The Choice

The marriage

The months after our farewell passed in a blur of duty and preparation. I buried myself in Narnian history, determined to understand the kingdom I now called home. Caspian, ever thoughtful, entrusted me with redecorating the castle—said it should feel like our home, not his alone. Between royal councils, lessons in governance, and endless correspondence, I trained in combat and riding, pushing myself harder each week.

Caspian insisted that we still make time for one another. Even on the busiest days, he would find some small adventure—a quiet dinner in the gardens, a moonlit walk through the halls. And then, of course, came the grandest task of all: planning our wedding.

Months of planning, endless decisions, and near disasters. Thankfully, I wasn't alone. Caspian helped where he could, but it was Emma who truly kept me sane. Somewhere between fittings and flower arrangements, she became my dearest friend. Asking her to stand by me as maid of honour had felt only natural—though it stung that my own family wouldn't be there to see it.

And now...today was the day.

Emma had been determined to keep me from seeing Caspian for a full day— "bad luck", she'd said, though I suspected she simply enjoyed tormenting me. I already missed him more than I cared to admit.

I had just finished washing when a knock sounded.

"Maria? Are you decent?"

"One moment, Ems," I called, pulling on my robe. "Come in!"

Emma stepped in, radiant in a gown of pink lace and pearls.

"By the Lion," I breathed. "You look beautiful."

She grinned. "Not half as beautiful as you're about to."

"Flatterer," I laughed. "Alright then, let's begin. We've work to do."

I crossed to the wardrobe, where my gown hung waiting. Even after all these weeks, it still took my breath away—white as snow, light as air, its surface scattered with pearls that caught the morning light. The fabric moved like water when I touched it, soft and cloudlike. The veil was long, to be carried by children I met in the village. I wanted them to feel like royalty today. No hierarchy, no difference—not in my kingdom.

When I was finally dressed, I hardly recognised the woman in the mirror. My heart hammered against my ribs. Emma's reflection appeared behind me,

"You don't need to be nervous. Everything will be perfect."

"I know," I whispered, smiling faintly.

We kept the makeup soft and natural, with a hint of golf at the corners of my eyes. My hair was half up, half down, ready for the veil. Only the tiara remained undecided.

"What about this one?" Emma asked, holding up a gleaming circlet.

"Too bright."

"This one?"

"No."

"This?"

"Still no."

"Honestly, M, you're impossible."

Before I could reply, another knock interrupted us.

"Who is it?" I called.

"Caspian."

I instinctively moved toward the door, but Emma blocked my path. "Not a chance. You'll see him soon enough."

"Fine, fine—go then," I said, laughing.

She slipped outside, closing the door behind her. I caught muffled voices, then Emma's delighted squeal. Moments later she returned, grinning from ear to ear and holding something wrapped in velvet.