So I know I've been a little all over the place with my chapters. It might seem like I've been bringing up new problems in each chapter, but I've been trying to make a point. Each of the Pevensies has their own way of grieving and their own things they are trying to cope with. While Susan had talked with Peter about his problems, they weren't fixed or mended, by any means. Peter realized how his grief was ruining him, so he decided to push himself out there, but they all have things to overcome. I hope I'm not making this all too hard to follow. Thank you for your patience with me.

It was another three days before any word of King Judas's reached Peter's ears, and when it did it was because Judas was standing on his doorstep - not literally, but his whole company was just outside of Cair Paravel. Oreius had come to advise him of the arrival of his 'guests' and Peter entered the throne room. Susan and Lucy were already there and stood once they noticed his presence - it was the custom when the High King entered the room - both wore an ornate crown upon their head - Peter was the only of his siblings who wore his crown at all hours of the day. It wasn't all that comfortable, but he believed in showing respect to his title. Aslan had given him his role as king, and Peter always worked hard to live up to it.

Peter gave a half-hearted smile to his sisters as he made his way to his own throne. Once he stood directly in front of it he turned around to face the rest of the room. Peter took a small glance to his right and noted the empty throne. His heart sank - this would be the first time they were all seated in the throne room together since the loss of Edmund. Peter's heart ached and he looked back to his sisters. They both looked sadly at him and, for the first time, Peter noticed the sullen look on his own face. He quickly composed himself - he took on a stoic look and nodded to both Susan and Lucy. His sisters followed suit and pushed the emotion from their eyes. Peter could still see it, deep down inside - the same pain he felt inside his heart and showed in his eyes - but to any who didn't know them, they looked as composed as ever.

Peter looked to the guards at the front doors. He was sure Oreius had shown Judas to the door by now, so he let his voice ring through the room in one simple command, "Open the doors."

The two armored centaurs grabbed the handles and pulled open the large, grand doors. Peter stared on with cold eyes as he recognized the king that walked into the throne room. Judas strode in with his own guards, an advisor to his left and a boy - approximately Peter's own age - to his right. Peter assumed the boy to be Judas's heir - his son. Another thing Peter couldn't help but notice were several of the other people walking in, as well. They were dressed in fairly clean clothes that were all similar in design with large hoods to keep their faces concealed. Peter mentally shuddered. He knew exactly what they were. Slaves.

It was one of the reasons Peter and Judas didn't get along. Judas was adamant in his idea that slaves were nothing more than creatures that were designed to follow his every order. Peter, however, believed that slaves were real people - innocents that had lives of their own that they were taken from - families that missed their presence, every day. It broke his heart to see the hopeless look in the eyes of a slave - which is why he was partially relieved that he couldn't see these slaves eyes, for they were shadowed over by the hood of the cloak. Peter guessed that was why they had to wear them.

"High King Peter," Judas hailed, taking a deep and - Peter couldn't help but notice - slightly exaggerated bow. His subjects followed suit, "How delightful it is to be in your presence, once again."

"Considering how our last encounter went, I'm surprised to hear how 'delighted' you are." Peter replied bluntly. He knew how Judas liked to ignore problems of the past when they might interfere with his plans for the future.

"Ah... yes," Judas stuttered slightly, "well, let's let by-gones be by-gones." The king smiled expectantly at Peter.

Peter just sighed and began to pace the small area in front of his throne, "As I recall, you tried to make it out of my royal dining room with half of my silver spoons and my gold goblet."

"A simple mistake, really." Judas tried to reason.

"And that's why they were hidden under your robe? They accidentally got there?" Peter smirked. He knew he had Judas there, because the man scowled and wrinkled his nose in frustration

"Well, I've changed since then."

Peter cleared his throat and spoke quietly, so that only Susan was close enough to hear him, "You always have."

Susan smiled and Judas gave a confused look to both king and queen before speaking, "Beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but I believe we have some business to discuss."

"And what business would that be?"

Judas scoffed, "I included it in my letter. I was concerned about your health and thought I might be of services to you."

"Well, as you can see, I'm perfectly healthy. My kingdom is operating just as it should and everything seems to be running smoothly. I don't think we are in need of your services." Peter explained.

"I... was hoping to be able to talk about this in private." Judas gave a slightly irritated look, but Peter ignored it.

"Whatever we have to say can be said in front of our subjects. I keep no secrets from my people."

Judas grumbled something to himself before speaking up, "Fine. I've come all this way to help you. You can at least let me do something."

Peter realized that Judas never sounded the least bit disappointed. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised, considering that Judas didn't really want to help, "I have nothing for you to do. I am perfectly capable of running my own kingdom."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I suppose, then, that my journey here was pointless."

"I never asked you to come. It was your own decision."

"Well, the least you can do is let me stay for a few days to restock my caravan. Cair Paravel is a beautiful place. It's been ages since I was last permitted to bask in her glory." Judas was clearly trying flattery to get his way.

Peter sighed, "I'll give you three days to get what you need, but that's all I can allow. My kingdom has been through enough already, I fear your presence would disrupt our newfound peace." Three days was the custom amount of time given. Anything more would be considered generous, but Peter wasn't feeling generous today.

"Thank you, King Peter. Please, allow me to have dinner with you tomorrow evening. I'll have my own slaves prepare it. You need not worry about anything, but showing up."

Peter contemplated this for a moment. Judas was being suspiciously kind, but then, Peter could never figure out how that man's mind worked. He was constantly changing his mind and attitude and behavior. He was unpredictable and yet completely predictable at the same time. Peter didn't know how else to explain it. Judas was truly a special person - though Peter couldn't exactly consider that a complement. In the end, though, he reasoned that a little dinner wouldn't hurt.

There's that! I think that chapter was a little less thrown around. Hopefully my others will be that way too. Please review! I must say I was a bit disappointed to receive 0 reviews in my last chapter. Let me know what you thought or how you liked it or both.