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missmusicaltheatre3 Yes, they are siblings in my story. But if Game of Thrones has taught us one thing, nothing stands in the way of blood or desire.
Here is the next chapter, I hope my small readership enjoys it. Please let me know what you think.
XoX
There was a collective gasp around the courtyard and a mere moment had passed before Orieus had galloped forward and placed himself between Darrin and his King.
'You will lower your sword Prince Darrin' Orieus commanded, his hand on the pummel of his own, ready to draw at a moment's notice.
Darrin met the eyes of the Centaur, as if he were weighing his options, before he did as he was bid.
Orieus stepped back and allowed Peter to come forward.
'I challenge you, Darrin, for the right to Queen Susan's hand. I willingly enter into this challenge and acknowledge your right to the spoils should I fail'.
A buzzing murmur grew from the gathered Narnian's as they took in the historic sight. One fawn mother leaned down to her young fawnling and whispered that this was a moment they would tell their children's children about.
'By what right can you claim this?' King Marion demanded, the self satisfaction his face had held only moments before had changed dramatically and he was now red with frustration.
'The High King can claim this by right of the laws and customs of our people', Mr Tumnus explained. That was why Mr Tumnus was here Susan realised as he stepped forward. Peter and Edmund would have known the Archenland royals would not have taken the challenge well and had prepared Mr Tumnus for it.
Beckoning to his right a young fawn came forward and passed Tumnus the book that had been on Peter's desk the night before. He opened and read from it the same passage that had now inscribed itself in Susan's mind.
'Anyone has the right to challenge the betrothal of a Narnia Royal' he explained further as King Adrian also approached looking down at the book, 'the challenges will begin on the morrow.'
'Challenges?' Darrin questioned, a slight flicker of uncertainty on his face. Susan saw Darrin and his father exchange a glance of mild alarm, they hadn't bargained on this happening.
'The challenge of strength is first' Tumnus spoke, half to the royals and half to the crowd, 'at noon tomorrow Prince Darrin and High King Peter will engage in a dual. The first to draw blood will be declared the winner.'
'This is preposterous!' Marion exclaimed, but most ignored him as Mr Tumnus continued.
'King Adrian, would you consent to extending your visit in order to act as a un-biased judge?'
Adrian glanced at his wife before nodding.
'My wife and children will return to our Kingdom as planned and I will remain', he agreed.
And so it was decided. King Marion raged and argued but Peter was resolute. It was the way things were done, it was Narnia's way. Marion had no choice but to admit defeat and he and his son quickly returned to the safety of the palace.
XoX
The next morning dawned bright and warm. Susan rose early with the sun, not that she had slept much at all during the night. She had tossed and turned for hours in between horrible nightmares, before giving up on sleep entirely.
Peter and Edmund had retreated to the latter's study after the announcement and had not been seen since. She had knocked and tried the door a few times to no answer or avail.
When her handmaidens came to bring her some water to wash in and help her with her dressing Susan was barely there. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts and worries that she was dressed and walking down to the training field before she came back to herself.
She had expected to find Peter there, or at the very least Darrin. But it was empty of people.
The whole ground had been transformed overnight and now seating surrounded the large training ring. The only sound was that of fabric flapping in the wind from the many flags and the few tents that were clustered at each end of the field. She absentmindedly walked towards the tent that was decorated in Peter's colours. Ducking under the tent flap she startled the fawn that was inside preparing his King's armour.
'Can I help you with anything your Majesty?' the fawn enquired politely, once he had recovered his composure.
'Do you know where the High King is?' she asked, as her eyes followed the fawn's hands that had not stopped in their brushing of Peter's leather bracers. She had given them to him for his birthday a few years ago and he had worn them for every battle since. He had told her they brought him luck and she only hoped that held true today.
'I believe he is taking breakfast with Queen Lucy' was the reply. She thanked the squire and almost ran from the training field. She had to see Peter before the duel, she just had to see his face. He was doing this for her and her dreams last night had only heightened her fear for him. The rules were for the fight to continue until the first blood was drawn, but she did not trust Darrin to stop there.
She was just approaching the palace gardens when she saw a large group of people descending from the palace and heading in her direction. As they got closer the volume of Narnian's grew as creatures joined from the gardens and without thinking she stepped behind a nearby tree, shielding her from view.
As they passed she caught snippets of conversation. There were laughter and smiles, but also wary looks and worry. She knew that the Narnian's loved to see their King in action, but this wasn't a battle to protect their nation, but rather one to protect their Queen.
She rested her head against the tree, shutting her eyes in annoyance at herself. This was her doing. Her weakness had forced Peter into this position. He was risking his life and so their Kingdom all for the sake of her.
If only she had thrown Darrin off her when she'd had the chance. If only they hadn't been spotted. If only she had said something at the time. If only.
She had always thought herself brave. She had prided herself in it. She had ridden into battle so many times, side by side with Peter, Edmund and the Narnian Army. Yet, faced with a man kissing her against her will she had simply frozen.
The weakness may rob her of her life in Narnia, she thought suddenly, if Peter didn't win she'd be torn from everything she loved. The thought was quickly shushed though. She had slipped once, she wouldn't again. Darrin couldn't hold her in one place, no matter how hard he tried.
'My Queen, are you well?' a voice said behind her.
Susan's eyes opened slowly and she turned away from the tree she had been drawing strength from to face the blossom spirit hovering behind her.
'Yes, I am fine, thank you' she replied, her voice carefully steady. The spirit lingered for a moment, looking unsurely at the face of her Queen, before nodding and floating off at her Queen's bidding.
Emerging from the small patch of woodland Susan quickly made her way across the gardens and up the steps of Cair Paravel.
XoX
'Peter you must eat something' Lucy chided as her brother pushed food around his plate.
They had taken a late breakfast in the family's private sitting room, away from the curious gazes of the palace staff. Peter had been conscious of the looks all morning and it was growing tiresome.
He smiled ruefully at his little sister, who was no longer very little.
'If you tell me off one more time I'll start calling you Susan' he joked, though it fell a little flat as his face tempered at the thought of her.
'Have you spoken to her since the other night?' Lucy asked, seeing the change of his mood written across his face.
'No' Peter said, finally shovelling some eggs and toast into his mouth. More to avoid talking, than to fill his stomach.
'Don't you think you should?' Lucy pressed.
His reply, that was stuck in the back of his throat, was cut short though by the entrance of Susan herself and Edmund. Both of whom immediately took a seat at the table. Susan caught Peter's eye for a brief moment but her attention was stolen when Lucy asked her a question.
'Where have you been?'
'Down by the training field' was Susan's reply, 'it is all set up and the crowds have begun to assemble'.
'We should go down soon' Edmund added, as he glanced out of the window to check the sun's position, 'it's nearly noon'.
Edmund and Lucy carried most of the conversation for the rest of their quick meal. Peter and Susan could do no more than nibble at their food and steal glances at each other.
They rose not long after to make their way down to the training field. Edmund and Lucy took the lead and Peter and Susan followed. They had both wanted to take a moment to themselves, but at the same time could not bear too.
Instead, as they walked, Peter's hand reached out and found Susan's. He gripped it tightly, and they both drew comfort from the small amount of contact.
XoX
Peter had opted against the heavy armour he wore in battle. He had his squire dress him in light leather armour, designed to deflect blows more than stop them. He wanted to be able to move quickly and freely. He had not sparred with Darrin during their stay, but he had watched him with Edmund. The evening before they had run through every strength and weakness they could recall of Darrin. There were many of both. Darrin had been trained with a sword from birth. He was skilled, but he knew he was, which as Edmund pointed out, was a weakness in itself. Darrin was so confident that it made him sloppy.
Peter counted himself lucky that he had not given Darrin an opportunity to observe him – Peter was at an advantage. Peter's skills were legendary within in Narnia. He hadn't been Orieus' pupil for many years now, but he remembered everything the Centaur had ever taught him. Orieus had joked many times that sometimes he believed Peter must have been born with a sword in his hand.
His Squire, Orzon, wished him luck as he handed Peter his sword with the lion's head pummel and then they both stepped out of the tent into the bright sun.
The training ground was heaving with people. As he approached the side of the ring the Narnian's parted to allow him access and he ducked under the wooden posts that formed a circle enclosing the training ring.
Darrin was already there, swinging his sword around in an act of showmanship. Peter was not impressed, and purposively walked past him towards where King Adrian was sitting.
Nodding his head in respect and courtesy to their judge he then turned and gave a small, reassuring smile to his family.
King Adrian was sat on a raised platform alongside the remaining members of Narnia's Royal Family. Getting to his feet he raised his arms and the crowd fell to a respectful silence.
'We are gathered here today to witness the first challenge in the contest for the hand of Queen Susan of Narnia' he broke off for a moment amid a few cheers of 'long live Queen Susan', before continuing.
'Step forward High King Peter, Prince Darrin'.
They both did, their swords lowered and pointed down in the dirt.
'This dual will continue until the first blood is drawn. I expect you both the behave honourably and abide by the rules of fair conduct' Adrian commanded, 'you will commence when the bell is sounded'.
Sitting down he nodded to the fawn standing to his left, poised to ring the large, ancient bell.
Backing away towards the edge of the ring, Peter raised his sword and faced his opponent. Darrin had done the same and started to move. They circled the ring carefully and Peter's eyes danced around between Darrin and the ground, looking for anything that he may stumble or trip on.
Then the bell sounded.
Darrin wasted no time and Peter heard the collective intake of breath as he swung his sword first high and then down. Peter instinctively brought his own sword up to block the blow and the sound of clashing metal rang in his ears. His arms barely had a moment to recover before Darrin had spun on the balls of his feet and brought his sword round once again to strike Peter from the side.
Peter blocked it once more but he was quickly forced to rethink his strategy. Darrin was a theatrical swordsman, his movements were powerful and elaborate. But Edmund had said to him that Darrin was easy to anticipate and when Darrin swung round once more, his sword in one hand, Peter deflected the blow easily with a ringing of metal.
Darrin stumbled slightly, as the parried blow threw off his balance. Peter took advantage of the moment and spread his stance. His sword darted forward and he nicked a tear in the exposed leather that sat underneath the metal encasing Darrin's chest.
Glancing down Darrin growled and lunged forward his sword point aiming at Peter's chest. The crowd gasped as Peter side stepped and tripped Darrin. He stumbled in the dirt, then quickly pulled himself to his feet, glaring over at Peter.
Peter was certain right then that Darrin hated him. For what he wasn't quite sure, but the look in his eyes was one of deep loathing. This would be Darrin's main weakness in their dual today. Peter had still been a young boy when Orieus had begun training him and one of the first lessons had been on controlling his emotions while in battle. It had always been something Peter struggled with; even now he was a grown man. He had a habit of seeing red , especially when it came to his family.
But Darrin's anger was uncontrolled. It was right there on his sleeve, for all to see.
Lashing out Darrin swung forward rapidly, his weight moving on to his toes as he used all his strength in the blow. Peter barely had time to bring his sword up to block and it left his whole right arm shaking with effort. The swords scrapped together with a horrible shriek as Darrin pushed forward, forcing Peter to take a few steps back, and bringing both hands to the hilt of his sword as his wrist gave way slightly.
With strength Peter dug out from a infrequent tapped reserve he pushed against Darrin's blade and the Prince stumbled back slightly. The change in balance gave Peter enough time to spring back and out of the way of attack for a few moments to catch his breath.
Circling each other once again Peter took the chance to flex his aching wrist. He saw Darrin's eyes dart down to his injury before he swung towards him once more. The next flurry of blows was fast and had the crowd gasping as the two Royal's darted around the arena. Peter may have been taller and stronger than Darrin, but he was loath to admit, the Prince was faster.
The ground was dusty beneath their feet and Darrin took advantage of this, pushing his foot forward in a way that sent a cloud of dust up into Peter's face. The action caused a ripple of outrage to move through the crowd watching.
Peter blinked, his eyes watering. He had no time to react as Darrin surged forward and Peter found himself with his back against the wooden ring guard. Their blades which were pressed together moved closer and closer to his face and he could look right up into the manic eyes of his opponent.
Shouts from the crowd echoed around the ring and he distinctly heard Susan's voice shout his name, shortly followed by Lucy's. He focused in on their voices and narrowed his eyes at the man looming above him.
Bringing his knee up he caught the Prince by surprise with a blow to his lower stomach. While not enough to push Darrin off him it gave him enough leverage to shift his sword slightly and bring the pommel up to impact side of Darrin's head. Much to Peter's disappointment it did not break skin but Darrin lunged away wincing.
Peter hesitated as Darrin caught his breath before shaking himself mentally. Darrin wouldn't have shown him such a courtesy.
Diving forward he executed a series of moves that sent Darrin's sword flying off to the side landing with a thud in the dust. Arms raised and eyes wide Darrin didn't have a choice but to submit as Peter's sword rose up and nicked a small cut on the side of his neck. As a single trickle of blood ran down the defeated Prince's neck the gathered crowd broke out into cheers.
Looking up as King Adrian declared him the winner Peter only had eyes for Susan. She was on her feet smiling down at him, pure relief shining in her eyes.
Peter was so transfixed that he didn't see the look that passed between Darrin and his father before the latter stalked away, the crowds parting to let him go.
XoX
The first challenge is won! How will Peter cope with the next?!
Please review! Constructive criticism is always welcome.