The morning of Caspian's coronation, Alessandra felt like her heart was in her throat. Once more Caspian was gone before she woke, which was earlier than usual due to her nerves. Since they spent the night in the Astronomy tower and he barely managed to drag them back down to her room before they both collapsed, she didn't leave a flower resting on her pillow. But he left something better, she raised her hand and looked at the ring on her finger. It shone in the sunlight barely peeking through the curtains and she was just as mesmerised as last night. Perhaps even more so now.

Now she could take in the details that she couldn't last night, the first thing she noticed was that the center stone was made of the same stone that rested in the middle of her necklace, the same one Caspian was still wearing. The band around it was bent and twisted ever so carefully cradling the stone as if it were something precious to be handled, the band also had a few stones twinkling in the daylight; they were lighter in colour than the center stone. It was simple yet gorgeous and she wondered where and when he even found the time to get such a ring made.

She laid there staring at her ring long enough for her nerves to settle and the sun to fully rise, seconds after it did came the courtesy knock at her door, followed by her Governess entering along with her handful of maids and Iris. She hadn't had this many women to dress her since that first day, but today was a special occasion, she also didn't miss the fact that Iris was carrying a tray of tea, and she could probably guess what the tea leaves were.

Two of the ladies went to draw her bath while another two went about setting things down on her vanity, Iris and Odette approached her with familiarity and immediately went to work. Iris set down the tray and Odette tugged her out of bed, twirled up her hair and pinned it down. She felt a bit like one of the wooden dolls that she used to play with when she was a little girl, Iris pushed the cup into her hands while Odette guided her to the bathroom, the other ladies spoke around her but not to her so she didn't pay them too much attention. In the washroom when Odette helped rid her of her nightgown, she didn't comment on the bruising on her hips or chest, but Alessandra was sure that she saw the side of her mouth twitch in recognition.

She guided her into the warm bath tub and started sprinkling in different oils and soaps. Alessandra slid into the warm water, and sighed taking in the flurry of movement she could see, when Odette brought in a stool and set it down behind her Alessandra started to lean forwards but paused thinking better of it.

"I can do it," she told her Governess expectantly when she grabbed the cloth to start cleaning her off.

"Pardon?"

"Respectfully," she said, turning around fully in the bath, "You all tell me what to wear, how to speak, what to say, where I'm supposed to go," she explained gently taking the cloth, "My life has been unrooted, changed possibly forever. I'm still learning the things that are within my control, let this be one of them."

The slightest hint of a smile pulled at the older woman's mouth, "Very well," she said, handing over the cloth and standing up from her stool before straightening her apron, "I'll go and make sure that your dress is ready," she said with a nod to herself before turning and leaving the room.

Iris remained, which she had come to both expect and appreciate from her handmaiden, she shot her a proud look from the corner of her eye where she was gathering her dirty clothes. With that Alessandra started to wash herself, taking care to wipe between her legs, cleaning away the evidence of last night.

Soon after she stood and Iris wrapped her in her linen and started to dry her off. Her smallclothes went on soon after and when they exited the washroom she was immediately pushed into the chair at her vanity. One of the ladies, started in on her hair stroking more oils into it to try and tame her curls into something more manageable. The other started in on her face, nearly poking her eye out in the process with a piece of kohl. Odette was fussing over her dress behind them, she caught glimpses of the older woman every few seconds. Odette was a flurry of movement behind them, Alessandra caught glimpses of her through the mirror and she set out her dress and shoes.

Iris rubbed cream onto her arms before helped her into her jewels, she did a poor job at concealing her gasp when she got to her left hand. It drew the attention of the other ladies and Iris held up her hand for inspection, "The King proposed?"

Alessandra froze for a moment wondering if she should have taken the ring off before they got there, "Yes?" She responded almost unsure.

A genuine beaming smile split across Iris' face, "Congratulations, my Lady."

The other girls chimed in with coos and congratulations, fawning over the ring. Odette approached and they quieted down, she peered over Alessandra's shoulder and her keen eyes rolled over the ring, she sniffed once and nodded, something like approval in her gaze, "Pull her hair back, away from her face. The people will need to see her fully."

And just like that she was back to being prodded at like a doll.

Her hair was pulled back and twisted out of her face, the curls tamed into more manageable waves flowing down her back. Iris pushed a bangle onto her wrist and Odette draped a necklace around her neck before she nudged her to stand helping her into her gown for the day.

Caspian's royal robes would be gold, Lucy let it slip that she and her siblings would be getting outfitted in their own robes and dresses in the same style as their own coronation from days past. Alessandra's dress wouldn't be as extravagant by comparison no doubt, but it would most likely be the most expensive thing she'd ever worn.

The colour was light gold with delicate beading all around, she found it difficult to believe that someone had taken the time to stitch each and every one on, yet there it was. Corsets sewn in and all.

Surprisingly the dress itself was fairly comfortable, even with the laces of the corset all tied up, she feared that she'd never get used to wearing real heels and anticipated spending much of the day mourning the state of her feet. The dress was heavy, a sensation she hadn't experienced yet, but it helped soothe her in a way, its weight was almost a comfort.

Odette pulled her hair back over her shoulders as she stood in front of the mirror, "Breathe little sheep, shoulders back. You look the part of that I'm certain. All of Telmar will be watching, give them something worth looking at. I suggest sticking close to the Kings and Queens of Old until after the coronation."

"What do you mean?"

"It's likely that the King won't be able to be with you until the celebration," the older woman explained, "Betrothed or not he still has to perform a duty to his people."

"No, I mean, you won't stay with me?"

"It's not protocol."

"I don't care," Alessandra said, turning to face her Governess, "I want you there, both of you." she added glancing over at Iris.

"That is hardly appropriate, my Lady,"

"I am engaged to the King of Narnia, one day I'll be Queen, if I can't have two people that I trust by my side, then what's the point?" Iris didn't respond, Odette nodded, "Get dressed, both of you. We shouldn't be late." they both nodded and with a slight incline of their heads were gone. She dismissed the other two ladies so she could have a moment of respite before the coronation. She knew that it would be near impossible to see Caspian before the coronation but she desperately wished to. Instead she twisted her ring on her finger as a way to attempt to sooth her nerves until Odette and Iris returned. A knock came to her door sooner than she expected.

She hesitated for a moment before pulling it open enough to take a peek at who was on the other side then pulling the entire thing open to wrap her arms around the figure she saw.

She felt Susan's smile into her shoulder as she hugged her back, "I'm so happy to see you," Alessandra gushed.

"You too, we wanted to make sure you were okay. Today's a big day."

The mention of 'we' made her pull back and take in who the High Queen had brought with her, it wasn't Lucy like she'd expected, instead it was Peter who she hadn't seen much of since they'd returned.

"Peter?" She said carefully, not sure how to react to his presence but happy to see him nonetheless.

He surprised her by pulling her into a gentle hug as well, "You look beautiful Les."

"Thank you."

"How are you feeling?" Susan asked, squeezing her hands.

"Nervous, I know I shouldn't be but-"

"No you have a right to be, this will be your first official time being exposed to the court and the people."

"Though from what we've heard, you're already on your way to winning the people," Peter added.

"It's not about that," she said bashfully.

"I know," he said with a calm confident smile that showed maturity beyond his years.

"The coronation will be tedious," Susan explained, answering the questions she didn't know she had, "Every lord and lady within miles of Telmar will be introduced and represented, then us and Caspian. Each lord will pledge their allegiance to Caspian and Telmar then he'll take his oath."

"That's it?"

Peter nodded, "Then the ceremony's over, the worst of it. But it's likely that you'll be in the thick of it after that."

"He's right, Lucy's spearheading the Autumn Dance as a part of Caspian's celebration and there's no doubt everyone's going to wasn't to talk to you. Intimidate you most likely."

"Stick as close to Caspian as you can, people will be less likely to judge straight to their new king's face."

"And if you can't, find one of us."

Alessandra nodded along to all that they were saying, not noticing as Susan guided her further into her room, sitting her down at her vanity chair once more.

"You've nothing to worry about," Susan explained, taking both her hands, "After tonight you won't have to see the majority of these people for a long while."

The room where the coronation was to take place was smaller than she expected it to be. and it didn't get much bigger with each noble that was introduced. Like Susan indicated a representative from all their neighbouring lands were present. Calmoren, Ettinsmoor, Archenland, and of course each Lord that resided in Telmar.

Iris and Odette stood slightly behind her, she didn't have station so she entered quietly along with her handmaiden and Governess. Professor Cornelius stood at the front of the room, next to the throne that Caspian would soon be sat upon, Knights and guards lined the space behind the throne and up the side of the steps.

The doors opened and everyone turned to see who had just entered, it was the Pevensie's. Peter and Susan had changed since she'd seen them this morning.

"Queen Lucy, King Edmund, High Queen Susan and High King Peter," Cornelius introduced, everyone bowed as they entered and only stood once they passed by. A show of respect and acknowledgement Odette had told her.

They took their places on either side of the stairs with confident ease. Alessandra could almost swear that she saw a flash of their older selves, the Kings and Queens of Old that she read about, the ones that were forced from Narnia in their adulthood.

The doors closed then opened once more, everyone gasped when the next to enter wasn't Caspian, but Aslan. Alessandra hadn't heard a word from or about the great lion since they'd arrived back at the castle. But from all that she'd read and learnt about from Lucy that behaviour was quite standard.

Behind him Caspian entered, those who were stunned by the Lion's entrance stood straight at the arrival of their next King. Head held high, shoulders straight beneath a thick dark red fur robe, his robes were gold as promised contrasting beautifully with the colour of his skin and dark hair, she tried her best to memorise this look of him so that she could sketch it later. Once more everyone bowed, even the Kings and Queens of Old as Caspian passed by.

The air was thick with anticipation as Caspian kneIt before Aslan.

"People of Narnia," Aslan began, not raising his voice yet it echoed throughout the hall, "We've gathered today to witness the rise of a new ruler, may his reign bring light, peace and prosperity to all of Narnia. Prince Caspian, tenth of your name, do you solemnly swear to uphold the laws and traditions of Narnia?"

"I swear." Caspian's voice was strong and steady as he responded.

"Do you vow to protect the kingdom of Narnia from all threats, both seen and unseen, and to serve your people with fairness and compassion?"

"I do."

"If there's anyone here that opposes this claim, speak now."

"Etinsmoor, pledges its loyalty!"

"Calmoren, pledges its loyalty!"

"Archenland, pledges its loyalty!"

"Telmar, pledges its loyalty!"

With that and a nod from Aslan Cornelius stepped forward and carefully took the crown in his hands.

"By the power vested in me, in the eyes of Gods and man, I crown you King Caspian, Lord of Cair Paravel, Emperor of the Lone Islands," as he spoke the crown was placed on top of Caspian's head, "King of Narnia. Long may he reign."

At that Caspian stood and turned to face the people, now officially their King, the hall erupted in cheers and she was the only one who saw Caspian's shoulders sag ever so slightly in relief.

"Long live the King! Long live the King!"

Aslan roared as Caspian took his place on the throne.

Susan was right, she had talked to more people this afternoon than she had in her entire life, they all introduced themselves too. Not that she remembered even half their names, Iris whispered to her their titles or ranks as they approached but they'd left her mind the same time they did. She watched how Susan interacted with people and tried to mimic her, straightening her shoulders and keeping her head up, trying to maintain eye contact but it left her feeling off balance.

"You're doing well girl," Odette said, coming up to her side and tucking her arm beneath hers, she looked at her in shock, "I know, I'm as surprised as you."

They paused to curtesy to a passing Lord, once he did did Odette let the false smile fall from her face, "You spoke with that one yet?"

"Unfortunately," Alessandra mumbled.

"Lord Ravalian, they call him the Snake. Best to steer clear of him if you can."

"Why?"

"It's complicated little sheep, a lesson for another day. How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted," Alessandra admitted quietly.

"I'd be surprised if you weren't don't worry, the worst is almost behind us," she scoffed as a passing dignitary inclined his head in greeting, "Old cattle that pledged loyalty to Miraz less than a season ago, I don't trust the lot of them. Nor should you."

"I don't."

"Good, you shouldn't," Alessandra was amazed at how she could say all this with a straight face and in the presence of so many of the men she didn't like, "Half of them would kill your fiancé without a thought if it got them the throne, the other half would watch. If you're lucky they'll cast you aside when they're done."

"If I'm not?"

"Don't worry your pretty head about that." she said, patting her arm, "And don't let them intimidate you."

"You called me pretty."

"I'm old, not blind. There must be a reason the king fell for you after all," Odette had been steering her to where Caspian and the Pevensie's were to be seated for the feast that was to come, "They all know it too. Enjoy the rest of your evening, sheep," She said, adjusting her hair on her shoulder, "I'll fetch you tomorrow. If I'm feeling kind I might let you sleep in."

"So I'll see you at dawn?" Alessandra teased and she counted the way the side of Odette's mouth twitched as a smile, then her gaze went over her shoulder and the curtsey she tried to drop into told her who it was, "Your Highness."

"Lady Odette," Caspian's warm voice greeted "Always a pleasure."

"I know," she said as she straightened up with a smirk, "You both enjoy the rest of your evening."

She left and Iris took her place standing a view paces behind where her Governess was and giving her a nod of encouragement. With that she turned to face her now fiancé, he was devoid of his fur coat but his crown sat comfortably on top of his head.

"My King," she said fucking one ankle behind the other and curtseying in the way that Odette had taught her.

"My Light," Caspian said as she came out of her bow, taking her hand and bending at the waist so he could kiss the back, "Are you well?"

"Better now,"

"You look beautiful."

She flushed under his gaze, "You look," she paused, Iooking him over again as if she hadn't ingrained the image he presented in her mind, "Regal."

He smiled and she could see the look in his eyes that he wanted to touch her, but for now he resisted. Instead he pulled out her chair and urged her to take a seat, he joined her once she was seated and seconds later they were joined by the Pevensie siblings.

She thought that the food she'd had up until now was extravagant, it was nothing compared to the absolute feast that awaited them that night. She tried her hardest to eat her fill but found it more and more difficult as the night drew on and the courses kept coming. Thankfully the others at the table seemed to be struggling, by the time the main meal came she was stuffed full of bread, fruits and soup, Lucy wasn't doing much better, neither was Susan.

Caspian, Peter and Edmund ate with enthusiasm that hadn't waned since the first course. Caspian kept his hand on her leg throughout the meal, even though it forced him to awkwardly eat with his non-dominant hand.

Lucy was practically bouncing out of her seat in excitement for the actual autumn festivities that were still to come. She'd spent all of yesterday preparing the grounds.

It wasn't long before thankfully it was that time, after dessert, she'd managed to save room for a strawberry tart, those that were interested were invited to the grounds to experience the autumn moon.

While the feast was a formal affair, what would follow outside was anything but. The full moon bathed the outdoors in a silver light, the various fires gave a glowy warmth. Narnians of all shapes and sizes were already in the swing of things, some were playing music, some were waiting for the indoor party to join them, but most were dancing.

Alessandra spied a familiar face seconds before it all but engulfed her, "Lessy!"

"Steph?" she gasped into her shoulder, she'd seen far to little of her dearest friend these last few weeks, "How?"

"We've the night off," she explained with a grateful look towards Caspian, "Come on, the people have been asking for you."

Reflexively she looked back at Caspian and he nodded with a smile, before she let Stephanie pull her into the growing crowd of Narnians and Telmarines alike. It warmed her heart to see all of them gathered like this and celebrating together. The Narnians got to revisit an old tradition and the Telmarines got to learn more and participate in a piece of Narnian history, it was truly an incredible event.

Bruno made his way to Caspian's side, giving him a reprieve from the barrage of people eager to meet the new King.

At first the new knight wanted to tease the new King for the stars he had in his eyes for his future bride but found himself biting his tongue for now.

"They love her," Caspian said almost in awe as they both took a moment to just watch her engage with the people of Narnia.

"They do," Bruno agreed nodding his head, "She's doing well."

"I knew she would," the new King agreed with a proud smile.

"Have you proposed yet?"

"I did."

"Good, between you and me, you'll need her to solidify respect amoung these folks." That made Caspian turn his head, Bruno could only shrug in response, "Men appreciate a pretty face, you've made her the most ineligible woman in the kingdom. Whether or not you're planning to put a baby in her anytime soon remains to be seen, the point is that she's there to be the one to carry it."

"She's not a prized cow."

"To you. And don't ever forget it, Old men and their traditions. To them she might as well be a mule."

Caspian scoffed, "I thought I made it clear that that wasn't the reason I was marrying her."

"So long as you remember that, it's all that matters. I love that girl Caspian, I'd kill for her, and I have. I don't care that you're the king, if you hurt her, I'll find a way to hurt you back."

The King of Narnia turned to face one of his true friends and look him in the eye, "I'd die before I let that happen."

Bruno smirked, and offered his hand which Caspian took in a firm grip, "Long live the King." he said before gracing him with an impressive bow, the first since he'd known him, before leaving his side.

When he looked back at where his fiancée once stood she was gone, he looked around for her but a warmth spread through his chest that told him where she was and more importantly who she was with.

Alessandra felt Aslan's presence before she saw him, a normal occurrence for the lion. She followed the pull of his energy into the forests that surrounded the castle, where the great lion was apparently waiting for her.

"Lady Alessandra," the Golden Lion greeted with warmth in his voice, "A joy to see you again."

"It's good to see you as well."

"Allow me to congratulate you on your engagement to Caspian." He said lowering himself to a more relaxed position.

Alessandra followed suit, tucking her legs beneath her to sit across from the lion, a part of her wondered how Aslan knew about the engagement then banished the thought, "Thank you, I trust that we have your blessing?"

"I don't doubt that Caspian would have made do even without it." He sounded teasing and Alessandra blushed.

"You're probably right."

"You've been doing well with the people."

"Just doing what should be done."

"And doing it well. Tomorrow Caspian will address the people, and they'll be offered a choice of either staying in Narnia or moving on."

"To where?"

"Somewhere safe I assure you. Somewhere good, I don't expect you to accept the offer that your fellow man might."

"Good, because I won't."

"Your loyalty is admirable my child, but I wanted to offer you something else." She tilted her head in question, "A chance, to know more about where you came from."

"What do you mean?"

"Your ancestors were amoung some of the first Telmarine settlers in this land, your bloodline dates as far back as Caspian's, your parents-"

"Respectfully," she cut him off before he could finish, "I don't think I want to know," the lion tilted his head and his eyes questioned her, "I've spent my whole life not knowing them, or remembering them, no matter how hard I tried. If I am to know, I want to learn about them for myself, but for now I'm happy, with the family I have. Even those yet to come."

The lion smiled and inclined his head in acknowledgment, respecting her requests, "So I know we've made the right choice."

"I just need to know, did Miraz kill my parents?"

"Yes," he said with true sympathy in his voice, "I'm sorry my child."

She nodded, the confirmation was really all she needed, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said standing as she did, "Sometimes peace is more valuable than knowledge."

That didn't feel like it needed a response so she nodded once more before taking her leave, she was surprised that Aslan joined her upon exiting the forest, she would have expected him to disappear once more but he didn't. He walked her to the edge of the forest and stood by her side observing the goings on for a moment. The Narnian's had started dancing to the music that was being played, there didn't seem to be any particular steps to the dance, like the ones she knew that Telmarines had to follow, it seemed to be more about moving to the music than following any particular steps.

Lucy was wearing the brightest smile she'd seen on the girl yet, and she held hands with her oldest brother, Peter's smile was begrudging yet warm as it was clear that he was in the mix for Lucy and Lucy alone. Telmarine's were joining in one by one, amoung them were Bruno and Stephanie, her large friend having little trouble tossing himself about in the grass.

She didn't see Caspian anywhere in the mix but felt his presence seconds before she saw him approach. He came to her side and draped a hand over the back of her neck beneath her hair.

"All is well?" he asked after bowing to Aslan, she nodded and took his arrival as that her time with Aslan was done for now and allowed Caspian to lead her away, "Would you like to dance?"

"I'm not sure I know how," she admitted looking at the moving bodies on the lawn, Caspian followed her line of sight and shrugged.

"Neither do I," he agreed with a smile, "We can Iearn together," he suggested, gripping her hand, she couldn't say no to him when he looked at her like that.

She let him head her to the lawn where most of the movement was happening, Lucy met them almost immediately and took Caspian's hand. That was another aspect of the dancing that was different from the traditional, more people were dancing in groups then they were in pairs.

Her dress started to feel heavier and heavier as the night wore on, the moon moved higher in the sky but there was no indication of the celebration slowing anytime soon. Lucy talked her into abandoning her painful heels somewhere to be gathered up before the night ended, her hair had fallen from the half updo that Odette had twisted it into and her cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

Susan and Edmund had joined them in dancing, she'd lost count of the hands she'd touched that night as the air grew damp. Each time though, she ended up back in Caspian's arms. He hadn't stopped smiling either.

She was spun back into Caspian arms and grinned as he caught her, lifting her up off her feet for a split second before setting her back down. He stared at her for a long moment before stopping their movement, her smile didn't shrink but she wondered what was going on behind those dark eyes of his, they closed before he leaned down and his hand cupped the back of her head bringing his lips down to hers. She brought her hands to his side gripping his shirt, he'd shed the robes some time ago.

He tried to deepen the kiss but she pulled away when she felt a drop of water hit her cheek, when she looked up the sky hadn't started to open up, "It hasn't rained all season," she breathed almost in awe. She looked back at Caspian expecting him to be staring up at the sky like she was, but his eyes hadn't left her. Instead he smiled, bringing his hand up to cup her cheek and guide his mouth to hers once again.