For the next few weeks, Melanie and Peter hardly spoke at all, and when they did, they were rather formal with each other.
"She's making me crazy," Peter confided to Edmund after having his hand shook by Melanie instead of her usual hug. "It's got to be obvious I've got feelings for her by now."
"Not exactly, O Magnificent One," Edmund replied sarcastically. "First you try to kiss her, then you dance with Aleutia, then you get jealous of her boyfriend and then you say trying to kiss her was a mistake. You're confusing me and no girl will ever be able to figure out the mad things you're doing."
"Rynal. Is. Not. Her. Boy. Friend," Peter said through clenched teeth.
"Well he hasn't gone home yet has he?" Edmund taunted his older brother.
Indeed, Rynal hadn't gone home, though his father had returned to the Lone Islands two days after Susan's birthday.
"Shut up, Edmund," Peter growled. "Melanie doesn't love him."
"Well it's painfully obvious she doesn't love you, either," Edmund remarked coldly.
TCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCON
"I still feel guilty about putting you through this," Melanie said for the umpteenth time. Rynal was trying to get her to let Peter walk in on them together.
"Melanie, we won't really be kissing. It'll just look like we are," he explained again. "It'll drive His Majesty into a jealous rage and what better time to get him to tell you his feelings?"
"But-"
"Again, I have no qualms. Someone will have to comfort Princess Aleutia."
"You sly old dog," Melanie teased.
"Are we going to do this or what?" Rynal demanded. "Will it not be sunset soon?"
"Agreed," Melanie said, frowning.
There were footsteps on the tower stairs.
"Quick," Rynal hissed, but before anything happened, Peter materialized.
"I just thought you should know," Peter said quietly. "I just got a letter from Aleutia. She's pregnant…with my child."
Sorry…I'm horrible for taking so long.
Queenie