I am Cat. Ennarre (along with all of my friends) say that I am crazy. In spirit of me FINALLY getting the chance to see the DVRed recording of the Academy Awards, I will now sound (briefly) like I'm giving a presentation speech :P...

"My dear readers...fjebgjtysdl pbbbbbtttttt :P You don't read ANY of our author's notes, do you? Because IF YOU DID, you'd know that we ARE going to include the people in Cair Paravel... That part of this chapter is for those who won't stop bugging -

Ennarre: a little mean, don't you think?

Cat: Nope :P

- us about the kids!

Also, both Ennarre and I agree that we love Anamayea, who is AWESOME! If you can't listen to us, listen to her... You dear, get a hug from both of us! :P We would have PMed you, but you didn't have a link for us to do so..."

Now that THAT'S over... let's get on with the story!

Cat: I'm covered in hair. Blue ribbon hair.

Ennarre: But this has nothing to do with D&D! *Facepalm* Anyway... Thank you to all the reviewers. This one is for you! :P

Disclaimer: Narnia not mine.

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Desires and Destiny

Chapter 16

.

"How're you feeling now?" Kayla asked her brother the next morning.

"My body hurts. I cannot move. It took Alianna five whole minutes to put me in this sitting position. And I've been ordered not to work." Chad glared at her. "How do you think I am?"

"No one likes stopping you from working," Lucy, who was standing next to Kayla, said. "But it is necessary if you want to get better."

"I know that," Chad snapped. Now that he could think straight, much of his anger towards the Valiant Queen had returned.

"Your breakfast, milord," Alianna said, placing a tray in his lap.

Chad muttered something under his breath.

Kayla sighed. "Don't look so miserable, Chad. Look, we are going to eat our breakfast in this room too so that we could give you company."

"But you'll be eating there on that table while I'm stuck here on this damn bed!"

"Stop whining before I smack your head!" Kayla warned.

"Whatever," Chad said and picked up a piece of toast with his left hand because he couldn't use his right.

"Chad! Chad!" Philip came running into the room, Demetrius right behind him, both looking pale. "We just got the news. Came running out here. What happened?"

"And how are you?" Demetrius asked, concern etched on his face.

"Calm down," Chad said. "I'm fine and I was attacked."

"By who?"

"I don't know."

Philip turned to Alianna angrily. "Why didn't you inform us of this event earlier?"

"She was busy with me," Chad spoke. "Do not be angry with her."

Philip glared at his sister for another few seconds but did not say anything else.

"Well, it is a good thing you were saved," Demetrius said. "We don't want to lose the best governor this city has ever had to a few assassins."

Chad smiled.

"My Queen," Demetrius bowed when he noticed Lucy, "Forgive me, I did not notice you. I was worried about Chad."

"It's alright," Lucy replied with a slight smile, nodding towards Philip too. "It is good to see you two after such a long time."

"Indeed," Philip said.

"Join us for breakfast," Kayla said to them. "Come on, sit!"

As they sat down on the couch and the chairs, and Alianna on the bed next to Chad, there was a knock on the door followed by Harry walking into the room.

He inclined his head in respect before turning to look at Chad. "Milord, the guards sealed the area of the attack and they have been trying to trace who the assassins were."

"Any luck?" Lucy asked.

Harry nodded. "One." he paused, "He was a man named Selwin. Lived in a small hut on the other side of the city. From what your guards say, he has been working as a builder in the construction projects."

Chad seemed thoughtful. "Anything else? Is there anyone in his family that we can question?"

"He had no wife or children," Harry told him. "From what the guards tell me, Selwin has a distant cousin."

"Who?"

Harry hesitated. "A man named Talan. He is currently the leader of the labour force."

"What!" Philip exclaimed, standing up in anger. "Are you sure of this?"

"I do not know," Harry replied. "I'm only telling you what the guards told me. I don't even know much about the city."

"Talan! Of course he is the one behind this attack," Philip said, "The man hates Chad. And he would do anything to get rid of him."

"Calm down, Philip," Chad said, not liking the way his friend was shaking with rage. An angry Philip was never a good thing. "I think we should wait until all the investigation is done."

"It is clear - Talan sent his men to kill you. That bastard!" Philip said. "I'll teach him a lesson!"

"Don't!" Chad ordered, moving to get up.

"Philip, sit back down," Demetrius said.

But Philip had stormed out of the room.

Chad sighed, grimacing as his chest exploded with pain. Trying to get up was not the best thing to do.

Had he been fine, he would have followed Philip and dragged him back. But it was no good now. He just hoped that he didn't do anything stupid.

"What am I going to do with that boy?" Demetrius said, running a hand over his face tiredly.

"Don't worry," Chad said, "I'll talk to him, once he returns... which I hope is soon. I don't want him to do something that we all will regret."

"Do you want me to go after him?" Harry asked slowly.

Chad nodded, staring at Harry as the latter moved towards the door.

The Lord of Daelhr hated him. He was the man who had kissed Lucy - who had ruined his life. Who was the reason behind his heartbreak.

But this was the man who had saved his life...

"Harry," Chad called.

Harry stopped and turned.

Everyone was staring at Chad, but he tried to ignore it. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Thank you."

Harry blinked. "... For what?"

"For yesterday," Chad said, his face blank and yet honest, "I owe you my life."

"It was nothing but my duty."

"I'm thankful nonetheless."

Harry inclined his head and left.

"That was nice of you," Lucy commented.

And Chad's anger boiled. Of course Lucy would approve when someone was nice to Harry - she loved that man. "I said what was necessary," he snapped. "I didn't do it to get your approval, my Queen."

She didn't say anything but the hurt in her eyes was clear to him. He wasn't sure if he felt happy or pained to see that.

Everyone ate silently for a few minutes. Then -

"Well, you should rest and take care of yourself so that you get well real soon, Chad, my boy," Demetrius spoke up, his voice kind, "And you won't have to worry about anything. Philip and I will handle all the matters of the city."

"That wont be necessary," Lucy replied.

"I beg your pardon, my queen?"

"I said that won't be necessary," Lucy said sweetly. "I told Chad that I can take care of the matters of the city while he recovers."

Demetrius was silent for a moment. "...You don't have to. I mean, you are visiting Daelhr. It would be so wrong to force you to work while -"

"I'm doing it willingly."

"Ah," Demetrius smiled. "Of course."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "And I assume you and Philip will help me govern."

He inclined his head. "Of course."

"Perfect, then," Lucy stood up. "I have to speak with Harry, if I can find him, but I shall expect you in the library in an hour. We have work to do."

"In Lord Chad's private library, milady?"

"No," Lucy paused, glancing at Chad from the corner of her eyes, "I think it will be best if I stay away from Chad's private safe haven, which happens to be his personal territory."

And with that, she left.

[][][][][][][][]

"Well, well, well, what have we got here?" Peter said as he walked into his room. "The beautiful princess is playing with her little brother peacefully. How did that happen?"

"Patrick is being good today," Irene replied.

"Is that so?"

She nodded. "He didn't pull my hair today."

"That is some good news," Peter chuckled. "May I join you two?"

"Sure."

Peter smiled as he walked over to the bed where both his kids were sitting. "How is my princess?"

Irene, his pretty little daughter with her auburn wavy hair that she got from Isabel and her shocking blue eyes that she definitely inherited from him, reached forward and kissed his cheek. "Great," she said. "And how's my daddy?"

"Good," the High King replied, turning to look at his son.

Patrick had turned two last month. With deep brown eyes, chubby cheeks and the cutest laughter, the boy was without doubt the most energized child in his opinion.

"And you, Pat," Peter said. "How are you?"

"Papa!" Patrick cheered. "Food!"

Peter made a face. "You certainly do take after your Uncle Edmund," he muttered as he reached out for a banana and peeled it open.

Irene giggled. "He is always hungry, isn't he?"

Peter chuckled. "I just don't know how he can stuff all that in such a tiny body."

"Eda stuffs all that food in his body," Irene pointed out. Even though she could now pronounce Edmund's name right, she still called him 'Eda' at home. Only in formal balls or in front of others did she refer to him as 'Uncle Edmund'. And strangely, Edmund never objected to it.

"You have a point," Peter said as he watched Patrick eat the fruit. "Anyways, what were you doing?"

Irene's eyes lit up and she clapped. "I was teaching Pat how to count."

"Really?"

"Yes. He can count to ten now."

Peter felt proud of his children. Of course it was over something so small like counting, but his son was learning. And his daughter was teaching her little brother how to count. Every time they learnt something or did something new, his heart would fill with pride and happiness. Being a father was truly amazing.

Peter looked at his son. "Count to ten for me, Pat."

Nothing.

"Come on, Start counting!"

Not a word.

"Please?"

No success.

"It's a group effort. Look," Irene told him. "Patrick… One."

"Two," Patrick said.

"Three," Irene went on.

"Foo."

Peter laughed. "Five."

"Six." Patrick cheered, holding out six fingers.

"Very good," Irene said, "Seven."

"E…" Patrick stopped.

"Eight," Peter told him slowly.

"Nine!" Patrick smiled.

"Ten!" All three of them shouted.

"It seems like you've leaned your numbers, my King," Isabel, who had walked into the room, commented.

"Patrick can count!" Peter told his wife.

Isabel smiled. "Yes, I know. Irene has been working on it since morning." She sat on the bed. "And it seems she has succeeded. Right, Patrick?"

"Mama," Patrick jumped and hugged the queen.

"He didn't hug me when I came here," Peter complained.

"Well, I'm his favorite parent."

"No, you're not," Peter said, pulling Patrick into his lap. "Patrick – is Mama good or is Papa good?"

"Mama good," the little prince said casually.

Peter's expression was a mixture of irritation, sadness and anger. "A-And papa, is papa good?"

Patrick sucked on his finger as he looked at everyone, seeming thoughtful.

"He is actually considering what to say?" The High King asked incredulously over the laughter of his wife and daughter.

"I don't blame him," Isabel joked. "I would have considered if I were asked that question too."

Peter grumbled something under his breath.

"You're the best daddy in the whole world," Irene said, hugging him. "Patrick knows that."

"You think so?"

Irene nodded.

"Thank you, angel," Peter smiled, kissing his daughter's brow. "You're the best daughter in the world."

Irene flicked her hair back. "I know that."

"With a modest personality like your father," Isabel stated.

Peter rolled his eyes, turning to his son who was tugging on his tunic. "What is it, Pat?"

"One?"

The High King raised an eyebrow. "Two."

"Three."

"He is not going to stop now. He has been doing that do me all day." Irene told him. "Good luck, daddy!"

"What do you mean? And where are you going?"

"To play with Estella and Caleb."

"Three!" Patrick screamed.

"Four?" Peter looked at wife for help.

"This is your chance of becoming the best father ever," she said leaning forward to place a chaste kiss on his lips. "Meanwhile, I'm going to take a long bath."

"Five," Patrick clapped.

Peter sighed and slumped down. "Six."

[][][][][][][][]

"I could see how uncomfortable Demetrius was with the idea of me taking over Chad's place," Lucy said to Harry, "That is good."

"But milady, you taking over Lord Chad's work means that we'll have to stay in Daelhr for a month, maybe more," Harry pointed out.

"That gives us even more time to find some evidence against them."

Harry looked troubled for a moment.

"What is it, Harry?" she asked.

He shook his head. "Nothing," he replied. "I-I guess you are right - this is perhaps the best we can do right now."

Lucy nodded as she turned to look at her friend who was sitting on the other side of the couch. "You went after Philip," she said. "What happened?"

"Philip rode out and he found Talan and he beat him."

"What?" Lucy exclaimed in surprise.

"In front of everyone. And he kept on shouting how Talan wanted to kill Chad," Harry told her. "And Talan kept on shouting that he didn't do anything. I had to rush in and pull Philip away before he did some serious damage."

"That's not good," Lucy sighed. "I have no idea how the labour will react to this."

Harry chuckled darkly. "Philip is mad."

"I suppose," Lucy said with a sad smiled. "But then again, both of Demetrius' sons are mad."

Harry frowned, turning to look at her. "Both?"

And Lucy slapped her forehead - hard. "Of course!" she exclaimed, out of breath all of a sudden. "How could I be so stupid?"

"What is it?"

"How could I forget something like this?" She went on, "And its not like it is the biggest secret or something... But I guess that I, too, trusted Demetrius and his family and considered them friends like everyone else."

"Lucy," Harry spoke up, "Can you tell me what you're talking about or should I just sit here and see you rant?"

"Philip is not Demetrius' only son." Lucy told him. "He had another son, who was even more crazy than Philip. His name is Emery, and he is the man who raped Kayla along with Alfred and Bayard."

Harry's eyes went wide.

"After everyone found out about what he did, Demetrius and his family were shamed." Lucy said, "But once, Chad became the Lord of Daelhr, Demetrius came and begged for forgiveness, asking Chad to not condemn his whole family just because of what Emery did.

"It took a long time but eventually Chad was able to forgive them," she went on, "And he convinced us all to give Demetrius and Philip and Alianna another chance too."

"Chad forgave the family of the man who raped Kayla?" Harry asked, his voice filled with some emotion Lucy could not guess.

"He did." Lucy said. "And I know that it was not easy for him, considering that he was the one who took care of Kayla all those years when she was... mentally disturbed."

Harry was quiet for a few moments. "And you think that this has something to do with Demetrius' plans?"

"It could be." she said, "Demetrius declared that he was ashamed of what Emery did and that he refused to call him his son. All three of them even stopped talking about him... but what if they never forgot?"

"And now they want revenge for their dead family member?"

Lucy stared at him. "No," she murmured. "Emery is not dead. He is in prison in Cair."

"... You might be on the right track, Lucy, but we still need proof."

"I know." she sighed, "And now, we've a month to find some."

[][][][][][][][]

Later that evening, Harry decided to take a walk in the gardens to clear his head. Hadiya had been in his thoughts all day and he couldn't help but worry. They were going to be in Daelhr a lot longer than planned and he didn't know what to do.

I know that Molly said she would watch over Hadiya for a few days, but Aslan knew when they'd get back now. Molly already has enough on her plate, taking care of her own 6 children... I know that Hadiya isn't any trouble, but I can't ask that of her... What am I gonna -

Harry's thoughts were cut off when something caused him to stumble and fall on his face.

"Hey!" he heard a irritated voice call out.

Harry turned over and saw that the "something" he had tripped over was actually a "someone" and the "someone" was actually the Lady Kayla, who was giving him a deathly glare.

Harry hurriedly stood up and offered his hand to help Kayla up, but stood up on her own, brushing herself off.

Harry looked at her hands and realized they were cut in several places. Alarmed, he reached over and gently took her wrist, so as to not infect the fresh wounds as he took out his water flask to wash the dirt out of her cut.

"I thought you were supposed to tend for my wounds, not the other way around," he teased as he took the handkerchief she offered to wrap her hand.

"We never agreed on that," she shot back.

"How'd you get these cuts anyway?" he asked as he tied the knot on the wrapping.

"Why'd you trip over me?" she challenged.

"Kayla..." he trailed off, letting her know that he wanted an answer. She simply crossed her arms and looked at him critically, waiting for his answer. "I was lost in thought, okay?"

"About?..." she prodded.

"I'm not telling until you answer my question first. We'll take turns... I ask, and you answer, then you ask and I'll answer."

"Fine." Kayla humphed in defeat. "Alianna's the flower person, not me," she said in explanation.

"I was thinking about my sister," Harry supplied. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You have a sister?" Kayla asked in surprise.

"Yes. Now you owe me two answers," Harry replied with a playful smirk.

"Don't get cheeky with me!" Kayla made a face. "But you're right. You know how Alianna said she wanted to bring flowers into her and Chad's room?"

"I actually didn't, but go on..." Harry waved his hand in a "continue" gesture.

"Anyway, she's been at Chad's side nonstop, keeping him company, that she hasn't had a chance to come out and pick them herself, and asked me if I wouldn't mind doing it for her. I had nothing better to do so I agreed."

"So how'd you get those cuts on your hands?"

Kayla blushed in embarrassment. "I guess I forgot that these flowers had thorns," she mumbled, ushering to the basket at her feet. "Honestly, I didn't really even notice until someone tripped over me, causing me to fall into the bush."

"I'm sorry," Harry apologized, instantly feeling guilty.

"It's alright," Kayla said kindly.

Must be having a good day, Harry thought.

"But do you want to talk to me about what's troubling you about your sister?" Kayla asked. "Did she do something wrong or something?"

"Oh, no," Harry said. "Hadiya is a perfect angel. She's about Princess Irene's age... and I'm just worried about what I'm going to do now that Queen Lucy is extending her stay here in Daelhr. I'm her private guard, it's not like I can just go back to Cair Paravel for Hads."

Kayla smiled, shaking her head lightly. "Brothers," she said. "You all always worry about your sisters. Don't worry, I'm sure your sister will be fine with your mom and dad for a little while."

Harry suddenly became rigid, his face was expressionless, but anger and hurt evident in his eyes.

"Hadiya would never be fine with my father," he spit out the last word as if he was ashamed to have said it. "And my mother... Hadiya and I live alone," he finished, a distant longing in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." Kayla said, startled at Harry's reaction. "Who's Hadiya staying with now?"

"Molly is our neighbor and a good friend of mine. She's a widow by war and works in the kitchen at the castle. She loves the princes and princesses as her own and will often sneak them and Hadiya sweet treats if ever they go knocking on the kitchen's back door."

Hadiya smiled.

"Whenever Hadiya isn't reading or playing with Princess Irene, she is often found playing with one or more of Molly's six children." he paused, deep in memories, a smile on his face as he told Kayla about one of his nicest friends. "Ever since I got Hadiya, I've trusted Molly to take care of her whenever I have to go out of town and can't bring Hads with."

"Molly seems like a very nice lady," Kayla said kindly. "What's wrong with asking if she wouldn't mind watching Hadiya for a bit longer than planned?"

"Being a kitchen maid can only get you so far financially," Harry explained. "Especially when you're a widowed mother of six. I know Molly would take Hadiya in for a bit longer if I asked her, but I can't do that to her."

"What if you sent her a weekly allowance to take care of Hadiya with?" Kayla suggested.

"It's not like I wouldn't but she's too proud to take it." Harry answered immediately. "That woman's one downfall is her pride that she can take care of her family all on her own. I once offered her a silver coin for taking care of Hadiya an extra two weeks, but..."

"But?"

"But she refused to even consider accepting it," he told her, "And when I insisted, she threatened to hit me with a big wooden spoon."

Kayla laughed. "Did she?"

"No!" Harry told her. "She is a friend and she jokes like this often."

"Pity," she said. "That would have been quite a story."

Harry smiled and then shook his head. "I just don't want to be a burden on Molly."

"Then for Aslan's sake, Harry, call Hadiya to Daelhr!"

Harry started to protest, but Kayla held up her hand to stop him.

"Look, I know you're going to say something about there not being enough room in your bedroom for her to stay with you. I can see from your previous responses that you've honestly taken every other option into consideration and don't want to inconvenience anyone, but now you've made the mistake of telling me about it so I'm not going to back down. Call your sister to Daelhr. There's a spare bedroom down the hall from my room. She can stay there as my personal guest." Kayla told him in a no-nonsense tone.

Harry was frozen for a moment, shock written all over his face when suddenly a huge smile spread across it.

"You'd do that for me?" he asked.

"For you and Hadiya," Kayla smiled. "You saved Chad's life. Besides, I don't need anymore sad faces around Ardross... Chad has more than enough for everyone right now."

Harry took both of her small hands in his big, strong ones. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I'm going to go write for Molly to arrange for her to be sent up now!"

Kayla smiled at his giddiness. "Glad to be of help."

"You have no idea how much I appreciate this, Kayla!" he said, placing a quick chaste kiss on her cheek, before freezing as he realized what he'd done.

Kayla stared at him, her eyes wide in shock.

A couple of silent moments passed and then she pulled her hands away from his.

"You are so lucky that my brother is injured and he did not see that," she said in a menacing voice as she picked up her basket and walked away, leaving a very stunned, yet very alive Harry behind her.

[][][][][][][][]

Chad was irritated. He had been trying to sleep for more than an hour now – and no success. He was tired of lying in the bed, not being able to move and not having anything to do.

And it had been just a week! How was he going to survive three more weeks of this immobilized torture?

With a small sigh, the Lord of Daelhr opened his eyes and looked around.

He saw Alianna standing by the window, looking out, her body tense and her hands fidgeting. And this was something that Chad had noticed over the last week.

Alianna had been taking such good care of him. She took care of his medicines, his food, and spent her time by his side talking to him. She was amazing. But Chad had also noticed that when Alianna thought that Chad was asleep or not looking, she would fidget and pace.

Something was worrying her – something that she did not share with him, something that he wanted to find out.

"Alianna?" Chad called.

She jumped. "Milord, you are awake."

"I couldn't sleep," he said. "And you?"

"It's afternoon, I'm not even supposed to be sleeping at the moment."

He motioned her to come close. "Then what is your excuse for last night?"

"Excuse?" she asked as she walked towards the bed and took a seat on the edge.

Chad eyed the dark circles beginning to form beneath her eyes. "You've not been getting any sleep in the past few nights, Alianna," he said. "Do you think I didn't notice that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about?" she said quickly, looking away.

He reached out and took her hand. "Is something wrong?"

"No."

"Look at me, Alianna," he ordered.

She did, her emotion-filled blue eyes fixed on his.

"Is something wrong?" Chad repeated his question.

She didn't look away. But she wasn't able to lie either. Instead, she slowly shook her head, her lower lip trembling.

Chad let go of her hand and caressed her cheek. "What troubles you?"

"Nothing… I-I just…" she trailed off.

"You what?"

"I just want to cry," she told him in a small voice.

He blinked in surprise, wondering why she wanted to do so. But now was not the time to ask her.

"Then cry," he told her as he pulled her to him. Wrapping an arm around her small waist, he held her close as she buried her face in the crook of his neck and cried.

All was silent for a few minutes as Alianna's sobs died out.

She pulled back, wiping her teak streaked face with the back of her hand, she stared at him with wide eyes. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have –"

"I don't want an apology," he cut her off. "I want an explanation."

She looked away, worry flooding her features. She didn't say anything for a long while. Then – "I'm confused."

"About what?" he asked.

"How does one determine what is right and what is wrong?" she asked. "What if right and wrong are so closely intertwined that it becomes hard to differentiate between them?"

"It depends on what those right and wrong things are."

"Does it matter?" she questioned. "What if you think you are doing the right thing but it turns out to be wrong for others?"

Chad frowned. "Well then it would depend on what you will be gaining by doing the thing you think is right and what the others will be losing. It comes down to what your actions cost you and the others."

She seemed thoughtful for a while and then turned with a sigh, only to find him staring at her intently. "I'm a mess, aren't I?" she asked.

"I'd be lying if I said you weren't."

"It's just that everything is wrong," she finally said, lying down next to him. "You are injured. You are in pain. And those men tried to kill you."

"Is that what you're worried about?"

She didn't say anything.

"Alianna, look," he sighed. "I'm hurt but I'll recover. We'll find out what those men wanted and everything will be alright again."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"I…" she trailed off for a second, "I think I'll visit my father tonight."

"Why?"

She shrugged. "Is it okay if you have dinner with Kayla or Lucy this evening?"

"I'll miss you," he said. "But if seeing your father and brother will make you feel better then you should go."

Alianna smiled at him. "Thank you, milord."

[][][][][][][][]

"Hadiya!" Irene cheered. "I talked to father and he agreed."

The children were in the playroom one afternoon when Hadiya had walked in.

"We are going to the falls to play tomorrow!" Caleb said, his eyes twinkling.

"We'll run, eat and have so much fun there!" Irene said.

Hadiya looked sad. "I cannot come with you."

"But you said that you could," Estella pouted.

"I know," Hadiya sighed. "But my brother is staying in Daelhr with your auntie so I have to go and live with him."

"This is not fair," Irene said. "We've been planning to go to the falls for five days!"

"I have to go to Harry."

"Does this mean we won't go to the falls?" Estella asked.

"No," Caleb replied. "This means we will have fun without Hadiya."

"When are you leaving?" Irene asked her friend.

"Now," Hadiya replied. "I just came to say goodbye."

"We'll miss you."

She smiled, her emerald eyes looking sad. "So will I." she waved her hand at them. "But have fun at the falls."

"We will," Estella said.

"And when you come back, we'll go again," Irene said.

Hadiya nodded and moved towards the door. She stopped and turned. "I'll see you all soon. Play a lot, have fun, and please stay out of trouble while I'm gone!"

[][][][][][][][]

The next afternoon, the kings and queens were enjoying their picnic in the gardens. Caleb, Estella and Irene had gone off with some guards to play by Lucy's favorite waterfall. Patrick played on his father's lap while the High King sipped his tea.

Edmund had just finished telling a joke when some rustling in the bushes that bordered the gardens made everyone stand alert.

Suddenly, Irene burst out of the foliage, several cuts on her hands and a bruise or two forming on her face.

She ran into her mother's arms, completely out of breath, as the others stared at her in shock and concern.

But that all seemed like nothing when the kings and queens heard what she said next -

"Caleb and Estella have been kidnapped."

duh dum DUHHHHHH

*evil laugh!*

Cat again! That's what you all get for pushing us to include the kids! We will get right on letting you know what happens next, but in the meantime:

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