The ship stopped at Ramandu's Island where you picked up the three lords awakened from their sleep. Liliandil was there, too, and Caspian surprised you bringing you with him to speak with her.

"Liliandil," he bowed his head. "I want to apologize for yesterday. I upset someone very important to me with the way I spoke to you… and if I made you uncomfortable, it wasn't what I intended. I have no excuse, but I shouldn't have said what I did. It was not my place."

She blinked and looked at you who was also bewildered by the king. "Apology accepted. I presume this someone is beside you?"

"Yes… Queen Y/N."

It was going to take some getting used to hearing that.

The star seemed to glow brighter. "How wonderful! All of Narnia must be excited to meet the new queen!"

"They, uh, have yet to find out," you admitted. "You are technically the first to know."

"We intend on telling the crew soon," Caspian said, looking at you for consent… again. You gave him a short nod.

"I wish you both well, then. May Narnia prosper under your rule."

You and Caspian led the lords back to the ship, but Caspian pulled you back to speak with you.

"I still feel like I can never make up for what I did."

Sighing, you turned your new ring around your finger. "It hurt, like I've said… but you did not kiss her or ask her to marry you… I would prefer you didn't go around telling other women they are beautiful from here forward." You smiled at him. "Most of my anger and hurt came from jealousy… You are my king and I am your queen… It's so odd to feel that way."

"I promise to only ever exclaim your beauty until the day I die, Y/N."

"And I know you will." You chuckled a little. "It is okay if you compliment my mother, of course. She has always adored your compliments."

"If it pleases my queen," he grinned, bending down to kiss your mouth slowly. "Can we tell them now?"

"Yes," you laughed. "Quit bothering me about it and just do it already. They'll find out soon enough anyway. You're not very discreet."

"Cornelius always said I was a horrible secret keeper."

"You're too excited about good news."

"Of course." He glanced at the ship. "I do believe it's time to have a chat with our people."

You stood beside Caspian while he discussed the plan to return everyone to their home and the promise of a quick journey back with Aslan's blessing.

"But there is one final thing I need to say to you all." He scanned the many faces of those he did and didn't know, feeling immense pride bringing them out of danger. "Narnia… now has a queen."

Murmurs rose up, making you feel a little nervous. Most of the crew, however, had knowing grins.

"Princess Y/N of Anvard is Queen Y/N of Narnia… my wife."

It baffled you how many cheered without knowing who you were. How could they know if you would be a good queen? You didn't even know that. Yet, they had faith in your abilities.

Caspian took your hand and whispered, "You have nothing to fear. They love you."

"I hope I do well for them."

"You will."

A celebration ensued once the Dawn Treader began its quest back home. There was dancing, singing, and even a little wine. You danced with a few crewmates who asked, Caspian laughing boisterously at your happiness. His joyfulness carried on when it was his turn to sweep you across the deck to a jolly tune. It was so easy to forget the last few months at sea.

As you predicted, anyone still awake had something to say or assume for the rest of the evening when the sun set. Women giggled at you– mostly those who were old enough to be mothers– and the men teased Caspian relentlessly. It wasn't until Drinian ordered everyone to turn in which made them stop. You were horrifically embarrassed.

Gael joined her parents in the crews' sleeping quarters, leaving the king's space available again. You had to admit it was sad to see Lucy no longer sitting on the bed with a large smile as you entered the room. Oh, how you were going to miss her and Edmund.

Caspian looked at the bed. "It's quite small… you are welcome to sleep in your own bed until we reach Cair Paravel. I wasn't expecting – "

"It's all right, Caspian. We fell asleep in my bed weeks ago and it was fine."

"It's more than just the space. Don't feel obligated to… We'll be in Narnia soon."

You chuckled and sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm not worried about that, you know. Just… let things happen as they will."

"This coming from the woman who fought against me and the idea of courting and marriage. The idea of… consummating our marriage doesn't frighten you?"

"I mean… it's terrifying, but the scary part was giving in to myself… to you. We've crossed the bigger threshold– at least in my eyes it's the bigger one."

Caspian sat next to you, wrapping an arm around your waist. "You're not afraid of having children? Raising them? Running a kingdom? No, the thing you were most afraid of was letting yourself want marriage? You are odd, Y/N… and I love you for it."

Letting your head fall on his shoulder, you sighed. "Thank you for being so patient. My father couldn't even wait for me to be ready."

"He was worried no one could carry on your family line. It's hard for a king who only had a daughter as an heir. Most kings worry about their daughter's success. I don't think your father had anything to worry about, but it's hard not to."

"Were you worried about finding a wife?"

"No. My council was… but I knew I was going to marry you someday. There was no need to worry about it."

"And if I never agreed to courting?"

He shrugged and kissed the top of your head. "We're here now, so there's no reason to bother with the 'what ifs' of it anymore."

The creaking of the ship and the gentle sound of the waves covered the room as you sat next to your king, your new husband. It sounded strange even thinking it.

"I suppose we should sleep now," Caspian whispered, standing up. "Please use the other room if you'd prefer. I won't be offended."

"You don't have to keep trying to make me comfortable with the situation. We will see each other change whether tonight or back in your castle."

"Our castle."

"Yes… our castle. Anyway, I almost feel that you are afraid."

"Why would I be afraid?"

"Because neither of us have been with anyone else this way and you're afraid you'll make a mistake or make me uncomfortable."

"That's not…"

Rolling your eyes, you got up and went toward your room. "For your sake, I will change in here." You shut the door behind you and leaned against it.

"Where was this attitude when I admitted my feelings for you?"

"Like I said, Caspian, the hard part was admitting how I felt about you to myself."

It was quiet for a second before a light knock sounded on the door. You opened it enough to peer through the opening. Caspian undid his belt already.

"Yes, my king?"

"Why do I get the feeling you are going to be more trouble as my wife than as my friend?"

"I would assume it's because I'm your wife and your friend."

Caspian's eyes softened and a smile grew on his face. "If you don't want to sleep in here, my bed is open to you once you've changed."

"Thank you."

He studied your face a few moments before pulling the door shut.

You bit your lower lip, glancing at the ground. Obviously, you weren't sleeping alone since you had a legitimate reason to share a bed with your best friend that didn't end with an adult getting angry at you. It felt nice to crawl into bed and be wrapped up in Caspian's arms. It felt right. It was the best night of sleep you ever had.