Chapter 16

Georgie woke the next morning to a bouncing Lucy, who had jumped onto her bed, shaking her to wake up. "Georgie! Come on, get up! It's nearly noon!" Lucy cried. Georgie groaned and pushed Lucy away before rolling over and pulling her cover over her head.

Maybe if I ignore her she'll leave, she thought.

"Oh, that's not going to work and you know it! Now get up!" Lucy said, her voice sounding unfamiliarly regal. Georgie peaked her head out from under her covers and opened one eye. Lucy was wearing a very stern face, her hands on her hips as she knelt on Georgie's bed.

"What exactly do you want?" Georgie croaked, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Still touchy in the mornings," Lucy said, shaking her head. "Now come on! Get up! We have so much to do!" With a sigh, Georgie reluctantly got out of bed, putting on the clothes that Lucy threw at her.

Once Georgie was dressed, the two went down to the small dining room so Georgie could eat breakfast. ("Actually, you slept so late that now it's lunch," Lucy said crossly.) She was rushed through her meal by Lucy, who had already eaten, and, once finished, dragged to the Great Hall where Susan and several castle workers were busy at work. Susan seemed to be directing the workers, who were hanging fabrics and moving tables throughout the room.

"Well it's about time!" Susan yelled seeing Georgie and Lucy walk into the room. "Your crowning ceremony just won't plan itself, you know!"

Georgie's crowning ceremony was scheduled to take place in a week. During the ceremony, Caspian's fiance would also be crowned, naming her a future queen of Narnia.

"Why doesn't she have to help plan this?" Georgie had grumbled when Susan directed her towards a table filled with fabric, instructing her to pick what colors to use for tablecloths.

"Because," Susan replied, sounding very much like a mother explaining to a whining child. "This is your ceremony, not hers. She'll receive her crown, but she's only getting one because she's getting married. You're being celebrated because Aslan made you a princess. Now, pick something! We still have your dress fitting, food tasting and rehearsals to go through!"

When Susan walked away, Georgie turned to Lucy and said, "Are all these ceremonies this ridiculously over the top?"

"You don't seem to quite get this, Georgiana," Lucy said softly, her face slightly annoyed.

"What do you mean?" Georgie asked.

Lucy looked up, her eyes serious, "This is a really big deal. You're a princess of Narnia now. Aslan made it so. This ceremony not only honors you, but his decision as well."

"I see," Georgie whispered, thinking about what Lucy had said for several quick moments. Shaking herself from her thoughts she smiled at Lucy and said, "Well, then I guess we better get to work. Which colors should we choose?"

Edmund shut the book he was reading and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. Sighing, he thought, What a week. There was a knock on the door and, without moving from his position, he called out, "Come in!"

"You okay in here?" came a voice from the door. Edmund looked up to see Caspian poking his head inside, a slight smile on his face.

"Yeah, I suppose so. Just taking a moment's break," Edmund replied. Caspian opened the door wider and walked in, sitting in the chair across from Edmund.

"How's your wonderful fiance?" Edmund asked.

"She's... well, wonderful," Caspian chuckled. Edmund smiled slightly before frowning. Caspian saw the change in Edmund's face and sighed. "Look, Edmund. I know you're not happy about us and don't like her -" Caspian began but was cut off by Edmund raising his hand.

"No, it's not that at all. She's really great, I promise. You seem happier than ever with her. I guess I was just angry because it reminded me of what happened with Susan before, with that Rabadash. I didn't think she would ever really get over that one. I hate seeing her hurting, and even though she tries to hide it, I know she feels it," he explained.

Caspian, trying to change the subject, asked, "How are you feeling about Georgiana?"

"What do you mean?" asked Edmund suspiciously.

Caspian shrugged and replied, "I just wondered how you were handling the fact that she's now a princess. I spoke with her before the party last night and she said you took it quite well, but how I found you just now would say otherwise."

Sighing, Edmund rubbed his forehead and said, "I honestly don't know how I feel about it. Part of me is happy for her. After what she did for Peter and Susan, it only seems right. But another part of me hates that she's become a princess. She's becoming her own person, gaining her own power, so to speak. Before she needed us, and now that she doesn't, I'm afraid she'll move on."

"You don't want to lose her, do you?" Caspian asked gently.

"Of course not!" Edmund said indignantly. "She's my closest friend!"

"Friend?" asked Caspian, skeptical of Edmund's label for Georgie.

"Friend." he replied firmly.

"Edmund, you aren't going to lose her. She loves Narnia and she loves all of us. She also knows how much we've grown to love her; Georgiana is a part of our family now," Caspian reassured Edmund.

He nodded and asked, "So how is her crown coming along then?"

"I spoke with the smith earlier today and he said he was nearly finished with both and that he was just putting the final touches on Georgiana's," Caspian reported.

"I hope she'll like it," Edmund said.

"Of course she will," Caspian smiled.

Edmund stood in front of Georgie's door, hesitating before he knocked. "Come in," he heard her call from behind the door. He walked in and saw her standing in the center of the room on a short stool wearing a partially made dress. Good thinking on that color, Susan, he thought to himself, making a mental noted to thank his sister for picking out the material for Georgie's crowning ceremony dress.

Two women were busy around her, pinning pieces of the fabric and stitching other pieces together. "Oh!" Georgie said her face flushing when she saw her visitor was Edmund. She grabbed the front of the dress in front of her to prevent it from slipping before asking, "What are you doing here?"

Edmund chuckled at her modesty and replied, "I thought we had plans to go pick out some desserts for your big party."

"That's right! I nearly forgot. Susan's had me running everywhere all morning," she said. Turning to the dressmakers, she asked, "Are we at a good stopping point?" The women assured her that they were finished with her and that they would be able to have the dress ready by tomorrow. "Just let me change and we can go," Georgie said stepping carefully off the stool.

Edmund stood next to the door, waiting on her. "Well, I will need a bit of privacy if you expect me to go with you," she said sarcastically to Edmund.

Surprised, Edmund realized he needed to step out. "Oh, right! Sorry about that! I'll just wait outside," he said quickly.

"That would be appreciated," Georgie teased, winking at him.

"Just don't take too long, please. I'm a very busy man," he laughed before walking out of her room.

Once she had changed Georgie met Edmund in the hall and they walked to the small dining room, anxious to sample the various desserts for Georgie's crowning ceremony. The castle's baker had promised Georgie all her favorites, plus a few she had never heard of (but which sounded wonderful). Edmund had agreed to attend the tasting with her, claiming his was "the best dessert tasting palate in all of Narnia." Georgie didn't have the heart to tell him that no one else wanted to join her because the dessert tasting sessions, while at first sounding wonderful, often left its tasters jittery and with a stomach ache that lasted for hours. Even Peter, who often had seconds (and occasionally thirds) on desserts had said it was too much dessert for him.

When the two entered the dining room, they saw the large spread of desserts set on the long dining table. As promised, the baker had given them a wide assortment to choose from. Both Georgie and Edmund's eyes widened at seeing the spread.

"Are you sure you can handle this?" Edmund asked Georgie, a touch of nervousness in his voice.

She eyed him and said skeptically, "Are you?"

The baker walked into the room and greeted them before explaining how he had arranged the desserts and what they needed to do for the tasting. The table had been divided into three sections, each containing similar type desserts. At one end was a dozen or so pies of every flavor and type. In the center were different types of pastries, each one more decadent than the next. Finally, at the other end were slices of cake. The baker had selected a wide variety of flavors and icings, claiming he could make any combination Georgie wanted, but had picked out which flavors Susan had mentioned tasted best. Telling them that he would check on them periodically, he turned to leave the dining room through the small back door in the room, shutting it behind him.

"Shall we?" Edmund asked, picking up two forks and handing one to Georgie.

"Lets!" she replied. "Now, where should we start first?"

"That caramely-drizzely thing in the center seems to be calling my name," Edmund said, digging his fork into one of the pastries on the table.

"How is it?" Georgie asked once he had finished his bite.

Edmund closed his eyes in mock pleasure. "I think I may have found the love of my life," he said.

"Please, don't let me get in the way," she replied rolling her eyes before taking a bite of the pastry. I see what he means. This is wonderful! she thought. "This is definitely going to be one of my favorites!"

The two continued over the next hour, tasting desserts and picking out ones they loved best. While mulling over a slice of chocolate cake, Georgie asked, "Maybe this isn't the best time, but how do you really feel about all this?"

"It's great. Good flavor," Edmund said.

Georgie gave him a slight smile and said, "That isn't what I meant. I was talking about the whole 'princess' thing."

Edmund sighed and turned to look at her. "I really don't know, G," he replied.

They both remained silent for several moments before Edmund continued, "The truth is, it scares the hell out of me. There's just so much that comes with your new role. It makes me worry for you."

"Do you think I won't be able to handle it?" Georgie asked, her voice rising.

"No, calm down. That isn't what I meant," said Edmund quickly. "I've seen what it's done to my sisters, the pressure they've been put under. Look at Susan, for example. She was in love, more so than she ever was when we were here before, but since she's Queen Susan, rather than just plain old Susan, she was told to keep that to herself. And now, because she acted as a queen should act, rather than how a teenage girl should act, she's lost the man she loves," he said, growing more upset as he spoke.

"But Edmund, that's hardly the situation I'm in. I don't have a Caspian," Georgie argued.

"I know that," Edmund said looking away.

"What's this really about? You say you know I can handle being a princess, I don't have a love to lose. Why does me being a princess scare you?" asked Georgie.

"I don't want you to stop needing us," Edmund blurted out.

"Needing you? Of course I need you. I need all of you. I've never exactly been a princess before. I'll need some help with this," Georgie laughed softly, placing her hand over Edmund's and squeezing gently. He placed his hand on hers and turned back to her.

"I meant needing us still in your life, not just as helpers to bring you to Narnian glory," he said seriously, his eyes twinkling with laughter.

"Edmund, don't be silly. You're my dearest friend. Of course I'll still need you. I'll always need you," Georgie said smiling.

Georgie awoke the morning of her ceremony, her eyes quickly opening as she realized what day it was. "It's all happening today," she whispered to her room, excitement growing inside her. Her peaceful morning was interrupted by a loud knock on her door.

"Georgiana! Are you up yet?" cried a voice from behind.

"Susan," Georgie growled. She reluctantly got out of her bed and walked to the door, opening it to a serious looking Susan.

"Great! You're already up. We have breakfast in an hour, then Peter and Caspian need to meet with you in the Council chamber. After that, you need to come with Lucy and me to make sure everything is set for your ceremony. Then it will be time to get dressed and make you look like a princess!" Susan said quickly, listing Georgie's list of things to do for the day. When Georgie didn't reply, Susan clapped her hands. "Come on Georgiana! Today is a special, and very busy, day!"

"Alright, alright," Georgie said grudgingly. Susan laughed and wrapped her arms around Georgie, squeezing her slightly. When she pulled away, she turned Georgie and gave her a slight shove.

"Get dressed! We'll all meet you downstairs in one hour."

Georgie turned back to the door and shut it on Susan before walking towards her wardrobe to pick out her clothing for the day.

"One hour!" Susan yelled from behind the door.

Georgie sighed as she closed the Council's chamber door and leaned against it, closing her eyes. The meeting with Peter, Caspian and the Council had lasted three hours and had worn her patience thin. The Council had questioned her regarding her devotion to Narnia, her plans for after she was crowned and how she would react to various given situations. Whenever she would answer their questions, they would begin a new round of questions regarding her answer.

"What's wrong?" asked a voice laced with concern. Georgie opened her eyes to see Edmund walking towards her.

"I just finished my meeting with the Council. I'm afraid it exhausted me," she laughed.

"They can do that," agreed Edmund. "So now I guess you have to go help Susan and Lucy with preparations?"

Georgie groaned slightly and nodded. "I should have been there an hour ago," she said reluctantly.

Edmund peered at her for a moment before saying, "You know what? They can handle it. They've hosted dozens of these parties. Today is your day, so I'm kidnapping you for a while before you have to start getting ready." Georgie's eyes lit up at the thought of not having to help straighten tablecloths and rehang wall hangings with Susan and Lucy. "Come on then," Edmund said, pulling her hand.

The two spent several hours together, walking about the castle grounds, eventually making their way to the beach. "Are you ready for tonight?" Edmund asked as they walked along the water's edge, the waves lapping around their bare feet.

"I think so. I'm really more ready for the ceremony to be over with," Georgie admitted.

"You're nervous about it, aren't you?" Edmund guessed.

Georgie nodded and stopped, staring out at the water. "What if I fall down the stairs?" she asked quietly.

"The stairs? That's what you're concerned about? Not saying the wrong thing or the hundreds of people that will be there? You're worried about a few measly stairs?" he laughed loudly. He turned to her and saw her face had gone white. "G? What's wrong?" he asked quickly, worried she may have gotten sick or seen something on the horizon that scared her.

"I didn't think about all the people," she whispered. Edmund barked with laughter, causing her to turn and glare at him. "It's not funny!"

"Oh yes it is," he replied, wiping the tears from his eyes.

When they returned to the castle, Susan fussed over Georgie's appearance. The warm summer sun had made her cheeks pink and her hair was windblown. "It's going to take hours to fix you!" she cried, grabbing Georgie's hand and dragging her to her bed chamber. As predicted, it did take hours to get ready for the ceremony. Georgie was scrubbed and washed and primped and prodded, until finally Susan declared her perfect and instructed her not to move from her room until it was time to leave for the ceremony. After Susan and the half dozen ladies maids left her, Georgie walked to her tall mirror and stared into it. Memories flooded her mind as she remembered her first day in Narnia, standing in the same bed chamber in front of the same mirror admiring her appearance and thinking of how strange it was that the beautiful girl reflected in it was her. It still never ceases to amaze me, she thought, how beautiful they make me. Her hair, which had grown very long since she arrived in Narnia, had been curled and pinned atop her head, several curls escaping and falling around her face. The sun from earlier had given her a rosy complexion, complimenting her skin nicely. Her dress was the most stunning feature of all. Susan had picked out a bronze colored material with delicate silver threads running through it creating a swirling pattern. The dress was worn over a silver under dress, which peeked out at the sleeves and through a slit in the skirt of the dress. Georgie had never worn anything so beautiful and had never felt more ready to take on her role as princess of Narnia.

A knock sounded on the door and Lucy poked her head in. Her eyes grew large as she surveyed Georgie, who had turned at the sound of her door opening. "Georgiana, you look wonderful! Susan did such a wonderful job on your dress but you've managed to improve it ten fold!" she gushed.

"Thank you, I really do love it. I was thinking that I finally feel like a princess wearing it," said Georgie.

"Well, are you ready? I came to get you and walk you to the Great Hall," Lucy asked.

Georgie nodded, and, with a final glance in the mirror, followed Lucy.

Georgie had been instructed to wait with Trumpkin in a room outside the large marble staircase which led down into the Great Hall. The kings and queen, as well as Trumpkin and Caspian's fiance, were waiting in the room when Lucy and Georgie entered, listening as Caspian was explaining the process of the ceremony. "Great, you're here!" Caspian said happily. "Now, we will be in the Great Hall waiting for you to enter with Trumpkin. He will walk in and announce you, then you will enter and walk to us. Just like we practiced," Caspian explained. Georgie nodded and Caspian turned to his fiance, assuring her he would see her in a few moments before leaving the group to enter the Great Hall. The four Pevensies gathered round Georgie, giving her hugs and well wishes before following behind Caspian. Edmund hung back and gave Georgie a tight hug. "You look beautiful," he whispered in her ear before letting her go and turning to leave.

"How long do I have to wait?" Georgie cried, pacing in front of the door.

"Patience, Your Highness," Trumpkin chuckled. "We'll be going out there shortly." Georgie stopped and glared at the dwarf before resuming her pacing. Trumpkin watched her as she walked back and forth in front of the door, occasionally pausing and glaring at the door as if she were willing it to open. "Bulbs and bolsters, Princess! You're going to wear a hole in that floor if you keep that up!" he said gruffly.

With a deep sigh Georgie spun around and sat on the nearest chair, her arms crossed in front of her. A knock came on the door and when Trumpkin called, "Come in!" a footman stepped inside the room and announced that the kings and queens were ready to begin Georgie's ceremony.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, jumping out of her chair and hurrying out the door.

"Patience! Patience!" called Trumpkin, hurrying after her.

Georgie waited behind the closed doors leading to the Great Hall's staircase for Trumpkin to catch up to her. Once he had, he said, "Now I'll go in first, announce you are ready to be crowned, and then King Caspian will instruct you to enter. The doors will open and you will walk down the staircase and stand before the kings and queens. From then on, you will follow Caspian's instructions. Are you certain of what to do?" Georgie smiled and nodded to him and, returning her smile, he turned and walked through the large double doors. Georgie could hear the announcer from behind cry, "Trumpkin the Dwarf, Lord Regent of Narnia!"

"I'm next," she whispered to herself, her heart racing. She heard the muffled sounds of Trumpkin's voice announcing that she was ready to be crowned and the reply from Caspian asking her to enter the room. Taking a deep breath as the door swung open, she stepped forward.

"Georgiana, Princess of Narnia!" the announcer cried as she came to the top of the staircase. The entire room full of guests turned to stare at her as she made her way down the stairs, slowly taking each step.

Don't fall, don't fall, don't fall! she mentally cried to herself. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she released a silent sigh of relief and looked ahead to the thrones where Caspian, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy sat.

Caspian stood when she reached the bottom of the stairs and announced, "Princess Georgiana, please come forward." She walked towards them slowly, careful to keep her eyes straight so as to not allow her nervousness to overtake her. As she walked closer, she stole a swift glance at Edmund, who, catching her eye, gave her a quick wink. A smile escaped onto Georgie's lips when she saw this, but caught herself and regained her composure. The quick exchange was witnessed by Peter, who glanced sideways at his brother. Edmund caught his stare and shrugged slightly.

The ceremony was a blur to Georgie, as it happened so quickly. Standing in front of Caspian, he spoke of the importance of having brave and noble leaders to lead Narnia, recounting of how Georgiana had saved King Peter and Queen Susan. He told of how Aslan had came to Georgiana and made her a princess, stating that with his trust she had embraced her role. When his speech had ended, he instructed Georgiana to kneel before him and the kings and queens to take her vows as princess.

She promised to love Narnia and protect it at all costs. She accepted her duties as a princess of Narnia and to carry them out to their fullest. And finally, she promised to be a representative of the crown of Narnia and strive to be a living example to its people. When she had said her vows, she stood and turned to face the crowd. Trumpkin walked towards her carrying a bright blue silk pillow, her crown sitting upon it. The intricate and delicate crown was made of bronze and was interwoven with silver, creating a vine-like appearance. At seeing it, Georgie's heart began to race with excitement, a sudden realization dawning upon her.

Bronze and silver? Georgie thought as she saw her crown for the first time. Susan must have known what it looked like when she picked out the material for my dress! The little sneak!

After bowing before Georgie, Trumpkin walked to Caspian, who took the crown and ceremoniously placed it on Georgie's head, announcing, "I present to you Georgiana, named by Aslan, Princess of Narnia!"

AN: If you see anything wrong or missing or misspelled... let me know. I reread chapter 15 and there were TONS of mistakes in it. I'm surprised you were even able to make it through it!