Okay, I know that I've already posted today, but I'm trying to get out of the habit of posting at like, one or two in the morning, mainly because I'm going to start having to get up really early for school, and I don't need to even be up that late. So this is the first step in posting them at a slightly more reasonable time. Tomorrow I'll try to post around like, noon or one.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this next installment =D Don't forget to review!

Chapter 3: The Drawing Room

"Peter, we can't just let this pass!" Edmund stood with his arms crossed. He was in a foul mood already, and the newly discovered issue in the North wasn't helping. Susan and Lucy had retired early, and Edmund had just opened the latest report from Ettinsmoor. "The giants are terrifying the Narnians on the border. They need someone to put things right out there, and we're the Kings."

"I know that," Peter snapped, rubbing his temples. He was feeling stressed as well. "But this invitation from Rabadash... Su wants to go to Calormen, but I don't trust that prince." Rabadash had invited the Queen to go to Tashbaan soon after Amber had left the dinner table.

"Susan wants to go?" Edmund asked, incredulous. "Why? It's obvious that he's just after our resources and her... well, her!" All three present knew that the Calormene prince thought Susan was beautiful, and that was the only reason for his interest in her. "Have you seen the way he treats his servants?"

"She's a girl," Amber replied matter-of-factly, though she did not want this anymore that Edmund. "And Rabadash is very smooth with his tongue, when he wishes to be. He's been nothing but polite when Su is around. Well, even when Lucy or I are around, he is very sweet. To me, it seems like those snakes that hypnotize you and then strike, but not to Susan."

"I don't want her to go," Peter said. "But you know Su; if she wants something, she's going to get it, one way or another."

"So you're actually going to let her go?" Edmund demanded. "What happened to 'I don't trust that prince'?"

"Yes, I am." Amber wanted to stand to the side and wait for the brothers to settle this themselves, but she felt a heated argument coming on. Edmund's voice had been rising steadily and Peter had adopted that cool calm that indicated his stubbornness.

"Edmund, Peter has a point. Even if he forbade Susan from seeing Rabadash, she would find some way around it," Amber said calmingly, stepping in front of the two Kings. "Not to mention, she'd hate him for it. At the same time, Peter, you can't just let her go alone."

"Obviously!" Peter grunted. "I plan on sending Tumnus and at least twenty men with her, as well as going myself."

"But what about the giants? Edmund was right about that. They need to be taken care of, and you'll get best results if you go yourself." Peter glowered at the Lady, looking for all the world like a stubborn little boy who wanted his way. Amber had to struggle to keep from giggling. Edmund had no such courtesy, however, and upon looking at his sulking brother, burst into laughter. He got a fist in the gut for his trouble. Amber had to rush forward and stand between them, or else risk a fistfight breaking out in Peter's office.

"Kill each other later," she said, placing a restraining hand on each of their chests. "Right now, you have to figure out what to do about Susan. It's obvious that she's going to go to Calormen. And she can't go alone. Now, while Tumnus is an excellent traveling companion, Susan does need some kind of supervision. Or rather, Rabadash needs supervision. Peter cannot go because he has to deal with the giants in the North. So, send Edmund and myself to Calormen with Su. Lucy can hold down the fort here, no problem. There. Problem solved." Peter looked at her. He started to speak, but was interrupted by the entrance of a young servant girl.

"Yes, Adalia, what is it?" Amber asked.

"Forgive me, my Kings, my Lady," Adalia said timidly. "But Mr. Tumnus says that King Lune has arrived with Prince Corin."

"This late?" Peter asked. Adalia nodded. Edmund sighed.

"I'll go greet them," he said, knowing that Peter would be too stressed out to be congenial. "I'll tell Lune you're asleep or something." Peter smiled gratefully at his younger brother as he followed Adalia out of the room. Amber smiled. Just a few moments ago, they had come to blows, but now Edmund was covering for his older brother. Would wonders never cease?

When she was sure that Edmund was out of earshot, Amber said, "Peter, why don't you trust him? I know you're reluctant to adopt my plan. I knew you would be before I said it."

"I do trust him!" Peter exclaimed, earning a raised eyebrow from the Lady. "Of course I trust him. It's just that…" Amber nodded in understanding. This was a recurring issue with Peter. He was naturally a leader, as well as a protector. He had always been the one to shoulder the responsibility; he tried to shield his siblings from the stress, often without even realizing it.

"Peter, you can't do everything by yourself," she said gently, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "That's why you weren't made the only King. Aslan crowned you, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy the Kings and Queens."

"I know that. Really, I do," Peter said. "And I know I shouldn't have any qualms about sending Ed with Susan. I know for a fact that he'll take care of her."

"Then let him go. Let them both go! He thinks you don't trust him, and he's dying to prove himself to you."

"He doesn't have to prove himself! I... I don't want him to think that... couldn't you tell him that?"

"No. You can. He needs to hear it from you, Pete. He needs to know you trust him, and this is the perfect chance."

"And Lucy? You really think she's ready to take complete control? That's a lot of pressure; I mean, she's just sixteen. Do you think she can handle it?"

"Pete, she won't be without help. And she's taken control of court before, when we've all been indisposed. Remember that virus? She was the only one of us who didn't get sick, and she was completely in charge of Narnia for a week. She was fine then." Peter sighed. As much as he knew that Amber was right, he just didn't want to heap a country on his baby sister's slender shoulders. "And she'll jump at the responsibility," the girl added.

"I really don't have much of a choice, at any rate, do I?" Peter asked, with a small smile. Amber shook her head, her fiery locks bouncing. She closed her eyes, and sat down. Peter hadn't realized how worn the Tigress looked until just then, and when he did, he jumped up.

"Amber, what's wrong?" he asked. Amber shook her head with her eyes still closed.

"Nothing. I-I just haven't been getting much sleep lately," she waved her hand nonchalantly. "You have more pressing matters. Don't worry about me."

"Amber, you should go see Lucy. Even if her cordial won't help, she'll know an herb that will help you to sleep. If you are going to go to Calormen, you need to be well-rested."

"We aren't leaving tomorrow, Peter," Amber argued. "I promise, if I can't sleep tonight, I'll go to Lucy and sleep for a week."

"I'll hold you to that," Peter teased. "You should go to bed now, then. Aslan knows that you'll need to be well-rested tomorrow to deal with Corin."

"Su's the one who invited him!" she laughed. "She'll have to be the one to take care of him. But very well, your Highness." Here, Amber curtsied. "I shall do as thou hast commanded, my King. I bid thee a good night."

"And the same to thyself, my dearest Lady," Peter said. Amber giggled as she turned.

"Don't worry about Lu; she'll be fine. Are you going to tell them tomorrow? You know Susan'll be badgering you."

"Yes, I'll tell them when we are all together." Amber nodded and left the room.