Disclaimer. Own Nothing.
AN. Okay, I gots it up. Finally. I hate this chapter. Anyways, if you go to my profile, I have my deviantART account up. I have some scraps in there over this story! Okay, here you gooooo.
"Wh-what? Huh? Oh."
Consciousness finally seeped through the girl, though she immediately wished it away. Truth, she was expecting a throbbing headache. "Hmph. I suppose those rogue wolves will be so pleased to know I'm awake." Sarcasm managed to fill even her thoughts, dripping from each silent word.
But, even as she let this fact cross her mind, she found herself growing confused. Any and all pain she had felt before falling asleep had just disappeared. She knew her wounds wouldn't have faded for weeks…And, whatever she was laid on felt nothing like a bed of moss or weeds. And she never remembered there being sheets in the forest.
"Where…" She let her eyes open the tiniest bit, before trying hard not to let them widen in shock. "I'm…I'm…I'm…"
"Hello."
She couldn't help it. Her eyes flew open, seeking whoever had spilt the silence abruptly. Beneath the silk sheets, her hand reached to her side, expecting the hilt of her sword instead of the thin air she grasped. Finding herself unarmed, she knew she was at the full mercy at whoever had come.
It was a boy.
Hm. So much for a threat; all except for the sword hanging by his side. She managed to disregard that.
In actuality, he seemed fairly at ease, not intending any harm at all, but instead, concern. He was handsome without sincerely meaning to be, his own brown eyes wide with what seemed to send her looks that she was insane, but at the same time relief. "Perhaps at the fact I'm awake?" Apparently.
Awkwardly brushing a strand of his dark hair from his face, he continued to stare at her, seeming to edge her on with slightly expectant looks. It was only then that she remembered he had greeted her. Straightening herself the best she could and wiping the absurd look of alarm from her face, she tried to think quickly. "Okay, okay. He doesn't seem to be of the Witch. No, okay. Come on, just say 'Hi'!"
"Hello," she managed, keeping her voice quiet and cool. Seeming more so relieved, the boy relaxed, nodding in acknowledgement. Again, she spoke up softly, "If it's not too bold to ask…Who are you, and where am I?"
Glad she was able to start a small conversation, Edmund gently led her through her confusion; though he slightly wished Susan or Lucy was doing so. With each word he spoke, he felt it blunt and slurred, rather than sincere. Now he cursed the wine. "In order, Milady; I'm King Edmund, and you are in the Healing Chambers of Cair Paravel."
Her heart stopped its beat.
"I…I'm in the Cair? And he…He's King Edmund!" This was beginning to be a bit…exciting. But she kept her composure well. Deciding he knew nothing of her, considering he brought her here ("Here!"), she felt it wouldn't hurt to return the introduction.
"Pleasure to meet you, King Edmund," she breathed, allowing her own brown eyes to widen the slightest bit in awe. "Liliana Duer, at your service, Sire…Or as much as I can be." She glanced down at herself lying in bed.
"You may just call me Edmund, please," he said. She gave him a wry smile.
"I will call Your Majesty 'Edmund', on one condition."
Now it was his turn to smile. "And what is your condition, Milady?"
"Abandon the 'Milady'; and call me Lila, if you will."
He laughed quietly. "I believe that was two conditions." Liliana seemed taken aback, but quickly recovered, shrugging before giving him a warm smile. "But I'll accept nonetheless."
Liliana, or Lila I suppose we should call her, flashed her eyes kindly. "Thank you."
"Of course. Now, if I can finally offer some civilized company, would you care for any dinner? I suppose you must be hungry…" But his disbelief, she politely declined, shaking her head.
"Nay, but thank you nonetheless. I should have my appetite back by tomorrow morning." She paused. "What of the wolves?"
"Dead." Lila found herself noticing that his voice had grown short. But she herself found anger, cursing the luck of As-
"I suppose I should leave you to rest awhile longer." Edmund straightened best he could (it seemed to be a problem to remain that way; hence the wine) and gave her a small smile before turning on heel to exit the room.
"Wait." He stopped short, turning back to lay his gaze on her in question. Oh, he was handsome; she did love his eyes…they were so full, deep, and innocent in a way they shouldn't have been allowed…
It was shame, really…
Giving her head a small shake to stop the flow of annoying thoughts, she continued, slightly accusing, "Are you…sloshed?" It was only then she noticed the rudeness of her question; color rushed to her cheeks as she sucked the air from her lungs, mortified. Oh, she had to watch her mouth! But he only grinned all silly-like and said,
"I'll tell you, on one condition."
"And what is that?" she teased, managing her composure only just enough. It was a good thing he thought her slightly ill.
"I must be formal in council. Meaning the 'Milady' will be present."
"Okay…" She looked at him, eyes narrowed in false suspicion. But he only smiled and left, his cape swishing behind the doorframe. And, as the click of his boots faded away, her giggling faded with him.
Her own magic hold over her vanished.
And as soon as his presence was gone, so was her false happiness. Indeed, she let out a moan of despair. "Slain!" she cried, though she managed to keep her voice low. "The Wolves have been slain! Slain by the Witch's enemies."
But, she thought to herself, this was not as bad as she supposed. Now the Wolves would not be in her way…And she was at Cair. And… she straightened herself out, laying her priorities clear.
She was at Cair Paravel. King Edmund thought her as a friend. Her companions had been slain. She was in enemy territory. She had to stay low and think through. She had to use this to her advantage. The King of Narnia was already feeling her as company.
Not as straight as she could've wished it, but straight nonetheless.
Her sword…? Oh curse Aslan, she had forgotten to ask! Muttering angrily under her breath, she began to creep out from under the covers.
But wait. It wasn't as if the four Monarchs knew whom she aligned herself with. They, after all, though of her as friend, not foe…She eased herself back onto the bed. No, she would stay here, as any normal maiden would, and rest. Maybe then she would manage herself better in the morning. She would be in control…
Yes, control. That sounded nice.
---
"Edmund Joseph Pevensie!"
Shoot.
He cringed, stopping dead with one foot in the hall, before slowly creeping all the way out of his bedroom. He turned to glare at, of course, Peter, who returned the look heatedly.
"What the bloody were you thinking!" he roared. Edmund tried hard not to wince. Advancing on his brother, Peter continued to scold angrily; "That was the most embarrassing meal of my life! If you think it's funny-"
"I most certainly do not!" cried Edmund in protest, but Peter only ignored him;
"-keep it to yourself, because it is not! And the wine; it was there to help your stress, not help you get drunk!" Peter scowled darkly, placing a hand to his head. "Goodness, I know you hate these women, but you're a King, Edmund! It is your responsibility to act like one and not act ten about it! You're fifteen. When are you going to learn to grow up?"
Peter's final words echoed down the empty hallway, fading into silence. The older boy sucked in a small breath, pain crossing his face. Edmund let his emotion turn void, his expression empty as he stared back at his brother. Finally, the faintest trace of hurt and accusing flit through his face. "I cannot say."
Peter closed his eyes, letting his fury die down, the fire in his eyes smoldering. Sighing, he stepped forward, placing a heavy hand on his brother's shoulder. "Edmund…this isn't fair. Not to Su, not Lucy, not Maible, not me. Please, just try to act a little more…tolerant of all this." He fixed Edmund with an expectant gaze. His brother blinked, glaring at nothing in particular past Peter, before pulling away.
"I can't help it that she's lying," he hissed.
"She seemed perfectly fine, even through your little outburst," Peter fired back.
Mistake.
Edmund snapped his gaze back on his brother for a moment. He was shaking with terrible fury, his eyes flashing; Peter was already beginning to creep back to his regrets. And Edmund would have carried through with making his brother feel awful, were it not for his promise to Phillip…
So, instead he took his anger to his room, making sure he slammed the door behind him before collapsing on his bed, seizing the first pillow that was unfortunate enough to be held in a tight death grip, and let loose a deep howl into it. He couldn't help it that he was feeling tense at the fact Peter hadn't declined her yet.
Sighing, Peter leaned against the wall outside his brother's room, hand to his head. He understood the fact that everyone was tense, but Edmund was being awful. For no apparent reason. Perhaps everyone just needed rest. Then, they could straighten out any issues, fill any gaps, and everyone would be happy.
Edmund's howl reached him.
Well, happier.
---
Peter couldn't sleep.
He didn't know why. Each time he attempted to close his eyes, he found them open once more, staring up at the ceiling aimlessly. He knew everything was at as much peace as it had been when he went to bed…Permitting the small brotherly spat last night. Maybe that was it.
Tentatively, he inched from his bed, moving to throw open the curtains. The moon was already high, folded deliberately in the navy blue sky. Dead middle of the night. He yawned, turning from the window to crawl piteously back beneath the covers, forcing his eyes shut.
Was he asleep? He opened one eye. No. He waited. And waited.
Frustrated, he threw his covers aside. This wasn't working. Getting back to his feet, he quietly tip-toed to the door, cracking it open only just enough for him to slip through. The hall seemed so large and empty without the Beasts or Dryads or Naiads wandering through the marble arch…
He moved only so far down the hall to stop hesitantly next to the door to Edmund's room, before inching it open, slipping inside. Turning to glance at the large bed, he stifled a yelp, startled. Edmund was staring at him, propped up by his elbow. "Hullo." His voice was stiff.
Peter blinked, taking a moment to register his brother's voice before moving next to the bed, sitting tensely on it. "I…Shouldn't you be asleep?" The question didn't come out as accusing as he meant it to be. Edmund raised his eyebrows. "I couldn't sleep," he finally admitted.
"Neither could I." Peter nodded. Silence ruled over them. Finally Edmund gave an exasperated, but slightly relieved, Peter noticed, sigh and threw back the covers for his brother. Gladly, Peter crawled into the bed beside his brother.
"I like your bed better."
Edmund snickered. "Oh, really? I always liked your bed."
Peter shrugged, hugging Edmund close. He welcomed it, already yawning.
Neither one of them had time to mention Maible before the younger boy was nodding into sleep, nestled close to his brother, Peter close behind. There was really no need to speak a word of her. They knew they had forgiven each other.
---
The next morning was not one of Maible's finest. She had a terribly hard time catching the eye of the High King; and the reasoning for that was, incredulously, King Edmund. Both Kings had chosen seats beside one another, not necessarily sharing looks with one another; it was King Peter, glancing every so often at his brother, as though to make sure he was alright; that he was there.
Susan and Lucy took it to be meaningful. They knew something had happened last night, more than likely concerning dinner. But, at least, it had ended well.
Maible was annoyed.
But she did notice that Edmund had quit giving her dirty looks; he had quit looking at her at all. He didn't care anymore. He had promised his steed and his close friend.
But the dull light went from his eyes when the goat-man-- wait, no, faun – clip-clopped into the room, giving a cheery smile. "Please excuse me, but, King Edmund, you've been called."
Peter glanced sideways at his brother, but Edmund seemed to know a bit more than he. A small smile was on the younger King's face as he rose, leaving his siblings to exchange glances of confusion. Rerian bowed slightly as the boy approached, then led him down main hall.
"Liliana?"
The faun chuckled. "She requested to everyone to be called Lila."
---
Before they even had time to peer into the Healer's Asylum, the girl was already in the hall, waiting patiently for the young King. Edmund blinked, repressing a breath of shock. Her figure had changed completely, taking on the grace and beauty of any Princess desiring his brother's hand. Her hair, once tangled and matted with burrs, was now light, moving with the slightest movement…in fact, he tilted his head in curiosity. It moved the fluid ripples of water…almost like a naiad.
Oh, it was no doubt she was a Daughter of Eve, but perhaps not completely. He made a mental note to ask her later.
Her features brightened as he approached, giving him a warm smile, which he freely returned. "Good morning, King Edmund!" she greeted.
"Good morning to you, Liliana," he teased. She scowled good-naturedly at him. "I'm hoping you're feeling better?"
"Much," she assured. "Respects to your little sister and her cordial, I've been told."
He nodded. "It helps in such times." Lila looked up at him, sensing a small trail of grave seriousness in his voice. He seemed to know exactly what 'such times' were…
She made a mental not to ask him later.
"I trust my siblings would care to meet you and see you well again," he said presently, the hostility gone from his voice. But it returned thick as he added shortly; "…as well as our guest." He offered a small smile as he turned and began down the hall, Lila at his side.
"…Should I even ask about this 'guest'?" she questioned, feeling a bit nervous.
He must have sensed it, because he looked up at her, giving another smile; it was so obvious he had forced it, because as soon as it made its image, it flashed gone again. "Oh, it's nothing to fret over, really…Just one of those women seeking my brother's hand."
Lila's face contorted in question. "Is he High King…Peter?"
Edmund nodded; she could have sworn seeing the faintest trace of irritation cross through his face. "Does he get many women at his doorstep?"
A laugh rang through the hall. "You can only imagine."
Lila gave a small smile. "And you? How many love struck girls twirl over you?"
His face flushed. "Not nearly as many as Peter; really? I don't mind."
She blinked. "That's odd."
"Not in my point of view."
"Any girl in her mind wouldn't hesitate to corner you, I'd think."
The faint shade of color sank to crimson as he smiled. He was silent a moment, before managing, "compare me to my brother. You'll change your mind."
"I doubt it; Peter may be handsome, but that doesn't push you from the picture. And it's not good to compare yourself to King Peter."
Edmund scoffed. "Please, be my guest and attempt those words to all of Narnia."
"They would agree with me."
"…The women, our enemies, our allies." He glanced at Lila. "Rest assured; I love my brother. And he says the same to me. But he's…" Edmund waved his hand dramatically; "…the High King!"
"And you are the King."
"Sometimes I don't think I deserve it."
"Aslan crowned you."
He stopped. No matter how many words came spouting from his mouth, she spoke half as many, and won each time. And now that Aslan had been aroused in the conversation, he knew he had lost the war.
He blinked drearily, glancing at Lila, who gazed back at him. Two pairs of brown eyes met, each sparkling with a dull, but similar light. After a moment, guilt began on him, and Edmund broke off. Disappointment and bewilderment filed the girl beside him; her thoughts were overwhelming her…
Though, she found herself enjoying them.
The faint clinking of silverware began to be heard, and sooner than not, the young King had led them to the Dining Halls. He was starting inside-
She bit her lip, but decided to take the risk, snatching his hand in her own. It was fairly large and gentle, despite the tough calluses; and, she noticed with melting satisfaction, that it closed over hers. Nonetheless, he paused for a moment, stunned no doubt, glancing back at her questioningly. Not accusingly. She smiled, ushering him forward. "Lead me on."
He shook his head, giving her a look, before stepping forward, leading her to stand in front of the grand table, Rerian having given them forewarning of their entrance. Lila found herself watched by three sets of smiling eyes, which she in turn gazed over.
So these were the Four Royals. The smallest, a young girl probably not much younger than Lila herself, seemed to radiate kindness, the characteristic lining her every feature. She smiled the widest, eyes sparkling as she flattened her skirts. Queen Lucy.
The next Queen stood in a glow of beauty, dark curls framing her flawless face. The wild light burning in Queen Lucy's eye was absent, hidden behind folds of gentle softness. She stood with careful poise as she stood, head held high. Queen Susan.
And, then, there was the boy…man…at the head of the table.
"Compare me to my brother."
Lila found herself doing so as she let her gaze trail over the High King. He was…downright handsome, no doubt. His hair held a lighter color than that of his siblings, laying in curves down his face. His eyes were of clear, promising blue, holding responsibility and stature…Anything a woman would want.
But, to the girl, it was all too easy to pick past the love and calmness to see never-ending worry, more than just what one would carry. It was an emotional scar in Peter's past.
And, beside her, stood the boy King, who claimed to be in the shadows of this High King. None of his siblings carried the faint sort of graveness in their eyes or appearances…or at least not outright. None of his siblings possessed dark, deep eyes that a girl could fall into… could drown in.
Either he had a way of hiding himself from these women, or they were all blind.
And speaking of…
Now, she managed to recognize the burning sensation of glaring eyes, and she finally took notice of the maiden standing not-so-far from King Peter. Already, she saw why Edmund was bitter of her. She was a fake, her head as empty as the ocean air.
"Welcome to Cair Paravel…" Peter spoke up, a suspiciously leering grin on his face. Edmund's face was flushed, she noticed, and she quickly traced the High King's gaze to their held hands.
She smiled. "Lila. You may call me Lila."
"…Lila. I trust you fair well now?"
"Yes." She looked to Lucy, who looked very humble indeed, fumbling the clasp of her cordial. "Thank you very much…" She let her voice trail off, asking evasively for his name.
"Peter."
Queen Susan was also gazing intently at their hands with an amused light. "I'm glad you are alright, Lila; I'm Susan."
"And I'm Lucy."
Lila gave a small curtsy. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance; Peter, Susan, and Lucy." She looked to Edmund, who glanced back at her with raised eyebrows. "Edmund has been a help as well…and good company."
Peter's grin seemed to grow wider. "Good. I'm glad my dear brother of mine did something pleasurable. For once."
Edmund broke his gaze, narrowing it on his brother. "Oh, thank you, dear brother," he scowled, moving forward to sit at the table, leading Lila to the seat beside him.
As he fell into his chair, he sneaked a glance at Maible, who was glaring daggers at him and his new companion. She had been hoping the girl would just disappear, but now she was here, at the table, eyeing King Peter a bit more than she thought necessary…And she was her enemy's girlfriend.
The relative thought was going through Peter's mind, and he was taunting Edmund with it. The younger boy threw a glare at his older brother. 'Peter Pevensie, SHUT UP.'
"And this;" Peter spoke up again, gesturing towards Maible; "is our guest, Maible." He paused his taunting to narrow his eyes on his brother. "I'm sure my brother explained her visit." The statement went from a question to an unwanted knowledge. Edmund rolled his eyes.
Lila looked hesitantly at the King beside her, seeming to sense the tenseness already filling the boy. "A little," she said truthfully, shrugging. She forced herself to look towards the other maiden, who looked back at her, a smile curving the other's lips, but at the same time, glaring fiercely.
Before she could help it, deep hatred was already filling Lila's eyes, causing alarm to fill Maible's as she backed off. "Pleasure to meet you Maible."
"Likewise." The reply was short.
---
The meal was long, a conversation drawing out between the Royals and the newcomer over the silliest things. But Peter, as High King, had his duties, and rose to leave. "Orieus requested me in the library," he explained. "You would be coming too, but seeing as Lila's well, he said to release you of your appointments until this evening." He shot a meaningful look at Edmund, who heaved a breath of relief, before leaving. Susan and Lucy followed, rising from their marble seats before departing for the morning ride they had clarified with Edmund.
"A ride actually sounds fine with me as well." Lila looked to Edmund in hope.
He caved, of course, nodding. "Phillip would love to meet you. He's my friend; a Horse," he explained at the confused look on the girl's face. He continued to ignore a fuming Maible.
She smiled, slowly slipping her hand in his again. He gave her another look, but accepted her hand, smiling slightly as he began to lead her from the room.
"King Edmund has found himself a girlfriend." Maible stood, letting her voice drip with mockery. Immediately, the boy King whirled to face her. "I never said that was bad…"
"Don't even attempt innocence with me," he said coolly.
Maible shrugged, before glaring at Lila. "It's true; this works. I want you to stay away from Peter."
"King Peter; don't be rude," Lila sniffed before promptly turning to the boy King. "Come on, Edmund."
The boy stifled a snort before leaving the room, leading a triumphant Lila with him as Maible simmered. 'Hypocrite.'
Lila didn't care. She was gliding down the halls of Cair Paravel with King Edmund, his hand holding hers.
This was going to be easy.
AN. Confused over Lila? Heh...you'll figure it out soon.