Narnia: The Royal Advisor (Side Stories)

Archenland (1.8) Part 4

The next morning, I got up early as normal to go on a walk and train with my knights, leaving the room quietly so as not to wake Lucy, poor girl would be hungover. I planned on bringing her breakfast and water when she awoke.

After training I managed catch Shasta, actually Prince Cor, leaving with a party of men and gently asked a servant heading inside, "Where is the new Prince going?"

"Apparently he left some of his friends with the Hermit by the Pool, my lady. By leave of the King he's gone to fetch them."

"Thank you, as you were."

The servant scuttled off and I made my way to the kitchen, grabbing fruit and a pitcher of water for Lucy. When I arrived back to my room I heard Lucy groaning and smirked, "Not feeling well, Lucy."

"Not at all, Emma."

I grinned, "Don't worry, I brought you some fresh fruit and water, nothing too heavy so your stomach won't reject it."

Lucy slowly rolled over, looking up at me, "Thank you." Her face then crinkled, "Did you walk through a hall of dead fish to get it?"

I set down the serving tray and rolled my eyes, "Be nice. I just got back from morning practice and haven't taken a bath or had breakfast yet myself. Now I was going to be nice and baby you, but after that comment you can eat and drink on your own."

I washed off the sweat in a nice bath and got dressed in a simple Narnian gown before heading down to breakfast. Both Kings were there as Edmund stood up to pull out my chair and kiss my head, "Good morning, Emma, did you sleep well?"

I smiled back at him, "I did once I got the Valiant Queen to bed. Good morning, King Lune."

"Good morning, Lady Emmaline. I was wondering if you might join me later this morning to welcome Prince Cor's friends. Apparently one of them is a girl and would feel more comfortable if she was greeted by another woman."

I nodded, "Of course, once they arrive I shall join you. Hopefully Queen Lucy will be feeling better when they arrive, so she can greet them as well. Her appearance doesn't scare people as much as mine."

Edmund squeezed my hand as I filled my plate with the other, "You are only frightening because of your reputation. This girl, Prince Cor, is bringing back will most likely not know your name."

King Lune jumped in, "You are a kind and generous woman, Lady Emmaline, anyone who truly knows you, can see as much."

I smiled, "Thanks to both of you. So many people see me as the Fearsome Red Lady, it can be lonesome on occasion. It is good to be reminded by those who can see past my reputation that I am more than just a skilled warrior."

Breakfast passed by with idle chatter and I returned to my room, seeing Lucy now dressed with a much better completion and disposition. "Glad to see you are feeling better."

"Much! So, have you spoken to Edmund? Are we leaving soon?"

"Soon, but if you are wanting to leave your room and take a stroll. The King has invited the both of us to greet Prince Cor's traveling companions when they return. Apparently one of his companions is a girl whom the King believes would feel more welcome and comfortable of other women came to greet her."

"Sounds fun, when are they arriving?"

"I don't know. Although I did see the new Prince leave after training this morning. I don't know how far away the Hermit by the Pool is, which is where the Prince left them so they would be safe."

"I've never heard of this secret safe place with a Hermit and a Pool, have you?"

I shook my head, heading out onto the balcony to watch the gate, "Aslan never mentioned it to me, now have I read about it in any books about the Deep Magic. Might visit the place myself before we return to Cair Paravel." Looking out onto the horizon I asked, "Do you think Aslan knows about the wedding between Edmund and I? I was hoping he would officiate."

Lucy leaned on the balcony next to me, her metal flower crown catching the morning light, "I'm sure he knows. As the true King of Narnia how could he miss the union between the Just King and the First Noble." Lucy then playfully bumped me, "I told Susan where you kept your wedding planning and I'm sure she'll ensure everything is taken care of per your wishes."

I snickered, "Is that why Susan was smiling so much when we left?"

Lucy returned the laugh, "By the way, your dress will blow Edmund away. Does he know the color of your dress?"

"No. He is under the impression I will wear the traditional white."

"My brother is clueless. Worry not, I will ensure he isn't a fish out of water for the wedding. Susan and I will keep the Kings in their place. The wedding between you and Edmund will be perfect. Once Peter has returned from the fighting the giants in the North, we shall set the date and send out the invitations."

Knowing we were alone, I wrapped my arms around Lucy, "Is it normal to feel excited and scared at the same time?"

Lucy returned my hug, "It is, you will be even more so when the day itself arrives. We'll have to order Sir Kastor and Sir Hector to remain with the Kings so they do not whisk you away again."

Both of us laughed, "Don't worry, I won't run away again. Never again. But I do want to invite the friends I made while I was away. Their species may have once fought for the White Witch, but they have done no one any harm and I want them at my wedding."

"I will make sure it is done." Lucy then released me, "Come, we need to ensure the girl has proper living quarters when she arrives."