A/N It's been takeing a while, but I've been on a boat in the Key's for the past week for research and work, so my internet access has been limited. (mainly uploading data). Sorry, because of work, some chapters may be taking a little longer to put up. On the plus side work in the Keys was awesome, and very productive. I got a shark tagged and blood sample taken. Did not see any Sawfish though :( Just a fun fact, sharks produce Squalenein their livers which helps inhibit tumor growth, sharks have amazing immune systems and generally do not get cancer. :)
Edmund paced around his room. Back and forth, back and forth fallowing the same pace now traced into the carpeting. What was she doing here? How, how could she marry Peter? A soft knock was heard on his door. "Edmund," he heard Susan say as she poked her head in. "Edmund, we've been holding dinner for you, are you coming?" He waved her off but she wasn't deterred. She saw the look on his face and invited herself in. "Are you are right? You still look feverish, maybe you should lay down." Edmund shook his head and sat down on his bed. Susan took a spot right next to him. He could tell her anything, and he knew he should tell her exactly what was going on. Maybe even explain his relationship with Perna. But the words wouldn't form.
"I'm alright Susan," he lied. One look at his sister's face told him, she didn't believe him for a second. "I think you're right, I think I am still felling feverish." Susan pursed her lips in concern and placed a hand to his forehead.
"You do feel warm, hmm, lay down in bed. I'll have some soup brought up for you." She turned to head out.
"Su, what do you think of the woman that Peter's going to marry?" Susan sighed and turned around.
"Is that what this is all about?" She all most sounded relived. "If I didn't know any better Ed, I would almost say you're jealous." Edmund was surprised at how perceptive his sister was. But she didn't know the true nature of the jealousy. "I don't think she's going to take Peter away from us."
"I don't believe that she will take Peter, I'm simply asking you- what you think of her." Susan sat back down on the bed and looked lost in thought for a moment.
"Well, I think she that she's a very strong woman, and I agree with Peter, she does hold a very regal presents. I think she has the blood in her to be a good ruler for Narnia. However, I think she's had a very simple up bringing, and needs to be versed in Narnia's culture. She has no battle skills or experience. From what I've seen of her, and the brief conversations, I find her well spoken, but very self conscious. She needs to stop thinking about what she's going to do and just do it." Edmund smiled to himself. He felt the same way. Perna did over analyze everything, but knew when she did eventually let go, she was amazing.
"What does Peter think?"
"Well you know our brother had never been attracted to beauty alone. He prefers a woman with more substance than just a pretty face; he wants her opinion and guidance. Not just to sit next to him, but to rule next to him. He's been the reason I will never settle for a suitor who wants me for my looks alone. I'm not just a statue to look beautiful beside him. I also know Peter believes that some of Narnia's best rulers have started from humble beginnings. Look at our history with King Frank and his descendants. He sees Perna as a hot blooded woman who will stand in the shadows when needed, and counsel him when the time comes. Lucy has spent quite a bit of time with her in travel, she believes the same time. Frankly, I feel it's about time one of us gets married, and I think with lessons and guidance, she could rule along side of us. However, I sense something unstable about her, but I know Peter senses it too. Perhaps it's just the sudden change of everything for her. It's not easy to up root your life and suddenly start anew. Although, it can be very promising- and exciting- new starts can be wonderful. There's no better judge of character in Narnia than Peter. That's why I agree to the marriage." Edmund sighed; Susan stood up and kissed him on the forehead. "Hmm, you really do feel slightly warm."
"Physically I feel fine, dear sister. I think I've just been working to hard today; maybe I will take my dinner in here tonight. I don't want my sour mood to spoil the festivities of a new guest."
"Edmund, I've never seen you so tight lipped. Why does this bother you so? Again she gave him another chance to spill his heart. This was Susan, his older sister, the woman who never judged him, the woman who was practically a mother to him. Before he disappeared, he would never keep secrets from her. Why now, why couldn't he tell her. Maybe it was because of the eager look on her brother's face, when he asked Perna to marry him at court. Edmund felt it was selfish, to take her away from Peter like this. More than likely it was because Edmund wanted to speak to Perna first, before making a rash decision.
"Your initial assumption was correct, I'm simply jealous that's all. The most vile and juvenile of all emotions, and I can't seem to hold it back. But again, you are wise beyond you're years; Peter would never give up his family for a woman. I should not have doubted otherwise." He offered his sister a smile which she returned.
"Maybe some time alone with your thoughts is not a bad idea. It'll help you get them sorted. I'll have a try of food brought up shortly." She turned to leave again and paused, "and Edmund, I know it goes without saying, but, I love you dear brother. I know Peter and Lucy feel that same. When we thought you dead," she shuttered slightly and closed the door behind her, leaving Edmund alone once more. Another knock on the door and the maid came in with a try of food. Edmund picked at the meat dish for a while, and finally settled eating the potato dish with butter. He gulped down the flask of wine in two swallows and started on another. Then a wave of frustration passed over him and flung the glass vase, holding a perfectly white calla lily, against the wall. What was Perna playing at? He had to talk to her, but the way her eyes burned with fury as he walked into the throne room…
Edmund found himself standing outside Perna's apartment. It was a floor below his and on the north end of the castle. His apartment faced east and south, right below Peter's, who's apartment was on the top most floor. He thought for a moment rubbing his chin with his index finger and finally rapped on the heavy door. There was no answer. He knocked again and heard foot steps coming down the hall. It was Perna walking back from dinner with his family. She looked at him stunned for a moment before her eyes darkened. "You..:" she growled. Edmund grabbed her and shoved her into the room to avoid conflict in the corridor.
"What are you doing here?" Her husky voice trembled with rage.
"Really, I live here, and should be asking you the same question." Edmund countered trying hard not to become too defensive.
"Well, King Edmund, just call me Ed, I was invited here by your family. And what a surprise it was, to you see you. I won't lie, unlike you, I was secretly hoping to meet you and run off, but now I see that's not possible." Perna allowed her anger to over shadow her sorrow. She trusted him. "You are a despicable human being. I don't even know who you are. How can I?"
"I came to talk you about that. And I never actually lied to you."
"You withheld who you were, that's as good as lying."
"With all do respect, I was in fear for my life, what would you have done? You were holding my sword to my chest. I was too weak to fight back. Even against a woman like you. Even without knowing who I was in title, I never lied in my actions and personality. I helped keep you and your nurse from starving. Where would have been without me?"
"I…I…Ooh," she squealed in frustration. "I specifically asked you if I could trust you…"
"I never actually responded to the question, you drew that conclusion on your own."
"Don't turn this around on to me. You, you killed my betrothed, you killed the one man who could have saved my people. I can never forgive you for that"
"Look around you Lady, my family is doing a pretty good job helping to save your people. Don't think I don't know the land arrangement my brother set up. Your people get a piece of Narnian land in exchange for tribute and troops. I didn't, however know you were the door prize. To the victor, my dear, go the spoils I suppose. Who wants a King when they can be promised to a High King," Edmund replied bitterly. "As for the death of your betrothed, he died in battle with my county. I will not, under any circumstances allow any enemy to attack Narnia unopposed. General Gaine knew exactly what he was going into. A death in battle, tragic though it may be, is a calculated risk."
"You killed him," she responded in a dangerously low tone.
"And I would do it again. He was about to kill my brother on the battlefield. I love no person more than my family." He looked her in the eyes. "No one!" She looked betrayed for a moment and then went eerily clam.
"You right, why marry a king when I can marry The High King? I thought I loved you once." Her voice was hollow and her eyes were blank, staring at the ground. But her body trembled uncontrollably. "But now I realize- I don't love you. I never have, it was just a lie, like everything else." This time Edmund looked betrayed. He jerked back like she had just sucker punched him.
"Tell that to my face. I almost believed you." He grabbed her chin, a little rougher than he wanted, and forced her to look in his eyes. They flashed anguish for a moment before returning back to the unnatural blankness.
"I… I don't love you." Edmund sighed deeply and nodded his head up slowly.
"You're a spoiled, stubborn woman." He pulled his lips together in a thin tight line. "But know this, I never lied about my feelings for you."
"I don't love you, I don't love you…" she said over and over again in a robotic voice.
"So be it." He walked out of the room. Perna collapsed onto her bed in tears and Edmund made beeline for his brother's apartment. He knocked on his brother door and Peter opened holding a piece of parchment in his hand.
"Edmund?" Peter asked. "What's wrong? Susan said you were a little feverish tonight."
"I just wanted you to know, before you settled in for the night, that I give you my blessing, if you chose to marry Lady Perna." Edmund knew he was making a mistake. It was like cutting off his nose to spite his face, but she had cut him so deeply. If she didn't love him, than he was going to do everything to make her as unobtainable as possible.
"Why the change of heart?"
"More like an epiphany. I've spoken with the Lady, and feel that if you wish to marry her, than, so be it. I agree with Susan, she's of strong blood and breeding. She will produce a good heir." Peter was good at reading people; however, Edmund was difficult to read on a good day. Right now it was near impossible to tell what he was thinking.
"Do you really think so?"
"Push for a quick engagement, I think a spring wedding will be best, when all of Narnia is in bloom, showing her full splendor. She'll be a lovely bride." Peter gave his brother a small smile.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you rather like the lady." Edmund smiled back to hid is feelings. Peter had no idea.
"I'm simply stating I think the Lady will look lovely in spring light best. Susan will be please, getting to plan a joyful, beautiful event."
"She'll tire herself out greeting and dancing with everyone. She's so tenderhearted, she can't say no."
"Also we should hold a tournament to introduce her. Maybe some jousting, sword fighting, and even an archery contest, Lucy will like that, what say you?"
"Why, I think it's a splendid idea. We'll plan it at once. Now, I've missed you for so long, how about starting a new game of chess." Chess sounded perfect. It was hard to concentrate on anything else. Plus being with Peter meant he didn't have to think about Perna, or his broken heart.