Someone Else's Heart

Chapter Two

We were both young when I first saw you

Sitting through wedding plans was truly a horrible experience, one that no one ever seemed to record truthfully. For all accounts of such occurrences were always joyful. At least all accounts that Rosalyn had ever heard. However the circumstances of her planning were drastically different than any she had heard of or imagined. Hers was a loveless match that led to a gloomy future in a distant land. Oh how she wished it wasn't so, but no matter how hard she wished the wretched ring was still on her finger and the shrill seamstress was constantly poking her with needles as she designed away.

The only hope that got her through each dreary day was Lucy's invitation to join them for the winter months at Cair Paravel. Rosalyn would like nothing more than to spend Christmas with her dear friend and her siblings. So eager was she to see her friends the Marchioness began daydreaming about them, always coming back to the very December they had first met; the winter she was ten years of age and had been traveling the Narnian countryside with a single guard who she quickly out-rode and left behind.

Happy to ride alone Rosalyn slowed to a leisurely pace as she took in the snow covered scenery with nothing but a steal blade—that she wasn't exactly sure how to use—attached to her saddle as protection. The young royal had not noticed the movement in the trees, her blue eyes fixated on the sky as a new flurry of snow began to fall. So when an arrow went flying into her horses' rear, making it suddenly start and deposit her on the snowy ground the young marchioness let out a shocked cry.

She noticed the dark haired boy first followed by the older looking girl because their hair stood out more drastically against the snow. After her initial surprise wore off she noticed that the, now four, children who stood before her looked anything but friendly. The dark haired woman had an arrow poised to shoot while the younger boy had his sword at the ready and pointed at her. When he took a step towards her she panicked, reaching for the sword from her horse's saddle.

Her movement was construed as aggressive and the boy quickly went at her with his own weapon which he seemed to be much more practiced in the use of than she was. Rosalyn held her own shakily for a few moments before her blade was knocked from her hand across the forest floor, landing on the snow several feet away. Now she stood defenseless at the point of a strange boys sword who couldn't be more than a year or so older than herself. She was beginning to regret outrunning her guard.

"Who are you and what are you doing on Narnian land?" The mysterious boy asked coldly, his brown eyes glaring into her own.

"Edmund, stop frightening her, she's only a girl." Rosalyn couldn't bring herself to look at the soft voice that had called out to the boy poking his swords into her throat. "Imagine if it was me." The voice continued until the boy apparently to be referred to as Edmund lowered his weapon slowly, not quite relaxing his grip.

"Your name and loyalty." He demanded again, in a slightly less bitter tone.

"Rosalyn Seviene. My loyalty, as well as my family's, has always lied with Aslan and with Narnia." Her answer caused Edmund to lower his weapon completely to his side while he continued to study her with expressionless brown eyes.

With any immediate threat currently eliminated Rosalyn allowed herself to study the four who stood before her. Besides the two dark haired pair there was a small auburn haired girl who must have been her savior and an older looking blonde boy. Realization of who exactly these four were was just beginning to dawn on the surprised Marchioness just as her companion and supposed protection caught up to her.

"My lady, you shouldn't run off like that. You could get hurt." The knight declared breathily as he dismounted and approached his charge. Kids, in his opinion, had way too much energy. Especially tiny little fair-haired Marchioness'.

The knight hadn't noticed the four until he was beside Rosalyn. Recognition dawned more quickly upon him than it had Rosalyn, but regardless of reaction times, both kneeled before the Kings and Queens, paying them the respect they deserved. Not quite used to all the bowing and curtseying just yet the Pevensies urged the two kneeling before them to rise immediately. Rosalyn quickly obeyed coming to stand once more before the black haired King.

Fetching her blade Edmund returned it to her with the hilt facing her. With her lack of experience she was likely to cut off her fingers if he had handed it to her blade first. Rosalyn looked dazedly at it for a moment before reaching for it.

"You need to learn how to properly work a blade," Edmund acknowledged when Rosa took hold of the weapon once more.

"I'll hold you to that offer then," the Marchioness responded cheekily before introductions were officially made and the youngest one, Lucy, began talking rapidly to Rosa.

It had been years since that meeting and Edmund had yet to teach her how to fight with a sword. Neither of them had had much time, both busy with politics, and whenever Rosa did visit Narnia most of her time was spent catching up with Lucy and Susan. Albeit the time spent with Susan afforded her a good amount of training with a bow and Lucy helped her learn the ways of nursing injuries, with or without magic serum.

"Rosalyn, are you in there?" Her cousin's voice called out to her as a knock sounded on her bedchamber door. "You cannot hide away in there all day."

The Marchioness silently rolled her eyes at Robert. He was three years her elder and took great joy in bossing her about. Only a cousin, yet he acted like an elder brother. Her own brother wasn't near as domineering or meddlesome in her affairs as Robert was. In fact her cousin seemed more excited about finally marrying her off than her brother.

"Forgive me cousin. I was busy responding to a letter." Robert had known that. He had seen the letter from his cousin's friends in Cair Paraval that morning. The baron also knew the invitation the letter had held within it.

He did not understand why Rosalyn needed to go. Her mind should be focused on preparing for the wedding and not on frivolous things such as traveling to Cair Paraval. The winter months were supposed to be spent at Ivangord castle, but the marchioness insisted that they move to the castle that housed the Kings and Queens of Narnia until spring came. Now not only would he have to worry about the wedding, but traveling and keeping an eye on Rosalyn while staying at court with the Kings and Queens. Knowing her she would attract some trouble or another and he was under strict instruction to prevent anything from ruining this match.

Robert should have burned the letter immediately before any ideas could be planted in Rosalyn's mind. He knew his cousin and Queen Lucy were rather close and he also knew where the young Queen as well as the other rulers of Narnia stood on the opinion of arranged marriages. Any number of improper ideas could be thrust upon his cousin such as marrying for love: a notion that was not always best for royals with high ranking stations such as his cousin.

Sensing her cousin's bad mood Rosa chose to stay as clear of him as possible lest he decide they were not to visit at Cair Paravail. Days past and with her luck they had mounted their horses and were ready to be on their way without too much digression from Robert.

Traveling through the snow wasn't much fun. Although Rosalyn couldn't help but think it would be much easier if her sod of a cousin wasn't tagging along and bringing with him a carriage with trunks of both everyday clothes as well as the unfinished wedding dress. Apparently he was bent on finishing the wedding preparations while at Cair Paraval. Robert was always best at spoiling her fun.

When night fell Rosalyn became thankful for the Carriage's warmth and the shield it offered from the harsh weather. Though it made her feel more than slightly guilty to see their few escorts continuing to ride on through the falling snow. At some point she fell asleep against the chilled window of the carriage and was jolted awake when the sun had barely risen. With a slight crick in her neck Rosa moved from coach to horseback once the temperature started rising again. Two more days followed in the same manner until at last the small group was near enough that they could see Cair Paraval in the distance.

₤†SEH†₤

Preparations for the Marchioness' arrival had begun as soon as her reply had been delivered to Cair Paraval. Lucy made sure that Rosalyn's most favorite meals would be prepared; Susan ensured two of the guest rooms were made suitable to stay in and Edmund was busy polishing and sharpening his blades. After all he had promised to teach Rose how to use them, as her letter had reminded him.

While his siblings were busy preparing for the arrival of the marchioness Peter was busying himself trying to sort out a way to prevent Rosalyn from being forced into marriage. He had sent letters out to both Calormen and Rosalyn's parents but had yet to receive a reply. His hands were tied on the matter and Peter did not fancy the notion that he could do nothing to help their friend.

"Excuse me your highness," one of the palace fauns knocked on the King's study door. "But Rosalyn Seviene Marchioness of Cair Lynn and her cousin Robert Monteith Baron of Cair Lynn have arrived."

"Thank you Cailean. Please send word to the others." Cailean bowed before exiting hastily to find the other royals.

He came upon the Gentle Queen first and relayed the message. The younger siblings showed much more excitement at the announcement of the arrival. Edmund followed swiftly behind Lucy as she bounded through the halls, in a very un-lady-like manner, making her way towards the entrance and her friend. The doors were barely open and she had yet to fully take in Rosalyn before she enveloped her in a warm embrace.

"Rosa I've missed you so," She exclaimed while the Baron Monteith simply overlooked the greeting with disdain. Queen Lucy was definitely not the best example for the way royals should present themselves.

"I've missed you as well," Rosalyn whispered as her friend continued to cling to her. The Queen probably would never have released her had her siblings not insisted on their own greetings being received.

Susan had a hug as well, if not slightly less comforting. To Peter and Edmund Rosa offered a prim curtsy then threw caution to the wind and embraced the two Kings in turn as well. Edmund's blade knocked lightly against her knee as she hugged him, making her smile. He always had a sword on him no matter how heavily guarded he was or the circumstances. It could be in the middle of a grand ball and he would have a real blade attached to his hip instead of the traditional decorative one.

Peter's beard scratched her cheek when she reached up to hug him. Gone were his baby face days as it seemed his desire to appear older than he was caught up to him. Rosalyn preferred a clean shaven man herself, imagining that it would be much more enjoyable to kiss a fresh, hairless face. Of course she had no personal experience with the matter, though one of her maidservants had commented on the difference once.

"Rosalyn, it's improper to hug other men whilst you are betrothed, yet alone kings." Robert chided, creating an uncomfortable moment as Rosalyn quickly withdrew from the embrace.

She had almost forgotten about her situation entirely but now the ring felt heavy on her left hand as she tried to hide it from the others' eyes. Thankfully Susan eased the tension by offering to show the new arrivals their rooms. Rosalyn could only hope that her chambers would be far away from her strict, controlling cousin. She wanted to enjoy her stay there and that could only be achieved if Robert wasn't forcing her to always act like a lady or focus on the tediously annoying wedding plans.

Edmund watched Rose and her cousin follow his older sister up the stairs. Rose's hair had grown much longer since he had last seen her. It had brushed his fingers when he had hugged her, his hands lightly resting on her lower back. That close to her he could smell the fresh scent of her hair. It had always astounded him how she could always smell like spring flowers no matter what season it was.

₤†SEH†₤

The first few days passed without much interest at Cair Paraval. Peter and Edmund spent most of their time locked up in one of the studies discussing only Aslan knew what. And as much as Rosa tried to avoid the Baron it seemed to be impossible even in such a large palace. She was caught in the library where she had been reading with Lucy and Susan. To her great displeasure she was forced to adorn her unfinished dress in the presence of the two queens.

"Oh, Rosa, it is absolutely gorgeous." Susan exclaimed.

The Marchioness had to admit it was a beautiful gown even half finished as it was. The lace sleeves would be cool enough for the warm spring wedding but also add a slight layer of protection should the day turn chilly. Not only were they practical, they added to the dresses' elegance as well.

"Too bad it is the dress that will seal the fate of my freedom and life as I know it." She sighed as she turned away from her mirror.

"Come, my lady. The arrangement isn't all that bad." The seamstress mumbled through the pins in her mouth. "Just look at the lovely ring he gave you."

Rosa would rather do no such thing. It was a constant, annoying reminder and she would prefer not to have it at all. No matter its meaning, its size alone was enough to make Rosa detest it. The ring was too showy for her taste with both sapphire and diamonds set into a solid silver band and the gems circumference being as large as her knuckle.

"Are you kidding, it's horrendous. Much too large to be anything but pompous." Lucy inserted causing Rosa to laugh.

Her best friend had an, often troublesome, habit of stating her blatant opinion no matter who it might offend. It did not, however, insult Rosa in the least. On most occasions Lucy's comments amused her. Besides, the queen never said anything particularly nasty except for people who truly deserved it.

"How much longer will these alterations take?" Rosalyn fidgeted with the lace covering her one hand, eager to get out of the dress and take out her frustration on the archery fields.

That's where Edmund and Peter discovered her later. Taking a break from slaving over papers on the history of Calormen and Lord Roderick Fairholm—whom Edmund was already beginning to thoroughly despise—the brothers had retreated to the balcony for some fresh air, more than a little frustrated with the lack of progress they had made thus far. Peter was the one who had pointed her out across the lawn.

"She has a strong stance," Edmund commented as she drew the bow back, poising to shoot.

Letting the arrow go it flew across the yards separating Rosa from the target and hit the center directly.

"And excellent aim," Peter added at that.

Susan had taught her well, there was no doubt of that. If only her archery skills could help her when it came to ending her engagement. As it was Edmund did not believe killing the Calormen Lord would do anything to help the situation, no matter how much he might enjoy doing so. Long after Peter returned to their study Edmund continued watching the girls practicing, admiring Rosa's form in her craft until a certain Baron arrived on the lawn to disrupt the Marchioness' fun.

"Cousin, you should not spend so much time in the snow. You will catch a cold." Robert chastised as he began to drag Rosa away from the archery field.

"Come off it Robby, you don't own her. You cannot order her around." Lucy responded, pulling on Rosa's other hand.

For any other seventeen year old girl Robert may not have surrendered his power nor would he consent to being called by a childhood nickname. But for a Queen of Narnia he would obey her wishes even though he might not agree with them. Releasing his cousin's hand he bowed to the queen before retreating back inside to the warmth.

As Rosa prepared to shoot her next arrow, breathing deeply in then aiming and exhaling, she pictured her target as Robert, hitting him square in the head. She would much rather of hit her husband to be but she had yet to see him so she could not bring up a picture of his face in her mind. Content enough to spend all day practicing her archery, it was quite a disappointment that Rosa could not control the ice and snow. Though the archery fields had been cleared for the young royals' use, snow was starting to fall again and even through her winter layers Rosa felt the chill.

Eventually the Marchioness and the Queens were forced to withdraw back indoors, retiring by the fire in the library where their day had commenced. Edmund, who had abandoned the task of getting Rose out of her predicament for the day, joined his sisters and their guest in lounging around the library. Such an act stumped his sisters for they could never recall a time where Edmund would willingly spend all day shut up in his study and then choose to be around even more books as a form of relaxation. Lucy had her suspicions when he struck up a conversation with Rosa, inquiring about her day, but kept them to herself.

"I will keep my promise yet, do not worry." Edmund laughed.

"We will have to see about that, won't we? Past evidence does tend to go against you and your word." Rosa taunted the young king. She had missed their easy banter. Edmund was always good for carrying on meaningless arguments that always seemed to make her laugh and ended in a draw as neither of them liked to admit defeat.

"You shall see. Tomorrow I will school you in the art of fighting with a blade. I'm sorry to say you most likely will be as able to win with that instrument as you are with your tongue." Puffing out his chest only caused his siblings to join in on the laughter at the antics of their brother and Rosa. The pair were truly amusing together.

"Words are a woman's natural weapon. We are much more capable of staying arguments with them than men are of winning them with swords." Rosa stuck her tongue out for emphasis of the weapon she was quite comfortable using.

The bickering would have continued longer had the royals not been interrupted for supper. Still, Rosalyn and Edmund pursued a new topic as they made their way to the dining hall. Robert watched them enter from his stance by the table, unhappy with how captivated the youngest king was with his cousin. Taking their seats Edmund ended up across from Rosa making funny faces and random comments that sparked yet another heated debate. The Baron decided he must be mindful of the young king and ensure he did not get in the way.

A/N: Okay I'm sooo sorry for this delay but part of it really wasn't my fault! My computer caught a virus and had to go to the store. They kept my baby for SIX DAYS! It was practically a form of torture :( Anyways Its back now and healthy and hopefully it will stay that way. They added extra virus protection so cross your fingers!

Let me know what you thought about the chapter :)

Rach

xoxo