Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia. C. S. Lewis does.
Author's Note: Thank you dear reviewers! Your comments are a key figure in encouraging me on! And not to forget the countless other people who read and add this story to their favourites/ story alert lists! You guys are the reason I write on!
FelipeMarcusThomas: Your reviews are a treat to read! Every time I begin a new chapter I keep thinking of how you will receive it! Thank you very much!
Princess Emma of Narnia: Your constant reviews, though simple they may be, never fail to bring a smile to my face!
Alice-Ann Wonderland: Hm… Romance? You may get your wish sooner than you expected…
Reviewer (whose username doesn't appear) : Your questions are thoroughly thought provoking. That query about why Isabela has to suffer again and again? The answer will be evident very soon. Keep reviewing!
Myra: Very spirited responses! I'm glad to see that you are so passionate about the characters! Peter's character is improving isn't it?
The Flamer: Am I supposed to feel honoured or insulted?
Kyra3015: I hope that I will update at a faster rate from now on! Thank you for the reviews!
The following answers are to those reviewers who haven't reviewed in a looonnnggg time. Come on guys!
Glamouraj: I'm glad you love it!
British Rose 95: I will absolutely, positively, completely keep continuing this story.
: I fully intend to involve Lucy in more adventures! Thank you for the delightful comments!
Further thanks are extended to BooksareLove and MyNameisProngs and to any other people, I may have regretfully left out, who review and read this story!
P. S. Just so you guys are wondering why I am replying to your reviews all of a sudden. It's not because I'm ending the story, it's because you guys make my day!
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][[][][][][][][]
'Alexander?' Susan repeated raising an eyebrow in Edmund's direction who returned her look of puzzled enquiry with a careless shrug of his shoulder. Lucy was no better. 'Alexander of Hanwr?'
'Yes indeed, my Queen.' The young man bowed again, his lean body bending in an agile curve as he flashed a disarmingly handsome smile. His soft brown hair was tied back in a small ponytail and his eyes, almond shaped and dark were flashing with a savage humour as if he had told a joke that only he could understand. 'I am Lord Alexander of Hanwr.'
'Where's Hanwr?' Edmund asked keeping his childhood habit of tactlessness. Susan could have slapped him happily and to cover up the awkward moment she interrupted.
'I'm sorry my lord Alexander but as we have been very busy in these last few years we have not paid much attention to the geography of the countries and lands around us.' She said shooting Edmund an exasperated look.
Alexander quirked an eyebrow and spoke in a pleasant voice. 'It is I who apologize, Queen Susan. It is not uncommon for many to not know about Hanwr as it only recently achieved an independent status. It is on the border of Archenland and Calormene.'
'That would explain why we haven't heard about it.' Lucy said flipping back her braided hair casually. 'Have you had a tiring trip, my lord?'
'Not at all, Queen Lucy.' He said shrugging. 'I do enjoy travelling a lot.'
'You are more than welcome to stay with us.' Susan said quickly. 'The least we can do is to offer you lodging, food and water.'
'Your graciousness is as remarkable as your beauty, Queen Susan.'
Behind her Susan could hear Edmund gag and shake his head but she ignored him.
'If you wouldn't mind, Your Majesties, but may I retire for a small while. It has been a long day.'
'Of course. Mr. Tumnus! Escort Lord Alexander to his chamber.'
'Yes, my lady Susan.' Mr. Tumnus hurried forwards wiping his forehead. For a brief second Susan thought she saw disgust line Alexander's face but the next moment she thought she had imagined it.
'Isn't High King Peter present here? I would have liked to send the king's greetings to him.'
'No. I'm afraid he and High Queen Isabela are away. But they shall return soon. Perhaps after three to four days. Perhaps then you shall meet them.'
'Perhaps.'
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][[][][][][][][]
Isabela yawned slightly, her emerald eyes still closed, her fingers reaching out in a fruitless search for the pillow that had last night rested under her head.
It was no where to be found.
She mentally sighed, as she forced her eyes to open. They protested against it and remained tightly closed. She continued prodding the silk covers until her hand met something that was incredibly soft, almost like velvet and equally warm.
That something moved too. Just an inch as it twisted to one side and she felt a sigh brush over her.
Her eyes flew open widening a fraction as she saw that 'the something' was Peter lying elegantly to one side, his lean muscles relaxed, his pale blond hair carelessly messy,
Despite his apparent ease there was something rigid in the way his body was laid almost as if he was fully awake. She was sure that if she sat up, he would too.
It was odd. She had seen all his siblings asleep. All oft hem slept as if they had no care in the world, their faces tender with dream-like quality but Peter slept as if a war was going on outside and he, being the commander, might be called out anytime. As if he was aware of some danger lurking outside.
Perhaps it was because he was the eldest after all.
She shifted slightly; trying to edge away from the warm figure nestled next to her.
She couldn't.
One of his arms was rested lightly on her ribs it a feather-light touch. His face was buried in her hair and her own was resting in the crook of his neck. She could fell his breath tickling her forehead. The comforting scent that always lingered around him drifted off lazily.
And strangely enough she wanted it to go on forever.
The feeling of being protected. The comfort of being loved. All the things she had lost.
No! She slapped herself mentally, her thoughts feverish. Peter doesn't love me. Why should I love him?
Unbidden his head slipped until her forehead was aligned with his. His eyes, unlike hers, were shut, the eyelids smoothed over and the long lashes unflattering.
It was easier to study his face without having those blue eyes stare back at you. For the first time since her marriage she realized she had never really studied his face before. True he was handsome; she could see other women blushing when he brushed their trembling hands with his lips.
His forehead was wide and smooth, covered by the fall of his blond hair. His nose was gracefully hooked, straight and well-shaped. The cheekbones were prominent and the sunlight playing on his cheeks made them look almost flushed. His whole face was artistically sculptured, the jaw elegantly formed, the mouth a perfect way to keep you awake at night. His hair turned a degree or two lighter in the sun shine. And she realized that since he had come here a slight tan had come over his face. Partially bronzed but still white.
Oh Aslan.
Why did she feel this strange, queasy feeling all of a sudden?
Why did the heat rush to her cheeks as she stared at him?
Why? Why? Why?
She had never felt anything like this before.
Why did she feel it now?
It wasn't like she was in love with him.
Right?
She exhaled and edged around slightly trying to get out of his grip. She cursed herself for not having a separate bedroom.
'Isabela…'
Isabela froze the blood rushing out of her face and her lips quivering. Oh God….. He was awake.
But as she looked up expecting to see his eyes boring down at her mercilessly.
They were closed.
She breathed a sigh of relief. So he dreamed about her? Well that was certainly unexpected and unwelcome. In fact that was wholly welcome. A mischievous smile spread over her face. Now she too had a weapon against him.
This morning wasn't so bad after all…
It seemed her prayers were heard for Peter shifted back, his arm slipping from he ribs in a trail that left fire in its wake. She scrambled away half expecting him to grab her again. Luckily he didn't.
She peeked out of the small gap between the curtains careful not to spread them too far and thereby waking Peter up. It was still early. Perhaps seven in the morning or maybe eight. Or nine.
She wandered down the main stairs, hoping that the fresh air would be able to clean her mind. She found Heulwen down in the kitchen, scolding another servant. The poor, unfortunate person looked so pitiful that Isabela decided to interrupt by hastily announcing her desire for breakfast.
Heulwen raised her thick eyebrows at her young mistress.
'Why are you up so early?' she questioned suspiciously. 'Did you sleep well.'
'Of course I did Heulwen.' Isabela replied hoping that the storm wouldn't break on her. 'I was just hungry.'
'Why didn't you say so, honey? Of course you'll be hungry. You didn't even eat properly last night.'
She could have groaned.
'Heulwen,' she said patiently. 'I want only a slice of bread. That will be all.'
'Nonsense!' Heulwen glowered at her. 'You eat no more than a bird.'
'Well I don't have the appetite of an elephant, you know.' Isabela sat down at the side table set aside for four people, rubbing her head.
'Most people I know do have an appetite of an elephant.'
'You're way too used to Peter and Edmund, Heulwen.'
Heulwen grumbled something under her breath and shaking her large body moved into the kitchen where the thin, weedy man of a cook stirred the porridge. Isabela leaned against the chair, sighing slightly.
'Why the long sigh, sweetness of mine?'
She could have slapped herself. The last person she wanted to see at the moment stood in the doorway, smirking down at her.
'Do you want something?' She asked annoyed.
'Well yes.' Peter said considering. 'I wanted some breakfast. You see that's why I came down. Four scrambled eggs, seven slices of bacon, eight pieces of toast and three glasses of orange juice will do.'
'You'd do well if your breakfast menu could have more influence on your wife's.' Heulwen scowled at him. 'One slice of bread. Hmph! In my time no person, man, woman or child, could leave until they had eaten at least five bowls of porridge.'
'Those were your times Heulwen.' Isabela said finally.
'Aren't you hungry?' At Heulwen's glare, Peter added gently. 'Leave her be Heulwen. If Isabela is not hungry there's nothing you or I can do.'
'Are we leaving for Cair Paravel today?' Isabela questioned reaching for browned bread on the china plate. 'Lucy's getting impatient. She wants us to get 'our lazy selves back to home in a fortnight' as she puts it.'
Instantly Heulwen was in arms. 'No you aren't. You aren't going to leave until you're right healthy.'
'In fact,' Peter stated placidly. 'we're going to leave by noon. It's been too long Heulwen. We have to return one day. Any besides so many treaties and talks are postponed. It simply won't do.'
Heulwen did not answer.
'She's gong to kill you one day.' Isabela whispered to Peter.
'On the contrary I think one day she'll kill you.' Peter smirked. 'But then again we're too dear to her. I'm sure in the end it will be you and I who will end up killing each other.'
Isabela couldn't agree more.
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][[][][][][][][]
'I'm glad you're back.' Lucy gushed as she squeezed her sister-in-law. 'I haven't seen you for weeks.'
'I'm sure it wasn't that long, Lu.' Peter teased leaning down to kiss the cheek she turned to him. 'Your maths is getting faulty.'
'Oh?' The youthful queen arched a silken eyebrow. 'Or perhaps the time flew too fast for our happy couple.'
Happy would be the last word I would use to describe us. Isabela thought but she put on a forced smile.
'The point is that you are back.' Susan put in mildly sensing the tenseness in the air. 'Did I mention our new guest to you?'
'Guest?' Peter raised his eyebrows in an exact imitation of Lucy. 'You must have had amnesia when you were writing that profoundly long letter to us.'
'Alexander arrived only two days ago.' Susan retorted pushing back her curled hair. Isabela eyed Susan's pink face and suddenly wondered why Susan had seemed so flustered that morning. 'He was very eager to meet you two.'
'Indeed I was.' A smooth voice cut through. Isabela turned around to see a graceful young man walking casually through the hall. His arresting face was open in a wide smile as he bowed smartly and reached for Isabela's hand. 'My lady Isabela, I must apologize for any mistake of speech on my part. Your beauty and charm has rendered me quite speechless. The High King is the luckiest of the men.'
'Indeed I am, Lord Alexander.' Peter said icily, his voice cool. 'You need not state it. It is evident enough.'
Alexander did not seem the least bit disturbed by Peter's tone of voice. 'High King Peter! What an honour to meet you in person!' I am absolutely dumbfounded. The man responsible for the death of Jadis!'
Instantly the atmosphere changed. Peter's cool face turned blank with a frightening intensity. Susan's eyes dropped, her long lashes almost veiling them and two spots of red appeared on her cheeks while Lucy stared at Peter, her face shadowed. It was as if something electrifying had passed through the room leaving them all stunned and silent and Isabela staring at the Pevensies felt oddly left out.
'It was Aslan who killed Jadis. We only helped him.' Edmund interrupted from the doorway. His lean body was angled towards Alexander and there was a dangerous look in his eyes. 'Peter. Lia. I'm glad you're back.'
'Lia?' Alexander questioned, his voice almost resembling a cat's purr. Isabela felt her spine tingle. What was it about the new lord that made her fearful?
'A privilege that only close friends are allowed.' Edmund said smoothly. 'And family of course.'
'Oh. I'll be sure to include myself into your close friends, Lady Isabela. It's fate.'
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][[][][][][][][]
Finally our favourite family is back together! But there are still more problems which have to be resolved (if they can be resolved)…. Do check out the full summary for this fanfiction. And of course REVIEW!
A. L. Potter