The Golden Age - Narnia fanfiction (Edmund x oc)

21. The announcement

Diana's head was still spinning when she got back to her room to change out of the dress that had been covered in mud, from laying on the ground. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She could feel butterflies in her stomach, and felt as light as a feather, wanting to dance around and squeal, but she did not, since she would be too embarrassed if Edmund heard her from the room next to hers.

She hurried as much as she could, eager to tell everyone about the news.

Edmund and Diana walked arm in arm, giggling like little children on their way to mischief. They entered the dining room where everyone was, ready for lunch. They all sat down and started eating. After a bit, Edmund tinged a teaspoon against his glass, drawing everyone's attention to him. Once the room went quiet, he stood up and cleared his throat.

"As you all know, Dina was originally brought here to become my wife, in a political marriage. However, today it is our pleasure to announce that it will not just be a political marriage." Edmund extended his hand to Diana as he said this, inviting her to stand next to him. "It will be a marriage for love as well." He said, looking her in the eyes.

Diana blushed as everyone cheered. She had come to love the Pevensies as the loving family she only remembered in her dreams, from when her mother was still alive. Peter was the first to stand up and come to hug them both, congratulating them with tears in his eyes. Susan followed with a lovely smile that highlighted even more of her stunning beauty, and lastly, Lucy with the tightest hug, almost leaving them both breathless.

"Have you told your family yet?" Asked Peter, with the look of a concerned older brother. Diana shook her head. "We should tell them soon, that is what they wanted right? Now they will lay off her, and let the poor maid go." Said Edmund giving Diana's hand a reassuring squeeze. Diana nodded putting on a brave smile.

After lunch, Diana and Edmund headed to the guest wing, to tell Diana's father and siblings about the engagement. Edmund did most of the talking, while Diana was holding on to his arm for dear life. Her family seemed happy and even gave them both hugs, though Diana was too tense to process what was happening.

As soon as they were done they took the first opportunity they could to leave, but when they were just outside the door, king Azaan called to them. "Wait just a moment my dear." He said, coming out of the door that they had just exited. They both turned around to face him. Edmund instinctively pulled Diana closer to him.

Azaan smiled his well known fake charming smile. "Your servant has been waiting eagerly to congratulate you as well. Im sure we can spare her till we go home." He said, and a woman appeared behind him, head bowed low, and hands folded in front of her. Diana flinched, and almost ran for Carissa, but Edmund held her back.

"Well go on then." Azaan said to the maid, and shoved her toward them, closing the door behind him. As soon as he was gone Diana bolted toward Carissa, catching her before she collapsed. "Your highness... it's so good to see you." Carissa's voice was hoarse and she was too light. Diana noticed her wrists were too thin, and her eyes were sunken.

"I'm so sorry Carissa... I... I'm so sorry... please forgive me... I... I should have gotten you out of there sooner... what did they do to you?" Diana was crying as she was holding her friend. The only person who ever treated her kindly in her own home, and Diana felt like she had failed her.

Edmund came up behind Diana and together they helped Carissa back to Diana's room. Diana sat next to her, holding her hand, and pressing kisses on the back of it. Edmund went to get food and something to drink for the maid, who had only just been fed enough to survive.

Edmund came back with a tray of food. Carissa ate what she could but she was not used to eating anymore, so it would take longer for her to get back to normal. "There are some things i should take care of, will you be fine to stay here and watch her?" Edmund asked, placing a light kiss on Diana's cheek. Diana was surprised at the gesture but nodded, and as Edmund left the room she touched the cheek that he had just kissed, blushing at the memory.

"I was so worried about you, your highness. I didn't know what to think when you had been sent off to a strange land, with strange and barbaric people." Carissa chuckled. "But I see now there was no need to be concerned. You have been taken well care of." She said, giving Diana a knowing look. Diana was still blushing, as she tried to brush off the maid's teasing comments.

She still felt guilty for leaving Carissa with her family, but she was relieved to have her back, and that they could still talk to each other like they used to. Carissa soon fell asleep, and Diana let Ava stand guard in front of the door while she went to find Susan and Lucy.

When she walked past one of the hallways, something caught her attention, and she stopped to look back. It was Edmund. Diana almost called out to him, before she noticed there was someone there with him. She quickly hid behind a vase full of beautiful flowers from the garden.

She soon recognized the woman with him to be her sister Miriam. "Oh come on, you can't be serious." Miriam said, sounding a bit frustrated. She grabbed his arm, and spun him so that he was facing her. She placed a firm hand on his chest, backing him up against the wall. "You know, it's quite normal for royals to have multiple concubines." She said seductively, pressing herself against him.

"Get off!" Diana suddenly shouted, not able to contain herself anymore. They both looked at her quite surprised, as she clamped a hand over her mouth. Diana instinctively turned away as quickly as she could, and ran.