The Prince, The Girl, The Lion

by AGirlHasNoName20

1300 years after their reign, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are back in Narnia to save the day. But their golden days are long gone and now, the must fight along unexpected allies to save Narnia from new enemies as their people face extinction. But most of all, they must stay strong as this journey...changes their lives forever. Suspian. Edmund/OC.

24. Forever May They Reign

Hey guys!

Happy New Year! How is 2022 treating you?

So, I have finally finished chapter 20, which is arguably one of the most important of this fic. I will not get into it, because it's been too long and you guys want to keep on reading but let me just tell you that I'm so excited about the final chapters. It's going to be so good!

Also, we finally have the coronation!

Disclaimer: All of which you recognize from the books and movies, it's not mine.

Cheers for reading!

Chapter 20. "Forever May They Reign."

"If you thought this has a happy ending, you obviously haven't been paying attention." - Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones.

Waking up first was a true privilege for Beth.

Not that sleeping next to Edmund was anything other than a blessing. Ever since that night in which Beth opened up more than she had in a long time, she had woken up to warm, comforting hands running smoothly up and down her back. For the week after that night, she had woken up to sleepy, warm brown eyes smiling at her. She had woken up feeling loved, cherished, accompanied.

It was the most rest she had gotten in a lifetime.

But then, the morning of the coronation arrived and the implications of that event were clear in Beth's mind. She was no longer a relatively passive agent in Narnia's politics. So far, she had been able to pretend she had no relevant pull in the twists and affairs of the Narnian court. She had saved Narnia, yes, but so had Caspian - the prince who had actually began this whole revolution. She had travelled far to help, yes, but so had the Legendary Kings and Queens of Old.

So far, she had been able to pretend she was small in comparison to her family. If anything, she was feared by the Telmarines and intimidating to the Narnians so the spotlight was never truly on her. Only the prophecies seemed to be focused on her and really, how much could they matter in comparison to the iconic tales of the Pevensie and Caspian?

In any case, nothing was meant to last. Including her fantasies.

Because as of that day, she was no longer passive. She was no longer aided by the shadows that were the secrets related to her identity.

She was becoming High Queen Elizabeth of Narnia, Daughter of Aslan and Saviour of Narnia.

And no one who had more titles than names was meant to fit in the shadows.

When thinking about the pressures of that day, the fact that she had managed to wake up before Edmund was not in the least surprising.

But at least, she could get to enjoy the moment first.

Making sure she was completely still, Beth slowly studied her boyfriend's features, marvelling at how for once, he was loose and serene, not in control.

His pale cheeks were slightly blushed. His raven hair tousled and messy lay across the cream pillowcase. He was wearing a white night shirt, its collar slightly opened so Beth could take a peek at his marble, warm skin. His chest rose slowly, his breaths coming out in soft, tender puffs. One of his arms was bent under his pillow, supporting his head, while the other was snuggly wrapped around Beth's waist, keeping her close to him.

Beth was almost scared to move, her heart quickening as the beauty of her love dawned on her in a way it hadn't before. How marvelous it was, to love someone and be loved in return. How beautiful it was, to be able to have these moments, to be in such a level of comfort with someone that it allowed for these moments of complete and utter trust to happen.

As it turns out, all of the hardships, all of the pain, it had all been worth it. In that moment, Beth knew for a fact that she would choose to go over it all again in an instant if it meant she would get to be in this moment, this morning, with him.

As if sensing her gaze on him, or even her presence beside him, Edmund's eyes slowly fluttered open, his arm tightening around Beth's waist as he slowly became conscious. After a moment, his dazed, hazel orbs focused on her and his lips slowly stretched into a lazy smile.

Beth opened her mouth to retort a witty comment but, thinking better about ruining the moment, she instead chose to lift a hand and ran it softly across his pointy cheekbones. "Good morning, love."

"Good morning," Edmund replied with a whisper, his voice hoarse due to lack of use and the emotion of that morning. The next time her hand drifted towards his cheek, Edmund swiftly turned his face to place a kiss on her palm. "How did you sleep?"

"Excellent," Beth replied, too brightly and too quickly.

Edmund rolled his eyes before scooting closer to her frame. He kissed her forehead lovingly before snuggling his face above her head. He then closed his eyes sleepily with a sigh. "Of course you did. That's why you woke up before dawn."

Beth snorted softly before burrowing her face in his chest. "I hardly woke up before dawn."

"Love."

Beth sighed. "I just feel like everything is going to be so different from now on. And I know that everyone believes I'm ready for the weight of a crown but I'm not so sure about it. And it's not as if I can fail. If I do, I will suffer, but my people will suffer even more."

Edmund was silent for so long that Beth actually believed he had fallen asleep again. She was just about to follow him, too comfortable with his frame and his warmth to move, when he suddenly scooted down in the bed until their gazes were on the same level.

"You know how I like to joke that Peter almost threw up the day we were crowned?" Edmund began, smiling when Beth laughed. "I will forever think it's hilarious how the mighty High King of the Narnian Golden Age spent the morning of his coronation locked up in his bathroom as he tried to empty the contents of his stomach while it was opportune…but it was understandable. We were all basket cases that morning and every day for however long it took us to get used to our crowns. What would be strange, Beth, was if we hadn't been worried sick. The same applies to you."

Beth grabbed his hand, her rough fingers slowly caressing his knuckles. "You never told me how you felt that day."

Edmund shrugged lazily. "I mean, I was still a traitor to many of my subjects. The spotlight was on Peter as the next High King of Narnia. Susan was the best archer in all of Narnia and for that she had gained so many followers. Lucy, of course, was the one who had gotten all of us in Narnia in the first place, so she was the favourite of many. And then, there was me, the traitor. Being under such a negative spotlight made me feel incredibly pressured, of course, but I think it wouldn't have changed my priorities or my performance as King. My siblings and Aslan, they had all forgiven me and the members of the Council had fought alongside me in the war against Jadis. I already had the trust of my family and friends, so I just needed to perform my job to best of my abilities."

Beth's brows were furrowed as she pursed her lips in annoyance. "Idiots, the whole lot of them. And the nerve of only looking at one aspect of the story! You were the one that broke her wand, Ed. You were the one that gave the Narnian army enough time so that Aslan and the girls could get there with reinforcements!"

Edmund chuckled. "Careful, love, it happened a long time ago."

Beth huffed. "As if that would stop me from defending you."

Edmund's features softened. "You know what? I think many things are going to change but not the important ones. Not the ones that truly matter. You are going to become High Queen of Narnia but I will still be here. I will still love you with all my heart."

Beth felt herself melt, even as concern fluttered in her heart. "There's still Tor to consider. Tor and the poison."

Edmund closed his eyes for a second, his heart constricting with burden. Then, he opened them again as he wrapped both arms around the princess. "And I will still be here. You and I will still be a team."

Beth smiled slightly. "I've never been more in love with you than when you told me you understood but Ed, I cannot ignore your feelings again. I have the right to make my own decisions but you are your own person and I'm affecting you as well. Are you truly okay with this?"

Edmund made sure her gaze was on his, so she could see he was telling nothing but the truth. "I am not. Just like I wasn't okay when you wanted to participate in the raid or when you fought like a warrior queen beside me. But we're a team. And we're meant to save the world, you more than me. We saved Narnia together and now, you have to save Tor, Archenland and yourself. And I will still be here as you save them. And when you save yourself, you will save me as well so…I am not okay, but I am with you."

Beth shook her head slightly as tears fell softly down her slightly flushed cheeks. She then rose slightly to place a soft, longing kiss on his lips. "I-gods, I cannot wait for you to meet them. Tor is going to try the whole intimidating act because he thinks he gets to do that as the older brother that he is but I will tell him to cut it out. And Robin…I have no idea how Robin is going to be because I don't know how he is but it's going to be so great and I just can't wait to introduce them to my boyfriend and tell them to suck it up if they don't like it."

Edmund laughed brightly, grabbing her head to kiss her before biting his lips distractingly. "Who do you think will try to fight me to defend your honour?"

"Maybe both?" Beth replied, giggling when Edmund laughed. "it won't come to that, though. As if they get to defend my honour. I will threaten them with my bow if I have to."

"I love how all of your siblings think they have to protect you when you are actually the scariest of them all," Edmund commented with a smirk. He then sat up, bringing Beth with him. "Robin is coming then, huh?"

Beth bit her lip nervously, her eyes shining with fearful excitement. The sleeve of her shirt fell slightly, revealing a pale shoulder but she seemed not to notice as she played with her messy waves. "I don't know when but he is if he wants to."

Edmund frowned. "I thought Aslan already said he would bring him to Narnia."

"I know but I want my brother to have a choice. As wonderful as this world is, I don't know how his life in England is." Beth shook her head. "I don't want to mess with that if he is enjoying himself. So I wrote one last letter to him. I am giving him the choice and whatever he decides, it's going to be okay."

Edmund smiled encouragingly before carefully brushing a blonde strand of hair away from her forehead. Then, he reached to kiss her bare shoulder, making Beth blush beet red. "He will choose to come to Narnia. He will be so excited to meet his sister."

Beth smiled at that, thankful that he understood. Not that it surprised her, he always did after all. "Everything is changing."

Edmund slowly nodded before a wicked smile stretched across his features. After a second, he sneaked an arm across her waist, lifting her frame as if she weighted nothing and laying her across his lap, laughing as she squealed. "And we will still be a team."

"I love you," Beth laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck as he lowered his face to kiss her deeply. "So much."

Edmund raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to distract me so we don't get ready for the Coronation?"

"...is it working?"

Edmund rolled his eyes but lay her on the bed before joining her. He took one look at those merry, golden eyes and knew for a fact she would say whatever she wanted and he would comply in an instant. "Always, my love."

oOo

Susan knew better than to act on her feelings.

Of course she did, she had been a Queen for decades now.

But that did not in any way mean that she was in total control. She was human, after all. And she did not have to keep it together every second of every day. At least, that's what she told herself whenever her feelings caught up with her while she performed her royal duties. She was a woman. An independent, strong, imposing woman. She deserved to allow her feelings to flow from time to time.

As she strolled down that large corridor from one end to the other, crossing its length as if she was an automat, she reminded herself of that. She was allowed to have her fears. She was allowed to have her traumas. More than that, she was allowed to ask for help.

That did not make her weak.

It made her stronger than ever.

And with every turn of her footsteps, with every soft, graceful swish of her long, purple skirts, she reminded herself of that.

Slowly, her thoughts began to increase. Their speed began to quicken. And Susan's head began to spin with the chaos of it all.

It was in that moment that help came her way.

"I'm so sorry, Su." Peter didn't look at her as he exited his study and locked the door behind him. Dressed in clean, regal robes, Peter seemed absolutely ready to perform his hosting duties as the Coronation approached. Only to those who knew him well would the bags under his eyes be noticeable. "My meeting with the ambassador of Terabithia was this morning and I've been trying to make sense out of the chaotic conversation we had. It would seem not everything changes, regardless of the time passed."

Susan couldn't help but laugh as she walked down the hallway towards her brother. She locked her arms behind her back and tried to remain calm as Peter's gaze finally met hers. "It's quite alright."

Peter smiled at her in an involuntary movement, as if that smile was the reaction at seeing her sister. Then, he actually looked at her. Instantly, he was tense, his brow furrowed right above his clear eyes. "What happened?"

Susan sighed. "Gods, why must there always be a problem?"

"You tell me."

Susan rolled her eyes before lowering her head. As she pinched the bridge of her nose with her slender, pale fingers, she released an exhausted, stressed breath. "There is yet another party arriving. I need someone to meet them with me."

Peter was not sure things had been explained properly. He crossed his arms before his chest and cocked his head. "What party?"

"The Calormenes are coming."

Peter remained still, his eyes wide as he seemed to process that piece of information. Susan looked up, her gaze betraying everything she didn't want to voice. Her fear. Her injured heart. Her anger. Her stress.

After a long moment, Peter shook his head as he shrugged. "You are not meeting them."

"That's rich," Susan huffed, not at all surprised by her brother's overprotectiveness, even if slightly thankful. Not that she would ever admit it. "Who is then? Caspian and Beth, who are getting ready to be crowned? Lu, who is supervising the final preparations for the festivities? Ed, who is overseeing the arrangements of the guest chambers?"

"I will," Peter was still tense, ready to defend his decision if the case arose. "I'm free."

"So I am," Susan retorted angrily. "I don't want to do it alone. That doesn't mean I want you to do it for me."

To their right, a window stood between them, which showed a direct view of the main road to the castle. From there, they could see a distant cloud of dust, shadows of hooves alerting them of the incoming party.

It was show time.

"No one could judge you if you wanted to skip this one," Peter argued as the two siblings quickly climbed down the stairs towards the main entrance. He had his hands behind his back, his shoulders relaxed yet his eyes stormy, betraying his discomfort.

Susan walked beside him, her posture tense even as she nodded and smiled at every servant they crossed in their way. "I would judge me. Besides, it isn't as if Rabadash himself is coming."

"I should have killed that little weasel when I had the chance," Peter growled, rolling his eyes when Susan glared at him. "Forgive me for caring, sister."

"Well, thank you. But that was my battle." Susan looked around her, at the crew that was rushing along and trying to make everything perfect for the arrival of the Calormenes. It saddened her, for some reason. "Not yours."

Sensing a change in his sister's tone, Peter softened. "I know, Su. It should have been your win too."

A faun waited for them by the main entrance, his hands extended as he carried two crimson pillows with their golden crowns resting on them. Susan threw Peter a grateful nod before she smiled at the faun and took her crown. Peter followed her lead and, as the faun retreated, the two siblings stood side by side facing the gathering crowd.

"We shouldn't have invited them," Peter finally admitted. His gaze was on the incoming party but Susan felt observed nonetheless. "I don't care about the time that went by. You haven't healed yet. You shouldn't have to be uncomfortable."

"Is today really a day to focus about me?" Susan mused, her hands subtly arranging her skirts. The Queen she had been when she met Rabadash and the Queen she was so many years later, they were completely different. She was younger, yes, but wiser. More cunning. Less innocent. She was experienced. She was a warrior and a confident leader.

She had so many tools, tools she didn't have before. That lack of resources before had cost her so much, both as a Queen and as a woman. It had also made her grow. She became imposing, bright, and powerful.

And still there was a smidge of her, so tiny it was almost nonexistent, that made her feel as if not a day had passed since that day she found herself a prisoner in Calormen. That part, that atom, that cell, it made her want to run the opposite direction of the approaching cloud of dust.

But she wanted that part of her gone. She didn't want to be afraid anymore. She wanted to be free, she wanted to lose all ties with that traumatic past of hers.

For that, she needed to face them. She needed to face the heirs of the man that almost broke her soul all those years before.

"Always. You are my sister." Peter replied. He turned to look at her with a supportive smile. "I got you."

"I know you do," Susan replied with a smile of her own. She clutched her brother's hand for a second before squaring her shoulders. "But I am also a Queen of Narnia. Today, that comes before me as a woman. Today, the political matters at hand and the diplomatic relationship with Calormen hold precedence over my needs as a private individual. We can't afford having them as our enemy."

"It almost isn't worth it having them as allies," Peter grumbled before sighing. "Su, I'm just saying. You don't have to do this."

Susan turned back towards the crowd just in time to watch the first of the Calormene party cross the gates. With relief, she found it wasn't too hard to face them. She was a Queen, after all.

Still looking at them, Susan voiced her reply. "Yes, I do."

And with that, she walked down the steps towards the first line of the welcoming crowd, her brother hot on her heels.

The committee was quite impressive, that was to be said. The knight who led the party made a triumphant entrance, their hand holding a trumpet they enthusiastically played as they crossed the iron gates. Two horsemen followed, each of them carrying the banners of Calormen and the Royal Family respectively.

The main course however, was what followed. The Calormene culture had always been known for their extravagant, over-the-top lifestyle. From banquets to gowns, from tunics to weapons, from house decorations to means of transportation, everything was colorful, intense and bright. It was meant to display the wealth and power of the person, because those two were the most precious currencies in Calormen. More than that, Calormenes valued beauty, art and grace. They identified those things through extravagance, through grandeur, through opulence.

That carriage was the perfect example. Made of iron and painted with gold, it was covered with precious stones and decorations of utmost delicacy. The right side displayed the formation of a sunflower. The left, the crest of the Calormene Royal Family.

It was an astounding spectacle, to say the least.

Still, utter silence reigned in that courtyard as a Calormene usher quickly rushed forward and opened the door of the carriage.

A short, old man was the first one out of the carriage, struggling to stay balanced as he clutched onto the usher's arm for support. He slowly rested his feet on the cobblestones, his legs wavering after being unused through the long journey. Slowly, he straightened, and looked around with obvious curiosity.

There was nothing weak about this man in his eyes. Whatever his physique was, his mind was clearly as fit as ever. His green eyes, bright and excited, were cunning and awake. There was nothing about this man that spoke of frailty or surrender. His mind was active, his thoughts were clear and as sharp as an arrow.

As the Calormene Tisroc finally laid his eyes on the King and Queen of Old, Peter and Susan subtly adopted an equally tense stance.

The Tisroc might have been a good ally for some other political leader. Not for them. He couldn 't be trusted and of that they were certain.

After a long moment in which the Tisroc seemed to savour the spotlight, a new figure followed him down the carriage, this time without any help.

Peter couldn't help it.

He really couldn't.

He was studying the fellow head of state when his gaze wavered over to the young woman standing beside him. And then, his gaze wouldn't depart her.

The woman in question was quite tall, and had a slender yet sharp figure that seemed used to respect and reverence judging by the ease she wore. Her shoulders were squared, her head held high, her gaze piercing as she studied her surroundings. Her posture was an obedient one, yet one that betrayed a sense of rebellion and uprising.

Then, her amber eyes fell on Peter and he withheld a gasp.

She was fearless.

She was intimidating.

She was amazing.

After a second, the young woman offered the Tisroc her arm and Peter was sharply taken off focus by a point elbow that was shoved into his midsection.

"Will you stop gawking," Susan murmured tensely as the foreign pair walked slowly towards them.

"Shut up, I'm not." Peter glared subtly as his sister, not being able to conceal the blush covering his cheeks and neck.

Oh, if Edmund could see him. He would have a field day.

Susan momentarily rolled her eyes at him before turning. She stepped forward, clutching her hands together before her frame, and smiled with every ounce of charm she could muster. "Tisroc Andradin. Your Grace. Welcome to Narnia. In the name of my family, my brother and I would like to thank you for accepting our humble invitation. We hope your trip was a pleasant one."

Tisroc Andradin regarded the Gentle Queen in silence, his eyes guarded as he seemed to process everything he noticed about her. After a moment, he smiled, coldly and cunningly, and bowed his head slightly. "It was, Your Majesty. Thank you for the invitation."

Peter stepped forward, his smile kind and his eyes guarded as he fixed the Tisroc with his most authoritative look. "We Narnians and Telmarines see this as a chance for both of our Nations to heal from everything that has happened over the last centuries. Let's allow this favoured meeting to be the beginning of a wonderful friendship between Narnia and Calormen."

"That, King Peter, is our hope as well. Let us work to find a profitable relationship between our people." The Tisroc straightened, not at all intimidated by the way Peter seemed to tower over him. Then, he made a vague gesture with his wrinkled, brittled hand in his companion's direction. "This is my granddaughter, Crown Princess Khiara."

"Your Majesties," Princess Khiara greeted smoothly as she made a perfect curtsy. As she straightened, her gaze fell on Peter, who quickly bowed and averted her glance. She was the brightest, most remarkable person she had ever met.

She was fascinating, even then, when they had barely exchanged a few words.

Peter had known a lot of strong women throughout his lifetime. Susan had been one of the main responsibles behind Narnia's greatest diplomatic victories. Lucy had been true to herself throughout the many insecurities in her life, both provided by her siblings and life itself. Beth had survived her abusive fatherly figure, a trip to another world and the potion that now ran through her veins. Even his mother, who had to be strong if she was to raise four children on her own while their father went to war.

It was because of them that he could recognize the strength in Princess Khiara.

But more than that, it was because of Khiara herself that he could see a light in her, as if she was comfortable with who she was and not at all concerned with hiding it. She was a phoenix, filled with fire, strength and power.

She was breathtaking.

Peter was speechless.

And to think he actually wanted to meet the Calormene Party on his own.

"We have your quarters ready for you," Susan announced with a gracious smile as she made a vague gesture towards the iron doors behind her. At once, a couple of Narnian maids rushed forward to help the Calormene ones with the luggage. "I am sure you can use a respite after such a long, tiresome journey. We will talk further once you've settled. Please, this way."

After that, the protocole seemed to run quite smoothly. A couple of guards rushed forward, ready to escort the Royal Family into the castle. The Tisroc and the Crown Princess of Calormen gratefully nodded at the King and Queen of Old before disappearing into the castle, followed by their entourage. After that, the crowd slowly departed, until Peter and Susan were left to their own devices.

"They weren't what I imagined them to be," Peter finally admitted, his glance still on the gate Khiara had long disappeared into. "Cunning yes, and arrogant. But...they were different. More sincere. I don't know how to describe it."

"Did you even get the chance to analyze Tisroc Andradin," Susan replied, her lips barely containing from smirking. "Or were you too focused on the woman beside him?"

Peter turned towards his sister with outrage. "I do not care for what you're implying, sister."

Susan looked up at him with a wide smile. "If only that mattered, dear brother. Now, tell me, are you going to gawk at every princess that comes to Narnia? If so, I'm welcoming the next party with Edmund. At least, he only gawks at one pretty princess."

Peter opened his mouth to reply, only to be cut off by his sister's quick departure.

"You don't know what you're talking about!" Peter could only yell as Susan began to climb down the stairs.

Susan stopped her advance and turned towards the mighty Magnificent King with an ironic smirk. "Oh, I think I do. More than that, I think the others would agree with me."

Peter widened his eyes, his heart hammering in his chest.

Oh no. Not the others. They could not know about this.

As Susan continued her departure, her giggles betraying her, Peter began to run after her.

"You do not joke about that! I'm serious, Susan, you just don't get to joke about that!"

oOo

When she thought about it, it was particularly strange, how there were so many different kinds of silence.

The morning of the Coronation dawned differently than the ones that preceded it.

As the preparations were at last wrapped up, as the pristine coronation room was left vacant, as everyone left to get ready for the event, silence filled the empty places. What were loud discussions, constant arguments and the carry out of orders had turned into silence. An expectant, hopeful, vigilant silence.

It spoke of what was about to happen. The war, the return of the Kings and Queens of Old, the discovery of the Daughter of Aslan, the betrayal of the Telmarine Prince, it all led to this moment. A group had gathered to fight. Lives had been lost. Faith had wavered time and time again. A final battle had taken place. And now, a new Narnia was dawning.

Everything had led to this moment. Everyone who had been a part of this story, had imagined the war ending with this moment. And the plan itself had changed from the moment Prince Caspian had blown the horn, but it was still the same in its very core.

A land in need of a leader. A prince and a princess ready to fulfil that job. That was becoming a firmer reality in a few hours.

That day, that silence, it spoke of a journey that was coming to an end.

And with that, one question that begged to be asked.

If their journey was coming to an end, what would follow it?

After the dragon was slayed, after the heroes and heroines saved the world, after good defeated evil, what happened next?

As Beth walked through the aisle between the oceans of seats on either side, she couldn't help but feel heavier as she thought of the implications of that question. Her sleeping gown seemed almost ethereal as the sunlight pouring through the windows fell on its cream-coloured' fabric. Her long hair, slightly tousled from her sleep, fell down her back in natural waves. Her golden eyes, still slightly glassy as she hadn't woken up completely, were alert and filled with careful respect as they studied every inch of that room.

Later that day, she would enter that room as High Lady Elizabeth of Narnia. She would enter it as a Royal Princess, Daughter of the Great Lion.

And she would leave it as High Queen Elizabeth the Wise, daughter of the Great Lion, daughter of Narnia.

She hadn't tried her crown since her last fitting a week ago, from which it had been safely stored in an isolated part of the castle. It didn't matter though. She didn't need her crown to feel the weight of the responsibility implied in the events of that day.

She could feel that weight whenever she looked at her throne. For the first time since this whole journey had started, she had a throne. She hadn't had one in Archenland, but she had one here. Amongst her family's, her ivory throne stood tall and proud, it's light material contrasting with the forest green cushion on her seat and the crimson lion carved across its back. Caspian would sit to her left, Peter to her right, Edmund beside his brother. Susan and Lucy would be on Caspian's other side.

She would be in the middle, for that was the place of the High Queen.

She had entered this world as a scared girl of 12 years old. She had been a broken, shadow of a girl. She had been someone without a home, without a family, without any allies.

Two years later, she was a 14-year-old princess. She was the daughter of the talking Lion who happened to rule over that magical world. She had a family, several families in fact, and more allies than she could count.

Two years later, she was about to be crowned High Queen.

Without looking away from her throne, Beth spoke for the first time in a few hours. "I'm worried I will do a bad job."

Behind her, a smooth fabric dragged softly against the stone floor as soft chuckles echoed through the room. "An old friend of mine used to say that being a monarch means wearing your best clothes for the most humble of dinners in times of hunger. Being a monarch means leading a desperate attack and being the last to go in a desperate retreat."

Beth hung her head as a small smile covered her face. Then, she turned towards Susan with a grateful gaze. "King Lune of Archenland, right?"

"One of the best monarchs, if you ask me." Susan rubbed Beth's back comfortingly as she stood beside her. "And you share a lot with him."

Beth hung her head in pleasure as she processed such an honour. Then, she moved to sit on the first step leading to the thrones, looking at her hands as she nervously tangled them. "When we won the war, Aslan told Caspian He knew we were ready to rule precisely because we didn't feel ready. I am wise enough to know you can never be truly ready to be a leader but this is my home. More than anywhere else, I belong to Narnia, and I don't want to harm it or it's people because I was granted an honour that we were silly enough to presume I was meant to have."

Susan raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. "You think you are being crowned Queen because of Aslan?"

Beth sighed in frustration. "Of course not, I- gods, I know what I've done. I know why people think I'm a heroine. Still, I'm fourteen years old. I have barely been able to take care of myself. How am I supposed to take care of an entire Nation?"

"You will learn from your mistakes, from your people's needs and from those around you who have experience in ruling." Susan placed a comforting hand on Beth's shoulder as the Princess let out an overwhelmed groan. The Gentle Queen barely contained a snort, remembering the morning of her own coronation, when she'd had to give Peter a similar speech. "Beth, I ruled over Narnia for 15 years and not once have I seen anyone so in tune with it's people as you. Not even Peter has as good instincts as you have. As Queen, you are being granted a voice, and as a girl who cares deeply for her people and their needs, I'm sure you will do great things with said voice. Ruling is in your blood. You are going to be a natural at it."

"How are you so sure?" Beth finally looked up at Susan, her eyes filled with fear. "Because I'm doubting myself a lot over here."

This time, Susan didn't bother covering her laughter as she took a seat besides the soon-to-be Queen. "You know, my siblings and I went through the same thing when we were crowned. It's a huge responsibility, of course you are going to have hesitations about it."

Beth snorted, her shoulders hunching. "Well, I feel better now."

"Shut up," Susan rolled her eyes before wrapping an arm around Beth's shoulders. "Beth, I'm going to tell you the same thing I told my siblings on the morning of our Coronation. We had been caring and worrying over our people long before we were given crowns. You are no different. Caspian is no different. You have always cared. The one thing different now is that you are given a voice, a platform to speak and act in defense of those who need it. Your people couldn't be in better hands."

Slowly, Beth's shoulders squared again. Then, she shyly looked at Susan. "You really think that?"

Susan smiled humbly. "Of course I do. And I should know, I was the one that kept Narnia together for fifteen years."

Beth laughed, her eyes closing as she slowly felt her concern leaving her heart. "Thank you, Su."

Susan kissed Beth's temple. "Of course, Beth. Always and Forever."

"Always and Forever," Beth replied softly before shaking her head. "No, but seriously. Thank you for everything. I thought you hated me when we first met. You gave me a chance and you welcomed me into your family. You've been the best older sister I could have hoped for."

Susan laughed awkwardly as she rubbed the back of her neck. When Beth smiled knowingly, Susan couldn't help but smile in return. "I am used to being the one coming to my siblings' rescue. My siblings grew to be leaders, diplomats and warriors and so did I, but I was the one that kept them together. Then, suddenly all three of them went to you whenever they had a problem. You and I, we suddenly began to share the role I used to have to my own. It took me a second to get used to it."

Beth nodded slowly, her brow furrowed, her eyes wide. "I'm so sorry if I overstepped your boundaries, Su, I should have realized sooner-."

"Beth, it 's okay." Susan laughed before looking behind them to the six thrones. The seats of her family. "We needed you. And Caspian. I've been so comfortable with the dynamics of the four of us that I never realized there were pieces missing. I haven't lost my siblings, I've just earned a new sister. I'm more than okay with you and our family."

Beth followed her gaze. Somehow, her throne wasn't daunting anymore. It seemed different, more comfortable. Maybe the idea had settled in her mind and what had been the weight of responsibility was now the presentation of their family to the world. That idea filled her up with loving warmth, spreading through her stomach and chest with peaceful glee.

After a moment, she stood and offered a hand to her sister. "I'm honoured, sister. Always and Forever."

Susan smiled. To her eyes, that oath was firmer, bigger than any 'I love yous'. It was an oath that spoke of sisterhood. A close, intimate bond between herself and her sisters.

She was honoured.

So she took her sister's hand and rose to her feet with a smile.

"Always and Forever, Beth."

oOo

There was something so peaceful, yet intangible, about the silence that comes before an important event. The silence that comes after all preparations are done, after everything is confirmed to be ready. The silence that comes with the departure of servants, cooks and guards as they finish the preparations and get ready for the main event. The silence that comes before the storm rages in.

For weeks, Peter had known nothing but incessant meetings with diplomats, councils with his family that seemed to drag on and on as they made sure they were making every right call for the sake of their people and country.

And he hadn't been the only one, of course. With Beth's agreement to become High Queen, she had also had to fill her schedule with activities fitting for a soon-to-be Head of State, which meant that all matters regarding the preparations for the coronation and other organization issues had been divided between the Kings and Queens of Old.

Peter wasn't about to complain. Of course he wasn't. After all, he would do anything for Narnia and for his family.

Still, he was exhausted.

Gods, he just hadn't stopped this past few weeks.

And then, in a manner so subtle it was almost drastic, the peace came. The day had come, and everyone who had to be in attendance was already getting ready in their respective quarters. The preparations were done and now, the staff was preparing themselves for the main event.

The time had come in which there was nothing else to be done. Edmund and Beth were getting ready and didn't need him. Susan and Caspian were getting ready and didn't need him. Lucy was taking a stroll with Aslan and didn't need him.

Peter was free to focus on himself.

And gods, how he was eager to delight himself in the silence of those at last, vacant halls so filled with light.

For some reason, the place in which he most felt as if he was in a fairytale was everytime he walked down the corridors of that castle. Peter liked to think of them as a connection to Cair Paravel, for both homes of his had that ancient, medieval, enchanting aspect. He knew he wasn't the only one to feel that way, of course. More than once, he had seen Beth and Lucy run down the halls, giggling as their long skirts flew behind them in the most graceful of ways, Edmund often not far behind.

As he walked down those grayish corridors, he felt his eyes widening as he tried to take all of it in. The golden light that kissed the otherwise cold walls of the hallways, the wind that caressed his skin as it danced through the windows and into the castle, the soothing sound his light steps made against the cobblestones.

Almost in a daze, he strolled his way down onto the gardens, intending to spend some time under the sun before having to resume his duties.

And it was as he arrived at the gardens that he heard a noise. Not thinking more of it, he looked up with a confused smile, slightly bothered that his peace had been cut short.

Then, he identified the noise and the smile bled off his face.

It was a hiss, one that spoke of pain.

Silently thankful he hadn't forgotten his sword, Peter placed a hand on Rhindon, his posture guarded and his gaze vigilant as he entered the gardens carefully.

Making his way slowly towards the center of the gardens, where all paths intersected, he found himself before a large ivory fountain. Small, joyous, rhythmic riplets of water flew down from the chubby statues of the Telmarine Kings of the past. And by its feet, a young woman in humble clothes sat precariously, hissing in pain and frustration as she clumsily tried to wrap a bandage around her bloodied hand.

Peter felt his blood freeze. Who had committed such heinous crime? Had it been one of the dignitaries the Narnian Royal Family had so graciously invited? Had any of their guests actually had the nerve to disrupt the peace of their home in such a violent manner? Or was it even worse? What if this crime had actually been done by the hand of one of their subjects? What if this act spoke of the continued tension between Old Narnians and New?

Peter shook his head. In any case, he was there now. He could help this girl, and deal with the responsible one for it later.

"My lady," Peter spoke as softly as he could, wincing inwardly when the girl jolted in shock anyways. "Are you alright?"

The girl looked up slowly, her eyes wide with apprehension, which quickly turned to fear as they spotted the High King of the Narnian Golden Age. She jumped to her feet and quickly curtsied, ignoring the blood spilling from her hand as it splotched her skirt.

"Your Majesty!" her voice was low and almost silky, if it wasn't for the fear that made it squeak. "I deeply apologize for disturbing you, I will leave right away-"

At once, the girl tried to gather all of the items thrown around her, her hands stumbling with the rush she felt. As she moved to grab the last piece of bloodied bandages, a pair of tanned hands carefully grabbed it for her. Then, a commanding yet gentle voice said, "My lady, please. These gardens are available for anyone wishing to use them."

Slowly, the girl sat again next to the fountain, Peter kneeling right next to her. He looked right into her eyes and tried to summon as much calm as he could. "May I help you, my lady? Only if you feel comfortable, of course."

Slowly, she nodded, not quite understanding how a monarch could have the will of helping someone so beneath him. Still, she remained seated and, in a daze, watched how careful the King was as he soaked a bandage in the water and wrung it before carefully grabbing her injured hand by the wrist.

"I'm so sorry," Peter spoke when the girl flinched. "Does it hurt when I grab you by the wrist?"

"No, I-," she shook her head, almost wanting to laugh at how bizarre the situation was. "You are being gentle with me. It surprises me because not a lot of people are. I'm so sorry, Your Majesty."

"For what?" Peter retorted as he carefully cleaned the cuts that spread across her palm. "It's not as if you did this to yourself. You aren't the one who should be apologizing."

The girl shrugged with a small smile. "My masters would beg to differ, Your Majesty."

Peter looked up, his eyes stormy as he understood who, or really, what the innocent lady before him was. Slowly, he sat cross legged before the girl and grabbed a clean roll of bandages, slowly wrapping it so it would stay secure around her hand. When he was done, he looked up with carefully hidden anger.

"Do you feel comfortable telling me how did this happen?"

"My masters do not forgive mistakes easily," she shrugged yet again, uncomfortable as she felt herself studied under Peter's gaze. "But I'm used to it, Your Majesty. Please, you shouldn't trouble yourself with it."

Suddenly in a hurry, she tried to stand, but her injured hand was still between the King's warm ones. Reluctantly, she sat again, lowering her gaze as she felt herself still being studied by the man before her.

Peter frowned. Then, he forced himself to keep a calm facade. This wasn't his moment. He could have his emotions later.

"How long has it been?" he asked lowly.

The girl wanted to smile. She had never met someone so uncomfortable with her reality. "Since I became a slave? Ten years, maybe? I was a kid when I was taken from my home."

This time, Peter couldn't cover his frown. "What is your name, my lady?"

"My name is Fryda, Your Majesty." she replied, chuckling despite herself a moment later. "And I'm not a lady. I am a servant of the Tisroc…may he always live."

Peter smiled at her. "Every girl is a lady in Narnia."

Fryda smirked, controlling her emotions after a second, remembering who she was with. "Then I'm lucky to find myself here."

Peter cocked his head thoughtfully. After a moment, he noticed his hands were still grabbing hers. Releasing them with a light blush, he gestured with his head at Fryda. "If you don't mind me saying this, your name isn't common in your country. Or at least, it wasn't common in my time."

Fryda straightened, burdened yet not at all surprised he had figured it out. "It still isn't."

Peter nodded slowly, as if having expected that. "Where are you from originally, Fryda?"

Fryda froze. "I don't understand how you are so interested in my origins, Your Majesty."

Peter slowly grabbed her healthy hand, squeezing it reassuringly when she tensed. "I know I'm asking for the impossible here. For you to speak about something that must be so painful to you. I would like to help you, if you allow me to, Fryda, because I do not agree with slavery in the slightest and I will not allow it to perdure in my country."

Fryda felt tears gathering in her eyes. Oh, how painful it was, to hope when all hope had been ripped painfully from her soul. The King before her, he didn't know what it was because he hadn't been in this world for an eternity and a half but he would come to know. Every single one who tried to help, they always came to know.

"I have never met a King who wanted to help." Fryda smiled despite herself, feeling comfortable when Peter smiled in return. "But if I tell you, you will eventually find disappointment. They always do."

"They who?"

"Those who try to help."

Peter smirked openly. "There's always a first time. Come on, Fryda. You can trust me, I promise."

Fryda hesitated before nodding slowly. Then, she looked down towards her lap. "I am from the Lone Islands, Your Majesty. I was abducted one night by men wearing hoods and scarves covering their faces when I drifted too far from my family during a fair. I haven't been back since."

For a moment too long, all she could hear was the splatches of the clear water behind her. She closed her eyes, knowing she had come to disappoint someone else. Knowing that once again, she was going to be left alone, alone in the torture of a life she had come to know for the past decade.

Then, a tan hand grabbed her chin and slowly lifted it until frightened grey eyes encountered gentle blue ones.

"Please, call me Peter." The King patted her bandaged hand before standing up, slowly bringing Fryda with him. "Wait for me here. Do not move."

Fryda clenched the sleeve of his tunic before she could stop herself. "Please, no-. Don't leave me alone, please."

Peter grabbed her shoulders almost tenderly. "I'm not leaving you. I promise. I just have to get my family, so we can help you, and it will be better if you aren't seen with me until I find them. It will only be a couple of minutes."

"Do you promise?" Fryda couldn't help but utter.

Peter smirked. "I swear. I'll be right back."

Because the fates turned to favor him from time to time, he happened to run into one of Lucy's ladies just as he exited the gardens.

"Your Majesty," Cordelia curtsied slowly, frowning at the obvious distress in her King's features. "Is everything alright?"

Peter nodded, too frantic to care about anything other than getting help. Now that he was away from Fryda, he found himself being able to have his feelings and he had so many of them. "Cordelia, I need you to find my siblings and bring them to the gardens immediately."

"Do I tell them what it is about?"

Peter shook his head, already turning back towards the gardens. "Tell them to hurry."

oOo

"You could expect Calormenes to evolve," Edmund was the one to break the silence. He chuckled humorlessly as his gaze drifted absently through the large shelves against the wall of their study. "And you would be disappointed every time."

After the four Pevensie siblings secretly led Fryda to Profesor Cornelius's study to have her hand healed, a healthy meal and a few hours of respite, they retired to their joint study to discuss the most recent news.

As they had feared, yet expected, Narnia had become a land up for grabs when they left for England. Apparently, after centuries in which Calormen had fought against Archenland in their pursuit to conquer Narnia, Telmar was the one to finally adquire Narnia as their colony so, in retaliation, Calormen settled for conquering the Lone Islands to trade slaves. In that way, the Lone Islands had practically disappeared from the Telmarine records, for it was an island and therefore, near the ocean they so despised. Because of that, their fellow Narnians had become slaves for the last centuries, and not a book in the Telmarine library spoke about it.

It was a disgrace far worse, far more serious than what any of them had dared to fear.

"Beth and Caspian should be here," Lucy intervened from her seat by the windowsill. She wrung her hands nervously as she looked through the window onto the courtyard, where servants were taking care of the horses and of sweeping the cobblestone floor. "They are the ones attending the negotiations with the Tarkaans tomorrow, after all. They should know of this."

Edmund shook his head, pausing his futile search to rest his back against the shelves, therefore facing his siblings.

"They have enough on their plates already. We can always tell them later," Edmund replied. Then, he glanced at Peter with the ghost of a smirk. "I guess this puts an end to your new crush, Pete."

Lucy squeaked as she turned towards her oldest siblings.

"You have a crush?" the Valiant Queen exclaimed, eyes wide as she turned towards Edmund, seeking confirmation. "Now I've seen everything."

Edmund managed to cover his mouth in time to mask the snort that he let out but Peter ignored the two of them as he stalked towards the other side of the study, where rolls of maps had been carefully organized. Susan, meanwhile, ignored them all as she stood before the other window, her gaze distant and thoughtful.

"Cut it out!" Peter managed to growl just as he fished out the map he was looking for. He unrolled it on the table that stood between them and all three siblings stood before it, looking at Calormen with severe gazes. "There is no time to joke."

Edmund sighed exhaustedly. "I hate to say this but Peter is right. We are awfully late as it is, already."

Peter nodded. His arms were crossed tensely, his brow furrowed and his eyes stormy with anger. "We need to start preparing our troops for war."

At that, Lucy looked up with shock. She shook her head with violent vehemence. "No, absolutely, no."

Edmund looked at her with wild eyes. "What do you mean no?"

"What I mean is that we've just got through a war!" Lucy exclaimed. "We cannot have our people endanger their lives again! We cannot separate loved ones AGAIN!"

"So we let Calormen continue slaving people we swore to protect?" Edmund demanded harshly.

"Of course not, but we should try to be civil first!" Lucy screamed in return.

Peter banged his fist on the table, effectively cutting the argument short as all of his siblings jumped in fright. Even Susan, who was barely listening, jumped as well. All of them focused on their eldest brother, who looked at them with a red face. They had never seen him so angry.

"Today I met a young girl who was slaved for most of her life. She was so mistreated, so unused to being her own person, that she wouldn't believe I had good intentions," Peter snarled, his voice so laced with fury that it was almost a whisper. "Why should we give them the courtesy of considering peace? They are obviously still so underdeveloped that they think it's correct to submit people's lives to a wretched destiny!"

"What about our people?" Lucy demanded, gentle yet stubborn.

Peter pointed towards the door. "Ask any of our subjects to join us. I can promise you they will want to go to war themselves when we explain what the hell has been going on these past few centuries."

Edmund exchanged his gaze between his siblings before slowly nearing the map laid across the table. He tapped it lightly where the desert between Archenland and Calormen had been drawn. "I don't think their forces have developed greatly since our time, or even their weaponry. They might still outnumber us but if they failed in their attempts to conquer Narnia while we were gone, that means they still haven't figured out how to cross the desert without exhausting their horses or finding water sources. Once we build enough ships, we could regain our old strength and be ready to fight back."

Lucy slumped her shoulders in resignation. She too neared the map and rested her dainty hand on Archenland. "Beth still has influences with King Lune, as she still is his daughter."

"Now you want to involve more people in this?" Edmund couldn't help but question.

Lucy pursed his lips in exasperation. "I don't think we should involve anyone at all but if it comes to war, we will have a stronger chance the more allies we have."

"I am Queen but still, the Prince of their damn country tried to abduct me only because I rejected him,'' Susan suddenly declared. She turned around to look at her siblings, her features pale as she remembered and spoke of her past. She never talked about Rabadash or her experience in Calormen unless she had to, so none of her siblings dared to speak. "The Tisroc is said to be descendant of Tash, and that excuse alone gives him and his family the liberty to act however they want with their people, while they continuously enrich themselves and their people keep growing poorer. Our fight is against them, not against the calormene. We need to remember that."

"We do not have enough time for honour or clever plans," Peter retorted as calmly as he could. He exchanged a look with Edmund and Lucy. "You are right but we are already so late. If we take into account subjects who are not our own, we will lose years."

"So we condemn innocent people?" Lucy demanded. "Is that who we are?"

"I can't believe I'm about to say this but in the years we would lose while trying to spare as many innocents as we can, would mean years of countless people being subjected into slavery." Edmund shook his head. "Who are we to decide who to save?"

Lucy frowned. "I could ask you the same thing."

Edmund opened his mouth to retort but Susan quickly jumped in, raising a hand in an appealing manner.

"It is a subject that has no easy answer. And you are right, Peter, we need to be as swift as we can." Susan intervened, her face brightening as a plan developed in her mind. "But a war will make us spend resources we do not have yet for an issue that could be solved in a far easier way."

"With a treaty?" Edmund frowned, unimpressed by his sister. Beside him, both Peter and Lucy listened with sceptic gazes. "What could we have to give in exchange that they could possibly want?"

"If it goes successfully, nothing," Susan replied calmly. She too stood before the table, and rested a finger on the depiction of Tashbaan. "They still owe me for what they've done to me. And just as the Tisroc is a descendant of Tash, the daughter of Aslan is about to become High Queen in our country. They may be reluctant to pay for what they did to me but, for whatever fear they feel towards Tash, I can promise you that they fear Aslan even more."

"I remember Rabadash's expression when Aslan appeared to punish him for the attack on Anvard," Edmund smirked with pride. "I'm impressed by your plan."

"I like whatever plan that does not include another war," Lucy began slowly. "But do you think the Tisroc would agree?"

"Perhaps, but only if Beth is the one to propose it," Susan replied with a shrug. "Whatever happens, we can be calm in that we did everything we could to avoid war. We cannot choose who to save, after all, not completely."

Both Edmund and Lucy nodded before all three of them turned towards their eldest sibling. Peter glanced at the map thoughtfully before looking up to the Gentle Queen.

"If this fails," Peter warned slowly, "we will have to go to war."

"Of course," Susan nodded in agreement. She gulped as she felt her hands turn clammy but ignored her apprehension otherwise. "It is as you said, brother. We monarchs must defend those who cannot defend themselves. We at least owe it to them to try every option we may have."

oOo

Caspian sunk to his knees, numb to the humid, cool weather he had grown so accustomed. While the rest of Narnia was currently experiencing a sunny, warm, beautiful day, there was one place in the Telmarine Castle that seemed to be completely detached from that rule.

The Royal Graveyard had been placed under the shadows of the tall, cold, gray towers of the castle. As such, the sun never really managed to reach the barren terrain and because of that, those grounds seemed to be part of another world. In a way, maybe, they were. They were part of the world of the dead, for they ruled there. Not the living, for once.

Caspian hadn't been there in a long time, even with his departure from the castle. He hadn't had a reason to go there besides his mother and, when he was told by his father and uncle that he would seem weak to his subjects if he dwelled too much on what, who he had lost, he stopped entering the graveyards altogether. He didn't want to disappoint them. He knew the high price to pay if he did.

When his father died, Caspian mourned, but not because he was an idyllic father. Now, after having experienced so much, after forming deep, healthy bonds of love with a new and true family, he could recognize the dependence he felt in respect to his father. His father was the one ideal he had in his mind for most of his life. Who his father was, what his values were, what he fought for, it was the only things he knew. How could he doubt it? How was he not supposed to mourn when the one role model he knew, the one mentor he had been graced with left him on his own?

Then, the years went by. Caspian began to see his uncle under a better, clearer light. He began to doubt. He began to question himself. With that, understanding finally came. He had never really visited his father's grave in the first place, because his words when his mother died still haunted him. But he still mourned and with understanding, came new feelings he couldn't help having towards his father.

Resentment.

Rage.

Disappointment.

Oh, how he had missed so much. How his father had taken so much from him with his greediness and his need to look tough for the others. And how he had allowed himself to be blinded so utterly.

Now, life had made a complete circle. Caspian had detached himself from his father's values to the best of his abilities. He was a new person now, a person with a true family, with a true love, with true happiness. He was a beloved and respected leader. He was everything his father wasn't.

His father, like the others before him, had ruled with fear. He had been respected because he had demanded it, not because his actions made him worthy of it.

Miraz had been just the same.

Caspian, fortunately, was able to say he was the complete opposite. He made mistakes, of course, but he managed to redeem himself. Now, his journey had closed a cycle, and he was to be crowned High King of Narnia.

Just like his father and uncle.

It was only when he suddenly felt two soft arms encircling his shoulders that he noticed the shivers coursing through his body.

"How did you know?" Caspian managed to croak, burying his tear stained face in those comforting arms.

Behind him, Susan chuckled. "Today is an emotional day for everyone. Thought I should check on you before the Coronation."

At that, Caspian's head snapped up. "I'm not late, am I?"

Susan shook her head, her blue eyes staring into his as if commanding calmness. "No, of course not. Besides, you can take all the time in the world."

Caspian let out a long breath, his entire body slumping even further as he hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry. I just, I'm not sure how I got here but I keep thinking that I'm about to be what they were."

Susan rested her chin on his right shoulder as she folded her body to encompass his. "Being Kings wasn't what defined, Caspian."

"No, but power was."

Susan straightened. "I had power once too. You think it made me greedy or indifferent to my people?"

Caspian turned around, facing Susan with wide eyes as he clutched her hands into his. "Of course not but you are different. You had good role models all throughout your life. I didn't. And all those who were Kings before me - my father and uncle -, they were evil. They favored their need for more and more power over the wellbeing of their subjects. How can I expect to turn into something different?"

Susan shook her head. "Are you done?"

Caspian narrowed his eyes. "Why do you sound mad?"

"Because I am!" Susan grabbed his face between her hands, her gaze softening as she realized just how scared he was. "Look, I'm not about to question the weight of your father and uncle in your education. More than that, I will not question the importance you are putting on that factor because I wasn't there and it's not my story to judge. But Cas, my love, they weren't the only ones."

When Caspian actually had the gall to frown, Susan wanted to laugh. Instead, she shook her head in mock exasperation.

"Have you forgotten who you were with during the past few months? You've learned from us much more than what you could have ever learnt from them! And you learned not because we were there, but because you are your own person, not the result of centuries of greed and violence. You didn't learn from your father and Miraz because you are different to them. You loved the Narnians and you loved your subjects way before you even knew the true responsibilities of your role. You learned from us because you are your own person and you made a choice. You made a choice when you decided to start a revolution. You made a choice when you decided to call us. You made a choice every single time you fought Peter and the others for what you thought was best for your people. You made a choice when you asked Beth to rule with you. You made a choice when you decided there could be a world where Narnians and Telmarines could coexist peacefully!"

Caspian cocked his head sheepishly. "You make me sound so good."

"Because you are, Caspian, because you are," Susan kissed him deeply before resting her forehead against his. "It is not our inheritance or our family that makes us who we are. It is our choice. And we make them every single day so they will always condition us to the rest. You have made good and bad choices and the result of them are about to make you King, but King of both Narnians and Telmarines. They are going to make you King of a Peaceful Narnia. Most importantly, they've made you part of a Royal Family that will never leave you alone."

Caspian took a deep breath, his eyes closed, his body still shaken yet less than before. After a long moment, he straightened and turned to look at the grave of his mother behind him. The gravestone in itself was quite simple, its carving indicating the name, birth and death of the late Queen of Narnia but the simplicity stopped with the statue behind it.

That statue was that of a woman of mellow expression even with the crown on her head. Still, it was the straight shoulders that told a different story. She was a true commanding Queen, as only a Queen of Narnia could be.

"I had that statue made," Caspian whispered. He slowly stood, Susan in tow, and smiled as he studied it. "When I realized my father was set on making everyone forget about her, I rebelled. It was the first time I went against my father but I just couldn't watch how everyone forgot about the one good person I had ever met. She deserves to be remembered forever."

Susan rested her head on his chest, her gaze also on the first image of her boyfriend's mother she had laid eyes on. "I'm glad you had someone good. I'm so glad."

Caspian tightened his arms around Susan's waist. "Her memory kept me from giving up when things got too dark and lonely. I always remembered how she liked seeing myself happy and well so I tried to be strong enough to take care of myself. Then, after a while, I met Beth and Tor and they were the first glimpse of what I could have, of what I had been missing since she died. Now, well, my family is complete now."

Susan smiled and looked up, finding Caspian to be looking at her already, his eyes soft with adoration. "I'm surprised you came to visit your mother. I thought today reminded you of your father more."

Caspian shrugged, his gaze fortunately not losing the warmth they held a moment before. "My father will always haunt me, I think. Every time I struggle with a new experience I will be reminded of him, because I will be reminded of every experience he deprived me of. I will be reminded of how unprepared he left me with everything he did to me."

"But your mom left a more lasting impression."

Caspian smiled as he closed his eyes and nodded slowly. "My mom saved me. While she was alive and even after her death. Her love was what kept me strong as I tried to find a family that would give me that same love. She was the beacon of hope in the chaos that was my life and I am reminded of her everytime I accomplish something good. She would be so proud of me today."

Susan slowly raised a hand to caress his sharp, tanned cheekbones. She cocked her head when he opened his eyes to look at her with an intensity she hadn't objected to before. "Well, it's not the same, maybe, but we love you. And we're so proud of you. And we'll tell you so everyday for as long as we can."

Caspian laughed in disbelief. "I am so in love with you, Su. I wished you had met her. You would have loved each other."

"Maybe she is watching us right now," Susan began, chuckling gently as she thought of something. "And she is outraged of a strange woman kissing her son before her grave."

Caspian laughed. "If anything, she would be outraged that I'm kissing you in such a dreary place."

Susan shook her head. 'I don't think it's dreary. I think it is a rather fitting place to begin a new cycle."

"And what cycle would that be?"

"The one in which you find closure."

oOo

Beth was the first one in the family study.

She walked slowly into the room, her heart hammering in her chest. She had never felt so vulnerable in a way, for she knew all eyes would be on her in just a little while. Not as a Princess, not as a True Heir, but as an agent ready to make the best decisions for her people.

Oh, how it weighed in a way, to wear a crown.

But she was ready. She was so ready.

Her dress shimmered slightly as it's skirts dragged gracefully behind her. Blue at the top, yet turning into silver as the fabric fell to the ground, the dress had an off-shoulder neckline and embroideries of little golden leaves around its waist and hem. The fabric around the chest was thick though, almost resembling a chain mail. Her golden hair fell freely down her back, brushed into natural waves away from her face. Her left hand sported the ring her father gave her when she became Crown Princess of Archenland. Her right hand, the hand that maneuvered her weapons of choice, sported the ring the dwarves gave her earlier that morning.

The ring of the High Queen of Narnia.

As if remembering them, Beth lifted her hands and looked down towards her rings, marveling in how different they were from one another, yet how both of them represented her so accurately.

"Well," Beth whispered softly. "Here goes nothing."

As if having summoned them with her words, the doors opened once again, King Ersan and Adrien joining her in the study.

"My dear girl," Ersan was the first to speak as he rushed to hug his daughter in every way that mattered. "It's best I return shortly to the ceremony but I wanted to see you before. I am so proud of you, Beth."

"Dad," Beth smiled, her eyes filled with unshed grateful tears. She closed her eyes and buried her face in her father's chest. "I couldn't have made it without you. Thank you. So much."

"It's what fathers do," Ersan straightened, leaning down to press a loving kiss to his daughter's forehead. "And I couldn't have had a better daughter. I love you."

"I love you too, Dad." Beth replied, her voice shaken with a chuckle even as two tears rolled down her cheeks.

Ersan nodded proudly before turning towards the entrance, where Adrien still stood, leaning against the opened door with a smile. As Beth wiped the tears off her eyes, Ersan studied the centaur gravely. "Now, young sir. I understand you are to place the Narnian crown on my daughter's head."

Adrien nodded, gulping nervously as he mockingly glared at Beth. He straightened then, and locked his hands behind his back. "I am. Not that I had any say in the matter."

Ersan nodded and approached the centaur slowly. At last, he stood before him and crossed his arms before his chest. "You have been given an honour, young sir, but one not to be taken easily. Do you think you are ready for it?"

Adrien stammered, his eyes wide. He tried to seek help from his sister but Beth only snorted in amusement. "I- yes. Or at least, I think so."

Ersan nodded, his eyes narrowed as he studied the kid. Then, he chuckled, his eyes wrinkling as a smile stretched across his lips. He clasped a hand on Adrien's shoulder, who tried not to wince at the weight of it. "I know you will. You love Beth enough to do an excellent job. Just remember to place the crown evenly, or it will fall from her head and she will be ridiculed."

"I-," Adrien began, but Ersan was no longer focusing on him. Instead, the King of Archenland turned and smiled at Beth.

"I better go back before the others think the High Queen of Narnia is favouring others over them before she is even crowned," Ersan said with an exasperated roll of eyes. "You are going to do amazing, sweetie. Good luck."

"Thanks, Dad." Beth watched him close the doors behind him with a smile and turned towards her brother once they were alone. "Are you completely terrified?"

"Not quite there yet but give me time," Adrien snorted. However, he sobered up once he really looked at his sister. Having never seen her in clothes as formal as those, he wasn't quite able to connect the image he had before his eyes to the one he had of his sister. Almost shyly, he walked further into the room. "You look pretty, Beth."

Beth smiled, her eyes wrinkling. "Thank you, brother. You cleaned up quite well, surprisingly."

Adrien, as part of the Narnian Royal Family, had also been given a title. He was now Sir Adrien, knighted by King Edmund himself for his efforts during the final battle against the Telmarines. Of course, that did not mean he wouldn't gain another title further down the line. After all, Adrien was a kid who had a whole life before him, one filled with opportunities because of his families. Not only did his reputation precede him because of his late father and sister- all of them descendants from the great Oreius, a fact that was quickly becoming known -, but also because of the power and love the family he had chosen had.

For the ceremony, he was wearing the standard uniform of the knights and soldiers of Narnia. A white shirt under a pristine chainmail that glinted slightly whenever the sunlight reflected on it. Over it, Adrien had put on a gift from King Peter himself. A red shirt with no sleeves, and with a golden lion painted at its center. A tremendous honour, and one only fit for a member of the Royal Family. His hair was neatly tied, its brunnette locks falling down his back. His sword was strapped to his side, this time a gift from Queen Lucy.

"Yes, well," Adrien coughed uncomfortably. "Susan wasn't about to let anything go wrong with the ceremony."

"Of course," Beth chuckled. Then, she moved to hug her brother tightly. "I'm so sorry, brother. So sorry."

Adrien frowned as he pulled away. "Sorry for what? Because you forced me to play a part in the coronation? Yes, you should be sorry but it's too late now, don't you think?"

Beth rolled her eyes. "Not because of that, you wiseass."

"Then what?" Adrien almost demanded, as if he knew what she wanted to say, but wouldn't speak up unless she did.

Beth stood immobile for a long moment, biting her lower lip as she regarded her brother seriously. Sometimes, she forgot he was a kid, because what he had gone through had hardened him in a way no kid should experience prematurely.

The hardest part of it was when she remembered some of his pain had been caused by her. When she remembered what she had gone through, it was hard to conceive she had caused that same pain. that same danger, on someone she loved.

"I'm sorry I didn't give you a safe family," Beth said, her voice breaking when Adrien stepped away from her. Still, she stood put. "I'm so sorry I was born with a curse, to save the world and everyone in it before I could save myself. I'm so sorry I gave you the idea our family would be normal and harmless and instead, I am cursed with powers and the responsibility to use those powers to save those in need."

"You saved Edmund," Adrien replied, his voice hoarse. "You saved Edmund when you could have stayed safe for me."

"I know," Beth replied, nodding as more tears fell down her eyes. This time, tears that spoke of grief. "But I will never do anything without knowing where you and the others stand. I didn't understand how I hurt you, or Ed, or the others by putting myself in danger but I know I do. I will never put you in that place again."

"Other than your mission to save Tor, you mean." Adrien replied, his arms crossed as he looked anywhere but at his pleading sister.

"And myself," Beth retorted, pursing her lips when Adrien looked at her. "Other than when I have to save Tor and myself."

"It's a trap," Adrien whispered, his heart clenching. "You know that! Why can't Aslan intervene and find another way to fix this!?-"

Beth knelt before his brother, clutching his arms as he sunk his head in grief and pain. "I don't know why he isn't intervening. What I do know is that I will never leave you without the chance to speak your mind again. I have to do this, because I will die if I don't, but you and the others will make the plans with me. You won't be silenced again, I promise."

Adrien wiped her eyes, his shoulders shaking as he looked at his sister. "I am not happy about this."

"Want me to tell you a secret?" Beth replied, smirking when Adrien nodded and pouted. "I am not either."

Adrien stared at Beth motionlessly for a second, before launching into her arms. "I love you, Beth. I love you so much."

"I love you, my dear brother." Beth closed her eyes in bliss as she felt herself forgiven by Adrien. Her heart lighter and her conscience slightly cleared, she felt even more ready to be crowned knowing that her brother would stand with her. And that relief, gods, that relief made her feel she could fly.

"Beth, could you check if my tunic is alright? I do not want Su tearing into me in the middle of the coronation for having a wrinkle on my shirt," Edmund called as he made his entrance into the study, one hand on the doorknob and the other messing up his collar. He stopped dead in his tracks as he found Beth and Adrien locked in an embrace. "Should I come back later?"

"It's okay," Beth replied as she stood up, pressing a kiss on her brother's forehead before walking towards her boyfriend. "Don't you look handsome, my love! Except for that collar, Susan will destroy you if you show up any less than perfect. To be honest, so will I."

Edmund, who had been completely mesmerized by the vision his girlfriend was, waited until Beth was done with his collar before grabbing her hand and twirling her. "Beth, gods- Beth, you are so beautiful."

Beth blushed before stepping right before him. She pressed a longing kiss to his lips before stepping away and eyeing him. "So are you and- hey! We have matching outfits!"

And it was true. Edmund was wearing a blue tunic with silver buttons. Across its sleeves and around the hemline, small, silver embroideries of leaves were depicted. Black pants, black boots and the silver ring he was given when he became King complimented the look.

His hair, black as the darkest of nights, fell in carefully messed up waves. Beth took a look at them and, knowing she wouldn't be able to sink her fingers in it for many hours, she settled from wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.

"Hey, I'm still here!" Adrien called out, rolling his eyes when the couple blatantly ignored him.

After a few minutes, Edmund pulled away, resting his forehead against hers as he panted softly. "Not that I didn't completely love it, but what was that for?"

Beth looked up at him, smiling as she considered her answer. But, what could she say really? I mean, what could she really say he hadn't heard before. They were a team after all, so he knew to an extent everything he had done for her.

Well, perhaps. Maybe there was one thing he hadn't heard yet.

"For having my back," Beth replied with a whisper. Edmund gazed at her with wide, sweet eyes, and they made her melt. "For loving me so well. For being my one true love."

"I love you," Edmund replied. He hugged Beth tightly and smiled as he closed his eyes. "I'm so proud of you, my love. I love you."

"Well, the room is filling up quickly," Lucy clapped excitedly as she entered the study. Her dress, orange with green sleeves and golden embroideries across its skirts, flew as she twirled in excitement. "This is so amazing!"

Beth pulled away from Edmund at once, choosing instead to glare at Lucy with passion. "Must you revel in my pain?"

Lucy snorted in impatience. Unlike her brother, she was already wearing her crown, her brown locks falling freely below it. The ring given to her when she became Queen was also glinting in her right hand. "Please. I don't see you in much pain, to be honest."

As she gestured between Beth and Edmund, the latter rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's shoulders. "I'm supporting her. Deal with it."

"Believe us, we have to." Adrien spoke from the sofa, from which he was gazing boredly into nothing. Then, he nodded gratefully at Lucy. "Thank you for coming."

"No problem," Lucy giggled, choosing to sit next to Adrien. She picked up one of the cushions and threw it as high as she could, picking it up swiftly everytime it neared the floor. "Remember when we were crowned? Peter puked. What an exciting day."

"I'm not even in the room, yet awful rumours are being spread about me," Peter rolled his eyes in disgust as he entered the room. His tunic was light blue, so much that it was almost white. Because of the golden embroideries that adorned his sleeves and the golden crown and ring on his finger, Peter almost resembled an angel. Brown pants and boots completed the outfit. "What a beautiful family I have."

"Hey, they aren't rumours if they aren't true," Beth called, hiding her face behind Edmund's shoulder when Peter turned to glare at her.

Edmund, meanwhile, smirked at his brother as he clenched his arm around Beth's waist. "And it is mind-blowing how the same man who introduced himself to Trumpkin as 'Peter the Magnificent' puked on his Coronation ceremony"

"I almost puked. Almost. There's a difference."

Edmund shrugged. "Potato, patata."

"I had forgotten about that whole thing with Trumpkin," Beth intervened, biting her lips in order to hide her smile. "It kinda makes you sound like those magicians that entertain kids' birthdays."

Caspian, who had entered quietly with Susan, frowned as he stood behind Peter. "Since when have magicians entertained children's birthdays?"

Caspian and Susan, like Edmund and Beth, were dressed in a match. Susan wore a deep red gown, with wide sleeves that hid her hands almost completely. Golden embroideries of small birds - the symbol of the Telmarine Crown - were depicted across the hem of her skirt and one of them, bigger than the others, was stretched across her chest. She was also wearing her crown, her long hair falling in bouncy curls around it. Her ring was on her finger as well, and small white heels could be glimpsed whenever she lifted her skirts slightly.

Caspian, on the other hand, was wearing a black tunic and pants, no embroideries to adorn them for it wasn't customary in the Telmarine culture. Still, that's where his addition to the culture ended, for the cloak tied to his neck was of the same deep red as Susan's dress, and had embroideries of the Telmarine bird across its length.

Beth ignored Peter as he jumped in surprise, having missed the pair standing behind him. She cocked her head in Caspian's direction. "Not our magicians. The English ones."

While Caspian nodded in understanding, Susan frowned at Beth. "You have been crying."

Beth nodded at Caspian. "So has he and yet here we are."

"If I knew I was going to be mocked," Peter grumbled as Susan rushed towards Beth, fixing her dress before inspecting her eyes, ignoring Beth as she sighed in resignation. "I would have waited with our guests."

Lucy and Adrien opened their mouths to retort but a faun chose that moment to enter the room with a silver tray and seven glasses of wine.

"C'mon, old man, where would we be without you?" Edmund laughed as he thanked the faun and took the tray from him. "Grab your glasses, folks, we are toasting to this beautiful day!"

"Is one of those mine?" Adrien asked lowly, turning towards Lucy, who shrugged in return.

"Who makes the speech?" Susan asked as she took her glass. "Someone needs to speak!"

"Well, Peter has never needed a push when the time to make a speech came," Lucy intervened, shrugging when Peter glared at her. "I'm just saying in case there are no volunteers."

Still chuckling, Edmund clasped Caspian in the back before kissing Beth's temple. "Well, I think the two newest High King and Queen should be the ones to speak. After all, today is in their honour."

"I hate you," Beth grumbled.

"It's the truth, sweetheart." Edmund bit his lower lip to hide his smile. "You can't hate me because of the truth."

Meanwhile, Caspian cleared his throat nervously before raising his glass. "When I escaped my uncle's assassins and became a fugitive, I thought I was going to fight alone. I never thought the horn would work and I never thought I would have one of my best friends by my side. But not only did you all come to help, you also became my family. With all of our highs and lows, this last couple of months have been the best, because I made it into the best family I could have possibly had. Cheers to you, my friends."

"As someone who has found both a blessing and a curse in the concept of family," Beth added, reaching towards Caspian to clasp her hand in his. By then, they had formed a makeshift circle, with Edmund and Adrien on either side of Beth, Caspian to Edmund's left and Susan beside him. Peter and Lucy completed the circle. "I couldn't have said it better myself. It hasn't been easy, but we've won time and time because of the team we are, just as I know we will continue to win for years to come. I could have never chosen a better family. I love the six of you immensely. Cheers to you all, lovely people."

"Cheers!" The other six chanted enthusiastically before clinking their glasses together.

Finally, the mood was not of melancolia, but of celebration. Yes they had been in pain and yes, some of them were still in pain. But they'd won. They were alive and they had time to celebrate before their next battle. And that felt too wonderful to describe.

As they all drank, they heard a knock on the door. They all knew what that meant.

The last of the guests had sat. They were ready for them.

The seven of them were instantly silent, the four monarchs and the young centaur looking expectantly at the other two.

"That's our cue," Caspian finally uttered, doing his best not to be nervous. He turned towards his best friend, who took a deep breath."How are you feeling, Beth? Are you going to puke?"

Beth steeled herself before smiling. "If I do, that should at least break the ice with our guests."

oOo

At last, the grand moment has come.

Trumpets resounded proudly as the doors opened one last time, a signal for the crowd gathered to look towards the entrance. On either side of the aisle for the Monarchs, representatives of the countries neighbouring Narnia sit with mild interest, their presence speaking of amicable…or not so much prospects.

Led by Glenstorm, the centaurs, who were wearing sparkling silver armor and helmets, stood on either side of the aisle, their postures straight and proud, their gazes looking only forward. As the trumpets gave their signal, the Centaurs used it as their cue to present their weapons and banners. The line to the right presented their weapons, silver and pristine swords that hung over their heads like a makeshift roof for the protagonists of that evening. The line to the right presented the banners of the two folks uniting that day. Golden Lion and red background for Narnia, black bird and yellow background for Telmar.

Finally, by the end of the aisle, four figures walked to their respective places, their gowns spotless clean to honour the importance of the ceremony. Queen Prunaprisma stood by the left of the aisle's end, Adrien by its other side. Behind them, Trufflehunter and Trumpkin waited with cushions made of ivory material.

Each of those cushions held a crown.

One golden crown.

One silver crown.

One for the High King.

One for the High Queen.

And just like that, it was time for the procession to begin. Not unlike 1300 years ago, at least in Narnia, four boys and girls walked down the aisle together. This time, however, no Great Lion accompanied them. This time, however, they were no innocent and inexperienced kids, but the Kings and Queens of Old. King Peter the Magnificent and Queen Susan the Gentle in the middle, King Edmund the Just and Queen Lucy the Valiant flanking them, the foursome walked proud. Not because of the honour or even the nerves, as they did last time. They walked proud because they were giving their torch to those who deserved it.

After all, their time to rule was over. They would always be Kings and Queens but it wasn't their time. Not anymore. It was the turn for others to take the lead and carry Narnia back to a Golden Age.

Their stroll towards the thrones was swift, for they weren't to be in the spotlight. Not that day. So, it wasn't before too long that Queen Susan, King Edmund and Queen Lucy were sitting in their respective thrones, while King Peter turned in his step to address the crowd.

Peter smiled, his voice booming across the otherwise silent room. "In the name of my siblings and myself, I would like to invite you to stand and help us receive our Prince and Princess, as the Telmarine tradition dictates."

Everyone complied, the silence growing in emotion as they all knew what was coming. It didn't matter their feelings towards the Narnians after all, for a Coronation was always a matter of intrigue. A matter that involved diplomacy, opportunities and even gossip. Not even the elderly members of the court, who would have otherwise rejected Peter's invitation, could speak up. What was about to happen was of everyone's interest.

After a moment, Peter took his seat to Edmund's left.

And then, Caspian and Beth appeared by the entrance, Aslan between them.

Hours later, they would be in agreement with the Pevensie on how equally eternal and short the aisle seemed to them. Knowing what stood at the end of it, knowing how they would become different people once they reached their thrones, it was so terrifying. So terrifying and yet, they couldn't wait until the moment was over and the new chapter could officially begin.

Once a King or Queen, always a King or Queen.

And then, so short they could barely take a breath, yet so long that they weren't able to take a proper breath, the aisle had been crossed and the thrones stood before them. The six thrones, four of them occupied with some of their favourite people who smiled on with pride. The other two glaringly unoccupied, waiting for them.

Caspian and Beth took a deep breath and looked at each other. They were ready.

Then, Aslan climbed the steps to the throne, turning and halting to a stop in between the unoccupied thrones. Before him, Caspian knelt on the first step and lowered his head. Beside him, Beth allowed herself a proud grin.

If Peter's voice was booming, then Aslan's was deafening in the sense that it's beauty led you to an awed silence. "To the mysterious ocean beyond the Lone Islands, I give you High King Caspian, the Seafarer.''

At once, Prunaprisma sprung into action. She gracefully grabbed the golden Telmarine crown Trumpkin held, the one the prince's father, uncle and earlier predecessors once wore, and turned towards Caspian. Slowly, almost reverently, she walked until she stood before her nephew and now King.

Aunt and nephew exchanged a long gaze, before the first one nodded in hidden approval.

"May you rule better than those who preceded you," Prunaprisma whispered.

Then, she placed the crown on Caspian's head. Now, he was High King Caspian the Seafarer of Narnia.

"I will do my best," Caspian mouthed in reply, breathing deeply as Prunaprisma retreated back to her place. Then, he locked his gaze with the Pevensie and smiled.

Having been crowned, Caspian stood before his throne, his gaze on the proud and loyal subjects he now represented. He took a deep breath and felt himself straightening his posture. After all of this time, he had accomplished his fate. And it was good. He wanted to do good and he would do so, in the name of those who had believed in him and in the name of those who had lost their lives while supporting him.

Once he was set, Beth followed him, her gaze focused as she stood before her throne. After a moment, she knelt and lowered her head.

As quick, light steps neared her, Aslan's voice resonated once again. "To the enchanting Narnian stars, I give you High Queen Elizabeth, the Wise."

Just as Aslan pronounced her new title, Beth felt a weight on her head. She looked up, and smiled at Adrien as he made sure he had placed the crown evenly on her head. Once he confirmed it, he grinned toothfully and, bowing his head, he retreated back to his place. Not being able to contain her smile, Beth stood as well.

Now High Queen Elizabeth the Wise of Narnia, she felt sure of the path her life had taken. She was needed there, and loved, by her family and subjects. She would do anything for them.

For a second, all six monarchs looked at each other, their emotion too intense to be expressed through anything by their eyes, yet so clear each of them understood perfectly.

And then, the music began.

Through the windows behind the thrones, opened to allow the sunlight to make its contribution, the mermaids were making their participation in the ceremony, with a song so ancient it had almost been forgotten.

A song so melancholic, so emotional, and so beautiful it was only fit for moments like that.

A song that was last played when the Kings and Queens of Old were crowned.

Knowing exactly how the Monarchs were feeling in that moment, and ignoring the crowd as they marveled in the scene before them, Aslan turned around to face the newly appointed monarchs. He smiled knowingly and bowed his head, silently blessing his daughter and her best friend on the journey ahead of them.

Then, he spoke words the reader might be familiar with.

"Once a King or Queen of Narnia, always a King or Queen. May you be wise every and all the days of your reign."

As Caspian sat beside Susan and Beth beside Peter, the exhilaration at the beautiful ceremony was so intense that the following chanting was louder than in any coronation even registered. So loud that someone not so interested in the matters of the Crown would have only worried about the windows breaking.

"Long live King Caspian!"

"Long live Queen Elizabeth!"

"Long live the King and Queen!"

oOo

While planning for the ceremony when Beth confirmed she would become High Queen, the six of them had decided the royal couples should keep their public displays of affection to a minimum in order to avoid any sort of negative reaction from the visiting outsiders. After all, they had to treat the Coronation for what it was to the guests: a matter of interest, not only because of the image put for the country in question, but for those ruling.

So, Narnia needed to seem like a strong, resilient nation ready to find unity within itself and with their neighbours. And they could only accomplish that by being serious, accomplished, and responsible Kings and Queens.

Well, if only they could have foreseen the way their chemistry would shine amongst a crowd of fake, almost venomous pleasantries in some parts. No preparations, no discussions, no plans could have foreseen the fact that when two people love one another, it most often shines like the brightest of lights.

Half an hour after the ceremony, the ball in honour of High Queen Elizabeth and High King Caspian began with the newly appointed monarchs opening the dance floor. Of course, not caring for sharing an uncomfortable dance with a monarch who would have them married off before the night was over, they made Edmund and Susan promise they would cut their waltz before someone else had the chance.

And the moment those two couples began to dance, it was obvious to the entire committee that those four were taken.

Within a minute, Peter was crowned the most sought-after bachelor of the ball.

Now, the reader might find the circumstances hilarious. And they were, yet not to Peter. He had had to deal with this during his entire reign back in the Golden Age. Elderly monarchs and diplomats who would slither into his castle, trying to sell off their sons, daughters, nieces and nephews to the mighty High King. He was tired of those who wanted power, regardless of its source. More than that, he wanted peace. Peace so he could celebrate Caspian and Beth, peace so he could plan Lucy's incoming birthday.

Peace so he could plan his future in his beloved home.

Hence, the reason he was hiding in the deserted gardens.

Throwing himself behind a large bush, he closed his eyes in relief, thankful he could have a few minutes to himself before he would have to go back.

"Hello, Peter."

Peter scrambled to his feet, his eyes widening comically as they lay on Aslan, who regarded him silently from the other side of the clearing. Subtly brushing his hands down his tunic and praying he didn't just stain his garments, he knelt respectfully. Peter knelt instantly as Aslan walked towards him "Your Majesty! I mean - Aslan, deep apologies. I was too preoccupied to pay attention to my surroundings."

If Peter didn't know better, he could have sworn Aslan chuckled. "It happens to the best of us, Your Majesty. Please, rise."

Peter did so, smiling nervously at the lion in the process. "In our coronation, you had already left by now."

"You didn't need me anymore," Aslan replied as he sat on his back legs in front of Peter, his tail swinging lazily behind him. Having shortened himself, they were now the same height, which admittedly made Peter feel slightly self-conscious.

"We still felt sad by your departure. Lu especially." Peter replied before grinning to ease the seriousness of the conversation. "Will we still need you this time? Is that why you are still here?"

"Exactly. There are some things I need to speak with the six of you, especially Beth," Aslan answered. "One of them being that I have found a way to deal with the Telmarines who do not wish to stay in Narnia anymore."

What happened to Peter was something that he later could not explain, no matter how hard he tried. The fact though, was that Aslan was referring to a matter important to Peter, because it was his subjects the Great Lion was talking about, but a matter that in the end had nothing to do with him personally. Still, he felt directly affected, a weight dropping in his stomach as the words spoken by Aslan were processed.

Peter didn't have a good feeling. And, gods, he prayed for it to be a misjudgement on his part because he was too tired for the next battle. He wanted to rest a little while longer.

"How are we going to solve that problem?" Peter asked anyway. He still needed to know. He needed his concerns to be appeased. He needed to know everything was okay.

"By taking them to their previous home."

"Back to Telmar?" Peter asked, intrigued. "From what I heard, the Telmarines left that place centuries ago because they found it unsuitable to live in. I can't fathom how that would be different now."

"They are not going to Telmar, King Peter. The first Telmarines lived on an island in another world, when they stumbled through a portal that brought them to this one, and to the land they would later call Telmar," Aslan explained, his voice soft, warm, and comforting for some reason. "The Telmarines come from the same world you do, Your Majesty."

Peter frowned, the story too whimsical to be taken so easily. And, if he couldn't quite believe it, he could only imagine how the Telmarines would react. "I'm not sure the Telmarines trust us enough to go through the portal, Aslan."

"And I agree."

Peter took a deep breath, the dread settling within him more firmly. If he could only shake that nonsensical emotion, if he could only think clearly! "I- Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don't see how they would be convinced into trusting us."

"They would need proof, I reckon." Aslan's voice seemed to be lower, even burdened. "Proof that it is safe for them to cross. They need to see for themselves how we cross that same portal because if they know one thing, they know we wouldn't put Narnians in danger."

Aslan's expression could only be described as sad and for a few minutes there was utter silence. Then, Peter realized what it meant. He saw how the multiple paths before him were blended into one.

And his heart turned into ice.

Has it ever happened to you? To hold on with all your strength? To keep that last shred of hope, that last glimpse of light as close to yourself as possible, however slim they may be? Has it ever been taken away from you? So suddenly that you are suddenly in pitch black darkness, blind and forbidden to everything except your own hammering heart? Have you ever stood in the dark, terrorized, and without knowing how to go on?

When you receive the worst news of your life, how do you not succumb to the pain?

After a moment, Peter recovered his voice slightly. It left through his lips slowly, in short painful breaths as his every cell seemed to be punctured with glass. His eyes were filled with unshed tears, but his features were resigned for he knew that whatever fight would come next, this wasn't it. This, it had been decided for him.

"We are going back, aren't we?"

He didn't need an answer. He knew.

I'm going to finish chapter 21 as fast as I can. That last part was hard to write.