Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: When memory is veiled, can the love forged between two hearts survive?

A/N: If you have not read the first seven stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakened, Shadowed, Revealed, Concealed, Rekindled, Refracted, and Reflected), I highly recommend you do so for the full experience. However, I have included a quick summary of the previous stories so if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.

Chapter Fifteen: Safeguard

"Are you all right, my Lady?"

Alambiel raised her head from her knees and blinked at Ptah. The Leopard's golden gaze was fixed on her, but he seemed concerned. The bitter thought edged in that perhaps he was only worried about her going on another murderous rampage. The thought hurt almost as much as the accusing cries of murderer and she shoved it back down.

The sense of being watched filled her and she ducked her head slightly, scanning the area from beneath her lashes. But, no one was in view save for Ptah. Maybe she really was crazy. Rubbing her temples, Alambiel sighed. "No."

Ptah came closer, his warm bulk pressing against her. It should have felt too hot given the way the summer heat lingered into autumn, but she felt inexplicably cold. "You were very upset when you ran out here."

She raised her hand and scratched behind his ear. "I needed space." She heard squeals of laughter nearby and the low hum of cheerful chatter. Maybe she should have moved deeper into the gardens, but…she was afraid to venture too near the walls. A dread sensation that something was waiting for her to leave filled her each time she contemplated venturing beyond the walls. It frightened her and the memory of what she had done the last time fear controlled her…murdering an unarmed man was more than enough to deter her from putting herself in a truly frightening situation again. Murderer.

A child's squeal of delight pierced the air. Alambiel leapt to her feet just as a small child darted toward her, babbling. "La! La! Up! Up! Up!" Alambiel's heart was pounding to the point she thought it might burst from her chest but then she allowed herself to study the child clinging to her skirts.

Long brown curls with just the hint of reddish highlights held back by a pink ribbon that matched her slightly rumpled pink gown. The girl smiled, she had two missing teeth. Her big brown eyes shone with…trust as she tugged on her skirts. "La! Mazy up! Up!"

The little toddler trusted her. Alambiel picked her up, allowing herself a small smile as the child wrapped her pudgy arms around her neck and started babbling all about flowers and puppies and "flutterbys." She glanced at Ptah but he seemed preoccupied with vigorously cleaning his paw. It was an act. She didn't know how she knew that, but she was certain he was only acting uninterested to make her feel calm.

"I have young children…" It was as though someone had poured ice water over the little flame of warmth the toddler "Mazy" had brought with her. Alambiel swallowed hard as she realized no parent in his or her right mind would be happy to see a vulnerable little child in her arms. She carefully set the girl down, trying to ignore the bewildered expression in those brown eyes. She made herself smile. "Thank you for visiting me, but why don't you go see your Mama now?"

Ptah was giving her an unreadable expression and she remembered he didn't know that parents were afraid of her. Of what she would do. Murderer. The toddler looked around then her face split into an excited grin as she clapped her hands then waved. "Daddy! Daddy!"

Alambiel looked up as the toddler pelted toward the path and the man striding toward them. Even from where she stood in the shade of the large oak, she could see his stance was that of an angry protectiveness. His brown hair was lightened by the sun and almost had a reddish tint to it, especially combined with the wine red of his tunic. He caught the girl up and whispered to her then sent her on down the path. As he drew nearer, Alambiel realized he wasn't much taller than she was, perhaps an inch or two taller than her own six feet. He moved like a man accustomed to fighting and his left hand rested on the pommel of his sword. She forced herself not to act or look guilty as she raised her chin to meet his hard gaze. "Why did you approach my child?"

Her heartbeat increased and her palms grew sweaty as she recognized the voice of the one they had called Peridan. "Forgive me, my lord, but I didn't approach her. She approached me. I meant no harm-"

He stepped closer and Ptah tensed until Alambiel raised her hand slightly. This man was a father attempting to safeguard his children from a very real danger. She was dangerous and she could not blame him for acting as a father should. Peridan hissed, "Do not approach my children. Do not interact with them. Stay away from my family. I cannot trust their safety into your hands; therefore, you will not interact with them and they will not interact with you."

"I understand. You have my word that I will not approach your family and I will find a way to avoid the little ones' attention from now on." She hoped it would appease him and the fear in his father's heart.

Peridan stepped back. His eyes were still hard but his voice softened to a more polite tone. "I will accept your word. But, I warn you now that it would be best for you to keep to yourself should you be present at a place where the children of the Cair are about…parents must protect their children from all threats."

She nodded meekly, hoping to appease him so he would leave. Peridan didn't leave and she wondered if he felt another warning was in order. A deep voice called out, "Peridan!"

The man turned to face the Centaur who now approached them. He was not the General, though. This Centaur was even bigger than the General and was bronze from his hair to his tail. The bronze giant stopped next to Peridan and spoke softly, "You have done your duty as a father. Leave before the General learns of this."

Why would the General care what Peridan said? He was right, after all. She was too dangerous for parents to feel easy about their children being around her. Alambiel tucked the questions down as Peridan strode toward the laughter emanating from nearby. Studying the bronze Centaur, she noted there was a sorrowful kindness in his eyes when he looked at her. She scrambled to match his face to a name and failed. Before she could admit the humiliating truth, however, the Centaur bowed. "I am Ardon, Captain of the Royal Guard."

She dipped her head in response and then the name fell into place. "Oh, you're Alithia's husband! She mentioned your name a few days ago." She pretended not to notice the slight disappointment in his gaze when he realized she had no real memories of him. She needed to distract him from asking any questions she couldn't answer. "You have a foal coming this Snowbrice."

A grin of fatherly pride spread across his bronze face. "Yes, I do." A jewel-toned flash blinked into view and hovered by the Centaur's ear then zipped away. He bowed once more. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but I must return to my duties."

She managed a smile. "I understand. Thank you for intervening, by the way." Barely waiting for his polite response, Alambiel hurried back toward the Cair with Ptah guiding her whenever she turned the wrong way. She hoped she could avoid running into anyone else for the rest of the day.

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

A/N: Please Read and Review!