As the group followed Mr. Tumnus, Lorelei made a mental note to keep herself in check.
"No snide comments or his family is sure to hate me." She thought.
As they passed through the giant golden doors, Lorelei saw a huge wooden table decorated with plates, napkins, and brass goblets. Sitting in the chairs were beautiful women dressed in extravagant dresses and men adorned in brown. She was so busy viewing the guests; she didn't notice the small group standing to the side.
"Lorelei," Peter said gently when he realized the girl was awe stricken.
"This is my family"
Lorelei turned to the people standing beside Peter.
"Lori!" yelled the littlest one. It was her forest friend Lucy.
Running towards each other, the girls embraced like old friends.
Pulling her hand, Lucy introduced her to the remaining two people.
"This is my sister Susan and my brother Edmund and I guess you already know Peter." Lucy rushed out.
"So you don exist, eh? And here we are thinking she made it all up to get back at us." said Susan. Susan was a tall and naturally graceful girl. Her long brown her hung and light ringlets and was covered by her silver crown. Her blue eyes sparkled merrily. Edmund looked much like her. His brown hair touched the back of his neck and his brown eyes were intense and serious. However, he still wore a smile on his lips.
"It's an honor to met you all." Lorelei exclaimed as she curtseyed.
"The pleasure all ours I'm sure." Edmund responded. "Come, lets all sit down."
Peter sat at the head of the table with Edmund on his left and Susan on his right. Lucy sat next to Susan and pulled Lorelei in the sit next to her. At the other end of the table was an empty chair.
It's for Aslan." Lucy whispered in her ear. " That is, if he shows up. He usually doesn't."
The waiters were beginning to serve the food. First they brought out lobster bisque. Everyone was chatting merrily among themselves and Lorelei and Lucy were catching up. She was also getting along well with Edmund and Susan.
"Who are those other people?" Lorelei asked Lucy as she sipped her soup.
"Oh. Those are Archenland princes and princesses. Susan and Peter is the eldest and figured they should be married. These are all who seek their hands."
Lorelei felt a deep sting of jealousy. Look at them all dolled up to win the king's affection. They didn't look like they had an iota of sense. Especially the particularly beautiful red head that kept making eyes with Peter.
After a delicious dinner of roast beef, honey glazed ham, fresh trout, roasted potatoes, fresh salad, and butter glazed rolls, the waiters rolled out the desert carts. They were piled high with deserts ranging from crème Brule to rich, decadent Pavlova topped with fresh cream and berries.
As the guests and the hosts all walked to the desert table, the red head firmly attached herself to Peter's left arm and laughed at whatever comment he had just made to Edmund.
Grabbing Susan's arm, Lorelei asked, " Who is that?" through gritted teeth.
"That's Jeanette. She's one of Peter's … more forceful admirers. Edmund thinks she pretty enough, but if you ask me, she's lacking in the brain department. Why do you ask?"
"No… no reason" Lorelei stuttered out turning red with embarrassment.
"Why Lorelei! Do you fancy my brother?" Susan asked with an amused smile
"Of course not!" Lorelei declared unconvincingly.
"Alright, your secret's safe with me, but just remember, you're not the only one vying for his attention."
As if hearing Susan's comment, Jeanette turned and shot Lorelei a smug look.
Lorelei ignored her and made her way to the table to sample some delicious looking candied nut clusters. As she was reaching for a goblet of warmed cider, she felt a presence behind her. Instinct told her it was her least favorite person of the hour, Jeanette.
"Why hello" the red head said with false sweetness.
Lorelei responded with a nod and continued looking through the deserts.
"Listen girl." Jeanette whispered menacingly, dropping all pretenses of being a sweet person.
"I saw you making eyes with Peter and I don't appreciate it, but since you're new here I'll cut you some slack."
"I have no idea what you're going on about." Lorelei lied. It was true. She had caught herself staring at Peter during dinner and hanging on to his every word. She never realized just how smart and humorous he was.
"Some how I strongly doubt that. Anyway I'm here to tell you he's off limits. All the other girls know that and it's time you do too."
"Well you are dumber than you appear if you think your pathetic attempt at intimidation will keep me from seeking the good king's company and conversation. The others may be obedient, but I'm not like other girls."
" You will be if you know what's good for you. Besides, I'd be saving you some heartache. Peter would never go for such a homely creature when he can have a goddess like me. Your mother must have been hideous for you to turn out so bad."
Even though Lorelei knew the girl was way off, she didn't allow anyone to talk about her mother in such a way. She calmly turned and faced Jeanette who looked as though she thought Lorelei was considering her words. Without so much as an inkling of emotion, Lorelei poured her cider over Jeanette's head and dumped the huge slice of cake down the front of her low cut gown.
Jeanette's was so surprised that someone had actually stood up to her, she didn't even know how to retaliate. Lorelei gave her a smirk and turned away. Walking up to the royal family she said with a curtsy " Thank you for a wonderful night. I'm afraid I must being leaving now. Susan, Lu, I hope we will encounter each other soon. Edmund I hope I receive the opportunity to get to know you better." With that said she turned and left the castle leaving the guests trying to contain and hide their laughter (for no one was fond of Jeanette), a hopping mad Jeanette, and an awfully confused Peter.