Alessandra woke the next morning before Caspian, a rare occasion now since it was him that had to be out of her room before anyone caught them. Sunlight was just barely filtering in from the closed curtains so they had some time before Caspian had to leave, a slight fluttering caught her attention and she raised her head slightly and caught the shadow or Caspian's falcon perched in the window. She hadn't seen the bird since they'd gotten back, mostly since the bird went where Caspian did so by the time she got up they were both gone.

She turned on her side to take him in, they'd shifted through the night and he ended up on his back with an arm behind his head the other tossed in her direction. She took in his sleeping expression, which was quickly becoming one of her favourite expressions on him. She raised a hand and settled it onto his chest, he shifted and sighed at her touch but didn't wake yet, he must have been exhausted. Almost absently she began to softly trail her hand up and down the long lean lines of his torso as he minds raced with what today's events would entail.

If Iris' words were to be trusted or believed then she had a morning that would consist of ducking into the walls of the castle and finding their way to the council's meeting room, she didn't doubt that such a pathway existed she just never had reason to venture down it before, and she hastened a guess that it was likely more hidden than the others. She wondered what exactly they were going to say, about her, about them. If the Lord's were as traditional as she'd been led to believe then they'd definitely have thoughts about her station, how they met if Caspian chose to divulge. She wouldn't pretend to know a damn thing about these kinds of procedures, she could only hope that Caspian would hold his temper long enough to win their favour.

Speaking of her dark haired prince, well now King she supposed, he was still well asleep although there were parts of him that were starting to wake up. It was a natural side effect of his body, something that had happened countless times before, he almost always tilted his hips away from her on the mornings that a tent rose in his trousers, a combination of his body's reaction to the morning as well as her proximity he assured her. She was consistently flattered and amused each time it happened, though he never acted on his body's reactions to the early mornings, usually she had to be out of the room before either of them could deal with it. But it was still early, she bit her lip as the lecherous thought blossomed in her mind and she trailed her fingers further down to the top of his trousers, he shivered and his hips adjusted unconsciously when she trailed them along the band.

It was a bit of struggle to get her knees beneath her in the proper position without jostling him or the bed, but she managed, keeping an eye on his relaxed face the entire time. He didn't so much as flinch when she brought her hands back to his waist and started tugging down the band on his trousers until his length fell free. She keeps her touch light as she grasps him in one hand, the other still trailing along the skin above it, toying with the hair that trailed down from beneath his navel.

He twitches in her palm and she wonders if he's dreaming about her, if he'll wake in the throes of passion and be confused as to whether he was still asleep or not. Her hand works him to full hardness as she starts to trail kisses beneath where her fingers made their path, slowly moving closer and closer to what she truly desired. When she licked a stripe up his length his hips jerk of their own accord and she worries that she snatched him from sleep quicker than she intended, but a peek up showed that he was still quite asleep, although his eyes were fluttering beneath his lids.

Taking her time now, she used the motions of her hand and the spend leaking from his tip to help guide her movements. She wanted to slowly pull him from his sleep, not hurl him over the edge too quickly, again she lowered her mouth to him keeping her eye on his face to ensure that she didn't overstimulate him in his sleeping state. When he didn't flinch again only a low groan escaped his throat as he tossed his head to the other side, he must have thought her a dream,

He grew thicker still, fully hard now as she took him in her mouth once again, stroking his stomach in time with her movements. Up and down, controlled movements that had him leaking into her mouth, she heard his breathing change, quicken but didn't bother to look up this time as he gasped himself awake. He groaned as a hand fell to her upper back and the other fisted in the sheets by his side.

"My light?" he groaned again, the words sounding like they were scraped raw from the sleep still clinging to his voice, she was sure that he didn't know whether he was still asleep or awake now. His hips jerk and he tries for her name before it is cut off by a long groan as he spills into her mouth, he's still trying to figure out where he is as it happens which is probably why he nearly rips a hole in her fancy new linens with how hard he gripped them. He shudders as his hips flex again against his will as his hand comes up to tangle in her hair at the back of her head. She released him only when his groans turn into whimpers and his hand in her hair is tugging her up and back to his side.

He's breathing hard like he just ran a mile even as he still tries to steal kisses from her, flattening himself on top of her as he kisses her neck once, twice before mumbling into the skin there, "You maddening little creature," a self-satisfied giggle escapes her as she tugs her arms free from beneath him and wraps them around his shoulders, stretching to run her fingers through his hair, "Good morning," he all but purrs when her nails scratch his scalp.

"I hope it was," she teased, biting back a smirk when he lifted his head enough to glare at her, though it lacked any real heat, he turned his attention back to her neck mouthing at the skin there, not enough to leave a mark just enough to keep her on the edge, "How are you feeling?"

"Never better," he mumbled into her neck as she trailed her nails down what she could reach of his back, his hands smooth down her sides and over her hips until he caught then ends of her nightshift tugging it up as he made his journey back up, "I was having the loveliest dream, about you," he explained as the nightdress got caught up somewhere between her hips and his but there was enough skin exposed for him to slide his hands along it, "I wanted to have you this morning, but you've already got me spent," he chided extenuating his point with a nip to her pouty lower lip.

"There will be plenty of time for that, later," she said as he soothed the bite with another kiss, he groaned again taking note of the amount of light that had seeped into her room. The sun was rising which meant it was time for him to go, even though every part of his body was screaming at him to stay between her legs for as long as he could, forever if possible. Yet, he nodded and began untangling himself from her before standing and adjusting his trousers, making himself decent enough to make the hidden trek back to his chambers. He had another long day ahead of him, but at least his morning started off on a considerable note. He bade his love farewell with another kiss before he disappeared back through the wardrobe.

By the time Odette, her assistant and Iris came to fetch her for the morning, Alessandra was already up and waiting for them. That stunned the stern-face Governess for a moment before she schooled her expression, no doubt assuming that her charge was learning what was required of her rather quickly. Iris on the other hand gave her a knowing look which she ignored as she let them dress her up for the day.

Once that was finished Odette began telling her about her arrangements for the morning, "Pardon me, Lady Odette," Iris said stepping forward, "But my Lady has been requested to join the Queens of Old for breakfast once more this morning."

"Really?" Odette asked in disbelief, then she scoffed, "When did people stop informing me of these things?" she mumbled to herself before she straightened up, "Alright then, but straight after we're meeting in the library."

"The library?"

"History lessons," she said simply and Alessandra accepted that that was all she was going to get for now. She was beginning to learn that it may be in her best interest to not question her Governess. Today's gown was blue, in the same style as yesterday's with the same corset as yesterday, along with the same process of fastening her into it. Her ribs didn't protest as hard this time, perhaps she was getting used to it or Odette didn't tie it as tight.

Iris walked out with her and subtly took the lead, since her new position would dictate that she be in the lead and Iris followed. To her surprise Iris led her to the same room where she met Lucy and Susan for breakfast the day before, unsurprisingly she opened a side door to another passageway.

"Take this hall, and a right. You'll come upon a grate, on the other side is the council room."

Alessandra nodded, accepting the instructions, "What will you do?"

"I'll stay here," she explained, "In case anyone comes looking for you."

"Thank you," Alessandra said, taking her hand and squeezing it once, Iris smiled and closed the door behind her as she exited. Alessandra had spent a lot of time in these tunnels, and the majority of them were created for people like her, well who she used to be. A maid, designed to be quick access, seen not heard. This tunnel was no different, however those tunnels were created for a purpose, carefully carved out for at least three people to move through somewhat comfortably.

This tunnel was cramped and barely lit properly, she had to use her hands along the walls to help guide her, following Iris' instructions by feel.

Eventually she started to hear muffled voices beyond the wall, they started to come together the further she moved but she couldn't make out anything specific. At least until her hand out on something on the wall, assuming that this was the grate Iris spoke of, she wedged her fingers beneath and pulled it open.

As she peered through it seemed like the meeting had already begun, the voices of the Lord's and council members present all layering over one another. Through the dusty grate she could barely make out Caspian standing in the middle of it all. A banging sound rang out through the room and echoed in the passage making her jump.

"Order!" It was Doctor Cornelius, "Order in this court," he repeated this once more before the room finally started to quiet down.

"My King," a long bearded Lord whose name she didn't know spoke once the murmuring died down, "This council recognizes that this topic is a point of," he paused, "contention, for you. However we must secure you a successful match. And soon, it is imperative that the people have an heir to look forward to."

"Councilman, I've said it once before that I think the least of my people's concerns is who I intend to marry," Caspian spoke with the same authority he grew more confident using during their time at the How, she was happy to see him still confident and not letting these old men intimidate or push him around, "However since you've refused to let this matter rest, you'll be pleased to know that I've already chosen a match."

"My King," another voice interrupted but she couldn't see who it was from her angle, "Surely you cannot mean the woman that accompanied yourself and the Kings and Queens of Old upon your return to Telmar?"

"Surely I do," Caspian responded without so much as a blink.

"Respectfully my king, prior to your intervention, has this young lady not been employed by this castle?"

"Indeed she was, and allow me to put your posturing to rest. Yes, I did meet her within the walls of this very castle, a maid loyal to her work. I pursued her, not the other way around lest you think any more lowly of her, I courted her in secret for a year and a season with the intention of marrying her soon after."

"Sire, you must know that by law you are to be wed to a lady of reputable status."

"I'm well aware of what is expected of me, yes. The same thing that was expected of my father and uncle," at the mention of the deceased the room gasped, Alessandra wondered if it was his first time bringing them up, "You speak of heirs and tradition as if they aren't the cause of the turmoil within my family's bloodline. Make no mistake, councilman, I do not intend to be another pawn in the game that killed my parents."

Someone cleared their throat as Caspian's declaration left a tense atmosphere, "Consider, if you will, for a moment My King. Historically speaking, men of status have often sought romantic dalliances with women not of noble birth, however they do not marry them," Alessandra barely contained her scoff of disgust at his prejudice, as well as the murmurs of agreement, " They keep them, and marry for country."

She could practically feel the incredulity rolling off of Caspian even at this distance, "You all seem to be labouring under the impression that the matter of my betrothed was up for debate,"

"Sire,"

"Allow me to set the record straight councilman, I will have no other woman, because I want no other woman than the one I desire. Alessandra is who I want, that is who I've chosen to marry if the God's permit," the room was silent, every one including her hanging onto Caspian's words, "And should we be fortunate enough to blessed with a child, it will only be when or if my love decides that she is ready. I urge you all to rid your minds of what you once believed as tradition, this is not a debate. It's a declaration."

Alessandra walked back down the pathway in almost a daze, somehow she still found it difficult to process the intensity of Caspian's passion, especially when he so freely shared it for the world to hear.

Iris met her at the entrance, "My Lady," she said, closing and sealing the passage behind her once again, "How did it go?" she asked carefully.

Alessandra blinked at her, "I think I'd like to take a walk through town," Caspian had done what he could to convince the council, now she had to work to make herself known.

The city hadn't changed much, people still bartered with merchants, children ran barefoot through the alleyways pickpocketing anyone oblivious enough to be caught, men carted wheelbarrows up and down the streets. Spirits were higher though, windows that were usually closed were pushed open, after the children had nabbed their target for the day they went back to playing with a ball.

Perhaps the biggest change to the city was the amount of Narnians that now also inhabited it, Maliah told her that for the most part they all retreated to the woods in the evening, finding more comfort in nature that the wooden homes inside the city, and during the day they tried to acclimate as best they could. But she could see that there were challenges.

The kids still pointed and stared, some with innocent curiosity, others with blatant fear, often mirrored in their parents faces. The Narnians had difficulties as well, not just with the stares and misplaced prejudice, but the fact that Telmar was built with human beings in mind. Evidenced by the fact that the minotaurs had to duck to enter and exit most everywhere, centaur couldn't comfortably walk through the city at all and fauns were being shunned for how much they shed. And that was only a small portion of the Narnians who decided to stay to try and integrate into Caspian's new Narnia.

Her thoughts were cut off by Iris coming to a stop, but the building in front of them looked nothing like she remembered, or imagined.

"Perhaps we should return another day, My Lady," Iris suggested looking down at the mud and muck that lined the entrance, "You don't want to ruin your dress."

Alessandra looked down at her dress and all but scoffed, "I have more dresses," she said, pulling her skirts up in her hands and trudging through the muck.

Iris followed close behind, when she pushed through the door or the orphanage the first thing that greeted her was the blast of heat, a glance around told her that the windows weren't or couldn't open. The second was the smell, it wasn't rank per say, but the smell of unwashed bodies was strong.

"May I help you?" A woman with a child on her hip said spotting them and coming over to stand in front of them, another child no more than maybe four years was hiding behind her skirts.

"This is Lady Alessandra, intended for King Caspian the tenth," Iris said in a tone that left no room for argument, a tone that she'd never heard from her before.

The woman's tired face transformed into one that almost looked fearful, "My lady," she said trying to curtsy even with the babe in her arms.

"Please, that's not necessary," Alessandra said, hovering a hand over her arm when it looked like she flinched away from the thought of a touch.

"How may we serve you My Lady?"

"I just wanted to," she paused when the sound of a thump followed by crying sounded off in the distance, "Have a look around,"

The woman before them nodded, however now seemed distracted, "Please feel free, our matron should be around. Please excuse me for a moment."

They both nodded but the woman was gone before she could see it. Alessandra looked around at the amount of young children piled into the greeting room, playing with wooden toys that were broken in more places than they weren't. The ball of string they were rolling across the floor in a poor imitation of a game of catch.

She moved further in and the children scurried out of her path as if afraid, the bedrooms weren't any better, thin blankets covered almost every part of the floor with very little room left for walking, she left Iris standing by the door as she moved further into the room, looking at the sole desk with dirty clothes piled up.

"My Lady." a different voice gasped from the door and she turned to see an older woman there, "To what do we owe this pleasure?"

"I'm," she paused again, looking around at the room and thinking of the children out in the front, "I grew up, in a place like this, I don't think it exists any longer. What happened here? Where did all these children come from? Where are their parents?"

"Gone, for many reasons, most fell ill from lack of resources my Lady."

"Resources?"

"Food, warm clothes," the older woman sighed, "Clean water most of all."

"Miraz?" she asked and the older woman's silence was enough of an answer for her, "How many children are here?"

"Upwards of thirty," She responded, "Less than fifteen babes. We haven't had dean drinking water in months, we've had to reuse bathwater."

"The stream?"

"We don't have the manpower," she said sounding almost ashamed, "My Lady, I mean no offence but this seems rather beneath your sta-"

"No," Alessandra said, instantly rushing forward and taking her hand, the woman gasped but didn't pull back, instead she looked rather ashamed using her other hand to cover her forearm. But not before Alessandra could see the reddened chafed skin. "Please", she said, keeping her eyes from drifting to the rash on her arm, "Let me help you?"

The woman nodded tears welling up in her eyes, Alessandra could do nothing more than pull her into a hug.

She'd always found comfort in the kitchens, it was one of the first places she'd worked when she'd started at the castle, even being just a dishwasher. It had one of the larger fireplaces that they'd had access to, especially helpful during the winter months, during the summer it was like a reminder of the freedom of sunshine they were scarcely granted in the afternoon.

Not to mention that it was where she first met Caspian. She thought about how much had changed since that night, considering what could have happened had she not been in the kitchen that night. Not for a moment did she wish things could be different, but who could have guessed how much her life would've changed after that fateful encounter.

She heard hushed voices approaching the kitchen and assumed that it was one of her former kin sneaking down for a late night snack, the shock was apparent on her face when Anastacia turned the corner instead, huffing a sigh at the sight of her before turning to snap at someone over her shoulder, "I told you she'd be here," Alessandra's brow furrowed before her Governess appeared with her hands on her hips.

"I nearly turned this castle upside down looking for you girl," the other woman snapped.

"Sorry," Alessandra said, turning back to the fireplace, not a hint of apology in her voice, "I just needed a minute."

Odette sighed and there was uncharacteristic softness in her voice as she dropped down at one of the chairs at the table much to Alessandra's surprise, "I suppose I can't fault you for that."

The surprises kept coming, she thought as she heard Anastacia rummaging around in one of the lower cabinets, "Don't even think about it," her former boss snapped just as Alessandra went to stand to help with whatever she was looking for. Sheepish, she returned to her seat and waited for her to join them.

When she did she placed an unlabeled bottle on the table with a thunk before setting down three mugs, only the crackling of the fireplace could be heard as she popped the cork off the bottle and poured a healthy dose into each cup. Alessandra began to protest as a cup was pushed to her, "Oh no, I couldn't," she stammered, raising a hand as if to block the cup from reaching her.

"Yes you could," Anastacia said, picking up her own cup, "Drink, it'll help take your mind off of whatever's got you so down."

Helpless she looked to her Governess for guidance only to see the other woman taking a strong sip of her own drink. She looked at the cup in front of her and picked it up, taking in the deep red colour and the wafting scent of something sweet yet earthy, she took a careful sip and tried her hardest not to let her lip curl when the flavour hit her tongue.

"Don't like it?"

"It takes like it's turned," Alessandra explained, taking another tentative sip to be sure.

"Fermentation," Odette teased, "A wondrous process, it does take some getting used too," she teased before taking another sip, "You need to drink some more or you going to tell us why you're down here and not in your room pretending that the King isn't there with you?"

She looked at her Governess in shock, mouth agape, "Oh close your mouth dear, I'm old, not stupid. Tash, if he weren't there every night I'd be concerned," she added offhandedly, taking another sip of her drink, Alessandra did the same with a slight scoff. So much for being sneaky.

She stared at the cup in her hands for a long moment before she spoke, "I went back into the city today, the orphanage where I was raised, well that was my plan. They've moved since last I was there, it was horrible. They don't have clean water to bathe the children, their rooms are practically closets, the food is," she paused, sniffling before taking another sip to orient herself, "The children are so small."

"No bigger than you were I'd bet," Anastacia chimed in, "I'm sorry you had to see that girl, but it's the way things have always been."

"Why?"

"Because no one ever cared enough to try and change it," she said like it was obvious.

"And I have to be the one?"

"You don't have to be anything, but you know what it's like. To be out there, begging for scrapes and praying to whatever God you believe in that you make it through the winter."

"How can I help these people if I don't even know what I'm doing?"

"No one has said that you need to have all the answers," Odette chimed in, "But you are where you are for a reason, whether you believe in superstition, prophecies, fairytales it doesn't matter. Choose to do good, while you can."

"You are going to be a Queen girl, that's something most little girls' dream about. So take some advice from an old woman," Anastacia's voice had that 'listen closely' quality that she remembered from days gone by, "A Queen who is loved by her King has security, a Queen who is loved by her people, has loyalty."