CH2.
Reyna blinked. She couldn't breathe. Her head was pounding a steady beat through her temples and as she opened her eyes everything was a little blurry. Reyna was unsure of what had happened, but was startled when her vision cleared and she was gazing up into chocolate brown eyes and felt a long thickly muscled body lying along the length of hers.
"Ed!" All three of his siblings shouted.
"Aw man... ouch... I think I hit my head… OH GOD! Milady, I am so sorry!" The man started profusely apologizing as he rolled off. He knelt beside her and assisted her into a sitting position. Reyna sat up dizzily, still stunned from being knocked over. She reached a hand up to her head, wincing as she rubbed the now throbbing area of her skull. She sucked in a sharp breath trying to ease some of the pounding in her head and closed her eyes tightly, shaking her head slowly before opening them again. Ed, the man who ran into her, stretched out his hands towards her. She was just about to grab them when the blond man,what was his name? Peter…?Came up behind her, placed one of his hands behind her back and the other on her arm and helped Reyna to her feet. He left his hands on her side and arm to steady her as she attempted to reorient herself.
"My lady… I deeply apologize for my brother's clumsiness," Peter said, with a look of concern and apology in his eyes, before shooting a glare at Ed. The man, "Ed" smiled sheepishly, apologizing again before asking "Are you alright?"
"Oh, yes!" Reyna laughed, brushing some dirt from her dress and smoothing out her hair. "I am quite well, no need to fear. No broken bones or anything, just a bit of dirt from being knocked down. I am not quite so breakable. You were running at quite the speed, sir…"
"Edmund. Edmund Pevensie. I am terribly sorry for barreling into you! I lost track of time, and then when I discovered how late I was, I had to rush to get here. I would have hated to disrespect yourself and your father by not being here to welcome you to Narnia. However, now it seems I might have been better off waiting for you at the castle." He paused,his cheeks slowly turning a bright crimson color. "I did try to stop."
"As I said before there was no harm done! It was quite the welcome to Narnia. I will say, King Edmund, have you ever thought about racing in a tournament? You might be quite good at it." Reyna said, smiling shyly at him. He was blushing furiously. Queen Susan tugged on his arm dragging him away and began whispering to him furiously. Peter, who still had his arm around Reyna's waist, let her go and bowed his head slightly, whispering "Please, excuse my brother, he sometimes forgets his manners when in the presence of beautiful ladies." Before shooting her a wink. King Archibald, now regained his composure and said,
"Your Majesties, this is my daughter, Princess Reyna." As he said this, Reyna curtsied. Her eyes turned to look over at King Edmund who was looking very bashful and sorrowful.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, princess." King Peter said while bowing his head slightly. "Well then, please! You both must be very tired from your journey and all of the…other... happenings. Let us retire to the castle for some refreshment." King Peter said and shot another somewhat playful glare at Edmund. With this, King Peter and King Archibald took the lead and they all started walking back towards the castle. Queen Susan grabbed Queen Lucy's arm and walked briskly up to stand beside her older brother. Edmund came and stood beside Reyna. They walked in slightly awkward silence for a while. Reyna kept her eyes to the ground or on her hands clasped in front of her. She sensed his presence next to her. He kept casting her anxious looks; opening his mouth as if to speak then shutting it quickly. She smiled at his bashfulness. She pushed down her nervousness about being in his presence and decided to speak to him. They were about half-way to the castle when she stopped and turned to him, one eyebrow raised in amusement.
"King Edmund. Really. I am completely well. You keep looking at me as if I am going to break! I am not a piece of china." She said abruptly. He turned and blushed some more.
"I am sorry bu—" He started to say.
"You apologize too much." Reyna interrupted. He looked up at her, surprised at her bluntness. She grinned at him and he managed a shy smile in return, before he said,
"Princess Reyna, please call me Edmund or Ed. All of the formalities get so tiresome…and I think that we may have passed by those when I ran into you." She was a bit surprised at this, as most people within the royal court held titles in very high esteem. She sensed something different about this man, however, and decided to trust him.
"Of course, but only if you call me Reyna." She replied. His eyes locked on hers and they shared a brief exchange of mutual trust. His mouth pulled up into a small smile.
"Ed! Everything okay back there?" Called his brother. His eyes left hers. She let go of a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. Her cheeks bloomed with a faint tinge of pink.
"Yes! Sorry, Peter!" He called back.
He gave Reyna a look that said 'We better go or I'll be in even more trouble then I already am.' He hesitated for just a moment before grabbing her hand and taking off running towards the others. When they finally joined them, both Edmund and Reyna were panting. King Archibald looked at Reyna, his eyes twinkling with amusement at her display, she could tell he was going to admonish her later for the 'lack of decorum' or something like that. Ed was still holding her hand, but he didn't seem to notice, though she was acutely aware of the fact. Every inch of her bare hand tingled against his. Others would have thought his behavior a bit too forward, but Reyna thought it was nice to get a bit of a reprieve from all of the 'My Lady' s and 'Princess' s. He was treating her like a friend. She'd never really had a friend before. Most of her life she has spent cooped up in a castle with her various governesses. When she was younger, she'd had her brothers to play with on occasion, but they had more important things than to sit around playing and reading with their baby sister.
Susan and Lucy, who also told her to drop the titles, offered to lead Reyna to her room. Cair Paravel was twice the size of any castle Reyna had been in before. As they walked down the hallways and through many archways, Lucy and Susan inquired about her journey and what it was like in Limea. Reyna could barely focus on their questions, because she was so distracted by the beauty of the castle. She passed walls covered from top to bottom with intricately woven tapestries and hand painted murals that showed stories of Narnian history. Reyna wondered briefly if there were any secret passageways in the castle that she could explore. When the company reached Reyna's room, if that's what it can even be called, she was stunned silent. She gazed around herself in amazement at the tall ceilings and crystal chandelier in the sitting room. There was a balcony that overlooked the center yard of the castle and had a view of the sandy beach. The bedroom was off the sitting room through a pair of white french doors and held a bed that was just asking to be jumped on. There were many windows spaced throughout the western wall that held the balcony and lining the others were more woven tapestries - these were more abstract in design, but just as beautiful nonetheless.
"Will this be satisfactory, Reyna?" Asked Susan, smiling as she gestured to the room.
"It is wonderful!" Reyna replied, her eyes jumping all around.
"Well, we will leave you to freshen up and rest before the ball tonight."
"Ball...?"
"Of course, we are throwing a ball for all of the ambassadors from all of the nations, it is promising to be a great event." Said Lucy with great enthusiasm. They both smiled at Reyna warmly before going to leave. Lucy ran back, however, and wrapped her in a tight sisterly hug. "I know the three of us are going to be great friends, I am glad you're here!" Lucy said as she pulled away. All three gently laughed as they left. Reyna smiled and couldn't help but think the same thing.
Edmund hated parties, which was quite the challenge considering his place in society. Often he was expected to be present for banquets, balls, and soirees that involved discussing politics, marriages, and various small-talk that no one was interested in. Edmund, in general, preferred to sit quietly with a few close friends and engage in debates of philosophy and law or play chess and develop new strategies.
His siblings always managed to handle social events with far more grace than Edmund. Peter especially seemed to have a room in his thrall as soon as he entered it. He was easy-going, genial, and could make conversation with just about anyone. Susan with her genteel presence often did not need to speak in order to command attention. Lucy, while also graceful, found that she enjoyed learning about others' experiences and attempting to form bonds with everyone she met.
Edmund sulked silently by the wall, attempting to blend into the tapestry he was standing next to. Maybe if I slowly inch myself toward the door, no one will notice. He thought to himself.
"Ed! There you are!" Peter called, walking over to me with a broad smile on his face.
Edmund glanced guiltily back at his brother as he drew closer. The expression on Peter's face knew exactly what Edmund had been thinking moments ago. "Peter." Ed responded.
"Hiding again? Trying your hand at being invisible?" Peter grinned sardonically, "I hate to break it to you mate, but it's not working." He clasped a hand on his brother's shoulder empathetically.
"I just wish we did not have to all be present for these kinds of activities." Edmund sighed. "It hardly makes sense that each of us needs to talk to everyone here, and I can think of far better ways to spend my time."
"Ed, you know as well as I that this whole thing comes with the territory. I don't appreciate these kinds of events any more than you do, but it is our duty to be present and actively involved in society and the political world." Peter looked around them at the crush of people in the ballroom. "Besides, while there may be better ways to spend time, there are far worse ways as well."
Edmund released a long-suffering sigh, knowing his brother was correct.
"Why don't you and I take a turn around the room together - comfort in numbers and all that, you know - the dancing will most likely begin soon and then you can make your escape shortly afterwards?" Peter suggested.
Edmund's eyes scanned the ballroom as he began to steel himself to interact with the crowd. As always, the large group of people consisted of smaller groups chatting with each other. A group of fawns, dryads, and nymphs had already begun dancing together in the center of the room to the gentle sounds of the orchestra playing. Lucy could be seen twirling amongst the group with two of the youngest Beaver children. Conversations were occurring all over the room by the dignitaries in attendance - most likely attempting to form alliances, read their opponents, or screen for a potential marriage. His eyes were drawn to where Susan stood, looking politely disinterested, surrounded by a gaggle of men all attempting to get her attention. Her own eyes were searching the room looking for a means of escape.
"What do you say, mate? Two laps, then we each find a lady to open the dance floor with? From the looks of the crowd tonight there are many options for partners. Many of these ladies are quite...pretty…" Peter's words trailed off as if he could not complete the thought, which was rather uncharacteristic of him. Edmund's eyes snapped back to his brother to determine the cause of his distraction.
Eyes wide and mouth slightly ajar, Peter looked as if he had been slapped in the face. Edmund followed his line of sight and his breath caught. Standing at the entryway, looking slightly unsure of herself was Reyna, the princess he had clumsily ran into had not had a good opportunity to study the princess before that moment and what he saw made his heart clench and his body heat. She was wearing an emerald green dress that shimmered and caught the light when she walked. The fabric of her resembled water as it billowed around her as she gracefully walked into the ballroom. The dress had sleeves that ended around her elbows and the bodice of her dress had intricate designs embroidered in white and purple across it. The dress was drawn tightly around her waist so as to display her shapely hips and the swell of her bosom. She had let her hair down and the auburn waves flowed over her shoulders and flowers had been woven in. She had a simple silver tiara placed on her head, much like the ones that Lucy and Susan have. Edmund felt a spark of desire flow through him as he looked at her. Everyone in the ballroom seemed to hold their collective breath as she entered, seeming to stop and stare at her beauty.
Taking a few moments to gather himself, Peter managed to regain his composure. He straightened his jacket and crown, brushed himself off, cleared his throat and strode over to her with a confident smile on his face. As he approached her, Reyna's face transformed from the slightly unsure look to a look of frank relief as Peter walked towards her, bowing his head once he reached her. They seemed to be exchanging formalities, and Edmund could see a small blush stain the princess' cheeks as she shyly smiled at his brother. Peter extended his arm towards her, he took it, entwining her arm with his and the pair started to walk slowly and gracefully around the ballroom.
Edmund followed the pair with his eyes feeling a tightness grip his gut. He glanced uneasily around, unsure where this feeling of discomfort had come from. No one seemed to be paying him any mind, so he quietly removed himself from the ballroom. Slipping into the courtyard unobserved, Edmund hoped some fresh air would quiet whatever this was that he was feeling.
As Reyna walked apprehensively toward the large oak doors, she felt her heartbeat quicken nervously. While used to being present at formal dinners and parties in Limea, she had never been to a gathering quite this large. She paused outside the great double doors, glancing down at the dress she had chosen for the occasion. The fabric was light and airy and the color complemented her skin tone. She absently brushed off her skirts thinking that suddenly her neckline seemed to plunge, the corset seemed to be too tight, and the dress seemed to cling to her hips in a most disconcerting way. Taking in a steadying breath and squaring her shoulders she nodded to the attendants at the door. As the doors opened, Reyna could see the array of primly dressed people and laughing partygoers. Reyna had not thought she was late, but it seemed she was one of the last to make their appearance because as the doors opened and she took a few unsure steps inside, everyone stopped their conversations to look at her. Their stares seemed to be on her for only a few moments, but she held her breath while their attention was on her, she could feel a body-wide blush occuring. Just when the silence started to become uncomfortably long, Reyna saw King Peter walking her way. Reyna made eye contact with him as he approached and she sighed in relief at his welcoming expression.
"Princess Reyna, welcome. You look radiant. I hope you are settling in well. How did you like your accommodations?" He said with a genuine smile. Reyna's body still felt too hot, even though the rest of the partygoers had returned to their previous conversations.
"I am well, thank you, King Peter. I will say it is nice to see a familiar face. I did not realize I was quite so late, nor how difficult it might be to find my father in this crush of people."
Now that people's attention was not solely focused on her, Reyna felt she could breathe easy again.
"You were not late at all, my lady. Some of these folks have been here since shortly after supper. Everyone has trickled in over time." King Peter's voice was deep and gentle and soothed Reyna's nerves when she heard it. She smiled shyly at him.
"Sir, I do hope you won't think this highly improper of me, but would it be too presumptuous of me to ask you to drop the titles and just refer to me as Reyna?" Reyna asked quietly, still attempting to soothe her frayed nerves.
Peter chuckled lightly and said, "It would be my honor, Reyna. Even though I am High King of Narnia, I feel much the same as you in regards to titles. I much prefer when people just call me Peter, so I hope you will do me the same honor."
Reyna bent her head and gave the slightest curtsy in acquiescence. Their eyes held for a moment before Peter extended his arm towards Reyna, tilting his head slightly before asking, "So, Reyna, I know you are most likely engaged for the evening, however, I would be remiss as a host if I did not offer my services to escort you this evening. Tell me, is there a fiancé or a husband that I may ask permission from?"
Reyna's heart skipped a beat at the soft smile playing on Peter's lips as said, "It may surprise you, Peter, to know that I am not currently engaged for the evening and would be honored by your presence."
Reyna looped her arm through Peter's and he placed his other hand comfortingly on it and gave it a gentle squeeze before he began leading them toward the first small group of people. Peter introduced Reyna to almost everyone in the ballroom as they made their way around. She met fellow dignitaries from visiting countries as well as many members of his court. Peter had the ability, it seemed, to talk to anyone. He maintained an easy smile throughout their journey, laughing freely with some and gently teasing others. Reyna enjoyed his light-heartedness and felt her nerves soothe, until she found herself also laughing with those she interacted with.
As they walked, Peter asked Reyna questions about herself as well. He inquired after her home, the long sea journey she had had, as well as her hobbies and other interests. The questions seemed to pour from his mouth and Reyna could tell his interest was genuine. Reyna asked him questions too; about his kingdom and subjects, what it was like to rule with his siblings, what he enjoyed doing when he wasn't ruling a kingdom.
As they stood, having paused to speak to a group of his court members, Reyna found herself studying the man standing next to her. He had a round face but with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline that off-set his softer features. He had shaved his beard for the occasion, which highlighted the prominent structure of his jawline. His eyes were such a startling color of blue, that Reyna found it hard to look him in the eyes. He spoke with his hands, using them to enunciate and expand upon his words. His hands themselves, Reyna noticed, were large and rough, she could see calluses on his palms and the tips of his fingers. She noted they looked similar to her father's hands, so she surmised Peter was not a stranger to hard work or the training yard. He had broad shoulders and muscular arms that seemed to almost strain the stitching of his red tunic. He wore a magnificent crown of gold upon his head that kept his golden hair in place. Occasionally one or two pieces would slip across his forehead and she noted how he absentmindedly pushed them back into place. His face was tanned from the sun, and she could see laugh lines near his eyes. She also noted that when he smiled widely, two matching dimples would appear in his cheeks.
A small fawn approached their party and placed a hand on Peter's arm hesitantly, not wanting to interrupt his King. Peter leaned toward the fawn and nodded his head after listening to what he had to say. The fawn then walked off towards the orchestra, as they began playing a gentle waltz, Peter turned his attention back to Reyna.
"Princess, as High King it is my duty to open the dance floor for the evening, and while normally I would do so with my sister, Susan, I wonder if you would do me the great honor of being my partner for the opening dance?"
As he spoke, he gently grasped Reyna's hand and bowed over it, raising it to his lips and placing the barest of kisses to it. She could see him looking up at her through his lashes, his eyes twinkling. Reyna noted his formal tone and surmised he was teasing her with the formality. She descended into a deep curtsy while bowing her head. While still in her curtsy she raised her head and looked up at him with a beseeching look, attempting to play along with his game.
"Why, High King, it would be my greatest pleasure to dance this waltz with you." She fluttered her lashes dramatically, her lips curling into a smile. His eyes danced as he watched her, his dimples making an appearance as he gazed down at her. She could feel the gentle pressure of his fingers still holding her hand. He pulled slightly, helping her out of her curtsy before taking her hand and leading her out onto the dance floor.
It was a dance that was familiar to Reyna, so she did not have to concentrate on the steps and could instead study her partner. Peter gently placed a hand on her waist while she raised her hand to perch lightly on his shoulder. He was an excellent partner, moving her to and fro with complete ease, the slight pressure of his hand on her back guiding her expertly through the movements. He was taller than Reyna and being this close to him she found herself tilting her head upwards to look at his face. There were still a few inches of space between their bodies as they danced, but Reyna felt as if it were electrically charged. Every time their legs or bodies would brush as they moved throughout the dance, Reyna felt sparks skitter down her spine. His proximity was intoxicating. He smelled like cinnamon and sandalwood and it was such a delicious smell. She felt almost a heady pleasure at being in his presence.
Peter continued to speak to Reyna in a low and soft voice as we danced, casually joking every now and then. They swirled around the room, feet following each beat of the music perfectly. Peter spun Reyna out away from his body so for once not looking at her but beyond her shoulder, her fingers had barely left his before she was swept up into the arms of someone else.
Normally, in this dance, one does not switch partners, so Reyna felt her breath catch as she was envelope in a new arms that began twirling her around the room. Glancing in surprise at her new partner, she was happy to see it was Edmund who now held her and was expertly guiding her around the dance floor. She felt the gentle pressure of Edmund's hand on her waist and his solid chest breathing in and out against her as their feet moved together swaying and jumping in time to the music.
Reyna noted that dancing with Edmund felt different than with Peter. Their builds were quite different. Edmund was leaner and moved with agility and grace. It was like he was walking on air. He floated across the dance floor and swung her along with him. She could feel his hot breath on her face as he looked down at her and she turned her face towards him. Her heart leapt in her chest when she took in the smoldering look in his eyes and felt his grip on her waist tighten slightly. As the music started to die down, Edmund spun Reyna out for a final spin and then turned her into a deep dip, his forehead almost touching hers. They both stayed there frozen for a moment or two staring at each other, breathing hard. Then as he righted her, he kissed her hand, and bowed saying,
"Well, milady, I best be getting you back to your escort for the evening or he will be having my hide for stealing away your lovely presence."
Reyna laughed at his comment. Her cheeks and entire body felt flushed from dancing with the two men. Her skin felt stretched tight over her body. Edmund entwined her arm through his and walked her back to where Peter stood, now in conversation with Archibald Castellian. Edmund had deposited her at Peter's side and disappeared before Reyna could even thank him for the dance. Her eyes searched the ballroom for him, but he was gone without a trace.
Peter nodded at Reyna's father before turning his attention to her with a small smile on his face and said, "Would you like something to drink? I find myself quite parched from that last dance." She wondered for a moment if he was hinting at something more since for half of that dance she spent with Edmund, but Reyna simply nodded at Peter before he gave her a dimpled smile and turned to find the refreshments.
"Hello, my darling. You seem to be enjoying yourself." Said my father with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Reyna scrutinized him for a moment before replying, "Yes, Papa. I am. It is not as bad as I thought it would be. Are you enjoying yourself?"
Her father's expression transformed into a sly one, he said, "Oh, yes. In fact, I was just speaking with some lovely gentlemen. They are from Calormen. They have been telling me about their battles and adventures."
Reyna's smile began to disappear as she gave him a look that spoke of her displeasure at his words. She could see where he was going with this.
"Oh, look! They are over there!" he said while waving. She had the sudden urge to grab her father's hand and pull it down, but she restrained herself, allowing her eyes to follow his gaze. She saw two men standing next to one another across the ballroom. Thankfully neither were looking their way, so they had not noticed her father's waving. Both men looked to be about forty, their beards beginning to gray around the edges. They had stocky builds with overly tanned faces from being under the sun their whole lives. Both their faces were covered with wrinkles and freckles. Reyna inwardly groaned.
"Papa…" Reyna began to say. Her father didn't seem to take the hint as he continued waving in their direction trying to gain their attention. Reyna gave into her desire and grasped his arm.
"Reyna… I don't understand…You said you agreed."
"Well…I didn't really have a choice, did I? Papa, we haven't even been here in Narnia for twenty-four hours and already you are trying to set me up. Do you really want to get rid of me so much? Give it a rest. I do not want to speak anymore on this subject today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day. Give me a little bit of a break from all the marriage talk so that I may adjust to the idea." Reyna pleaded.
Her father looked at her with understanding before saying, "Reyna, darling, it is not that I want to get rid of you! I only want to make sure that you are settled well and settle things for our country. I only thought that now with everyone being in one place would be the opportune time to weigh our options. The Calormen are good people. I believe that they will treat you well… Please, just talk with them for a while."
Reyna could have stomped her foot in frustration, but instead closed her eyes and took a steadying breath.
"Papa, I understand what you're trying to do, but I would appreciate it if you treated me with a bit of decency and allowed me to go about it in my own way." Reyna could feel her frustration boiling over, she added sarcastically, "And, I thought the purpose of marrying me off was to do so to the highest bidder – meaning the person that could bring the most assets to the table. Two Calormen nobles can bring nothing but potentially some wealth, Papa. I doubt they have the kind of money that would suffice for that to be their only draw. But, if you'd like to prostitute your daughter to Calormen generals for less than nothing, then you are free to do so because you are the king and the Elders would give you the blessing to go ahead."
Archibald was taken aback by his daughter's vehement statement, he was about to reply that he in no way wanted to prostitute his daughter when Reyna spun on her heel and stalked away.
Reyna could feel tears of frustration and despair start to prickle her eyes. She walked quickly across the dance floor and through the wooden double doors at the entrance to the hall. As she exited the ballroom, her breathing quickened and she felt her pace pick up. She scrunched her skirts up to allow her legs to move freely as she ran down the hallway. Turning a corner, she saw open doors leading into what looked to be a secluded courtyard. Reyna sprinted through the doors and down the path that led into hedgerows covered in roses. She came to the middle of the garden and stopped, breathing heavily. There was a fountain in the center of the courtyard with stone benches laid out in a circle around it. She tried desperately to catch her breath, sucking in big gulps of air to try to calm herself. She was able to calm some of her hysteria with the short run, but she could feel tears streaming down her face. She began to pace back and forth in front of the fountain, hands on hips attempting to open her ribcage, unfortunately the tightly cinched corset she wore did little to allow air into her lungs. Her breath came quick and fast in small pants which felt a lot more like hyperventilating than anything else. She sat down heavily on the edge of the fountain, burying her face in her hands.
Reyna felt trapped. She felt as if her whole life had stopped being her own and she was now at the whim of everyone else. Normally, Reyna was a very calm and collected woman, but tonight her emotions swirled inside her like a tornado. She couldn't even put her finger on why she was most upset; was it because she felt frustrated at her lack of control, irritated her father was making decisions about her life without her input, or saddened because for better or worse her life was changing?
As Reyna sat, attempting to sift through her tumultuous thoughts and emotions, her breaths finally came easier. She distantly heard footsteps approaching, but did not look around to see who it was. Hearing someone clear their throat, Reyna drew in a deep breath and finally looked up. She saw Peter standing across the courtyard from her, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned on a pillar with one foot crossed over the other at the ankle. His brows were furrowed and he clenched his jaw as he looked at her.
Looking at her with concern in his eye, he gave her a small smile before saying, "Rough day, huh?"
Reyna gave a humorless laugh that sounded more like just a puff of air. Tears still slowly trickled down her cheeks. She could feel her cheeks heating in embarrassment that he found her in such discomposure. She averted her gaze, turning her head to the side and biting her lip, sternly admonishing herself to not fall apart again. She stood up and wrapped her arms around her middle, she squeezed herself tightly and walked towards one of the stone benches surrounding the courtyard. She heard rather than saw him move towards her, because she kept her eyes on the bench she was approaching. Sitting down heavily, she let her hands fall in her lap, eyes still downcast.
Reyna saw his feet as he stopped in front of her, it seemed that he hesitated for a brief moment, as if debating his options of what to do next. The touch was so light, she might not have noticed it if she didn't feel so fragile at the moment. He caressed her chin so gently, she felt a tingle run down her spine. She slowly lifted her head and raised her eyes hesitantly to his. He was looking at her with an expression so concerned, yet so open she felt her breath catch. She felt a few stray tears spill over and roll down her cheeks. His finger gently brushed them away with the same amount of lightness that he had used to caress her chin.
He bent to one knee in front of her, clasping his hands together and raised an eyebrow, a silent question hanging between them. Reyna took another deep, centering breath as she continued to look into his eyes.
Finally, he broke the silence between them asking, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Reyna was not sure if she actually wanted to talk, but she also knew that she would never sort through all these feelings on her own. She opened her mouth to try and no sound came out. Clearing her throat she tried again in a low voice, "Do you ever feel as if you'll crumble over the weight of responsibility that sits on your shoulders?"
He quirked a small, understanding smile, but did not speak yet knowing that she had more to say.
"Sometimes it feels as if every decision in my life has already been made for me and that I have no say in how my life is going to go. As I'm sure you're aware is common at these gatherings, my father is intent upon settling a marriage contract." She let out a deep sigh before continuing, "I always knew at some point that I would have to marry, that is my duty to my country as their princess. I just thought… Well, I don't really know what I thought - that I would have some input into the decision, or that it would be mine to make entirely. I feel so young still, wholly unready to take on the duties of a wife… yet, it seems that whether I am ready or not that duty is calling."
He remained silent, kneeling in front of her waiting for her to fully vent her feelings before speaking.
"I'm sure you're in the process of planning such arrangements for your sisters, so you've likely heard these complaints before. But, let me just counsel you to let them make the decision. They know what will make them happy and whether they want a love match or simply a comfortable life, let that be their choice. I realize that not everyone gets married because they love their spouse, but it would be nice to know the kind of person they are, at least. That way, one can be sure that respect lies between them, which often turns into regard or love." She could feel herself getting preachy, so she averted her eyes from his, feeling her cheeks flush.
"I feel so trapped, Peter. I can't even begin to explain how trapped I feel. I guess I always have in some ways, ever since I was little. I've been secluded, locked inside, every step of my life determined for me. I feel like nothing more than a pawn to be used in the political chess game played by men who could care less for my well being."
Silence reigned after she finished, Reyna guessed he was waiting to see if she had more to say. She was finished though, feeling spent and exhausted from the whole ordeal her eyes dropped to his boot and she let out a long sigh.
"So, you think your father cares nothing for your well-being and your desires?" he asked, quietly.
"Not completely. I know he loves me, but not enough to forgo tradition and masculine influence to put me first – and I can't even ask him for that. Duty to the country should come first, but it is hard to feel like I am doing the best thing for my country when as soon as I am married I will have to leave it and then have no say or control over what happens to it as soon as I marry. I only have influence now as a single woman, because I serve as a bargaining chip over which countries can fight over – but as soon as I am won, all of my influence is given over to my husband. He will rule absolutely."
"Is that how the laws are written in Limea?"
"No, there are no laws that say so, however it is the way. There are no laws to protect a woman's rights and autonomy from her husband either. As soon as we are married, we essentially become the property of our husbands."
Peter nodded, thoughtfully. Peter gently took one of her hands that sat forgotten in her lap and placed it in his, he squeezed encouragingly. Reyna felt the heat of his bare hand against hers, she had ripped off her gloves during her sprint - they must be laying on the floor somewhere in the palace. His hand felt large and steady around hers. She lifted her eyes back to his and saw unsaid words in his expression. His jaw had unclenched but his brow was still furrowed in concern. She hesitatingly lifted her free hand and rubbed her thumb over the space in between his eyebrows attempting to smooth out the lines. He blinked at her slowly and then smiled softly at her, one of his dimples making an appearance.
The moment between them felt special, it did not feel necessarily romantic, but more comforting. It was as if an understanding was created between them silently that they could find comfort and a confidant in the other - a safe space. After a few moments of holding her hand in his, he quietly spoke to her.
"Rey," Reyna felt her heart skip a beat at this nickname he used, "I know there's not much I can say to make anything better. And in reality, although I am a king, I have little influence to change your situation. What I can do is speak with your father, and give him my thoughts and advice on the matter knowing how distraught this makes you. I know that being a leader you have to make choices that are best for the country, but that doesn't mean completely sacrificing yourself to live in a loveless marriage with no respect or influence. Your father is an intelligent man and I believe that he will see reason on this subject. It would be much better for Limea if you were in a happy situation and not forced to live in agony for the rest of your life. With your permission, may I speak with him on this subject?" As he said this, he tucked a strand of hair behind her right ear.
Reyna nodded slowly, searching his face for his intentions. She wanted to trust him, but she barely knew this man.
"I would never wish to overstep, nor would I want you to think that as a man I feel that I have more influence than you. In my eyes, you are just as capable as myself , if not more-so since it involves you, of handling this matter. I do know, however, that sometimes it is helpful to get an outsider's perspective on issues whether that be issues of politics or personal ones."
Reyna nodded again, more confidently this time. "I trust that you have no ulterior motive in offering me your assistance, and that you do so only out of concern for me and my situation. I appreciate the gesture, Peter. You have my permission to speak with my father on the subject." She squeezed his hand gently, which they still had clasped together on her lap.
"Thank you for your trust, Reyna. I feel that this is an important issue to discuss, if not only for your sake, but for the sake of all the women who are part of the court. Kingdoms cannot thrive without mutual respect for those ruling them. Women are more than capable of leading and making decisions for their country as men are. Having two strong-willed and very intelligent women ruling alongside me, I think I have enough experience to speak upon the subject. Unfortunately, many of the older kings are rooted in tradition and view women as placeholders or trophies. I am deeply saddened that you are having to deal with this issue first-hand."
She shyly nodded in response. He released her hand and stood brushing off his trousers. Placing his hands in his pockets he looked around unsure of what to do next, especially after such an emotionally intimate discussion.
Reyna stood, pushing her hair back over her shoulders, she also brushed off her skirts, standing in awkward silence. She felt the exhaustion heavily settle into her now that her emotional outburst had finished. She rubbed her face with her hands for a moment.
"My lady," Peter spoke softly, "Please allow me to escort you back to your room. I am sure you are greatly fatigued from a busy and emotionally taxing evening." He extended a hand towards her.
She sighed and gratefully placed her hand in his. He looped her arm through his, but kept his other hand on top of hers, the gentle weight of it a comfort to Reyna's raw nerves. All awkwardness between them evaporated away, and they walked in companionable silence interspersed with conversation, they walked the long way back to her rooms.