It took a while for Peter to come back to their quarters, which only made Ruby fear the worst. After the outing with Mrs. Beaver and Lucy, Ruby actually agreed to the earlier's demands and went back to her room and stayed off her feet. She wondered what could be so urgent and troubling that Lucy, the one who could tell a secret within the hour, actually refused and wanted her brother to do it. The sun was barely starting to fall when she heard the door open and saw sandy blonde hair rimmed with a golden crown. Ruby got up from the day couch and hid her stumble from getting up so suddenly.

Peter only glanced up to her before sighing, "Lucy told me already"

"I figured as much" Ruby said, "Peter, what is going on?"

"I was honestly hoping to keep this from you for a while" Peter continued, "We don't know for sure what is going on but we have gotten reports. I was hoping it was only going to be a rumor-"

"Please spare me from all of this avoidance, I have gotten plenty today. Peter, you know something that needs to be told to me, I know it" Ruby crossed the room and gripped onto his hands, "Tell me what is going on? What are you trying so desperately to hide from me"

Peter took a while to glance down at their clasped hands before looking into her eyes, "There have been attacks in the Golden Mountains; specifically the Harpy territory. At first it was random, but now it seems to be occurring more frequently. When I first heard of this, I immediately sent word to your father and he confirmed it but also reassured me that he is safe. Still, whoever is doing this is getting more and more bold with both how often the attack and… the severity. The latest was a Harpy's wings being crushed"

Ruby gasped as she suddenly felt faint from all of this new information. Peter quickly wrapped his arm around her and guided his pregnant wife over to the couch by the fire. Flying was the core to a Harpy's world so to know that someone crushed them on purpose meant almost just as much as killing them. She even feared that would be the next step.

Ruby turned to Peter, "My family! Dawn, are they alright?"

"As far as I know, yes" Peter nodded, "When Lucy told me that you needed to know about this I sent word for them to come here immediately"

Ruby hesitated as she nodded, "What would have happened if they had stayed?"

Peter opened his mouth but hesitated, which only made Ruby fear the worst. His eyes looked troubled as he turned and leaned his elbows on top of his knees, almost as if he was contemplating what he should be saying next. As much as Ruby wanted to know, she didn't want to pressure him as she feared what could be the answer.

Peter cleared his throat, "I believe… it would've gotten worse. Orieus says there have been some nasty rumors before this attack that deeply troubles me. Someone in Narnia is saying that… I was put under some sort of spell. That you're type of Harpy genes and abilities are the reason why I chose you. Someone believes that… you sang to me in order to become High Queen Consort"

"But that is absurd" Ruby gawked, "I have not used my siren song in years! How could anyone possibly-"

Peter again, reached for Ruby's hands and nodded, "I know, my love, and don't think for a second that I believe those rumors. Mr. Tumnus believes that this is a good thing that this information rose up to our ears"

Ruby furrowed her eyebrows, "Why?"

"Because we still have a list of the potential maidens" Peter informed her, "We can start in their territories and work our way from there. Whoever is doing these crimes is clearly jealous of you and angry that I chose you over whoever is behind this"

Ruby slowly got up from the couch and walked over to the window, looking out at the vast scenery, twiddling with the ring that Peter got her for her first birthday as his Queen. She could hear his boots slowly walking over to her, probably assessing to see if he needed to catch her when she fell again.

Ruby sucked in a deep breath, "You believe that it is someone from our betrothal event?"

"Someone… or someone related to the person" Peter shrugged, "We will figure it out"

"And until then, all Harpy's are endangered" Ruby turned to him, "What do we do about them?"

"We will set out scouts to patrol the area" Peter said, "Both land, water, and air. We will figure out who is behind all of this"

Ruby glanced down to his velvet purple tunic and placed her hand on his chest.

"But what if it is not enough?"

"Ruby… this is why I didn't want to tell you" Peter placed his hand on hers, "You are too fragile right now"

"I should do something" Ruby said, "These are my people and they are being threatened. I should be out there but instead I am… caged behind these walls"

Peter looked at her, "You don't mean that. We are not holding you against your will, Ruby. But you have to think logically right now. People are attacking your home territory because of rumors that you sang to me, you are pregnant with our child and can't fly long distances, and being here is the safest place you will ever be"

Ruby deeply inhaled as she closed her eyes as a tear fell down her cheek before Peter continued, "Now, unfortunately, I can't make all the Harpy's come to Cair Paravel and it might be too soon for that but I can make your family and best friend come here and stay until this whole thing vanishes"

Ruby opened her eyes and looked at the sun as she noticed it was turning their room golden. An eagle flew by in the distance as she wondered if that was the messenger. Still, Peter's words were supposed to provide comfort but really, she was worried about her home. She felt a grip on her hand and looked to Peter who was giving her a hopeful expression before leaning over and kissing her fingertips. She looked at the space between his lips and fingers as she placed her other hand on her growing belly as another fear popped into her mind.

"But what if it doesn't?"