Someone Else's Heart

Chapter 5

"What if we bartered off some other girl in Rose's place?" Edmund made the suggestion half heartedly as he lounged in a chair with one arm covering his eyes. Peter and he had gone over possible ways to prevent a war and get Rosalyn out of her engagement for the past four hours and his brain was practically empty of any productive ideas.

"That would only be slightly illegal not to mention unethical Ed." Peter sighed wishing there was a legal solution that was just as simple. Flipping through some papers dealing with finances for both Narnia and Calormen he tried to find some monetary incentive that would entice the Calormene to release the engagement deal and hold off any attack.

Somewhere in the middle of Peter shuffling papers Rosa came bursting through the doors out of breath, quickly closing the door behind her. Edmund sat up in response to her unexpected entrance, seeming alarmed at the state she was in. Before either of the kings could say a word she was practically running across the room past them both.

"I was never here," she spat out before jumping behind the red drapes covering the windows behind where Edmund sat.

Not a moment later Robert came striding through the door looking from left to right and demanding to know if either of the Kings had seen his cousin. Robert didn't quite believe them when they insisted they hadn't but he didn't have the time to interrogate them further. After instructing them to tell Rosalyn he was looking for her he left. Only then did Rosa emerge from her hiding place.

"He's getting harder and harder to elude. I swear it's as if he's got the suits of armor in the hallways watching me." Sighing she leaned against the side of the oak desk Peter sat at, slouching slightly, showing her fatigue at running from her cousin. "What are you two working so diligently on?"

As she turned to face the desk and look at the papers that littered it Peter quickly shuffled them together, hiding them from view in the top desk drawer. This seemed curious to Rosalyn and she sent Peter a quizzical look.

"Just boring politics," he answered her with a small smile. Rosalyn knew he was keeping something from her, but she simply figured it was as he said: political matters that she personally had no right to be meddling in.

"I see. Well since you two are in here dealing with important politics I will leave you in peace. Lucy and I are going Christmas shopping in town." Checking to make sure the hallway was clear before stepping out Rosa made her way quickly to the main hall and out the doors to the stables where Lucy was waiting for her. They rode in silence through the snow until they arrived at the small town.

The young royals started off window shopping, entering shops only when something caught their eyes. As they walked through the stores they made idle chatter while keeping their eyes open for gift ideas. Rosa already knew what she was going to get for Lucy: a small music box that played the Narnian Lullaby the young queen loved so much. She just had to wait until Lucy wasn't paying attention to get it.

Actually Rosa knew what she would get all of her friends except for Edmund. He had helped her so much since she came to Cair Paraval and she wanted to get him something special that he'd really like but she couldn't quite think of what. He didn't much care for trinkets and useless do-dads. He had plenty enough chess sets as well as swords.

"Luce, what's something that Edmund would really want?" Rosalyn asked as they were looking at a cabinet of jewelry.

Lucy had to refrain from answering with: Rosa and him being more than friends. Because she knew deep down that was something Edmund wished. Instead she simply shrugged suggesting sweets. But sweets were not exactly long lasting and Rosalyn wanted to give Edmund something that would withstand time, and perhaps make him think of her every once in a while.

That's when Rosa saw it. In a locked glass cabinet across the store. It was simple and beautiful and perfect. Something that he could definitely use, something he didn't have, and something she could make personable easily. Grabbing the shopkeepers attention she pointed to what she wanted, pulling out the money to pay. Lucy smiled when she saw what Rosa was buying her brother. It seemed Rosa knew her brother plenty well enough to pick out a perfect gift on her own.

"What do you think Rose would want for Christmas this year?" Edmund asked his brother as they were lounging around the library later that evening.

"Probably to not be betrothed to a heathen from Calormen." Peter mumbled from his place on the coach. He was trying to relax and not think about politics, or anything stressful at all really. Edmund was making that quite difficult.

"I'm being serious Pete. I want to get her something special. Something she'll really like."

Peter simply mumbled a response, never having been very good at picking out presents for girls. He couldn't even think of things to get his own sisters and he knew them best of any girls. While Peter was ignoring Edmund's ranting Susan bustled in asking them their opinions on centerpieces and music for the Christmas ball they would be holding at Cair Paraval. It seemed he would never truly get any peace if his siblings had any say in the matter.

Edmund quickly grew tired of his elder sister's pestering and soon escaped to a nearby balcony overlooking the garden. That was where Rosalyn found him when she and Lucy finally returned from their shopping. He didn't seem to hear her approaching, not noticing her presence until she stood beside him.

"What are you doing out here?" She asked as she glanced at his profile.

"Enjoying the night." He responded as he turned towards Rosalyn. "Care to join me for a stroll through the orchard?"

Smiling Rosalyn took the arm he offered, hugging it close to her to hold off the winter chill. Edmund couldn't help but smile himself as Rose rested her head against his arm while they began walking along the lane of trees. The moon was full that night and reflected off of the snow as well as Rose's blonde hair making it seemingly glow silver.

"Do you remember in the summers when we were younger, how we used to run through here playing tag?" Rosalyn broke the silence. If she closed her eyes she could actually imagine they were as they were then, young and carefree. She could even feel the warm sun on her face.

"Even back then Robby was chiding us to act our age." Edmund chuckled at the memory with Rose joining in. Her cousin never was much fun.

Suddenly Rose pulled away from Edmund, causing him to frown. He had been enjoying their stroll and her being so near to him. He had been content. When Rose turned to him she wore a mischievous smile. Reaching out she tapped him lightly on the shoulder before taking off in the opposite direction. Soon realizing what she was up to Edmund raced after her. They continued the chase weaving between trees and dodging branches. Turning her head to look behind her Rosa didn't see any signs of Edmund. That was due to him having cut in front of her from the side, snatching her up in his arms just as she turned to look forward again.

They held on to one another for support as they stood there laughing at their game. Edmund glanced down at his fair haired friend whose cheeks were pink from running and laughing and couldn't help but think how there was no girl quite like Rose. Suddenly he had the urge to pull her tightly to him and not let go but instead he wrapped his arm around her waist and began leading them back through the gardens towards the palace.

"I can't believe Christmas is almost here." Rosalyn exclaimed as they walked through the newly decorated castle. It looked so pretty with the garland and wreaths and the candles in the windows. Even more magical than usual.

"Yes, I think I would be more excited if the Christmas ball did not come with it." Edmund sighed thinking of the endless night of boredom.

"It wouldn't be so bad if you actually partook in the dancing." Rosa goaded him knocking him with her side. She knew Edmund had never really taken to dancing as he would rather practice sword fighting than waltzes. Most of the times he would spend his time at balls glued to his throne or by the sidelines simply watching. "I could teach you, if you'd like."

Edmund looked down at her, excitement clear on her face at the prospect of being able to teach him something for a change. "Alright then." Edmund knew no matter what he would not regret that decision simply from the pure happiness in Rosa's smile at his reply.

"You'll be the lightest one on your feet at the ball. Just wait." She exclaimed, reaching up to brush her lips against his cheek before practically skipping the rest of the way down the hall to her bedchamber.

In a slightly dazed state Edmund reached his hand up to the cheek Rose had just kissed. He still looked that way, shocked and dazed, as he entered the library where his siblings lounged. Susan was still going on about the ball preparations but stopped short in mid thought as she took in her younger brother.

"Are you alright Ed?" She asked him concerned as he plopped down on the chair across from the couch where her and Peter sat.

"I…I don't know." Finally letting his hand fall from his cheek he stared at it in his lap, thinking over everything. How it felt to talk with Rosa, to hold her, just to be with her. How much he didn't want that taken away from him. How he was happier simply by seeing her happy. How it had felt to have her lips touch his skin. His heartbeat raced at that last thought.

"What happened?" Peter spoke leaning forward to examine his brother closer. He didn't seem to be injured.

"I think," Edmund started to speak, glancing up at his siblings to see their concerned faces. "I think I'm in love with Rose."

A/N I know that this is short and it's been too long since my last update, but that couldn't be helped. School has been my number one priority. I'll try to update sooner and make the next one longer. But for right now I would really love to hear your thoughts. It helps inspire me to write more!

Rach

xoxo