Putting Aside Prejudices

Dear Gilda,

I don't even know where to start this letter! The past couple of days have been…Shall we say, I thought coming up to Narnia for the second time would be different. I don't know what I expected, really. Wait, no…I do. We've talked about this. I somehow thought that maybe this time Queen Susan and Queen Lucy would like me. I didn't think they'd still hold it against me how bratty I was last time I was here—though one can hardly blame them.

Saedra sat back in her chair and looked around the spacious guest room she had been granted. Light from the late-afternoon sun spilled in through the large windows to the open veranda, and a light breeze twirled the translucent curtains. The air swirled with magic, but Saedra couldn't make herself happy to be in Narnia.

I can't complain, really. The Queens have been nothing but gracious. But you know me, Gilda. I can spot feigned niceties a mile away. They try to include me once in a while, but I politely decline since it's painfully obvious that they really don't want or expect me to say 'yes.'

I've little hope that the High King will look past our history and accept me either. Why should he when his sisters who are famed for their graciousness won't?

King Edmund has been my only joy here besides Prince Corin. He has little extra time, what with double the work with the High King gone, but he spends it all with me. It's truly touching, because otherwise I'd be cooped up in my room all day writing letters.

Speaking of letters, I received one from King Lune today. He's already itching to know how my relationship with Rabadash is progressing! I get the pleasure of telling him that the Prince won't be around for at least another week!

Saedra set her quill in the ink and walked out onto the veranda. Her room was on the third floor facing the south, and the whole southern side of Cair Paravel could be seen spread out below her. The ocean was sparkling, and Narnians were moving about their daily business.

Everything around her was so peaceful, so happy. But inside, Saedra was in turmoil. Not only did she desperately want Susan and Lucy to like her—in fact, she had never in her life wanted anyone to like her as much as she did the Gentle and Valiant Queens—but the closer Rabadash's arrival came, the more she questioned her judgment in coming up.

I'm not the one for the job, she thought. Lune really should have asked someone else to try to win the Prince's heart. Someone who truly wants—nay, needs—to be married.

Saedra was completely comfortable in her role as Duchess and had little desire to forfeit that role. She had worked hard for it, and to give it up for a man…

Remember, you did it for your King, she told herself. It doesn't matter what I really want. I owe him so much, especially after how he supported me when I became Duchess when some of the nobles were questioning whether I was fit for the job.

And think! If I marry Rabadash, I'll be able to go to Calormen. Just think of all the sights I'd see there!

Just then, the door burst open.

"Duchess!" Corin yelped, rushing in through the doorway. "Hide me! King Edmund is chasing me!"

"Whatever is he chasing you for?" Saedra asked as he ducked behind her.

She twisted around to get a good look at him. His hair was tousled, his clothes were messed and ripped in some places, and he sported a nasty bruise under his right eye.

Before he could answer, Edmund appeared in the doorway, stopping short when he saw Saedra. "Pardon the intrusion, my Lady. I have come to have a word with the little Prince."

"Whatever is the matter, your Majesty?" Saedra asked, walking over to greet him. "Why is Prince Corin in such a state?"

"One of the Dwarves jumped me!" Corin declared, still clinging to Saedra from behind. "All I said was that I didn't like hags and werewolves and the like, and that they deserved to be stamped out. Then he got all offended and tried to murder me!"

"It wasn't quite that extreme," Edmund said, walking towards them. "But that is the gist of it."

"Then why are you chasing the Prince instead of going after the Dwarf?" Saedra asked. "I thought it was common opinion that hags and werewolves were unwanted in Narnia."

"That is the case for most Narnians. But the Dwarf—Stamprin is his name—with whom Corin picked a fight disagrees with that idea and has lobbied most fervently for hag rights. His argument is that we should not be prejudiced against a whole race just because 'some of them' supported the White Witch," Edmund explained.

"I can see his point," Saedra said. "I know little of either species, but I can't imagine that every single one supported the Witch."

"To be frank, Lady Saedra, I have never met a hag nor a werewolf that was not on the Witch's side. All they have done is cause problems for the freedom-loving Narnians."

"Exactly!" Corin said triumphantly, coming out from behind the chair. "That's what I said. I said I should like to go hunt for them and knock them all off the face of the earth! I did nothing wrong to be attacked—though I did rather enjoy knocking Stamprin down."

"That's precisely what I wish to speak with your Highness about," Edmund said. "If you didn't notice, Stamprin's in his dotage, and no matter if he starts a fight with you, it's cowardly to tussle with someone of that age. Especially you, Prince. You're high-born and should know better."

"I thought he was rather feisty—" Corin started to argue.

"Prince," Saedra interjected. "Please be respectful of the King and heed his words. We are guests in his home, remember?"

Corin slumped his shoulders and mumbled to Edmund, "I understand, your Majesty."

Edmund put his hand on Corin's shoulder. "I admit I'm on your side here. But Stamprin is one of my brother's most trusted advisors, even though he does have a different opinion on some things. It's unseemly to get into a brawl with a courtier, and it didn't further your cause at all."

Just then, Tumnus the Faun appeared in the doorway.

"Oh, King Edmund! I hadn't expected to find you here too."

"What is it, Good Faun?" Saedra asked.

"I came to relay a message from Queen Lucy. She invites your Ladyship to lunch with her on the eastern terrace this afternoon."

"Thank heavens!" Corin said dramatically, even though the invitation hadn't been for him personally. "I'm starving."

"Thank you, Tumnus," Saedra smiled. "I accept the invitation."

She was interested, for Lucy hadn't personally invited her to anything before; it was always her and Susan together.

"Well, let's go!" Corin said, going over and linking his arm though Tumnus'. Tumnus looked a little flustered, but a bit of delighted pinkness crept onto his cheeks.

As they were leaving, Saedra called after him, "Make sure you wash up before you eat, Prince!"

Edmund and Saedra heard a loud groan from the hallway and laughed.

"May I escort you to lunch, my Lady?" Edmund asked, bowing. "I've already eaten, but I can walk you down there."

"Thank you, Sire." She linked her hand through his arm and they left the room.

"That boy is quite an adventure," Edmund observed. "I'm impressed that he hasn't been in more scrapes!"

She sighed dramatically. "I think King Lune lost his senses when he thought sending Prince Corin up here was a good idea. I don't see how him being around is going to help—" She cut herself short, realizing what she was saying. She had almost said, "help me with Rabadash."

He didn't notice. "I think he's been a fine addition. Susan and Lucy adore him!"

"That they do," she agreed in duller voice. She wished Susan and Lucy would approve of her that way, but apparently she had ruined her chance years back.

Edmund looked at her sideways as they turned a corner. "They like you, my Lady."

"They have a funny way of showing it," she blurted. That was lady-like, Saedra!

"They're…they're still getting used to how different you are," Edmund said, grasping for the words. "You've changed a lot. To be honest, we were expecting an older version of your thirteen-year-old self that would prance in and take over!"

Saedra laughed. "You can't be serious!"

"I'm completely serious. Susan even made a comment to that effect right before you came down the plank to greet us."

"Well, perhaps I should be a bit more obnoxious so I don't disappoint them," Saedra said slyly.

Edmund laughed. "Anything but that!"

"If you're sure, your Majesty…"

They had arrived at the doorway to the eastern terrace. Edmund stopped and put his hand on her hand resting on his arm. "Lady Saedra, I have a request to make of you."

"Anything!"

"Please call me Edmund, and none of this 'your Majesty' nonsense."

Saedra blinked in surprise. "Are you sure?"

He nodded. "Completely."

"If you want me to! But then you must call me Saedra."

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Saedra," he winked.

"I'm flattered to hear you say so, Edmund," she smiled. The name felt strange but pleasant on her lips.

Lunch could have been worse, Saedra thought as she walked through the doorway to the castle gardens. Corin had monopolized the meal, but even without him the meal was more pleasant than any other so far without Edmund there. Saedra appreciated that Lucy was trying to be more accepting of her. She had been friendlier this time without Susan, which was interesting.

Pleased that she had made some progress with Lucy, she was allowing herself to digest the delicious meal by talking a stroll. Tumnus was taking Corin for a ride in a canoe to see the mer-people, so she didn't need to worry about him.

She was in her new favorite place at Cair Paravel: the enclosed garden. For the past couple of days, she would go there whenever she was bored. With all of the exotic flowers and beautiful birds that would alight on the branches of the trees, it was truly a magical place. The stone wall around the garden was low, so Saedra could lean on it and have a great view of the ocean and the East. It reminded her of a similar view of the East she had from the cliffs at Harden.

She stared off towards the East, wondering if the stories about Aslan were true, that he really did come from across the sea, when she was interrupted by a voice casually saying, "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

Startled, Saedra turned and saw that it was a man that had spoken; a very handsome man. He wore the finest clothes that fitted to his tall, strong body. He had light hair, and atop that was a golden crown, revealing him as the High King Peter.

Saedra instantly dropped into a low curtsy. "It is, your Majesty."

He had an air of authority about him that made her feel very small; he had certainly grown up in more ways than one.

When she looked up, she was unnerved by the intensity of his eyes. They had always seemed like they could peer into her soul, which was perhaps why he was such a renowned leader. She had never liked that, but now she didn't find it so unpleasant.

Peter leaned over and rested his elbows on the wall in the same fashion that Saedra had. "The gardens are a great place to meditate. It is so quiet here…you almost feel as if you're in Aslan's country."

Saedra was a little surprised at the way he was acting. Did he already realize who she was and just didn't care enough for courtly manners? He hadn't bowed, and it was the very least someone in his station would do out of respect for a foreign dignitary like her. But they had been mortal enemies last time they'd met, so maybe that changed things.

"How was your journey, Sire?" she asked, trying to feel him out.

He looked at her and smiled. "Exhilarating, necessary, and yet tiring. Thus far the Giants haven't crossed the border, thankfully."

"I'm glad to hear it," Saedra replied. "The King and Queens must be happy to have you back."

"I haven't seen them yet, but I hope so," he grinned, locking eyes with her.

She felt her cheeks warm, and she glanced away.

Get a hold of yourself, Saedra! You can't seriously be shy around King Peter of all people, the boy you used to have such loud tiffs with!

She forced herself to look back at him with as passive an expression as she could manage. He was still watching her. She smiled courteously, and he looked away and blinked several times, perhaps realizing that he was staring.

To cover up the awkwardness that was mounting, she cleared her throat and asked, "Did you just return today, my Lord?"

"This morning," he nodded. "Stamprin told me that they're busy at the moment, so I figured I'd take a walk, and here I am." He studied Saedra again, taking in her teal gown and elegant posture. "I've not seen you here before. Are you a Dryad?"

At first Saedra was at a loss for words, because she had never been compared to a Dryad before and was astonished at the thought. She had met Dryads and was aware of how respected they were in Narnia for their wisdom and beauty. "A Dryad, your Majesty? Certainly not!"

Peter was flabbergasted by how emphatic she was and stood up straight. "I beg your pardon, my Lady. If that was offensive to you…"

"It wasn't offensive in the least, your Majesty. Rather, I'm quite flattered!"

"If I may ask, who are you?" he asked. "I mean, you seem to know who I am…"

"I'm Saedra, your Majesty. Saedra of Archenland. I'm Prince Corin's guardian for his visit here."

"Saedra…Saedra…I once knew a Saedra from Archenland. Is that a common name there?"

"It isn't, your Majesty. My mother was a foreigner, and I'm told she gave me my name. I haven't met another Saedra in my lifetime."

He still couldn't seem to grasp the idea that the Saedra before him was the Saedra he remembered. "Do you have a father?" he pressed further.

"Yes, your Majesty," she smiled. "Most creatures have fathers."

Peter's ears reddened. "Pardon the foolish question, my Lady. I meant, was your father well-known?"

"Well enough. He was Duke Dane of the Harden Province, may Aslan guard his soul, and he travelled a great deal in his younger years." She was being a tad unkind to prolong Peter's agony, but she was enjoying seeing him deal with the living contradiction before his eyes.

His eyes widened. "You're—you're Saedra?"

She chuckled and grinned widely. "Yes. I just said that, your Majesty."

Peter looked at her with his mouth agape for a moment, then said, "Forgive me, my Lady! I didn't recognize you!"

"I don't blame your Majesty a bit! Had you not been wearing your crown, I wouldn't have recognized your Majesty either."

He laughed disbelievingly. "This is a marvelous thing! You look—I mean, you're so…" His voice trailed off as he studied her fully through the new lenses.

"Different?" she offered. "Old? Ancient? Decrepit? Deathly?"

"Accomplished was the word I was thinking," he laughed.

"Accomplished?" she asked teasingly. "How could your Majesty judge my accomplishedness by my appearance?"

"One could hardly be so beautiful and not be accomplished in some way, my Lady."

She felt a blush creep onto her cheeks. "Your Majesty has turned into quite a flirt, I see!"

"I was about to say the same for you, my Lady…or should I say, Duchess? It is a nice change, I must say."

Saedra's face felt like it was on fire by now. "It touches me to hear this, oh High King."

"It touches me that it touches you," he winked.

King Peter surely must know his way around the women with the way he flirts! she thought.

Just then, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy came running through the shrubbery towards them, beaming happily.

"Stamprin told us as soon as we got out of Court!" Susan gasped, throwing her arms around her older brother. "You're here early!"

Peter laughed and wrapped his arms around his sister. "There was no reason to stay away longer! The Giants have been as peaceful as lambs."

Susan moved back so Edmund and Lucy could greet their brother, noticing Saedra. "I see you've already been acquainted with one of our guests, Peter."

"That I have." Peter smiled at Saedra over Lucy's head.

Susan looked from Peter to Saedra uncomprehendingly. "Do you not realize who it is?"

Peter released Lucy and straightened his clothes nonchalantly. "Why, of course I do. It's Duchess Saedra."

Saedra smiled, amused that she was being talked about as if she were mute. Strangely, she wasn't bothered by Susan or Lucy as much. Peter seemed to accept her, and that was a step in the right direction.

Susan still didn't understand, looking back and forth at her older brother and the Duchess.

"Come now, Su!" Edmund exclaimed. "You didn't think Peter wouldn't recognize an old friend now, did you?"

Susan only mouthed incoherent words, prompting her siblings to laugh at her.

"Come, let's go see if dinner's ready," Peter said. "I'm starving!"

The Four started to walk back towards the castle, arms around each other, but Saedra stayed behind, afraid to intrude upon the family reunion.

Peter stopped and looked back. "Care to join us, Lady Saedra?"

Saedra's insides warmed. "I'd love to."