The High Queen II

The most gorgeous yet intimidating woman

Peter shook Eleanor awake the next morning, motioning for her to stay low as they watched Lucy wander into the woods, calling out for Aslan. But instead of the lion, a minotaur emerged from the shadows. Peter quickly covered Lucy's mouth and pulled her behind a bush where Eleanor crouched, ready for whatever came next. Her heart raced, but her initial fear evaporated when she saw her brother's determined expression.

Lucy clung tightly to Eleanor, her small arms wrapped around her waist. Eleanor held her close, her protective instincts flaring up as she exchanged a glance with Peter, who was already drawing his sword, preparing to confront the minotaur. Before he could act, however, a boy their age stepped out from the trees, intercepting Peter's path. The boy had long brown hair, and his leather vest marked him as a fighter. Peter swung first, but the boy parried with ease. They traded blows, the clash of steel sharp and intense.

Eleanor's eyes narrowed, her patience already wearing thin. "Is now really the time for a fencing match?" she muttered, more to herself than anyone else, though her hand instinctively went to her axe.

The boy fought well, but Peter's persistence soon overpowered him. A fist to the boy's face caused him to stagger, but even then, he blocked Peter's next swing. The duel grew fiercer until Peter's sword got stuck in a tree, and the boy seized the opportunity, kicking Peter back and yanking the sword free.

"Nice one," Eleanor said with a sarcastic snort as Peter hit the ground. But watching her brother fall triggered something fierce in her. She stood up sharply, fury sparking in her eyes. "No one kicks my brother!" she snarled. Without a second thought, she launched herself at the boy, her axe raised and ready.

The boy barely had time to react as Eleanor's swift strikes pushed him back. He struggled to block her axe, the curve of her blade making it harder to parry. She fought with an intensity that left little room for error, and even though the boy held his ground longer than most would, Eleanor could see he was outmatched. He relied too much on his weapon and had no idea how to use his body effectively. Smirking, she found her opening. With a well-timed kick to his chest, she sent him crashing into a tree, knocking Peter's sword from his grip again.

The boy closed his eyes, bracing for the finishing blow. But when he reopened them, Eleanor was standing over him, her axe just inches from his throat. Her intense blue eyes, glinting like the sea on a stormy day, bored into his with a mixture of amusement and warning. She blew a few strands of hair out of her face and studied him, her expression both fierce and curious.

"Please tell me you don't think that was all I had," she quipped, voice dripping with sarcasm. The boy blinked, startled not just by how close he'd come to losing his life, but by Eleanor's sheer presence. There was a beauty to her, yes, but it was her unwavering strength and fiery spirit that left him momentarily spellbound.

"El, wait!" Peter's voice interrupted, breaking the tension. He brushed dirt from his tunic as he rose, centaurs, fauns, and other Narnians beginning to emerge from the forest, weapons drawn.

"No, stop!" Lucy cried, emerging from the bushes as she looked between Eleanor, the mysterious boy, and the growing crowd of Narnians.

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Prince Caspian?" he asked, his voice steady but curious.

"Yes," Caspian replied, still holding the sword out, his breath ragged. "And who are you?"

Before Peter could answer, Susan, Edmund, and Trumpkin burst through the trees, running up to them. Caspian glanced down at the sword in his hand, his eyes widening as he noticed the lion-head engraving on the hilt. His gaze shot back to Peter, realization dawning. His aze was then drawn to the axe blade that was still dangerously close to his neck.

"High Queen Eleanor?" He addressed first taking in the beauty of the woman in front of him before turning to her twin. "High King Peter?" Caspian asked, incredulous.

Peter allowed himself a small smile. "I believe you called."

Caspian, clearly flustered, shook his head slightly. "Well, yes... but I thought you'd be older." His aze swept across the siblings, lingering longer on the high queen who had now lowered her axe.

Peter's smirk widened as Eleanor rolled her eyes beside him. "Well, if you'd like," Peter quipped, "we can come back in a few years."

"No!" Caspian blurted, clearly panicked at the thought. "No, that's alright. You're just... you're not exactly what I expected."

Edmund couldn't resist a jab. "Neither are you," he muttered, eyeing a nearby minotaur with a raised eyebrow.

Trufflehunter stepped forward, his deep voice filled with gravity. "A common enemy unites even the oldest of foes."

Reepicheep, with impeccable timing, appeared at Peter's feet and bowed, addressing him formally. "We have anxiously awaited your return, my liege. Our hearts and swords are at your service."

Lucy, with a delighted smile, nudged Susan and whispered, "Oh my gosh, he is so cute."

Reepicheep, hearing her, immediately drew his sword and puffed out his chest. "Who said that?!"

Lucy blushed. "Uh... sorry."

Reepicheep sheathed his sword awkwardly and bowed again. "Your majesty... With the greatest respect, I do believe courageous, courteous, or chivalrous might more befit a knight of Narnia."

Eleanor, grinning, knelt to shake the mouse's hand. "I couldn't agree more."

Peter chuckled at the exchange. "At least we know some of you can handle a weapon."

Reepicheep's eyes gleamed with pride. "Indeed, sire. I've already put it to good use acquiring weapons for your army."

"Excellent," Peter replied, nodding. "We'll need every sword we can get."

Caspian, still observing Peter closely, seemed to regain his composure. He stepped forward and extended Rhindon back to him. "I imagine you'll be wanting this back."

Peter took it with a grateful nod, sliding it into its sheath. His eyes then scanned the growing assembly of Narnians.

Eleanor, ever determined and sharp, broke the silence, turning to Caspian with a fierce yet playful smirk. "Lead the way, Prince Caspian. We've got work to do." Her tone was commanding, but there was a protective edge to it—a reminder that while she fought fiercely, she was driven by love for her family and the care she held for those under her protection.