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 Four – Seek & Find

Peter stood there in the dim lighted hall, a shadow cast on part of his features. "I wish to apologize, Queen Emma, I have come to realize my behavior was not fitting for a high king, whether my reasons for being withdrawn are substantial or not. I am not sure if you could find it to forgive me?"

"I should think," She began rather hesitantly, "That your apology will suffice." Emma cleared her throat. "That is, only if you tell me why you were being so rude, King Peter."

He seemed surprised at her reaction. "You may call me Peter, if you wish."

"I don't." She replied curtly. Ah! I am not fit for this sort of royal formality. I am much too sarcastic! I would get quite a verbal abuse from Moneo for that one.

The corners of his lips turned upward. "I dare say, you are quite witty, Queen Emma."

"Emma, please." She now felt extremely silly for her stubborn refusal.

"Very well. I must say that Emma is a beautiful name."

"I will tell my mother you think so." Emma grew tense, a sentiment she'd been feeling often.

"Hmm." He gazed at her intently; she grew more uncomfortable.

"You should come in." She moved from the doorway to a small table near the window where she fiddled nervously with her necklace.

He sat down musing at her unnaturally light skin, for a Westerner that was. She was tall and lean, two uncommon characteristics amongst the stockier build of the west. "I cannot help but wonder at your origins." He began, "I can only imagine that your parents were from Narnia or Archenland perhaps ?"

"England."

His mouth opened slightly. "That sounds so familiar…" It hadn't been the reaction she'd expected. "So familiar…"

Emma sighed. Could he have honestly forgotten? Or perhaps he never knew of England to begin with? But she would not allow herself to think that, for it was common knowledge that the four siblings, the kings and queens of Narnia, had come from another world, her only concern was if it was her own and she very much hoped it was.

Peter looked back to Emma. "It's as though I've heard of that in a dream. Where is it?"

"I am sorry, I don't think you'll know where it is." She said softly.

"Ah." Peter looked fixedly into Emma's eyes. "No, I do!" He exclaimed suddenly. "I cannot believe I have forgotten England! It is my home land… Ah, it has been a long time, yes." He glanced elsewhere for a time. "But," He returned his gaze, "I don't understand… Aslan, he never said anything about a fifth human being here…"

Emma took a deep breath. "I haven't been here as long as you, King Peter."

"Ah. Please Emma, I would really prefer if you dropped the formalities."

"Okay, Peter."

More silence beckoned.

Emma spoke once more. "I wonder what- I mean, the legends say that you and your siblings came into Narnia through a… a wardrobe?" She leaned forward intently now, her eyes aflame with desperation. Peter was taken aback. "Do you remember where it was?"

"I am afraid," Peter brushed a hand through his long hair. "I do not remember."

Emma fell back into the chair, a look of defeat adorned her sad features. I will never get home… "Please, you must remember? How could you forget such a momentous event?"

"I am sorry but Emma, I do not remember" Peter felt a gnawing sense he had stuck a major blow to this queen's morale. He felt slightly ashamed.

She messaged the back of her neck. "I am sorry. Please leave now."

He frowned. "You have not found out why I was so rude, as you put it, earlier tonight."

Emma looked at Peter's face, with his honey golden beard and his soft auburn eyes which clearly held compassion. She felt absolutely wretched, but Emma was no longer in the mood for company. "We all have our reasons for acting a certain way, Peter. It is none of my business to pry."

"Perhaps I could help? I could have a party sent to look…"

The young woman stood. "Please do not trouble yourself with my petty concerns…" She walked to the door and held it open. "But tell me, have you honestly never wanted to go back home?" Peter appeared perplexed at this question.

"Never. Narnia is my home."

"I see." She mused. "I fear I may have to leave earlier than I thought… some concerns have arisen in the west that I must attend to." She did not meet his gaze.

"I have offended you."

She closed her eyes, wearily. "No, you have not. I came here searching for hope. Hope is a terrible thing, did you know that Peter?"

Peter stepped closer and rested a hand on her arm. "I do not know what ails you Emma. I should asume that you miss your home, but if it is any comfort, I was once told by someone very wise that those who seek shall find."

Emma smiled. "Sounds like a very wise man, indeed."

"Ah, well, it wasn't a man."

"Hmm…" She said feeling a little less hapless. "I beg to differ." Peter opened his mouth to refute. "Good night King Peter, perhaps not all hope is lost after all!"

"No, hope is never lost." He grew contemplative. "Good night to you Queen, and I hope you will change your mind about your stay. My sister, Lucy, has grown quite fond of you." With that he quietly left the room.

She could feel her spirits rise. How could I have forgotten You? Ah, I feel ashamed!… I wonder, does he know You in our world? She was answered by silence. I should like to meet You in this world. I hear You take the form of a Lion in Narnia. How fitting! Emma fell on her bed. Goodnight, my Lord.

-

As Emma slipped into bed she had the sudden urge to tell Peter the truth, that she knew "Aslan" already, but by a different name, back home in England. It had been quite an earnest prayer of hers that brought her into Narnia. However, for the life of her, it seems she had forgotten that keen prayer, but Emma Mills would remember it one day...

I imagine my short chapters are annoying, I know, if I had more patience the chapters would be longer, but alas, I do not! I hope you liked this chapter, and yea- I am going to stick to the biblical allegory that C.S. Lewis used, however, it is not going to be the primary focus of my story. Romance and drama shall!

Please take the time to comment, and for those who have thank you very much!

I made some revisions to this chapter based on Arianna of Bellezza insightful review. I hope this flows better.

-C.S. June