"Will he be alright?" the whimpering voice was starting to get on Liana's nerves. "Oh, I didn't mean for this to happen, I didn't know-"

"Whether or not you meant for this to happen is irrelevant," Liana snapped through clenched teeth. "Lias, if you could please-"

"Move along now, Lady Iris, Healer Liana will come see you shortly once she is finished," Lias worked quickly and got the small cubicle free, poking his head inside long enough to say, "I'll just check on Ronas and return, child."

Liana didn't answer, but made quick work of the lifeless body lying in front of her. The duel for Lady Iris's hand had not gone well; both men were exceptional fighters and had drawn blood until one had fainted from the loss. He had been given herbs and told to sleep, but the other one, a young man Liana was familiar with, did not have the same luck. His skull was cracked and the wound, though stitched up, was obviously going to restrict his movement for a very long time. Liana sighed, cut the thread she was using and allowed the faun attending her to remove her apron and took the warm cloth with which to clean her hands.

"Give him honey when he wakes, and have Lady Iris in to see him," she told the faun. "It's no secret he was the favored one, and I'm sure she will want to be close to him."

"Are you done for the morning, Healer?" asked the faun.

Liana shook her head, the small tendrils of hair tickling her cheeks. Her braid was messy and her hands, now that they weren't holding a needle, began to shake. "I will be called when needed, Leena. I am going to the gardens."

The air outside was crisp and smelled like summer. She inhaled deeply and wrapped her arms around herself. Ronas had been under Lias's care for a few hours now, but as soon as Edmund and Liana had gone into the Houses to check on him, the two injured men had arrived and Liana had taken over, only faintly registering Edmund's quiet murmur that he would be waiting outside. It had taken the better part of the morning, however, and Liana did not expect him to be around. She rubbed her eyes wearily and sank down under an apple tree, leaning her head back against the rough bark.

"Liana?" her eyes flew open, afraid that she had fallen asleep. It was obvious she had not, however, since Susan was just entering the garden, not looking at all surprised to see her. "What are you doing out here?" asked her friend as she came closer. "I thought you were with Edmund."

"I was," Liana patted the grass next to her, waiting until Susan was comfortable before speaking. "But the two men who had planned to fight for Lady Iris's hand came in, and I was busy. He told me he would wait, but I suppose I took longer than expected."

"He came into the castle a few minutes ago, actually," said Susan. "Who won the duel?"

"Neither, I assume. One was taken ill before the fight could end fairly. Did you say Edmund was inside?"

"Yes," Susan resisted the urge to smile. "And I can see that you are tired. I can go fetch him, if you'd like. I only came to check on you."

"I can't ask you to fetch him for me, Susan, that wouldn't be proper."

Susan rolled her eyes. "As your Queen, I command you to let me do as I please. Does that satisfy you?"

"Hardly," Liana's lips twitched. "But I could accompany you back to the castle. I am tired, and Leena can summon me if I am needed. I would like to change my dress as well."

"Back to white?" Susan smiled faintly. Liana rarely wore colors, and the pale pink she was in that morning made her look much younger than she was.

Surprisingly, Liana shrugged. "I was going to wear green, actually. My last white dress needs mending, but I'm too tired to do that today."

"Oh, of course, you are!" Susan took her arm at once, ignoring her protests. "You must be tired after the night you've had, and to wake up and go elbow deep into an injured man's side first thing can hardly be pleasant. I doubt your experience will warrant an appetite, but would you like a late breakfast? I could join you, and I know Edmund has not eaten. We could have it in Peter's solar, I've sent the dwarves to clean up Edmund's. We'll have to give them something too, and the nymphs just made the most wonderful bread…"

Liana smiled to herself as Susan, ever the planner, went on and on about the menu for the late breakfast, which had turned into brunch by the time they reached her room, where Liana's belongings were stored. Susan chattered on about the archery tournament that was to be held, and thought to set a date for another, in honor of Lady Iris's engagement to one of the men. Liana listened patiently as she combed her hair, put on a clean dress and splashed her face with cold water. When she was done, they left the room together and parted, Susan towards the kitchens and Liana to find Edmund.

She lingered near the main staircase, unsure of where to go. Normally, if she went towards his solar Lyra would be on patrol and would direct her, but since the solar was being cleaned she doubted he would be there. He could be in his chambers, but she bit her lip at the thought of being so bold. After the days she had fallen asleep in his arms, she hadn't stepped foot in his room. However, the need to see him was growing with every second. She could knock and ask him to come outside and walk with her: there was nothing improper in such a request.

Nevertheless, her fingers hesitated, barely touching the polished wood of his door. Fortunately, she didn't have time to think. The door swung open and Edmund stepped outside, almost colliding with her. Automatically, she grabbed his arm to stop him, and to steady herself. They locked eyes and Liana was surprised to see the confusion in them as they settled upon her, but it was gone in a trice and he smiled at her. She blinked.

"Good morning," he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "I was just coming to find you."

"What's wrong?" she didn't release his arm. "You seem troubled."

"Do I?" his tone was still pleasant, and a little surprised. "I'm fine, actually. A little hungry, however."

"Susan is setting up brunch in the High King's solar. I was coming to find you," she accepted his arm and he guided her towards the main staircase, holding her closer than was proper but, in Liana's opinion, not close enough.

"Well, you found me," his voice was still pleasant, but it did not reach his eyes.

"Are you going to tell me what is bothering you?"

He sighed. "I don't know, Liana. Will you tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

"I read your letter," Liana frowned in confusion. "You left it on my desk. It was to your brother."

Her eyes widened in recognition. She had forgotten to take it, of course he would have read it. Her heart ached at what he must think. Simultaneously, her worst fear was becoming a reality; if Edmund stopped her, she knew she would not go, and there was a sickening feeling in her stomach that made her think she would resent him for it. However, Edmund did not look at her. He kept her hand on his arm and guided her towards the orchards, out of sight of the castle.

"I can explain," said Liana as soon as they stopped walking. She turned to face him. "Edmund-"

He shook his head, his eyes downcast. "You don't owe me an explanation, Liana," his voice was so unbelievably gentle. "You have every right to come and go as you please, I would never stop you for going to see your family. I hope you know that."

She bit her lip. "That is not why you are upset."

"I'm not upset," he ran a hand through his hair and, at her disbelieving look, held out his hand for hers. She took it hesitantly. Edmund rolled his eyes. "I am never angry at you, Liana, you never do anything to deserve my anger. I only wish you had told me. You told Susan and Peter."

"Susan is my friend, and Peter is my King," said Liana softly. She used her free hand to caress his cheek. "I could tell them that I was thinking of leaving. I couldn't tell you, Edmund. One word from you and I would have never even considered going. I needed to think about it myself."

"Why would I stop you?" he tugged her closer and Liana wrapped her arms around his neck. "Your nieces deserve to see their father, and you deserve to see your brother. I do not trust him, because I do not want to see you hurt, but I trust you. I trust that you will make the right decision."

"You don't mind if I go?" Liana frowned.

"Of course I mind," said Edmund. He huffed. "I don't want you to leave me, but I will respect whatever decision you make. I would never order you to stay with me if that's not what you wanted."

Liana's eyes widened. "Oh, how could you ever think that I didn't want to be with you? I would never willingly leave you, Edmund, please tell me you know that."

"I do," he assured her. "But I am relieved to hear you say it. After I read your letter, for a little while…" he trailed off, avoiding her eyes. Liana tugged at his collar. He grinned shamefacedly. "You never finished it. I didn't know what you were going to say to your brother."

"I was going to tell him that I'm happy. What else could I possibly say?"

"I wondered if maybe you were giving him an opening to change your decision."

"My decision is to stay with you," she smiled. "At least until the spring is over. I want Merda and the baby to go, however, as planned. Your brother settled the particulars for me perfectly."

"I'm glad," Edmund kissed her forehead. "I never want you to feel like you have to give up anything for me."

"I never feel that way," Liana eased herself out of his grasp, reluctantly, and smiled at his expression. "I could stay like this forever, but we need to go. Susan will be waiting."

"Let her wait," he made to grab her, but Liana stepped out of his reach and laughed, holding out her hand. Scowling, he took it. They walked out of the orchards like that, hand in hand. Fortunately, there were no people to stare at them. The private wing was empty as well, and Edmund pulled Liana to a stop behind a pillar. She raised an eyebrow, knowing his intentions, but he ignored her, pushing her back against the pillar and leaning close.

Liana's stomach began to do somersaults as she felt his arm go around her waist, pressing her into the marble but ensuring that it didn't hurt her. Her fingers tangled into his hair of their own accord. Edmund had never kissed her like this. There was an undercurrent to his every motion, as if no matter how close he held her it just wasn't close enough. His lips were demanding, but still soft, his arms a cage around her so she couldn't move. He tasted like dark chocolate, the kind that made you hunger for more even after you knew you had had enough. Liana's gasped into the kiss as she felt his free hand caress her stomach and then lower, through the folds of her dress to push her leg away so he could be even closer. She didn't stop him. He eventually pulled back for air at that, only to bend his head and press butterfly kisses to her neck and collarbone, allowing her to catch her breath.

"Edmund!" Liana finally managed to hiss out his name when she felt a sting on the nape of her neck. "What-"

He merely shushed her, giving her another kiss and pulling away completely. Liana held onto his arm forcefully: her legs felt like jelly and her face was flushed. Edmund's eyes were dark, but twinkling. He kissed her again, releasing her iron grip on his arm.

"I'll go in first," he winked and bowed, pressing a chaste kiss to the back of her hand. "You follow when you've… calmed yourself."

He walked away without another word, but not before Liana saw the smirk tugging at his mouth. She leaned back against the pillar, trying to cool down but blushing furiously every time the not unpleasant memory of what had just happened filtered into her mind. It was only when she had finally taken several deep breaths and patted her hair into place that she realized what had just happened.

King Edmund had marked her.

!

"Oh, did you open your braid, Liana?" asked Lucy sorrowfully. "It looked so lovely."

"I'm sorry for being late," said Liana, curtseying quickly to Peter and addressing Susan apologetically.

"Oh, don't be, we're just starting now," Susan patted the seat next to her. "Your hair did look lovely this morning, why did you open it?"

"I only tied it to work, I've actually taken a fancy to loose hair now," Liana didn't meet anyone's eyes as she reached for the butter to pass to Peter, who promptly began to fill her plate with any food within her reach. "High King, I hope all of that is not for me."

"It is," Peter grinned and handed back a staggeringly full plate. "As High King, I refuse to allow you to fill your own plate at meals from now on. You eat less than Susan when she feels her dresses have grown tight around the waist."

"Peter!" Susan's tone was horrified as Edmund and Lucy burst into laughter. Liana giggled as well and glanced at Edmund from under her lashes. He was watching her. They locked eyes and he winked, the smirk returning to his lips. His eyes zeroed in on her neck, and the smirk almost became a grin; he didn't buy her story of opening her hair purely for vanity's sake. Liana rolled her eyes for his benefit and returned to her food.

Once the table had been cleared, Lucy begged Liana to make her hair, earning a frown from Susan. Liana waved away her concern that she would be busy and sat Lucy down on the stool in front of her to braid her hair. Once she was done, the young queen skipped away to where her brothers were sitting, no doubt discussing something important. Susan was sitting across from Liana, making a new quiver of arrows for herself for the archery competition she was hosting in a fortnight. Liana reached for the book lying next to her on the table, smiling internally at how none of the siblings thought it odd for her to spend her free afternoons with them. She had barely started reading when the space next to her was filled by Edmund. He was still smirking.

"I'll thank you to wipe that smile off your face," said Liana, barely looking up at him.

Edmund chuckled and plucked the book from her hands. "Would you like me to apologize?"

"No," she answered automatically. She blushed at the realization of what she had said. "I mean-"

"I know what you mean," Edmund's voice was quiet as he leaned towards her, pretending to point something out in her book. "And I hope you know that I am not at all sorry for what I did."

Liana's eyebrows shot up. "My, my, King Edmund, aren't you rather forward today?"

"Perhaps," he admitted. "Again, expect no apology."

"Of course not."

"Would you take a walk with me?"

Liana's lips tugged upwards into a smirk not unlike the one Edmund had worn when he left her. She knew what game he was playing. "I wouldn't, actually. I find this book fascinating."

"I can think of something I find just as fascinating," his voice was a mere murmur in her ear. His fingers while reaching to turn a page of her book, brushed against her hair, pushing it back over her shoulder. Liana felt herself going red again, and he chuckled, his breath tickling her now exposed neck. "Come find me when you agree."

Liana blushed furiously, cursing him in her mind as he made his excuses to his siblings and left the room.