Chapter 19:

Edmund and Molly spent the rest of the bazaar going from stall to stall sampling each stall's wares. Some of the food was questionable, but they soon found that everything tasted infinitely better than it looked. Each made sure to buy presents for the other members of their family, but kept the gifts secret from each other as to surprise them. They even stopped when they found a Narnian merchant selling apple tarts and other Narnian delicacies.

"Edmund, look," Molly said, pointing to the small pile of blackberry tarts on the long table. Edmund turned to survey the table, his eyes gleaming at the prospect of stoalen, a dense breakfast bread narians typically had around Christmas.

"Can we get some Ed," Molly pleaded.

Ed grinned, "I guess."

She hit him in the arm. "I guess? I see you eying the stoalen mister." The pair laughed between themselves.

"Alright, I'll have two of the berry tarts and six slice of the stoalen," Ed said, turning to the faun behind the table.

"Of course, My lord," the faun said, bowing to Edmund.

"No, please don't bow. I'm not King Edmund right now, just a commoner," Ed said, handing over more than was owed the faun.

"Sir, this is too much," the faun said, counting the coins.

"Nonsense. Such fine baking deserves compensation," Ed said, as a paper bag passed from the faun's assistant to Molly.

"Have a good day," the faun said as the pair walked away. They turned around to wave, pieces of stoalen already hanging from their mouths.

The sun was dipping toward the horizon when the two finally made therr way back to the palace, spoils in hand.

"I'll see you at the ball," Molly said, pressing a kiss to Ed's cheek.

"Yes," he said, his eyes closing as if savoring her touch. "I can't wait to see you in that dress."

Molly pulled back, "I specifically told Susan not to show you."

He smirked. "She didn't."

Molly scowled, reaching out to grab a bulging paper bag from Edmund's grasp. "No taffy for you then."

Edmund paled, "Please, I"m sorry. I didn't see that much of it, just the yards of fabric Susan ordered to make it. I didn't see the mask or anything else."

Molly sighed in relief. Thank god, if he'd seen the mask it would have ruined her costume. The clock struck five pm behind them.

"I need to get going. Marta is probably going to kill me for disappearing the whole day," Molly said leaning into Edmund, hugging him tightly.

"See you soon," Edmund whispered in her ear.

"See you," she replied, pulling her parcels from his hands. As they parted ways, their thoughts focused only on seeing each other later that night.

"Where have you been," Marta asked as Molly entered her chambers, pulling the scarf from her head.

"Out," Molly said, setting her parcels down on the long oak desk along the far wall of her chamber.

"Well go bathe quickly, you have an hour to get ready." Marta was running around the room looking for something.

"My dress for tonight is in the trunk with the lion head lock," Molly said, shedding her peasant clothes and slipping into the rose scented waters of her bath. It was cold, but Molly found the chill welcome after spending the day walking around the crowded bazaar. Once she'd settled, Molly set to work washing the dirt from her face and body, scrubbing the bits her dress wouldn't cover with more vigor. The last thing she needed was Caleb getting wind of her little jaunt into town. She dunked herself under soaking her hair, running her fingers through it to loosen the knots that had formed. Surfacing, Molly reached for a bottle of scented soap. She sniffed it. It smelled like springtime, a hint of tulips and strawberry. Perfect, she thought pouring a glob into her hands.

Marta banged on the door. "Hurry up in there!" Molly sighed, pulling herself into a standing position, giving the excess water time to run back into the tub. Pulling a towel around her body, she stepped out, treading carefully on the damp tile floor. Walking over to the door, Molly braced herself for the woman on the other side. Marta grabbed her as soon as the door was open, shoving her behind the changing screen. She worked furiously, buzzing around Molly like a crazed bee. Molly stood there for what seemed like hours, as Marta worked. There were simply too many layers to her outfit, but Molly knew seeing the faces of Avalon's court was worth the time.

"How would you like your hair styled," Marta asked, cinching the corset tighter than Molly would have liked.

"Leave it how it is. I want it to resemble a mane," Molly said, forcing her stomach and lungs to prevent Marta from overdoing the corset. She could feel Marta shaking her head. Molly had told Marta of her costume idea when she'd initially written to Susan about having it made. At the time Marta had been completely against it, pushing for a more Avalonian costume. She could see the dress laid out on her bed, the gold silk already shimmering from the firelight. As Marta went to retrieve the dress, someone knocked.

"Come In," Molly called, as she dove into the bodice of the dress.

"Tis Murphy, my lady," he said.

Molly smiled. "What brings you here? I assumed you'd be preparing for the ball yourself." She listened to the sound of heavy boots nearing the changing screen.

"I assumed as your guard, it was wise that I escort you to the ball milady. What guard would I be, if I could not identify my charge at the ball?" Murphy said.

Molly laughed a bit. "It is unlikely that you'd miss me tonight Murphy." Marta shook her head, trying to hold back her laughs. Molly looked down quickly to step into the skirt, the crinoline making it easier than usual. Murphy scoffed.

"While that's probably true, I'd still like to escort you. There's a rumor that a Narnian ship has made port, and I'd hate for King Edmund or King Peter to think me a lax protector." Murphy was close enough to the screen now that Molly could see the outline of his figure through the fabric.

"You're wearing a mask right," Molly asked. Marta hit Molly's back lightly signaling her work was done. Molly straightened up remember all those lessons she'd had when the Pevensies were prepping for the coronation. Don't slouch, it'll ruin the dress, she told herself stepping out from behind the screen. She smiled notice the look on Murphy's face.

"You look absolutely royal, milady," he said. A simple black mask covered the upper part of his face, making his ice blue eyes pop.

She giggled like a school girl and twirled. The golden skirts flew out forming a perfect bell shape around her feet, the hem just dusting the floor. Perfect, she thought. She reached out, grabbing Murphy to stop herself. "Sorry about that."

Molly walked over to a small case by her bedside, unlatching it. Raising the lid, Molly took a deep breath. She hadn't seen it yet. She'd been waiting until the ball to see what Susan had made for her. Picking the mask up, Molly weighed it in her hand. It was light, probably porcelain, with a sturdy velvet ribbon to secure it to her head.

"Murphy could you help me with this," she asked.

"Of course Milady," he said, walking up behind her.

Molly held the mask to her face as Murphy reached for the ribbons to tie them behind her head. He took a step back admiring his knot. Molly still holding the mask for comfort walked to the vanity mirror on the far side of the room. The Narnian craftsmen had outdone themselves on this one. The mask looked like a more human Aslan, down to the whiskers. The paint job highlighted the features as if she were standing in full sunlight. It was perfect. She took a step back to look herself over as a whole. She looked the part of a lioness. Her gold dress shimmered in the candle light, the small patches of embroidery telling the story of Narnia's creation. The mask added to the effect of a sun tanning lion. She laughed as she realized her hair truly looked like an unruly mane, through it seemed to have more blonde in it than normal. Strange, she though, she hadn't had much time outdoors of late.

"Shall we go," Murphy asked, offering his arm to her.

"Lets," she said taking his arm in one hand, and a piece of her skirt in the other.

The pair stopped at the entrance of the ballroom, listening to the party in full swing ahead of them. Molly took a deep breath. "Stay close milady," Murphy whispered.

There was no need for an introduction. As they entered the grand hall the entire party stopped to watch them descend the stairs. As they reached the bottom, the party broke into whispers, the majority returning to what they had been doing only moments before, as if her entrance had not been the largest of the knight. Murphy escorted her to the thrones, where Caleb and Alastair sat unmasked.

"My lords," Molly said, curtseying.

Alastair grimaced at her. Caleb scoffed. "How very Narnian of you."

Someone cleared their throat behind her. Molly turned around to see Edmund in his trademark silver and blue. She smiled, throwing herself into his arms. "Ed, this certainly a surprise," she said.

Alastair coughed, causing the pair to break apart. "I assume, you had no knowledge his highness would be attending our little ball," he said, venom laced in his voice.

"No my lord," Molly said, "I merely told the kings and queens of Narnia that your spring festival is something to rival our own festivities. I never asked them to come."

"Yes, we've only docked for the day I'm afraid," Edmund added stepping forward. "Tomorrow we leave for Calormen." He presented his letter of introduction to Alastair, who tossed it aside.

"A king should not require a letter of introduction," Alastair said. "Please, enjoy the ball."

Molly resisted the urge to frown. Alastair seemed to no care Edmund was there, but there was something off about the whole thing.

"May I have this dance," Edmund asked. The orchestra was starting a new song, one that Molly recognized.

"Of course, my king," she said teasingly. Edmund smiled leading her out onto the dance floor. As they danced they talk, sharing secrets they hadn't had a chance to earlier.

"Our craftsmen had outdone themselves," he whispered into her ear. "Aslan would be flattered."

Molly grinned behind her mask. "It seemed fitting, considering most of Avalon believes he does not exist." The dance came to an end. Edmund relinquished his hold on her as Murphy neared. Molly pulled Edmund off the dance floor into an alcove, hidden by a scarlet curtain. Murphy followed close behind ensuring total privacy.

"Molly?" Ed asked.

"Ed, this is Murphy. Murphy won the tournament yesterday, and refused Avalonian knighthood. I offered him a place in Narnia and he accepted," she said, looking between the two men. Edmund tensed slightly looking the other man over.

"I'm sure he'll make a fine addition to the army, but I don't have room to take him with me," Edmund said. Molly and Murphy sighed in relief.

"We've got that worked out Ed. For the remainder of my stay in Avalon Murphy is to be my personal guard." Ed nodded. He knew Molly could protect herself, but it made him feel at ease knowing there was someone with allegiance to Narnia with her.

"I can't give you a title now," Ed said. "It'll have to wait until we're all back in Narnia, and Peter does get a say."

Murphy nodded, understanding what the king was saying. "I have already pledged my allegiance to Molly, Aslan, and Narnia." Ed cracked a smile, and the two shook hand.s

"Thank you," Molly said to Edmund as they reemerged from behind the curtain. They shared a secret smile and parted ways. The pair made their rounds, dancing with anyone who asked.

As the clock struck midnight, Molly was fighting sleep. She excused herself from the dance floor in an effort to find Edmund or Murphy. She found the pair deep in conversation about the merits of siege warfare near the punch table. She held in a yawn as the two notice her arrival.

"I think I'll turn in for the night," she said, allowing the yawn to escape.

"I'll walk you up," Murphy said.

"I'll come to," Edmund said, "After all I'm here to see how they're treating my diplomat."

The walk back to her chamber took barely ten minutes. Once safely there, Murphy opened the door allowing Molly and Edmund inside, while he stood guard. Ed inspected her chamber with scrutiny. It was indeed smaller than her apartment at Cair Paravel, but she was a guest. He laughed as the state of her desk, earning a good smack form Molly.

"Unlace me," she asked as she fought to remove her dress. Ed's laugh ceased as he reached for the strings of her bodice. Untying it, Molly let it fall to the ground allowing Edmund to untie the corset as well. She could feel his warm breath on her neck as his fingers worked the knot at the base of her spine. She stepped behind the screen as soon as it was loose enough to pull over her head, her skirts joining the corset on the floor soon after. Replacing it with her simply nightgown. Edmund's breath hitched. IT had been months since he'd seen her without all the layers of fabric.

He stepped forward, pulling her into his arms. "Goodnight," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her lips.

"Stay," Molly asked, her voice below a whisper.

Edmund nodded, "alright. Just until you fall asleep. Susan will kill me if I'm not ready to sail at sunrise." Molly laughed pulling Edmund toward her bed.

They lay down, Edmund wrapping his arms around her, holding her close to him. Molly rested her head on his chest letting his heartbeat lull her to sleep. Edmund stayed until her breathing evened out. It killed him to leave her like this. He wanted to stay with her and sleep in, but Susan was waiting for him. It was just supposed to be tonight, the party, and then back to his duties. Quietly, Edmund slid out of bed, replacing his body with a pillow. Molly hugged it to her chest in her sleep. He bent down placing a kiss on her forehead. "I love you," he whispered turning towards the door. He left the room, turning around to glance at Molly's sleeping form one last time.

Murphy was still standing guard. Actually he was sitting against the wall, but it held the same purpose. He watched as Edmund exited.

"Take care of her," Edmund told him.

Murphy nodded, "I won't let harm come to her."

Edmund glanced back at the door before making for the servants stairs and the docks, where Susan was waiting for him.

A/n: Well Hi there! I know it's been a while since I last updated. Work and then school got in the way. But I"m back and I"m going to work at regularly updating because four-five months between chapters is a ridiculous wait. Also, i'm probably going to finally get around to revising and fixing all the formatting and stuff from earlier chapters, the bones of the story will stay the same, but I want to make sure it's as close to perfection as I can get it.

Thanks again! Please remember to review, I appreciate every one of them. -YF