Hey guys HAPPY NEW YEAR, sorry for the long wait, I was preparing for my exams. I also have good and bad news. I'll start with the bad ones. My exams are next week which will take up all my time and won't be able to update. Now the good ones are, I have written like 6 chapters after this one so I'll try my best to type them fast and upload sometime soon. Again sorry guys, love you all ;)

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PurpleFanMagic: don't ever read fanfiction with a parent around or else they'll send you straight to rehab. I mean we just keep grinning at our screens and laugh like crazy, personal experience. And I would love to see your girl power dance. Again thank you Livvy.

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Again thanks to all and I really love all my readers whether they review or not even though it makes me happy to know your opinions.

Okay that's all with the crap, here's your chapter. :*

Chapter XII

Lucy could feel herself changing; she was more daring, more confident. Her relationship with Caspian was far from courting, mainly built on passion and desire. How did they change so fast? God only knows. She was constantly hurting too, sometimes he seemed so close the next she couldn't even reach him. She stood there, watching his feelings for Anne grow completely ignoring hers. She was so confused. She wanted him more than anything, she felt herself slowly change into a woman. She was also angry with herself. Love made her a substitute and she was strangely content with it.

All of those feelings were safely hidden from everyone even Edmund who was always able to read her like an open book. But the young man was a little busy trying to stop Caspian before he had the chance to do anything to Annabelle. Did they fight? Of course. Did it get ugly? No, she always broke them apart before it led to fists.

She was on her way to the library to meet the others. She opened the doors, entered and sat on the chair across Caspian, he was still looking at her with a desiring look but she just smiled, looking as calm as ever. Peter was first to ask:

"How did it go?"

"Excellent, I've got all the information I needed."

"We heard screams." Her youngest brother pointed.

"That was nothing." She shrugged.

"Yeah you're one to speak, I was the one standing behind you and it wasn't pretty at all." Caspian felt shivers down his neck. Lucy just rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, the Tisroc sent him as a warning but also a distraction. He's planning an attack on Cair Paravel. When? No one knows but he said they were already making preparations."

"It's planned in two weeks, my spies just came back" Informed the just king.

"Why wait so long though?" asked Peter.

"Maybe allies or other forces, training and planning, it's not an easy battle at all, we might outnumber them alone, but with others the fight will be fair."

"So Lucy, what did you do to that assassin?" Susan demanded.

"Oh. I set him free."

"WHAT?!" the whole room apart Lucy and Caspian exclaimed.

"Everyone can change, one has to show mercy and give them a second chance, the world can be cruel to some, so I set him free with the hope that he'll change but he is banished from Narnia."

"You're right Lucy you made a wise decision. But I hope he takes his chance seriously." agreed Edmund.

"He will. He's too scared of Lucy. I thought the poor guy was going to faint." Caspian spoke.

Everyone's thoughts were the same 'never ever get into the valiant queen's bad side.'

All stood to make their way to the dining room where their meal awaited them. Caspian leaned to Lucy's ear whispering:

"Nice act Lu."

"Oh I know, thank you."

"Don't worry I'll keep our secret safe."

"Never doubted it, after all you surely want to stay alive." She pointed at Peter who was scowling at him. Lucy smiled innocently at her brother. When did she learn to act so well?

They all ate their meal silently which was quite comic.

Edmund and Annabelle were stealing glances at each other; Caspian was gazing at Anne and Lucy at him. Peter and Susan were trying to ignore the tensions which would probably grow if they didn't.

After finishing, they went to the throne room to discuss Narnia's threat. Plans were indispensable at such times.

"We need to gather as many forces as we can." Peter stated the obvious but no one made fun of him as it was hardly time for jokes.

"Don't you have any allies? You've won many wars right? So why not use that to our advantage?"

"Clever indeed, you'll turn out to be quite useful in this war Annabelle" Praised Susan.

"Then, Edmund, go to Ettinsmoor and convince the giants to aid us." Lucy spoke firmly before continuing "I'd go myself, but you were always the best at political agreements." Her brother nodded to her request.

"We need Archenland's help as well."

"You're right Caspian; I'll personally go and claim it. Susan, I would like you to accompany me." The oldest pevensie demanded. "Caspian and Lucy, the kingdom will be in your hands."

"What about me?" asked Annabelle.

"You'll stay here, Ed can't take you with him and you'll certainly be safer here." Lucy tried to convince her.

"Bu-"

"No buts, Anne, and while I'm gone, don't forget to work on your fighting skills"

"No Edmund, I want to go with you."

"Anne, Ettinsmoor is a land habited by giants and black dwarfs who are far from friendly by the way. Plus it's all ice, so please stay here."

Annabelle couldn't resist his pleading eyes any longer and just gave up. It was already a lost fight.

"We'll set out tomorrow. Let's rest for the day." Peter decided.

Annabelle headed to her room with Edmund.

"Do you really have to go?" she pouted. The just king laughed at her.

"Yes I do."

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself."

He reassured her with sweet kisses that made her stomach flutter. He grinned at her that boyish grin. It never failed to make her faint-hearted. He whispered:

"Goodnight love."

She smiled softly and gave him a peck before turning to quickly enter her room, face as red as a tomato.

She heard a small chuckle from the other side of the door and sighed thinking about her favorite man going to god knows where. Was it Ettinsmoor or something? She really needed to study these maps. And strangely, it didn't bother her the fact that giants existed, it was too late for her to be surprised anymore in a land of myth.

All gathered in front of the gates at first light the next morning.

"Be careful to not get stepped on Ed; giants have really bad sight for tiny creatures."

"Lucy, you really have the weirdest ideas, and don't worry I will." He kissed her forehead as she hugged him. An echo of aw could be heard from their small audience. The valiant queen turned to her dear little friend.

"Trumpkin, take care of him, oh and congratulations on your wedding."

"I will and thank you your majesty."

The red dwarf was gone for his honeymoon, he just married a cheerful lady of his own kind named Beth; she was the perfect match as she managed well his grumpy behavior.

The youngest queen made way for Annabelle who hugged her man tightly.

"Come back quick." Tears were already flowing from her eyes.

"I promise, I'll miss you greatly."

The two shared a passionate kiss ignoring the whistles and wolf calls.

Lucy kissed her older brother's cheeks.

"Pete, take care of Susan" Then did the same to her sister.

"Make him see reason if he doesn't, I'm counting on you."

"I can do it myself" Protested Peter.

"Us three know that you can't." retorted Susan.

"The kingdom is in your hands Lucy, be the wise woman I know you are, you too Caspian, take care of our little sister."

The young king, who was glaring at Ed the whole time, smiled which looked mischievous to Lucy alone.

"Of course Susan, I think we'll enjoy each other's company." Lucy could see the hiding meaning behind it and tried her best not to blush.

Caspian awkwardly bid Edmund goodbye before they all set off. The just north, the magnificent and the gentle south.

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