A/N. Hey) I won't be around the computer for a couple of days, so I decided to post this chapter now, as to compensate those days. I personally really like this chapter and I hope you will too. Enjoy!

Chapter 3.

The four came downstairs to Caspian's cabin. He told them there was now peace across all Narnia and now he was looking for the seven lords of Telmar. His father's seven closest friends and most loyal supporters. They fled from Miraz to the Lone Islands but no one has heard from them since.

Edmund looked at the map, puzzled "So if there are no wars to fight and no one's in trouble, then why are we here?"

Caspian raised his eyebrows. "Good question. I've been asking myself the same thing. Lucy!-he turned to her- I believe this is yours." He opened the bookshelf and took out a red velvet box.

"My healing cordial! And dagger!" she took them and smiled at her most precious Narnian belongings. "I should go check on Eustace, he's probably still in shock." and she walked out.

Edmund and Edelle smiled and then something else caught Edmund's eye.

"Peter's sword..."

"Oh, yes. - Caspian took it from the corner and handed it to Edmund. -Looked after it, as promised. Here, hold it if you wish."

Edmund shook his head

"No. Peter gave it to you."

Caspian smiled. "I did save this for you, though." – He went back to the bookshelf and much to Edelle's shock, took out a flashlight!

Edmund took it and checked if it was still working. By some miracle, it was.

"Well, we will have to find you a sword soon, Edmund. Can't keep the High King defenseless."

Edmund grinned.

"Defenseless, huh? " he snatched a sword from Caspian and got into a "ready-to-fight" position. Edelle was a bit startled by his movement, but found herself quite excited to see Edmund in action.

"How about a little duel with a defenseless King?"

Caspian grinned widely and took out another sword. "You're on!"

"Hey, hey, guys!-Edelle stood between them for a moment.- I don't think a small cabin is the perfect place for a sword fight. Care to move to the upper deck?"

"You're right. Come on, Caspian, I hope three years without a good opponent didn't put you out of shape." Edmund teased with a cocky grin.

"Oh, you've done it now!" Caspian laughed and they raced to the upper deck.

Edelle watched in wonder at the amazing sword fight that was now took place on the deck. She tried to memorize some fighting tips and poses; she watched the dancing blades and listened to the clashing sounds of metal. But most of all, she was admiring Edmund. She knew that he had fought wars and led armies before, but still couldn't believe his magnificent fighting skills. She stared in fascination at his incredibly nimble movements. Even though the shirt he wore did a great job of hiding him, Edelle was more than sure that his body was perfectly sculpted. His top three buttons where open and she could occasionally catch a glimpse of his well defined chest. She had always thought that such things must be very tiring- the sword is heavy and you have to move really fast. But somehow, Edmund didn't seem to be tired at all! His movements were so light and looked so easy. Of course, she knew that it was years of practice. A fighting Edmund was truly a sight to behold.

After several more minutes of fighting Edelle saw Caspian's sword fly out of his hands and Edmund's sword tip at his throat. Edmund grinned and put his sword down. Caspian smiled, accepting Edmund's victory, and patted his shoulder.

"You've grown stronger, my friend."

Edmund smiled back. "Seems I have."

As Caspian went away to his cabin Edmund approached Edelle, who was leaning against the side of the ship, looking at the ocean. He snuck up on her from behind and suddenly poked her on her side. She let out a startled yelp and turned around to see a smirking and amused Edmund.

"Don't you do that!" she smacked him playfully on the shoulder. Edmund stood close to her and Edelle could feel his warm body against her side. They just stood there in awkward silence for a few moments, and then Edelle decided to break it.

"I was watching you fight Caspian just now.."

"I know."

She blushed a bit. "You know?"

He smiled at her. "Of course, everyone could see you burning a hole in me the entire fight."

She blushed even harder. Was she really being that obvious? Apparently, yes.

"Yeah...I guess I was...sorry, I didn't mean to stare like that, I just...You where brilliant out there."

"I was just trying to impress you. And don't be sorry. In fact, I'm really flattered that such a beauty was watching me the whole time."

She giggled at his compliment and decided that it was now Edmund's turn to blush. "Well, you sure did a great job at impressing me. You, with a sword, so determined to win, all of that...-she gestured to his undone top buttons-...every bit of sexy."

She looked at him for several minutes and then chuckled in amusement as Edmund's face flushed redder than red before he managed to utter

"Thank you..." he thought about something for a moment and then looked up at her "You know, Drinian said we will soon be heading land. We can't know what waits for us there and...I want you to be able to defend yourself in case I won't be around."

She looked him in the eyes "What do you mean? How can you not be around?"

"Like I said, we never know what can happen so..."

"NO! -she cut him off and put her hands on his shoulders- I don't want to hear any of this. You will teach me to fight, but only so I won't be useless in a battle. And you- will be careful no matter what happens and you will be around at all times!"

Edmund was taken aback by her commandive tone but it also felt amazing to know that she cared about him.

"Okay then. There isn't much space here but I know Caspian has a training room. It has a lot of space and all the weapons we need."

"Well, let's get going then." she let go of him and he immediately missed her clutch, but he knew that 'training' her will give him an excuse to touch her from time to time. He nodded his head and they went downstairs.

They found the room sooner than they thought. They opened the big double door with the Dawn Treader's symbol on it and Edelle gaped. The room was huge and almost empty, except for the numerous weapons scattered all around the floor and leaning against walls.

Edmund took Edelle's hand and led her to the centre. He picked up a sword and handed it to her. She took it and took a moment to get used to it. It was quite heavy and she thanked heavens that she was a strong girl. She looked up and saw Edmund smiling and waiting for her to come back from her little world.

"Aren't you gonna get your sword out?"

"Not so fast. -he laughed- first we have to teach you to pose and the basic moves. Come on."

"What?" she asked confused.

"Come on- he put his hands on his hips- show me what you can do so far."

She shrugged and tried to copy one of the attack moves she saw Edmund perform today.

"No no no..you're breathing too hard and your moves must be much lighter. And you're holding the sword wrong"

He came around her and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Keep them higher..."

She gasped as his hands traced from her shoulders, along her arms and to her wrists so he could move them on the sword hold. She could feel his whole strong body pressed up against her from behind. He was so close, she could feel Edmund's heart beating faster than usual and that feeling made the pace of her own heartbeat quicken.

"There...that's better." he said in a low almost-whisper and she shivered as she felt his breath on her neck.

Then suddenly they heard a small noise. They turned their heads ans saw that it was just a sword falling from it's place. But that was enough to send them back to their senses. Edmund quickly came around to face her and drew out his sword.

"Now, attack."

She did and he kept correcting her and showing her the basics. Edmund proved to be a great teacher- by the end of the third hour of her training, her fighting skills improved a lot. She lightly swung her sword around and blocked Edmund's attacks. He smiled, pleased with his work.

"You're a fast learner. I think, two more sessions and you'll be as good as Caspian."

She smirked. "But I want to be as good as you!"

"Than three more sessions."

They laughed and Edmund looked at the clock on the wall.

"Wow...it's already eight p.m.!"

"Yeah, we sure got carried away. We better get upstairs before someone starts looking for us."

He nodded and opened the door. Edelle waited for him to go first but instead he stood back and motioned for her to go. She smiled warmly, such a gentleman. They got to the upper deck and saw Lucy coming up to them.

"Where were you two? I've been looking all over!"

"Training. I was teaching Edelle to handle a sword. Relax, Lu, we're on a ship, it's not like we can run away anywhere far."

Lucy smiled. "Yeah, you're right. Quite silly of me to worry."

"How's Eustace?" Edelle asked, not really interested. "Curled up in a ball, sobbing in a pillow?"

Lucy and Edmund laughed.

"No, I tried to talk to him but he told me to leave him alone. And took out that diary of his"

"He's fine." Edmund concluded.

"There you are!"

They turned around and saw Caspian.

"Don't you two want to see your rooms?"

"We have our own rooms?" Edelle gasped.

"Sure. Come, I'll show you."

They followed him to a corridor with many doors. "These are where my crew members live" -he gestured to the first several doors as they continued walking all the way to the end of the hallway, where they saw the last four doors.

"This is Lucy's room." he motioned to the first door. "Next to her is your cousin. And these are yours. Sorry they're so far away, but that's the best I have."

"No no, they're fine. Thank you, Caspian." Edelle smiled, thankfully.

"You're welcome, milady. Now, you make yourselves comfortable. If we see something, we'll let you know."

"Thanks.."

"Thank you.."

Caspian left and Edmund, Edelle and Lucy went to their rooms. Edelle opened the door and looked around. The room was quite small. It had a bed, a writing desk, a chair and a wardrobe. There was also a small round window that gave some light and a beautiful view at the ocean. She looked out the window for several moments, she had never been to the sea before and it was an amazing experience for her. Looking at the ocean, Edelle thought about her little encounter with Edmund. She remembered the shivers that went through her body when his mouth was less than an inch away from the back of her neck. She remembered how she had that sudden urge to turn around and press her lips to his. There was something about him, something that made him so irresistible. Maybe it was his strength, not only physical, but mental as well. Or maybe it was that incredible masculinity and courage that burned in his eyes at all times. Well, whatever it was, she mustn't fall for it. Never. She mustn't think of him that way, she mustn't let him get to her that way. The way she wanted him to.

Then she heard some Drinian's loud voice

"Land!"

Whatcha think?) You already know- review! *love you all*