The day has finally come, the day that High King Peter was going to choose his bride. All of Narnia was in a buzz, creatures came from far and wide to circle Cair Paravel. Jolly music could be heard around the entire kingdom as the 100 maidens eagerly got ready, making themselves especially pampered in case they were to be called. Even though Ruby was the quiet one, she too was nervous, but nervous in a completely different way. The attention zeroing in on the maidens, including herself, has given her the urge to stretch out her wings and fly home or maybe even farther.

"Do not even think about it" Dawn whispered in her ear, "How embarrassing would it be for the High King to call your name and you are not even there?"

"I am just hoping that he calls your name" Ruby sighed as she rubbed her stomach, "I think I might throw up"

Dawn giggled, "From what food? You hardly ate anything this morning"

"What if it was all just a ruse?" Ruby asked, "What if he was saying that to all of the maidens just to see their answer. What if this was all just a game? None of this is natural"

Dawn wrinkled her nose, "He didn't say that to me, I guess I was worse of a potential bride than I thought. To answer your question; of course it is. This is the High King Peter that we are speaking about. You honestly believe that eligible Kings would just be walking around a garden and seeing a maid tending them before sparking up a conversation? This is how Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses meet their betrothed"

Ruby looked to her best friend who only smiled and winked at her before going back to doing her hair. If it wasn't for Dawn, Ruby would've looked like a swollen mess, Ruby was so nervous that she didn't even want to get herself ready. Everyone else got up before the sun broke out over the mountains but not her. She just wanted to wish this whole day away and perhaps wake up the next day, back in her own bed.

"Do you think it is hard?" Ruby asked, "Being a Queen Consort?"

"I'm sure it isn't" Dawn shrugged, "Instead of doing the chores now you have to make sure everyone else does them and make sure the events are being noticed, the proper food is prepared and what not"

Ruby's eyebrows furrowed, "Isn't that not High Queen Susan and Queen Lucy's tasks?"

Dawn opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out as she suddenly looked perplexed. She looked up over the mirror and took her time to answer that question. Her tail swished back and forth as a result of her trying to think of the correct response.

"I think you are right" Dawn then shrugged, "Oh, well, I guess that just means you have to sit still and look pretty"

Ruby couldn't help but giggle at the response as it did help her with her nerves, "Oh, what would I have done without you, Dawn?"

Dawn sighed, "You know I love whenever you ask me that question. It gives my life more meaning"

"Exactly" Ruby thought for a moment, "But if I am to be chosen, I will be far away from people. I will be constantly surrounded by strangers who don't know me and think they know what is best for me. It will be terribly lonely, don't you think?"

"I will admit, Ruby, you are shy" Dawn lowered her head next to hers, "But you are also friendly, you will have a friend in no time, believe me. You will not be alone for so long, I guarantee that. Also, being High Queen Consort and all, you can demand me and your family to move into one of these enormous wings"

The two girls shared a giggle before a wave of screaming and running came from all over the room. Ruby and Dawn didn't need to turn around to see that Mr. Tumnus had come into the room.

"Ladies! Ladies! LADIES!" Mr. Tumnus yelled, "Please settle down! We are just about to begin our walk towards the Great Hall"

Another chorus of screams could be heard as Dawn and Ruby got up and made their way to the back of the room, "I will certainly not miss any of this"

"Me neither" Dawn wiggled her pointy ears, "I think I possibly lost my hearing thanks to these women"

"Imagine if we screamed" Ruby smiled, "Our sonic screams would've stunned everyone to sleep"

Dawn blinked, "Now why didn't we think of that the first night?"

Ruby laughed as she looked around the room, their breed of being a Harpy had special abilities unlike others; they were bigger than the others which cause their wings to manipulate the wind, they could scream to stun predators, or sing to keep them in a trance.

"We will need you in pairs, please" Mr. Tumnus could barely be heard, "Two pairs! FORM TWO LINES, LADIES! WE WILL NOT LEAVE THIS ROOM OTHERWISE!"

Upon hearing that, the maidens all formed two lines, pushing Dawn and Ruby back further, Dawn pushed someone away from her, "Excuse me"

"Dawn, don't" Ruby said gently, "We don't want a fight to ruin everyone's pretty dresses"

"Well, once High King Peter reveals his choice, these talons are coming out" Dawn picked up her dress to reveal her talon feet, "Four days was more than enough with these women, I swear"

Ruby giggled as the doors opened and she paled, "Oh, dear"

"Don't worry" Dawn whispered, "Just smile and wave… that's all you have to do"

"Right" Ruby breathed, "Just smile and wave"

The line of maidens made their way down the hall, flowers adorned their trail, making the others giggle with excitement. Ruby felt more sick, especially since she was in the back and knew she was to be called forth. Dawn wrapped her arm around her arm firmly, giving her best friend a confident smile before the Great Hall's doors opened. Ruby looked up to the sky and gave a big inhale and exhale as the onlookers took in High King Peter's choices. At the very end of the hall was High King Peter himself, along with his siblings, and a centaur.

"Here we go" Dawn squealed, "I do suggest you fly up to the lot when your name is called"

Ruby breathed, "I actually believe I forgot how to fly"

"Well, whatever you do, don't faint" Dawn cringed, "And possibly loosen your grip on my arm?"

"Lovely maidens, I thank each and every one of you for your time this weekend" High King Peter began, "I learned a lot about each and every one of you and had a better understanding of Narnia from you. As we all know, this event was made to look for a bride. One has come to my attention as I believe she is kind, gentle, and insightful; someone I feel I had made a connection with almost instantly. For my bride, I choose Ruby Swiftwing from the Western Mountains"

The maidens gave a collectible gasp as they all turned and looked at the Harpy standing in the back. Dawn gently pushed her forward as Ruby made her walk past the other candidates, some were already crying that they weren't chosen, others glared which caused Ruby to cast her eyes to the ground as she continued to walk towards the stage. The Narnians in the Great Hall were whispering, eagerly trying to see who Peter had chosen to be his bride. When she walked up the stairs, there was another collectible gasp as excited chatter filled the room.

The centaur took a step forward, "Are you Ruby Swiftwing from the Western Mountains?"

"I- I a- am" Ruby said, probably not in a high note as she didn't hear her voice echo the halls like Peter's did.

"And do you accept the proposal to be High Queen Consort alongside High King Peter?" the centaur asked.

Ruby looked to Peter who smiled warmly at her, giving her chills throughout her body to the very ends of her wings as this time, she cleared her throat and said loudly, "I do accept"

The Hall erupted in a loud cheer as the centaur waved his hand to join High King Peter at his side. Ruby breathed out a sigh of relief as she walked over, took Peter's hand and curtsied gracefully in front of him. She remained there for a couple of seconds as a crown of flowers were placed on the top of her head before straightening up.

Peter leaned in and kissed her on the cheek as he whispered, "See? I told you it wasn't so bad"

Ruby blushed and smiled to him, "Thank you… here's to a happy marriage for us"