Not so much action in this, but it does tie up some loose ends. I think I'm finally heading toward the end of my story, so stick with me ;).

What excited you about my story? Did you get to feeling stressed out at all? I know I did.

Edmund glanced behind him. Finally satisfying himself in the fact that he'd managed ditch his assigned body guard, he continued his walk through the halls, bound for his personal quarters. The reality of the whole situation still had yet to sink in. It hadn't been long at all since his return, but everything seemed to have changed.

As the wave of his normal life crashed back over him, he seemed to get lost in the ocean that was is emotions. Edmund was constantly being tossed about and dragged down by them. Occasionally he found himself pulled down so far that he thought he might just drown. But anytime he got this far, his brother and sisters were always there to keep him afloat. He didn't know how he'd have faired without them. They were always there to lift his spirits and remind him just how real this all was. They gave him his sense of belonging when he felt rejected. They showed him their love when he felt like he was the only one who cared. They constantly reminded him of just how much he had been missed and mourned, even if they didn't mean to. Their care meant more to him than anything else ever had. His whole childhood had been spent in believing that his siblings despised him - that Peter desired nothing more than for him to disappear off the face of the earth. If he learned anything from this ordeal, and his captivity with the White Witch, it was just how much his family really loved him; not to mention how much he loved them back.

Lost in thought, Edmund turned another corner, passing by the guests' halls, hardly acknowledging the bustle of activity as the freed slaves worked to sort out their sleeping arrangement. Any instinct to guard himself was drowned by his racing mind, so he practically jumped out of his skin when a cold hand snaked itself around his wrist. Edmund pulled harshly out of the grasp and reached for his sword, but he never freed it from its sheath.

"No need for violence, boy." Said the voice of an old woman as she clenched and unclenched the hand that had startled him so.

Edmund just stared at her for a moment, trying to understand where he'd seen her before. Of course he had caught her staring at him in the throne room, but he had recognized her even there.

"S-sorry." Stammered at last. "You had me... worried."

The old woman closed her eyes and nodded her understanding. "I don't blame you, son. I understand more than you know."

The woman opened her eyes again and looked straight into Edmund's. Her aged hazel irises suddenly beamed with a deep ongoing pain that reflected that last bit of familiarity back at the young king. That hurt. That suffering. That sense of hopelessness took Edmund back to the Calormene camp, where he could see that same look on the faces of all the rest in the tent. He knew the look well - had even worn it himself - but when seeing it in this pair of eyes-

"I... know you." He said after a long silence. "I remember you."

"Foolish boy. I never expected to see you again - especially not in a place like this." The old woman's words were not kind, but her voice held no bitterness, either. "I'm astonished at you. How did you ever survive it?"

Without entirely thinking, Edmund answered, "I didn't." At the look of confusion on her face he quickly continued. "I mean- it's a long story."

"I'm sure it must be. Considering your fine robes and all." The woman said, taking a quick look over his kingly garments.

"And none of it would have been possible without you." Edmund gave a quick nod toward her. "I never would have even left the tent."

"If I had known that you'd go and make yourself king, I might have freed you a half a second sooner." The woman was clearly not ready to ignore the change that had taken place in the young boy, though Edmund couldn't say he blamed her. Last she knew, she was freeing a foolish boy to march off to his death only to run into him weeks later, dressed in fine robes with a crown upon his head.

"I - uh - it's complicated."

The woman cocked an eyebrow. "I think I understand more than you know. We had all heard it that the Just King was dead. Looks like he was just taking some time away."

"Not willingly, I'm sure you know." Edmund sighed. "I owe you my life for giving it back to me. I could have you rewarded, if you like. I could give you one of the finest houses in the kingdom with whatever you desire."

"Oh, my boy." The woman smiled up at him and pat the side of his face, gently. "Your heart is kind, but the only reward I could possibly wish for is to be returned to my family. You've already given me my prize."

PSELPSELPSELPSELPSELPSELPSELPSELPSELPSEL

"My King."

Peter rose his head at the voice of Oreius as the Centaur addressed him. He sighed, looking back down at the parchments in his hands. Can't I ever get a break? "It had better be important." He sighed. "You know I don't like to be disturbed while I'm in my study."

Peter glanced up shortly enough to see Oreius bowing deeply - his hair dropping over his shoulders as he did so - before continuing. "I would not have come otherwise, Sire. There is someone come to see you."

Peter paused a moment to consider who it might be that would possibly desire to see him. He was the king, after all. It could be just about anybody. Finally giving up on trying to guess, Peter dropped the documents he held onto the desk. "Show them in."

The great Centaur bowed once more before turning with a 'clip-clop' of his hooves and opening the study door. The figure that entered hadn't been any of those Peter had even considered as a possible visitor.

"Zakai?"

The large minotaur gave a short bow, but his eyes would not meet his king's. "My Lord." He said.

Peter glanced over to Oreius to see his friend with one careful hand on the hilt of his sword, never once taking his eyes off of the guest. Turning back to Zakai, Peter addressed him. "Well, soldier, I hope you have a good reason for this interruption."

Zakai stood, nervously fidgeting with the leather straps across his breastplate. "I - uh - I'm here for... for mercy."

Mercy. Now he understood why this soldier had come to him. But that didn't keep him from inquiring further. He needed to hear a confession. "Pardon?"

Zakai took a deep breath in. "I have come to beg your mercy on my behalf."

"I see." Peter nodded. "And what, exactly, are you begging mercy for?"

"I-" The minotaur's voice seemed to catch momentarily in his throat. "I have committed treason against my royal monarchs. I plotted against them with the traitor, which I shall not speak the name of for his actions are unspeakable." At Peter's understanding nod, Zakai continued, turning his eyes away once more. "I do not deserve your mercy, but I had heard that it was to be offered. Remove me from you're service. Cast me out of your kingdom. But please stay true to your promise and do not kill me."

Peter rose from his chair and approached the guard. From the corner of his eye, he could see Oreius tense and tighten his hold on the hilt of his sword. The High King shot his general a look to say 'I've got it sorted'. The Centaur relaxed a little, but he did not release his hold on the sword.

"Good Cousin," Peter said, turning his attention back to Zakai, who looked even more frightened than before, but still reluctantly met his blue eyed gaze. "I have never broken a vow to my people. I grant you the mercy so desperately beg for, and I will even allow you to remain in my guard - so long as we have no more problems."

The minotaur dropped to his knees before Peter nodding his head then shaking it in the confusion of his emotions. "Oh, thank you, My King! Thank you!"

"You understand, though. I shall not allow you to hold any sort of higher rank, and if you are suspected of being caught up in anything like this again, I will not hesitate to have you removed, or worse." Peter's eyes hardened at the 'or worse' part of his response to indicate that he truly meant what he said. Zakai had betrayed his country, but he was also the only one who had yet to accept the mercy deal. If he had any sort of higher power in Narnia's military, Peter would not hesitate to demote him, but the minotaur was only in charge of the prisoners. After a close call like this, Zakai would have to be more careful to make sure no prisoners escape. His life would be on the line, which almost made him a better choice than any other guard would.

"Of course, Sire. I would not think of anything of the sort."