Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia. They belong to C. S. Lewis.

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'My Lady Susan may I say you look absolutely beautiful tonight, as beautiful as the stars that shine above.' Prince Cor said his shy, sweet voice low. Susan smiled kindly at him.

'Why thank you, my lord. It is indeed my pleasure to accept a compliment from a prince as noble and brave as you.' She said lightly, throwing a knowing smile at his wife Aravis who laughed loftily, her tilted eyes dancing as Prince Cor's pale cheeks flushed. 'And you, my lady Aravis, look absolutely ravishing.'

Lucy nodded happily.

'I second that, Princess Aravis.'

'Thank you, Your Majesties.' Here she curtsied. 'But I must say that your beauty impales everyone's.'

Both the queens laughed pleasantly, clearly delighted by the compliment but gracious all the same. They are so young yet they are the best monarchs in all lands. Aravis mused as King Edmund came up behind her.

'Oh princess, the sight of your beauty wounds my poor heart!' He said dramatically. 'Alas I am afraid it is now Prince Cor's!' Cor laughed lightly punching the Just King on the shoulder.

'You never change Edmund.'

'I know. I hear it about seven times a day from my sister, Queen Susan.'

All of them laughed at his amusing remark and the foreign rulers waved farewell before making their way into the lavish ballroom decorated enthusiastically by the Narnians. There were rows upon rows of chairs on either side of the marble altar which was bordered by small pillars, the height of the neighboring chairs, each of which had a fragrant garland of exotic flowers on top. The blossoms were in pale gold and white with dark gold and pale white ribbons dangling artistically from them. A live butterfly fluttered on top of each wreath colored in different shades of gold. Narnian banners hung from the roof with the proud lion emblazoned on them. The cool night air coupled with the fresh sea breeze blew in from the open balcony on the eastern side. On the very front the four thrones of old were covered with balloons, flowers and streamers all in the shades of gold and white. Exactly above the place where Peter would marry Isabela, Edmund had hung a bunch of balloons which tossed in the light wind.

The Great Hall was full of monarchs and rulers from far and wide, all of whom had come to see the High King finally wed. Susan hurried from guest to guest greeting them all with her vivacious voice.

There were no words to describe her appearance. She was wearing a flowing gown of pure dark green silk which trailed behind her. It was one sleeved, with the length long and the design elegant. It was simple with a belt of craved emerald on the ribs but its cut and falls gave it a picture of grace and loveliness. Her long hair was in a traditional coiffure with a bunch of luscious curls cascading over one shoulder. Her Narnian coronet, one carved from pure gold especially for her, one given to her by Aslan, rested on her head which she held up proudly but with great graciousness and hospitality. A true queen she was. Her cheeks were white but slightly flushed attractively, her lips full and her wide eyes shadowed by inky long lashes. From where she stood, greeting the governor of Avra, she looked every inch a queen.

Next to her, young Lucy looked equally attractive. She was clad in a light dress of scarlet red which threw into prominence her pale skin. The dress was beautiful designed with the skirt falling in pleats to the floor. It had small sleeves each with a fine cut and the artistic, simple neckline was simply ravishing. Like her sister she did not wear any jewels or finery, opting to wear only her crown gifted to her by Aslan on her coronation and a bracelet made from rubies.

Finally when the Great Hall was completely packed with guests, golden light began to illuminate the room. Hushed and solemn everyone turned their eyes towards the great doors, now swinging open, leading up to the four thrones. A great lion stood in the doorway its mane a reflection of the sun itself, its eyes bright and colored amber-gold. Awe struck all dumb and they simply gazed in wonder at the lion. Aslan was here. He almost glided to the light steps leading to the raised platform where the thrones stood, his head proud, magnificent and bold. Upon reaching the extreme front Aslan turned around, his voice booming as he addressed the kneeling people.

'Welcome, Sons of Adam, Daughters of Eve to a ceremony which shall mark the beginning of Narnia's finest age.'

Loud applause rang around the Great Hall and the bright lights dimmed lightly. The High King stood up, shadowed by his brother, Edmund who was grinning from ear to ear. They looked handsome and more than dashing. Edmund, his dark head held up, was clad in a tunic of different shades of green with black leggings and an emerald green, velvety cape which threw his fine features into prominence. Both were Narnia's kings but it was Peter to whom all eyes flew. His blond-golden blond hair, tousled and silky, shone like Aslan's mane itself, soft and smooth, the bangs falling into his bright, vivid eyes. They were the great Eastern Sea itself, glittering pure blue with fine traces of emerald green at the very edges, shadowed by impossibly long lashes. He was clad in a pure white cotton tunic with golden leggings, high, polished boots and a cloak which trailed behind him. It was of a rich color and fabric, pure velvet and scarlet red in color. He could be described in only one word: magnificent. Proud, bold and noble he stood out amongst the sea of heads.

The brothers made their way to Aslan who smiled knowingly at both. He nodded lightly to Peter, his eyes bright, brighter than the sun. The doors opened slowly and reluctantly everyone tore their eyes from the two brothers and Aslan towards the carved doors. For a fleeting moment Peter thought Isabela had backed off, had refused, had changed her mind and he felt an odd quiver in his heart. But then he saw her and it was all he could do to keep his jaw from falling open. She looked like an angel who had descended from the heavens. He could not deny that.

She was draped in a simple, white gown which had no lace and no jewels, it was simply the graceful draping and elegant curves of the dress which made it beautiful. Golden threads had been used on the skirt and the bodice to make beautiful patterns. It shone out like moonstones or motes dancing in the silver moonlight. Around her neck she wore a necklace which had belonged to a previous Narnian Queen. Her waterfall of hair was pulled back in a fashionable coiffure with diamond clips. She looked like a true queen and there was a sparkling aura around her which rendered all speechless. It was King Ashkan who was giving her away. She had turned away when Susan had asked her as to who she wanted to give her away. It was clear that she wished for her brothers but nothing could be done about it and she had asked King Ashkan who do so who had been overjoyed. She later told Peter that when she had been young she had envisioned her brothers fighting over as to who would give her away. His heart had ached when he heard her clear, strained voice.

A low smile curved her lips as she gently took Peter's hand her eyes meeting his. It was the understanding which though invisible passed between them. He knelt his fair head brushing her soft hand with his lips. Peter did not need to look up to see Aslan's satisfied smile or Edmund's barely-concealed smirk. A low murmur ran through the crowd. Aslan cleared his throat, his voice booming and solemn.

'Do you Peter the Magnificent, son of Ben and Helen Pevensie, High King of Narnia and all states under Narnian governance and law, Lord of Cair Paravel, Emperor of Lone Islands, Count of Northern March and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion accept Isabela Petrova, daughter of King Leonard and Queen Elizabeth of Liriope as your lawfully wedded wife?'

'I do.' Peter said, hesitating only a fraction of a second. He glanced up, meeting Edmund's encouraging eyes.

'Do you swear to protect her, be faithful to her, help her, support her, care for her and treat her as she deserves? Do you promise to treat her with kindness, love and devotion?'

'I do.'

Aslan turned to Isabela who flinched back slightly.

'Do you Isabela Petrova, daughter of King Leonard and Queen Elizabeth of Liriope take Peter the Magnificent, son of Ben and Helen Pevensie, High King of Narnia and all states under Narnian governance and law, Lord of Cair Paravel, Emperor of Lone Islands, Count of Northern March and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion as your lawfully wedded husband?'

'I do.'

'Do you swear to protect him, be faithful to him, help him, support him, care for him and treat him as he deserves? Do you promise to treat him with kindness, love and devotion?'

'I do.' Peter thought he saw a mischievous sparkle in her eye.

'Peter, hold out your right hand. Isabela, hold out your right hand. Entwine them together' He instructed. Finally he breathed upon their joined hands and a pure white ribbon appeared on their wrists joining them together.

'Is there anyone who believes that this wedding should not take place?' Aslan questioned. No one even dared to breathe. I do but my vote does not count. Peter thought bitterly.

'Then I declare you man and wife. Live a long life which is filled with only happiness, joy, love and all that is good. May the stars rain upon you. May your life remain drenched in blessings. May you be a source of comfort to one another. I wish you a prosperous and happy life where you shall find light in every shadow!'

Thunderous applause broke out amongst the huge gathering almost deafening Peter. Simultaneously the balloons above him and Isabela burst and glitter and flowers flowed around them, swirling around their figures.

They turned around to face the audience both pale and blank faced with forced smiles on their faces, their wrists still entwined. Finally two blue birds flew down circling the couple before taking the ribbon in their beaks and flying away. Isabela practically wrenched her hand away from Peter's who stared at her for several seconds before looking away. There could be no more bitterness and coldness than there was between them on a day which was supposed to be the happiest of their lives.

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'My Queen Isabela?' A small, timid voice asked from somewhere behind her. She turned around, small loose curls falling around her shoulders. She glanced at the young man before her with his bright, intelligent eyes and calm, gentle smile and tousled blond hair. She had seen him before. Then she saw the heavily muscled man and exotic young woman dancing behind him, she knew who he was. Prince Cor of Archenland.

'Prince Cor, what a pleasure to meet you again. I met you last-'

'On the happy occasion of a Narnian ball held last month. It is very kind of you to remember.'

Isabela smiled slightly, her lips curving only slightly but Cor noticed and beamed happily.

'You are very beautiful, do you know that my lady?' he asked, his voice gentle and far away. 'High King Peter thinks so too. You can see it in his eyes.'

Color flushed her cheeks as if somebody had laid two rose petals against her cheeks. She turned away and the smile vanished. Cor saw it and laid a small hand on her shoulder, his expression worried.

'I have not upset you have I, my lady?' he asked, his eyes anxious and alert. She glanced back at him and tried to put on a smile.

'No…no…' she faltered. Cor grinned boyishly.

'I certainly hope not because I was hoping you would accompany me for the next dance?' he offered, holding out his hand. Isabela glanced at it, her expression reluctant. She nodded finally.

He led her to the marble floor which reflected the lights from every direction.

'My Lady may I ask how you like Narnia?' He was polite as he felt her discomfort and was unwilling to make her feel more awkward.

'It is more than beautiful. Simply magical.' She breathed. Cor laughed.

'Indeed all feel that way. Narnia has a charm that no place can match. It is more than beautiful. Divine.' He paused thoughtfully. 'You know my loyal companion once told me that one hour in the sweet air of Narnia is better than a thousand years in Calorman.'

'I have been to Calorman. I believe Prince Rabadash also resides there?'

'Indeed.' Cor concluded, a distasteful expression on his innocent face. 'I have met him.'

'And you did not like him.'

'I would say not. He is different from me. Our personalities clash.'

'I can very well imagine that.' Isabela laughed. She glanced over his shoulder and saw Peter dancing with another young, charming lady. Her jaw tightened and she felt pain course through her. I am not jealous. She thought mortified. I am not! I do not love him. Nor do I care about him. It is as simple as that.

'Then why do you feel so hurt?' Her conscience asked her slyly. You are most obviously jealous.'

'I am NOT!' she did not realize that she had said the words aloud and Cor stared at her puzzled and bewildered.

'Beg pardon? I did not catch that.'

'It is nothing.' Thank Aslan the song was finishing. She did not think she could live through dancing again. Cor lightly brushed her hand with his full lips.

'It was a pleasure meeting a great lady such as you, my Lady.'

'The pleasure was all mine.' She said automatically, surprising even herself. Cor glanced quizzically at her but within his exposed eyes she saw traces of pity. Her fists clenched and she turned away, closing her eyes briefly as she walked away.

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Asha sat down on the throne made of oak leaves, broad and beautifully colored with vibrant tones of green, curling her feet like a cat does its tail. Next to her stood an ancient dryad and part elf, her mother Sasha's advisor, Furok. Old, wise and future seeing, Furok was clad in flowing robes of silver and midnight blue which shimmered around his gnarled figure. His face was covered on its southern side by a bushy red beard which matched his auburn hair which he wore long. He leaned down and whispered in her ear.

'Are you ready, my lady?'

She nodded coldly, her head held high. She was a princess after all. He shook his head and cleared his throat glancing at the packed forest clearing, deep within the Western Woods. Elves mainly but dryads and wood nymphs too. Queen Sasha had been the empress of the whole forest after all and she had married the half dryad prince, Asha's father thus all of the forest creatures considered her their lawful queen. All except Asha and two of her loyal friends.

Their views clashed horribly and while Sasha did not favor humans in the forest she so cherished, Asha wanted to promote peace between the two races. Finally in a fine fit of rage Sasha had exiled both Asha and her companions. She hadn't seen her mother since. What had it been?

Perhaps a hundred years?

She did not know. Nor did she care.

Furok glided forwards with two young Elven girls dancing behind him holding between them the coronet which had graced Sasha's dark head, which now, would grace Asha's fair head. He cleared his throat again and spoke in his wise, mesmerizing voice.

'Fair Friends, Dear Companions, And the Cherished Citizens of the Western Wood, I welcome you here today not to mourn the death of our beloved queen ,Sasha the beautiful and gracious queen of the Woods, but to celebrate the coming of another. Her daughter, Asha, daughter of Queen Sasha and Prince Dlos shall now lawfully assume her rightful place on the throne. Is there anyone who thinks it fit to object? Please,' he gestured gracefully. No one spoke but then the rascally, low voice which Asha had been waiting in despair for all day spoke up. Dear Aslan…..

The blue skinned elf-man came forward brandishing a sharp and heavily armed spear from under his blackish fur.

'Asha.' He sneered.

'It is Princess Asha to you.' She retorted trying to maintain a quiet tone. 'And so queen.'

He threw back his head and laughed, yelping like a mad wolf.

'You think I will let you be queen after all you have done?'

'What have I done?' she asked softly, glancing at Furok whose face was calm and composed as ever.

'You have went against the wishes of Queen Sasha, you have screamed at her, disagreed with her and never accepted her as a queen and not even as your mother. Why should we accept you as our queen when you declined our beloved queen's generous favors and broke the laws made by her? You have associated with filthy humans! With those barbarians!'

'I see, Gal that you did not properly study the laws enforced by your beloved queen Sasha? Did you refer to her upheld law stating that all, all shall have freedom of all means, speech, views for example.' Asha replied hotly defending herself. 'I have broken no laws by associating with humans. Not all humans are as you believe. And I know Gal for a fact that you have married a half human elf.'

There was a collective gasp around the crowd and Gal spluttered into silence.
'She was a witch!' he roared. 'She bewitched me to marry her!'

'Liar!' another voice shouted. And the woman in question came forwards, Gal's wife was almost in tears. 'You swore you loved me! I do not have any magic powers! I swear by Aslan that I don't! Lady Asha, please believe me! I have done nothing wrong. Your mother never held anything against me!'

'Nor shall I.' Asha replied. 'You are free, young one. No one shall hold anything against you.'

Gal's expression might have been funny if the situation had not been so serious. He was red in the face, huffing and puffing and looked as if a cat had got his tongue.

'So!' Asha said triumphantly. 'You see. You have nothing that you can hold against me!'

Witch a howl of fury, Gal scampered off, yelping and swearing revenge.

'I hate you, Asha! I hate you and I shall kill you with my bare hands one day!'

Here Furok stepped forwards.

'You shall not lay one hand on our queen. Not now, not ever.'

'Asha, child, raise your hands.' He told her. 'And take the pledge. For now you are our queen.'

It was all a dream, a dazed and astounding dream. The Elven girls skimmed forwards and put the coronet on her head, crying and squealing with joy.

'Long live, Queen Asha!' they cried delightedly. Roars of the crowd echoed along with their loud noises. Furok nodded, inclining his head.

'Indeed. Long live Queen Asha.'

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Ah! Finally! I am sorry it took so long to update but I was really, really busy. Anyways. I have the next chapter written out and almost ready to upload. Read and review please. Do tell me what you think. It really encourages me!

A. L. Potter