The fourteenth year of the reign of Peter the High King

It was a beautiful early summer day, six days after the Narnians returned from Calormen. Queen Susan the Gentle sat in a courtyard garden with her sister-in-law Queen Melina. The royal ladies were drinking tea and watching Melina's little daughter Princess Alanna play with two puppies. Alanna had curly auburn hair like her mother but her facial features bore a strong resemblance to her father's family. It was still surprising to Susan to see a smaller version of her blue eyes on Alanna's little face. Melina would have a second child in five months. Susan adored her little niece.

Melina asked "Are thou well dear sister?"

Susan answered "I was just thinking how adorable Alanna is and how I would like to have a child someday. I suppose that is one of the reasons I foolishly fell under Rabadash's spell."

Melina replied "Dearest Susan, Rabadash was most charming when he visited with us. You must not blame yourself."

Susan shook her head. "I was most foolish Sister. I endangered my brother and our companions as well as our good friends in Archenland. This war would not have happened if I had not accepted Rabadash's invitation. I was vain and foolish not to see how evil he was behind the flattery and the poetry."

Lady Deidre appeared in the doorway. "Your Majesties, King Edmund and Queen Lucy are back. The army has returned and all is well."

Susan rose to her feet. "Praise the Lion" said the queen.

Melina also rose and helped Alanna to her feet. "Come darling, we will greet Uncle Edmund and Aunt Lucy."

Queen Susan said "I will carry her. You should be careful lifting and she is getting to be such a big girl." Susan carried her niece as they walked to the courtyard.

As they reached the outside courtyard, they could see the victorious army approaching. It was not the whole army that had ridden to Archenland since many members had departed for their homes on the way back through Narnia. King Edmund and Queen Lucy rode at the front with Lord Peridan, Lord Brandon, Sir Brynn and the centaurs Master Cloudstorm and his sister Mistress Eveningstorm. Princess Alanna clapped her hands in delight at the sight of the army.

Following formal greetings, Susan walked back into Cair Paravel with her younger brother. Lucy now carried Alanna and was walking with Melina.

"I am glad to hear there were so few casualties, my brother, although I feel that each of them is due to my foolishness," said Susan.

The young king shook his head. "Nay. I will confess to never understanding your attraction to Rabadash but this war was not because of foolish love. The Tisroc used Rabadash's love as an excuse to commit treachery. It would have occurred no matter what. If you had refused the invitation to Calormen – that would have been used as the excuse for war. Do not blame yourself for their treachery, Su," said King Edmund.

Lucy, who was walking behind them, said "Sisters we have the most marvelous news about the Archenland royal family."

Edmund laughed. "Su, do you remember how Prince Corin disappeared and then I found him on the street? He was confused and dazed and we learned later that it was not Corin but another boy with a keen resemblance. The boy escaped to Archenland with two talking horses of Narnia and a noble young Calormene lady. He raised the alarm about the invasion of two hundred men and allowed good King Lune time to get his people safety behind the walls and the gates closed."

Lucy said "Do you remember how Corin's twin was stolen as a baby? This was that boy and he is returned safely to King Lune. Prince Cor has safely returned to his family after all these years. Isn't it marvelous?"

Queen Susan smiled and said "What a delightful ending to this horrible ordeal. King Lune must be so happy."

Lucy said "Yes. It is wonderful to see the two boys together. They are truly like two peas in a pod. They are already arguing like any brothers of that age! Lady Aravis, who escaped with Cor, is very lovely and spirited. She is a wonderful rider and is good at archery and swimming. She is going to stay with the court and I enjoyed her company very much."

Edmund agreed saying "She certainly wasn't like the silly noblewomen we met in Calormen. She ran away because her father was going to force her to marry that old grovler Tarkhaan Ahoshta. He is probably at least 50 years older than her. She seems very happy in Archenland. They will all come to visit in about two weeks."

Melina said "How marvelous. It will be so lovely to meet them and hear about their adventures. Hopefully Peter will return in time for their visit."

Edmund asked "Has there been any news of the High King's raid on the giants."

Melina replied "All messages so far have been positive. There haven't been any casualties and Peter is optimistic of victory soon."