A/N Sorry it's been taking a while to upload a new chapter. Hope you all enjoy, as always reviews are appreciated as well as constructive criticism. Thank you to all who have reviewed. :)

Perna was woken up early the next morning by one of the maids opening the curtains. For a moment it seemed as if the sun was right next to the window. It poured blinding light into the large bedroom. Perna rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. She sat for a moment confused as to where she was. The bed she was on was much nicer than anything she'd ever slept on before. Then she yawned and remembered she was in Cair Paravel. "My lady, are you well this morning?" The maid asked. She was the first human, besides the King and Queens, she'd seen in the castle since she'd arrived.

"Hmm? Oh yes, thank you." Perna replied. "What time is it?"

"Just after first light, my Lady, the High King requests your presence for breakfast."

"Is that so? And what if I refuse so I can sleep in?" Perna flung herself back down on the bed. Sleep still weighed on her eyelids, and she wanted nothing more than to lie in bed for a while longer. The maid looked slightly confused at the proposition.

"Why would you refuse a request from the High King?" Perna tried to stifle an eye roll.

"Never mind, what shall I wear?" She got up and went to the dresser. She took out a red dress and held it up. The maid nodded her approval, and helped Perna into it.

Once again Perna found herself being led into the small room to the side of the great banquet hall. A plate of eggs, toast, and fresh fruit was already waiting for her arrival. She moved into the room as King Peter stood up from his place, grabber her hand and kissed it. Then he led her to her chair and tried to pull it out. Again annoyed by the benign gesture, Perna quickly moved her own chair out and sat down. She quickly regretted it as a slightly mortified looked crossed the King's face.

"I'm sorry Sir—er- Peter," She apologized sincerely. "I just don't want you to think I'm not capable of taking care of myself. No one should have to pull a simple chair out for me."

"Think nothing of it Perna. The gesture is merely a courtesy to a lady. It's met as chivalry; however, if you wish not to have us hold your chair, it will be done." He was polite as could be, but she couldn't help feel the embarrassment creep into her chest. Some of their customs were different, and if she wished to stay here, she'd have to get used to them or risk further humiliation.

"No please, I… appreciate the polite gesture. It's just not common where I'm from. Man or woman, we would just do our own work. We'd help those who asked for it, but we all just do what we had to." She looked down and then back up to Peter, who was watching her with a curious look on his face. He was reading her, studying her reactions. Perna quickly shoveled a forkful of eggs into her mouth trying to end the awkward conversation. Peter sighed and ran a hand through his hair and looked around, then returned his gaze back to the woman across from him. Was this really the woman he was considering marrying? She seemed almost boring and insecure. Where was the fire he saw in her last night? The passion?

"Are you just going to stare at me like that," she finally snapped at him. Ah, so there was some fire to her yet. "All you've been doing since I've been here is stare at me. It's getting unnerving. Your sister told me you're supposed to be charming. I thought I saw that late night, but right now, I fear you're mocking me." He looked taken back from her outburst, and let out a hardy laugh. This woman would be a handful. When annoyed, she had a mouth on her that could silence the chattiest Calormene woman.

"Madam—Perna, on my honor as a King, I am not trying to mock you," he replied in a soothing voice. "I asked you for breakfast so I could learn more about you. Please, if you will, tell me about your self."

"Well there's not much to know really. I grew up in a valley deep in the mountains. When I was about nine, maybe ten years old, the regular rains that fell on to my village slowed and later ceased entirely, causing massive starvation. Before that we were a very happy, peaceful people."

"So I've been told by your messengers and from documents my advisors have given me. I want to know about you, what kinds of things do you like?" She hesitated for a moment.

"I suppose. I'm an only child. My mother, who was our village matchmaker, taught to me read birth signs. When I was a little girl I hoped to take over her position in our village. I found studying star charts and patterns quite fascinating. I'm close with my mother, but I find it's my father who I run to when I'm in need. He's always there for me with good advice. Whether I took it or not, he always managed to get me out of trouble when I was younger. I'm well versed in plant recognition. We don't have any doctors or nice things like that, so we're taught the healing arts with herbs." Peter listened intently and motioned for her to continue. Perna chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, thinking of how to continue. "I like orange blossoms and primrose."

"Sunflowers," Peter interjected. "I've always been partial to sunflowers. My sister Lucy brought a bunch into the castle years ago and I loved them. So we always have them brought in for every festival." She saw his eyes light up and she chuckled softly. She wasn't sure why, but the offhanded comment seemed to put her more at ease with the King. It was hard to speak with someone who held such power. Some how knowing he liked sunflowers seemed to, well, humanize him.

"My favorite color is green. And now that I've seen the ocean, I like the light turquoise color it turns when the sun is raising."

"It's one of my favorite sights as well. I often like to rise early, before the sun raises, just to watch the colors change. My brother often likes to sit with me, we don't talk at all, we just watch as the sky lights up and shines across the ocean. It's one of the few times of the day I feel completely content, never stressed. That's the one part of my day that I don't think about anything. I however, did not get such a blessing this morning. I was too busy worrying about how to approach our situation."

"What situation would that be?"

"My Lady Perna, last night I had a dream in which Aslan himself came to me. I don't remember most of it. But he said something like a riddle. He said, 'A diplomatic ruler she could make. But strife she would cause, unless justly made a fair ruler. To the west she should be crowned. Forgiveness, always remember forgiveness.' I woke up after that, although, I think he was still taking to me."

"What does that mean?"

"In all honestly, I'm not certain. The Great Lion sometimes speaks in riddles, but I think Aslan wishes for me to take you as my bride. I had my doubts about you. I wasn't sure if you were the woman I should marry. But you do hold a regal quality; you've got good blood in you. Yes, I think Aslan is right. Marrying you is the best way to create a stronger relationship with your people. It will also help to integrate your village into Narnia, help make them citizens." Perna's eyes started to water, he did choose her. Why, of all the ladies in court, would he marry her? Because of some silly dream?

"This is all happening so quickly. Are you asking me to marry you?" Peter nodded and then got down on one knee, he wasn't quite sure why, but this is they way he remembered how a man was suppose to propose to woman. He took her hand in his.

"Lady Perna, daughter of Renlon, Lady of the Mountain, will you marry me? I know we don't love each other. But I feel this is the best for your people, and you are a fine choice to give me a suitable heir." She sat there speechless for a moment. She couldn't say no. He was right; their marriage would ensure security for her people. They were, first and foremost, her responsibility over all others. Peter mistook the tears welling in her eyes as happiness, but Perna's heart broke. Now she would never get to be with her knight, but her parents would be pleased. Somehow she managed to give him a nod of affirmation.

"Yes, I will."

"It's not official yet. Court must approve the arrangement, but I don't see why they wouldn't. Most of them want to see me married, the sooner the better. One thing, you will not be crowned a Queen. If we are to marry, you will be given the title High Princess. I do not have the authority to crown you a Queen, only Aslan has that power. Also, I do not wish any woman I marry to hold as high or higher title than my sisters."

"No, that's alright." Her voice was shaking; she couldn't help feel like she was betraying her heart. She also knew this was the right decision.

"Then it's settled." He patted her hand and gave it a small kiss. Perna took a deep breath in to settle her self and faked a smile.

Court seemed to rush upon Perna like a whirlwind. Before she could grasp any comprehension of what was going on, she was standing before a group of some of the strange people she'd seen in the last couple days. They were inspecting her, circling around her like hyenas. They weren't trying to be rude. They just wanted to make sure their beloved King was marrying a woman of strong blood. Finally one of the Satyrs singled and the Leopard Perna saw the other day, left the room, came back and nodded.

The court Herald stood up and called court into session. "Long Live Queen Lucy, Long Live Queen Susan," he called out, "Long Live King Edmund, Long Live High King Peter." As the monarchs filed into to their respective thorns, a dark haired figure caught Perna's eyes, and her heart filled her throat.

"Ed," she gasped out as he stared at her with similar disbelief. He sat at Peter's right hand, and quickly tried to hide the look of incredulity. Perna stared up at him and tried to make eye contact. Edmund glanced down at her as she mouthed "King Edmund?" up towards him. He broke eye contact and tried to look away but quickly glanced back. Perna felt warm tears prick her eyes. Somehow, deep in her gut, all the signs seemed to point that he was King Edmund. But until now, she was never sure how all the pieces fit together. It really stuck her as odd when both Edmund and Peter mentioned that they had a sister named Susan. Part of her had figured it out then, but she forced her self not to believe it. Edmund had never been forthcoming about giving identity to the rest of his family, so she was never sure. Then it stuck Perna, he really was the man that killed Gaine. He lied to her. He lied right to her face and she believed it. Perna started to hyperventilate, and the maid that had taken care of her earlier that morning came up behind her.

"Don't be worried deary," she tried to sooth. "The court likes you." But Perna couldn't manage to catch her breath for moment. It took another minute or so before she could calm down.

"Lady Perna," she heard Peter's voice call out. She held her breath and look up at him. Peter looked so commanding, and yet still gentle. A stark contrast to Edmund, who'd set his face to a stony expression. "Distinguished Courtiers, I have called this session today to discuss the matter of marriage. As you all knew well, very well, I am not getting any younger, and it has become a pressing matter that I High King Peter find a suitable bride to wed. I have made my decision, so if it pleases the court I present you Lady Perna of the Mountain. Some of you have had to privilege of inspecting the young lady, so what say you?"

"Yay," a voice called out in court, followed by several more "yays," by various courtiers. Peter smiled and looked pleased as it passed unanimously through court.

"My Royal Sister's, what say you?" Lucy grinned and nodded.

"I say Yay dear brother," she replied. "I think it's about time, to be honest. I can't wait for a niece of nephew." Susan smiled as well

"This is your choice King Peter," she said. "She looks fine to me, and if this is what you want, I say Yay. Looks like I've got a wedding to help plan." Susan shot a nice look to Perna.

"What do you say my Royal brother?" Peter asked. Edmund looked at a loss for word. He searched the faces of courtiers, and then Perna's face. He then looked up to see the eager look on Peter. Edmund hesitated for a movement then shook his head.

"Forgive me for this Peter, but I say nay," he said solemnly. A murmur ran through the crowed and Peter had almost a hurt look on his face.

"Why do you say that?"

"Peter, we don't know anything about her." Edmund's eyes shifted between Peter and Perna. "I just think you're rushing into this." Peter pulled Edmund in close, so they could speak in privet.

"The court's already voted unanimously. Asking for your vote is merely a formality. But Ed, I want you're approval, I may not need it, but I want it."

"Look at the lady, she's hiding something. I just want you to know her before you marry her. You don't even love her."

"Love," Peter scoffed. "Love is not a luxury I have dear brother. This is a marriage for diplomacy." Edmund sighed; he knew his brother well and didn't see a way to talk him out of this. Peter was really stubborn when he set his mind to something.

"If you will, postpone my decision until tomorrow. Let me talk to the lady. I want to get a feel for her."

"Do you really think I've not read her?" It was true; Peter was the best judge of character. He could read people and tell what they were about to do, long before they actually did it. It was what made him such a great strategist, and why he usually beat Edmund in chess.

"Indulge me dear brother. Let me have a moment to get to know my possible future sister." Finally Peter gave in.

"Alright," he turned back to court and silenced the commotion that had taken over. "My Royal brother wishes to hold his decision until tomorrow. Thank you for your counsel, and I will let you know of the outcome."