This is the tale of a journey that takes Luna not only to discover the world beyond Narnia's borders; she will find a purpose that goes deeper than protecting her king.
» That's why. I can't protect you the way I should... « As she looks into his ey...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
He gazes into her eyes; they glimmer in the light of the chandeliers. Caspian has never felt so light on his feet, his knees weaken and his heartbeat speeds up. This woman has him in her hands and could steer him like a puppet on a string, with nothing more than a wink of her finger. He fears he will miss a step, or his legs won't carry him for much longer. There she smiles at him, timidly and yet a lot braver than in the past. With a grin he spins her out, already missing her close presence for the next few steps. Her gown swishes around her ankles like a bellflower – she was right, she owns this dress. As she twirls back into his arms, her back presses against his chest – light enough for it to be proper, yet Cas' heart does summersaults. Whoever watches close enough will notice their affection for one another. It doesn't bother the king, but for her sake he keeps a certain distance.
Luna's will is tested. For now, at least, she is determined to keep this blooming relationship between them. She feels the rhythm of his heart drumming against its cage. Turning her head to the side, she glances at her king. His eyes twinkle joyously; it makes her own heart skip, and that determination starts to fade. Before he spins her out once again, she squeezes his hand – then they are facing each other, swaying in gentle circles to the music. Today's events wouldn't suggest such a peaceful moment. How did it – finally – come to this despite everything? Well...
*
A few hours prior, Melian rushes through the corridors of Bern's Manor. She is beyond busy, seeing to the preparations for tonight's soiree. Planning such an event on such short notice may seem impossible, not for Lady Melian, it isn't. But it brings a ton of stress with a legion of servants and maids, musicians and chefs scattering around the estate. Everything must look its best. Fresh flowers in every vase, no corn of dust, no spot of dirt. Lights must be lit in the rooms as well as out in the garden and lining the pathway up from the dock. There is work enough for the whole of the Lone Islands. It is an important event; the nobility and aristocracy of these isles will come together after a day of negotiations about the alliance with the Narnian Empire. So, Melian figures as much, the feast needs to entertain as much as soften the people. Wouldn't be the first time a brilliant feast decided the fate of a country, she thinks by herself. Of course, now of all times the lady of the house is told about a certain gift arriving for Lady Luna. She leaves everything and sets off. Not again, prays she, Aslan, please let it all go smoothly.
Reaching her guest's chambers, Melian knocks and waits to be invited in. The daylight is already fading, alerting her to the nigh arrival of tonight's company. Elena leads her mistress to the sitting area, offering a drink. Melian declines with a nervous smile as her eyes find a shadow moving behind the paravent set to the left side of the room, between the fireplace and the door leading into the bathing chamber.
