For Narnia

15.2

Susan brings the news that Miraz's army is there before they quickly make their way to the ledge, where Caspian is now waiting. Caspian, Zoe, and the Pevensies share worried looks before going back into the How to make a battle plan despite Peter's shoulder being dislocated.

"Cakes and kettledrums. That's your next big plan?" Trumpkin asks Peter to see if he is being serious. "Sending a little girl into the darkest parts of the forest? Alone!"

"It's our only chance," Peter responds with a grimace as Zoe checks out his shoulder to make sure it is only dislocated.

"And she won't be alone," Susan adds as she goes to stand beside Lucy.

"Haven't enough of us died already?" Trumpkin asks as he walks over to Lucy with a frown on his face.

"Nikabrik was my friend too. But he lost hope," Trufflehunter says from his spot beside Edmund. "Queen Lucy has not. And neither have I."

"For Aslan," Reepicheep announces as he unsheathes his sword before holding it high.

"Then I'm going with you," Trumpkin tells Lucy with a look of determination.

"No. We need you here," Lucy argues with a shake of her head.

"We have to hold them off until Lucy and Susan get back," Peter explains despite not having a plan on how to distract the army for however long Lucy and Susan may need.

"If I may..." Caspian starts which causes everyone to turn to him. Caspian looks at his professor, who slightly nods before Caspian moves to stand in front of Peter. "Seeing you and Zoe spar, reminded me of a Telemarine tradition. And Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer but as king, he is subject to the traditions and expectations of his people. There is one in particular that may buy us some time."

"A duel," Zoe says as she realizes what Caspian is talking about before she glances over at Peter, who is clearly in pain and will still be in pain when they put his shoulder back in place. Zoe glances at Edmund before deciding he is still too young for the task. "I will partake in this duel."

"No!" Peter exclaims as he quickly stands up while shaking his head. "It is my place as High king to be in the duel."

"I will not let you go into a duel when you are clearly in pain," Zoe argues as she turns to face Peter. "Whether you like it or not, you are in no position to be participating in a duel. And I know that Edmund is next in line, but I think that I proved earlier that I am better. Plus, no offense, but Edmund is too young."

"None taken," Edmund says as he stands next to Zoe because he knows that she can handle a sword better than he can and he knows that it is pointless to argue with her. "I have full faith that Zoe can do this."

Peter silently begs for Zoe to change her mind before letting out a sigh of defeat. Peter nods his head as Caspian walks over with a parchment to write the proposal for the duel on. Zoe leaves the room in order to be alone as she writes out the proposal because she knows that if anyone were to read it before it was delivered then they would try to stop her from being in the duel. Edmund, a centaur, and a giant make their way over to Miraz's camp to deliver the proposal.

"I, Zoe, by the gift of Aslan, by prophecy. Future Queen consort of Narnia, Lady of Cair Paravel, in order to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to single combat upon the field of battle. The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender," Edmund reads off Zoe's proposal as his jaw drops in shock at the death part because no one was allowed to be there when Zoe wrote it.

"Tell me, Prince Edmund..." Miraz starts as Edmund quickly hides his shock.

"King," Edmund quickly corrects him.

"Pardon me?" Miraz asks with a raised eyebrow.

"It's King Edmund, actually. Just 'King' though. Peter's the High King," Edmund explains leaving Miraz shocked. "I know. It's confusing."

"Why would we risk such a proposal when our armies could wipe you out by nightfall?" Miraz asks with a taunting wave of his hands.

"Haven't you already underestimated our numbers? I mean, only a week ago Narnians were extinct," Edmund responds with a shrug as he is not phased by Miraz's taunting.

"And so you will be again," Miraz tells him with a nod of his head.

"Then you should have little to fear," Edmund retorts with a roll of his eyes, causing Miraz to laugh.

"This is not a question of bravery," Miraz responds as he tries not to laugh in the young King's face.

"So, you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?" Edmund quips with a small smirk. "And is a lady?"

"I didn't say I refused," Miraz replies with a glare as he sits up straight.

"You have our support your majesty," Miraz's General says as he steps forward. "Whatever your decision."

"Sire, our military advantage alone provides the perfect excuse to avoid what might otherwise be..." A lord starts explaining, causing Miraz to grab his sword and stand up.

"I'm not avoiding anything!" Miraz tells him with a glare.

"I was merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse," The first lord responds with a shrug.

"His majesty would never refuse," The General says as he looks at the lord while getting into Miraz's head so that he will accept the duel. "He relishes the chance to show the people the courage of their new king."

"You," Miraz says as he points his sword at Edmund. "You should hope the lady's sword is sharper than her pen."

Caspian sees Susan and Lucy off before deciding to follow them. Edmund returns to tell everyone that Miraz accepted the duel. Zoe nods before she leaves the room to go prepare for the fight of her life.

"Are you truly okay with this plan?" Peter asks as he finds Zoe staring at herself in the same mirror that she found him staring into not long ago.

"It's the best option we have," Zoe responds as if she is trying to convince herself while Peter stands in front of her with his hands cupping her face.

"Zoe, I...," Peter starts to say but Zoe is quick to cover his mouth with her hand.

"Tell me after we win," Zoe says with a small smile as she removes her hand.

Peter nods as Zoe leans into his right hand before he pulls her into a kiss. The kiss has every emotion that they have been hiding from each other poured into it. Zoe did not need for Peter to actually tell her anything because the kiss told her everything she needed to know. That they are still very much in love with each other.