Author's Note: Alright, sorry this one took so long. I was waiting for some reviews, which seem to have dropped off. So if you all could, review more! Thanks. Any comments, review or PM me. Enjoy!
Peter led Jaselle outside, onto one of the three balconies leading off the ballroom. This one was deserted, as over half of the guests had already left for bed, or to go somewhere more private.
They reached the railing, and leaned against it. Peter looked out over the sea, at the waves softly lapping against the shore. A pair of seagulls flew over, heading for their roosts at the top of the tower.
"It's beautiful. Reminds me of home."
He felt a pang in his chest. Home? He was talking about Narnia. Not England. Not the place where he was born, or the place he was raised. He was talking about the place where his dreams had come true. Where he had become a man. Where he had fulfilled his destiny.
Jaselle stirred beside him.
"Is it pretty there? At your castle?"
Peter smiled.
"Yes, it is. During the summer, mermaids swim around, and sunbathe on the rocks. Talking birds float about, and are always willing to chat. Not that I suggest that: they never stop talking."
He chuckled.
"And the castle itself is smooth, all curves. Lush carpets, comfortable thrones. Lots of guest rooms. Large stables."
He smiled.
"And it has a nicer name."
Jaselle laughed.
"I agree with that."
She leaned over slightly, touching his arm.
"I think I would like to go there once."
Peter raised his arm and wrapped it around her.
"Why don't you come with me? When I go back. You can come and see it for yourself."
Jaselle gasped.
"Really? Oh, that would be so wonderful! I could talk to centaurs, and fawns, and talking horses, and oh! Spend time with Susan, and meet Lucy, and your brother. And be with you."
Her voice sort of dropped off at the end.
Peter pulled her close.
"I like the last part."
He cupped her chin in his hand, turning her face up towards him.
"I want to tell you something."
He paused. How best to say this?
She looked at him expectantly.
"I, uh, want to tell you that ever since I first saw you I've been, well, attracted to you."
He swallowed, then pushed on.
"I find you beautiful. But I don't mean your outside, even though that's beautiful. I mean your inside. Your spirit, your personality. You."
Peter felt sweat breaking out on the nape of his neck.
"I can't say if it is love. Yet. My mom told me it takes longer then a week to fall in love."
He flashed her a nervous smile.
"But maybe, it will be. I mean, if that's alright with you?"
Peter felt himself dreading her answer. He had been asking himself these questions for the past three days. Did she feel the same way about him too? He would have thought so, from her words and actions. But this gnawing doubt kept at him.
Her lip trembled. What did that mean? Was she about to say that she didn't feel the same? That she liked someone else? That he wasn't good enough(that one was crazy, but he thought it anyway).
"I-"
She what?
"I don't know what to say."
Her gaze dropped to her feet.
What did that mean? Peter felt cold. Why couldn't she tell him? Something!
Jaselle's eyes slowly rose back up, to meet his. They shone with unshed tears.
"You don't know how long I've been waiting for someone to tell me that. Especially you."
She threw herself around him, hugging Peter fiercely. A burst of nervous laughter came out, and he hugged her back. ………………………………...
Hassin watched from behind a column. He had heard every word, despite the quietness of their words. He smiled slightly. It was all working out. Not perfect, for nothing was ever perfect. Hassin would never allow himself to be arrogant.
But well enough for his plans. And, for the time being, the King's plans. For how long those two would coincide, he wasn't sure. But it wouldn't be too much longer.
He watched their hug, and was slightly disappointed when they walked out without a kiss. But it would be enough.
He shadowed them down the halls, staying out of sight. Peter half fulfilled Hassin's wishes by giving the Princess a kiss on the cheek, then they both retreated to their rooms. Hassin left.
Arriving at a small room, he slipped in. Clorin was already seated, with his feet up on the marble table. The young royal grinned.
"Well, Susan's eating out of my hand. How are her brother and my half-sister getting along."
Hassin nodded slowly.
"Well enough. Your father can go along with his plans tomorrow."
Clorin's grin widened even more, displaying his white teeth.
"I am kind of looking forward to seeing Narnia. Even more so, tricking them into fighting for us. Against the Calormene swine."
Hassin felt a wave of anger rise up in him, but suppressed it. Clorin was his father's son, not realizing that anything could go wrong with his plans. Oh, if only he knew how wrong he was.
His message delivered, his spying reported, he left and retreated to his quarters. He had a letter to write.
………………………………...
Peter strode down the halls, beaming. First last night, and now this. It was turning out to be an extremely worthwhile trip.
The King had summoned him to the Throne Room. The messenger had mentioned that he suspected it had something to do with a treaty. Which was what Peter had come here for.
Although, maybe it wasn't the most important thing. Or was it?
Peter felt himself being torn. He knew he was falling(or had already fallen) for the Princess of Lorsolum. But he was also the King of Narnia, and had to do what was best for Narnia.
The Narnia people had been pressuring him into marrying someone, giving them another Queen. And little Princes and Princesses. And the double advantage would be a marriage alliance with another kingdom.
But Peter didn't want to rush it. So, what exactly should he try to negotiate as this treaty?
He supposed he would find out when he got there.
A few minutes walk brought him to the doors to the Great Hall. He was admitted, but not announced as it was before breakfast.
The King was not on his throne, but on the lower dais. He was seated before a small table, facing Peter. There was a chair on Peter's side that he guessed was for him. Paper and quill were also out.
"Ah, High King Peter. Please, sit down."
He waved a thick hand at the chair. Peter seated himself.
"King Clorin, may-"
The King interrupted Peter.
"Please, this is a simple meeting between monarchs. Clorin."
Peter smiled uneasily.
"Then Peter."
He paused.
"Now, may I assume the purpose of this meeting is to discuss a possible alliance between our countries?"
The King laughed.
"Of course, of course. Right to business. I like that."
He sobered slightly, and glanced down at the paper in front of him.
"Now, I know you are somewhat new to this position. Are you aware of how treaties work? One side gives the other something, and vice versa? And there is usually some sort of…"
He seemed to be searching for a word.
"Grouping that cements it."
Peter let the reality of the King's words sink in. A grouping to cement it. He meant a marriage contract, or course.
Peter nodded slowly.
"I am aware. Now, may I ask what your conditions are?"
The King's face turned serious.
"As you know, we share our northern border with Calormene. They are a greedy and selfish land, and their Tisroc, may he live in perpetual gloom, desires my land for his own. He has recently made advances on my territory and taken valuable farmland from my kingdom."
He sighed.
"And alas, I have not the army to take it back. As you are not altogether friendly, with those thieves, it would be a bold and strong move to aid us in repelling them from our borders."
As Peter considered his words, he continued.
"In turn, I believe we have many commodities here in Lorsolum which are unavailable in your lands? And the same for yours. Maybe trading can be arranged, between our two kingdoms."
He smiled.
"I have also been informed of your country's lack of strong navy."
This was what Peter wanted to hear. Narnia had taken a heavy toll repelling raiders from the Lone Islands, and they were failing horribly at defending shipping routes between the island kingdoms.
"I would be glad to send some of my engineers to your kingdom. Instruct yours in the making of ships. And assist in the making of them."
Peter realized that this agreement was actually quite fair. The uneasy feeling in his stomach was subsiding. And although he didn't relish the thought of losing Narnian lives in battle, he knew his army was strong and could deal with the Calormene invaders swiftly.
King Clorin was smiling broadly.
"And, if you agree to these terms, I would suggest a cementing of the treaty."
Peter felt his pulse quickening.
"A marriage contract between you and the Princess."
Peter felt a wave of joy, uncertainty, and excitement rush through him. Was this it? Could he do in one move something that was beneficial to his kingdom, and at the same time fulfill the longing in his heart?
An hour later, Peter left with the treaty made out and signed. He headed towards Jaselle's room. He wanted to inform her of the treaty. Would she be alright with it? When thinking of the events of last night, Peter was inclined to think so. But he didn't know for sure. He didn't know her enough to be sure. But he sincerely hoped so.
………………………………...
Jaselle sat on her bed, combing through her long, raven locks. She was already dressed in a blue dress, one that closely matched Peter's eyes.
She pictured his eyes as she thought over the events of the night before. It was almost a dream. She almost wanted to walk outside her room and ask if it had really happened. But somehow, she knew it had. The wonderful feelings she had felt, the touch of his hands around her.
His eyes, smiling kindly as he spoke. And his voice, smooth and comforting. She felt safe around him. Like she belonged with him.
She felt an almost urgency to speed up their relationship, whatever degree it was. But Jaselle didn't think Peter would like that. And she didn't want anything to mess this up. Her whole life had been waiting for someone to love her. Could Peter be the one?
A knock on the door startled her out of her thoughts.
"Come in," she called. The door opened, to reveal Peter. He was dressed in a basic tunic and pants, with a red and gold cloak fastened to one shoulder.
When he saw her, his face split in a smile, his eyes dancing.
"You look lovely this morning."
Jaselle beamed at him.
"Thank you. I think the same of you, although I'm not sure how you like that."
Peter grinned, and came over to her. Sitting beside her, he reached up a hand and brushed her hair from her face. He looked almost entranced.
"Is there a reason you came here, or was it just a friendly visit?"
Peter's eyes crossed slightly for a moment, and he sobered.
"There is. I just got out of a meeting with your father. We discussed, and agreed upon, a treaty."
Jaselle laughed lightly.
"That's great! Now we're officially allies."
Peter smiled slightly with her, but still had a serious expression in his eyes.
Jaselle tilted her head slightly.
"Is there something else?"
Peter nodded slowly.
"Your father wanted something to, cement, the treaty."
He looked Jaselle straight in the eyes. She saw what looked like remorse in his eyes, but also hope.
"We, you and I, are to be wed."
His next words were rushed.
"I mean, if that's not alright with you, I can talk to him about something else. I am sorry we did it without you. But I thought, hoped, that it would work. It's a great alliance for our nations, a blood pact. And it doesn't have to happen right away, you can have some time. I-, I mean…."
Jaselle wasn't sure what to say. Was this what she had wanted?
Of course it was. Her dreams, they were finally coming true!
She leapt forward, wrapping her arms around him.
"Oh, this is great. And it's alright. I don't mind. At all."
Tightening her arms around him, she laid her head against his chest, feeling his heartbeat, and his warmth.
"Perfect…"
Author's Note: Review please!
