JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
Volume 3: The Price We Pay For Love

3.2/3.3 – Tonight, We Celebrate / A Time for Peace

Volume 3 of Just and Magnificent starts about 3 years after the events of the movie. It is the last of three volumes. It is AU and if you haven't figured out, contains slash and incest. Hopefully you find it handled in a way that is as pure as possible.
Summary: Susan and Orrin's honeymoon becomes an adventure. Peter and Edmund's wedding day is finally here.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, Action.
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the Pretty Eyes People from Shian! And since they're all dead except Orrin, well I only own him now! All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis
A/N: This chapter is two in one, because well I edited down the first part because it was too graphic. So from the start to the end of the wedding night is the shortened chapter, and 3.3 begins with the scene 'Afterglow'. From the next chapter on, everything will return to normal. Also, the rating is now M, because the battle scenes coming up, as well as those behind, are far too brutal to be rated T, not to mention the 'celebrations' in this chapter. But let's be real, it IS their wedding night. Once again, I have tried my best to be tasteful. Also, not a lot of action in these two instalments, but trust me, when the action comes, you'll be glad for the peace shown here. And after all, it is the last volume, so suck up theluff while you can!

JUST AND MAGNIFICENT 3.2 – TONIGHT, WE CELEBRATE

ONE OF MANY

As Cair Paravel celebrated the marriage of its two kings, a far different task was being undertaken elsewhere. In a watchtower not far from the northern pavilion, a satyr was being guarded by some of Narnia's finest. Indeed, General Oerius himself made certain the satyr was being sufficiently detained. Nothing would interfere with the marriage celebrations of Narnia's two kings.

As the satyr stood in the center of his cell, he glared at Oerius, who wasn't the slightest bit fazed. Soon Oerius was replaced by Orrin, before the centaur took his leave to join the wedding reception.

"As King Edmund the Just's first liege and Knight of the Order of Justice, I formally charge you with attempting to assassinate his royal highness. Under Narnian law, you will face a punishment deemed appropriate by High King Peter the Magnificent, ruler of all Narnia." Orrin said with a noble tone, before his eyes narrowed, "Leave us!"

After a few uneasy moments, the guards left Orrin alone with the satyr. The Shian stepped closer to the iron bars and continued staring at the satyr. They studied each other with their eyes. Each trying to draw information from the other.

"I know who you serve. Is he as much a coward as you are?" Orrin taunted, "Does he lurk in shadows like you? Does he expect us to fear him? I do not fear him, Satyr. King Peter does not fear him. King Edmund most definitely does not fear him. It is your master who should be afraid. When he finally shows his cowardly face, his evil will be wiped from this world. As will you be. Your master is weak. I take pity on him, in the name of all that is good and pure. Does he enjoy pity?"

This seemed to garner a reaction from the satyr. A reaction of anger, expressed with a scowl and glare of contempt. The reaction, though small, was all Orrin was hoping for. It was at least a sign that this satyr had some level of independent thinking. Though the satyr did not speak, Orrin believed it was only a matter of time before he garnered information from him.

"Your silence will not help you, Satyr. I need only time to break you. I am not a child of Narnia. I will not be so forgiving or merciful. You have threatened my new family. You have caused much distress to my wife." Orrin said as he leaned closer to the cage, "That is not something I will allow. Consider yourself marked. We will speak again, Satyr. Of that you can be certain. You have however, disrupted enough of my day. I will not allow you to disrupt it any further. My queen is waiting for me. Enjoy your stay. It's permanent."

CELEBRATE

"How is our guest?" Susan asked as Orrin met her on the dance floor.

"Taken care of, my qu…" Orrin said before he smiled, "Susan."

Susan let that be the end of their conversation in regards to the threat to Edmund's life. She trusted in her husband enough to know that Edmund was not in any danger. She wrapped her arms around her husband's neck as they weaved a gentle dance across the bustling pavilion. Foxes and beavers, fauns and dryads, were just a few of the vast number of creatures partaking in the music on offer. With a happy sigh, Susan rested her head on Orrin's shoulder and looked up at the sky.

"Does this remind you of our wedding night?"

Orrin said nothing, but simply smiled in response. He held Susan closer, pressing his lips against her temple as they danced together. Though the attention was surely on Peter and Edmund, Susan was quite happy to simply have her prince beside her.

Their loving embrace was caught by the eyes of another queen. The youngest queen in fact. Lucy herself had experienced quite the evening and danced with friends and guests alike. Now she danced with Mr. Tumnus, while her eyes darted from Susan and Orrin, to Peter and Edmund.

"Do you think I shall ever have love like the others?"

"I am quite positive of it." Mr. Tumnus said with a reassuring smile, "You surely will, Lucy Pevensie."

"When?"

"When you are older, I am sure."

"I am older."

"Not yet." Mr. Tumnus said with a tilt of his head, "You must not rush. You are young."

"I won't be young forever."

"You never know, Lucy. You just might."

"I have to agree, Luce." Edmund said as he and Peter brushed by in their own dance, "Someone like you should not be in such a hurry to get older."

"Edmund, must I keep reminding you that you're only a few years older than me? Well … at least you were, before you died."

"I haven't changed that much, Luce."

"You do look older though, since you came back. You almost look as old as Peter and Susan. It's not fair. I want to be older too."

"Mr. Tumnus, please do your very best to make sure Lucy has a wonderful time without feeling like she has to get older anytime soon." Peter said with a smile, before he led Edmund in a dance that took them away from the faun and valiant queen.

"I haven't changed that much, have I?" Edmund asked with a little concern.

"She is right. You are a little older. And I don't just mean the way you look. Your eyes and the way you act. I suppose it comes with … dying. You're never quite the same are you?"

"I was … fallen, Peter. At least until you saved me." Edmund gushed, kissing the nape of Peter's neck, "My magnificent Peter. You are finally mine. I cannot believe this day is finally ours. You are my husband at last. You are my life. It feels like a dream."

"In that case, I should hope we never wake up." said Peter as he gently brushed a wisp of hair from Edmund's capturing brown eyes, "I cannot tell you how beautiful you are. How did I fall so completely? I am breathless when you are near me. Yet I fear I cannot breathe unless you are with me."

Peter leaned his forehead against Edmund's, while his hands lingered on his lover's waist. He closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of his promised one. He felt Edmund's hands slip up around his neck, and it was almost as if they were alone, instead of among thousands.

Their dance became more of an embrace, with Peter clenching Edmund close to his chest as they spun and weaved through the crowd of guests. Peter's eyes were closed, yet Edmund could see for the both of them. Though it appeared that Peter led the dance, it was only because Edmund was so adept at guiding him.

Peter's lips hovered inches from Edmund's, and they seemed to grow drunk on the other's breath. Finally, Peter could take no more and led Edmund off the dance floor. They returned to their table, which was adorned with the finest cuisine and delicacies that Narnia had to offer. It also contained a great a deal of spiced wine, which Peter had partaken in quite merrily today.

Peter filled one goblet and handed it to Edmund. He held his own goblet up and tapped it to draw the attention of the wedding guests. Soon, all eyes were on him. And though all toasts and speeches had already been made, he prepared to make one final speech for the evening.

"Honored guests and friends, I trust that you are all enjoying your evening. On behalf of myself and King Edmund, I would like to thank everyone for their presence on such a wonderful and long awaited day. To your health and happiness, I offer a toast." Peter said toasting the goblet with a small sip, "I would also like to take this opportunity to toast my one and only, my husband and promised one, King Edmund the Just. My love, you were more radiant today than I have ever seen you before. Today has been the most wonderful day of my life and it is only because of you. To King Edmund the Just, the best part of my soul, the keeper of my heart, till the stars rain down from the heavens, and beyond!"

With a shy smile, Edmund graciously nodded as he was toasted by thousands. Though he wanted to speak, he found that Peter was doing far greater a task without him. It was times like this that he was grateful he was not High King of Narnia. Peter was far more adept at speaking to the masses.

"Please enjoy yourselves and celebrate this marriage, but also the joy of friendship and companionship that we have today. Let Narnia forever be a beacon of warmth, love, and hope, for those who would seek to partake in it. And now, it is time for my new betrothed and I to bid you farewell for the evening. Thank you all for sharing this day with us. Goodnight, one and all!"

To a loud round of applause, Peter took Edmund's hand and the pair walked across the pavilion. They were greeted and congratulated by many, including Susan and Orrin, Lucy, Oerius, and many more of their friends. And though Edmund wished for nothing more than to escape the eyes of the guests, Peter seemed to be in no hurry.

"This day is ours, Ed. Do not be so quick to see it pass." Peter said with a smile, "It will never come again."

So Edmund raised his hand a little higher. He waved with sincerity. He smiled a little brighter. After a while he realized Peter was right. This was one day they would never get back. It was the greatest day of their lives, so why hurry to see it end?

TONIGHT, WE ARE ONE

Peter carried Edmund over the threshold as they approached what would now be their chambers. No more would Edmund sleep in his own chambers. No longer would they have to say goodnight to one another. From this point on, they would be one in every sense of the word.

"I can walk, you know."

"Quiet." Peter said stealing a kiss, "It is our wedding night. I wish to carry you."

"Are all my things in here now?"

"Everything you need."

"Well … as long as you're there, I shall have need for nothing else." smiled a wistful Edmund as he ran his fingers across Peter's cheeks, "I love you, Peter."

"Oh, Ed. You have no idea what you do to me when you say such things." Peter gasped before he pushed Edmund against the passage wall, smashing their lips together.

Edmund grabbed at the wall as Peter held their faces together with his hands. His tongue pushed its way into Edmund's mouth and they were soon kissing unabashedly. It was almost primal for Peter.

"I have waited for this day for so long." Peter gasped between kisses, "I have wanted you. Now …"

"Peter, we're not quite in the chambers yet."

With a blushing smile of embarrassment, Peter swept Edmund back into his arms. He ran as quickly as he could for their chambers and kicked the door open. He barely managed to flick it shut with his foot, before he was fumbling toward the bed with Edmund in his arms. They collapsed on the bed in a heap, with Peter on top of Edmund, gently running his fingers through the younger king's hair.

"I wish to celebrate our love with you, my sweet Ed." Peter said with a gasp of need in his voice, "I have longed for this since the moment you came back to me."

"Are you certain I will please you?"

"Ever the doubt-bucket …"

Peter barely finished the words before his lips were on Edmund's. They sought him out with a hunger, as their hands clenched together. There was as much passion between them, as there was love.

"I know I should be patient and slow. But I must have you. I need to have you, Ed. I need to know that there is truly nothing we have not shared. You have my heart and my soul, now you shall have my body."

Peter shuffled up just enough to disrobe. Boots, crowns, tunics, became a mess on the floor. Though Peter felt shameful for not using the art of seduction on his lover, his passion and need was too great. And yet even as he stood naked from head to toe, Edmund had barely moved.

"Ed? Are … what's wrong?"

"That's just it, Peter." Edmund smiled, "There is nothing wrong. Is it wrong for your lover to appreciate the beauty of their husband?"

"Oh …" Peter blushed, "Really? You think so?"

"Peter, I know so." Edmund said before he stood up and slowly began disrobing himself.

Unlike Peter, he moved ever so slowly. It was almost achingly slow for Peter. He waited and watched, tempted to step forward and help Edmund remove the last of his clothing. Edmund's pale skin, like milk in the moonlight, was revealed to Peter slowly, but surely. Pale skin that covered a frame that had been honed for battle, and flesh that had seen too much war for its age. A body laced with lean, distinct muscle. And yet, it was all soft, innocent and fragile under Peter's eyes. It was beauty unlike anything he had ever seen. Finally, when both kings were naked, Edmund stood before Peter smiling weakly up at him.

"Do I please you, Peter?"

"Ed … you astound me." Peter gasped as he kissed the soft pale flesh of Edmund's neck, "Make love to me, Ed. Do not be bashful. Take what is yours. I am yours, Ed. Only yours."

For reasons even he did not know, Edmund's mind flashed once more with images he had long repressed. Images of that hag trying to make love to his Peter. He instinctively hesitated and staggered backwards, drawing the instant attention of Peter.

"Edmund?" Peter asked in wide eyed surprise, "What's wrong, my love?"

"I …" Edmund began to say, before he looked to the bed and wondered.

He wondered if that was the same bed the hag had tried to seduce his Peter on. He wondered if that was the bed she had used Eris's image to elicit Peter's affections on. Had Peter touched and been intimate with her in the same room they now planned to make love? He knew it was wrong to think of such things, and yet his mind could not help but be inundated by images of Peter touching her.

"Ed … I thought we were past this." Peter said, as if already sensing what held Edmund back, "I thought you forgave me."

Peter's eyes immediately began to well up with tears. Tears that were brought to light by the dim flame of a table lamp. And what had just been a moment filled with passion and love, was now a moment of shame and regret. Peter stepped back and slumped on the end of his bed. He leaned forward and buried his head in his hands, before mighty and angry sobs overwhelmed him. He felt dirty and ashamed, almost tempted to run from the room as fast as he could. Yet more than that, he felt anger. Anger that even from beyond the grave, the hag's taint lingered on their love.

"I disgust you." Peter cried with silent tears of despair, "You have never truly forgiven me. It is obvious now. I am ashamed and unworthy."

"I am sorry, Peter. I have ruined this day. I did not mean to think of … what happened. But … when you kissed me and I knew … I knew we would make love, I … could not help it. I saw it all, Peter. I saw it all in my mind. It still hurts me to think of it. But I never meant to, not now, not tonight."

"She never had me, Ed." cried a distraught and visibly devastated Peter, "I know I failed you. I failed us. I knew it would come and haunt me, but … not today. I need you, Ed. Don't you see? I need you to have me, so I too can rid myself of her. You might not think it, but it hurts me to think of what I did. Enchanted or not, I wronged us both."

Edmund felt a rush of anger at both himself and that dead hag. He sat down next to Peter, holding his hand out on his leg. He waited for Peter to respond. He did not have to wait long. Peter clasped his hand and gripped it like a vice. Peter's sobs became angry and vocal, as if he were trying to force his guilt from his body. And yet with one small gesture, Edmund did just that. With a feather's touch, Edmund kissed Peter's shoulder before slowly moving down his chest.

"She never had you, Peter. But tonight, I will have you. And no one else will ever have you again. You are my husband. You are only for me." Edmund said as his lithe fingers danced across Peter's thigh, "Let us prove she has not won. She has not broken us. You are mine. Now claim me."

There was almost a growl in Edmund's voice, as if he demanded Peter's obedience. Still shaking, Peter ran his own fingers along Edmund's spine and let out a gasp. Slowly his sobs subsided and the guilt began to ebb and weave with passion. He knew if they truly were to break the hag's taint, they would only do so by replacing it with something else. Replacing it with something of their own.

"Now, Peter." Edmund growled with eyes that were fixed and narrow, "Take me like the high king you are. You are my husband. Make me yours. I demand it."

"You know she never had me, don't you?" Peter asked with anxious eyes, "I am sorry, Edmund."

"She never had you the way I'm going to have you. You are my husband. You are mine, Peter."

With a flash of both anger and passion, Edmund thrust his lips upon Peter's. His hands and lips wandered over Peter's body, touching and tasting in ways they never had before. They were married now. This was their right. A right that hag never had.

"I said love me!" Edmund growled again, this time eliciting a quick response from Peter.

Peter's eyes finally seemed to resonate Edmund's intentions. In a flash they were back on the bed in a mess of groping hands and gasping kisses. Anxious kisses on soft flesh that threatened to bruise and mark the golden skin of Peter and pale skin of Edmund.

It was not pretty lovemaking. It was not articulate or gentle. It was anxious and needy. It was bitter cries and angry declarations. It was blame and forgiveness, wrapped in passion. Yet Edmund continued to fight with Peter's gentle hands, pushing and shoving as though this act was abhorent to him.

"Edmund … this is our first time. Must you be so angry with me?"

"I hate her, Peter." Edmund gasped, realizing Peter was not enjoying this anymore than he was, "I wish she were alive so I could kill her myself."

"I love you, I love you." Peter cried, over and over, "I love only you. I swear. Do not let our first time be so angry and hateful. I adore you, Edmund. Please forgive me. Let me make love to you as I wish to. Let us not be reminded of her. I am your husband. I have never loved anyone like this. She never had me, Ed. Don't you understand that?"

"I'm sorry, Peter." sighed a despondent Edmund, before he looked up and smiled at Peter, "She never had you, Peter. Not like I am having you now. She tried, but she failed. She had neither your love … nor your body. Not as I have you now."

"I am only for you. I am yours and only yours. For eternity, I am yours."

"Then love me. Love me as my husband and think only of us, Peter." Edmund cried as he lovingly pressed his lips against Peter's.

Their kiss quickly escalated to a passionate tirade of swirling tongues and anxious lips. They rolled and grabbed in the moonlight, with lips caressing flesh, hands exploring, and feet brushing against feet. And just as their wedding ceremony had left them both in a state of emotional bliss, their wedding night would lead them again to the same bliss, mixed with physical bliss the likes of which they had never known. It was a night of exploration, of declaration, of anxious cries and mighty gasps. They knew love. They made love. They were love. And it wasn't until the morning birds heralded the new day, that they finally succumbed from their passionate journeys and relented to sleep. And even then, their dreams were filled with as much love as their wedding day, and of course, their wedding night.

AFTERGLOW

"Peter?"

Peter wearily opened his eyes, and without realizing, a brilliant teeth showing smile broke out on his face. He let out a content sigh as he felt Edmund's head resting on his bare chest. He ran his hand down the slope of Edmund's back and pulled him closer.

"Good morning, my love." smiled Peter, "How did you sleep?"

"Like someone who needed a great deal of it."

"It was wonderful though, wasn't it?"

"Speak for yourself. I shall not be walking much today." Edmund said with a smirk as he kissed Peter's chest, "But it was wonderful."

"We are married now." sighed a happy Peter, "Can you believe it, Ed? We are married."

The sun's rays shone brilliantly into the chambers that now belonged not just to Peter, but now to Edmund as well. Edmund's nimble fingers ran curious circles over Peter's stomach. They lay for a while, enjoying the experience of waking up in each other's arms. It was not the first time, but it was the first time as a married couple, and the first time after a night of making love.

For Peter, there was something calming in the knowledge that he and Edmund were finally married. That they were finally sealed in every aspect of their lives. They had shared their souls, their hearts, and their bodies. They were truly one.

It felt to Peter that everything in their lives had led to this moment. Every breath he took now seemed complete. He wondered if he would ever shake the smile that lurked beneath the surface, ever since their marriage was completed.

"We're married." Peter said with a soft and almost disbelieving laugh, "We're married, Ed. We're married!"

Unable to contain himself, he leaped from the bed, pausing only to wrap a cloak around his naked form. He ran to the balcony, his bare feet treading upon leaves that had blown in overnight. The smile on his face was infectious and overwhelming as he leaned over the railing to yell at anyone who could hear him.

"We are married!"

"Peter!" Edmund yelled from the bed, "Are you mad?"

"Yes! I am delirious!" Peter laughed, before he turned back to the growing crowd below, "Today is a wonderful day!"

"Peter, get back here! Get back here this instant!"

"As you wish, my love. As you wish." said a Peter who almost skipped his way back into the chambers.

He tossed the cloak aside and quickly shuffled under the covers with Edmund. He was still caught up with love, and the bliss from their wedding day, and night. In fact, as his arms brought Edmund tighter into his loving embrace, he felt stirrings quite similar to the night before.

"We are married, Ed."

"Yes, Peter." Edmund smiled, trying not to roll his eyes, "How can I forget when you keep reminding me?"

"You are not as happy as I am?"

"Peter, I think I'm possibly even happier than you are."

"That's simply not possible." beamed a blushing Peter, "For I am the happiest man to ever live."

Edmund's eyes found Peter's and he smiled as he stared curiously at his love. He could see nothing but sincerity, adoration, and utter love in Peter's gaze. And it was all for him.

"You really are, aren't you?"

"How could I be anything but happy? You have given me my greatest dream, Ed. The sweetest dream." Peter smiled as he held Edmund's hand to his chest, "I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know just how happy you have made me."

"And what can I do, Peter? What can I do to make sure you know just how happy I am to have you as my husband?"

"Hmm …" Peter blushed, his fingers grazing Edmund's chest, "I can think of a few ways …"

"Is that so?" Edmund replied with a coy smile, "You desire to have me again?"

"I desire to have you always, my love. I adore you. I worship you. And now … I wish to have you!"

"No, Peter!" Edmund laughed as Peter attacked him with tickles over his stomach, "Not there! Please! I give!"

The two kings laughed and played, rolling over one another. It served only as a prelude, for laughs were soon replaced with sighs and gasps, kisses and caresses. A mess of tangled sheets and naked bodies, save for two wedding rings. Once more the kings made love and filled the morning with explorations and adventures that only a married couple could ever make. Their love was sealed, and as cries of release filled the air, so were they.

A QUEEN LEFT TO RULE

"So … all ready to go, are we?"

Susan's words were laced with a smile as she approached Peter and Edmund. Indeed, they readied to depart for their honeymoon. Both kings were still clearly high with the scent of love filling their senses. She noted how Peter would barely let Edmund step outside the range of his ever present hands. She noted the blushing glances that Edmund would exhibit each time Peter would smile unabashedly at him. They were truly in love, and it served to warm her heart to see such warmth. Her mind instantly swam with memories of her honeymoon with her beloved husband. She knew when she looked at Peter and Edmund, that they would share a time that would be as unforgettable as her own.

She had no heart to tell Peter of the satyr, yet she had bolstered the numbers in his entourage. She had also dispatched Roan to serve as a watchful eye for any threat that would present itself. She hoped it would be enough to keep both kings safe.

"Peter, you do know that every time you go away and leave me in charge, something dreadful happens. Perhaps you should leave Lucy in charge this time."

"You do seem to have unfortunate timing, don't you?" Peter smiled, "But I would not have it any other way. You are grace unequalled, Su. Narnia is in safe hands with you."

"Goodbye, Su." Edmund smiled as he hugged Susan, "Don't worry. The north is well watched. Orrin has the Order of Justice well in hand. Oerius has the army training and recruiting as we speak. And at the slightest sign of trouble, we shall return."

"Then let us hope there is no trouble!" Peter laughed as he joined the hug.

"What about me?" Lucy pouted mockingly before she too joined in.

As odd as it might seem that two of the family group were now married to one another, it did little to change the dynamic the four shared. They still supported one another. They still loved one another. They would all still go to the ends of the earth to keep each other safe.

Peter and Edmund readied to depart with their entourage, with all of Cair Paravel on hand to farewell them. Their honeymoon would take them from Cair Paravel for almost two months. Though it was a happy time for all, Susan and Lucy's goodbye waves were laced with tears. Peter and Edmund's however, were laced only with smiles and joy. Finally, the kings departed Cair Paravel to the loud sound of trumpets and much bombast.

"Well, Lucy. It's just you and I for a while."

"I guess so, Su." Lucy sighed, "You and your husband, and me and myself. How frightfully boring."

"I'm always here for you, Lucy. You need only ask."

"When will it be my turn, Su? Why can't I meet someone like Orrin? He is so wonderful for you. But you are awfully hard on him at times."

"I suppose I am. But it doesn't mean I love him any less. You'll understand these things when …."

"When I am older." Lucy sighed, "I imagine I will hear that for the next twenty years."

"Nonsense, Lucy. Like Peter said … only for the next ten years." Susan smiled with mischief.

"Hmpf." Lucy pouted, before turning to walk away, "Well, at least I shall have Mr. Tumnus to keep me company!"

"Indeed you shall, Lucy. Now, where is that wonderful husband of mine?"

DUTY

"Orrin?"

Orrin raised a small smile at the sound of Susan's voice calling him. He stood straight and proud, tidying up his table of maps and notes. When Susan entered the room, he responded with a small bow.

"I trust the kings departed well?"

"They did. You should have come to say goodbye."

"No. That was a time for the four of you to share. And besides, I have much work to tend to. We tracked the satyr from the moment he entered Narnia. He entered from Ettinsmoor, based on the information the Order of Justice was able to secure. He entered as part of a delegation from Narnia's supposed allies who linger there. That means Ettinsmoor cannot be trusted as an ally to Narnia."

"They could never be trusted. There is little order in Ettinsmoor. It is a foul place. We have few friends there. It is disturbing however to know that so close to Narnia's borders, he has allies." said a troubled Susan, her eyes following her husband's as he pointed to a large map sprawled on the table.

"It is of little consequence. Our outpost in the far north has not been compromised. We will be alerted the moment there is trouble. However, I would recommend that you use this time to bolster relations with your allies. If what the dwarf in Exildwa told us is true, his army will be large enough to threaten the major kingdoms and every land they entail."

"You're right. We should use this time to secure our allies. I fear this war is inevitable, so we must do our very best to be prepared."

"If it does come, we should have enough warning to prepare armies to fight on multiple fronts. It would still take them months to reach the upper ends of the wildlands, once we're notified. General Oerius has already determined a useful defensive strategy for Narnia. But we will have to fight beyond our borders, before they get close to Narnia. If we allow them to take the wildlands or Ettinsmoor, it will be much more difficult to halt their procession. Their armies will only get larger the closer they get to us. The north is filled with creatures who would gladly join him."

Susan found her duty as a queen, listening to a trusted subject, was not at all what she wanted right now. She stepped behind her prince, and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rested her head on his shoulder, cold with armor though it was. He was by all means, formal to a fault. Even when he worked alone, he would insist on wearing his formal Shian light armor, now adorned with Narnia's colors as well as those of his fallen kingdom.

Susan smiled and closed her eyes, grateful for the privacy this room afforded them. She held herself close behind her love, letting out a gentle sigh. He responded in turn by covering her clenched hands with one of his own.

"It will all be well, my promised one." Orrin reassured, "I will let no harm come to you or your family."

"Of that I am certain."

THE MYSTERY OF THE SATYR

Since the capture of the satyr, he had not spoken a word. He had not slept or eaten, as was expected of a fallen. Orrin had however, learned as much from the satyr's silence, as he could have from speaking. Those who were once fallen themselves, had offered some keen insight as to the status of the satyr. If he did not speak, he was obviously not the leader of the new fallen army, as King Edmund was of the Fallen Army of Beruna. However, his knowledge was still great, and his reactions were often as good as answers.

"You have given me more information than you realize, Satyr. Or should I call you Garlo? Do you still have the arrow wound my wife gave you?"

The satyr did not answer, but the slightest flinch at the mention of his name was enough of an affirmative for Orrin. It was a start, but not enough for Orrin to be happy with.

"How many fallen are there? The same amount as the Fallen Army of Beruna? Is that how it works? An army to serve the darkness, just as the last army served the light? Is that the balance?"

Again, no spoken words, but the hint of recognition. It was known to Orrin that fallen were not of an independent enough capacity to even think of deception. They simply fought or carried out orders from their master. That knowledge was critical in letting Orrin know that the satyr's responses were genuine and not manufactured. The creature was operating on some primal level of thinking. Perhaps the small part of it's consciousness that was in some small way, still alive.

"How many living have joined this army? How many have chosen the side of your master, the one who is many? Enough to conquer Narnia?"

No response at all. The satyr did not even flinch. And yet Orrin did not see this as a sign that the army was not large enough to conquer Narnia. On the contrary, he thought the opposite. Especially considering the information the dwarf had given he and Susan at Exildwa.

"Enough to march on all the lands of the known world?"

And there was the answer. The answer that Orrin feared. Though he already knew it to be true, the satyr's confirmation made it fact in Orrin's mind. A war was indeed coming. A war greater than any in history.

WEDDED BLISS?

Far from a castle plagued with rumors of a coming war, Peter and Edmund had journeyed far across the seas to Terebinthia. Days had quickly melted into weeks. Their trip had been blessed with good weather and fair skies. They were greeted warmly by the native Terebinthian natives and now found themselves enjoying a local tradition of fishing in the summer celebrations.

"I have slayed dragons. I have dueled with evil greater than Jadis herself." Edmund grumbled as he compared Peter's bounty of fish to his meager few, "And I can barely catch fish."

The two kings waded their feet in the water, and felt more like simple young men, rather than kings of Narnia. Their honeymoon had been nothing but wondrous for the two of them. They had not spent a night apart since their wedding. And though married life was not the pure bliss they expected, it was still a greater bliss than they could have ever hoped. There were those times however, when Peter thought Edmund was completely mad and would take a simple little comment and turn it into some giant tirade. Much as he did now.

"Perhaps you should leave the fishing to me then." Peter said with a smirk, "Perhaps you can learn to cook instead. You make an excellent wife."

"I'm not your wife!" Edmund snapped before he tipped his fish into Peter's basket, "You catch the fish then."

"Ed! It was a joke!" laughed a surprised Peter as Edmund stood up and handed his rod to one of the watching Terebinthian.

Edmund quickly stormed off, not bothering to grab his shoes or his belongings. He could see Peter quickly get up and hand the basket to the surprised Terebinthian. He did his best courteous smile and urged the Terebinthian to add his basket to the growing pile that would be used for the evening's celebrations.

He ran after Edmund, but the younger king only quickened his pace. Before either knew it, they had marched right out of the village and away from the festivities.

"Edmund!" Peter yelled in annoyance, "Wait!"

"Go away!"

"Edmund, you're being childish."

Edmund was about to turn around and give Peter a strongly worded retort, but tripped over a jagged stone. It cut into the flesh of his foot and he grimaced slightly, before he instinctively hobbled to a nearby stream.

"Edmund, are you alright?"

"Oh go away." Edmund moaned as he placed his bloody foot in the water.

"Here, let me."

Without waiting for permission, Peter took Edmund's foot and cleaned the wound. It was large enough to gush blood, but he hoped it had not severed any nerves. Lucy was not on hand to provide a remedy. With a look of defiance, Edmund sat down and let Peter tend to him.

"I could take care of it myself, you know." scowled an annoyed Edmund, "Or aren't wives capable of that?"

"Ed, it was a joke."

Peter continued washing away the dirt and blood from Edmund's foot. He ripped the sleeve from his shirt and wrapped it tight around the wound. Instinctively, he leaned forward and kissed the tip of Edmund's toes.

"All better, my love?"

"Don't kiss me." Edmund growled as he pulled his foot from Peter's grasp.

"You're welcome." Peter sighed, "Are you really angry with me? It was a joke, Ed. And obviously one of poor taste on my part. I do apologize if I have wounded you. Must you cause such a scene though? You're so sensitive, Doubt-bucket."

"I'm not your wife." Edmund pouted, "I've slayed dragons, you know. I've led dead armies. I've seen things that would turn your hair gray. I'm the Rogue Warrior! This king's life has made me soft. Being married to you has made me soft."

"Now who is the one being hurtful?"

"Then perhaps you should not have called me your wife."

"I apologized, didn't I?"

"I'm not your wife."

"But you are my husband, and we are married. And what is so terrible about being someone's wife?"

"A wife is a woman. And though there is nothing wrong with being a woman, I am not a woman! I am a man! I'm not your wife!" Edmund protested as he stood to his feet, "This honeymoon is over, I want to go home."

"But we've only been gone a month. We have another month to go."

"I don't care. I should be … doing something. There is a war coming, I know it is. And here I am with you catching fish and bloodying my foot. Arguing with you about whether or not I'll make a good wife."

"This honeymoon is not over, Edmund." Peter said with resolve in his voice, "You can pout and be angry as much as you like, but our entourage is not going anywhere, and neither are you."

"I can find my own way. I'm not helpless. And I am certainly not your wife!"

"You need not prove yourself to me!" Peter growled as he grabbed Edmund by the arms, "I know what you're capable of. You wish to go back to Cair Paravel and seek out a battle so you will feel more like a man? Because being with me makes you feel like less of one?"

"Being with you has made me weak."

"Mind your words, Edmund." Peter said with anger in his eyes, his hands still clenching Edmund's arms.

"I'm not your wife!" Edmund cried suddenly, "I'm a warrior! You have made me soft!"

"Fine, be angry. But you are still my betrothed and we are married. And this honeymoon is not over!"

Peter wrested himself free from Edmund, walking away before marching right back again. Edmund had rarely seen Peter's anger, especially directed at him. It was usually he who was angry, not Peter. He knew when Peter did get angry though, it was often an anger that could far outlast his own.

"You are infuriating, Edmund. My love for you is fierce and unyielding and yet you continually press me like some immature child. Alright, I offended you and I am sorry. But you cannot use every little hiccup we have as an excuse to pack your bags and concede. My love for you does not make me blind to either of our faults. But that means that we simply must work to overcome them. That is what a marriage is about. Do you see this ring?" Peter said holding up his hand, "It is unending, like our marriage. There is no out, Edmund. We have made our vows and they are forever. And it will not always be easy. It isn't supposed to be. So we work at it. Do you understand that?"

"Why can't you just be petty like me?" Edmund scowled, "You always have to say the right thing, don't you? And it always has to sincere and bloody magnificent. Well you told me, didn't you? It's a good thing my husband is so bloody magnificent he can put me in my place whenever he pleases."

"That's all well and good, but at least you mentioned that I am your husband. And I would be careful to mind your words, Edmund. I will not tolerate much more of your insults."

"Alright, Peter. Fine. You win." Edmund sighed before he turned and hobbled back towards the village.

"It's not about winning!" Peter yelled as he ran alongside Edmund, even more furious than before, "This isn't a competition! You are my husband!"

"You forgot your shoes." said Edmund as he pointed to Peter's bare feet.

"What?" Peter asked still flustered.

"I'm going to get this foot taken care of." Edmund said with resignation in his voice, "The honeymoon is not over, Peter. But if you ever call me your wife again, your bed is going to be very cold. Small semblance of pride I may have, but it is still mine to have. You will not take it from me."

"I don't want to take it from you!"

And so, with neither conceding or any resolution to their dispute, Edmund hobbled away leaving a flustered Peter behind him. He had his foot treated by one of the locals, and though it did not cure his injury as Lucy's cordial would, he could at least hobble a little faster. Though he was forced to use a wooden crutch to aid him. Something he found most annoying.

He did not speak to Peter for the rest of the day. The evening celebrations went off without a hitch, with both kings doing their best to remain jovial in front of their hosts. Edmund found he could barely stomach the fish, knowing it had been the source of his argument with Peter.

"May I get you something to drink, Edmund?" Peter asked with a conciliatory tone, finally breaking their silence.

"No thank you, Peter."

Peter had extended an olive branch and Edmund had rejected it. Peter simply shook his head in disappointment, his eyes still laced with anger of his own. They spent the rest of the evening mingling with guests and listening to minstrels. Eventually Edmund found himself gravitating to what he knew best. Planning for war.

"I know your loyalty to Narnia is great, as is our loyalty to Terebinthia." Edmund said as he sat beside Duke Lorel, ruler of Terebinthia, "There is a war coming. A war that will threaten all our lands. Can Narnia count on your allegiance when the time comes to defend our free lands?"

"It most certainly can, King Edmund. We are loyal to Narnia and the lion. Our honor dictates that we stand with our allies and friends. You can count on us."

With a grateful smile, Edmund toasted the duke. When Peter nodded to Edmund as a sign of pride for Edmund's actions, the younger king simply nodded back with indifference. This was indeed a honeymoon, but Edmund saw no crime in bolstering relations with allies he was certain would be needed in the future.

When the time came to retire, Edmund found he was the last to do so. When Peter had excused himself, Edmund did not retire with him. He remained in conversation with many of the Narnian entourage, some of who indulged in wine with the just king. For Edmund, it was simply a way to avoid Peter and their unresolved dispute. He may have been childish, but he hated that Peter was always so right. Most of all, he hated feeling inferior or weak. He deferred so much to Peter, at the cost of his own masculinity, but they still had not reached a comfortable balance in their relationship. He deferred, submitted, and succumbed, because Peter was older, he was mature, and he was the high king. Hopefully Peter was right, and over time they would continue to work at their marriage and find the balance that all couples must be forced to find.

After he realized he could no longer delay the inevitable, he hobbled back to the beach hut that had been provided by the locals. He made his way inside as quietly as he could, and yet Peter lay awake as though he had been waiting for him for hours. When Edmund finished changing into his nightclothes, Peter held the covers up for him and waited.

"Well?" Peter asked, almost demanding, "What are you waiting for?"

Edmund did not answer. Instead he crawled into the hammock on the other side of the hut and curled up. The sea breeze that blew through was slightly cool, but a sight warmer than the tension between himself and Peter.

"Edmund, I don't care if you're angry. You're my husband and we sleep in the same bed. Get over here now."

"I'm allowed to sleep on my own."

"I said now."

Begrudgingly, and on the verge of tears at being ordered around like some servant or child, Edmund made his way into the bed. He remained on his side of the bed and turned away from Peter. For reasons he did not share with Peter, he began softly weeping and buried his face in his pillow. He soon felt warm arms around him and a soft kiss on the back of his neck.

"I will not allow you to sleep somewhere else as though you are not loved. I am angry too. But even then, it does not change the fact that I love you and we are married and we sleep in the same bed." Peter sighed, "I know you are still hurt and angry, but as long as you know that I love you, then … everything else can wait till the morning, ok?"

Edmund's response was to turn around and bury himself in Peter's chest. He wrapped his arms around Peter and held on with an anxious sigh. When Peter kissed his temple and pulled their bodies closer, he realized that no matter what they fought about, it could not change this. And as long as they always remembered that, everything else could be dealt with. After all, marriage is not about winning or losing arguments. It is after all, about compromise, partnership, love, and perhaps just as much as that; trust. Trust that they would overcome any little arguments and find their way back to each other.

- TO BE CONTINUED -

Edmund and Peter's honeymoon comes to a surprisingend. Susan and Lucyforge defensive alliances with Narnia's friends. Whispers begin to filter from the north. The one who is many makes a move into the open. The scent of war is coming.


A/N: Not a lot of action in this chapter, but as I said above, it is intentionally so. The rating is now M because things are going to get awfully bloody this volume, and because of the wedding night celebrations. A contrast with Peter and Edmund from their wedding night bliss to flash forward a month or so later and they find married life is not so much bliss on their honeymoon. But of course, the most important part is realizing that marriage takes work. Ask me, I've been married like umm never. But you know, I've never been to Narnia either, so creative license at work baby! But I am rather idealistic about these things. So even though Peter and Edmund were both still angry, they know they just have to deal with it and move on, because that's what you do when you're married. You can't just quit at the first sign of trouble. The time period for this chapter is around about 3-4 years after the movie, and after being 'fallen' Edmund came back a little older at the end of volume 1, so there's less of a physical age difference he's closer to Susan and Peter's age now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review!