Hi everyone. To those waiting for me to update 'Taking Turns,' I apologize, for this story took over and wouldn't leave me alone. I've become slightly obsessed with brother fics lately. This is my first attempt at writing Peter/ Edmund (no incest). I hope I do their character justice. Enjoy!

Nominated for the Western Wood's People's Choice Awards; Categories: "Best 'Bromance' or Brother fic (no incest)" and "Best New Narnia Author."

"WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW? YOU'RE A TRAITOR!" yelled Peter.

It was approaching the anniversary of the White Witch's defeat and everyone was on edge, Peter and Edmund more so than anyone.

Peter's words echoed in the vast chamber, leaving its two occupants in stunned silence.

Edmund's face crumpled. He felt as though he'd just been punched in the gut.

His brother…the High King…his hero had just broached a subject that even a year later, Edmund was still coming to terms with.

Despite having been forgiven following his return to Aslan's camp, and having had a rather stilted conversation with each of his siblings concerning his actions, Edmund still suffered from nightmares of being in the Witch's clutches, though he made sure that no one knew of the countless times he had woken up screaming and drenched in sweat. He'd caused everyone enough trouble. He didn't need anyone checking on him in the middle of the night, watching him as though he were about to break. If anything, he felt he deserved the nightmares, in addition to the scars he had sustained, as punishment for the anguish he had caused Peter, Susan, and Lucy, not to mention the countless Narnians who had suffered under the Witch's tyranny.

Edmund's betrayal still plagued him. Though no one mentioned it, he could still feel the stares and almost sense the whispers following him, though he never realized that these were all in his mind. To make up for his earlier actions, he threw himself into the work it took to run a country, hoping to prove to everyone that he was deserving of his title, 'King Edmund, the Just.' Many nights found him in his study, reviewing treaties and other diplomatic papers. He would often skip meals and go without sleep, all in the hopes of convincing everyone, himself included, that he had changed.

Stunned at the low blow he'd just been dealt, Edmund turned and ran, devastated at learning what Peter really thought of him.

Peter watched him go, noticing the sheen of tears in his brother's eyes. If Edmund had chanced to look back, he would have seen tears staining Peter's own cheeks, as well as his brother reaching out for him, imploring him to return.

Dear Aslan, what have I done? thought Peter. The look on his face…it was as though I had physically assaulted him.

Edmund ran, not caring where he ended up. Tears blinded him, stinging his eyes. When his breath came in short, shallow gasps, Edmund slowed, before finally stopping. Taking in his surroundings, Edmund realized that he was in the forest, meaning that he'd somehow evaded the guards and made his way outside the palace walls.

Lowering himself to the ground, Edmund sat at the base of a tree and leaned against it so as to feel something, even if it was pain from the rough bark digging into his back.

Physical pain is preferable to emotional pain, Edmund thought. Physical pain eventually leaves you, while emotional pain lingers, rearing its ugly head when you least expect.

Pulling his knife from his boot, Edmund began to toy with it, searching for a distraction from the reason for his mad dash away from Cair Paravel.

Why would Peter bring up my past? He knows the effect the Witch had, and continues to have, on me…doesn't he?

Edmund didn't know what to think anymore. His thoughts were in turmoil. He cared for his sisters, of course, but Peter…Peter was special. Though brothers, Peter was, first and foremost, his leader, commanding Edmund's unconditional respect and admiration. Edmund practically worshipped the ground that Peter walked on, having always looked up to him, even back in England. But his devotion had increased tenfold since coming to Narnia. That's why Peter's words stung, leaving Edmund at a loss as to what to do.

"Aslan, help me to find forgiveness in my brother's heart for whatever transgression of mine has hurt him."

The moment Edmund had finished speaking, he felt a cool breeze, sweet and gentle, blow against his face and ruffle his hair. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of Aslan standing before him.

Tucking his knife back into his boot, Edmund rose. "Oh, Aslan!" he cried, throwing himself at the Lion and sobbing into his mane.

"There, there, dear one," said Aslan.

"Aslan, why would Peter act in such a way and say the things he has? Is it something I've done? Will he ever love me as I love him? I thought things were improving. We've felt more like a family this last year than we ever did in England."

"Hush, child," said Aslan soothingly. "Dry your eyes."

Reluctantly, Edmund pulled away, drawing out a handkerchief that Susan insisted her siblings carry with them at all times.

Having cried till there were no more tears, Edmund's eyes felt raw, and he was sure that they were red and puffy as well.

"I cannot show you the secrets of your brother's heart, dear one. That is a discovery you must make on your own," said Aslan. "What I can surmise is that your brother is distressed. It is approaching the one-year mark since the White Witch's defeat and he is most likely remembering your departure and subsequent rescue, as well as the claim on your blood and your sacrifice on the battlefield, all of which were the result of you having been deceived by Jadis upon first entering Narnia."

"But why throw the past in my face in the heat of a fight?"

"That is something that only your brother can answer, Edmund," replied Aslan gravely. "Now go to him. Apologize for running away and talk about what has been troubling the both of you. Once the past has been set right, the future will hold a better promise for all of Narnia."

"Thank you, Aslan," said Edmund, bowing low to the majestic Lion.

"No—thank you, Son of Adam, for having justified my faith in you." Then Aslan inclined his head as a show of respect for the Just King.

As Edmund turned to leave, Aslan's voice halted him. "You may doubt your worth, King Edmund, and you may wonder how the people can follow one who was once a traitor. But believe me, it is because they see what I already knew, even before laying eyes on you, that you were one who would rule justly and wisely."

Aslan's words still ringing in his ears, Edmund's eyes flew open and he realized that it had all been a dream.

No, not a dream, but a vision, Edmund corrected himself as he staggered to his feet.

Setting off for the castle, Edmund wondered how best to approach Peter, considering that their last encounter had been less than pleasant.

Breaking through the line of trees marking the forest's beginning, Edmund walked slowly across the open field that separated the forest from Cair Paravel. He was sure that he must have been spotted by now, yet no one came out to meet him.

Edmund hadn't gone far when there was a clap of thunder, followed by a burst of lightening, and a rainstorm suddenly threatened to drown him. He accepted the deluge with all the dignity of his position, viewing the storm as Aslan's way of cleansing him of his past sins, allowing him to make a fresh start with his family and his people.

Arriving at a gate situated along the palace walls, partially concealed by vines, Edmund slipped in through one of the servant's entrances and made his way through the surprisingly deserted corridors.

It wasn't long before Edmund found himself in front of the doors to his own chambers, which were being personally guarded by Peter, who Edmund found to be pacing back and forth.

"My King," he sighed, sinking wearily to his knees and bowing his head.

"Oh, Ed," murmured Peter, taking in his brother's wet and shivering form.

Peter knelt in front of Edmund and pulled him into a sitting position, practically cradling him against his chest in an effort to keep him warm. After a moment, he rose to his feet, only to immediately bend over and effortlessly scooping Edmund up in his arms, bridal-style.

Edmund reacted instinctively, wrapping his arms around his brother's neck and holding on as though Peter were a lifeline.

Kicking the doors open, Peter entered and deposited Edmund on a nearby chair. Quickly, he fetched some fresh clothes and a towel.

Handing all these to his brother, Peter said, with a warm and friendly smile on his face, "Change and dry off. Then we'll talk."

"As my King commands, I obey," replied Edmund dutifully.

"Ed…," said Peter, warning him against using his title in such a manner.

"Sorry," Edmund muttered, offering him a sheepish smile.

He retreated to the bathroom to do as Peter said, trying his best to pull himself together before their impending 'talk.'

Having finished, he opened the door, only to find himself in Peter's arms, engulfed in a hug he'd not experienced since his first time being revived on the battlefield.

"Lion's Mane, Ed, you had me worried," Peter confessed as he walked towards the bed, Edmund in tow, where he situated himself, then Edmund, comfortably against the pillows.

"Why?" asked Edmund, genuinely confused.

"You're my brother. Isn't that reason enough for me to be worried when you run off like you did?"

"About that—I'd like to apologize for my behavior and beg your forgiveness," said Edmund, once more bowing his head as he awaited his brother's judgment.

Peter captured Edmund's chin in his hand, tilting his head up so that they were face-to-face. "Nonsense, Ed. You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, I should be begging your forgiveness. I was a beast, and you were perfectly justified in running away from me."

Edmund smiled faintly at him, choosing to respond by laying his head on Peter's shoulder.

"I'll forgive you, if you'll forgive me," he said.

"Of course I forgive you, Ed. Do you forgive me?"

"Yes, Peter, I forgive you."

Edmund nestled further into Peter's side, his emotional crisis having drained him of all energy.

"G'night, Pete," he murmured.

"Good night, Eddy," Peter replied quietly, planting a soft kiss on his brother's head. He knew that there would be more to talk about when Edmund awoke, for they'd only scratched the surface of what was bothering them. For now, though, Peter let himself go, basking in the knowledge that his brother was safe in his arms.

And that's where he'll stay—I'm never letting him go again, Peter vowed, his arms tightening protectively around Edmund before he, too, fell asleep.

"No," Edmund moaned. "Not Peter. Take me. I'm worth less."

Peter woke quickly at these words, and at the feel of Edmund struggling within his arms. He immediately moved to shake his brother, attempting to wake him from whatever terrible dream seemed to be plaguing him.

Edmund's eyes flew open, darting around wildly before settling on Peter. He shrank back, as though scared that Peter would hit him.

"Ed, it's me," Peter whispered. "I'm not going to hurt you."

Edmund's breathing slowed, though he still remained wary of Peter, watching as his brother re-settled himself next to him on the bed.

"What were you dreaming about?" asked Peter conversationally, hoping that Edmund would open up to him.

At first, Peter thought that Edmund wouldn't respond. Then, "The…Witch," Edmund said at last, stumbling over his words.

Peter's breath hitched at discovering that Edmund's time with Jadis still haunted him.

"She was…threatening you," Edmund revealed, "And the girls. But her main focus was on you."

"Why?" asked Peter, confused.

"She was trying to get to me through you."

"Why would she think that that would work?" asked Peter, sure that Edmund no longer cared for him at all, despite having forgiven him. And even if he did still care, after what Peter had said and done…

"Peter, do you not know what you mean to me? King or not, I swore an oath to always defend and protect you—with my life, if necessary. I would never turn my back on you. I love you."

"So, all those times in battle?" Peter queried, "You weren't merely guarding my back out of duty?"

"Never solely for that reason," replied Edmund. "Love first, duty second. I would die if anything happened to you, Peter."

Peter stared at Edmund in shock for a moment. It had been a long time since they had been so honest with one another. Then, Edmund's words registered and Peter pulled him as close as was possible, almost smothering Edmund in his need to express his gratitude.

As though their correlating words and actions were a sign, the dam to their emotions broke, leaving both boys sobbing.

Neither could understand what the other was blubbering, but eventually their tears slowed and they became coherent once more.

"Edmund, I'm sorry that I was so hard on you before we came to Narnia. I shouldn't have tried to take Dad's place."

"You were only doing what you thought was right. Dad's departure made you the man of the house, in your eyes. You were only trying to live up to your own and everyone else's expectations."

"I never thought you noticed," Peter admitted, stunned at his brother's keen observational skills.

"You're my older brother. I'm going to notice everything about you," Edmund said with a smile. "As for apologies, I'm the one who should be sorry. I was a brat and a bully before Narnia, and once here, I sold you out for Turkish Delight. What kind of a person does that make me? I'm despicable. I don't know what I can do to ever earn your forgiveness—"

Here, Peter interrupted him. "Don't be silly, Ed. We all forgave you the moment you were brought back to camp. You're our brother and we'll stand by you, always."

"Thanks," replied Edmund, a sad, almost resigned, smile gracing his features. "But I have a feeling that my treachery is going to stay with me for a long time. How can the Narnians ever accept a king that had once sided with the Witch?"

Peter was silent for a moment. "You fought the Witch, breaking her wand and, no doubt, saving many lives that would have otherwise been lost. You were ready to die for me, the High King. I think that those actions outweigh past actions caused by lies and false promises. Besides, hasn't Aslan forgiven you?"

At Edmund's nod, Peter smiled. "Well, then. If he felt you worthy of being King of Narnia, then he must have had a good reason. In the meantime, we must move on. It does not do to live in the past and forget about the present."

"Thanks, Pete," said Edmund, moving closer, though his brother could tell that he still wasn't convinced.

"Edmund, do you forgive yourself?" asked Peter suddenly.

Edmund thought for a moment, clasping his hands together and absent-mindedly rubbing his ankles and his wrists, actions that Peter would question him about later.

"No," he replied truthfully. "I can accept that others have forgiven me, but I wonder at their reasons for doing so. You, Susan, Lucy, Mr. Tumnus, even Aslan…how can I be worthy of anyone's forgiveness after the things I've done, not just in this world, but in England as well? Aslan assures me that my past has been forgotten, but I can't help but feel that there are those who still judge me, despite my attempts at proving that my faith and love for Narnia and for Aslan is pure and true."

"No one doubts that, Ed. Do you think that your family has been the only ones to notice when you shut yourself away so as to remain focused on whatever affairs of state claim your attention? Or how hard you train, night and day? Everyone sees and knows the lengths you would go to protect your family and your country. I'm proud of you, Ed, as is everyone who remembers the sullen little boy who first came here. Now, all they see is a wise and just king who they would lay down their lives for, myself included, for I would do anything to ensure your safety."

Edmund threw himself at Peter, collapsing in his arms and sobbing. He was left gasping for air as Peter rubbed his back in soothing circles.

"Is that what you really think, Peter?" he asked, looking up at his older brother with eyes shining of hope and unwavering trust.

"Yes, Edmund, I swear to you that what I've spoken is the truth."

"Then why did you throw the past in my face, if, in reality, you actually care about me? I thought you hated me. I felt worthless, as though I would always be nothing, always seen as the traitor-turned-king of Narnia, the person I was then, rather than the person I am now…"

Edmund's voice trailed off as he was overcome by tears again. Peter's heart broke to look at him, knowing that he was the cause of his brother's emotional anguish.

Sensing that Edmund would rather his head remain buried in his chest for the time being, Peter contented himself with wrapping his arms tightly around him, stroking his hair and continuing to rub his back in circular motions.

"Ed, I've been uneasy for a while now. It's almost been a year since the Witch's defeat, and all I can see is you laying on the battlefield in a pool of blood…all I can see is your face marred by bruises upon your arrival at Aslan's camp, your split lip….my dreams have been haunted by 'what ifs:' what if Lucy's cordial hadn't worked? What if the rescue party hadn't reached the Witch's camp in time? These 'what ifs' always result in your death…and mine too, for I would die if anything ever happened to you. I never meant to take out my anxieties on you. All I can do is beg your forgiveness and assure you that no one is better suited to rule Narnia than you, Ed."

Tear tracks running down his cheeks, Edmund chanced a glance up at Peter to find his brother's eyes swimming with unshed tears.

"Oh, Pete…," Edmund murmured. "Why didn't you come and talk to me? I would have listened, as well as reassured you that I'm alive and well. Aslan, himself, said something similar when I encountered him in the woods. He said that you were on edge because of the upcoming anniversary of the Witch's defeat, and that you might be remembering my part in the battle that brought about her downfall."

"You saw Aslan?" Peter exclaimed.

"Yes. It was after running out on you. I'd made it to the woods and sat down, playing with my knife. When I looked up, there he was. I ran and hugged him." Edmund decided to leave out the fact that he'd been crying. "He explained to me as to why you could possibly be upset and instructed me to return and apologize for running away, then to discuss what had been troubling us. As I turned to leave, he told me that no matter my own insecurities, he and the people of Narnia saw a wise and just ruler, worthy of being king. Then, I opened my eyes and realized that our conversation had been a vision. I set off at once for Cair Paravel, only to be drenched by a sudden rainstorm. And now, here I am, with you."

Edmund, whose hands were being firmly gripped by Peter, had been playing with their fingers as he spoke. He was pulled from his reverie by Peter getting up to kneel by the bedside.

Keeping their hands clasped, Peter spoke, eyes locked on Edmund, "Hear this, brother. I pledge to you that my sword and my life are at your disposal. If you have been wronged, depend on me to avenge you. If you are troubled, let me share the burden and be your strength. If you need to talk, I'll lend a willing ear. I will always be here for you, this I swear on our bond as brothers and as kings."

Entranced, Edmund swung his legs over the bed and joined Peter on the floor, hands still joined.

"Now hear me, brother mine," he murmured. "I so swear as well, to be by your side through thick and thin. Brothers and kings, till the end of time."

Having sworn to be ever faithful to one another, the brothers embraced, sharing a look that told more than words could.

They clambered back on the bed, quickly coming together as Edmund curled into his brother's side and Peter wrapped a protective arm around Edmund.

"Do you really think so little of yourself?" asked Peter after a while, breaking the silence that had settled over them.

"What do you mean?" Edmund was puzzled.

"In your dream," Peter explained, "you said you were worthless."

"No, I said I was worth less than you. There's a difference—although your interpretation is true too. Either way, I'm expendable. You and the girls aren't. Narnia needs you. And if I can atone for my past mistakes by taking a blow for the girls or by dying in your place, then so be it."

"You're wrong," declared Peter, incredulous at his brother's lack of self-esteem. "There's a reason Cair Paravel houses four thrones, a reason the prophecy called for two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve. We each bring something unique that is necessary to rule. You are just as important to Narnia as I am, or as Susan and Lucy are. Please, believe me. Besides, you say that Narnia doesn't need you. Whether that's true or not, have you ever considered that I need you? That Susan and Lucy need you? You're as much a part of this family as the rest of us."

Edmund remained silent, still doubtful. In response, Peter pulled him even closer so that he was resting practically in Peter's lap.

"I know your faith in me has been shaken. I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you and convincing you of your worth. As a person, as a brother, and as a king, there are none who can match you, Edmund."

"Thanks, Pete," said Edmund, giving a contented sigh and reaching up to kiss his brother's cheek. "I'm starting to believe."

Returning to his previous position, in which he was using Peter's chest as a pillow, Edmund prepared to drift off to sleep, only for Peter's voice to call him back.

"Ed, I couldn't help noticing earlier that you were rubbing your wrists and your ankles. Why was that?"

Edmund froze. He'd hoped to never have to reveal to anyone how scarred he truly was. Reluctantly, Edmund sat up and, with great effort, pulled away from Peter.

Once upright, he turned to face his brother. Wordlessly, he pushed up the sleeves of his pajama top and the legs of his pajama pants to reveal the scars he had sustained from his time with Jadis.

Motioning to both, he said, "The rope she used to tie me up was tight enough that it left a permanent mark, as did the shackles she put on my ankles while I was in her dungeon."

"And what of these?" pressed Peter, voice choked with emotion as he gestured to several long scars covering Edmund's legs.

"The dwarf serving her had a whip that—after abandoning the sleigh in our pursuit of you—he used to 'encourage' me to move faster."

Peter's face hardened at learning that his little brother had been purposely harmed.

"It was nothing less than I deserved," Edmund continued, "If not for betraying the Witch's side, then for betraying you and Aslan."

"No, Ed, never think that," pleaded Peter. "You are a good person. You were just misled, misguided."

Edmund was, again, silent, waiting for the inevitable question that was sure to come.

"Why did you follow her, Edmund?" Peter finally asked.

Edmund thought about how best to word his answer.

"I was lonely," he said at last. "She treated me as though I were somebody special. She flattered me. I'd been feeling left out and forgotten by everyone, even though I knew, deep down, that that was because I was being a brat. I just…I wanted some attention. She promised to make me a king, all on my own, without fear of living in your shadow. I've always felt that you were the golden boy, the one who got everything that I ever wanted. I've moved past that, and I certainly don't begrudge you the position of High King, but at the time, you being everyone's 'favorite' was more than I could bear."

Peter was sure that Edmund would have given a nonchalant shrug if it weren't for Peter's own vice-like grip on his shoulders.

"I'm sorry you ever felt that way, Ed. I'm sorry that I ever made you feel that way, however unintentional. But what's done is done," he said firmly. "I want you to forgive yourself and try to move on. I don't expect you to forget. That would be disregarding all the good that Narnia has done for you, and the changes that you've undergone. Forgiving yourself is the key to finding happiness and healing, Ed. Promise me you'll try."

"I promise, Peter," said Edmund.

"Thank you," he replied, giving a sigh of relief. "I don't like to see you beating yourself up over past events that couldn't be helped. My heart breaks at the sight of you in pain, for we are family and I feel what you feel."

"I know, Pete," Edmund murmured sleepily, "for I feel exactly the same way about you. On the day of our coronation, you looked every inch the part of Narnia's High King and I knew then that I would follow you to the world's end. You're my brother and my king, and I love you."

With that, Edmund settled himself comfortably into Peter's arms, finally allowing sleep to claim him.

"Good night, Ed. Sleep well," Peter whispered softly into his hair. "I love you too, little brother."

The next morning, the two brothers walked into the breakfast hall side by side, Peter being sure to keep his arm securely fastened around Edmund for support.

Their sisters, knowing nothing about their brothers' disagreement the other day, greeted them enthusiastically.

With a whispered conversation, Peter explained about Edmund's breakdown the previous day, and Susan and Lucy were quick to follow their brother's lead in swearing to always be there for Edmund, whether he needed them or not.

That same day, Peter ordered for his belongings to be moved into Edmund's room, intuition telling him that his brother had nightmares more often than he let on. The move would also allow him to keep an eye on Edmund and be sure that he got to bed at a decent hour, in addition to guarding his brother's sleep.

Over the years of the Pevensie's reign, Edmund would occasionally have bouts of depression of which Peter was the only cure to.

The brothers never forgot their oaths of allegiance to each other, though Peter lost his way for a time. Following their return from Narnia for a second time, Edmund sat down with him and had a long discussion about his behavior over the past year and Peter apologized for the pain he had once again caused Edmund.

As they lay in each other's arms, enjoying the peace that forgiveness brought, Peter said incredulously, "You've always believed in me, haven't you?"

"Always," Edmund replied, firm in his conviction that there was good in all people, Peter more so than anyone.

The brothers renewed their vows, from that day on, never again to forget the power of family.