The light from outside pierced your eyes when your mother nearly ripped the curtains open the next morning. Groaning, you covered your face and let out a questionable burp. You made another sound of discomfort and put your hand on your abdomen.
"That was irresponsible of you yesterday," your mother said. "We're lucky Caspian was there with you."
"Mama… I didn't mean to…" You slowly sat up and rubbed your forehead. "It was just one drink… How did it…? Oh!"
You covered your mouth and rushed to your bathroom to empty what was left in your stomach.
"Get cleaned up. Breakfast is waiting for you downstairs. Oh, and Caspian has to leave this evening.. He's needed, so he and your father are going to speak to our people this afternoon. If you wish to speak with them, you should make yourself presentable." She left without so much as a hope for you to feel better.
You deserved it for more than being irresponsible.
Reepicheep and Drinian were eating their breakfast when you finally felt stable enough to go down for food. Your headache was still there, but it wasn't making your stomach turn from the outside light or loud noises.
"Good morning, Milady!" Reepicheep greeted. "Did you rest well?"
"I suppose I did."
"Don't worry, Princess. Your secret is safe with us. Our king spent most of the night worrying about you."
"Oh. I didn't mean to make him worry."
Drinian snorted. "He also had a grin that shined brighter than the sun."
"Really? That's odd. Unfortunately, I don't remember what happened after the tavern. I don't think I'll drink beer ever again."
"I think that's an admirable decision," Reepicheep said. "Why don't you eat something? Both kings are in the study making a plan to go about speaking to Anvard on the matter of Narnia. I'm sure you would like to be a part of that."
"Yes. I'll eat what I can and go there straight away."
Your father and Caspian were speaking quietly when you finally joined the conversation. Caspian's face lifted with a smile and his eyes shimmered at whatever your father said. The look in your father's eyes was almost identical and he patted the young king's shoulder before noticing you in the doorway.
Caspian stuffed his smile away and went over to you. "How are you?"
"Uh, I'm okay. I had a rough morning – no thanks to me. Eating has helped some. Thank you for asking. I assume you didn't suffer quite as I did."
He chuckled. "No, I didn't."
Your father cleared his throat. You peered around Caspian while he turned. Your father didn't bother hiding his smile that shined from under his facial hair. "Shall we continue making plans for this afternoon?"
"Of course, Papa." You slipped past Caspian and leaned over the desk to take in the notes made between the two kings. You had a sneaking suspicion something was going on when your father and Caspian shared a look. What had they been talking about before you arrived?
It didn't take long for the three of you to decide how to approach the situation carefully and efficiently. It was a matter of getting the townsfolk gathered. Your father sent out heralds and even had the church ring its bell for anyone who couldn't be reached by his men. It was rather chaotic.
People murmured to each other about the nature of the meeting. Seeing your family, Caspian and his crew, along with guards put an air of unease upon the townsfolk, although some were looking hopeful at you and Caspian. Your father wasted little time.
"We want to thank all of you for meeting with us today." He scanned the crowd. "My daughter and I have worked tirelessly to reassure you Narnia poses no danger to us. We've tried to show you that they are our allies. What happened between both kingdoms is in the past and cannot hurt you any longer." Your father looked at Caspian to signal him forward. "Many of you remember our dear friend, Caspian X. Most of you know him because of Y/N. All of you must know him now as the king of Narnia." There were gasps. "He merely wishes to speak to you. There is no reason to fear him or his subjects. Please lend your ear to King Caspian."
Caspian stepped forward, standing tall and brave in front of so many fearful faces. He smiled warmly at them. "I promise you Narnia does not want a war with Anvard or Archeland or any other kingdoms. I wish you did not fear us. I wish there wasn't a past between both lands that hurt you so. Believe me when I say I won't harm any of you. Anvard is another home to me. I would be devastated if we weren't allies. Anvard has always been kind to me and my family. I intend to be kind in return.
"The war that occurred months ago was fought to give Narnians their home. My uncle was a tyrant and wanted them dead, to keep them out. I fought against my uncle and his army and won back Narnia. Miraz is dead and the Narnians live peacefully among me and my people. We want to live in peace the same way among the kingdoms of this land. Narnia will fight for you when you need us, and we hope Anvard will do the same for us because we are friends. You will not find enemies in Narnia while I am king. I promise you that with everything I have."
The townsfolk were quiet. It was a sight you weren't used to seeing after gathering them together.
"How do we know this alliance doesn't end when the princess rules?" someone asked.
"The king of Narnia has been my friend for many, many years," you said. "If I rule as queen of Anvard, the alliance will remain intact. We will not attack Narnia and Narnia will not attack us."
"Is there proof of this alliance?" another person in the back shouted out.
Your father shook his head. "At this moment, we have not had the time to prepare such a document. I'm afraid King Caspian must be on his way this evening. But do not fear! We will discuss the matter of this alliance in the coming months. While we write up such an alliance, both kingdoms will remain friendly. We are in an era of peace and we hope for it to stay as such."
"I hope that Anvard and Narnia will remain close allies for centuries to come and it's going to start here and now," Caspian said. "You will no longer live in fear."
There was no applause. No one was eager to try and speak with either king. People pondered Caspian's words and slowly trickled back into their homes. Although you had serious doubts anyone believed Caspian, your father was the jolliest you'd seen him in a long time. It must have gone better than you thought.
Your father grabbed Caspian's shoulders. "We are in your debt, Caspian. We can't thank you enough for this."
"You owe me nothing. I wanted to come here to help. Do not hesitate to call for me again when you need me."
"You are going to be a great ruler."
Caspian smiled and shook your father's hand.
Your father looked at you. "And you, my dearest daughter, have done so much – even with that blunder last night."
"Please don't hang that over her head," Caspian said. "I'm at fault, too. I should have paid much better attention to Y/N. I understand why you might worry with rumors going around, but don't remind her of a small mistake."
"Caspian, it's okay," you said.
"No, it's not."
Your father sighed. "You're right, Caspian." He took your hand. "You're an adult and I know you are feeling enough guilt without me saying anything. I shouldn't make you feel worse."
You looked between your father and Caspian. "Thank you. I don't intend to make another mistake like that again."
Your father ran his fingers through the ends of your hair. "You've worked so hard since returning home. Why don't you visit Narnia for a little bit? Relax and rest your mind."
Your gaze shifted to Caspian. "This is rather abrupt. I wouldn't want to impose." And how could you relax in the same castle with the man who felt something for you?
"You're always welcome in Narnia, Y/N."
That was how you found yourself riding to Narnia with Caspian, Reepicheep, and Drinian. You packed lighter than usual since Caspian insisted on having some dresses made for you – or anything of your choosing. You were already feeling spoiled and you hadn't crossed the border into Narnia.
It was late the second night when the four of you arrived at Caspian's castle. You were thankful for the lack of people awaiting the king's arrival. You were too tired to put on a happy face.
"Soon I hope to call Cair Paravel home," Caspian said as he led you into the castle. "It might not be finished before we leave for the Lone Islands."
"It will be wonderful to return to after being at sea."
"It will."
"Thanks for allowing me to visit, Caspian. I'm excited to see what your life is like as a king."
He smiled and held your hand. "I'll tell you a thousand times you are always welcome here in Narnia."
"I know. It doesn't mean I can't be thankful for every visit I make." You lean your head on his shoulder. The exhaustion of the ride was taking its toll.
"You should get to bed. Let me take you to your room."
You nodded against him.
A squeal burst forth from your throat when Caspian swiftly picked you up the same way he had the night at the tavern except you were very sober.
"What are you doing?" Your voice wasn't above a whisper, but the distress was evident.
"Carrying a princess to her room. Problem?"
"I mean… kind of! What if someone sees?"
Caspian looked down both ends of the hall. "I see no one here."
"I can walk you know."
"I'm sure you can. Actually, I know you can. But I can't seem to care enough to let you."
You let your head fall back and raised your hand to your forehead. "I guess I have to live with my king taking care of me when I don't need it."
Caspian finally set you down in front of the room you always stayed in. He still smiled, but it was softer. Almost as soft as his fingers tucking away some of your hair behind your ear. "I'll always take care of you, Y/N. Especially when you don't need it."
Your face warmed and Caspian's eyes lit up.
"When did you get so smooth with words?" you teased, feeling the effects of his statement in your core.
He leaned forward and left a kiss against your forehead. "The moment I realized I have to work hard to get a certain princess to admit how she feels about me."
Your eyes widened. "I-I don't–"
"I'd stay away from alcohol, Princess." Caspian smirked, kissed your head again, and left you standing at your door shocked.
Scenarios of what you could have said in your drunken stupor flooded your mind. You groaned and locked yourself away. Despite your busy and worried thoughts, you fell asleep easily. Caspian's castle felt more like your home than Anvard did. Narnia felt right. Aslan felt closer. It was harder with each visit to Narnia to think of going back to your family's castle.