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Enjoy the next chapter and please review! I love reviews!

XoX

Chapter 13

Edmund's mind was racing, his heart felt like it was beating out of his chest and found he couldn't get his feet to move.

Lucy was still standing there, her face becoming a little more unsure at every second that passed. She had looked so hopeful only moments before and now he could see that hope fading away in front of him.

But he couldn't make himself do anything. She had kissed him. She had kissed him. And he didn't know how to process that. On one hand his heart was singing and joyful and on the other he was absolutely terrified.

The secret hopes and wishes he had hidden so deeply within himself that even he barely thought of them were now out there in the open, waiting for him.

Finally he forced himself to take a shuddering step towards her. His large hands pulling her face up towards him gently. His blood was thundering in his ears as he stooped slightly to bring her waiting lips up to his. When they touched gently, sweetly, once more he had to pull away again quickly. Letting his forehead rest against hers as his breath came in soft pants. He felt totally overwhelmed.

'Luce' he whispered, their breath mingling. His fingers threaded in her long brown hair and his arms crept around her, pulling her flush against him.

'Lucy' he uttered again hoarsely, his head burying in her shoulder. It was her that was comforting him in this moment. A fact that brought him a small amount of amusement. He had never imaged that she would even think of him at all. He could feel the hot burn of a blush across his cheeks and he was annoyed with his body's reaction. He was a man who had led armies, who had mocked and laughed in the face of enemies and yet he was blushing at the idea of admitting his deepest secret.

His bravery had deserted him for a while and it was Lucy who tugged up his face to look at him once more.

'I…' he started before giving up and kissing her again, her sweet soft lips opening up to his with a willingness and ease that caused a shudder to run through him.

He was considerably bigger than her in body size and when he wrapped his arms around her again, pulling her even closer, he felt as if he could swallow her whole.

'Ed!' she giggled against his mouth as his fingers became tangled in her soft, wavy hair. Breaking apart he was aware that he must look ridiculous. His hair felt rumpled, his jacket was rucked and there was no-doubt a pretty dumb-stuck expression on his face.

He gave her a small, sheepish smile, which she returned just as shyly. There were a few more gentle kisses before a little while later they settled themselves on the floor, in the corner of the library, sitting quietly side by side.

Edmund had entangled her hands with his, softly brushing his fingertips along her sloping wrists.

'I was insanely jealous' Ed admitted after a little while, his eyes downcast, embarrassed. 'When I saw you with Tumnus I realised, with a sudden jolt, what you meant to me. I mean, I had suspected my feelings for years, but that was what shocked me into a proper realisation. I was sick with it for days.'

'And you lashed out at me because of it.'

'Yes' Ed was still ashamed, 'and I'm so sorry for it. It will never happen again'. Bringing one of her hands up he brushed a kiss against the inside of her wrist. An intimate gesture he had secretly daydreamed about for years.

'Why didn't you ever say anything?' her tone was almost scolding, 'I've loved you forever!'

He bit his tongue at that, in a foolish attempt to stop the tears leaking from where they were pooling in his eyes. Pulling at her bodily she slide closer to him and tucked into his side, his arm wrapping around her waist. His kissed the crown of her head gently, his throat tight with emotion.

He had longed for a moment like this for so many years that he clung to it. Afraid that it could be left here as easily as a discarded book in the castle's library. He would treasure this always; the soft feel of Lucy pressed up against his side, her hands clutching at his tunic tightly, the thick textured fabric bunched in her hands. It was a possessive action that caused a surge of male pride to run through him.

It was late though. The gilded clock on the mantel above the fire, that was now petering out, chimed. It was 10 in the evening. He'd barely slept the night before, or this week if he was honest. His mind was too busy with planning and attempting to stay a step ahead of the games being played. It was damn exhausting. Court intrigues had always been more draining than actual battle.

The thought alone of sleep caused a yawn to escape him. He felt Lucy smile against his skin where her face was pressed into the side of his neck.

'We should probably get some sleep' she said quietly, getting to her feet. Turning she offered her hand to him where he was still sprawled on the floor. He grinned, unable to do anything else, and tugged on her hand. She shifted slightly, his weight pulling her forward, before she leaned back, taking both his hands and pulling him to his feet.

He stumbled forward, wrapping his arms about her in order to steady himself, as they both laughed.

'I love you'. The words spilled out as he looked down at her. 'So damn much'. Cupping her chin he kissed her gently, reverently, as if he might never get the chance to again. Smiling, he realised they both had tears leaking down their faces as she repeated her earlier words.

'I'll look for that book in the morning' Edmund decided as he tucked her arm into his when they reached the castle corridor.

Escorting her back to the Royal wing he left her at her chamber door with an exaggerated kiss to her hand. She smiled indulgently at him, happiness emanating from them both and as he fell asleep that night he still had a smile tugging on his lips.

XoX

From the window of her study high up in the castle Susan observed the line of carriages carrying Darrin and his family arriving back at the castle. It was late, nearing midnight, they had been gone for most of the day and she knew they had Mort and Hadja to thank for it.

She had been holed up in her study since nightfall. In the last week she had shamefully neglected her own work, her mind far too distracted to deal with it, and now it had built up so much it could no longer be ignored.

Returning to her desk, she pulled over a training report for the new members of the archery corps. She had always had full control over the Narnian Archer Corps and she was fiercely proud of them. They had turned the tide of many a battle.

They had been training new recruits in the last few weeks and with the way things were heading, she was glad her forces were bolstered. After scanning through the document she added a few notes of drills she wanted them to practise and then moved on to the next.

She spent a good hour working through the pile of papers on her desk. Each member of the Royal family had their own duties and responsibilities. But it was her and Peter that managed the Narnian Army and the protection of Cair Paravel. And this meant one hell of a lot of paperwork.

Susan stifled a yawn, blinking her eyes a couple of times in an effort to wake herself up a bit. She hadn't had much sleep the night before, the thought causing her to flush with illicit memories. It had been a blissful night, and early morning. Memories she would hold close to her heart for the rest of her life.

She yawned again and then threw down her quill. Reaching for the cup on her desk she gulped down some of the tea which was starting to cool. Glancing at the clock as it chimed midnight she sat back and waited expectantly.

She heard the sound of a door opening and closing down the hall and a moment later the door to her own study opened and Peter, Mort and Castor entered the room.

'Orieus and Hadja are seeing them back to their chambers' Peter answered Susan before she had even asked the question about the Archenlands. He sat down in one of the free chairs in front of her desk as Castor and Mort bowed to her in greeting.

While Mort had been with Darrin, Castor had spent most of the day tied between tailing King Adrian and protecting Queen Lucy. While there was no idea of danger from Adrian, they had been reluctant to leave him to his own devices. An enemy King he may not be, but he was still a King of another kingdom, with his own agendas and motivations. They couldn't afford to trust him. Too much was at stake.

'I'm afraid I don't have much to report my Queen' Castor began, 'King Adrian kept to his chambers for most of the day. Only emerging to take a walk around the walled garden at noon.'

'Who does he speak to?' Peter interrupted, curious.

'He keeps to himself mostly, my King. The sentinels and staff that remained with him keep a respectful distance at all times. Only occasionally have I seen him speaking with his manservant. And even then, the conversation is guarded'.

'Quite opposite to Marion then?' Susan commented, 'that man never stops speaking, if only to complain.'

'Precisely, my Queen' Mort agreed as he stepped forward, his hands resting on the back of an empty chair. Without needing to be asked Mort delivered a report of the day spent with the Archenland Royals.

Hadja had begun the tour with a circular drive around the outskirts, before delving deeper and then finally dismounting the carriages to walk once they reached the main food market. It was market day in the city and so the square had been bustling. Even so, the King and his sons had such a presence, ominous and otherwise, that the crowds had parted ahead of them.

'There is tension in their court, that much is obvious' Mort continued, 'Prince Darrin and his father are barely on speaking terms, and the two younger Princes are reckless and juvenile. Though I haven't observed them long enough to tell if it is just their way of rebelling against their father'.

'Are they to be trusted?' Susan queried.

'Not at all' the reply was fast and succinct. It was what Susan had already assumed but to hear it confirmed by Mort was almost a relief. At least she wasn't being paranoid in that regard.

'Did the meetings go well this morning?' Castor asked, his normally bright eyes weary. The strain of this was draining to them all.

'Yes' Susan confirmed, 'the scouts Ed sent out last week have reported back with what we already suspected about the Archenland armies'. The griffins in service to the Narnian army were invaluable. They could fly overhead so silently that you would never know they had been there. Swift wings, and fiercely loyal. They had no equal.

'Our own forces are now on stand-by. Should the time come, we will be ready' Peter continued where Susan left off.

Mort and Castor nodded their approval. They, of course, would be standing at the head of the army.

Susan was about to question Mort further when there was a knock on the door of her study. After calling enter, Hadja slipped into the room. She had never been inside the study before, Susan's interactions with her had always been on the training field or in the ballroom, so Susan allowed her a moment as Hadja took in the room.

'They are all returned to their suite' she said when she finally tore her eyes from the display of Narnian bows on the far wall.

'Thank you Hadja. What is your impression of them?' Susan asked, interested in her opinion.

'I think that there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Throughout the day there were many jibes and taunts between the King and Prince Darrin. There is no love between them, my Lady'.

'What of the younger Princes?'

'They follow the lead of their brother more than that of their Father. Neither would make a comment after their Father spoke, though when Prince Darrin joked or jeered, something similar would soon follow from them'.

From the way Hadja spoke Susan could tell the younger Prince's grated on her nerves.

'Did they speak of the Queen at all?' Castor queried, his tone contemplating. He stood to the side of Mort now, his natural position, their shoulders brushing.

'Yes' she paused, glancing at Queen Susan, 'forgive me your Majesty, but King Marion spoke openly about his plans once yourself and Prince Darrin are wed. Most especially his plans for your offspring'.

Susan felt her face heat at the implication. She didn't have to even look at Peter to sense the white hot rage emanating from him.

'If he thinks-' Peter started, his voice tight.

'Pete' she placated, cutting him off. As she spoke both Mort and Castor shifted too, Castor's hooves made a sound as he involuntary struck the stone floor in anger on behalf of his Queen.

'If I may, my Queen' Hadja interjected, and when Susan nodded she continued, her hand that was gripping the pommel of her sword tightening reflexively.

'King Marion didn't even bother to censor himself around me. His designs were openly stated, but I must say that they all originated from him. Prince Darrin responded when spoken to but no more. I'm of the opinion that Prince Darrin has no more interest in marrying you than you do him, my Lady'.

'The references I have overheard to a lover back in Archenland may explain this' Mort offered, 'the King appears to want it finished with'.

'Do you think Darrin could be persuaded to go against his father?' Susan questioned the room.

The was a pause, as each of the Narnian's considered the question, before Hadja voiced what they all had concluded.

'No, Prince Darrin thinks only of himself'.

XoX

Castor caught himself as he stumbled up the steps to his quarters. He had been on near constant duty for nearly two weeks and it was taking its toll. His whole body was weary. Stopping in the doorway he ran a hand over his face, trying to rub the tiredness away for a little while longer. It was late, or early depending on how you looked at it when Queen Susan and King Peter had bid them goodnight.

It had been one hell of a long day.

'Everything okay?' a deep gentle voice asked from behind him in concern. The arms of his mate slid round him, opening the door to their quarters and guiding him inside.

Of late, it was rare that they both were off duty at the same time. While normally this would have meant he would have delighted in taking his mate to bed, tonight all he wanted to do was sleep. Sleep for Alsan knows how long.

'Come' his mate beckoned.

Quietly and reverently they removed each other's armour, laying it out on their respective cabinets. Their little suite had been theirs for many years now and he ached with how the familiarity soothed him. War was imminent, he could feel it in his bones. He had begun to crave and favour these moments.

His stomach growled loudly interrupting his rumination and causing a smile to appear on his mate's face. He should have eaten on the way here, but he'd not had the energy.

'I asked one of the maids to bring us something to eat at first light' came the response, as they stripped off their remaining clothing and slid into their bed.

'I love you' Castor murmured gratefully, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. Strong arms reached round and pulled him close, and he felt the chuckle of a reply.

Castor drifted, warm, content and encased in the arms of his beloved, and despite everything more than a little bit desperate to pull his mate into a kiss.

He relented, shifting to face the male in his bed. Their hooves clicked together beneath the bedcovers and he grasped the soft downy fur that covered his mates rear.

'Cas' his lover murmured, sensing the intention, 'we have to be up and awake in a little under 5 hours. As much as I want to take you, you almost definitely will fall asleep halfway through'.

Castor, whose eyes had fallen shut again, mentally agreed, despite his body's response. They had been mated for nearly two decades and it still astounded him how his desire never seemed to be sated.

He bit back a growl as a strong calloused hand drifted up and down his back. He was sure it was meant to be soothing, but he pressed himself closer to his mate. Letting him feel his body's need.

'Cas' his name was bit back with a groan this time. Abruptly he found himself on his back, his mate above him and his lips thoroughly occupied.

The kiss was languid and well-practiced, but no less arousing.

Moments later, cold air rushed over him as his mate threw himself off and over to the bowl of water left out for cleaning. Even in the dark he could clearly see the outline of the hard body as he dipped a hand into the cold water and then touched it to his face and neck.

'We both need our sleep my love' he said as he crawled back into bed. Tugging Castor back against him.

As Cas finally succumbed to sleep he couldn't help good-naturedly complaining, 'Mort, you can be such a spoilsport'.

XoX

The night flew by and before it seemed possible Susan was gently nudging Peter awake.

'Peter, it's long past sunrise' she murmured from by his side. When they had walked back to their rooms last night there had hardly been a decision made, before Susan had tugged him into her chambers and they had fallen into bed.

He had slept fitfully, waking more than a few times with bad dreams. The relief when he woke each time to find her safe beside him was profound.

The day passed quickly for all of them. Before long it was mid-afternoon and Peter stood alongside Prince Darrin at the entrance to The Apple Orchard.

'Challenge three' King Adrian announced loudly to the gathered crowd, 'the third and final challenge in the battle for the hand of Queen Susan of Narnia. As per tradition, this is the challenge of love.'

There was murmur from the crowd. The gathered Narnians all stood reverently some distance from the entrance. The Orchard was open to all, but few ventured there. Peter himself had only been inside the gate a handful of times. Normally when he was feeling particularly lost and needed Aslan's guidance. He had always felt closest to Aslan there.

'For this challenge Prince Darrin and High King Peter will be asked to retrieve an item most holy to me' Adrian continued. A steward stepped forward with a scroll, which Adrian then unfurled. He held it up so all could see it.

The scroll contained an intricate drawing of a ring. It's band was made of delicate scroll work, ivy leaves wrapping around vines. The jewel atop the ring was large and encased in an embossed setting that matched the band.

'This is the Ring of Amorth. It is one my kingdom's most prized possessions. But what many do not know is that it contains deep magic. Amorth was an ancient warrior who lived many hundreds of years ago, he had fought many battles and had become weary. During his last battle he became gravely injured and had fled into a nearby forest that legend told was magical. He had crawled into that forest to die, he no longer had the will to live. But he was found by a beautiful forest nymph and she fell in love with him at first sight. As she wept over him her tears landed on the ring he wore and the magic of the forest healed him. It is said they lived happily in the forest for ever more and the ring has been passed down from father to son ever since.'

He paused in his story, looking down at the now empty space on his forth finger.

'I was given the ring by my father when I decided to wed my Queen. He told me that only a man in love would be able to wear it, and that I would be able to sense where it was for as long as I loved my woman'.

'So this is your challenge, I have hidden the ring somewhere in The Apple Orchard. Only the man that truly loves Queen Susan will be able to find it. May the truest man win'.

Gesturing to the gateway King Adrian stepped aside and Peter and Darrin made their way through.

XoX

And finally we're getting there! The final challenge has begun!

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