An hour later, Peter realized that he had been right to be nervous. Not about meeting people- but about boredom. He had quickly realized that he didn't care much for diplomatic duties, and this banquet simply confirmed it. He doubted he would remember the names of half of the courtiers that they had already been introduced to and there were still more to meet. Susan slipped her arm through his and whispered softly.

"Your endearing smile would do a great deal to make you look less bored."

Peter forced the corners of his lips upward in what he hoped was a convincing smile. He glanced to the other side of Susan at his youngest sister whose smile appeared genuine. Not that he should have been surprised. Lucy was always happy. The herald's voice had them turning back to their guests.

"The Lord Darien and his wife Lady Arvena." The herald boomed.

The young man bowed respectfully before speaking softly.

"Your Majesties! Thank you for your generous invitation. May I present my brother Sir Stephen, my sister Lady Sarah, and my brother Sir Marcus "

Peter struggled not to gape at the sight before him. To call the Lady Elana lovely would be an understatement. With waist length reddish brown hair and large green eyes surrounded by thick dark lashes she was stunning. Edmund's elbow in his ribs shook him out of his daze. He was supposed to be a king not a gaping teenager.

He cleared his throat quickly. "You are all most welcome!"

After a few more moments of conversation the royals, the visiting family moved to speak to others. Peter didn't realize he was staring until Edmund poked him.

"Peter, wake up! We have other people to greet!"

Peter shook himself and continued greeting the guests.

When the dancing began a short time later, Peter danced with the necessary important ladies before moving toward Lady Sarah who stood with several other ladies her age.

Sarah spoke softly to her longtime friend Elena about their gardens when one of the girls near them grabbed her wrist.

"Sarah! The King is coming this way. And he's smiling right at you." She babbled excitedly.

Sarah laughed. "Oh, King Lune always makes a point to speak to me and my siblings. He's so kind. Especially since the illness."

"Not that king! King Peter!"

The girl fluttered backwards leaving Sarah and Elena gaping. Sarah managed to slowly turn so that she could see that King Peter was indeed coming towards her. Her heart fluttered as she took in his handsome demeanor. The dark blue of his tunic made his already vivid eyes seem even bluer and the lightest of a beard grew along his strong jawline. When he reached them, he smiled and ducked his head.

"Ladies! I trust you are enjoying the evening?"

"Very much your Majesty!" Elena cooed.

"Very good."

With a smile toward Elena, he spoke directly to Sarah.

"My Lady, I would be most pleased if you would dance the next dance with me."

"Certainly, Your Majesty!"

He smiled and offered his arm and the two of them moved onto the dance floor. The sweet music began and the two of them began to whirl around the dance floor. When Sarah recognized the tune, she gasped softly.

"Are you alright, My Lady?" King Peter asked softly.

"Yes, of course, Your Majesty!"

"I apologize if I am not the best at leading. I have only recently learned this dance."

"No, it's not that! This music is just lovely!"

"The fauns truly do make the best music!" Peter said with a nod.

"Yes!"

The dance continued as they whirled about the room. When the song was finished and they had returned to the side of the room Sarah curtsied softly.

"Thank you for the dance, Your Majesty. I enjoyed it ever so much."

Peter lifted her knuckles to his lips and brushed a kiss across it.

"You are most welcome, my Lady! But I should be thanking you."

Sarah's heart raced as they moved apart. He was just as charming as he was handsome.

Peter stood still for a moment, taking in what had just happened. This woman was as sweet as she was beautiful. He would very much like to get to know her more. Before he could say anything else, a small hand slid into his and Lucy leaned against him.

"Peter, will you dance with me?"

"Of course!"

For the rest of the night, Peter felt his eyes continually drifting back to the beautiful maiden in the rich green dress.

As the rest of her siblings talked over the feast on their way home that night, Sarah simply stared out the window at the passing trees and thought about her dance with the King. He was so handsome and charming. And he had been so sweet to ask her to dance. But why would the High King of Narnia ever pursue a daughter of a lower ranking who was now an orphan? While her brother and his wife cared for her deeply and made sure she still received the honor of a lady, that surely wouldn't matter for a king and his court. And when she had a wealthy lord that was interested in marrying her, she should be willing to accept it. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the seat with a sigh.

Peter stood on his balcony in his robe, savoring the feeling of the wind in his hair. He heard the creak of the door and the brush of feet on the floor before a hand touched his back. Turning, he saw Susan had stepped up beside him, also wrapped in a silky robe and in bare feet. Her dark hair, free of its pins, hung down around her shoulders and framed her face.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" She asked softly.

"Why yes! Did you?"

"Of course. But I must say it seems like you enjoyed it the most." Her tone took on a hint of teasing. "But I understand. She's very lovely."

Peter moved against the railing.

"Who is lovely?" He tried to sound confused.

"Please…Lady Sarah!"

"Lady Sarah?"

"Stop acting like you don't know what I'm talking about. I saw the way you were looking at her. It's just us! Be honest with me."

Peter sighed and flopped on the bed.

"Was it that obvious?"

"Not to everyone but it was to me."

He finally gave in.

"She's lovely, Susan! I would be lying if I said that I didn't notice. She has such beautiful green eyes and her smile…"

Susan reached out and patted his elbow.

"I don't blame you at all, Big Brother!"

Peter smiled softly. "Thanks!"

They stood in silence for a few minutes before Susan spoke again.

"I'm sure we will see the Archenland nobility again soon. Perhaps you will have a chance to speak to her again."

"Maybe. I hope so!"

Susan kissed him on the cheek and slipped out of the room.