People stared. They stared a lot. You were used to it since returning, but those stares were bearable. The ones they gave you and Caspian were enough to make you blush. It wasn't every day you walked around with a man, let alone one as handsome as Caspian. You wondered if they recognized him at all.

When the whispers started, you almost regretted leaving the castle. Caspian being the first male – other than your father – you were seen with in quite some time rekindled the rumors in a new way. The people thought he was the secret man causing you to turn away so many princes.

"Is this normal?" Caspian whispered, studying the number of eyes on you both.

You choked up an awkward laugh. "Yes and no. People stare at me a lot. They don't stare this much, but I usually don't have a man with me."

"I guess they wouldn't recognize me, would they?"

"Maybe. I don't think they know you are a king if they do."

"We could use that to our advantage."

"How?"

"If your people realize who I am – not a king, but the boy who used to run in these streets with you – we could talk to them on a personal level."

"That could work. Where should we start?"

He pondered it. "Follow me." He took your hand and pulled you behind him.

"How do you remember these streets? It's been ages."

"I never forget my favorite memories, especially when they involve you."

Your mouth dried up from the sidelong glance he gave you and the way one corner of his lips turned up. He was so… confident. You wondered if being a king had something to do with it. Most of all, you chided yourself for reacting.

A grin slithered onto your face when the church came into view. Many days were spent there with Caspian not because of the ability to worship. Most of Anvard didn't believe in Aslan. What made that church special were the children.

"Y/N!" Four children came running toward you from the yard where they had been playing. Their caretaker, an older woman name Elizabeth, stood and waved at you.

You squatted to hug them, happy they still thought well of you. "I've missed you all."

Theo, the bravest of them, pointed at Caspian. "Who are you?"

"My name is Caspian. What should I call you?" He got down on their level as well.

Theo stood between you and Caspian. "Theo. What are you doing with the princess?"

"Yeah!" The only girl, Ariel, stood next to Theo. "Why are you with her?"

Caspian's grin showed off his teeth. "I'm a good friend of Princess Y/N's."

Four pairs of eyes shot to you. You smiled. "He tells the truth. Most of you were too small to remember when he came here last."

It was wonderful chaos once you said that. All four knocked Caspian on his back, hugging him and asking him a hundred questions at once. Elizabeth made a sound of surprise and rounded them up to give Caspian a chance to stand again. If Elizabeth had known he was a king, she would have been mortified.

Caspian laughed as he sat up. "If I'm greeted like this every time I come to Anvard, I would never want to leave!"

"That's too kind for this lot," Elizabeth said. "They take trouble with them wherever they go!"

You smiled. "There's nothing wrong with a little trouble." Turning to Caspian, you took a step back to the children. "You've met Theo and his partner in crime, Ariel." You pointed to the two boys standing next to her. "This is William and Jackson."

"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Caspian stood. "And who is the brave woman taking care of these rascals?"

"Elizabeth," she said holding out her wrinkled hand.

Caspian took it and left a kiss on the back.

"You may not remember him, but Caspian is the boy I always played with around town when he came to visit."

Elizabeth studied Caspian. Her mouth fell open. "You're the young man Y/N spent her time with? That Caspian?"

"The very same."

"You've grown so much! Look at how handsome you are! You look so much like your father."

He blushed. "Thank you."

You saved him from the flattery. "Caspian and I were hoping we could help you this morning. Is there anything we can get for you? We can take the children into town for a little bit if you want."

"A princess shouldn't have to take care of four rambunctious children when I'm perfectly capable of watching them."

"I know, but we want to help you."

The old woman sighed. "It would be nice if you could run to the market and get what I need to make lunch for the children."

"We'd be happy to," Caspian smiled. "Do you have a list?"

She nodded. "Can you watch the younglings so I can grab it for you?"

Caspian nodded. Elizabeth smiled and scampered away.

Ariel shimmied over to Caspian, her eyes big and a shy smile on her face. "Are you a prince?"

"I was." His eyes shined as he looked at the little girl. "I'm not anymore."

William jumped closer. "Did you marry a princess like Y/N?"

"No. I'm not married."

"But that's how princes become kings, right?"

You placed your hand on William's head. "Sometimes that's how kings and queens are made. Other times, the king before grows too old and can't rule anymore. Then his children take his place."

All four children made a sound of understanding.

You motioned for them to come closer and looked each one in the eye. "Now don't tell anyone Caspian is a king until we say so. Nobody can know who he is yet. Got it?"

They nodded vigorously and you grinned, leaning forward to kiss each one on the forehead just as Elizabeth returned with the list.

You and Caspian dismissed yourselves from the children and strolled toward the market.

"They love you a lot," Caspian noted.

"Since I've been home, I've volunteered my time with them. It lets our people know I care about our kingdom. When I have to take my father's place, I need Anvard to trust me."

"Let us hope my visit secures their trust in you and your family. And know as long as I'm king, Narnia will support you."

"Thank you." You link your arm with his. "Knowing you'll help us means so much." You peered up at him. He was already looking at you. It was hard to ignore the redness coloring the bridge of his nose and his cheeks.

You pondered how long it'd been since you were that close. You felt guilty for denying Caspian friendly affection. But seeing how he reacted to your touch made you nervous. You let go of his arm as soon as you entered the market, much to his disappointment.

You ticked off items on Elizabeth's list while conversing with the vendors. The grocer was the first person who recognized Caspian as soon as you walked up to him.

"Well if it isn't our princess with her favorite prince!" He grinned from ear to ear and shook Caspian's hand. "My, my, you grew up to be a good lookin' lad!"

You were starting to blush from all the compliments Caspian was receiving.

"Thank you," Caspian said. "How's business?"

"Depends on the day. Things were great when everyone panicked about the war. Now it's gotten quiet. People don't like to walk around town as often."

You frowned. "I wish they would believe us when we say Narnia has no reason to fight us. The war was a dispute between family and was a way to give Narnia back to the Narnians. Anvard, Archeland… we were never the target and won't be."

"I believe ya, Princess. I've been doin' my part tellin' 'em. No one wants to get their hopes up."

You and Caspian looked at each other. "We have to do something."

"We will." Caspian looked back at the grocer. "Anvard will know Narnia doesn't want to harm them."

"Good luck. If anyone can change their minds, the two of you can. What can I get for ya now?"

The children were reading by request of Elizabeth when you and Caspian made it back. It allowed for the three of you to start on lunch.

It didn't take long, so you took advantage of having a free kitchen once Elizabeth gave the children their food. It was time to give Caspian the lesson you owed him.

You didn't say anything to him. Instead, you pulled out a few peaches you managed to purchase while he was distracted and set them down in front of him. He stared at them and then grinned at you.

"I think it's time I teach you the art of baking. That is if a king doesn't mind getting his hands dirty."

"Is he a true king if he lets everyone else do the work for him?"

You smirked. "I wouldn't know."

"You're funny, Princess."

"All jokes aside, you're a good king, Caspian. An even better king than I predicted. There aren't many who would leave their home to help out a small kingdom when they ask for help."

Caspian smiled, taking your hand and squeezing. "Thank you. I'm always happy to help you and your family. Being a king won't ever change that."

You stared up at him, into the warmth pooling in his dark eyes, and you swore the ground under you fell away. Looking in the other direction, you slipped your hand out of his and grabbed a peach.

You cleared your throat. "Um, I'll show you how to make the pie crust. You'll work on that while I cut peaches. Okay?"

"Sounds good." You missed the large grin plastered on his face.

It was awkward at first with you trying to regain your composure. Eventually, you pushed it away and buckled down, running Caspian through making the dough and preparing it for the peaches you were going to cut. Once you had them sliced, you showed Caspian how to sweeten the fruit and turn it into a chunky almost jam texture. You let him spoon the filling into the pies and put them in the oven.

Elizabeth walked in as soon as you closed off the heat. "What is that?"

"Peach pies," you said. "I owed Caspian a baking lesson and I wanted to give the children a nice treat."

"That's sweet of you. Have you two eaten yet?"

"Uh, no. We have not."

"Get yourself something to eat while those bake!"

Laughing, Caspian stepped forward and made up two plates of the leftover food from lunch. You ate quietly while Elizabeth washed the dishes and the counters – she refused to let you or Caspian help clean up.

Soon the smell of baked pie wafted through the air, signaling they were finished.

You expertly pulled out each pie and let them cool. The crust was a delicious golden brown, though it lacked your usual perfection. You found Caspian's clumsier crust refreshing.

"They look good," Elizabeth said. "And they smell even better."

Nudging Caspian's arm, you nodded toward the pies. "Not bad for a first-timer."

"I had a talented instructor."

The flattery was going to give you a heart attack if he didn't cut it out. "But you made them. I only taught you how."

Elizabeth leaned over to smell them. Her eyes closed when she inhaled. "The kids will love these. Thank you both for your help."

Caspian nodded. "It was our pleasure. Thank you for taking care of those sweet children when no one else can."

"It's a blessing every day."

Ariel teared up when you had to leave. She hugged your leg and whined about how much she'd miss you. The boys stood tall and refused hugs, so Ariel didn't have to let go. You promised you would return as soon as you were able and that was enough for her to let go and stare up at Caspian with big tears.

"Protect her, okay? Our princess does a lot and needs to take care of herself."

Caspian set down the small crate with leftover pies and took Ariel's small hands in his. "I will protect her with my life. I promise."

The sun felt like fire on your already hot skin. He had to say things like that with you standing right there. And the way he looked at you after standing back up… It wasn't fair he so blatantly shared his interest in you. You were starting to wonder if it was worth waiting until you were sure of being a queen, a wife. It was so easy, the idea of being with Caspian. You almost wanted it. Almost.

The afternoon and evening filled with more mingling with townsfolk. No one seemed to want help from you. They were more interested in catching up with Caspian. You never knew how many people paid attention to the two of you growing up.

The worst part of it all was the question that hung in the air with each person who talked to you: was Caspian the rumored lover? You hated it, hated that Caspian was roped into a scandal your people made up. What would happen when they learned he was king of Narnia? Would the rumors get worse? You were afraid to find out.

As you walked back to the castle, the owner of the nearby tavern spotted you from afar.

"Is that Princess Y/N walking around with a man?"

You groaned but smiled as you turned to look at the burly man. "It's not that unusual, Saul."

"Ever since you and your prince friend quit visiting each other, it's a rare sight."

"Well, lucky for you, this is my prince friend." You tried not snickering calling Caspian a prince when you knew better.

"That's little Caspian?"

Caspian rubbed the back of his neck. "In the flesh."

Saul lit up. "Ah! Wow! You're not so little anymore, are you? Come in! Come in! Maybe I can get you two a pint before I open for the night."

"We barely turned 18," you noted.

"Then you're legal."

You looked at Caspian. "It's up to you since… you know."

He smiled at Saul. "A pint sounds like fun."

So, you both had a pint. It burned on your first few sips. You weren't new to drinking – you had a glass of wine now and then at dinner – but beer wasn't a drink you were accustomed to. The flavor was odd, yet you liked it.

Caspian drank his like he'd been drinking for years. You tried keeping up with him, which was a huge mistake since your body wasn't used to it and you had an empty stomach. Your eyes were heavy, and you kept leaning on the counter half-listening to Caspian and Saul speak.

"You all right, Princess?" Saul finally noticed your slumped posture.

You nodded against your hand and blinked slowly. "Just fine. You two keep talking."

Caspian pulled your drink away from you and stood up. "I think it's time to call it a day, Y/N. Thank you, Saul, for the conversation and the good drink. I'll be sure to come back when I can."

"I look forward to it. Now take our intoxicated princess home. I suggest taking back alleys to avoid prying eyes. The people haven't been too kind to her reputation."

"I know." Caspian frowned. "I hope they realize they're wrong about her."

"That won't happen until she gets herself a prince. Take care."

Caspian carefully picked you up, one arm under your knees and the other supporting your back. The basket of pies swung haphazardly on his arm. You draped your arms lazily over his shoulders and groaned.

"Don't move so fast."

"Sorry. I'll walk slow."

He did not walk slow. Caspian was eager to get you behind the castle walls to avoid more rumors. He took Saul's advice and took as many back ways as he could to bring you safely back into the castle. He couldn't sneak past your parents so easily.

"What happened?" Your mother trotted over to you half-asleep in Caspian's arms. She touched your forehead and cheeks. You moaned and tucked your face into Caspian's neck.

"Saul, the barkeeper, offered us a drink," Caspian explained. "I suspect she drank too quickly. I apologize for this. Had I known it would affect her so negatively, I never would have accepted his offer."

Your father sighed and patted the young king's shoulder. "Take her to her room and get some rest. We can discuss it in the morning. Thank you for handling this discreetly for us… for her."

"Of course." Caspian repositioned you higher in his arms after handing off the basket of pies to your mother. "Should I send for a maid?"

"No, please keep this between us," your mother said.

Caspian nodded and made his way to your room. He tripped up the steps, which woke you up enough to cackle at his clumsiness. You were still laughing when he carefully laid you on your bed after shutting your door with his foot. He would have left the door open for propriety's sake, but for your dignity, he wanted to keep wandering eyes out.

"I'm sorry, Y/N, but you'll be sleeping in your clothes," he said, attempting to get you under your bed covers. You wouldn't quit squirming and giggling.

"I'll get tangled."

"Too bad."

"There's a slip under this, I promise. I'll get so hot overnight."

"No." Caspian touched the tip of your nose with his finger. "You can try to get out of it on your own once I leave this room. If you can't manage that, then you're stuck sleeping in your dress. I'm doing this for your sake, Y/N."

You groaned and flopped your arms out across the bed. "Why do I feel heavy and light at the same time?"

"You're drunk. I never knew you were such a lightweight."

"I drink wine… sometimes."

"Maybe next time you'll get a smaller drink and sip it. There was no need to gulp it down."

"But you were and you're fine."

"That doesn't matter. If you did this while I wasn't around… I don't want to think about what could have happened to you…"

In your daze, you studied Caspian who was sitting at the end of your bed watching you. "Do you love me?"

He blinked. His mouth fell open slightly. "W-What do you mean?"

"Do you love me? And not because we're friends."

"Uh… I'm not sure this should be discussed when you're in this state."

"I'll never ask you when I'm sober." What ounce of sobriety you had screamed at you to be silent. Of course, that was impossible. "It's a simple question, Caspian. Do. You. Love. Me?"

Caspian ran his hand through his hair and shifted his gaze from you. "Maybe. I haven't figured it out yet."

You sighed and turned to lie on your side. You closed your eyes. "Sorry, I'm so stubborn."

"It's what I like about you."

Sleep was quickly taking you. "I… I considered marrying you today…"

He stayed quiet, but his eyes fell back on you.

"You take care of me… better than… than anyone I know." You yawned and nuzzled your face into your pillow. "I'd be lucky to call you my husband… if only… I wasn't… so afraid."

The king sat there a few minutes longer while you let sleep take full control of your senses. The words that came from your lips didn't seem real. There was no way you said them. There was no way you thought about being with him. And yet, his heart was racing, his hands were sweating, and the goofy grin that appeared on his face didn't seem to want to go away. There was hope. There was hope for a life with you as more than just his best friend.