You, Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, Eustace, and Reepicheep loaded up in a longboat, beginning the peaceful journey through a pool of flowers floating on the surface of the water. It was mesmerizing. It was hard to resist letting your hand skim the petals as the boat cut through them.

"So… what was it like when Aslan changed you back?" Edmund asked Eustace.

Eustace had a new light about him, a small smile on his face. "No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it myself. Then he came towards me… It sort of hurt, but it was a good pain. You know, like when you pull a thorn from your foot." He looked across at Caspian and Edmund rowing. "Being a dragon wasn't all bad. I mean… I think I was a better dragon than I was a boy really."

Gentle smiles appeared on everyone's face.

"I'm so sorry for being such a sop," Eustace said.

You patted his shoulder from your seat behind him. "It's okay, Eustace. You weren't so bad after a while."

Edmund smirked. "You were a pretty good dragon."

A hearty laugh burst forth from your mouth along with everyone else. As useful as Eustace was as a flying reptile, you were happy to see him as a boy again. It was funny how a species change could change a young boy's heart and outlook on life.

"My friends, we have arrived," Reepicheep said from the front of the longboat. He grinned as everyone looked beyond.

The flowers came to an end a few yards before a beach as white as the snow. Beyond that an everlasting, never-moving wave. Your mouth fell open the longer you stared.

Edmund and Caspian stopped rowing when the bottom of the boat brushed over the sand, water still surrounding the boat on all sides.

"We'll walk from here," Caspian said, splashing water up as he climbed out of the boat. He held his hand out to you. "Let me help you."

Taking his hand, you stepped out of the boat, your free hand using his shoulder to hold you steady. You thanked him and met his gaze. He smiled, squeezing your hand. His hair fluttered around his face but didn't hide away any of his features for long. You were still very much in love with him.

"Aslan," Eustace said, walking forward and successfully pulling your attention from Caspian.

The Great Lion stood on all fours watching as the six of you came closer. The same familiar lion smile He always had welcomed you all.

"You have done well," He said. "Very well, indeed. You have come far, and now your journey is at its end."

"Is this your country?" Lucy asked.

"No. My country lies beyond."

Caspian studied the wall of water. "Is my father in your country?"

You stared at the king.

"You can only find that out for yourself, my son. But you should know that if you continue, there is no return."

The thought of Caspian leaving to be with his father crushed you. He wouldn't leave you, would he? He wouldn't go when he was so close to having everything he could ever want, right?

Caspian moved forward, eyes set on the water. You wanted to call out, to tell him to stay, but something told you to wait. He stopped at the wall and held his hand out. The water rushed up and around his hand, but he didn't go through. When he turned to come back, his eyes were wet with unshed tears.

"You're not going?" Edmund asked.

"I can't imagine my father… would be very proud that I gave up what he died for." He met your fearful gaze. "I spent too long wanting what was taken from me… and not what was given. I was given a kingdom… a people…" Caspian stepped closer to you. "A friend, a love, greater than any of that." You sucked in a breath when he took your hands in his. "I promise to be a better king… a better man."

Aslan smiled. "You already are."

A crazy idea crossed your mind. It didn't make sense after the last 24 hours, but it suddenly felt necessary. It was as if you couldn't go back home without a change… a change between you and the king. Aslan looked at you, silently giving you the reassurance you needed to share your idea.

"Caspian," you said softly, bringing his eyes back to you. "Marry me… here… now."

He blinked. "But… I thought…? Are you sure after…?"

"We'll… figure that out later… I'm sure. I have a feeling…" you glanced toward Aslan, "… we were never supposed to return to Narnia as two separate kingdoms."

"I was serious when I said this would be up to you. If you are sure, then I will happily marry you right here."

Taking a deep breath, you nodded. "It's a matter of what we have to do for Narnia."

"And for each other," Aslan said.

Caspian studied your face. "If you're absolutely sure…"

Edmund and Eustace groaned in frustration.

"Just marry her, Caspian!" Edmund said. "You've wanted to for too long and now she's willing to right now? Don't be an idiot!"

"I thought you needed time…"

You sighed and took his hand in yours. "I can't explain it… not really. Everything that happened yesterday suddenly doesn't matter, I guess? There's this… this thing that is practically shouting at me to convince you to marry me before returning home. I don't know why I feel it or why it has to happen here… it just needs to happen."

Caspian squeezed your hand. A gentle smile came upon his face. "You don't have to convince me to marry you, Y/N. I will gladly make you my wife right now."

"Finally!" Edmund shouted. "Was that really so hard?"

Lucy shoved her brother playfully. "Give him a break, Ed. They had a scary day before this."

You looked at Aslan. "Will you-?"

"Of course. But I believe you are missing some guests." Aslan stepped aside.

Tears fell immediately when you saw your parents walking toward you. "Mama! Papa!" You ran toward them, crashing into their arms. "How?"

"We trusted Aslan," your father said.

Caspian came over and shook your father's hand until he was scooped up into the older man's arms.

"Don't be shy, son! You're part of the family!"

"Not yet, dear," your mother reminded. "They still have to get married."

"He was a part of our family long before today."

Aslan nodded toward you and Caspian. "If you are ready."

Caspian took your hand and led you to stand in front of Aslan. Your friends gathered around while you turned to face Caspian.

It was all coming down to that moment. All of the times you and Caspian snuck away from your duties. All the times you were there for each other. The forced distance from each other, the attempt on Caspian's life, Miraz's army, and every island before that one. All your avoidance of marriage caught up to you. There was no stopping it anymore.

Aslan's voice seemed to boom as He began speaking about what a good marriage looked like, how each of you had a role to fulfill to compliment the other. You were becoming a unit, one of royalty, with many hardships ahead. Of course, He supplied reassurance that you and Caspian would make it through stronger than before.

When Aslan mentioned the visual symbol of rings and what they meant, you met Caspian's concerned gaze. Caspian wore no rings on the Dawn Treader for sword fighting. You had nothing to give him in return had he brought a ring.

Aslan chuckled. "Do not fret." And before your eyes, two silver bands appeared in the sand between you.

Caspian bent down to pick them up, nodding toward Aslan to continue.

It was strange feeling something with weight around your finger. You wondered if you'd ever get used to it before Caspian kissed the ring, distracting you from your train of thought. Somehow, you felt that it didn't matter if you'd get used to it.

"We do not have your crowns today, but that will not affect the validity of this marriage," Aslan said. "The crowning of the Queen of Narnia will occur once you return to Cair Paravel. But that does not mean you are not a queen, Y/N." Aslan smiled at your friends and family watching on. "With that said, I would like to announce Caspian X and his wife, Y/N, King and Queen of Narnia."

You blushed from the cheers and the tears of joy at your sudden new title. You were a queen… Caspian's queen.

"Kiss her!" Lucy grinned.

Caspian glanced at your father. "May I?"

"Like his approval stopped you before?" you said.

Your father laughed. "She's your wife now."

You looked up at Caspian. "Short and simple okay?"

He nodded and pressed a soft kiss against your lips. Before completely pulling away, he whispered something about kissing you properly later.

As soon as he stepped back, the two of you were bombarded with congratulations from everyone and well wishes for the future. Lucy said something about how cute your children were going to be, making both you and the king blush furiously. Children were a step a little farther down the road… you hoped.

Aslan did send your parents back to Anvard after you told them you'd be back soon. They promised to meet you in Cair Paravel for your coronation as soon as word reached them. And although you knew you would see them again, you cried when they disappeared.

"Children," Aslan said, silencing the commotion.

Edmund looked at Lucy. "I think perhaps it's time we went home, Lu."

"But I thought you loved it here," she said.

"I do… But I love home and our family as well. They need us."

"Your Eminence," Reepicheep said to Aslan. "Ever since I can remember, I have dreamed of seeing your country. I've had many great adventures in this world, but nothing has dampened that yearning. I know I am hardly worthy… but with your permission, I would lay down my sword for the joy of seeing your country with my own eyes."

You covered your mouth to hold in the sad gasp when you realized what Reepicheep was asking.

"My country was made for noble hearts such as yours no matter how small their bearers be."

Reepicheep bowed. "Your Majesty."

"No one could be more deserving," Caspian said.

The mouse tried to deflect the compliment, but Edmund agreed. You nodded vigorously. Reepicheep deserved the best for his loyalty to Caspian and to Narnia.

Lucy knelt down before him. "May I?"

"I suppose just this once."

She picked him up and hugged him. Your heart broke when he laid his head on her shoulder and told her goodbye.

Eustace knelt in front of him next. Tears were rolling down his cheeks.

"Don't cry," Reepicheep said.

"I don't understand. Will I not see you again? Ever?"

"What a magnificent puzzle you are, and a true hero. It has been my honor to fight beside such a brave warrior and a great friend."

Caspian let your hand go so you could sit on your knees in front of Reepicheep when he scampered over.

"I'm sorry I won't get to stay and watch you rule beside such an excellent king," Reepicheep said. "You are the perfect queen for Narnia… and for Caspian."

"I'll miss you, Reepicheep," you sniffled. "But I know you'll be happy and that will make everything better."

"Tell your children about me?"

Caspian nodded. "Of course."

"You'll be known as the bravest of Narnia's men," you added, wiping away a tear.

The mouse smiled warmly, thanking you both for years of friendship. Then he started running toward the little boat Aslan forged from nothing for him to sail into Aslan's Country. There wasn't a dry eye as Reepicheep disappeared valiantly overtop the wave.

"This is our last time here, isn't it?"

All of you looked at Lucy.

Aslan nodded. "You have grown up, my dear one. Just like Peter and Susan."

"Will you visit us in our world?"

"I shall be watching you always."

"How?" Edmund asked.

"In your world, I have another name. You must learn to know me by it. That was the very reason you were brought to Narnia. That by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."

Aslan suddenly roared toward the wall of water, creating a tunnel. It was incredible.

Lucy, Edmund, and Eustace neared you and Caspian.

"Other than Y/N, you're the closest thing I have to family… and that includes you, Eustace."

The boy grinned. "Thank you."

Caspian hugged Edmund. Lucy hugged you.

"I'll always think of you, Lucy," you cried. "Don't forget us, okay?"

"Never."

Edmund hugged you next. You squeezed him tightly. "That goes for you, too. Thank you for everything, Ed. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too. Take care of your king."

You nodded before giving Eustace a big hug. "I hope we see you again one day. Take what you've learned here and use it in your world. You are an incredible boy, Eustace."

He blushed. "Thanks."

Lucy and Edmund said their farewells to Aslan, walking toward the tunnel after. Eustace paused and looked back at the lion.

"Will I come back?"

Aslan smiled. "Narnia may yet have need of you."

With one final look back at the three of you on the beach, the Pevensies and Eustace walked into the tunnel. The water swirled and closed around them… as if they had never been there at all.

Aslan looked at you and Caspian. "Your journey home will be swift and easy. There is enough food and water for your crew and those who were taken by the mist. Return them to their home and take anyone who would like to join you at Cair Paravel. They will be great assets to your kingdom."

"Of course," Caspian nodded.

"Never forget your love for each other. You will have a long and successful marriage."

"Thank you," you said. "For warning me about Miraz… for getting through the mist in my dreams. It's because of you we're here."

"More than you think was not by my hand, but your own. Take care of each other."

And with that, Aslan walked away, disappearing in the distance.

A hand on your shoulder took your attention off the horizon. You looked up at Caspian.

"Let's return to the ship." He grinned suddenly. "I believe there is news to share with them."

"You are aware of the stares we will get until this evening, yes?"

"I am."

"What will you do?"

Caspian kissed the top of your head. "Whatever my wife wants of me. If she wants them to stop, I will command they do. If she doesn't want to tell them yet, then we shall wait. I will only do what she asks because I have to prove to her that she is my queen… and that I love her with every fiber of my being."

With a bright red face, you stared into Caspian's eyes, seemingly lighter than usual in the sun. "If it pleases my king… then we can tell them."