I thought I had already updated this 3 days ago and was wondering why my views weren't changing to realise I hadn't really updated it, apologies for this but to make up for it the next chapter would be up by the day after tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Chapter 25; repercussions

"..the Training Grounds.."

"..the Crown Prince? No way!"

"..I bet he'll destroy her.."

What was going on? Edmund turned as he looked around. Everyone around him seemed to be in some kind of a hurry. But what was all this commotion for, to the point anyone barely noticed him?

Edmund followed, half jogging by the time he reached the training grounds and by the time he'd made it, a circle of spectators had already gathered and as the young King pushed his way through the crowd he could easily see why.

The Just King swore under his breath.

"Peter?" Edmund called to the blonde hair that stood right up in front of the chaos. "What in hell is this?"

Before his brother could reply a clang of swords crashing into each other echoed through the courtyard as he felt his heart lurch in his chest at the sound.

"Aline!" Edmund couldn't help but call out and only when he felt his older brother's hold on his arm did he realise his sword already drawn out and a mere step away from the ring.

"Edmund, no." he heard Peter's voice whisper from somewhere near his side but all that he could see instead was the girl in front of him stumble a step back her sword blocking a swing as her hair swirled around in a black entangle before revealing her perfectly sculpted face, gaze etched onto his, an expression akin to shock on her features.

"Ed, she's got this. Trust me." No. She surely did not seem like she got this.

"You allowed this?" he sounded incredulous. "Pete, what were you thinking?"

His brother sighed, "Trust me. Or if you can't least trust in her abilities."

The statement couldnt come at a worse time as Aline stumbled back, her eyes still fixated on to him. FOCUS! Edmund wanted to yell but it was too late. She landed with a mild thud on to the ground as Rabadash stood above her, sword brandished an evil smirk, of the very same kind that made his skin crawl earlier today. It made him feel the same again but this time only more. Edmund felt helpless as he felt Peter's grip on his arm only tighten as if his brother sensed what he had in mind. If this barbarian laid a hand on her, he'd be dead. Edmund swore. He'd rip his head off with his bare hands and send it back to the Tisroc on a silver platter. He couldn't help but remember the promise he'd once made her. That he wouldn't let any harm befall her. Whilst Edmund was lost in thought and that indisputable feeling of guilt and concern for her permeate his so far cleverly curated features (least not in such public settings) but for once Edmund could care less. His fists clenched at his side.

For just then, as Rabadash arms extended gloatingly over he fallen form, conveniently letting his guard down at the same time for Aline's left leg hooked through the gap in his feet and lo, down came crashing the pompous Prince his smirk now cleanly replaced by surprise instead. And then not a moment after their roles were replaced except this time, Aline's plain gold hilted sword held firmly against his neck.

It was then that he could release the breath he didn't realise he held in until now.

Cheers erupted among the spectators as Aline seemed to look around in surprise as if she'd just noticed her audience.

"That was impressive!" Peter gushed, yet Edmund could feel her emerald eyes burn on to him instead.

"That was stupid." he deadpanned instead with a glare at his older brother

"Edmund-" Peter warned.

"But I beat him. I won."

"You have no idea what you did, do you? You did not only just make yourself a target you just as well might have slapped him in front of the entire Calormene Court undoing everything-

"Edmund that's enough!" Peter cut him off this time authority seeping into his voice that Edmund could only comply. But the damage was already done. He'd seen it in her eyes. The disappointment in them was too overbearing that all he wanted to do was cup her face and tell her she did well, better than he would've ever expected from her but she always had this way of exceeding all his expectations. And most of all, that he was proud of her. Instead with one more strict glare at her, Edmund Pevensie turned around.

And only when he was way out of her- and anyone else's sight did he release the breath he'd held in just as his fist crashed into the wall next to him.

"You did well, Aline. Trust me."

"Not everyone seems to think so."

Peter rolled his eyes at that, "You know he did not mean that."

"But-

Peter stopped as he grasped her hands and Aline felt the callousness of his fingers on hers. "None of it was your fault. You were exceptional today, Aline. And it's not just me who thinks so," he turned around to see the gathered crowd now looking at her, admiration and a look of- was that respect?, on their faces. There were human soldiers, centaurs and fauns both in armour and without. Even some ladies of the Court and dryads as they all looked up towards the High King and the Lady.

"Today, you not only beat Rabadash and taught him a lesson but you've also won the respect of every single Narnian here. We are a proud people and we do not react well to those who threaten or belittle us. Man, beast or child. Today you've proven you're worthy of being called a Narnian. In every way."

Cheers erupted all around her at the High King's words and Aline couldn't help but blush at the intensity of so many stares on her. Today, she might have earned their respect but she also realised the truth to Edmund's words. For she also might have inevitably put a target on her back while she was at it. Not only did she notice the curious, flirtatious stares of many men amongst the ranks but also not a few jealous stares from not a few of the ladies in the crowd.

The rapt knocking on Edmund's door did not seize after a couple of rounds which only meant one of two things, he couldn't ignore it anymore without worsening his already aching head and two, whoever or whatever it was, was probably important.

With no other choice Edmund rose out of the chair he had confined himself to, overlooking documents since the afternoon- trying his best to not think of a certain someone- despite himself a bit relieved to be stretching his limbs.

"Carissa? What are you-"

Before he could complete his sentence she abruptly pushed her way in passed him, shutting the door behind her before turning to face the Just King. Her hair was in a mess, tendrils of blonde wisps framed her face in an unruly manner and her eyes held the tell tale glimmer of tears held back. She stood in a pink slip with a matching robe that preserved her modesty which she kept wrapping around her sides as if she was cold.

As she faced him, Carissa's face burned fiercely with determination and a rage he had never witnessed on her before.

"Whatever you have me do to take him down, I'll do it.

One look at the girl and Edmund knew what she meant. Before she could say another word he grasped her hand in his as she put up little struggle against his firm grip.

"No-" she gasped in a breath as his fingers brushed against the sleeves of her silk nightgown as he pulled it up an inch to reveal angry red bruises on her delicate skin. A confirmation of his suspicions.

"Carissa.."

"Don't say it. Whatever it is you're going to say, don't. "

"I am sorr-"

Carissa laughed. Hollow, cold and from afar. "What are you sorry for, my King? You couldn't stop him if you wanted to. If he wanted it, he would stop at nothing to get it. And tonight, he wanted me."

Her eyes were staring off into the distance as her words sent a shiver up his spine. He should've known he would have wanted to find her.

"Still-" Edmund helped her as she stumbled, right into an embrace, "I should've foreseen this-"

"This is noones fault but mine," And that was when the always strong headed girl, broke down. Her arms snaked around his waist and he felt her entire weight shift onto him as if he was the only thing holding her upright. "He came and I didn't-" her sobs clutched at his heart, "I didn't want him. Not after today." yet another reminder of what he'd done wrong. "But he just wouldn't stop. He-" her lithe frame couldnt stop shaking, "he beat me up. This wasn't like the other times. This time he was brutal. Murderous. I- I tried to fight him off I did but-"

For once the Just King knew not how to react. He could only wrap his arms back around her and let her sob it out. And there they stood for how long he knew not but he knew one thing for sure, Rabadash is paying for his crimes.

But after a while, Edmund felt her arms move, from on top of his shoulders to down his torso as her face that had been nuzzled in the crook of his neck shifted and instead he felt the press of cold wet tear drenched lips.

"Carissa stop," he began only for her kisses to grow more fervent, "this isn't proper."

"Since when were you a man who cared for propriety?" She'd grabbed his free hands in hers bringing them around her, lower and lower down her body.

"Since some time." he replied, "but, that isnt why we can't do this right now. You've been through a lot tonight. You need to rest, alright?"

Only a sigh replied him back. "Edmund," she whispered seductively. "I want this. You know I need this"

"Please," she purred,nibbling at his earlobes. Now, if this was any other normal circumstance Edmund would not have hesitated but this was much the opposite of any normal circumstance. The more he looked at Carissa the greater the contempt and inexplainable bloodlust he felt towards a certain Crown Prince doubled. Not to mention the thoughts of a certain someone else he had to push to the back of his head.

"I cannot imagine what you're feeling right now, but this isn't your fault. At all . I'm so sorry I allowed this to happen to you I truly am and for what it's worth, I swear he will pay for this."

She sniffled as she stopped abruptly. Her eyes in a daze as Carissa fell, crashing on to the sofa in his room. "I know you will." Carissa's clear blue eyes bore holes into his own.

"Well," the Archenland lady began after a few moments of heavy silence, a strained smile on her lips, "If you arent going to indulge me in pleasure the least you could do is pour me a drink. I can't return back to my room so soon. I just can't."

He nodded making a mental note to tell his sisters to shift her quarters to somewhere secure he wouldn't find it again and station more guards but as if she read his mind- "No." she swirled the whiskey neat he had poured her, just the way she liked it, "Please do not speak of this to anyone else. I beg you."

A/N: I know you guys detest Carissa, but I hope this chapter made you rethink on it a bit?

Ive already written the next chapter so it will be up in 2 days as promised and I'm so excited for yall to read it cause there's a LOT happening.

Anyways as usual, please do Review, that's the only thing that keeps me motivated and from giving up!