Disclaimer: Unfortunately, that Clive guy beat me on the dibs for Narnia.

A/N: Love for you who still reads this after such a long recess. I was hoping to have this for you as a Christmas present, but…. –hem- didn't work out that way. Again, and again, I'm really sorry!

This chapter is slightly pointless… I had planned it to be longer, and contain events that are due to happen in the next chapter, but decided to siphon the responsibility onto Bee when she wasn't looking. Tehehe.

Hrm. Well, I promise that my next chapter will be much longer. Like… 10 pages. Well, not 10 pages… maybe… 5… or something. Oh! Almost forgot… –Takes out the stupendous Wand of Dedication-

Callie Beth!

Just 'cause I like her for some reason -showers Callie Beth with cookies-

Please enjoy...

Chapter 8

From Hell to Heaven

If I ever had to pick the most awkwardly terrifying moment of my life, this would be it. A burning, heavy dread settled across the four of us as Cecelia advanced, one white hand clutched around the wooden base of a water goblet. Ethel and Alan hadn't moved, and their faces were still cherry red from argument, but the princess took no notice of them. She set the cup on a table and turned to stand on the other side of the room, glaring all the more suspiciously at us. A diminutive sigh came from Benjamin and he whispered, "I don't think she heard you."

I wasn't about to give up the possibility though. Who knew how well she could hide the truth behind those blazing eyes? Perhaps she was to reveal us when the prince returned so he might throw us back into prison. Perhaps I was just being paranoid. It was hard not to think warily when you're in an unknown place, especially one made of paper and ink.

My head pulsed uncomfortably.

Ethel sighed and slowly and turned away from Alan. For a moment, I forgot all about Cecilia when I saw the hurt in her eyes. Alan's words had shaken me too, and I wasn't even the target. Straightening my position, I wondered if I could do anything for her. She grabbed the water goblet off the table where Cecelia had left it and wordlessly pressed it into my hands.

"Ethel…?" I looked at her, trying to get comfort through in my expression, but it wasn't working. She would probably need to think over it herself. A few awkward minutes passed in witch I watched the princess closely. She made it a point not to look back, and instead choose to thoroughly examine a painting on the far wall. I began fidgeting with a lock of my hair. Ethel had perched herself on a chair. Benjamin was tracing something on the floor with his finger. Alan hadn't moved. I wondered how they could hold themselves in so well. I for one, felt like I was about to detonate from the need to discuss our situation. Finally, Daunin dropped in with as much grace as it was possible to uphold when one falls through a ceiling.

The graveness in the room seemed to evaporate with his attendance. Something in his warm smile made it impossible to be afraid or intimidated, opposed to his sister, who stood quiet and menacing, burning holes into the back of his head with her glare. He looked at each of us in turn, as though seizing us up for battle. When he spoke, his voice was surprisingly acrimonious.

"You'll need to speak with my uncle before you can be fully situated," I looked up, wondering why his uncle, and not his parents. Wouldn't the king and queen want to see what strangers had broken into their kitchens? "But you shall be outfitted in the appropriate attire first, if you'll follow me…" He turned, and came face to face with his sister, who gave him a withering look. She whispered something inaudible, and he bowed his head, replying, "I'm sorry," in muted voice, and said something else. Cecelia nodded sharply and cast us one last glance before ascending the ladder. Upon my questioning gaze, Daunin said,

"She'll be talking to Sir Callomae, so need not fear being arrested again." A tide of relief washed over us, and Daunin hitched a smile onto his face again.

"Now then, shall we?"

o-o-o

This time through the castle, everything seemed a little brighter. The halls were no longer deserted, but filled with strange looking animals of every sort: men and women with horse haunches, tall leafy looking creatures with wavering limbs, and even a tiny little fairy that Ethel was delighted to see. All of them treated Daunin with kindness and respect, with made me feel the same way, and suddenly I found myself worrying if I had been too casual with him before.

Our final destination was on the third floor, where four gleaming wood doors were set side by side into a golden-colored wall.

"These are your rooms," explained Prince Daunin, "They were once the guest rooms for the legendary four kings and queens of Narnia: High King Peter, and High Queen Susan, King Edmond, and Queen Lucy."

Ethel exhaled a breath of amazement, her eyes widening to the size of cucumbers. Daunin beamed at her.

"Tis' a great honor," he said, and I nodded in agreement. Even I knew who those four were. Alan looked dumbfounded.

Again, it hit me as to how spectacular this really was. To think, that on the very spot I was standing, once stood Peter, or perhaps Lucy… from Narnia. An unexpected chill trickled down my spine. Benjamin stepped forward, as if in a daze, and touched the right middle door with four fingers.

"There are servants in each room to help you get ready. I'll see you each in, and see to it that the maids have picked out suitable wear. Mr. Alan, this way…" Daunin opened the far left door and they both disappeared inside the room.

Ethel breathed heavily, and sent me an excited grin. I was glad that she seemed to have forgotten about the previous argument.

Daunin returned fairly quickly and saw both Ethel and Benjamin into their rooms as well. He shepherded me inside the far right door, and stepped in behind as a gasp of wonder left my lungs.

The vast chamber was filled with all sorts of beautiful things. The windows, draped with golden linens, a delicate birch chest sodden with intricate designs, and the massive four-poster bed caught my eye first. I felt the sudden urge to fling myself upon the mattress and squeal with utter delight. However, I restrained myself for the time being as I noticed the smiling maid in one corner, holding a folded bundle in her arms. Daunin made a motion, and the servant spread the dress on the bed. I felt my heart flutter against my ribs, and vaguely thought it funny that only a couple of hours ago, I was being held in a slimy old prison.

The gown was green. Not a loud, sour green, but the subtle color of grass before a rainstorm. The sleeves were long and loose, and the petticoat was creamy white, matching the dozens of tiny opals that adorned the dress where the flowing bottom connected to the tight waist.

"That'll do nicely. You have excellent taste, Herthia," said Daunin, and the maid curtsied gracefully, a blush creeping up her neck. I faced Daunin, beaming my appreciation. He grinned back, and for a second, I thought a pink tinge had appeared on his cheeks as well.

"I'll be in the Grand Hall at seven o' clock to escort you and the others to the Audience Chamber. After that we'll have your welcoming banquet."

I nodded in understanding, and he left in a bit of a hurry.

Slowly, I turned to look at the maid, who curtseyed again.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, guest of the Prince. I am Herthia." She had a strange accent.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Lori," I said awkwardly. It was difficult to talk to a person whenever their head was bowed down.

"If you'll please Miss, the dress…" She gestured towards the bed, and I approached the beautiful gown, running my hand through the fabric lovingly.

o-o-o

A little while later, I stared at myself in the mirror, awestruck. What was a dirty, confused, fourteen year old girl somehow became a striking, elegant, young lady.

Herthia had brushed out my tangled hair so it fell gracefully down my back, and brought me slippers that matched my dress. I felt very complete, and was dieing with the desire to see what the others looked like. I twirled around sinuously. I could see Herthia smile in the mirror over my shoulder.

"You look lovely, Miss Lori," she said.

"Thank you," I replied, "Um… do you know if it's time to leave yet?"

She nodded once, "Yes, I will show you the way, so you don't get lost in this labyrinth of a castle," She winked and gestured for me to follow.