Tada! Here it is. Just so everyone knows, it's the day after Christmas. I wasn't sure if that was clear or not.

Chapter Sixteen—Get Your Head in the Game

"Oh, Edmund, this is so lovely, Just the two of us together…alone, for the entire day…"

"It's only been a day?"

"Time does seem to fly, doesn't it?"

'Not in my head,' Edmund thought to himself. 'It feels like I've been walking with you for ages…' To his delight, Lucy appeared around the corner.

"Ed, there you are! I've been looking for you everywhere. Come, I need to show you something."

"You're leaving?" Vera pouted.

"I'm sorry, Vera, but I must away. It's been a pleasure speaking with you." Edmund swept the princess a bow and Lucy led him off in the direction of their rooms.

"Lucy do me a favor," Edmund whispered. "Look back and make sure she isn't following us."

"She is."

"Then quick, in here." Edmund pulled her into a small room off the side of the hallway. "Did you find everything?"

"We did. And I'm so sorry you had to be with Vera for that long, but we ended up having to go to the market and a magician's house…it was hectic, let me tell you."

"As long as we can brew the potion, I don't care anymore. She's downright horrid, though. Constantly speaking ill of Rose and even sometimes Rama for being kind to her."

"I can't believe Vera can be so hard hearted," Lucy frowned. "And I also can't believe she switched to Jacinda's side. I would never put your happiness at stake for my own."

"And I would never do that to you, don't worry. Anyway, back to the situation at hand. Have the others already started brewing?"

"Yes—in Peter's room. Not even Valdis would dare go in there."

"Excellent. Oh, she's looking confused…and she's turning back around. Let's find the others." Edmund pulled Lucy up off of the ground and they made their way back to Peter's room.

"There you are," said Caspian.

"How is it coming?" Lucy asked, and she walked over to Caspian. He smiled at her and slipped his hand through hers.

"We're nearly done adding the ingredients," said Rose. "This is so odd, I never dreamed of brewing a potion in my life."

"I don't think any of us have. Afterall, it is a Calormen tradition. Is it supposed to be violet?" Rose and Caspian simultaneously checked the book.

"Yes."

"Then all we can do now is wait." Peter leaned back in his chair and turned to Edmund.

"Thankyou ever so much for distracting Vera—we wouldn't have been able to get anything done if she had caught us."

"You owe me one, dear brother."

"It was that dreadful?"

"Worse. But I'm a King of Narnia, I shouldn't speak ill of anyone."

"Like that's ever stopped you before," Caspian smirked, and Edmund rolled his eyes.

"Besides, calling Vera dreadful is as nice as it can get for her," Rose muttered. Edmund and Lucy laughed, but Peter and Caspian looked confused.

"Why exactly do you dislike each other again?"

"She switched to Jacinda's side."

"You didn't get along before then."

"Go on, tell them. They won't judge you," Edmund urged. "Trust me." And so Caspian and Peter were told everything that Rose had told Edmund, and most of what she had told Lucy. (She didn't want three great kings to know she was rather experienced in the men department—it wasn't exactly something she was proud of.)

"Oh Aslan," they said together when Rose had finished her tale.

"Well, I can certainly see why you and Vera aren't on the best of terms," Caspian said wryly.

"Rose, I am so sorry…if I had known, I could…"

"Peter, don't do anything. Please. The last thing you need is a strained alliance with Archenland."

"But—"

"She's right, Pete," said Edmund. "And I'm not in a very political mood at the moment—I don't want to sort out any strained ties with other countries."

"Fine, I won't do anything. But you must come back to Narnia with us when we leave. I don't think I'd allow you to stay here and continue to be beaten by your own father and tormented by your own sister."

"That I will agree to," Rose smiled. "Afterall, now that I know all of you, I don't think I could bear being parted."

"Then it's settled. Oh this will be such fun!" Lucy beamed.

"Don't get too excited yet, we have atleast two months left here."

"Oh Ed, why are you always so pessimistic?" Lucy frowned.

"I'm not a pessimist, I'm a realist. There is a difference."

"Whatever you say, Ed. I'm off to bed, it's been a long day."

"I'll be there in a minute," Rose said after her retreating form, and Edmund said,

"Are you sure you two don't want to share my room again?"

"Well I would love to since your bed is so much more comfortable than Lucy's. But she said since we've imposed on you for two nights now, it's time we slept in our own room. And there isn't a chance of me sleeping with you alone, that's just awkward." Edmund laughed and said,

"Well if anything happens, you know where to find me."

"I wish Vera hadn't put Valdis right next to our rooms," Peter frowned.

"Me too. I don't like the thought of you and Lucy being so vulnerable."

"We're perfectly capable of defending ourselves. We were just unarmed the last time."

"Speaking of defense, we still need to have that match," Edmund told her.

"Alright, if you're sure your ready to be beaten by a girl five years younger and a foot shorter than you."

"I'll meet you in the court yard at nine."

"That's early."

"Fine then, ten."

"That rhymed."

"You're so odd."

"Thankyou." Edmund just rolled his eyes. "Well, goodnight everyone."

"Night." Rose waved to the others and exited the room. To her dismay, Valdis was leaving his room at the same time.

"Well, well, well…what were you doing leaving the Barbarian King's bedroom so late at night?"

"Get your mind out of the gutter, Valdis," Rose said cooly. "Not everyone is as sick minded at you." Before he could continue, she said, "Tell me, were you waiting for me?"

"I've been waiting for you all my life," he whispered seductively, and ran his hands up and down her sides. She pulled out of his grasp and said,

"If you weren't such an arrogant pervert, that would be an excellent line."

"How dare you speak to me in such a way?" Valdis hissed, and slapped her on the face. Rose staggered, but Valdis caught her.

"Let me go," she said firmly.

"Not a chance."

"Is everything alright out here?" Caspian asked as he and Edmund left Peter's room. Valdis let go of Rose and she dusted herself off in a dignified way.

"I'm off to bed," she said before Valdis tried anything else. He watched her retreating back, but Caspian stepped in front of his view.

"If you ever try to hurt Lucy or Rose again, I swear by the Lion's mane that it may be the last thing you ever do," Caspian said in a manner quite unlike himself.

"Is that a threat, King Caspian?"

"Oh no, Prince. Only a warning." Caspian bowed and walked off into his own room, but Edmund lingered.

"Am I going to be reprimanded by every barbarian King tonight?" Valdis half sighed, half whined.

"I would like to apologize for our unjust behavior toward you, and your two sisters. Us Narnians barely are so inhospitable and impolite."

"Then pray tell why you are acting in such a manner, O King."

"Because we think it is only fair you are treated with the same level of respect you have shown us. And yet we would never stoop so low as to treat your sisters the way you treat mine."

"I am sorry, King Edmund, but I am a lonely man."

"Then I ask you to treat women with respect and kindness, and you may find a change in their behavior toward you."

"But that leaves me without a challenge."

"Then I am afraid I can no longer offer you help on this matter."

"I don't need help from you. I need help from no one."

"You might when we find out why you are trying to corrupt the Archenland court."

"Why would you think—"

"I have an eye for this sort of thing, Prince. I have been involved in politics since I was ten, and I have been ten twice. Don't underestimate me." Edmund bowed and left Valdis standing alone in the corridor.

"Bloody Narnians," he mumbled. "I hate every damn one of them. I'll show him not to tell me what to do." With that Valdis stormed into his room and slammed the door.

"What was that?" Lucy whispered and Rose bit her lip.

"Valdis, I think. He must be angry."

"Oh Aslan, keep us safe," Lucy whispered as they heard Valdis' door open again. They were dead still as they heard the footsteps approaching their door and Valdis' voice saying,

"Let me in, my beauties." If it had been a different situation, they would have begun to laugh at the statement. "Or must we go through all this again?" Lucy grabbed Rose's hand, and that was when they heard the most wonderful voice in the world.

"Do not fear, daughters of Eve, I will keep you safe." They both beamed and Lucy whispered,

"Aslan! Oh Aslan, where are you?"

"I am everywhere," the Lion said in his deep voice, and he approached the bed. Lucy sat up and flung her arms around his neck, and kissed his nose.

"Oh how I've missed you!"

"And I have missed you, dear one." He turned to Rose. "You have been strong, dear heart, and I am proud of you."

"Me? I haven't done right since I was born." And Rose also sat up, but she bowed instead of hugging the grand creature.

"You have believed in me, which is the most right anyone can do."

"Aslan, why must Valdis treat us so?" Lucy asked suddenly.

"Valdis is a follower of Tash, and only does what is wrong. The both of you have been victims of his ways for reasons I cannot say at the present time. And I regret that he cannot stop his actions toward you yet."

"But why?"

"He needs to learn his lesson, as does your brother Edmund."

"Edmund? What does he have to do…" Lucy caught sight of the Lion's face and said, "I forgot, I'm sorry. I'm only told my own story." Aslan chuckled and said,

"Do not apologize, dear one, you have done no wrong." He turned to Rose again. "As for you, I am afraid your future is grave. But do not fret, for it shan't always be so. I have faith in you, and you will be strong if you have faith in me."

"I will Aslan," Rose promised. "But do you really think I am brave enough for whatever is in store?"

"If you weren't, I would not put this task on your shoulders. Just as I would not put Lucy's on hers if she weren't strong enough."

"Aslan, may I ask another question?"

"Of course."

"Why were Edmund, Peter and I sent back to Narnia? When we arrived you told us you would tell us, but you never have."

'The time still isn't right, my love. But you will know soon enough. As for now, you both should sleep. Do not fear, I will watch over you tonight." Lucy and Rose climbed back under the covers, and Aslan breathed on them. It was warm, and the scent was delicious. They soon fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.

The same couldn't be said for Valdis, who was haunted all night by the Lion's face he had seen in the door to Lucy and Rose's room.

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"It's freezing out here!"

"You'll warm up soon enough," Edmund said, and got up off the tree he had been leaning on. "Afterall, it isn't that cold out. You're late by the way."

"It's snowing. And I'm sorry, but it was a long night, and I couldn't get my hair to braid properly."

"Any trouble with Valdis?"

"None, because Aslan came to us last night."

"He did?"

"Yes! He told us not to be afraid, and to be strong, because Valdis can't stop his vulgar actions just yet."

"Why ever not?"

"Apparently he has a lesson to learn," Rose said, leaving out the face that Edmund was to as well."

"I see. Well I'm glad you and Lucy are alright."

"Yes, we're perfectly fine. Now can we start doing some fencing? I can barely feel my hands at the moment."

"Be prepared to lose."

"Stop talking to yourself, it isn't a good habit," Rose retorted, and Edmund smirked.

"You really need to work on your comebacks, love. On guard!" The clear ring of metal rang out through the courtyard, and the match began.

Four matches, and three hours later, Rose still wasn't giving up even though Edmund had beaten her all four times. Both of them were now extremely warm, but Rose wasn't one to give up.

"Another one?" Edmund sighed. "Do you really want to be beaten again?"

"Maybe this time I'll win."

"Fine, but this is the last time. I am boiling."

"You're a warrior, aren't you used to this?"

"Not for three straight hours. And I'm not tired, I'm just over heated."

"It's snowing, how are you over heated?"

"You tend to get that way when you're sword fighting," he said, and lifted his tunic over his head. Rose raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to cool off." Rose tried to look away from her friends nicely toned abs, chest and arms, and said,

"Oh really?" she said, assuming he just wanted to distract her so the match would be over sooner. "Well let me tell you, two can play at this game, Edmund Pevensie."

"What are you doing?" Edmund stammered as she threw her leggings over next to his tunic.

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

"I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you in my life," Edmund chuckled as Rose adjusted her tunic so that it atleast reached mid thigh.

"I can definitely say the same for you. Ready?"

"Always," Edmund grinned, but gulped at the same time. 'Please Aslan, make me focus,' he thought as he fought to keep his eyes on Rose's sword instead of her legs. In the end, he lost.

"You have a twisted mind, Pevensie."

"I beg your pardon, I am not willing to be associated with the ranks such of Valdis'."

"I didn't say that. We should go inside though, I think this is turning into a snow storm." Edmund grabbed their clothes and they sprinted inside.

"I can't even begin to imagine what people will say if they see us," Edmund said.

"Why do you care?"

"I'm a King—I have standards and morals to uphold. And at the moment, I'm not upholding anything."

"Maybe that's a good thing."

"How is that a good thing?"

"Well, I've watched you. You're always so solemn and calm and quiet compared to the others. I think it's good that you're letting your barriers down once and a while."

"I'm not solemn."

"Compared with your siblings and Caspian you are. And I'm sure they would agree with me."

"Here, come in my room. Lucy will have your head if she finds out you've been outside, half clothed in the middle of a snowstorm." Rose laughed and sat down on Edmund's bed while he searched his wardrobe for something small enough for her to wear. Her thoughts began to wander, and by accident she let one of them slip out.

"Why do you like me?"

"What?"

"Er, nothing."

"Why would you even ask that?"

"I didn't mean to…"

"Alright then. Why would you even think that?"

"Well think about it. You, and Peter, and Caspian, and Lucy are all great kings and queens with, like you said, morals and standards and reputations to keep up. And then there's me—nothing more than a lowly scullery maid who's been cast down by my own father for being a whore."

"It doesn't matter that we have different…er, ranks in society. It doesn't matter that we have different morals and reputations. What matters is that you're an amazing, intriguing woman whom we all love dearly."

"You're sweet," Rose smiled, and Edmund threw a tunic at her.

"See what I mean? We aren't used to people being so open and forward with their thoughts, and yet you are. It's intriguing, and like you said, you help us loosen up a bit. Now go get changed, I'm not good at the sentimental conversations and I don't want you catching cold."

"Yes sir," Rose laughed. "Oh, and Edmund?"

"Yes?"

"Thankyou." She smiled, and closed the door.

"Aslan why?" Edmund whispered, collapsing onto his bed. "Why can't I atleast love her less than Isabelle if I have to love her at all? Loving her more is even more wrong…"

Hope you all enjoyed! Please, tell me what you think!!

Hopefully I'll get the next chapter up soon, but my life is so hectic what with college visits schoolwork and theatre and everything, I can't promise it will be quick. TTFN!