Hi it's me again, this is the longest chapter i've wrote till now, i hope you like it.

thank you PurpleFanMagic and PinkyKupKake for your reviews, they really encourage me ;)

Chapter IV

"Rise and shine!" were the first words Annabelle heard the next morning as Lucy jumped on her bed trying to wake her up.

"Five more minutes Dad"

"First of all I'm not your dad, you're in Narnia remember?"

Anne quickly sat her eyes wide open

"You mean I really wasn't dreaming?"

Lucy just chuckled at her silliness.

"Well, sleeping beauty, you have to wake up unless you want to be late for breakfast"

"I want to be late for breakfast" she answered while lying down again.

"Oh, it will be such a shame, Edmund would be so disappointed, Caspian too" she muttered the last part under her breath.

"Why Edmund?"

"Never mind, now off to get ready"

Annabelle got up to the bathroom where a basin of water awaited her, she washed her teeth of what was equivalent to a toothbrush and some good smelling herbs, before drying her face with a cloth that was laid for her use.

When she came out, she found a light cotton red dress, a color that would match her fair skin. The design was simple so it was very comfortable for her.

She braided her hair in a fish tail while leaving some strands that went down on each side of her face in perfect curls. Once pleased with her appearance she took off to the dinning room.

At the door, she found Caspian who immediately greeted her with a smile. Unlike her relationship with Edmund, who she admits has developped a tiny crush on, Caspian made her feel a little bit awkward, and her defenses were always up, just in case.

"My lady, I hope you slept well?"

"Yes, indeed, thank you" she answered with the same smile then sat on her chair. This time, Caspian was the one to pull it out for her. It felt weird as she was not used to such attention.

Another five minutes passed before the doors burst open revealing a laughing Peter followed by a glaring Edmund.

"Oh come one Ed, you don't have to be shy, I know you too well."

"Shy about what?" asked Caspian. The oldest Pevensie was about to respond before his brother quickly cut him off:

"Nothing"

"Morniiing" said Lucy with a high pitched voice and took her seat as well. Susan was the last to arrive and did the same as her sister.

"Lu, your voice's too high for my sensible ears" complained Caspian.

"Oh poor little Caspian I hope it doesn't hurt too much" retorted Lucy in the same high pitched tone just to annoy him as he groaned. Everyone just laughed at the two before Ed asked:

"Su, why were you late? You're never late."

"I was planning a few things with the castle designers for the ball next week."

"A-a ball?" asked Annabelle astonishment apparent in her face.

"Yes. It is a custom in Narnia to hold every year a spring ball. Everyone's invited Narnians or not. Titles aren't important either. The only rule to follow is to wear masks"

The just king noticed his friend's anxiousness grow when each word was spoken, so he quickly interrupted his sister:

"Why, do you not like it?"

"N-No, it's just the last time I was a part of a ball wasn't really the best day of my life."

"Why?"

"Too many people make me sick" he could see a hidden meaning to it and made a note to ask her later.

Lucy quickly changed the subject:

"Anne, we're going to practice after breakfast, want to join us?"

"Practice what?"

"Sword fighting and archery; we're at war we can't lay off on training."

"Okay, why not, I always wanted to learn how to defend myself"

"Well good for you, it seems that you'll have the best teacher too." Peter said while pointing at Edmund who just rolled his eyes. Caspian soon disagreed:

"I can help too Annabelle, if you want of course"

"No, you'll be too busy getting your butt kicked by me" Lucy teased.

"Last time I won"

"You cheated! You kissed me, how can I concentrate when you do that out of the blue?"

"That's the whole point!"

"Of course that's okay for you; you're already used to such things. But that was my first kiss and you stole it trying to beat me at a duel" protested Lucy

Peter's eyes narrowed at the memory before he glared at Caspian:

"Please don't remind me."

When every plate of food was cleared, they went straight to the training fields.

Peter sheathed Rhindon, Susan took her bow, Lucy her dagger and Edmund his twin swords. Annabelle was at loss; Archery wasn't her forte and she never handled anything sharp other than a kitchen knife.

The youngest king, after analyzing the weaponry, handed her twin daggers, they were light, easy to master and as deadly as any sword. Anne was pleased at his choice and thanked him.

"Peter, what about a duel as a warm up?" asked Edmund

"Of course, you got lucky last time."

They just took their places facing each other. Then suddenly Peter jumped with his sword high in the air, his shield in his left hand. Edmund was ready for it and dodged easily. But now was his turn to attack, he aimed for his left arm and got rid of the shield, his brother took Rhindon with both hands and attacked, Edmund took the blow and slashed to the side but Peter blocked it again and used his strength to disable his brother from one of his swords.

"Big mistake Pete"

Before he could react, Edmund used his agility and slid to the ground to get behind Peter, his sword aimed at his throat, all of those in mere seconds.

The oldest brother just huffed at his defeat like a five year when he was refused candy. Susan just laughed:

"Maybe next time Peter."

"That's what you said last time."

"Maybe you used too much strength and didn't notice the gap that you left?"

Everyone turned to Annabelle as she was the one who spoke. When she felt all eyes on her, she lowered her head

"S-Sorry"

"No you're right, good observing skills I see" praised Edmund she just smiled at him before he continued "Peter's sword fighting is based mainly on strength, he acts on reflex rather than thinking, which can cause him serious injuries in battle."

Peter, trusting his brother's judgment, nodded at his advice.

"Lu, you said you wanted to beat me? Now's your chance" challenged Caspian.

"Just don't run off when I do" he just smirked

"Never my attention as I'll be the one to win"

"Enough with talk and let's get to it already."

Lucy took both her daggers as Caspian did the same to his sword. Then without warning another duel commenced.

Annabelle felt her mouth drop, she never imagined Lucy, the ever peaceful one, being such a fighter. Caspian attacked, Lucy crossed her daggers to block it. She looked so small compared to the tall man she stood against, but that was convenient as she was faster. It seemed they were dancing in perfect synchronization to a melody coming from their weapons. Both were wearing the biggest grins.

After a few more blows, Caspian tripped Lucy and they were both sent to the floor panting, him on top. The young man's sword was placed a few inches above her chest.

"Do you still think you can beat me?" he asked.

Lucy's grin grew wider as he suddenly felt something cold on the back of his neck.

"No, but I think we're even." The valiant queen answered still pointing her dagger at him.

Caspian just stood while laughing then helped her up.

"You never fail to amaze me."

"Well then, be glad to have me."

They turned around only to see shocked faces. Peter seemed to fight an inner battle.

Even a blind man could see the sparks produced by the two as did Susan and Edmund. But they were not aware of how perfect they can be for each other, yet.

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