Peter Pevensie pushed his way out of the ballroom and onto the balcony. He turned and smiled to the maidens and gave a friendly wave as they all giggled and waved back at him, which is what they've been doing this whole time. Peter tried to find some sort of balance with these women but all they wanted to do was giggle and agree with him. He honestly didn't know if he'll ever find a giggle attractive again thanks to this evening. Peter felt like kicking himself in the head as he should've wondered how this evening was going to go.

He sighed and turned to go to the railing but stopped short when he noticed that he wasn't alone. There was a female there with large red wings and a tail swishing somewhat contently. He understood that she was a harpy but didn't recognize her being introduced to him. The only way he knew that for sure was because she had the most magnificent coat of color for wings; his mind was confused on whether to say it was red or dark pink.

His siblings would have his head if they found him not talking to a maiden, especially Lucy, so he slowly walked over to the lonesome woman. She was sitting perfectly on the railing of the balcony with her bird-like talons hanging over the edge. She seemed quite content with herself that he almost felt sorry for breaking her trance.

"Mind if I sit with you?" Peter asked.

She whipped her head around as she started to flap her wings, "Your Highness, forgive me-"

"No, it's alright" Peter quickly said, "You can stay as you are, I was looking to find fresh air myself"

The woman calmed down as she nodded, "It is a bit stuffy in there"

"Try having 100 maidens breathing down your neck" Peter glanced behind himself as he walked over to the railing, "Well, 99, that is. I do not believe we have met yet"

The harpy blushed as she said, "My apologies, I actually tried earlier but I could never find the right timing… I was hoping for later in the evening. My name is Ruby, your Majesty"

"Ah, because of your wings, I understand," Peter nodded to them.

Ruby blushed deeply as she looked down to her manicured nails and tried not to think of her tail swishing back and forth excitedly, it was a big compliment for someone to praise a harpy's wings. She turned and looked over to him and gave a shy nod which he seemed to favor for some reason.

"How is your evening, my Lord?" Ruby asked.

Peter chuckled, "I think I am more confused than when I was when I first heard I had to get married. All these women want nothing more than to please me and agree with everything I say"

"Sounds like a dream," Ruby said.

"I didn't mean it like that" Peter started over, "Just that… I was hoping that today was going to be normal but I just feel like I am meeting only masks and hearing rehearsed lines over and over again. I honestly don't feel a connection to anyone just yet"

Ruby listened to him before she said, "Give it time, most women are probably just nervous that an opportunity came up like this. A lot of harpy's forgot how to fly when they got their invitation"

Peter looked at her, "And what about you? What did you do?"

Ruby smiled as she looked up to the full moon, "I flew around and around until my mother finally called me down. I didn't realize how exhausted I was until I decided to take an evening nap which lasted until the next morning… It was the most refreshing feeling. I too, thought of conversations we were to have and how I would answer them but the second I saw Cair Paravel… I forgot even my own name"

"Right now this is the most refreshing part of my day" Peter complemented, "You're doing an excellent job"

Again, Ruby blushed instead of giggled as Peter leaned over and placed his elbows on the railing.

"My father did request for me to tell you thank you for lifting the curse" Ruby said, "And also that not all harpy's were with the White Witch. Our wings could not stand her bitter cold that even flying was almost torture. My mother was worried that my sister and I would never take flight. We give you our thanks"

Peter nodded, "You're welcome, I am glad my siblings and I were here to help"

Ruby glanced backward, "They're starting to notice your absence, my Lord"

Peter's eyebrows furrowed before he turned and looked over his own shoulder. A small crowd had gathered as they waited anxiously for Peter to come back inside. When the females noticed his attention turned to them they all let out the light giggle and waved once more. Peter hoped he didn't noticeably cringe as he gave a wave of his own. The small peaceful conversation that he had with Ruby suddenly diminished from the watchful eyes.

"I will return shortly, my ladies," Peter announced with a forced smile before turning to Ruby and muttering, "Please, tell me that there is no such law where a King has to marry more than once?"

Ruby smiled, showing sharp canine teeth as she said, "No, My Lord, just once is enough"

"Thankfully" Peter chuckled, "But unfortunately, I should go inside soon, otherwise these women are going to get jealous of you"

Ruby glanced back once more, studying them, "I think I can take them… most of them don't have wings"

"A great advantage for a time like this" Peter nodded, "I'm glad to have met you, Ruby, truly"

Ruby's eyes shot up as she turned and looked to Peter who was smiling very warmly to her. It was almost like the first warm sun after 100 years of winter but glowing in her chest. He would've reached over and took a hold of Ruby's hand but they were far away and clasped within themselves. She tucked a dark curly brown strand away from her pointed ear as she smiled and nodded to him.

"I am glad I was given this moment to speak with the High King of Narnia" Ruby answered back, formally.

"Well, why don't we come inside and chat some more" Peter straightened up, "I'm sure my sister is noticing my absence by now"

"Oh, that would be a nice idea, my King" Ruby hesitated, "But… with your permission, I would very much like to fly, if it is okay with you"

Peter opened his mouth to speak when he suddenly realized something; she declined his offer. No one has ever declined his offer ever since he became the High King of Narnia. To be honest, it felt almost refreshing to know someone was brave enough to say no to him.

"On two conditions" Peter said, "One, I get to watch you fly away"

Ruby smiled as Peter said, "And two… you make more time for me tomorrow"

"Oh… but what about your other maidens?" Ruby asked shyly.

"This event was gathered so I can find a Queen Consort" Peter said, "Did you not get the letter?"

"Yes, I did, it's right here" Ruby took out her envelope as Peter could see that the paper was so worn out, it almost appeared leathery.

"Then you understand that by the end of this weekend, I will have to choose a bride" Peter reminded her, "I've taken a sudden interest in finding out more about you"

"Then I will try to sneak you away from the others," Ruby agreed.

"Don't try" Peter shook his head, "Do"

Ruby seemed stunned, she didn't say anything but flapped her wings and lifted herself up off of the railing. She turned to him and bowed her head a goodnight before she pushed herself up into the sky at such an incredible speed as Peter stared at her figure until he lost her in the night sky.

"Well…" Susan's voice came from behind him, "Who was that?"

"Honestly" Peter turned to her, "A Maiden of Interest"

Susan smiled, "She is very beautiful but I do believe these maidens should get an equal opportunity… just so that there won't be any conflicts this weekend"

Peter sighed as he thought for a moment then a smile appeared on his lips, "Leave that to me"