Disclaimer: I own only the character Raxie and the plotline that proceeds after Ramandu's island.

The time spent on Dufflepud Island was short, just over half a day. Not only was Lucy eager to head out, but so was Caspian and the crew. Corriarkin seemed to not mind, understanding the compelling urge to head west, wishing them and the crew a calm sea and strong winds. Waving Caspian and Lucy bid Corriarkin and the dufflepuds farewell as the Dawn Treader pulled away from the island. Due to the fair weather and full to overflowing stores the crew decided that it was best to pass up Deathwater Island and Dragon Isle, opting to head on to the Lone Islands. During the day Lucy was busy with mending and some cleaning, but the nights were filled with either quiet moments with Caspian, or dancing with Caspian and the crew as some men took out harmonicas and guitars and played foot stomping tunes.

"Land ho!"

"The Lone Islands." Lucy sighed, knowing they were almost home. The sun was sinking in the sky as Caspian and Lucy met Lord Burn at his private dock, Runalf having been sent on ahead to alert the Duke of the Lone Islands of their arrival.

"Ah Caspian, good to see you back in one piece." Burn clapped Caspian on the back, noticing Lucy standing slightly behind Caspian. "And who is this charming young lady?"

"Lord Burn, allow me to introduce to you Lucy, the once and future Queen of Narnia." Caspian eloquently introduced Lucy to Burn, slipping an arm around her waist.

"Queen Lucy?" Burn gazed at Lucy in awe, bowing without taking his eyes off Lucy.

"Lord Burn, I am the Queen Lucy." She nodded, indicating the man was to stand.

"I am honored." He swept an arm out to the side. "Come; eat, drink, and rest in my home. What of the crew?"

"We will sleep the night here, my lord." Drinian called from the deck of the ship.

"Good, good." Burn nodded. "Come."

Lucy and Caspian followed Burn top his cliffside villa, and entourage of Burns servants carrying some of their trunks. Most of Narrowhaven was settling in to sleep, but several housemaids of Burns were scurrying about, preparing rooms for the royals. The villa was Mediterranean in style, a large, sprawling complex done in creamy beige bricks with turquoise trim. Plants flourished, their colors muted in the dying sunlight, being lush and inviting.

"Forgive us for arriving so late, my friend." Caspian apologized as he and Lucy stood in the hallway between their rooms as maids continued to rush about. Burn smiled.

"Not a problem." Burn bowed slightly, motioning to the rooms. "A maid will wake you for breakfast." He then turned and strode away down the hall.

"So, that was the first of the seven lords?" Lucy moved to stand in her doorway.

"Yes, and I we will fill you in on his story at breakfast." Caspian kissed her forehead before moving across the hall to his door. "Goodnight Lucy-love."

"Sleep well, Caspian dear." Lucy smiled goofily at the use of mushy nicknames.

For the first time in weeks Lucy was able to sleep in a real bed that didn't move and sway underneath her. The bedding was thick and luxurious, warm but not stifling. Unfortunately Lucy couldn't enjoy the experience as much as she wanted because she woke at the crack of dawn as was her habit. She wondered if Caspian was up as well, but couldn't work up the energy to get out of the bed. Instead she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling above that , strangely enough, was painted with a depiction of Lucy's first trip into Narnia. There was a rendering of the wardrobe, Lucy gazing up at the lamppost, and her and Mr. Tumnus walking through the snow, packages and all.

"Lucy?" Caspian's voice was followed by a knock. "Are you awake?"

"Yes, come in." Lucy sat up, pulling the blankets with her. Her future husband, lover and king entered but wisely left the door open enough to alert any maid with a simple shout.

"Good morning." Caspian sat on the bed beside her, angling where he could face her. He was dressed in a grey tunic and breeches, but still had a rumpled, sleepy look about him.

"Good morning to you too." Lucy smiled. "I want a bed like this, it's so big and comfy."Caspian smirked and Lucy blushed."Not like that!" Lucy scolded. "You have a one track mind."

"I can't help it if that's the way I think." Caspian shrugged. "Seeing you in bed does that to me."

"Did you sleep well?" She quickly changed the subject, not wanting to add to the already thick tension hanging between the two of them."Could have been better." Caspian shrugged.

"Really?"

"Could have been better if you had been there with me." Caspian grinned, knowing he would make her blush. Lucy nearly melted at Caspian's words spoken in that deep, sexy voice he used around her. She knew that she had a month left before they reached Narnia, but the waiting was wearing her patience thin.

"You are impossible!" Even though Lucy was looking forward to her wedding night she was still easily flustered by Caspian's provocative comments.

"Yes, but you love me that way."

"Okay, this conversation is utterly silly." She laughed. "Look up."

Caspian complied, studying the painted ceiling. The look of curiosity on Caspian's face warmed Lucy's heart. He studied the painting for several minutes before he spoke.

"That's you, isn't it?" His blue-grey eyes zeroed in on her face.

"Someone's version of me anyways." She nodded. "I've never been that skinny nor that tall."

"Artistic license is a beautiful thing." Caspian laughed before smiling at the real Lucy.

"For those who don't know me."

"Don't worry. I know for a fact that you will set the artisans on the right path."

"Your Majesty, miss." A maid popped her head into the room, dark eyes friendly. "Miss! You aren't even dressed." The little woman bustled in, seemingly a year or two older than Lucy herself.

"Shoo, the lady needs to dress. Shoo!" The maid shoved Caspian off the bed before pushing him out of the room. "You may be King, but you aren't wed to her yet so get away." She shut the door in Caspian's face, not at all afraid that she might incur Caspian's royal wrath.

"Men!" The maid huffed. "No sense at all." She smiled at Lucy. "Name's Raxie, mistress."

"Nice to meet you Raxie." Lucy slipped out of the bed, shivering as her feet touched the cold tile floor. "Is my cream dress in my trunk?"

"Oh yes, and it would look lovely with your fire opals." Raxie dug through Lucy's trunk, searching for the garment in question.

"How did you know that they were fire opals?" Lucy padded over to the trunk to help Raxie look for the dress.

"Her Ladyship is something of a gem lover and knows more about most jewels that some of the best jewelers around." Raxie held aloft the cream dress with a bright smile. "I try to learn as much as I can so I can go to the main land and get an apprenticeship." Within minutes Lucy was dressed and Raxie was brushing her hair as the two of them conversed about jewelry.