Peter wasn't accustomed to Edmund's absence at nighttime; they had always shared a room – in England as well as in Narnia. Without the steady sound of Edmund's breath, peter was incapable of relaxation, let alone sleep. Instead, he spent the remainder of the night anxiously waiting and deep in thought. Peter vowed not to let Edmund see his fear, and the sole reason he left Edmund in Miss O'Malley's care was to make sense of the thoughts swirling in his mind.

Peter was comforted by Miss O'Malley's demeanor, one that remained positive and chipper, regardless of the circumstance. Her jovial, yet nurturing personality often reminded Peter of Penelope, the amusing holly dryad who managed the medical needs at Cair Paravel. Her contagious cheerfulness created an area of true healing. Miss O'Malley had the same refreshing effect on Finchley's infirmary. Peter truly knew that Edmund would be safe while in the care of the vibrant nurse.

In the early years of the Pevensies' rule, Peter rarely let Edmund out of his sight. He had a constant fear that his younger brother would be hurt or betrayed, just as the witch had done before. Peter often forgot the extent of Edmund's independence and capabilities as a leader. The palace tutors, General Orieus, and the girls often reminded Peter that Edmund was not only a young boy, but also a King chosen by Aslan himself. The High King tried to treat his brother as such, but never truly understood what that entailed. Eventually, Edmund approached Peter on the issue…

"Peter, I'm not eleven anymore. Narnia has been asked to send a delegate to Telmar and I need diplomatic experience. I should be the one to go."

The High King sighed and said, "I've told you ed. We have never had dealings with Telmar. I don't even think King Lune has sent an Archenlandian to Telmar in decades. I don't know the Telmarines' motives, and I don't aim on putting you in danger."

Edmund closed his eyes, settling his thoughts before he responded, "I've been put into danger before, Pete. I enjoy diplomacy, and I'm good at it. Ask Mr. Tumnus. I can debate, and I know when people are lying. I can do this, Peter. Aslan crowned me as the Just King, and I need to prove myself as such."

"It's too dangerous. You're my only brother. I can't take the risk." Peter looked more protective than Edmund had ever noticed and he was apparently pained by the thought that the Just King might come to any harm. "I've almost lost you once. I won't ever let it happen again."

"I know it's hard, Pete, but this is what I have to do. We have a duty to Narnia, and we need allies. Calormen is threatening to invade, and Narnia is simply too small to defeat Tashbaan's armies. Trust me Peter. Please." Edmund laid his hand on Peter's shoulder in an attempt to reassure the older king. "With Aslan behind us, our journey will be profitable, and we will be safe."

Peter looked up to the large stained glass portrait of the Great Lion that was the focus of attention in Cair Paravel's throne room. "I must admit you are correct, brother. You shall sail in one week's time. You are a great King, Edmund. Aslan did not falter when choosing you."

Since their conversation, Peter had eased his worries over Edmund considerably. He was still ferociously protective of his brother – Edmund was as well – but the younger brother was now able to excel as a King as well as a young man. Both Kings had been injured in later battles and skirmishes, and both came to each other's aid on countless occasions. They were advisors and friends, a fact that played a key role in the forging of Narnia's Golden Age.

"Oh Aslan, please grant Edmund healing and serenity, just as you freed Narnia from the Hundred Year Winter." As he feverishly prayed, Peter couldn't help but envision Edmund just after he had been rescued from Jadis' clutches. The images were fresh in Peter's mind – the scrapes and cuts on Edmund's cheeks, the emaciation that had begun to occur. The visions were terrifying to Peter still, and he couldn't even fathom the fear his brother must be experiencing. Edmund rarely voiced his emotions, so Peter wasn't sure of the extent of the Just King's suffering. "Give Miss O'Malley the gifts and graces necessary to help my brother. Let the professional she is contacting use his knowledge as best he can. Help me be brave, Aslan, in order to help my dear brother."

As the older Pevensie stared into the darkness of his dormitory, he searched for possible explanations for the night's awful events. Edmund had seemed fine before the boys had switched off their light. 'What could it possibly be? The only subject mentioned that was slightly unusual was Father. But we've talked about the war before. We've seen the newsreels. Why is this happening again?'

That night, High King Peter the Magnificent of Narnia cried for the first time since the Pevensie's return to England. His only younger brother was hurting, and he, one of the High Kings of old, had absolutely no control. Unable to sleep, Peter sat at the cedar desk he and Edmund shared, pulled out the quill pen he only used for Narnia-related correspondence, and wrote a letter to Lucy and Susan detailing the night's happenings.

To my dear Queens and beloved sisters,

I greet you in the name of Aslan and hope you are faring well. I write to you in worry and sorrow, for our brother's horrifying dreams have returned. He is in good hands – Miss O'Malley is an exemplary caretaker – but I remain fearful concerning Edmund's well-being. He has never been fragile, and I have no doubt that he will heal with time, yet I remain anxious. Your response to this letter will be comforting to myself, as well as to Edmund. Your words, Gentle Susan, will surely calm us, and your vibrant thoughts will certainly bring liveliness to Edmund and I.

I have struggled to determine what has sparked his trouble, and I am almost wary to ask, for I am uncertain if speaking him about the matter would violate our promise to Aslan. Your advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated. I trust that our prayers to Aslan will truly be answered.

In Aslan's name,

Your loving brother, Peter.

TO DR. KARINSKY

I hope you are well STOP I am informing you of a student who is suffering from awful nightmares STOP I do not know how to properly treat psychological ailments STOP it would be very beneficial if you came to Finchley and observed the boy STOP

Elizabeth O'Malley

TO ELIZABETH O'MALLEY,

I will be there at seven this evening STOP

Dr. Ivan Karinsky

When Elizabeth O'Malley received the positive response to her early morning telegram, she sent a small smile to the sleeping boy, encouraged by the good news. 'Blondie will be excited, at least,' she thought with a small sense of admiration. 'If only my own brothers were like that.'

please, please, please review. I would like to thank my beta, my reviewers, and those who have favorited this story. Much LOVE 3. Also, with the telegram, the word STOP was used to indicate a period at the end of the sentence. I just wanted to clarify that point.

~ allforthejust