flipping through the parchments where he had been taking notes. "The two situations are not interchangeable," he finally said, pulling at his beard. "The soldiers serve in a conquered army, and to my knowledge have behaved honorably with the change in leadership. Plotting to assassinate the king, all the kings and queens, is a different matter. When Lord Grinespian is questioned we should ascertain whether this was an opportunistic plan, or something he has had in the works."

"I think I follow you," Helmfire nodded. "If this has been in the works for a time it shows perseverance to maintain his course, and what would stop him from trying it again? I am not sure it would be wise to leave any conspirators alive."

"Kind Edmund has spent a considerable amount of time these past days with the conspirators. Did he not have any suspicions?" asked Lord Alazar.

"He had a great many suspicions," drawled Peter, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. "How do you think we were even alerted to the plot? He's had people under surveillance from the moment we arrived at the castle. He already knew the Chamberlain was losing money at cards and stole from the castle to pay off his debts. Edmund figured the people he owed money must be quite dangerous if the man was willing to risk death by stealing from the king. Go on, Ed, tell them what you discovered."

Edmund felt all eyes turn on him, and tried to sit up a little straighter. Remember, Aslan said you would be vindicated. This is your opportunity to explain yourself. "When I realized this Lord Grinespian was involved, I asked Stonecoat, a Horse from the Northern lands, and the soldier, Braelion, to make a journey to his estate and see what information they could gather. They brought back word that the estate was shipping Telmarine people to the slave markets in Tashbaan. Braelion and General Einar volunteered to travel back there with two Gryphons and gather up some local Narnians to cut off their routes out of the country, sabotage their caravans, and release the people they had captured. Having dealt with the problem of the Chamberlain, my next intent was to try and somehow convince Lorzan to allow me to join him in his business ventures and discover how deeply imbedded this slave trade was. Reepicheep and some of the other Mice had been following him to try and overhear anything that might be helpful, and this was how we stumbled upon the plot to assassinate King Caspian and take the throne."

"Why wasn't I informed of any of this?" Caspian asked, his voice clipped, staring hard at Edmund.

"You had not yet been crowned king. It was not the time to make a move against such a powerful man." Edmund tried to keep his voice candid and sincere.

"You will forgive me, King Edmund, if I'm not convinced that a decision like that is entirely up to you. I acknowledge that I am inexperienced, but I do not think I am in need of another Lord Protector to oversee my rule."

Oh. That tone was beyond clipped, it was angry. Bother. Yes, he could see how that might look, like he had been trying to maneuver things behind Caspian's back to secure his own position. He should have thought of that. Well, he maybe had thought of it that way for about a second before dismissing it in light of Caspian's generally easy-going disposition. Between Peter and Miraz he'd seen the young king pushed too far, but hadn't reckoned on this being a similar situation. Maybe you're losing your touch, old boy, Edmund told himself ruefully. You've been a few steps behind your enemies and misreading your allies. "Your Majesty, please believe that it was never my intent to subvert your authority," Edmund began slowly. "I sought to strengthen it. If we had tried to confront Lord Grinespian's illegal activities before you had established yourself here on the throne, I believe he would have moved against you and rebelled, maybe even started a civil war—"

"Which, as we found out today, he was already planning!" Caspian burst out, slamming his hands on the table, and making several others jump.

"I had acknowledged it as a possibility, but I had no idea his family was in line for the throne!" Edmund began, but Peter cut him off with a small shake of his head. Edmund sat back in his chair, willing his racing heart to slow down. I did this for Narnia. It wasn't for me, no matter what anyone else may think.

"Caspian, Edmund did not act alone in this," Peter said softly. "Like you, I would have rushed off and confronted the man, but I believe that would have been the wrong thing to do. We still don't know if he has been building his own army or if other lords are involved in this plot with him. Perhaps we should have informed you of our discovery, but the fact remains that Edmund's handling of the situation was sound. Lord Grinespian is in the dungeon, the Ambassador and his retinue are under guard in their rooms. Receive your crown tomorrow, host the banquet and the ball. Let everyone see that you are not shaken by these events. Then in two days time you can move from a position of strength. Your army is with you, of that I am certain."

"Your Majesty, I too was involved in this decision, and must take equal blame for not informing you. But please rest assured that all decisions were made, not just with your welfare in mind, but the welfare of Narnia herself." Helmfire's deep voice resonated through the quiet room, and then there was a sudden shifting of bodies in chairs and a few whispered murmurs.

"Listen, lad," Trumpkin pleaded, "most of us have been fighting for Narnia longer than you've been alive. I didn't know any of the details of any of this business, and at the moment I can't see anything but sense in what they're saying. We all want what's best for the kingdom, and after seeing these boys fight for us, for you, Your Majesty, then I trust what they're saying. And if there's anyone I trust to always do the right thing, it's Helmfire." The Dwarf stopped and grinned at the Centaur, scratching his head absently. "Now, mind you, there's been plenty of times he advised caution when I would have rushed in somewhere, so I'm not saying we always agree, but I can't recollect any moment when his counsel was off the mark."

The old Professor cleared his throat, and then sat there silently. After a few moments, Caspian sighed and turned to look at him. "That is what you always do when I think I have finished my recitations and you think there is more I should have said. You know I trust you, Professor. Please speak freely."

The rotund little half-Dwarf smiled, his round spectacles sliding back down his pointed nose. "Your Majesty, I agree with you that you should have been informed of all of these things, though I cannot find fault with either their motives or their logic. My suggestion to move on from anyone needing to play offense or defense is to ask your Telmarine counselor what his experiences with Lord Grinespian have been."

Everyone looked to the grey-haired Telmarine, Lord Alazar. He was tall and lean, wiry hair poking out from under a black velvet cap. His doublet was black velvet as well, worn over a black shirt and trousers. Edmund wasn't sure if he was trying to be more or less conspicuous with the attire. Lord Alazar slouched back in his seat, one long leg crossed over the other, fiddling with the wispy ends of his goatee. "Grinespian killed my brother," he finally announced with a slight shrug. "He is a violent schemer, a ruffian that Miraz used to dispose of anyone he considered a threat."

The old Professor nodded. "Do you remember, Your Majesty, when I told you of the great lords that Miraz eliminated one by one? Lord Alazar's brother was the Lord Belisar, shot with Lord Uvilas while out with a hunting party. An accident it was alleged, but Grinespian was a part of that hunting party."

"I have no doubt it was he who committed the murders," Lord Alazar said softly. "It's in his nature, cruel and mercurial. From the shadows he oversaw which of Miraz's followers were granted titles and land, he led the new lords in demanding that Miraz become king, he negotiated new trade agreements with Calormen and Archenland. He made himself indispensable to Miraz, and in return Miraz probably gave him free rein to reopen the slave routes that Caspian IX had closed, or at least turned a blind eye to it." He uncrossed his long limbs and leaned forward, staring at Edmund. "You have thwarted his plans," Lord Alazar said, tapping a finger on the table for emphasis. "I agree with the High King. Wait to move until after the coronation. Then show your people that you are stronger than Lord Grinespian."

"What do you suggest?" asked Caspian.

Lord Alazar spread his hands, looking from Peter to Edmund. Edmund straightened up and clasped his hands in front of him on the table. "I…uh, I apologize again if I overstepped my position," he said, trying to look earnestly around the room. "I agree that it would be best to handle this after the coronation. In the meantime you could send a detachment of soldiers to take control of his estate until his guilt or innocence in the plot is determined by a court of law. That can be done relatively quietly, and they wouldn't actually reach his lands until after the ceremony tomorrow. If Lorzan was in contact with any other lords regarding this plan, his silence in the midst of the celebrations should be warning enough for them. Then, when you have the crown, announce his arrest publicly. Then you put him on trial for trading in slaves, conspiracy to commit murder, and treason. Acting too swiftly will look like panic or a desire for revenge. Waiting will make you look stronger, that you are above any of their schemes."

Caspian gave Edmund a long, measured look. "Very well," he finally said. "I would like a show of hands from those who agree with this plan."

Slowly, one by one, hands and paws were raised. Lord Alazar merely shrugged and said he did not care how it was handled as long as Grinespian paid. Amala swished her tail and swiped a paw round her ear. "If it were up to me," she rumbled, "I would have already ripped out his throat. But I am willing to try this way, out of respect for our new kingdom."

"You are not alone in your feelings," Caspian said softly, giving the Tigress half a smile. "Very well, we are agreed. Aslan told me that purposes are established with wise counsel. Thank you, for serving our kingdom in this way."

"Now," said Trumpkin merrily, "I suggest we all get some supper and a good night's sleep, because tomorrow will be a banner day!"

Coronation day dawned with a bright, cloudless sky. Edmund was roused from a solid, dreamless sleep quite late in the morning by the chatter of Birds outside his window discussing whether they ought to find a perch to watch the parade or fly along with it. His newly tailored clothes had been laid out, all brown as he had suggested, but a variety of shades. He smiled to himself thinking of the eager Faun who had insisted there were no nondescript colors. The trousers were a deep earthy brown, the shirt a tawny, more golden color like Aslan's fur. Then there was a rich leather tunic, stamped in a design that rather reminded Edmund of the patterns found in the carpets and tiles of Calormen. He had to admit it was all very well done, not flashy, but smart enough to pass muster with Susan.

The noise reached Edmund long before he entered the Great Hall, the room teeming with Caspian's subjects. In fact, the room was as full up and down as it was front to back or side to side. There were rows of tables, filled with Telmarine soldiers and those of the lower social order, Fauns, Dwarfs, and any Beast that could take up a chair. Dozens of Birds as well as the smaller climbing Beasts, like the Squirrels and Mice, had claimed any perch available on the walls' stone carvings and candelabras. A couple of the long swags of flowered garlands seemed alive as several snakes writhed and twisted around them to find the best view. The Telmarine lords and ladies in attendance had all clustered together at one end of the room, looking a little unsettled by their company. Centaurs and Minotaurs lined the back of the room, towering over the rest, but best of all were the Dryads, with the soft rustle of leaves and showers of flower petals that followed them. The voices, trills, squeaks, chirps, and roars spilled out of the room and echoed through the hallways.

Edmund stood in the doorway a moment, reveling in the sights and sounds. At his own coronation, his ten-year old self hadn't been able to find the words to express the majesty of the moment. Everything had just felt very big and very important. In fact he doubted he'd be able to find all the appropriate words even now. But he felt it more fully than he had then. The day represented externally what Aslan wanted to do internally, to take away the dirty, soiled clothes of a past life and drape a person in something new and majestic. His grace and mercy forced light into the darkest corners of one's soul, even as the Great Hall had been thoroughly cleaned and decorated in glorious colors and scents. He felt the smile stretch his cheeks even as an unexpected hollow sensation settled in his chest. Narnia. Was there ever such a world! How could he stand to leave her again?

"Oh! Edmund, there you are. Marvelous. I was worried I'd be hunting all over for you. You slept the whole morning away. Come in and take your seat." Susan grabbed his hand and pulled him after her into the room. They joined Peter and Lucy at one of the center tables just as the trumpets began to sound.

Aslan was the first to enter, the room falling silent as every head bowed, compelled by the authority and majesty that emanated from His presence. Caspian followed behind, glorious in blue and gold. He stepped onto the dais and turned to face the crowd. His eyes scanned over the room and Edmund could see him swallow hard. Poor lad was nervous, not that Edmund blamed him. He'd have been nervous too if he'd had more sense back then, and he'd still had three others to share the responsibility of ruling with him.

Beside him, Peter and Lucy were rising to their feet, Lucy bearing a cushion on which a tall crown rested. They stepped up to the dais as well, standing before Caspian. Peter turned a little to be better heard by the crowd. "Caspian, Knight of the Order of the Lion, son of King Caspian IX," he called out in a strong, clear voice, "hereby receive the crown of your kingdom. May Aslan bestow upon you the wisdom to rule her rightly, the strength to see her through any trials, and the virtue that would earn you the love and respect of your people. May you serve and protect Narnia all your days."

Caspian bowed. Lucy held out the cushion and Peter gently took the crown and placed it on Caspian's head. As the new king of Narnia raised his head, the room erupted into shouts and cheers and roars. Clapping, fists pounding the tables, and the stamping of hooves resounded through the room. Caspian smiled a little shyly and then held up his hands for silence. "This is more than I or any man deserves," he said, pausing to take a deep breath. "But I swear before you all that I will do my utmost to be worthy of the honor and duty of being your king." The noise erupted again and then a stream of servants began to pour up from the kitchens below, bringing trays laden with more food than Edmund had seen in weeks.

The coronation luncheon was everything a perpetually hungry thirteen-year-old boy could have asked for. Roasted meats and soups, crusty bread still steaming as it was torn apart, platters of fruits and vegetables representing every shade of color imaginable, and tiered plates of delicate looking desserts so covered the tables that the scrubbed wooden tops were completely hidden from view. Sampling each and every offering utterly absorbed Edmund's attention for quite a while. He didn't even hear Lucy speaking to him until she'd called his name several times.

"Mmmm…wha—?" he mumbled, his mouth still full of the most succulent meat pies he'd ever tasted.

Lucy shook her head in amusement. "Edmund you act like you haven't eaten in a year. Narnia isn't going to run out of food. I was asking if you'd talked with Mimlia about the parade. Is she going to be riding with us?"

And Edmund laughed. Laughed and then choked on his mouthful of food. Several nearby turned and stared as he coughed and wheezed and sputtered and coughed again. Finally able to drink some wine and take several slow deep breaths, he turned to his sister. "In the last forty-eight hours I have been arrested, put on trial, conscripted to help decorate this place, and stopped an attempt to overthrow the kingdom. Surprisingly, during the few minutes Mim and I were together eavesdropping on an assassination plot, the parade didn't come up."

"Well, there's no time like the present," Lucy said brightly. "She's sitting one table over with the Centaurs."

Edmund slowly picked up the small tent of stiff parchment in front of his plate with his name scripted elegantly across. He turned the place card to show Lucy. "You aren't really suggesting I change seats? After all the trouble Susan has gone to arranging things?" He tutted softly, setting the card back down. "For shame, Lucy. Besides, Mim doesn't know how to ride, not properly." He tucked back into his meal, ignoring everything else around him and going over the list of questions he had for Grinespian. There wasn't time today to interrogate him properly, but tomorrow. Oh, tomorrow would be a different story. He wondered how much the man knew, or suspected, locked up down in the dungeon. Did he still think Edmund was on his side? His little pet? He relished the thought of seeing man's face change when he realized Edmund had played him, had set him up and would now tear him down.

Your anger does not produce My righteousness.

Right. Edmund sighed. Thinking about Grinespian would only stir up his anger. Maybe what he really needed to do was get his mind off the scheming, treasonous snake and focus on something completely different. He looked up and found Lucy watching him with a small, knowing smile on her face. He offered her a rueful grin in return and shoved his chair back, grabbing his plate. The next table over was two tables stacked up so that it was Centaur-height. Mim was standing on the base table between Helmfire and Aurelia.

Helmfire spotted him first and bowed his head. "Your Majesty, would you please join us? I'm sure we can make room…Cassian!" he called to the burly, auburn Centaur at the last place. "Would you slide around to the end there so we can accommodate another place?"

Cassian waved an acknowledgment and stepped to the end of the table, sliding his plate over with him and hardly pausing his conversation. For as formal and solemn as Centaurs could be, they were wonderfully casual about the things that drove Susan to distraction. Edmund glanced over to where his sister was sitting near Caspian and hoped she didn't notice how her place cards were being ignored. He climbed up on the table and stood beside Mim.

"How are you?" he asked. "I meant to check last night, that is I meant to have Lucy check on you. She used to have nightmares and I worried after everything that had happened that you might…well, that it all might be a bit much."

"I haven't really had time to think about it," she said after contemplating the thought for a moment with her head cocked to one side like a puppy. "I expect I will have nightmares at some point. I did before, with Rhizirn, I mean. But last night I slept just fine. But never mind all that," she said with a shake of her curls. "How are you? What you've had to deal with the last couple days beggars belief!"

She laid a hand on his arm, looking up at him with wide, brown eyes. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me and the other maids. You truly are the most noble, the…the most wonderful person I've ever met." And she calmly went back to eating, while Edmund stood there, staring at her. He watched a rosy splotch of color appear on her cheek as she kept her gaze fixed determinedly on her plate. She…she was blushing…after talking to him. Well, he thought to himself, pushing his food around on his plate as he reflected on the surprising reaction, at least she managed to maintain eye contact when she was speaking. That's good. Maybe she's the type that just blushes for all sorts of reasons. After all, I certainly wasn't smiling at her the way Caspian does. Maybe thinking of the right words to say makes her nervous…No, she was quick enough to respond to Ambassador Vestish when she ran into us in the hallway that afternoon, and she didn't seem bothered speaking at the council meeting last night. Curious.

"I, uh, I'm doing much better after a decent night's sleep myself," he said, forcing his mind back to her question. "I'm thankful this business will be wrapped up shortly. It's exhausting having to pretend to be someone you're not. But I actually came over because Lucy wanted me to talk to you about the parade this afternoon," he said, turning to include both Helmfire and Aurelia in his statement. "We would love to have you ride with us, if you'd like to."

Aurelia laid a hand on Mim's shoulder. "What would you like to do, my dear?"

Mim was frowning down at her plate, nose scrunched up as usual. "I think I would prefer to walk further back with you and Helmfire," she said slowly. "I don't want people to think I'm presuming to be something I'm not by riding up front with the kings and queens."

Edmund was suddenly aware of both Helmfire and Aurelia staring at him, their faces expectant. What could they want him to say about it? He thought there was some wisdom in what Mim said. The Narnians seemed to accept her easily enough, but the Telmarines were a different lot. It was highly likely that they would think she was putting on airs or getting above herself.

"You see, my dear," Helmfire began softly "there is the possibility, only a possibility mind you, that Aslan's intention for you is to be a queen. As the Four Ancient ones were brought by the power of Aslan to rule together, so Aslan has brought us King Caspian and you."

"But surely Aslan would have said that straight away!" Mim protested. "Did He tell you straight away that you were to be the king?" she asked Edmund.

"No," he said honestly, shrugging a little. "There was a prophecy, and others believed it first and just sort of carried us along with them, but He did not come straight out and say we were to rule until later, after the Witch was defeated, and then we were crowned." He pushed his hair off his forehead and thought for a minute. "Of course," he added slowly, "it was His prophecy, so one could say that He'd already said it, if that makes sense."

"Exactly," said Mim, a hint of mulishness in her face. "I'm not going to start acting like I deserve to be scraped and bowed to."

"Is that how we seem?" Edmund said in surprise. He supposed if one took his own actions and attitude over the past weeks, people might say that, but surely Mim knew that was all an act. And Peter and the girls didn't behave that way. Well, maybe Susan could be a bit haughty, but she didn't really expect people to fall all over themselves for her.

"No," Mim sighed, looking a little chagrined. "I didn't mean that your majesties behaved that way. I just mean…oh, I don't know what I mean. I'm…afraid I suppose, afraid I'll make a fool of myself. I can barely dance and still get confused about what types of dresses to wear when, and this banquet turned out all right because the Calormenes are under guard and I got to sit with the Centaurs, but what about the next one? I just don't think I can do all the things people want me to be able to do."

That felt terribly familiar. Edmund had wrestled with those same feelings for years, and they still popped up once in a while. He had no doubt she could learn anything she needed to learn. But that didn't answer the question of what Aslan's purpose for her was. Although, maybe she didn't really need to know that now. Maybe she just wanted to use that as an excuse.

"I think if you'd prefer to stay with the Centaurs at the back of the parade today, that is perfectly all right," he said firmly. "You have been kept back from things these past weeks, so having you suddenly out in front would draw more attention to you. And if you aren't comfortable with that, I quite understand. But please believe, for my part, I have no doubts at all that you will be able to do anything that Aslan calls you to do. You see, if He asks you to do something, He will undoubtedly provide you with all that is needed to do it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly. "I…I will try."

"Your Majesty," said Aurelia, a little primly, lifting her chin. "Those are very wise and gracious words. I am thankful that you will be escorting Mimlia to the ball this evening. What time should we expect you?"

Oh. The ball. Had he said he was going to escort her? Somewhere in the midst of all that had happened Susan had probably arranged that, and he'd forgotten about it. At least Mim would be far better company than some ladies he'd had to escort. And he could probably convince her to not dance every dance or at least take a walk or do something besides be trapped there all night. Pevensie, you may have gotten off easy this time.

"I'll call for you at half six. The ball will open at seven, and Susan likes us all to be in place before then."

"Excellent," Aurelia pronounced. Mim nodded and gave him a small, shy smile. Poor kid. He'd hated his first ball, hated the first several, then finally learned to tolerate them, but only by sneaking in and out. Be present enough for Susan not to fuss and be absent enough not to be miserable. Maybe he could show her a few of those tricks tonight.

The trumpets sounded in the courtyard, signaling it was time to start the parade. There was a general frenzy of activity as everyone parted into their own little groups. Edmund found Stonecoat already saddled and waiting in the courtyard. He whinnied a loud hello. "Lovely day, isn't it, Your Majesty? To think that I would be privileged to serve an Ancient King! First to carry you into battle, and then as your…what did you call it when Brae and I went south?"

"You were my secret agents," Edmund said, climbing into the saddle and patting the Horse's neck. "And you were brilliant at it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," he neighed, bobbing his large head up and down. "And now we are here at the coronation of Narnia's new king! My descendants will tell stories of these days, I assure you!"

They set off from the castle, through the town, and back again, Aslan leading the great procession. Caspian followed with Peter and Susan behind him and Edmund and Lucy next. The newly crowned King Caspian X looked resplendent in the Telmarine crown. Children ran out in front, throwing flowers along their path as the onlookers cheered. People ran up to place ropes of flowers on the heads of the friendlier looking Narnians, the Fauns and Leopard cubs, and some of the Dwarfs. Even the giant Wimbleweather had received a small circlet of flowers for his little finger, but none had yet approached the more fierce looking Minotaurs or the Centaurs all marching together.

Edmund relished it all, continually looking behind to see how the Narnians and Telmarines were interacting. Suddenly he saw a small girl in a pink dress dart out in front of Cassian. The Centaur shied back to keep from trampling her, and the entire procession came to a halt. The girl, who didn't look old enough to be at primary school, pushed her blonde hair out of her eyes and stared wonderingly up at him."Pretty. Horsey pretty," she crooned, stroking his leg and holding out her offering of flowers. The burly chestnut centaur looked a little embarrassed, but lowered his head to receive the gift. A couple of the Minotaurs began to laugh. The gentle act seemed to be a signal to the other children in the crowd, who now swarmed forward. Within minutes they were all wreathed in flowers as well, Tavros' crown dangling from one of his horns.

"Edmund, where's Mimlia?" Peter called over his shoulder. "I'd have thought she'd be up here with us."

"She preferred to stay near the back," he called. "Not quite ready to be the center of attention."

"Edmund, I've been thinking," Susan said, turning her head slightly towards him. "You really must set up something that makes Mimlia a legitimate member of the court. She will only get so far without proper titles."

Goodness, the responsibilities never ended. "What do you suggest?" he asked. Maybe Mim could take over Grinespian's land and title. That would be just desserts.

"You have loads of titles," Lucy laughed. "Give her some of yours."