A/N: Blame the lack of post on the migraine I had for 48 hours…sorry about that. But this is longer than usual, perhaps the longest yet, so I hope it makes up for it! I want to say a sincere thank you to all those who left me messages of support. They were most helpful. I will continue to write in this fandom, as I really do enjoy it. Even though this fic is nearly done, I have been thinking of others, possibly even a LOTR/Narnia crossover…

I have to give a special thanks to Phoenixqueen for the help she gave me with this chapter. Since my migraine was so long, she willingly wrote Susan's little story for me and it was very helpful. Her research into medieval advisors was also invaluable. So thanks a million, my friend!!

Part Twenty-One:

His first step as King was easy, but his second step turned into a falter as his eyes met those of his Aunt Prunaprismia and took in the sight of the young baby in her arms – the very child that had begun all of his troubles.

For a moment during which the silence was palpable, neither he nor she moved. Then, Caspian stepped toward her, ignoring all others around him, many of whom were slowly beginning to cheer for the new King.

Stopping a few feet away, he studied the woman and the child. His briefly remembered feeling jealousy and anger towards the two before him, but now he only felt compassion.

"I am sorry, my lady, to bring news of your husband's death," he said quietly. "He was betrayed by his own, but take some solace that he did not suffer in the end." Caspian shifted his gaze to the child in her arms, who he had never seen. "If there is anything the two of you need, it will be provided."

It was an awkward moment, but he felt he had done the right thing. The woman in front of him, however, did not acknowledge the young man with anything more than a short nod. With a sigh he barely managed to hold in, he turned back toward King Peter and his siblings and Aslan, all of whom were looking at him with approval.

He supposed it was his obligation to say something and so he turned back toward the Telmarines who had come from the castle. "You are all welcome to remain here, and to go on as you were. I only ask for your allegiance and I will do all in my power to assure your lives are prosperous."

A small smile crept across his face at the cheers and clapping, not to mention the dozens of relieved faces. There was still an air of uncertainty – after all the Telmarines had always been told tall tales of the Narnians and now being so close to them was unnerving, but Caspian felt it was a good start that neither side had shown any signs of aggression.

Glozelle came up beside him. "My King," he said, a grin turning the corners of his mouth upwards. "Perhaps we should enter the castle now. There are many wounded and weary who need rest."

Nodding, Caspian waited until the Pevensies reached him. Lucy gripped his arm with a smile. "You did very well," she said. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

He laughed as the five monarchs pulled themselves back into their saddles and turned the horses toward the now-open gates – the same gates that Peter had so valiantly stood before the night of the raid.

For his part, the High King was hiding any reaction to that very well, but Edmund knew his brother was probably at least remembering that night and hoped he had truly gotten past it and would not dwell on it.

When a smile erupted on the oldest boy's face, the Just King knew healing had come.

Caspian gestured for Peter to draw up beside him as he said, "I think it would be proper if you rode next to me. After all, you're still the High King of Narnia, I should not be ahead of you."

The blonde chuckled. "If you insist, King Caspian."

Caspian's face paled. "Oh, that is going to take some getting used to," he murmured, shaking his head, careful not to tip the new crown from atop it. "I wouldn't be surprised if I forget to answer to it, from time to time."

Susan laughed. "I could tell you quite a few stories when two Kings of Narnia had the same problem, sometimes with unpleasant consequences."

She was cut off when Edmund gasped out, "Susan! Not in front of everyone!"

Together, Peter and Caspian rode through the gates, Edmund, Lucy and Susan directly behind them riding three across. Aslan smiled at the backs of his children and padded through the castle gates with a sea of Narnians and Telmarines behind him.

Balance had finally come to Narnia after 1,300 years of discord and his family was once again safe in the hands of caring rulers.

Caspian drew his horse to a halt. Lining the courtyard were hundreds of Telmarines – women, men, children. For a moment the innocent faces, alight with hope for the future, morphed into Telmarine soldiers armed with crossbows. But Caspian was quick to dispel the thought.

Dismounting, he turned to face the crowd, taking in the young women who smiled at him, the old men who nodded in respect and the young children who waved, bouncing on their feet to the young Telmarine royal who used to play with them from time to time.

He turned to Lucy, who was gesturing as discreetly as she could to get his attention. When she had it, she mouthed something to him and the grin on his face widened. He nodded to her and then returned his gaze outward.

"Citizens of Telmar, loyal Narnians! In three days time, we will hold a grand banquet to celebrate the beginning of an alliance between our people and hopefully the beginning of a long age of peace. All are welcome to attend and get to know one another." He directed the next comment to the Telmarines. "The Narnians are not the beasts you were taught to believe. I lived with them, and fought beside them, and they are loyal and honorable beings. I beseech you to give them a chance, as they are willing to give you."

There were cheers from the Narnians at the new King's belief in them, and while slower to cheer, the assembled Telmarines did join in and Caspian nodded at their enthusiasm.

"I'll leave it to you, Queens Susan and Lucy, to work out the details. Something tells me you enjoy such things," he said with a smile at Lucy's enthusiastic nodding. Turning to Peter, he added, "I would welcome your input, King Peter, as to what I ought to do next."

The High King smiled and nodded. "Gather together those most loyal to you, both Narnian and Telmarine. You will need an advisory council you can trust. It would be unwise to make any serious decisions without their input."

Caspian pursed his lips, then nodded and turned toward the only group where Narnians and Telmarines were mingling. "I should like all of you to join us in the throne room, it seems there are some things we need discuss."

The crowd began to slowly disperse. Peter charged a group of Narnians with returning to the area just outside the castle to set up camp. Tensions were low, but still there, and he preferred the Narnians made camp there instead of attempting to force the two factions together too soon.

Then he hurried after Caspian and the others.

Lining the walls of a large throne room were thirteen straight-backed gilded chairs. At the center of a dais at the front of the room was a large throne, a coat of arms carved into the wooden back.

Caspian paused just inside the door, breath catching as he remembered running in here as a small boy and climbing into one of the chairs left vacant when his father's supporters left the castle.

He knew now those seven lords had been driven away by Miraz.

Behind him, Peter gently laid a hand on his elbow and leaned in closer. "Nothing's going to jump out at you, I promise," he said. Caspian could hear the laugh in his voice, though the High King didn't actually let it out.

Moving further into the room, Caspian walked until he was standing just beyond the steps that would take him to the King's throne. He had stared at it often as a youth, wondering what it would be like to sit in it. It was surreal to be a few steps away from finding out the answer to that very question.

There as silence as the young King hesitated. Then an aged hand came to rest on Caspian's shoulder. "Go on," said Dr. Cornelius. "It is rightfully yours. Your father would have been very proud, Caspian."

Five steps took him to the within inches of the throne and with a deep breath, he turned and looked on his old and new friends before quirking a small smile and taking a seat.

High King Peter, Queen Susan, Queen Lucy and King Edmund each graced him with a knowing smile before the former moved closer and spoke. "Have you thought on who you wish to act as your advisors? There are many chairs here to be filled."

Caspian was about to go on, but he noticed that Peter, and to a lesser degree Glozelle and Edmund, all appeared to be hard-pressed to stay alert.

So he gestured to the nearby chairs. "Well," he said. "Why don't you all take a seat and we'll figure that out. I don't want anyone falling over on me..." He looked pointedly to Peter as he spoke.

Once everyone was settled, save for Glenstorm who was not able to sit in a chair designed for humans, choosing instead to stand along the side of the room, a few of them seeming somewhat uncomfortable seated in chairs reserved for lords, Caspian turned to Peter.

"I'm unsure how much authority I really have here," he said. "Do I appoint my own advisors, or do you have final approval over them?"

The High King shifted in his seat. "I would say that since it is rather unclear whether we will remain in Narnia, that you would have full authority on who you wish to appoint. In any case, those on your Council will need to be ennobled, if they are not already, in order to give them the proper authority among the people. We can give you some suggestions, if you have need of them."

Contemplating for a moment, Caspian nodded, "I am unsure what sort of advisors I will need, King Peter. Perhaps you could be of assistance there?"

The young High King nodded. "Of course," he said. "I'd say the easiest choice will be who will advise you on matters of the army. Since both the Narnian and the Telmarine army will fall under your purview, you may need to have two advisors of equal standing."

The Telmarine King nodded, already knowing the answer to who they would be. "Then I should like to ask General Glenstorm and General Glozelle if they would accept such positions," he said, turning his gaze on each in turn. "You would both retain the highest ranking in your respective army, but also have the authority to act as commander of the other's soldiers, in the event your counterpart was indisposed."

Both Glozelle stood as Glenstorm stepped forward and both bowed. The Telmarine spoke first. "It would be an honor to serve as one of your military advisors, King Caspian," he said.

Glenstorm added, "I am certain General Glozelle and I will be able to work together toward a joint army down the road."

"I am sure you will get along well," Caspian said with a smile. "You can exchange all manner of techniques for fighting with two blades. A camaraderie between their commanders may ease the joining of the armies."

"That's settled then," Peter said, pleased. "You will also need someone to advise you on foreign affairs and matters of state. This person should have a vast knowledge of the kingdom's subjects."

King Caspian's gaze was quick to focus on his old mentor. "I can think of no one better for that task than you, professor," the young King said. "You have a knowledge of the Narnians that no other Telmarine can boast. But you also have a knowledge of the Telmarines that no Narnian shares. Would you act as my Chief Ambassador?"

Rising slowly, but steadily, the doctor nodded. "I would, my King," he said warmly. "Long have I waited for this day, and I am honored you would think me worthy of such a post."

Caspian returned his gaze to Peter, nodding for him to continue. The High King frowned before he continued. "You will need someone to oversee the treasury and to manage taxes," he said. "A Seneschal. Ideally, this would be someone who already understands the system here."

There was a long moment before Caspian turned to the Telmarine lord who had been first to lay down his weapon at the Ford of Beruna and pledge allegiance to the new King. "Lord Proctmar, have you experience in such affairs as a lord who holds lands near here?"

Standing, the man nodded. "I do, Your Majesty," he said. "While I have not managed the treasury of an monarch, I have managed my own and I have collected taxes from my own subjects."

It would have to do.

"Then would you be wiling to act as my Seneschal?" Caspian asked.

"I would be greatly honored, my liege," Proctmar said, bowing. "You humble me with your trust and I shall do my best to prove to you that it is not misplaced."

The young High King, seeing this choice had been made, moved on to the next. "A King needs someone to run the day-to-day affairs of court and the council; an advisor who can organize and who has an eye for the small details."

Caspian remembered a certain dwarf that nothing ever seemed to get past and he turned toward Trumpkin with a smile. "You seem to have an uncanny ability to see things that no one else notices at times," he said. "I think you would be well-suited to such a post, if you would accept it?"

There was a look of surprise on the dwarf's face as he slowly rose to his feet, darting a glance at Queen Lucy, who's face lit up in a smile for her dear little friend. Taking heart that she had faith in him, he looked up at Caspian and straightened his shoulders.

"I reckon I could keep a court in shape, Your Majesty," he said with conviction. "It would be an honor to serve the Telmarine who helped to save Narnia."

Caspian noticed Healer Tumnus was fidgeting in his seat, and he knew the Faun was wondering why he had been invited to accompany the Kings and Queens. Deciding not to keep him in the dark, Caspian said, "Tumnus, I had hoped to ask if you would take on the duties of the head healer? The current head healer could assist you with any problems you may have with human physiology, but he has no knowledge of Narnians and we could use your aid."

Tumnus smiled lightly and stood. "I would be honored, King Caspian. And I would welcome the opportunity to learn more of my trade, as well."

Peter scrunched his brows together in thought. After a moment, he suddenly sat up and looked to Caspian. "There is one other post that you really should consider," he said. "For 1,300 years, history has been neglected. If I may, I would suggest appointing Trufflehunter as the Royal Historian. I am sure he could work with the good professor and compile an accurate history of both the Narnian and Telmarine kingdoms."

Caspian nodded enthusiastically. "I agree, that would be most helpful. We can learn much from what happened in the past, and it would not due to neglect our history any longer. The consequences are too dire."

Looking around the room, he realized that everyone who had been assembled for this meeting had been given a position, which satisfied him. He felt that he could trust those that he had appointed, and he liked how every race was represented. However, he still wanted to make sure that everything was properly done.

Peter noticed that Caspian, by force of habit or by respect, Peter wasn't sure which, darted a glance in his direction and seemed to wait for some sort of signal that he had chosen well.

Peter obliged him with a small nod and smile, but vowed to remind the young King later that he wouldn't always be able to look to Peter or his siblings for aid. He needed to stand on his one feet and start thinking for himself. This Council was merely to advise him, but the decisions would fall into his lap.

"There are a few other positions that you might want to consider adding to your Council, Caspian," Peter stated, drawing the young King's attention. "However, since most of those positions will likely be filled by the people of Telmar, you will have to choose them with the assistance of your new Council."

Caspian nodded. "What positions do you suggest, King Peter?"

"In our time, we had an advisor to represent those who farmed the land as well as one to represent the merchants," Edmund replied for his brother, knowing who Peter was referring to. "They were not quite as important of positions, since the Narnians did not rely as heavily on trade or agriculture as your folk do, but you may need them in your Council."

Lord Proctmar nodded in agreement. "His Majesty is correct, and your father did have someone appointed to that position, although I am afraid that he passed away several years ago."

Caspian nodded again. "Then we will need to find someone to appoint to that position."

"In addition," Peter added, catching Caspian's eye. "We had a representative from each of the different races in Narnia…the talking animals, the fauns, centaurs, dwarves, and spirits. The council you've appointed fills that need, but you will also need a group to represent the different districts where your people have settled."

Glozelle spoke up as Peter finished. "There were seven other lords on this Council, Your Majesty, who were loyal to your father and served in that respect. After your father's death, however, they were sent away by Miraz, and have not been heard from since."

"For the time being then, these other empty seats will be kept vacant for them, and I will do my best to locate them and bring them back to this Council," Caspian declared. "If, however, nothing comes of that, I will appoint others to fill these seats in time."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Caspian glanced around the room again before speaking. "If there is no other pressing business to attend to at this time, I suggest that we adjourn for some well-deserved rest."

No one spoke in dissent of this plan.

With a weary sigh, Caspian stood up. Everyone else stood as well, as was custom, and almost as one they turned to the entrance to the throne room as the heavy doors were pushed open to reveal a golden lion.

"Aslan!" Lucy called out. "I had wondered where you'd gone."

He chuckled at her excitement, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I need to steal away your brother for a bit, dear one," he said, looking toward the young High King on his right. Peter moved to stand beside him. Aslan looked over the group and nodded. "I shall return him soon."

Susan, Edmund and Lucy watched as their brother followed the great lion out of the room, each wondering what they could have to talk about. Ed, who had been strangely quiet throughout the whole meeting, save for his suggestions near the end, followed Peter with his eyes until the High King and Aslan rounded a corner and disappeared.

Seeing her brother's melancholy, Lucy was about to speak up and break the moment when a fast-moving body came skidding around the corner and breached the throne room.

Dressed in a flowing pale blue dress with white satin sleeves and dark hair streaming behind her, the young girl's dark, liquid eyes darted around the room and then latched onto General Glozelle.

"Father," she cried, seemingly unaware that she was breeching just about every protocol of the court.

The man in question was barely able to take a step before the girl had launched herself forward and into his arms, wrapping her own tightly around him and breathing a sigh of relief.

"I was so worried, Father, so worried," she whispered, still loudly enough to be heard.

Glozelle swallowed thickly before nudging her away a bit, but still clasping his arm around her. "Forgive me, King Caspian," he said with a small blush. "My daughter can sometimes forget her place."

The young girl's eyes widened as she took in the ornate trappings of the young monarchs and she looked to her father in trepidation. "I'm so sorry," she said, voice quivering as if she feared being struck. In Miraz's court, she might have been, but not in Caspian's.

"It's quite all right," the young Telmarine King said with a soft smile. "You were worried. It is understandable." He looked up to his old teacher. "This must be the daughter you spoke to me of. What is her name?"

The man hadn't a chance to answer before the girl in his grasp pulled away and performed a well-rehearsed curtsy. "I am Miriam, Your Majesty. Please forgive me, I was not thinking clearly."

Caspian nodded. "All is forgiven," he said. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Your father is a good man." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Queen Susan gesturing for his attention. He excused himself and the two spoke in low tones before he smiled and nodded and returned to Miriam and Glozelle. "It has been brought to my attention that every King could use a Castelaine," he said. "Someone to oversee the palace and household, plan feasts and banquets and to manage the servants." He hesitated before going on slowly. "It is a heavy responsibility, but if you are anything like your father, you would be well-suited for the job."

Miriam's eyes shifted to her father's, asking silent permission. As Castelaine, she would reside in the palace, unlike her father who more often than not remained with the army.

Glozelle, inwardly overjoyed that his daughter would be offered such an honor, especially considering her relative youth, and glad that she would have a chance to dwell in safety, nodded his agreement and Miriam smiled broadly.

"It would be a great honor," she said, curtsying again. "I would do my very best, King Caspian."

He smiled. "Then it is settled. And you can even begin immediately, since there is to be a feast in three days. I'm sure together with the professor, the Narnian queens and our new chamberlain, Trumpkin, the festivities will be wonderful."

Caspian switched his gaze to Susan, Lucy and Edmund. "Would you like to retire to the library? It's truly amazing and I used to love relaxing in there after an exhausting day. Today would definitely fall into that category."

The three nodded and followed the young King through the winding corridors. Susan and Edmund both thought it was a stark difference to what they had seen the night of the raid and the castle was actually very beautiful, with tapestries and carvings at regular intervals.

Caspian pointed out various rooms as he went along and every so often he would introduce the Narnian monarchs to someone they passed – a servant, a cook, a gardener, even a seamstress, who Lucy excitedly tried to engage in a conversation.

As they rounded a corner they came upon a set of wide double doors, which Caspian wasted no time in pushing open. Susan gasped as row upon row of books, each towering over them, were revealed.

Seeing her reaction, Caspian smiled. "I thought you'd like it."

She could only nod as she moved in, followed by Edmund and Lucy. Susan reached out and ran her finger along the binding of a nearby tome. "This is magnificent," she said. "I could just sit here all day and read. There much be thousands of books here."

Caspian nodded. "There are. I would spend much time here as a child. Now that the Narnians are no longer a taboo subject, I should like to add some of their history to this library."

"Speaking of history," Lucy said with a smile. "Why don't you tell Caspian a story, Su?"

The elder Queen smiled as she turned around and focused on Edmund. "I have just the one," she said with a smirk. Her brother blanched.

"Which one, Su?" Lucy asked, curious at the expression on her sister's face.

"King Lune's first visit."

There was a moment of silence before…"Susan, I'm begging you not to," Edmund interrupted. "Please don't make me get down on my knees."

"Sorry, little brother. This is important, and it will help Caspian know what not to do," Susan replied, grinning wickedly at her brother.

Edmund sighed and gave in, nodding his permission…not that Susan would have needed it anyway, since she was going to tell the story with or without it.

"This particular event happened just about a week after we were crowned," Susan began. "We were all still slightly overwhelmed with everything that had happened, and Peter and Edmund decided that they needed some time away from all the bowing and honors that were being heaped on us…"

"Let's go, Ed!" Peter hissed. "Hurry, before Su catches us!"

Edmund quickly stuffed the last of his clothing into a knapsack and slung it over his shoulder before picking up his sword. "I'm coming, I'm coming!"

The two young Kings hurried down to the stables, only getting turned around once when on their way. "Who would have thought that the palace was so big?" Edmund grumbled as they finally found the stables and quickly tacked up two of the horses.

Peter ducked his head out the stable door and checked to see if anyone was there. Seeing no one, the brothers nudged their horses and headed for the gates and the lands surrounding the castle.

Both of them were overwhelmed by everything that they had seen and done in the past week and needed to get away for a short time and talk about things. Susan and Lucy were enjoying everything, but the Narnians seemed to be looking more to their Kings for leadership, and so a great deal of the burden was falling on their shoulders.

As they rode out the southern gates, they noticed another party of riders some distance up the road, heading straight for Cair Paravel. More Narnians looking for their Kings to settle a dispute, no doubt, Peter thought to himself as they set a path that would allow them to avoid the riders.

Once some distance away from the castle, the two brothers breathed a sigh of relief and slowed their horses, simply enjoying the time to rest and breathe. "Tell me how we got drafted into this?" Edmund grumbled. "Maybe we should have left before the battle."

"I don't know, Ed. I think we made the right choice…we just weren't fully informed as to what that choice would mean," Peter corrected his brother.

"Well, let's ride for a while. Too bad we can't go on a short camping trip, like we used to with Dad, before the war, but we'll have to get back for that reception that's happening tomorrow night," Edmund reminded his brother. "And we can't stay out all night or Susan and Lucy will have our heads."

"Tell me about it," Peter groaned. "Another function where we have to get all dressed up and parade around on display. Ugh…" he shook his head hard and urged his horse from a walk to a trot. Edmund followed his lead, and the two Kings set out for a good, long ride, hoping to clear their heads.

Lucy giggled. "Su and I were furious when we realized that they'd given us the slip," she said as Susan paused for breath and to collect her thoughts. "What they didn't know at the time…well…let's just say things were very interesting less than an hour later."

"Lucy, I swear I'm going to box both of their ears!" Susan fumed as she placed her crown on her head and took one last look into the full-length mirror, straightening out her dress, a luscious creation of purple silk with golden trim and golden silk lining the full, flowing sleeves. "How could they have been so irresponsible as to forget that the King of Archenland was making a state visit today? It's only been discussed by all the servants and the Court for the past week," she continued. "Ooh! When I get my hands on them…"

Lucy, while equally annoyed at her brothers, tried to keep her sister calm.

She quickly placed her own crown on her head, the final detail to her own formal dress of emerald green with a silver beaded corset laced over the front of the dress. "It's all right, Su. They probably knew, and they just went riding further than they had planned. I'm sure they'll be back in time for the reception tonight, and from everything that Oreius and the Beavers have told me about King Lune, he's of fairly good temperament. I'm sure he won't be insulted that Peter and Edmund aren't here."

Her sister huffed. "Lu, the whole point of this visit is for the King to meet Narnia's new rulers. Not half of them. And Peter, especially, as High King, should be the one to formally greet King Lune. This is a huge breach in protocol!"

There was a tap on Susan's door and Mr. Tumnus' voice called through. "My Queens, the Archenland envoy approaches."

Lucy checked herself in the mirror one last time, before opening the door and revealing Mr. Tumnus, who had swapped his customary red scarf for a rich golden one, and contrary to his usual habits, donned an open-fronted scarlet vest. Lucy smiled at her friend. "Thank you, Mr. Tumnus. We'll be right down. If Peter and Edmund turn up, have them get ready quickly and brought to the throne room."

"Yes, my Queen," Tumnus replied, sketching a very small, informal bow, since all of the Pevensies had insisted that he was so close a friend that they didn't want that sort of honor from him.

"Are you ready, Su?" Lucy asked, turning her head to see her sister still fussing with her dress. "We need to be in the throne room before the King arrives…it won't do to keep him waiting."

Susan patted her hair one last time before turning away from the mirror and nodding at her younger sister. "I suppose so, but ooh…I can't wait until Peter and Ed turn up."

Caspian's jaw was hanging open in shock and he quickly closed it, glancing at the Just King who was looking everywhere but at his companions. "You and King Peter missed a meeting with another royal?" he asked, amazed. Even he knew, and he had had very little training in Court protocols, thanks to Miraz, that it could be considered a grievous insult to not show up for an audience with an envoy from another Kingdom.

"We just got mixed up about the date is all!" Edmund protested.

"You're just lucky that Susan and I were able to explain your absence by saying you'd been called away to settle a dispute, but were on your way back," Lucy shot back. "Honestly, Ed! How could you have gotten mixed up when everyone had been talking about it and making plans for over a week before your disappearing act?"

"It was an honest mistake," Edmund replied.

"What happened when they did turn up?" Caspian asked.

Peter and Edmund pounded through the southern gates and pulled their horses to a stop, dismounting in a rush as Tumnus hurried up to them as quickly as he could.

"My Kings! There you are! Your royal sisters have been most worried about you! The King of Archenland arrived this afternoon and the reception is about to start. You just have enough time to change," the Faun said in a rush as he began hurrying them towards the doors.

Peter and Edmund rushed to their own chambers, washed quickly and donned the formal outfits that had been left out for them before hurrying down to the passage just outside the throne room. Their sisters were waiting for them at the door that led onto the rear of the dais where the four thrones sat. When Susan saw them hurrying down the hall she picked up the skirt of her midnight blue dress, walked over to them and firmly boxed both of them upside the head. "Where have the two of you been?" she hissed in anger. "Do you have any idea how hard it was to explain your absence this afternoon?"

Lucy joined her siblings, glaring at her brothers. "It's a good thing that King Lune was so laid back. He waved off your absence and said he was looking forward to meeting you tonight. You both owe us, big time!"

"Sorry, Susan, Lucy," Peter stammered. "Ed and I went for a ride…we thought the envoy was arriving tomorrow."

Susan almost boxed them both again, but refrained so as not to leave a mark on either of them. That wouldn't go over well. "We are going to have words when this is over, just you wait."

Edmund shook his head as his sister stopped. "I never want to hear another lecture like the one that Susan gave us that night after the reception," he said wryly, shaking his head. "My ears were ringing for a week, she was so mad."

Caspian couldn't help himself any longer and burst out laughing, which set off the rest of the group, including Edmund, who finally gave into the humor and laughed along with them.

"At the time, it wasn't that funny," Lucy said through her giggles. "We barely avoided a diplomatic nightmare from that situation, but King Lune really was so good-natured about it, and he became a dear friend and a strong ally for the rest of our reign. And fortunately, he never found out that the Kings of Narnia had been out on a pleasure ride instead of being there to greet him when he made that first visit."

"Believe me, after that, Peter and I never missed another function," Edmund said solemnly, which set the others off again.

Just then, Peter and Aslan came into the library and drew everyone's attention, stopping the laughter. It didn't escape anyone's notice that the young High King appeared to be preoccupied, and perhaps even a little pale.

Aslan looked around at the young rulers. "You all deserve a rest. I will go to the Narnian encampment and make certain all is well. Remain here and let go any worries you might have," he said before turning and padding out the door before anyone could argue.

Edmund turned to Peter. "What did he want to talk about?" The younger King asked. He was surprised when Peter's eyes met his and they seemed haunted. His concern grew.

But Peter had no intention, it seemed, of sharing. "It was just a few small formalities, Ed. Nothing to worry about. I thought I heard mention of King Lune just as I walked in…"

Caspian nodded. "Your sisters were telling me of the King's first visit after your coronation."

The High King's eyes widened. "You didn't?"

Susan chuckled. "Oh, yes I did!"

He shook his head with a rueful grin. "Are you sure you wish to emulate us, Caspian? After all, we did some rather stupid things during our reign…"

Caspian laughed. "I'm sure the good outweighed the stupid, King Peter."

"Oh stop that," Edmund suddenly said, surprising Caspian. "I mean, the 'king' thing. You are now a king too and in private, I don't see why you have to keep calling us 'King Peter' and 'King Edmund'. Honestly."

Caspian tried arguing his point, and in moments he and Edmund were into a laughing debate on when to use titles and when not too. Susan had pulled a tome from the nearest shelf and was reading it and Lucy had spied the young seamstress from the corridor and had dragged her into a corner where they were involved in some sort of discussion.

That left Peter to himself and he soon found his thoughts returning to the garden he and Aslan had retreated to earlier.

The great lion led Peter to a beautiful apple tree just outside the castle in a secluded courtyard. If he had known it was there, Peter wasn't sure, but it seemed the perfect place to sit and relax.

As Aslan sat down, Peter reached up and gently tugged an apple from the tree and then joined him, seating himself on the stone bench set near the tree's base. "What did you wish to speak to me about, Aslan?" he said, taking a bite of the apple and smiling at the sweet taste.

He paused before taking another bite as the lion turned melancholy eyes on him. "You have faced many challenges, both in your world, and in Narnia, Peter," he said quietly. "But I fear you will face even more – and far too soon."

The young King stopped eating and focused on the lion. "More? But, I don't understand. We've brought peace to Narnia, what more could there be to face? It ought to be mostly downhill from here."

Aslan shook his head. "I do not refer to Narnia, Peter."

A lump suddenly formed in Peter's throat. "You mean we aren't staying in Narnia much longer, this time? We'll be going back to our world? When?"

The lion shifted, which was unusual for him. "Soon enough, Peter. You'll know the time when it comes. But your next challenge will come to you upon your return and I want you to remember one thing when it does – you never have to face anything alone. And when you one day return to Narnia you will find this world will heal the hurts of yours. Remember that, and take solace in it during your worst days."

A frown marred Peter's face. Aslan sounded so – sad. If he had drawn Peter aside to tell him this, then it must be something that would upset the others and that in and of itself made his heart clench in worry.

"Will I have to go to war again?" He asked the lion, his apple forgotten.

Aslan looked closely at him. "I cannot tell you what challenge you will face, only that it will save you from a worse fate. Try not to dwell on it and enjoy your remaining time here. I wish I could give you better tidings, but I wish you to have some warning."

The lion rose and tossed his head to the side. "I'd best get you back to your brother and sisters," he said. "I would ask you not to discuss this with them, as it will only bring undue hardship on all of you." He sighed a little. "I am sorry I had to burden you with it, but I could not allow you to go in blindly."

Peter drew himself up and nodded. "I understand. And I thank you for telling me as much as you could, Aslan. At least I will have something to hold onto when whatever it happens."

Aslan nudged Peter affectionately. "You have retained all the wisdom of your older self, Peter. And I am very proud of you, High King. You have turned out to be more than even I had ever hoped for. Now come, your family awaits you."

"King Peter? King Peeeter. Oh, for the love of, PETER!"

Jerking, the young King nearly toppled from his chair. Caspian was standing before him, the others nowhere in sight. "What?" Peter said, looking up at the young man before him in confusion.

"I've been trying to get your attention," Caspian laughed. "We are all going to eat. I noticed you were not following and came back to fetch you. You must have been deep in thought, you didn't respond to anything I called you until I sounded out 'Peter' just now."

The young man stood and shook his head. "Sorry about that, I was thinking about what Aslan told me. Didn't mean to ignore you." He looked at Caspian as the two walked out. "But hey, it got you to call me just Peter instead of King…"

Caspian laughed. "Not quite. I tried Peter, then King Peter, then High King Peter and you still didn't respond. So I tried King Peter and drew out your name and finally shouted just Peter. You'd think your name had suddenly changed, the way you didn't react!"

They laughed all the way to the banquet hall.

Waiting outside the hall, where hundreds of voices could be heard mingling into one loud din, were Susan, Lucy and Edmund. When Peter and Caspian arrived, the herald jumped to attention and stepped forward from where he had been standing in the corner.

"Your Majesties," he said, bowing low to both Caspian and Peter. "Are you prepared to enter? If so, I shall begin announcing you in whatever order you choose."

Caspian yet again turned to Peter, who pretended not to notice, forcing Caspian to choose. The young man pursed his lips. "I suppose it would work to announce our guests first." He leaned forward and spoke to the man in quiet tones, then turned to Lucy and smiled. "When you're ready."

She nodded and stood beyond the doors as the herald entered and called out, "Presenting, Her Majesty, Queen Lucy the Valiant of Narnia!" The girl shook her head smiling before walking through the doors in the hall. It had been long since they had been announced into banquet halls, and it was obvious Caspian had told the herald their titles.

Edmund sighed and stepped up, knowing his age put him next.

Lightly rocking on his feet, he waited and soon heard, "Presenting, His Majesty, King Edmund the Just of Narnia!" And he moved through the doorway as Lucy had, his cloak whirling in his wake as he walked.

Susan straightened her gown and pushed a strand of hair back in place before: "Presenting, Her Majesty, Queen Susan the Gentle of Narnia!"

Left standing together, Peter turned to Caspian. "I think the first time is the hardest," he said, seeing the nervous twitch in the other King's hands. "Just try not to trip. I nearly did that the first time I was announced into a banquet. It would have been a spectacular fall if I hadn't caught myself."

He hurried to the door as the herald called out, "Presenting, His Majesty, High King Peter the Magnificent of Narnia."

And then Caspian was alone. He took a deep breath and waited for the words he hadn't actually thought he would ever hear. They came before he was quite sure he was ready for them.

"And now, it is my honor to present to you, for the first time, His Majesty, King Caspian the Tenth!"

Caspian's mind told him to turn tail and run, but his feet, thankfully made him move forward through the doors and into the chamber. The Telmarines in attendance, and the Kings and Queens already in the hall, were all standing as he entered and he smiled lightly at them all as he tried not to hurry up to the head table to take his seat.

He noticed everyone waiting until he sat before they retook their seats. And he also noticed, no one moved to eat – because he hadn't told them to, he realized quickly. "Please, eat," he said simply, unsure if he was supposed to say anything more extravagant.

There were no gasps of surprise, so he took that as proof enough he'd chosen the correct words. Letting out a small breath of relief, he smiled at Susan sitting next to him and Peter, on his other side, nudged him under the table lightly.

"Relax," the High King muttered, barely moving his mouth.

Soon, conversation began to erupt throughout the room and it was only at the high table that there was still silence. So, Edmund decided to break it and leaned forward to speak to Caspian.

"Is it custom in Telmar to hold tournaments? You know, with jousting and sword duels and the like?"

The young Telmarine King nodded. "Oh, yes," he said. "It is a twice-yearly tradition to do so. Champions from each of the districts within the kingdom would travel to the castle to compete."

Peter perked up at that. "Narnia also held tournaments," he said. "We had a joust and sword contests as well. It was amazing to watch some of the fights. If you can imagine it, centaurs and fauns and dwarves all fight in different styles, and when pitted together it was something else."

Lucy patted her brother on the arm. "Peter, here, was practically unbeatable," she said, avoiding the glare her brother sent her. "He only lost once, and even then, he came back and beat the man the next time around."

Glozelle, who was seated on the other side of Lucy, turned toward Peter. "You joust, Your Majesty?"

Peter nodded and Caspian piped up, "Really? I never knew. I never expected. You must be very good to have won so often."

"Oh he was, right from the start. Peter is a natural." Edmund smiled since he was far enough that Peter couldn't prevent him from speaking without leaping from his chair and drawing attention to them. "Why don't you tell them about your first tournament, Peter? You moped and practically wore a crevice in the grass thinking you'd lose miserably. Farthest from the truth, that was."

With a sigh, Peter looked at the excited look in Caspian's eyes and relented. "Oh, all right," he said. "I suppose I could tell the story. After all, if it's a Telmar tradition, you will likely be in my shoes someday."

"Stop it, Peter!" Susan called out, planting herself right in front of her pacing brother, effectively halting his movement. "People are beginning to stare!" She darted her eyes surreptitiously to the side where there was a delegation from Archenland watching them.

Peter swallowed and nodded. "Right, sorry. I'm just nervous, Su!" He eyed the Archenlanders out of the corner of his eye, taking in how much taller and muscular their champion looked. "How can I compete against all these…champions!? I'm going to make a fool of myself. They're all going to wonder what that kid is doing as High King of Narnia."

General Oreius came up beside his liege. "No they won't," he said sagely. "I have seen each of these champions in action, and I think you will do fine – if not even take the championship."

Peter huffed and nodded again before turning and stalking over to his pile of armor, which he knew he would need to start donning if he didn't want to be late to his first event.

Muttering the whole while, he put on what he could and let Edmund help him with the rest until he was once again decked out in full armor as he had been at Beruna. He squeezed his eyes shut and berated himself for even thinking the word let alone the day. Some fighter he'd been then, couldn't even hold his own again the White Witch.

"Come, my King, the ring is this way," Oreius said. He was soon joined by Peter's herald, a Faun named Seleyon. "Let King Edmund carry your sword and sheath, you'll draw it at the ring."

Peter thrust Rhindon, sheathed, toward Edmund with a grunt. "Here." The young High King hefted his shield in the other hand.

His brother shook his head at Peter's back as he hurried to follow, Susan and Lucy trailing behind and looking all around at the various beings milling around.

Peter's first opponent was a knight from Galma. The man was a little taller than Peter, but didn't tower over him. He was broader in the shoulder and his armor seemed to cover more of his chest than what Peter wore. It looked a far sight heavier, to the young King.

Seleyon stepped up in front of Peter, who had already put his helm on his head and had drawn his sword from its sheath. The Faun cleared his throat and drew attention to himself.

"It is my duty, and a great honor, to introduce you to my liege. One who was instrumental in bringing the end of the 100-year winter in Narnia. One who led thousands in battle and brought them to victory. I present to you, High King Peter the Magnificent, Emperor of the Lone Islands, Lord of Cair Paravel, Duke of the Lantern Waste, Duke of Galma and the Seven Isles and Count of the Western Marches!"

There was a roar from the crowd that nearly had Peter jumping in surprise. He smiled lightly under his helmet visor and raised a hand in acknowledgement. The Galman champion, who had not yet donned his helmet, stared at Peter in surprise.

Perhaps he hadn't realized just who he had been pitted against first?

The two combatants entered the ring and circled. Peter, who had been training with Oreius at every opportunity, was still leery about his skills and decided to let the other man make the first move.

It came soon enough as the man slashed suddenly across his body with blinding speed – but his blade was easily caught by Peter's shield and the High King swung his own blow which the Galman barely dodged.

The ring became a flurry of blocks, strikes, thrusts and rolls as the two combatants gave and took ground, each scoring hits until they were each one point away from a victory. Peter backed up a moment and took stock of what he had observed of the Galman's fighting style.

He likes to slash across his body, under his shield, Peter thought to himself. And the next time, I'll be ready…

When the next slash came, instead of blocking with his shield, Peter moved forward before the man had even half-way completed the move. Now behind the man's back, he was able to land the winning blow and the crowd erupted in cheers so loud he wouldn't be surprised if his ears were ringing later.

Both men removed their helmets and Peter nodded respectfully to the man he had just beaten. "You fight very well," he said, unsure what else he could say in this situation.

The man nodded in thanks. "You as well, High King Peter. Your skill surprised me. I have learned, the hard way, not to underestimate you because of your age…" He ruefully shifted his body against the ache Peter's last blow had started.

The young High King laughed lightly. "Looks can be deceiving, my good Knight," he said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, my brother and sisters appear to be gesturing. Good luck to you in the joust."

"And you, King Peter."

He was immediately set upon by three excited siblings as he exited the ring. "That was brilliant, Peter!" Edmund said, slapping his brother on the back. "And you were worried? You didn't even look like his blows were affecting you!"

The High King smiled sheepishly. "Edmund, you're embarrassing me!"

His brother paid him no mind and kept gushing.

Peter, nudging food around on his plate, shook his head. "Edmund was overly excited for the rest of the tournament. I went on to win the sword contest and then we headed over to the jousting fields. If you think I was worried about the sword, you should have seen me before the joust."

His brother nodded. "Every time someone got hit with a lance, Peter would cringe so hard I thought he was going to turn around and tell us there was no way he was getting up on a horse, grabbing a lance and riding full gallop toward another champion."

"I can't."

Sigh.

"Yes, you can."

"No, I can't."

"Yes, you can."

"No, I can't."

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I ca…EDMUND!"

Peter smacked his brother in the arm as Edmund started laughing. "Not funny, Edmund. I'm going to get myself killed out there!" He jutted a finger out at the field where two riders were galloping toward each other, lances at the ready, before there was an almighty crash and one combatant was knocked to the ground.

Edmund shook his head. "No, you might get knocked off your horse, but you aren't going to get killed, Peter."

With a huff of indignation, Peter turned away and folded his arms across his chest. "Easy for you to say, Ed, you don't have to be the one getting knocked in the chest with a ruddy big stick."

There was a chuckle behind him and Peter spun to face Oreius. He glared at the centaur, but it didn't seem to phase the general. "And what is so funny, Oreius," Peter grunted petulantly. "Because I don't really see anything to be laughing about."

The centaur sobered. "I'm sorry, my King. But I have never heard a lance referred to as a 'ruddy big stick' and I found it amusing," he said. "But on a serious note, I believe you will also do fine in this event. You have practiced hard and have improved greatly. Your chances are good."

Peter saw his banner go up and knew it was time. Seleyon moved off to prepare to announce him and Peter vaulted up onto his horse's back before leaning down to accept the lance from Oreius.

As the Faun regaled the crowd with Peter's many titles, the High King looked across the field at the champion from Archenland. Then he looked at the blunt tip of his lance and shook his head. "At least it isn't sharp," he said with a weary sigh.

A satyr carrying a flag walked up to the rail running down the center of the field and Peter nudged his horse to where he would begin his ride. The Archenlander did the same across the field.

When the flag dropped, Peter kicked the horse into motion and lowered the lance into position, muscles working hard to hold it steady and aimed as the horse galloped along the rail.

He turned his head to the side at the last second before impact, to avoid any damage to his eyes, and was relieved not to feel anything hit him – though he felt a sharp jerk as the lance he held burst against his opponent's torso.

Cheers went up around them as he slowed his horse and turned him around. The other champion was still atop his horse and turning as well, a hand pressed to his chest. He looked to be all right, though.

He quickly made his way back to his brother, who was holding up his next lance, and reached down to take it. Edmund patted his leg in support before Peter once again lined up for his ride.

The flag dropped.

Peter kicked his steed into a gallop and set his lance in place.

He turned his head aside and then…

Crash.

The blow took his breath away and Peter gripped the reins with all his strength and tightened his legs around the horse to keep himself from falling to the ground. Pulling back on the reins, he slowed the horse to a stop and kept his hand against his chest where the lance had hit.

For what was perhaps the longest ten seconds of his life, he couldn't draw breath. Shifting, his armor moved and he was able to suck in air. He coughed a little and then nudged the horse back toward his side.

Across the rail he could see the other champion also holding his chest and Peter realized both had hit their target this time. He had two points, to his opponent's one. He needed one more hit to win, but could still lose as well.

When he reached Edmund, his brother's eyes were wide and he immediately ran to Peter's side. "Are you all right? Can you breathe? Are you hurt? Peter…"

Raising a hand, he halted his brother's tirade. "'m fine, Ed. Got the wind knocked out of me." He held out his hand for the next lance, which Edmund somewhat reluctantly gave him. "Thanks."

Breathing easier now, he turned back toward the field and set himself on the horse's back. When the flag fell again, he dug in his heels and the horse shot forward beneath him.

His mind tried to make his body obey and shy away at the last minute, but his resolve stopped him and he felt the reassuring jolt of a hit as he soared past the other man without being hit himself.

The cheer was louder than before and Peter turned on the horse's back to see what had happened. He saw a riderless horse. Looking down, the other man was unsteadily lifting himself up on his arms, his helmet off to the side, somewhat bewildered. When he realized he was on the ground, his eyes darted to Peter and his face fell.

A knock off the horse meant the victor gained ownership of the steed.

Peter pulled his helmet off as the cheers continued and slid from the horse's back. He reached his opponent before the man's herald and squires did and extended a hand. Taking it, the man was pulled to his feet by the High King.

"Good … ride … your Majesty," the man panted, clutching his chest. "Don't … usually … lose." Peter's eyes widened as he took that in. Perhaps he wasn't as bad as he thought he was?

"Thank you, good Knight. You drive a good blow yourself," he said with a wan smile. The herald and squires arrived now and steadied the man, the former turning to the King and bowing low.

"Sire, you may take the horse as you rightfully won him," the man said.

The wistful gaze of the knight was not lost on Peter and he shook his head. "I have no need of another mount," he said lightly. "Why don't you keep him?"

There were gasps of surprise and for a moment, Peter thought he had grossly breached protocol. But the smile that lit the knight's face made it worth whatever he had done. The Archenland champion bowed low.

"High King Peter, I cannot express enough gratitude for this," he said. "My King will hear of your greatness, your Majesty. Thank you, Sire."

Peter nodded and led his own horse back toward Edmund, Oreius, Susan and Lucy. The centaur general shook his head. "Only you," he said fondly. "Most would take the horse without a backwards glance. My King, you never cease to amaze me."

The young High King shrugged. "I really don't need another horse!"

Caspian was laughing heartily.

"That was very noble of you, King Peter," he said with a smile.

Peter nodded back. "Yes, well. I had the opportunity again the following year to take that very same horse from that very same champion. But again, I didn't need another horse."

The rest of the meal went well and soon it was time to retire for the night.

Rising, Caspian turned to the Pevensies. "The herald can show you to your rooms," he said. "I would do it myself, but I did not see my aunt here and I wish to check and see if she is well. So if you would excuse me…"

They nodded and the five monarchs went their separate ways – Caspian to find his aunt, Susan and Lucy to one chamber and Peter and Edmund to another.

A/N: So, another chapter done. And I would say at least three more, but I'm not positive on that since I tend to add scenes as I go that I hadn't planned on. (I.E. the tournament…)