Author's Note: Thank you for all of the reviews. I'm typing as much as I can, but trying to keep it good at the same time. Hope you all like the story so far!

Peter entered the dining hall, following one of the servants. He was dressed in his dress cloak and tunic, red and blue fabric laced with gold thread. Beside him, on his arm, Susan was brilliant as usual. She was resplendent in a shiny silver dress, with red shoulders. A large emerald hung at the end of a necklace, and she also wore matching earrings and bracelet. Her lips were split in a smile, her white teeth flashing. The perfect queen.

The hall was large, and circular shaped. Made of the now familiar sand-colored marble, it had smooth walls that shot up into the sky, probably ten stories. At the top an intricate mural was depicted, of a desert and a pair of armies meeting in battle. It was, to say the least, quite impressive.

A ring of tables was set up, with a round table in the center on a raised platform. Already seated at the center table was the King. At his right was Clorin; his left, Hassin. Beside Hassin was a lavishly dressed man, and a large woman who was practically hanging on him.

There were three other seats at the table. Peter and Susan were led up there. Susan was seated beside Clorin, and Peter beside the large woman. His seat was directly across from the King, and as such his back was to the door. Because of this, he didn't notice Jaselle enter. He was actually staring at the ceiling mural when he heard footsteps on the platform behind him. Turning in his chair, he saw Jaselle coming up the small amounts of steps.

Peter felt the air leak out of his lungs. She was beautiful!

She was wearing a bright green dress, that matched her eyes. Her arms were bare, displaying her tanned skin. Her hair flowed freely down her back. Peter was in awe…

Susan cleared her throat. Peter snapped out of his reverie, and stood. He pulled out Jaselle's chair for her.

She smiled at him, and sat down gracefully. Peter slid her chair in, then sat down himself. He looked at Jaselle. At her hair, glossy and smooth. Her forehead, leading down into her nose. Her eyes, bright green. Her full lips, opening to show white teeth. Her slightly pointed chin.

He brought his eyes up, not trusting himself to go any lower. A whisper escaped him.

"Wow."

Jaselle, who had been looking at her father, turned at him. She smiled at his scrutiny. He stuttered as he spoke.

"Y-you, you look nice."

He grinned to cover his nervousness. She bent her head slightly at him.

"Thank you. You look quite nice yourself."

Before Peter could reply, the King spoke up.

"I would like to welcome you again, King Peter. And Queen Susan. We are delighted to have you here among us. This is Lord Argran and his lovely wife Nellimya. From the Kokkona Islands to the south, off the coast."

After they said their hellos and such, the first course was served. A small plate with what seemed to be a salad was placed before him. As he dug in, he thought back to their first real meal in Cair Paravel. When the salad had been served, Susan had exclaimed about how fine the lettuce was, and how juicy the tomatoes were. Edmund had declared sulkily that he was a King and he didn't have to eat them if he didn't want to. And Lucy had slid them off of her plate and onto Mr. Tumnus's while Su and him had argued with Edmund. They had turned back, and Lucy had smiled sweetly and said 'All done.'

It had taken them a minute realize the dearth of leaves on her plate were due to a drastic increase in the salad on the clueless fawn beside her. And then, or course, Tumnus had blown it wide open.

"I appreciate your kindness, Queen Lucy," he had said, "but I really do not need this much."

They had all broke up laughing, even Lucy after a minute. Peter chuckled quietly at the memory. Jaselle looked over at him.

"You find something funny, Your Majesty?"

Peter grinned.

"I was just remembering something my youngest sister did, years ago. And please, it's Peter."

Her smile shifted slightly, and she looked sad, for a moment.

"I will try, Peter."

He grinned.

"That's better. Now, may I request the honor of calling you by your first name, Princess?"

Jaselle's smile came back to happy.

"You may."

Peter was becoming more comfortable speaking to her. They talked about the history of Lorsolum, briefly, as well as different points about Narnian and Lorsolum cuisine. It was when they had just finished the main course, roast goat and fish, when Peter noticed it.

During the meal, he had talked with Jaselle mostly, and a little with the King and with the couple beside him. Clorin and Susan had been chatting together, with Clorin talking to his father as well. The King had spoken about political matters with the Lord Argran, as well as frequently booming for 'more wine'. But Hassin never spoke.

Not once did he smile. Not once did he look interested in a conversation. He just sat there, watching. Eyes flicking between the three couples. It was unnerving, to say the least. He leaned over to Jaselle.

"Is he always like this?"

He asked quietly, indicating the Royal Advisor.

Jaselle discreetly looked at him, then back to Peter.

"I guess so. I don't really pay attention. I'm usually lost in my thoughts."

Peter smiled warmly. He knew what that was like. It was a rare day when he wasn't constantly thinking about how he would deal with this thing, or what to do about that, or what he should say to such and such person.

"I know what you mean. But, if you don't mind my asking, what exactly do you think about?"

Jaselle looked nervous for a moment, then turned her gaze back up and met Peter's.

"My mother a lot. I don't remember much about her; she died when I was four. But the memories I do have are happy ones. Of her stories, mostly. And this one she told me, about a land with talking creatures. A beautiful land, with walking trees and walking river people. Or half-human creatures, who danced around in the night. Of a great lion, who created it."

Her eyes glistened with moisture.

"She told me about Narnia"
………………………………...

Hassin coolly regarded the conversations going on around him. The King had asked him to keep an eye on how things were going between the young King and the Princess. He quite enjoyed the task, really. With his sharp ears he caught most of the words being exchanged. He watched their eyes and faces as well. From that, he could tell that the two were obviously falling for each other. That was for sure. He just wondered how far the relationship would go. Or have time to go.
………………………………...

Jaselle was surprised, really, when she said what she did. The lines of thought in her head had finally connected. Her mother had told her about Narnia! Which meant, that she had been to Narnia. Or known someone from there. But how? Until recently, they had not known the name of the far-off country to the north. Or anything about it, except rumors of the forever winter.

So how had her mother learned about it? Jaselle wished she could ask her about it. But that wouldn't happen. Couldn't happen.

But she could talk to this young man from Narnia, at least. She doubted he would know anything about her mother, especially if he had just gotten into this world seven years ago like he said. But at least he could expand on what her mother had told her.

Peter looked surprised, to say the least.

"Your mother told you about Narnia? Had she been there before?"

Jaselle shrugged.

"I do not know. But until a few months ago, we had heard hardly nothing about your land. So I do not know how she found out about it."

Peter was frowning, deep in thought. Jaselle found herself following the lines in his forehead, that furrowed when his lips turned down. It seemed to her like he thought often, the grooves in his skin seeming to be naturally there.

"If your mother had been there, it would have been during the Long Winter."

He looked up, his gaze meeting hers. The light in his blue eyes danced as he talked.

"When Aslan was not a word that was spoken, on penalty of death."

Jaselle recalled Peter's history lesson from before.

"Because of the Witch, correct?"

Peter nodded.

"Yes. So how she found out about him, I do not know. Did she leave behind anything, a diary, perhaps?"

Jaselle gasped.

"You want to read her diary?"

Peter looked guilty. He hung his head slightly.

Well, I didn't mean it like that. But if you want to find out about her, wouldn't it be alright? Do you think she would mind?"

Jaselle thought for a moment. It was her mother's diary, not hers. But would her mother really mind? If she could mind at all. Jaselle wasn't sure where people went after they died.

She shrugged, and smiled.

"I guess it would be alright. I can check her chest of things, I suppose."

Peter grinned.

"Well, then maybe then we can sort out pat of this mystery."

By now, they had finished eating. Jaselle's father stood up.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming. I hope you all sleep well. I would also invite you to a banquet and ball three nights from hence, to celebrate our meeting with the King and Queen of Narnia. Good night."

He left, Hassin trailing behind him.

Jaselle was surprised. Shocked, even. A ball? This was the first she had heard of it. Her father never had balls. The last ball that had taken place here was when her grandmother was still alive, seven years ago.

She started to get nervous. What would she wear? How would she do her hair? And who would escort her?

Her first choice would be Peter. He was kind, handsome, and smart. She was sure he knew how to dance. But was he comfortable with that?

A sudden thought struck her. Because Susan had turned out to be his sister, she had assumed he was single. But what if he had left his wife back in Narnia? She was sure he would treat her nicely regardless of his marital status, so she couldn't judge it my that.

She hung her head. Why did she always have to dampen her mood with sour thoughts? She had been happy, enjoying the young king's company.

Jaselle was startled by the voice of Susan beside her.

"Oh Jaselle, you didn't tell me you were having a ball. We must get together and talk. Come on."

Susan grasped Jaselle's wrist and lead her out of the dining hall. She looked over her shoulder and saw Peter, staring after her. She smiled at him, and then they turned, and he was gone.
………………………………...

Peter watched them go. A ball? He hadn't known about this. And in him and Susan's honor? Well, that was nice, but unexpected.

Could he ask Jaselle? Did guys escort girls here in Lorsolum? That was how they did it back in England, and so that was how it was now done in Narnia. But he knew different countries had different customs. So he wasn't sure of what to do.

A hand gripped his shoulder. He looked up and see Clorin, the young prince. He smiled at him.

Clorin sat down.

"So, King Peter, can I just call you Peter? What do you think of the ball?"

Peter swallowed.

"Well, it's nice, of course. But I was, uh, curious as to your customs here."

Clorin laughed.

"Yes, guys escort girls. And guys dance with girls. And guys kiss girls. Nothing weird here."

Peter felt color going up his neck. Clorin just laughed louder.

"So, you and my sister are hitting it off, I'm sure? That's good. She so lonely here. No one her own age. Father's temper scares them all away. But he seems to like you."

He grinned, and gripped Peter's arm.

"And your sister? Wow. She's a looker. Can't wait for the ball. See you around."

Laughing still, he got to his feet and walked. Peter wasn't sure if he felt any better. He got up, placing his napkin on the plate in front of him, and left back to his room.
………………………………...

Jaselle sat on Susan's bed. The young Queen was braiding Jaselle's hair.

"So, what is your brother like? He seemed nice tonight."

Jaselle frowned. Well, she was sure there was a difference in how he treated her than in how he would treat Susan. But what should she tell her? That around her he was a selfish, rude, arrogant, and pompous young man who wanted the throne?

Instead, she smiled cheerfully.

"Well, around you he would be of course. You being so much more beautiful then me."

In the mirror, Jaselle saw Susan's face turn down in a pout.

"Oh, stop it. You are very pretty."

Her face split into a grin.

"Peter seems to think so."

Jaselle gasped.

"He what? What makes you think that?"

Susan giggled.

"Well, when he first saw you he tried to scratch his chin on the floor. And since then, he's been talking to you or talking about you…"

Jaselle turned to look at Susan.

"Really? Are you sure?"

Susan nodded vigorously.

"Positive. You have found yourself an admirer."

Jaselle tilted her head slightly. An admirer? Really? She didn't think any guy had ever been interested in her before.

But what now? What would she do about it? Were Kings allowed to have relationships of that sort? Weren't they supposed to have arranged marriages, and suitors, and all of that?

And how was she supposed to act around him? The same as she had been? Hanging off of every word, although that had been because she had been interested in what he was saying. Now would she have to do it no matter what he was saying? She wasn't sure if she wanted to.

And what about finding out about her mother? Had that been genuine? Or had that just been a ploy to spend more time with her? Would he do something like that? And did she mind him spending more time with her?

It was all so confusing. Susan was looking at her, concerned. Jaselle smiled.

"Well, uh, thank you. But I feel like I must go to my bed. I will see you in the morning?"

Susan smiled.

"Yes. We can discuss dresses."

As Jaselle rose and started for the door, Susan called after her.

"Sweet dreams"
………………………………...

Peter turned the corner, and walked down the hallway. His feelings were a chaotic mess.

This Clorin seemed like a nice enough guy. But how could he be sure? And did he really want Susan get involved with him?

Although, it wasn't as if he had much say in the matter. Susan had been cycling through suitors for some time. She would know how to deal with this one.

It was himself he was worried about. Clorin had mentioned that Jaselle was lonely. Peter could understand that. But was she only talking to him because she was lonely? Because there was no one else to talk to? Was he just a replacement friend?

He hoped not. She was such a nice, sweet, beautiful young woman. Wow, was she beautiful.

That brought another thought to mind. Was he only interested( interested? Was that what he was?) in her because of her looks? No, he couldn't be.

Could he?

Peter was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice the door to his sister's room open. As he passed in front of it, he bumped into Jaselle, who was just closing it behind her. He looked up sharply.

"Oh, sorry."

Jaselle shook her head slightly.

"It's fine. Nothing to apologize for."

She seemed, down. Something was bothering her. But he hadn't known her long enough(he had just met her this morning!) to know what it meant.

Jaselle turned to go to her room. Peter, tentatively, reached out a hand and placed it on her arm. She flinched, but stopped.

"Is everything alright?"

He was acting like the older brother, trying to help out his younger siblings. But, he didn't really feel like it. He felt strange, really. His stomach tingled, and sweat broke out on the back of his neck.

Jaselle turned slightly, and looked at him.

"I'm fine, really."

Her eyes, those piercing green eyes, told him otherwise.

He frowned softly.

"No you're not. But, you don't have to tell me. Just know I'm here if you need anything."

Again, the same words he would say to Susan or Lucy. But, he felt different. A lot different. What was it, that was making him feel like this?

Susan would say he was falling for Jaselle. But was that possible? After only one day? He wouldn't have thought so, but he felt so… so different then he had ever felt.

He had of course had his share of princesses and queens, duchesses and tarkheenas, throwing themselves at him. And he had considered them, for the sake of alliances.

But just as he couldn't force one of his siblings into a political marriage, he couldn't bring himself to be a part in one either.

It wasn't really on his part, either. He would gladly marry someone he didn't love for the sake of his kingdom. But, the various women who tried to impress him weren't in love with Peter. They were just enraptured by the thought of becoming queen.

And he couldn't do that to them. Maybe, in time, they would fall in love. But he didn't want to risk that not happening, and forcing her to be in a loveless marriage.

So he had politely turned down the flattering young women. Waiting, perhaps futilely, for a girl he could fall in love with.

Had he found her? But, what did she feel about him.

He shook his head to clear it. They had known each other for less then a day. Why was he thinking about such things?

Jaselle was standing there, watching him. She was frowning slightly.

"Now it's my turn to ask if you're alright?"

He forced a smile. He couldn't tell her what he was thinking.

"I'm fine. Really."

She raised an eyebrow. He just widened his smile.

"Good night."

Peter turned and retired to his room. He didn't see Jaselle sigh, and go to her own. He was lost in his thoughts.

Author's Note: Alright, hope it was good. Feedback, please. And I have by no means planned out this entire story, so any ideas you have are welcome. Either PM them or put them in your review.

As well, I am planning on including Aslan in an upcoming chapter, and want to portray him well. Any thoughts, or advice on that, would be mort welcome.

Thank you all for reviewing. Expect another chapter in the next two days!