Disclaimer- C.S. Lewis owns the land of Narnia and its respective characters.

Aslan's Country by CS June

During the Golden Age of Narnia a young woman is established as Queen of the Western Wild. When a pact is signed between her and the High King Peter of Narnia it appears that they have more in common than just royalty.

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Chapter Three – Curiosity & Misconceptions

A large crowd gathered around the newly arrived foreign queen. She was adorned in a pale green gown with the sleeves draping from her shoulders. The neckline swooped and pointed downward at the center; a white ivory sash was wrapped around her waist and a gleaming silver band lay atop her head. Her hair was drawn up from the back to form a seamless look. She appeared simple and elegant in the Narnian court, and quickly won the awe and respect of the spectators.

"She looks different than I imagined!" Lucy exclaimed.

"She does." Susan responded.

"What does my dear brother think?" Edmund chided slyly.

Peter, gazing at the queen intently, made no response.

"Well," Edmund began, "Lets have her in the hall for a welcoming feast."

"Indeed!"

-

It hadn't been quite what she expected. She was surprised at the genial nature of the Cair Paravel courts and of its inhabitants, primary the talking beasts and mystical half beasts, half men. Her shock was only momentary for she had been prepped before hand about them, but it was an altogether unique experience nonetheless. Emma was escorted into a spacey, yet welcoming room. Red and gold tassels draped every inch of the stone walls. The two kings and queens entered the room a moment later. Emma watched the youngest, or what she assumed to be the youngest, with bemusement. Queen Lucy had clearly not been expecting her presence, at least, not with the disheveled mop of hair on her head and her unkempt hunting attire. Her tensions were eased at once.

When the hustle of the room had died down the eldest of the siblings spoke, "It is a pleasure to have you here, Queen Emma." He advanced, taking hold of her hand delicately and placing a soft kiss to it. "I am High King Peter." Emma grew tense once again. There is something about his manner… But she hadn't time to think of such things as the second of the four sovereigns came forth. Her beauty was great. She had heard of Queen Susan's exquisiteness and there was no doubting why so many had come before her in courtship. She nodded her head slightly.

"It is a pleasure, Queen Emma." Emma returned her greeting with a smile and a few words of praise. The second king, that was King Edmund, advanced. Emma thought him the slightly more attractive of the two. He reached for her hand as well.

"A pleasure, indeed, my lady."

She smiled. "The same to you."

Finally the youngest stepped forward with as much grace as any. Her fair hair wisped her pale face gently. "Hello, Queen Emma. I apologize for my lack of presence; you see I was rather careless in preparing…"

"Do not fret, dear Lucy! If I must say," She lowered her voice. "Your untidy appearance has somehow managed to ease my tense nerves."

Lucy looked delighted. "I do say! I like you very much!"

The other siblings grew apprehensive with Lucy's informal behavior and Emma could feel it. "Do not worry Kings and Queen of Narnia. It is by Queen Lucy that I have received the warmest of welcoming and all is right." She glanced pleasantly at Lucy, who, she now deemed a friend.

-

The dinner was a pleasant event for Emma that was, except, for King Peter's dauntingly wary demeanor of her through out the whole occasion. Emma was quite keen to fix whatever unjust misconception he seemed to have on her. I shall meet with him later tonight. She beckoned for her consort.

"Give this to High King Peter." She handed him a small note.

"Yes, your highness."

She had watched King Peter intently as he eyes scanned the small note, but she could detect no interest in his face. Emma grew restless as the night progressed. Entertainers, singers, and an occasional bard were provided during the dinner. Emma watched curiously at the different customs of Narnia. It seems so much like England's royalty. She mused as the final performer left the stage. Peter stood from the table.

"It has been an honor having you, Emma. If you would please follow Mr. Tumnus," his gaze landed on the faun. "He will escort you to your room." Emma nodded after giving the High King a rather fixed stare.

Once she was settled in her room she called for her closest adviser, Moneo, to enter. A man with graying hair and a kind face entered. He was in middle age with a small beard lining his jaw and chin; his eyes were coffee and sparkled in the candle light.

"Yes, Emma?"

"I am concerned, Moneo. I fear that King Peter holds some sort of animosity toward me and I do not know what I should do." She paused, her brows furrowed in thought. "I cannot have such a powerful enemy as Narnia."

He stood silent for a moment. "Why do you think this?"

She looked up at him from her chair. "Could you not tell? I was under the impression that King Peter was an affable king, not a looming nemesis, which, he displayed as his character quite evidently tonight."

"Perhaps he is simply curious."

Emma huffed. "Well curiosity is not fitting of a king."

Moneo looked amused. "And it is fitting for a queen?"

She raised a brow. "You always speak in riddles, Moneo."

"That is because you understand them."

She let out a slight chuckle. "It seems you are accusing me of curiosity. It's a nasty habit, it is."

Moneo paced the heavily ornate room. "I would not worry much about it, Your Grace. I should think you have proved yourself worthy of great affection from at least one of the queens. I am sure the others will follow suite. You're rather likable, you know."

"Ha! Well I am glad you try not to brown nose me too much!" She added, amused.

"Well, do not lose much sleep over it." He bowed. "Good night my queen."

"Good rest, Moneo."

As soon as he left the room the queen jumped up. Her whole body seemed on edge. She knew she couldn't blow her first impression. Her kingdom's survival depended on it.

There was a soft knock on the door. Emma halted. I wonder… She opened the door hesitantly. Her eyes grew wide at what it revealed.

"King Peter?"

Can I say how excited I am about this story? I just got back and I have to say some brilliant ideas popped into my head while I was on vacation. Thanks to my reviewers! And I hope you will continue to read, and for those whole haven't reviewed, please do!
Also, I hope you don't mind my vagueness. My writing style is not one of great descriptiveness, I want my readers to use their imagination, but if you find this annoying I wouldn't mind hearing about it. )