A/N: Again…mature themes… (This is why it's rated T people…)

Black And Blue

AllzStar

Edmund had seen them first. Telmarines, in the millions, advancing towards us with huge catapults being pushed along behind them. I cannot even begin to describe the sheer panic that was enveloping us at that moment.

Peter, Edmund, Caspian, Lucy, Susan, Trumpkin, Caspian's Professor and I all stood on the ridge of the How, staring out at the army as a long stream of a higher class of soldiers came galloping down the middle of the army on horseback. Peter and Caspian exchanged looks as Edmund and I did. A man on a majestic white horse stood front and center, glad in gold armour. Miraz.

I turned to see Peter staring at the man with such ferocity in his eyes that I almost felt the anger emanating from him. "Council," he muttered to everyone. "Inside. Now."

We all immediately trooped back towards Aslan's chamber. Reepicheep, the commander of the mice, Trufflehunter, Caspian's friendly badger friend, and a few others joined us as we scrambled down the dirt path.

I was almost rounding the corner when there was a small gasp and the sound of skidding, and then someone collided with me from behind, grasping my upper arms so tightly I knew they would bruise. I cried out, but mostly with surprise.

I turned and saw Edmund's face, inches from mine, the shock just clearing from his large brown eyes. "I'm sorry," he muttered, shaking his head. "I slipped on the loose gravel."

"It's alright," I said slowly. He allowed me to pass before walking after me. I couldn't help but wonder if that whole thing had been rehearsed. If so, I had no idea why.

When we finally got to the Chamber, Peter was already barking out his plan, pacing the floor, his fists clenched tightly behind his back. I was about to go quietly sit with Susan, but then something caught my mind. What was Peter doing? This was my job. I was no fully capable of planning a battle, and it was about time I got to put my title to use. I stood up and went to stand by Peter, who currently had his back to me.

"We'll need someone to go and get help," he was saying. He turned around suddenly and nearly walked right into me, but I didn't budge. "Jaxx," he said, surprised. "Take a seat."

I raised my eyebrows. "With all due respect, your Highness, I'd like to have my job back."

The room was so quiet we could have heard a pin drop. Peter's jaw was set and his full lips were pressed tightly together. His eyes were hard, his brow furrowed. Overall, he was downright annoyed. "Jaxx."

In one swift motion I drew Gemma and held her point-to-ground. "Need I remind you who I am, Peter Pevensie?" I asked, my lip curling. "I thought we've been over this so many times you'd finally remember."

When he finally realized I was being playful, his expression relaxed, but only a little. "Forgive me, milady." He bowed mockingly.

Then I started to get irritated. "Oh, alright. Just step aside and let me plan this thing."

Peter, still smiling a little bit, stepped aside and took his place beside Caspian. But I could still see that he was very much peeved. Oh, well.

I sheathed Gemma and dove into my plan, describing it in full detail. As soon as I'd seen the Telmarine army my mind had started to whirl with ideas, reminding me why Aslan had knighted me at all. I really was meant to do this. I hadn't realized just how logical and savvy I was until instructions were pouring from my mouth as easily as water did from a tap.

When I was finished, it didn't take long for Trumpkin to speak up. "Cakes and kettledrums. That's your big plan?" he asked incredulously. "Sending a little girl into the darkest parts of the forest? Alone!" He pointed at Lucy.

"It's our only chance," I insisted. I had taken to walking around the way Peter and Edmund and Caspian did—with one hand on the hilt of my sword.

"And she won't be alone," added Susan.

Trumpkin approached Lucy with a look of pleading in his eyes. "Haven't enough of us died already?" he asked, his brow tilted upwards for once. He meant, of course, Nikabrik, whom he himself had stabbed during the battle before the White Witch.

"Nikabrik was my friend too," said the badger, Trufflehunter, "But he lost hope. Queen Lucy hasn't. And neither have I."

"For Aslan," said Reepicheep, speaking up for the first time and drawing his tiny sword.

"For Aslan," I agreed, smiling at the smallest warrior.

Lucy and Peter were looking at me, as if they wanted to make sure the decision had been made. I gave them a little nod. Lucy turned back to Trumpkin, who said humbly, "Then I'm going with you."

"No," said Lucy, placing one of her small hands on the dwarf's shoulder. "We need you here."

"We have to hold them off until Lucy and Susan get back," explained Peter, not angrily, but more insistent.

"If I may…" said Caspian quietly. He had been sitting in silence beside his Professor, but spoke clearly now. He stood up. "Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer, but as king, he is subject to traditions and expectations of his people."

As soon as Caspian had spoken Peter's expression went from listless to annoyed. He shifted his weight, a clear sign that he did not want to hear what the Telmarine prince had to say.

Caspian continued, despite, and Peter listened to him. "There is one in particular that may buy us some time."

Peter and I exchanged a look. I told him with my eyes to keep quiet. I faced Caspian. "What did you have in mind?"

*

"'I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel, and emperor of the Lone Islands, in order to prevent the abominable fusion of blood do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to single combat upon the field of battle. The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender.'" Edmund lowered the scroll and I couldn't help but smirk when I saw the smug look on his face.

Miraz opened his mouth and spoke as if he were talking to a small child. "Tell me, Prince Edmund—"

"King," shot Edmund.

Miraz looked taken aback. "Pardon me?"

"It's King Edmund, actually," replied Ed, rolling up the scroll on which Peter had neatly handwritten his challenge. "Just King, though. Peter's the High King." Miraz and one of his lords exchanged bewildered looks. "I know. It's confusing."

I smiled. Good old Ed, joking even when he was challenging an evil man to duel Ed's own brother to the death.

Miraz hesitated a moment before sliding his cool gaze to me. "And is this one of your just-Queen sisters?"

"Yes," I replied, ignoring Edmund's incredulous look. "I am Queen Susan, the Gentle."

"Ah, Queen Susan," said Miraz, amusement sparking at the corners of his mouth. "You are good with a bow and arrow, I hear."

"Yes. I never miss."

"I see." Miraz eyed me a moment more before turning, once again, to Edmund. "Why would we risk such a proposal when our armies could wipe you out by nightfall?"

"Haven't you already underestimated our numbers?" Edmund retorted. "I mean, only a week ago you thought the Narnians were extinct."

"And so you will be again," said Miraz softly but ferociously.

"Well, then, you should have little to fear," I countered icily.

Miraz once again fixed me with a burning stare. "This is not a question of bravery."

"So you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?" asked Edmund, flashing a cheeky grin, his eyes laughing.

Miraz leaned forward, placing his palms on the table in front of him. "I didn't say I refused," he muttered hotly.

One of Miraz's lords spoke up. "You shall have our support, Your Majesty. Whatever your decision."

"Sire," added the Lord Sopespian on Miraz's left, "our military advantage alone provides the perfect excuse to avoid what might otherwise be..."

"I'm not avoiding anything!" Miraz snapped.

"I was merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse," Sopespian said defensively.

"His majesty would never refuse," said Miraz'a General, Glozelle, said quietly from behind Edmund and me. He glared at Sopespian as he continued. "He relishes the chance to show the people the courage of their new king."

Edmund and I turned back, both wearing matching triumphant smirks. Miraz glared at the scene for a moment before raising his sword and pointing it directly at Edmund's heart. "You," he said fiercely. He looked at me and shifted his sword to my chest as well. "You should hope your brother's sword is sharper than his pen."

Neither Edmund nor I felt intimidated. I looked to see Edmund's eyes shining with quite the opposite: excitement.

*

His breath was fast, hard—just like his movements inside of me. His face was sticky with sweat and his bangs had strung together from the moisture. His skin was slippery under my fingertips as I tried not to grip him too hard. I couldn't help but gasp, groan, at the unbelievable sensation that was taking place inside of me at that very moment. Everything he was doing was bliss, everything was right, like this was definitely how it was meant to be. He kissed me so much and with such passion that anyone watching wouldn't have been able to tell whose lips were whose, though thankfully, no one was watching. This moment was for us, for us only. I could hear his teeth grinding against each-other with the exertion…

"Lady Carmen."

"Yes?"

"It's time."

"Oh. Thank you."

I blushed when I realized I'd been caught daydreaming about last night again. Caspian eyed me suspiciously, one dark eyebrow raised. Nobody knew what had happened. It wasn't supposed to be told. It was a secret. Our deepest, dearest, most intimate secret.

Gemma's cool metal hilt almost slipped from my grasp as my sweaty palms trembled. Caspian walked away, throwing a few glances over his shoulder as he went.

I was in my armour (with a warm red tunic embellished with a gold lion over top), but I couldn't feel its metallic weight, its protection. I felt light, soft, warm and vulnerable—as if now that I'd been entered the whole world could. Part of me felt ashamed to be feeling this way, but the other part reminded myself that this was the way it should be. I should be able to know that Peter had been inside of me, that he loved me, wanted me, needed me.

I couldn't stop looking at my stomach, as if I expected a little bump to appear there any minute. I knew I would get pregnant, that fact was inevitable. I had menstruated in the middle of all that. I didn't know why Peter thought it was his fault. But I was still anticipating that very beautiful, tender moment when I would first realized it was true. I couldn't help but picture Peter caressing my tummy as we kissed sweetly, and I longed for it to come.

Unfortunately, now there was a war to fight.

The plan had been created, and was now being carried out:

Susan and Lucy were headed off to get help.

Peter was preparing for the duel.

Our army of Narnians and Caspian were ready to collapse the support columns underneath the field.

Edmund and I were both nervous wrecks.

I let Gemma's point fall with a dull thud to the dirt beneath me. I was leading the army this time, but I didn't feel brave or fearless. I was quite the opposite. I was scared. Terrified. I didn't want anyone to get hurt. Peter had insisted o duelling Miraz, and though I knew he was fully capable of beating the so-called king, I was still a nest of worries.

I closed my eyes as a nervous attack overwhelmed my stomach, shivers caressing my cheek, and then a rough finger was doing so as well. I opened my eyes and smiled at Peter as he tickled my face. "What are you doing?"

"Are you scared?" he asked, ignoring my question.

"I'm scared for everyone else, but not me," I replied. "I'm glad to be back as the Lady Knight, but I'd feel better if you didn't have to fight this stupid duel."

Peter chuckled softly and stood beside me, clutching my hand as best he could while we were both wearing gauntlets. "I'll be fine."

"I know you will," I said brightly. "But I'm still worried." There was silence for a moment. "It wasn't your fault, you know," I said quietly.

"What wasn't my fault?" he asked, an eyebrow raised.

"That I bled."

Peter visibly stiffened, his jaw set again. "I thought we weren't going to talk about that."

"I can't help but get the feeling that you think you made me bleed. In case you didn't already know…once girls get to a certain age, they bleed like that once a month. It's natural. Not to mention very irritating. Hasn't your mother told you about all that?You know where babies come from, I assume?"

"I know about all that. I am sixteen." He sounded a little offended.

I giggled. "Well, then, stop feeling guilty. In a way it's me that's to blame. I lost track of the days, I suppose. It's not your fault I was bleeding. Okay? It wasn't your fault."

He pressed his lips together. "I still feel like a wretch."

"Well, stop it. I love you."

"Do you?"

"Shut up."

"No, I mean it! Do you really?"

I frowned. "I can't believe you're asking me that! What do you think? I haven't loved you all this time? Use your head, Peter; don't be stupid, please. Not at a time like this."

"Well…I love you."

"I know."

"More than anything."

"Peter…"

We were interrupted by Edmund as he rounded the corner. His face was blank as he said meekly, "Showtime, kids." He handed me Peter's sword as Peter lifted the chainmail hood over his head and drew the helmet down over his face, lifting the flap so he could see.

Peter and I exchanged a quick look before joining Edmund. Peter stood in between us, with me on his left, as we exited the How, walking up the stone ramp and out into the bright sunlight. It was a nice day, but despite the clear blue sky it still felt cloudy above us.

The small platform that Peter and Miraz would duel on was in between the two armies. The archers and a good half of our army was standing outside the How while the rest of our army was underground. They cheered as the three of us emerged from the darkness, raising their swords in salute. Miraz's army was there in whole, facing us menacingly. They cheered also, but not because the two kings of Narnia and the Lady Knight were advancing. The air was alive with excitement, angst and anticipation. I glanced at Peter to see his blue eyes glimmering and focused straight ahead, his full lips drawn, his jaw set, as usual.

It seemed to take ages for us to reach our end of the platform. Glenstorm, who was standing near the platform as my general, nodded to us as we approached. Miraz, Lord Sopespian, Glozelle and another man were standing on the opposite end of the platform, all their faces sombre, their eyes deep set.

Miraz began murmuring something to Glozelle, but I couldn't hear what he was saying. The Telmarine general, who I noticed was blatantly carrying a crossbow, nodded.

Miraz stood as the three of us came to a halt beside Glenstorm. I offered Peter his sword dutifully and he pulled it free of its sheath. My breath caught in my throat once again as the sheer magnificence of the blade caught the sunlight. Our Narnian army cheered loudly.

Peter looked at me only once, his eyes more blue than I'd ever seen them, his lips slightly parted as if he wanted to say something. He did. "Whatever happens today, or after today, I'll always love you."

I smiled and awkwardly kissed him on the mouth (our armour got in the way considerably), but he flinched away every so slightly. When he saw my puzzled expression he whispered, "They'll use our relationship to their advantage."

The urge to kiss him passionately was very strong, but I nodded understanding. I gave him a hug instead, glad that our armour wasn't so bulky was couldn't do at least that.

"Are you with me?" Peter asked into my hair.

I closed my eyes, breathing in his scent, my face pressed into his shoulder. A slight breeze licked at our loose clothes and hair. "To the death, Peter Pevensie." Then a light sob escaped me, and suddenly I was crying.

We pulled apart. Peter wiped the single tear that was trickling down my face before turning away. As Peter started towards Miraz, Edmund came up to stand beside me, and I felt his fingers close around mine.

"It'll be alright," he murmured soothingly, though I knew he was as nervous for his brother as I was.

I forced a weak grin onto my face, but could think of nothing to say.

Peter and Miraz stepped towards each-other. The duel had begun.