Hey everybody!

Here I am with a quick update - its short, but oh well... I hope you all like this chapter. I'm working on the next and I'll put it up as soon as I'm done with it. I'll be posting a couple of links to the pictures in my profile, do check them out if you want to.

Thank you to all those reviewers! =D I'm glad you all liked this story and I know you've been waiting for the next chapter so here it is! Go on, read and review! xD

Disclaimer: Narnia is not mine.

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Desires and Destiny

Chapter 10

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Chad stood at the altar, feeling hollow despite the beautiful decorations that surrounded him. He glanced at the manor that loomed over the huge gardens, where the wedding was supposed to take place. The remodelled castle that had been transformed many years ago into the Fulton Manor had vines growing over all of the outer walls of the building. (A/N: Link in the profile.)

The green colors of the vines led his eyes down to the gardens that surrounded him. Flowers bloomed around all the edges of the garden. The grass was neatly trimmed and the guests were all seated in rows, staring at him.

In the front row on the right were Caspian, Susan, Isabel, Peter and Adeline – They all looked supportive of him. Edmund, who sat next to Adeline, didn't but he wasn't that angry anymore. He just seemed disappointed, like he wished that this was not happening.

The Lord of Daelhr knew that the five monarchs would be there for him even though they did not approve of his decision. Even though they were not happy about what happened with her…

Don't go there, he warned his mind and then smiled at the princes and the princesses of Narnia who were also there.

Irene and Estella seemed excited and amazed. Patrick was in Isabel's lap, playing with his mother's auburn locks, unaware of the event he was attending. Caleb simply looked bored… and maybe a little grumpy. Chad had heard the boy complain to his father about being at a wedding – which according to a storybook was a very girlish thing.

Stifling a chuckle at that, Chad looked at Kayla, who smiled at him, her eyes shining with understanding and love.

He smiled back before moving on to look at his best man and his best friend, Philip, who gave him a thumbs-up.

Chad's eyes searched for one particular person, but she was not here. He didn't expect her to be.

Why was he searching for her when he was just about to get married?

Why was he getting married?

And even more, was it the right thing to do?

Get a grip on yourself, he told himself firmly. This is not the time to have second thoughts about the wedding.

But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Something was definitely very wrong and he just couldn't put his finger on it.

"Are you ready, my boy? Demetrius, who was standing nearby, whispered. The old man was going to marry him and Alianna off.

"Yes." Chad replied.

Then everything got quiet as the guests turned their heads. Slow music began to play and he heard people gasp. Whispers of the beauty of the bride reached his ears.

But he didn't care. Well he did, but not that much. He didn't want to look at her, not yet, not now.

Should he be marrying her then?

Turn, he ordered himself.

And he obeyed his own order.

Slowly, he turned and his green eyes moved to the bride. And he couldn't help but agree with everyone.

Alianna looked beyond beautiful. Her blonde hair was tied in an elegant bun with a few locks hanging loose. Her white dress was strapless, flowing to the floor with a train that followed her every step. There was a single white ribbon crisscrossing over her bodice, making her curves prominent. She wore no veil to hide her face. (A/N: Link in the profile.).

Everywhere she stepped, there were red and orange rose petals were strewn down the aisle, leading her to her groom. In her hands, she held a lovely bouquet that featured the red and orange roses that matched the eccentric colors of the aisle. The bouquet was accented with green leaves and purples violets that grew in the garden around them.

A nervous smile on her face, Alianna's blue eyes moved from Chad to her brother and father and then back again.

She was gorgeous. And she would be his.

Then why was he not happy? Why did he still think that something lacked in the perfect beauty who was walking towards him.

And then, Chad realized with a jolt that he was searching for Lucy in that face.

Stop it, he told himself. She lied to you. She broke your heart. She doesn't love you.

He forced himself to focus on Alianna as she stopped next to him, her eyes now on her father.

A moment of silence passed.

And something twanged in Chad's heart. Something was not right.

But what?

"Dear all," Demetrius began, his voice loud and clear, "We are here…"

Chad didn't even pay attention. He knew he should and he wanted to, but for some insane reason his thoughts had wandered off to Lucy again.

Why couldn't he stop thinking about her even when he was being married to someone else? And did this mean that he should walk away now?

He glanced at Alianna.

No. He couldn't leave her at the altar. That would be wrong. None of this was her fault. And she knew everything about him and Lucy and still she was ready to marry him – of course that was because Demetrius had wanted her to do so. But still, Demetrius and Philip trusted him. Kayla supported him. He couldn't break all their trust.

He would have to fulfill his promise. He would have to marry Alianna and he would have to keep her happy. No matter what.

He had known that when he had accepted Demetrius' proposal. He knew that now too. And he would do that. No matter what.

"You may speak your vows," he heard Demetrius say.

Blinking back to the reality, the groom turned to face his bride as she did the same. A moment's hesitation later, Chad reached forward and took her hands in his.

His mind was still buzzing with millions of different thoughts and he forced them away, focusing only and only on what was happening.

A moment of silence passed.

"C-Chad, with everyone here as witness," Alianna spoke, her voice soft and shaking at the beginning. She seemed really scared. "I claim you as my h-husband."

At those words, Chad found himself raising his gaze to meet hers.

"I belong to you, I offer my life for you," she said, her hand trembled slightly. She stopped and then continued with a bit more confidence than before. "I give to you my companionship, my faithfulness, my heart, my soul and my body. I take into keeping the same that is yours. You are my life-mate, bound to me just as I am bound to you."

Everything was silent for a long moment.

He knew that everyone was waiting for him to speak, but his throat had gone dry as the meaning of the vows she had just made downed on him.

Her blue eyes slowly moved to their intertwined hands and back into his eyes. He could see apprehension hidden in those orbs.

Perhaps that was what made him gather his guts and speak…

"Alianna," He began and stopped.

This is it, he thought and took a deep breath.

"Alianna, with every person here as witness, I claim you as my wife," Chad said, looking deep into his eyes as he tried to convey to her the honesty in his words. "I belong to y-you. I offer my life for you. I give you my protection, my allegiance, my heart, my soul and my body. I take into keeping the same that is yours."

Alianna blinked, her blue eyes full of many emotions – one of which was strangely, understanding.

"You are my life-mate, bound to me just as I am bound to you," Chad finished.

"Bring forth the rings," Demetrius said and then Philip stepped forward.

The rings were exchanged quickly and Chad could now feel the weight of the promises he made on his finger.

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife," Demetrius paused shortly, "You may kiss the bride."

Silence.

Kiss the bride? He hadn't thought of that. He knew he had to kiss Alianna at the wedding, as per the traditions, but he had intentionally ignored that part. It was sad that it could no longer be ignored.

He knew that everyone was waiting. He could feel hundreds of eyes on him.

Chad stepped forward, his face moving close to hers.

Alianna let out a shaky breath, and he realized that she was nervous. He looked into her eyes and gave her a small smile of what he hoped was comfort before leaning forward and placing his lips atop hers.

The guests cheered, clearly over-joyed by the union.

Chad kissed her shortly, softly, caressing her lips with his, before pulling away and looking around.

Yes, the guests were clearly happy.

The monarchs were clapping, smiling at him – even Edmund was smiling, though Chad could detect hidden disappointment in his features.

Kayla was beaming, tears of joy and pride running down her cheeks.

He smiled at her, before finally glancing at his… wife, who was smiling politely at the guests, a blush on her cheeks.

The cheering went on for a minute and Chad found himself nodding his thanks when he saw her.

Lucy stood at the beginning of the aisle, her eyes wide, her body stiff and her mouth open in surprise. Hurt, angst, regret, guilt and defeat swam in her eyes – and finally dripped out on her cheek in the form of a single tear.

I know, I know - you're all staring at the screen, wide-eyed like this: O_O

But all I can say is - see you with the next chapter soon! :p

Until then take care and

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