The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills of Narnia as Aria approached the castle, her heart racing with excitement. The past week spent in the company of Lucy had been a whirlwind of excitement and new experiences. They had visited neighboring realms, discussing alliances and friendships that would strengthen Narnia's ties to its allies. While the trip had been enlightening, a part of her had longed to be back home, surrounded by the familiar faces and comforts of the castle.
As they crossed the threshold of the castle, the familiar warmth of home washed over her. The scent of fresh flowers and the echo of laughter filled the air, and Aria felt a wave of nostalgia. It was good to be back.
"I can't believe how much I missed this place!" Aria said, looking around with a smile.
"I know! It feels good to be back," Lucy agreed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And I'm sure everyone is excited to see you, especially Edmund."
At the mention of Edmund, Aria felt a flutter in her stomach. They had shared a beautiful moment before her departure, and the anticipation of their reunion sent a rush of warmth through her.
After settling back in and sharing stories with Lucy, Aria found a moment of solitude in the castle gardens. The vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and the setting sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange. She took a deep breath, letting the familiar scents ground her.
"Hey, Aria!"
Aria turned, her heart leaping at the sight of Edmund approaching. He stood tall, his warm smile radiating happiness as he closed the distance between them. "I'm so glad you're back!"
"I'm glad to be back too!" she replied, grinning. "How have you been?"
"Busy," he said, running a hand through his hair, his gaze playful. "But I managed to keep myself occupied. I missed you, though."
Aria felt a rush of warmth at his admission, the sincerity in his eyes making her heart flutter. "I missed you too, Edmund. It's good to be home."
"I have a surprise for you," he said, excitement sparking in his eyes.
"A surprise?" Aria echoed, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
Edmund hesitated for a moment, clearly relishing the buildup. "Come on; I'll show you."
He took her hand, leading her away from the gardens and toward a clearing just beyond the castle grounds. Aria's heart raced, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through her. They walked through the tall grass, finally arriving at a picturesque spot by a shimmering lake, surrounded by wildflowers.
Aria gasped, taking in the sight. A colorful picnic blanket was spread out under a large oak tree, adorned with a variety of delicious foods and drinks. "Edmund, this is beautiful!"
He grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction. "I wanted it to be special. I thought we could enjoy some time together, just the two of us."
Aria felt a wave of affection wash over her. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. "Thank you so much! This means a lot to me."
Edmund hugged her back tightly, the warmth of the moment filling them both with happiness. "I'm glad you like it."
They settled onto the blanket, surrounded by the beauty of nature. As they shared food and laughter, the connection between them felt stronger than ever. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow around them as they enjoyed each other's company.
After they finished their meal, Aria looked out at the lake, the water sparkling invitingly. "Do you think it's warm enough for a swim?"
Edmund's eyes lit up with mischief. "Why not? It could be fun!"
Before she could change her mind, he stood up, already pulling off his shirt. Aria's breath caught in her throat as she watched him. He grinned at her, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Come on! It'll be great!"
With a burst of courage, Aria joined him, quickly shedding her outer garments and wading into the cool water. She shrieked as the lake embraced her, but the shock quickly turned into laughter. "It's a bit chilly!"
"Just wait until you get used to it!" Edmund called out, splashing water in her direction.
The playful banter continued as they swam together, the water shimmering around them. They chased each other through the lake, laughter echoing through the air as they splashed and dove beneath the surface. In those moments, everything felt perfect-lighthearted, carefree, and full of joy.
Eventually, they both floated on their backs, gazing up at the sky. The sun began to dip lower, casting a golden hue over everything. Aria felt the warmth of the day mingling with the coolness of the water, and her heart swelled with happiness.
"I'm really glad we did this," she said, turning her head to look at Edmund, who was floating beside her.
"Me too," he replied, his voice soft. "It's nice to have these moments, just us."
Aria smiled, her heart racing as their eyes locked. The connection they had been building felt more profound than ever, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this day would be etched in her memory forever.
As they made their way back to the shore, water glistening on their skin, the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and purple. They collapsed onto the picnic blanket, breathless and exhilarated from their swim.
Edmund turned to her, his expression earnest. "Aria, I just wanted to say that I'm really happy you're back. You make everything feel brighter."
Aria's heart swelled at his words. "You make everything feel special, Edmund. I didn't realize how much I'd miss you until I was away."
With the sun casting a warm glow around them, they shared a moment of comfortable silence, the air thick with unspoken feelings. Then, without thinking, Aria leaned in, planting a soft kiss on his lips. The gesture surprised them both, yet felt right in a way that made her heart soar.
When they pulled away, a mixture of surprise and joy danced in Edmund's eyes. "Wow."
"Wow, indeed," Aria replied, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks.
The evening unfolded gently, filled with laughter, stories, and lingering glances that spoke volumes. As the stars began to twinkle overhead, Aria realized that their connection had deepened even further, setting the stage for a summer filled with more adventures-and perhaps more kisses.
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