Chapter 2
Princess Lilliana reined her dark-chestnut mare to a halt and smiled. "Well done Ruby, that was almost like flying!"
Lilliana had been cantering through the woods when, on the spur of the moment, she had ridden the mare over several fallen logs. She now entered the courtyard of her home, Cair Paravel, when her brother approached.
"Lily!" he called, using his nickname for her, "I have something to tell you!"
"What is it, Reuel? Surely it can wait until I've cared for Ruby?"
In response, Reuel called out to a passing stablehand. "Carlin, will you take Princess Lilliana's horse to the stables for her?"
"Yes my lord." The boy answered with a bow.
Reuel turned back to face his sister, a triumphant grin on his face. Lilliana surrendered her horse with an eye-roll at her brother and walked around the castle grounds with him.
"I know we're celebrating your birthday tonight, but I wanted to give you my gift early." her brother stated.
Curiosity piqued, Lilliana watched as her brother felt around in his pocket. With a slight flourish and bow, Reuel held out his hand and opened it. There in his palm lay the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. It was made of pure gold and was shaped like a lion's head, with two small emeralds for its eyes. Lilliana gasped, unable to say anything. She wrapped her brother in a hug before taking the ring and putting it on. The ring was a perfect fit; it sparkled in the late afternoon sunlight.
"Thank you." she whispered. "I knew you would like it." her brother replied.
"Where did you get this ring? It's beautiful."
"I found it at a shop in Beruna. As soon as I saw it I knew it was the perfect gift for you. I asked the shopkeeper where he got it, but he didn't know. Said it just appeared on the counter one day."
Lilliana thought this very strange, but did not dwell on it very long. She looked up once more and smiled at her brother.
"I like it very much," she said. "I don't think there's any other like it in all of Narnia."