Author's Note: Thank you to all my reviewers and readers who take their precious time out to read my story. Thanks you guys!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia or any of the kings and queens of old. C. S. Lewis does.

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'You are angry at me, Son of Adam?'

Peter did not even turn around, forcing a smile on his blank face. Aslan glanced at him, his face equally wiped of all emotions.

'No…..Why would I be Aslan?'

Aslan did not answer but moved to stand next to Peter, on the great balcony leaning precariously over the calm sea. The tiles were polished and glistening, the grape vines crawling over the wooden railing. The wind tousled Peter's golden hair and Aslan gold mane.

'It is not wise to keep all your emotions in, Peter. They rage inside destroying you within.'

'Then what? I should rage and storm over you? My siblings? My people?' Peter said, only half shouting. He added sarcastically. 'Or fate?'

'I see you are displeased with my decision. Tell me Peter.' Here Aslan paused, his pool of eyes staring at Peter. 'Do you have faith in me?'

Peter kept his silence.

'Do you doubt me? Do you not believe that what I do is for everyone's good? Do you not believe that I am watching you, guiding you, helping you when in need? Answer me, Peter.'

Peter glanced down at his riding boots, ashamed by his outspokenness but still defensive. He opened his mouth to retort.

'I did not say that, Aslan. You are our protector and our friend. But you tell me that why is it that fate has taken an interest in me only? Why me? Why not Ed? Or Su? Or Lucy?'

'Would you have let them, Peter? Would you have let them marry against their will if it had been them? Never. You would have taken their place, would you not? In either case you would be the one because you could not bear to let your sisters or brother not have a voice in their future.'

A part of Peter agreed with Aslan's words. Come to think of it, if Aslan had asked any of his siblings he would have been more furious.

Unbidden some words came back to his mind, rising from somewhere in his memory.

'You will look after the others won't you Peter?'

He had said yes and he had done exactly that. His brother and sisters made up his entire world and they were a part of him as blue was a part of the sky.

He looked away into the horizon. The rising sun stretched itself lazily over the horizon, its glow turning the sea to pure gold.

Peter turned back to Aslan, his mind made up. However he stopped short. Where Aslan should have been there was nothing. He glanced around rapidly.

'Aslan?' He asked softly. There was no answer. Aslan had vanished. Sighing Peter turned back walking towards the glass door of the balcony. As he heard his light footfalls, in a great distance he heard a mighty roar.

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'My Lady?' Sadeh asked hesitatingly, her expert fingers weaving through Isabela's locks. 'May I ask you something?'

'Go ahead, Sadeh. Say what you want.' Isabela replied her voice low and her face emotionless. Watching its pale, firm lines, visible in the evening twilight and the growing dark Sadeh was reminded of a low lying desert with miles upon miles of sand and little more.

'Why do you not accept the High King's proposal of marriage? It would certainly promote alliance between our two countries.'

'I believe my reasons are my own.' Isabela replied coldly.' None of yours, Sadeh.'

She could see the hurt in Sadeh's eyes. Sadeh who had been a sister to her, who had grown up with her in the Imperial Palace. She looked away.

'I…I am sorry, Sadeh.' She said, exhaling sharply. 'For saying that. I understand what you say is for my own betterment.'

Sadeh smiled knowingly, her cat like eyes intense.

'Will you answer my question, my lady?'

Isabela stared at the large window covering her entire southern wall, out into the dark, void like night.

The more she thought about it, the more she grew uncertain. She had no reason to refuse the High King. With the sole exception of his proud demeanour and sharp words. She had not believed it when King Ashkan had requested her presence to his and Consort Lady Sinclara's chambers and told her of the proposal sent by Narnia's four monarchs. She had felt a cold fury at the High King's nerve.

Lady Sinclara could not believe her ears and one glance at her husband's aged face she knew that neither could he.

'But-Lia! Think and choose carefully! I beg of you!' He spluttered. Isabela did not even blink an eye.

'I said, I refuse King Peter's more than generous offer.' She said flatly. 'Is it that hard to comprehend, my king?'

The young girl had courage and nerve and Sinclara was no fool to see that the girl has truly refused this proposal. Why many woman would gladly give their lives for a chance like this! And Isabela had thrown it away as if it was no big deal!

Sinclara's head had swirled with prospects of trade and alliance and support against the invaders and a proposal for her own daughter from the High King's brother. But all her dreams came crashing down with Isabela's words.

She felt she could choke the girl. And she would.

Isabela stared at her, her eyes meeting her straight on, openly and challengingly.

'Can I say I do not want to, Sadeh?' she asked. Sadeh shook her head, disapprovingly.

'My Lady, consider this carefully. This will affect not only your future but the future of Liriope as well.'

'I do not like the High King.'

'What do you not like about him?'

'He is….arrogant and more than self centred.' She said lamely.

'Everyone has faults my lady. No one is perfect. You are well aware of that.'

'I-'

'My Lady, please. Give it a try. I am sure you shall prosper from thinking and reasoning with both your heart and mind.'

'But-'

'Please.'

'Alright, Sadeh.' She said finally, seeing Sadeh's joyous, victorious face. 'I will give it a try.'

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'Lucy, settle down!' Susan ordered finally, annoyed at Lucy's constant jumping. 'You are ruining your hair.'

'Oh give it a rest, Su.' Edmund punched her lightly on the shoulder. 'You know you did it too.'

Susan glared at him, her eyes giving him the you're not helping look. Lucy burst in the conversation, her red hair flying.

'Lia's coming today!' She turned around, her petite hands on her hips. 'Aren't you excited too, Peter?' she demanded.

'Yes Lu.' Peter replied absentmindedly. Edmund could not conceal his smirk.

'Well of course he is! His future wife is coming.'

The atmosphere immediately changed. Peter scowled his brow creasing. Susan could have gladly hit her head against the wall or better yet against Edmund's big head.

Her eyes burning with annoyance she sent him a glare that could have beaten a volcano in a contest.

'As a matter of fact, Edmund.' Peter replied coolly. 'I do not intend to marry her. Not yet anyway. And Aslan agrees with that.'

Edmund's mouth dropped open mirroring Susan's own.

'But Peter-! You-you already sent the proposal!' she stammered, glancing around for help.

'No. I requested King Ashkan to tell Lady Isabela that she is more than welcome to come to Narnia for a visit. You all would be glad to see her.'

'And you think she did not understand your motives? Peter!'

'Will you stop it Susan?' Peter shouted, finally losing his patience. Susan huffed and settled back against the embroidered silk cushions. Lucy rubbed Peter's arm comfortingly, her face visibly distressed.

Just then, heavy footfalls were heard and a Orieus appeared in the doorway, his long brown hair tied back. He bowed.

'My Kings, my queens. Lady Isabela is due to arrive any moment now. One of the talking eagles has reported that they are nearly at the edge of the Western Woods.'

Lucy clapped her hands together, squealing.

'Yay! Come Peter!' She took his hand, ignoring his quiet muttering. 'Let's go!'

'Let's not.' Peter thought darkly. 'Can I not avoid fate?'

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And…ta da! Keep the reviews coming you guys! They really encourage me when I want to stop. Merry Christmas to you all….

A. L. Potter