Author's Note: Welcome back! For the next few chapters, we shall be joining the Pevensies during their reign over Narnia—Isabelle tagging along for the ride! Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: The great C.S. Lewis owns The Chronicles ofNarnia, not me.

Chapter 16

I stared at the map that took over the entire conference table, doing my best to pay attention.

It had been a year since the Pevensies had been crowned Kings and Queens of Narnia; at the suggestion of Aslan Himself, I had been chosen to help with diplomatic affairs with Edmund. The first few meeting were almost dizzying, but after a while, both the King and myself were able to handle pretty much any and every document that was shuffled our way.

"The diplomat we sent to Terebinthia should return within the week, Sire," Oreius, to Edmund's left, pushed a scroll towards him. "His visit appears to have been very promising."

"That's good," Edmund smiled, his russet eyes studying the diplomat's letter with enthusiasm. "I'm glad to hear it. Terebinthia will be a valuable ally in the future. Have we heard anything from the Lone Islands?"

That was my turn to pipe up. "That crew returned this morning, Your Majesty, along with numerous gifts for you." I passed the document from the Islanders to him.

His eyebrows raised in curiosity. "There are apparently several intended recipients of these gifts. Besides myself, there are several traditional skirts for the two Queens—oh, Susan and Lucy shall be very pleased—and strings of local pearls for the…'beautiful fair-haired lady in the court'." Edmund's eyes twinkled. "Suppose that would be you," he clarifies with a wink, which makes me turn scarlet. Its not every day one of the Kings of Narnia says something like that—especially in front of other members of the court!

Was… I began to blush deeper. Does that mean Edmund likes me? Not in just a friendly way, but the way I think I have been for a little while now?

I shake my head, trying to clear my mind. By the Lion, Isabelle Polly! Pull it together! This is a court meeting, not a time for such foolish thinking!

As I tried to regain some sort of speaking ability, the doors flew open, revealing a very flustered Fawn. "King Edmund! Lady Isabelle!" he declared.

"What is it, Mister Tumnus?" Edmund inquired, rising to his feet at the sight of our dear friend, who also revealed to have a knack for dimploacy. He traveled with us as often as he could, offering words of wisdom and helpful insight concerning the customs and affairs of other surrounding kingdoms and countries.

"It's…" Tumnus panted. "It's the scouts that should have departed from the Wild Lands in the North this morning, Your Majesty, Your Grace."

My brow furrowed at the words. "'Should have', Mister Tumnus?" I repeated, making sure I had heard correctly.

The Fawn nodded. "We just received a note demanding ransom for them—a group of bandits has captured them near the River Shribble!"

Edmund glanced down at the map before us. "That's just beyond the mountains," he murmured to me.

The other Fawn in the room huffed. "Probably those giants."

"More likely more remnants of the Witch's Army," I reasoned. "We've been chasing them for a year—I wouldn't be surprised if they ventured so far north."

The King nodded in agreement before gathering the note Tumnus had given him. "I'll present this to—"

"To me?" A voice finished.

I curtsied as the others in the court bowed. "High King Peter," we all acknowledged softly as Edmund strode to his brother, the pair grasping forearms in greeting.

"Demanded ransom for scouts," Peter mused as he read the note, his forehead creasing in concern and frustration. "Probably some soldiers that slipped through our fingers."

"What would you have us do, Sire?" Edmund inquired, watching his brother scan the document again. "We could send out some of our best trackers and have them here by tomorrow."

Peter shook his head, a strange gleam coming to his eye. "I think…you should go, Edmund."

My eyes widened as the court rippled with conversation. "But, Your Majesty, he's a King!" a flabbergasted Fawn declared.

"I never said he'd go alone," Peter continued, silencing the court effectively. "I'd also like for the Lady Isabelle and Oreius to accompany him. The three of them are capable warriors, so I am sure they will make Narnia proud." I bowed graciously, honored by the request, though my heart was pounding. I had never been up North before, nor had I been in such a small company with high stakes. Hopefully, all would be well.

"Lady Isabelle?"

I jumped at the hand on my shoulder. "Oh, I'm sorry, Your Majesty," I apologized, dipping my head at Edmund.

The King's warm russet eyes gleamed. "Let's prepare to head north!"

"Let's!" I smiled, letting him lead the way, my mind still swirling. What sort of mysteries were in store for us there? I could only hope that our scouts were all right.

A/N: Here you go, some off-the-books stuff to fill in for the Golden Age! What sort of adventures await Edmund and Isabelle up North! We shall see…next time!