Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia, I do own Sophie. That should count for something!

Chapter 10

Sophie

The castle was buzzing around with final preparations for the summer ball. I did my best to not get in the way so I spent my time outside by the stables, the beach or in my room playing with my IPOD. From what I heard, the balls here are a big deal and with Susan planning it, it was sure to be a good one.

However, I couldn't see the final touches of my dress. I know that Susan and Lucy said that it looks beautiful but I was afraid at first that they would do something disastrous to my dress but they had assured me thousands of times that I would love it.

So here I am the night before the ball, reflecting on what happened yesterday in my room. The duel was quite fun I'll admit plus it gave me some boost on my sword fighting skills. I was so glad I did suggest the duel.

What got me confused was when we were dancing out in the yard as we were heading back inside. Well, technically he was getting me to learn how to dance more and I couldn't turn him now. That was even harder than trying to turn Lucy down for the lessons. The confusing part was when we were in each other's arms. For some reason, it felt nice to be in them.

Oh get a grip on yourself. He's king and you're just a sixteen year old girl who would only have friendly feelings for.

Ugh, why must this be complicated? I rolled my eyes and put my IPOD on the nightstand and got out of bed. I grabbed a blanket nearby and draped it over my shoulders as I headed towards the balcony. I looked up at the stars that were shining bright.

They looked lovely tonight and the night air was a bit cool but I guess this was normal temperature for Narnia where back home for a summer night, pending if we get a heat wave then the nights would be warm. My bare feet were on the ground and I leaned down to see how it looked for tomorrow.

I couldn't help but having the nerves about it. I mean sure it's just a dance but what if I go ahead and make a fool of myself and trip or fall flat on my face while I was dancing?

I shook the thought out of my head as I went back inside. I lied on my bed with the blanket still wrapped around me. I just stared off into space before I fell asleep.

"What are you doing hiding here?" I heard Peter's voice the next day. It was the day of the summer ball and almost everyone was somewhere in the castle while I took refuge in the library.

"I'm not hiding" I replied. "I'm just trying not to be in the way."

"Clearly you're doing a smart thing" he said.

"Don't worry I'll get ready for tonight though I'm not sure how this whole thing works" I said.

"The ball won't start until seven so it's near noon which isn't bad timing for you to stay here" he said. "I've heard about yesterday."

"Really, Edmund told you?" I asked.

"Of course and though I wish I could've been there to witness is" he said.

"Oh trust me you would've" I said with a smirk. I looked out the window and saw that the sun was high in the sky.

"I wish but next time when you two do a duel again, let me know so I can witness it and so do the others" he said.

"Don't worry I'll make sure of it. It was my idea" I said.

"Really?" he asked in a surprised tone.

"Of course, why wouldn't it?" I replied.

"I don't know, I would've expected from Edmund not from you. Not that you're dumb or anything" he said.

I rolled my eyes and smirked as I tossed my hair in a messy bun. I couldn't believe my hair is already down to my shoulders. I made a mental note to get it cut again when I have a chance. I was in my sweatshirt and another pair of pants I found in my room. I wasn't going to get ready for awhile so I had plenty of time.

Peter and I parted ways since he had some last minute matters to attend. I decided to venture out into the fields and practice some archery. I know what am I thinking doing that? Well, I just wanted to give it another shot. I hit a few targets and made only one which wasn't bad.

I was just about to let go of my arrow when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. It looked like a figure was just standing there. I squinted my eyes so I could try and get a better look and to block the sunlight from my eyes. I looked around me before I walked quickly over to the spot near the woods.

By the time I got there, there was nothing or no one there.

"What the hell?" I said, looking around.

Maybe I was seeing things. I sighed as I headed back towards the courtyard. I decided to practice the archery a bit more before I got ready for tonight. I'll admit I was getting a bit better at it than but not as good as Susan.

And then there's Edmund with the swords. He was the best swordsman but maybe one day I could be a match up to him. If that was even possible.

I stopped for the day and headed back inside. I decided to save Lily the time and drew myself a bath. I stripped of my clothes and tossed them on the chair and stepped in the tub. I scrubbed myself and wet my hair and relaxed for awhile before I got out.

I dried myself up as I threw on my gym shorts and sweatshirt with my bra underneath it. I saw something on my bed that was covered along with a note. I didn't hear anyone come in my room so I'm assuming it must've been a quiet drop off.

I picked up the note and read it which it was from Susan and Lucy.

Sophie,

I hope you like the dress for tonight.

Enjoy it and we hoped it fits!

Susan and Lucy

I unwrapped the dress and to my amazement was another gown. It was light blue and white with long sleeves and it obviously went down to the floor. I put the dress up against me and stared at myself in the mirror.

I heard the door open and Lily came in. "Good I see the Queens have brought you your dress" she said.

"Yeah it looks beautiful" I said in amazement.

"It sure does now come along at least you bathed which saved me the time" she said, ushering me over to the vanity. I let down my wet hair and I let Lily do the work.

It was starting to get dusk by the time I was done getting ready. My dress was on and it fitted perfectly. I added on some of my bracelets that complimented the outfit. My hair was pulled back into a fancy bun with a few curls letting loose around my face. I added only eyeliner from my makeup bag and it came together well.

"I'm sure you'll have eyes staring at you tonight" she said.

"I don't think so" I said.

"Come on Sophie even King Edmund will not stop looking at you."

"What are you talking about?" I asked as we headed towards the ballroom. Lily was wearing a dark maroon and pink gown as well.

"You're that blind, aren't you?"

"I guess I am" I replied darkly. We talked for a bit before I started to hear the music and people chatting. I looked up and saw that there was people mingling outside of the ballroom and when we got to the doors, there was more inside.

"You don't see the royal highnesses?" Lily asked.

"Nope" I replied. I stopped short outside as Lily did the same thing.

"Everything okay?" she asked.

"Yeah I'm fine you can go in and if anyone asks, just tell them I'll be there" I replied.

"Okay then" she said looking at me weirdly before she headed inside.

"Okay Soph, just don't embarrass yourself and just breathe" I said to myself. I took one last breath before I headed inside.

Edmund POV

"Edmund will you relax? She'll be here" Lucy said.

"I can't help it what if Sophie backs out or gets lost coming here?" I asked.

"She won't and besides Lily was going to guide her here" Lucy said. "And try not to have too much wine."

I rolled my eyes before she gave me a stern look as she disappeared into the crowd. I looked over and saw Peter looking at Su and Caspian already on the dance floor. I walked over towards Peter and he nodded at me when I made my appearance.

"Still trying to scare off Caspian from Susan?" I asked.

"Not yet" he replied. "Your girlfriend hasn't come around yet?"

"Who, Sophie?" I asked.

"Of course don't think I know how you look at her whenever she's around" he said.

"I don't know what you're talking about" I said, looking back on the dance floor. Has it been that obvious on how I see Sophie? I wonder if the others know…

"Oh my Aslan" Peter said.

"Caspian isn't even doing anything to Susan" I said.

"No, look" he said, nudging me. I looked to where Peter was pointing. What I saw made my mouth drop.

I saw Sophie, holding on to the railing as she walked down the stairs. She looked like she was trying not to fall. She was looking around I'm assuming trying to find us. Her dress was flowing around her and her hair was fixed up nicely. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her.

She looked absolutely beautiful beyond the other girls in the room right now.

"I'll be right back" I said to Peter as I walked quickly over to meet up with Sophie.

A/n: Okay so I hope you guys like this. More of the ball in the next chapter along with little bits of drama and Edmund and Sophie will realize something for one another.

The link to the dress Sophie is wearing can be found here : h t t p :/ / w w w. d o r n b l u t h. c o . u k / ? p a g e=s h o p /f l y p a g e & p r o d u c t _ I d = 1 0 8

Just combine the link so that way you'll be able to see it.

Don't forget to review! They mean a lot and I thank those who favored and reviewed so far. They mean a lot and you guys rock!

See you guys next week!

Signing out for now,
Spikeluver89