A Traitor's Tale | e. pevensie

Chapter 11

Cair Paravel was absolutely stunning. It stood proudly above the shore with a beautiful view of the sea.

When the coronation began, Jacqueline walked alongside Edmund. She was situated so that Peter, the High King would be on the center throne.

The lineup starting on the far right of the stage is as follows: Jacqueline, Edmund, Peter, Susan, and Lucy.

Aslan began the ceremony when the children had reached their respective thrones and turned to face the crowd.

"To the glistening Eastern Sea, I give you Queen Lucy, the Valliant."

The Beavers walked up, each carrying a pillow with crowns on it. Mr. Tumnus followed behind them. He smiled at Lucy and took the silver crown made of laurel leaves and yarrow flowers and gently placed it on her head.

"To the mysterious fathoms below, Queen Jacqueline, the True."

Tumnus made his way over to her. She bowed slightly as he placed a silver crown of coral and starfish adorned with pearls and small gems atop her head.

"To the radiant Southern Sun, Queen Susan, the Gentle."

Susan received a golden crown of daffodils and mountain ash leaves.

"To the great Western Wood, King Edmund, the Just."

Edmund's crown was silver and depicted beautiful birch leaves.

"And to the clear Northern Sky, I give you High King Peter, the Magnificent."

Lastly, Peter received a golden crown with oak and apple leaves.

When the last of them was crowned, the children took a seat in their thrones.

"Once a King or Queen of Narnia, always a King or Queen. May your wisdom grace us until the stars rain down from the heavens."

"Long live King Peter! Long live King Edmund! Long live Queen Susan! Long live Queen Lucy! Long live Queen Jacqueline!" The crowd cheered for their newly crowned monarchs.

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After the ceremony, the children were able to get a better look at their thrones. Jacqueline's depicted her dagger and her mother's seashell from Father Christmas. Edmund's showed his sword breaking the White Witch's wand. Peter's had his lion-hilt sword. Susan's showed her horn from Father Christmas. Lucy's featured her cordial from Father Christmas.

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A ball was held that night for the new Royals.

The girls could often be found on the dance floor twirling and spinning, caught up in the lively dances.

Peter and Edmund joined in occasionally.

At one point, the two boys were standing near one of the dessert tables conversing while the girls danced. Peter noticed how his brother hardly seemed to be able to keep his eyes off Jacqueline.

"You know, it's okay to like her," he said.

"What?" Edmund asked, confused. He was too focused on the girl to fully register what his brother had said to him. "Of course I know that, everyone likes her. Who wouldn't? She's smart, and caring."

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"Wh-what?" Edmund stuttered. "What makes you think I like her like that?"

"Oh come on! Well for starters, you smile like an idiot when you're talking to her." Peter said with a smirk.

"I do not!" Edmund exclaimed, blushing slightly.

"Ed, we can all see it. And don't think I haven't noticed the way you both get so flustered around each other." That caused the younger boy's blush to intensify.

"Peter, stop!" he whined playfully.

"Lighten up Ed, I'm only teasing. It's what big brothers are for." Peter took that opportunity to ruffle Edmund's hair slightly. The children had left their crowns on their thrones so they wouldn't get in the way of dancing, which was why Peter was able to do so, much to his brother's dismay.

Something that his brother had said stuck with Edmund for the remainder of the night. Don't think I haven't noticed the way you both get so flustered around each other. Does this mean maybe she felt the same way towards him? The thought brought a small smile to his face.

Across the ballroom, Lucy chatted with her sister and Jacqueline. She noticed how her brother rarely seemed to keep his eyes off of the girl beside her.

"You still fancy Edmund, don't you?" She asked Jacqueline.

The girl in question began stammering, trying to think of a way to deny Lucy's claim.

"Oh, come on. We can all see how he looks at you and how you look at him," Susan said.

"No, we don't look at each other any way. He's just a friend. Probably my best friend, but that's it."

"Seriously Jackie? I may be young but I'm not stupid," Lucy replied. "Friends don't look at friends that way. Besides, I'd be happy to have you as my sister!"

She's right, Jacqueline realized. Friends don't look at friends that way. Could we maybe be... more someday? Does he feel the same?

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Author's Note: This officially marks the end of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe! The next chapters will be the Golden Age! I'm so excited!

so what do y'all think of Jackie's story so far?

I'm going on a long trip overseas next week so I probably won't be able to update as much as I would like. I'll try to get maybe the first 2-3 chapters out before I leave because once I'm there I won't be able to. I'd hate to leave you on a big cliffhanger that I know is coming in the first few chapters of the Golden Age however. Being left on a cliffhanger for too long is torture, so i'll try not to do that but I make no promises...

until next time, goodbye!