Thanks to Eve for reviewing. King Arion died because it was part of the story. It just came to me one day that he had to. I couldn't change it because it was part of Nerina's story.

Anyway, I'm all caught up! YAY! So now there will be a new chapter every Tuesday until it is complete. One month from today this story will be finished.

Chapter 35: Another Coronation

The following week went by peacefully. The Narnians caught-up with their Arcadian friends and visited their favorite places around the country.

The day before the coronation worried everyone, because it was a very dark and cloudy day. All fears vanished the next morning when Arcadia woke to a day that seemed to sing with happiness.

Lucy and Peter were reminded of their own coronation as they walked around the castle, watching servants hurry and run around, making any last minute preparations. The coronation would take place that afternoon, so Lucy and Peter had decided to take a walk until lunch.

As the eldest and youngest Narnian monarchs walked, they discussed various things. The two were trying desperately to find a gift for the new King and Queen of Arcadia. They walked and walked, looking in the various stores in the city.

"What do you get someone for their coronation?" asked an exasperated Lucy.

"I don't know Lu," her brother replied. "What did we receive?"

"I can't remember- that's the problem," she sighed. "I remember Nerina being sick, and us worrying about her, but not what we received that day."

"Well we shall have to try our hardest to remember," Peter said, stopping in front of a house. "I wish Susan were here. She would know exactly what to get." He turned to the house. "I wanted to stop by Adelphos' house for a minute. You keep looking and I'll catch up."

"All right. Try to remember what we got for our coronation!" Lucy said as she walked away.

A while later Peter found Lucy. She was purchasing special dancing shoes for the new couple.

"Great idea Lu!" the High King said.

"Thanks," she responded before taking the box that contained her purchases. "We had better get back to Mousiki Nero. It's almost lunchtime."

Lunch consisted of both Chorevo and Anthea's favorite foods. After lunch it was time to prepare for the coronation. Thankfully Nerina had told the Narnians before they left to pack their finest clothes. Both wore their own coronation clothes that had been altered over the years. When everyone was ready, they met in one of the common rooms to wait until the ceremony began.

Trumpets played a fanfare, signaling the start. Peter and Lucy entered the large throne room with the Lords, followed by the Royal Family.

When everyone was seated, the Arcadian that had run the funeral service for King Arion entered. He greeted everyone, and the service began. The hall shook with the sound of all the Arcadian voices as they sang the entrance song. Chorevo entered, tall and kingly, dressed in elegant clothes, followed by his wife. Each had a long train after them.

It was a wonderful service. Chorevo was crowned King, and Anthea became Queen. Both swore to do their best to honor Aslan and make choices based on what was best for Arcadia- not themselves.

After the coronation the celebrations began. Directly after the service, King Chorevo, Queens Anthea and Charissa, the Royal Family, the Narnians, the Lords, and the newly appointed council all attended a large, formal dinner.

Following the dinner was a ball, and following the ball was a gala. Lucy and Peter were having too much fun to be tired. The gala went on long into the night, and even into the early hours of the next morning.

As everyone left the amphitheater just before sunrise, Peter noticed that Nerina was missing. After asking a variety of Arcadians, and running back to Mousiki Nero, he found Nerina on her favorite veranda.

He smiled as he watched her look out at the pink and yellow sunrise, her gala dress blowing softly as she stood on the corner of the veranda. The waves crashed against the sides, but were not tall enough to get her wet.

"Nerina?" Peter called, walking toward her.

"Yes?" He had startled her a bit, but she turned to look at him.

"Um, I have a question."

"What is it?" Nerina walked toward him.

He ran his hand through his blonde hair. "It's rather embarrassing actually."

She looked at him concerned, then she kissed him. "You can tell me anything Peter."

He looked down and held her hands. "Well," he said slowly, "I have been practicing singing on my own, and I was wondering if I could sing a song for you. If you promise not to laugh, that is."

Nerina smiled and placed her hand on his cheek. "Of course I won't laugh Peter."

"All right then. It's not perfect. I mean it's nothing compared to-"

"Never compare yourself to others," said Nerina, allowing Peter to hold her hands again. "Just let the music come to you. Everyone has their own unique way of expressing themselves. Just close your eyes, think about what you want to say, and feel the music flow through you. Feel it in your blood, in your heart, in your soul, and every fiber of your being. Feel it course through your body." She closed her eyes and smiled, feeling the music in her own blood.

"But I'm not Arcadian," protested Peter. "Aslan did not create me from music."

"But you can still make music. Anyone can simply play or sing notes, but it takes a true musician to be able to put life and feeling into it, and make others feel their emotion. That's what music is. It's when words are not enough. It's when you cannot suppress your feelings any other way, and they just have to come out. Music is pure emotion. Now I have heard you sing Bersaro," she smiled. "Just do what I said, and think about what you want to say, feel the emotion, and let it come out."

"Here goes everything then," said Peter. He took a deep breath, looked in Nerina's eyes, and he began to sing.

Lady,

I'm your knight in shining armor,

And I love you.

Let me hear you whisper softly in my ear.

Cause in my eyes,

I see no one else but you.

There's no other love like our love

And yes, I'll always want you near me

I've waited for you for so long.

Lady, you're love's the only love I need

You're the love of my life,

You're my Lady

Oh Lady

When he had finished, Nerina was speechless.

"That was wonderful. I'm touched," she finally said.

"There's more," said Peter. He got down on one knee, and took something out of his side pouch, and offered it to Nerina.

"Philyra Nerina Anaxandra Pagos Basilikos, will you marry me?"

Nerina looked wide-eyed at Peter and took a step back.

"I-I-I don't know what to say," she stammered. "Wait, what am I saying?! Of course I do! Yes! Yes, King Peter the Magnificent of Narnia, I will marry you." She smiled widely.

Peter slid the turquoise and pearl ring onto her finger. He then stood up, kissed her, and said, "I asked your father and he approved, so did Chorevo, and Adelphos said he knew I would take care of you and keep you happy."

Nerina kissed Peter. "Well we shan't keep them all waiting. Let's go tell them!"

And together they ran to spread the good news about their engagement.

In the weeks following Peter's proposal, many decisions were made. It was decided that Nerina would stay a while in Arcadia before moving to Cair Paravel. The couple also chose to have the wedding in the spring, and to hold it on a beach halfway between Cair Paravel and Mousiki Nero, allowing the maximum amount of Narnians and Arcadians to attend. Other details would be figured out when Nerina returned to her new Narnian home.

Both countries rejoiced with the news, and when Peter and Nerina departed they knew it would not be for long. Soon Nerina would come to Narnia to stay.

Song Used-Lady as sung by Will Makar on American Idol Season 5.

Please review, and tell me what you think of the engagement!

Thanks!

Haras