After arguing with Peter about it, Kari accompanied Edmund along with a centaur and a giant to Miraz's camp.

Once they were granted an audience with Miraz and his council, Edmund read from the scroll Peter had given. "'I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel and emperor of the Lone Islands, in order to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to single combat upon the field of battle. The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender.'"

"Tell me, Prince Edmund-" Miraz started.

"King." Edmund replied, rolling up the scroll as Kari chuckled.

"Pardon me?"

"It's 'King Edmund', actually." Edmund said, continuing to correct him. "Just 'King', though. Peter's the High King. I know, it's confusing."

Kari continued to chuckle at the looks of confusion and bewilderment of the Telmarines.

"Why would we risk such a proposal when our armies could wipe out yours by nightfall?" Miraz asked.

Edmund looked at Kari, who smirked and nodded. "Haven't you already underestimated our numbers?" He asked, looking around at the Telmarines. "I mean, only a week ago, Narnians were extinct."

"And so you will be again." Miraz retorted.

"Then you have little to fear." Edmund replied.

Miraz laughed. "This is not a question of bravery."

Edmund smirked. "So you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?"

Miraz leaned forward, glaring at Edmund. "I did not say I refused."

"You shall have our support, Your Majesty." One man said. "Whatever your decision."

Kari watched as who seemed to be Miraz's right hand began to suggest that their army was large enough to avoid the duel entirely, only to anger Miraz.

"I was merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse."

"His Majesty would never refuse."

Kari and Edmund looked behind them at Miraz's general.

"He relishes the chance to show his people the courage of their new king."

Miraz looked from his general to Edmund, pointing at him with his sword. "You. You should hope your brother's sword is sharper than his pen." As they turned to leave, however, Miraz stopped them. "You, girl."

Kari turned to look back at Miraz.

"I know you..." Miraz said, his eyes narrowed. "I've been watching you, trying to place your face." He sheathed his sword. "How is it that you survived, all these years?"

"Milord, who is this girl?"

Miraz smirked. "Do you not see the resemblance? She is the spitting image of the late Lady Genoveva."

Kari felt all eyes on her as the Telmarines stared at her, their eyes widening when they realized who she was.

"It's not possible!"

"She died as a young child!"

Kari stood tall, looking at Miraz as he said, "Evidently not."

"Kari?"

Kari looked at Edmund. "It's alright, Ed, just give me a moment." She looked back to Miraz. "To answer your question, for my own safety I was spirited away as a young child and raised amongst the Narnians." She looked around at the other Telmarines. "And yes, I am Kari, daughter of King Caspian IX and Lady Genoveva, sister to Prince Caspian X." She looked to Edmund. "But more importantly than that, I am Queen Kari, wife to High King Peter."

"A Telmarine? As a queen of Narnia?" someone scoffed.

"Kari has lived amongst the Narnians for nearly her whole life." Edmund said, coming to her defense. "She may be Telmarine by birth," He looked at Kari and smiled, "but she has the blood of Narnia running through her veins and has earned her place as a queen of Narnia. And as our sister."

Kari smiled at that, then looked back at Miraz. "If there is nothing else, my lord, King Edmund and I must return to our people. High King Peter will be pleased that you have accepted his challenge." She bowed her head and she and Edmund turned to leave. Kari stopped a moment, though, and glanced back at Miraz for a moment, adding, "If I were you, Miraz, I would not underestimate Peter or the Narnians. Do not think we will not punish you for your crimes against Narnia and its people."

And with that, Kari and Edmund gathered up their escorts and made their way back to Aslan's How- finding Peter and the others waiting for them.

"So?"

Kari kissed Peter when she reached him. "Miraz has accepted." She looked at him worriedly. "Are you sure about this, Peter?"

Peter pressed his forehead to hers. "A bit too late, now, isn't it?" he muttered. "I'll be fine, love, I promise."

Kari nodded. "What of Lucy and Susan?"

"They're already well on their way."

"Good." Kari stepped back, looking to her brother as he joined them. "We need to prepare and do so quickly. Miraz and his men will be here shortly."

Just as Kari said, Miraz and his men had reached the small courtyard with the archways and columns. They awaited Peter's arrival, rather impatiently.

"Kari, stop fussing." Peter chuckled as Kari checked his armor for the umpteenth time.

"Miraz is a snake, Peter. There's no telling what kind of dirty tricks he may pull." She smoothed out his tunic. "If something happens to you..."

Peter lifted her chin and leaned forward, kissing her. He lingered for a moment or two, then pulled back. "I'll be fine, Kari. I promised, didn't I?"

Kari nodded. "And you better keep it. There's another promise you made that I intend to see you keep."

Peter smiled at that, knowing which promise she spoke of. His smile faded a bit, though, when Edmund came to fetch him for the duel.

"It's time, Peter."

Peter nodded, looking to Kari as she handed him his sword and shield. "Are you ready, love?"

Kari sighed, shaking her head as she reached for her staff. "No, but this must be done. We have to buy Lucy and Susan what time we can."

"Kari, wait." Peter said, reaching out to stop her for a moment. "You know I love you, right?"

Kari smiled at that and nodded. "Of course, Peter, and you know I love you."