The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 3

The Naiad Trilogy

Part 2: The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 3

The Dawn Treader made port at Galma a mere twenty-eight hours after it left Cair Paravel. A large crowd had gathered on the quay to welcome the Narnian King. The royal court of Glama and the entire crew of the Dawn Treader were treated to a great mid-day feast. At the feast Ava was placed next to Genevieve, the Duke of Galma's daughter.

Genevieve was a gracious looking Lady around Ava's age. She had soft red hair that flowed past her waist and lingered on the orange side especially when the sunlight hit it. A light sprinkling of freckles showered her heart shaped face. And her eyes were a gentle chestnut brown that shimmered with mirth. Her father, the Duke, was a jolly old man with a round belly and a balding head. His hazel eyes, like his daughter's, seemed to always glisten with tears of laughter.

Ava and Genevieve conversed throughout most of the feast. Things seemed a little awkward at first, but Ava quickly saw that she and Genevieve had great potential to be excellent friends. After the food had all been devoured, Genevieve and Ava decided to take a stroll about the terrace just off the banquet hall, while, Caspian and Drinian remained talking with the Duke at the table.

As they walked arm in arm, Genevieve finally managed to work up the courage to approach a topic that she had been curious about since she had laid eyes on the handsome King of Narnia. From her vantage point at the table, Genevieve had been able to see clearly how the King's eyes lingered upon Ava. She also noticed that Ava and the King's mannerisms showed a close companionship, but how far did their relationship really extend?

"I feel I must apologize for not commenting on this earlier," Genevieve began sweetly, "but congratulations, Lady Ava."

Before arriving at Galma, Ava had told Caspian and Drinian that while they were visiting islands she wanted to be addressed as a Lady of the Court and not as a Princess to keep things simple.

"Congratulations for what, Lady Genevieve?" Ava asked, slightly confused.

"For your betrothal, of course."

"My betrothal? And to whom am I betrothed?"

"Why, His Majesty King Caspian."

"Caspian!"Ava stopped abruptly in surprise. "Caspian and I aren't betrothed. Why, we aren't even courting! I'm afraid you are mistaken, Lady Genevieve; Caspian and I are just friends."

"Really?" Genevieve sounded just as surprised as Ava had. "Well that is something. Forgive me, Lady Ava. I had not realized that was the case."

"It's quite all right, Genevieve," Ava said as she patted Genevieve's hand and they began walking once more. "Might I inquire as to why you were under the impression that I was betrothed to His Majesty?"

"Oh, well I am not the only one who thought so; Pa-Pa believed it too. When His Majesty sent word that you would be joining him on his visit, naturally, we assumed that you had become betrothed."

"Oh...oh well I suppose I can understand why you might have believed that. It did seem like a sudden change in plans. I must admit, I was very surprised when he asked me to join him, thrilled, but surprised."

"Hmm, yes I'd be thrilled too." Genevieve smiled impishly. "Your King is very handsome, Ava," Genevieve explained at Ava's curious expression. At that very moment Ava and Genevieve stopped and turned back to look in through the open glass doors of the banquet hall. Ava looked upon Caspian, and she suddenly understood Genevieve's words.

For seemingly the first time, Ava noticed just how much Caspian had grown over the last three years. He was a couple of inches taller now than he had been, whether it was because he had physically grown or because he was simply standing taller, Ava didn't know. His hair had lengthened as well and evened out. He currently had part of it held back with an elastic band. He and Ava had debated over that matter for several minutes before exiting the ship; Ava had insisted that he looked more kingly and business like with his hair pulled back, that, and he wouldn't be tempted to mess with it. Another difference that Ava noticed, and seemed to like best, was the beard he had decided to let grow out. It was just a light sprinkling of stubble at the moment, but Ava found it exhilarating. Suddenly the Duke said something amusing, and Caspian threw his head back and laughed loudly sending chills up Ava's spine.