king's temptation | narnia

chapter 23: siblings?

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Another day at sea had passed before Rabadash's royal vessel had arrived in Tashbaan's port. Katelyn was feeling quite defeated as the sailors hauled her up onto the deck.

This was one of the first times that she was permitted to be up on the deck, so she drew her head back, soaking up as much sunlight as possible.

"Isn't it beautiful, my queen?" asked Rabadash, snaking an arm around her waist.

Katelyn jumped at his close proximity and pushed his arm away from her. The young prince simply smirked and continued to speak.

"I do believe that Tashbaan is one of the most beautiful port cities I have seen. Do you not think it to be a nice city?" he asked while stroking his dark beard.

I sighed and looked out at the harbor. There was the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. Shopkeepers were in their doorways draped with silk, attempting to make fair trades with sailors, children ran around barefoot, their fingers full of dates. Though we were on the bright blue water of the Eastern Sea, the air was heavy and ridden with dust. And there was a moldy smell that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

I scrunched my nose and shook my head.

"No, it's actually quite ugly."

"I know you do not mean that Katelyn. And you will not go about insulting commoners. Honestly, who taught you your manners?" sighed Rabadash.

He reached towards me, causing me to flinch. Rabadash's coarse hand caught my chin and tilted it upwards.

My eyeliner was now focused on the area a little ways away from the harbor. There's a large mound of Earth with circles of roads and paths carved out. Amongst the paths, buildings were strewn together in a wonderfully chaotic mess. And sat at the very top was a beautiful castle made of tan and white stone, its many towers decorated with golden fixtures and orange flags. It shone in the golden sunlight, reflecting the many beams in all directions.

"Wow," I gaped.

I didn't know what I expected the capital to look like, but I certainly wasn't expecting this.

"It is wonderful, isn't it?" asked Rabadash.

He glanced down at me and I turned to look into his eyes which were more intense than usual.

"Just think. Soon we are to be married and this will be all of ours. I will take over my father's position as Tisroc and you will be by my side as my Tisra."

I gulped and looked back at my feet.

Rabadash let out a small laugh.

"I hope that one day you will be happy to rule by my throne."

We made eye contact once again. His gaze looked a lot softer and a lot less... Rabadash. My stare met his and burned into his eyes.

"The carriage is ready, your highness," interrupted a sailor.

The prince cleared his throat, brushing his hands over his white shirt.

"Come, come."

*****

Over the next two hours after the meeting, Peter had been restored to his usual self. My brother had a new spring in his step and seemed to be happy with the new mission at hand.

After we had gotten the news, we tried to take the time to process it, but because we had to leave as soon as possible, we had to spring into action.