Relight My Moon (Book 2 sequel) Peter Pevensie Romance

Request for a Duel

Layla's POV

After changing into another outfit, I met Edmund, Glenstorm, and Wimbleweather outside.

"Ready for this, Layla?" Edmund asked me.

"More than I'll ever bee," I replied. I punched my hand with my fist, "Let's go show him who's boss."

"Not yet Layla," he replied, smiling at my confidence.

I chuckled despite myself. "Oh, right. Of course."

Caspian came up to us just as we were leaving, "Hey, um, Layla?" He asked, catching my arm.

I cocked head at him, and Edmund raised an eyebrow at the interaction.

"Yes?"

"Be careful out there, ok?"

I feigned a gasp, teasingly. "You're worried about me?"

I then winked at him, "Hey I'm the Guardian, former Forest Watcher, nobody's going to even be able to touch me."

"I heard, just-"

I laughed, "don't worry, I'll be fine.

"Now we better be off before the Telmarines make any surprise plans."

As we started off to the Telmarine camp, I noticed that Edmund had that knowing smirk on his face.

"Don't say it," I grumbled.

He just laughed, "I wouldn't dare, oh Great Guardian."

I playfully swatted his arm and he laughed again.

I could see that Miraz and his general Glozelle were watching us as we continued on.

"Perhaps they intend to surrender," General Glozelle wondered.

Miraz took the telescope from him. "No. They are much too noble for that," he replied. "The Guardian is with him, we must be careful."

When we arrived, Edmund and I requested for appearance before stepping into Miraz's court tent.

Edmund took out the scroll we brought with us and began reading.

"I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel and emperor of the Lone Islands, in order to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to  single combat upon the field of battle. The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender," Edmund rolled up the scroll after he finished reading.

"So tell me, Prince Edmund," Miraz began but I interrupted.

"King," I corrected.

"Pardon?" Miraz questioned.

"It's King Edmund actually," Edmund replied. "Just King though, Peter's the High King."

There was a slight pause.

"I know it's confusing," Edmund explained.

"Awkward," I muttered between coughs.

Edmund smirked a little at me.

"Why would we risk such a proposal when our armies could wipe you out by nightfall?" Miraz asked us.

"Haven't you already underestimated our numbers?" Edmund replied. "I mean, only a week ago, Narnians were extinct."

"And so you will be again," Miraz threatened.

"Then you should have little to fear," I replied.

Miraz laughed, "this is not a question of bravery."

"So you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age," Edmund pointed out.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

"I didn't say I refused," Miraz said.

"You shall have our support, your majesty," a lord spoke up. "Whatever your decision."

"Sire, our military advantage alone allows us the perfect excuse to avoid-," Lord Sopespian started to say.

Miraz stood up abruptly, "I'm not avoiding anything!"

"I was merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse," Sopespian explained.

"His majesty would never refuse," general Glozelle spoke up from near the tent entrance. "He relishes the chance to show his people the bravery of their new king."

Miraz looked at us. "You," he pointed his sword at us, "should hope that your brother's sword is sharper then his pen."

I smiled, the plan had worked.

****

We returned to the How and reported that Miraz had accepted the challenge.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" I asked Peter from the doorway of the armory. "I mean, I can fight Miraz."

Peter slid his chain mail over his head. "That wouldn't be fair, Layla, you have magic. Besides, the document has already been made and delivered."

"But, Peter, I'm your Guardian! I can't always be risking my neck to save your life," I protested. "Remember what happened a few days ago? It was only by chance that I managed to get you all out of the castle."

"I know Layla," he sighed. "I still wish more than anything that I had never let my selfishness get the best of me. It's not going to happen again. Don't you trust me?"

I looked down, "I do, I just- don't want to lose you again."

He walked over to me and held me close around the waist. "You won't," he reassured me confidently. "I don't want to lose you either."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful," he smiled then kissed me gently.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and returned the kiss. Man, if things weren't always like this, Peter and I wouldn't always have to be constantly worried about our lives or even the others.

"Alright you two, finish up getting ready. Miraz will be here soon for the duel you know," Edmund spoke spoke up from outside the doorway.

Peter and I laughed uncomfortably and resumed our preparations.