This story is a collaboration between me and @Rosala. It will be written and edited by both of us. Enjoy!
High king peter the magnificent walked the Cair Paravel’s Gardens. It was a beautiful summer evening and the with a gentle wind blowing around him with the occasional bustle of servants, as they were quite busy the Archland royals were coming today… He sighed and looked out at his magnificent kingdom. It had been four years since they had defeated the White Witch and Narnia was at peace again. He had just turned 18.
“Sire,” a voice interrupted his gaze as he turned to see Orius the General of the Narnian Army.
“They are here,” he said.
Peter nodded at him before turning to the doors of the Great hall. His four siblings stood there, sitting on their thrones. Susan rose to greet Peter when she saw him.
''You’re late,” she said.
“I’m sorry I-“ But Peter’s words were cut off as several stately figures entered the room.
At the front was Princess Estella who had recently turned 17 and behind her, her two brothers, the famous twins Cor and Corin, who were about 15 years old.
But Peter’s gaze was still locked on the women in front of him .She had grown since he had last seen her, golden hair now reached down to her hips and her facial expressions were more mature, but those eyes were why every women in the country envied her, they were a gleaming, swirling shade of gold, and matched in contrast to her pale skin and high definitive cheekbones. The look of confidence she gave was always lightening to a room.
As they reached to the front gate, the four monarchs stood there, ready to greet them. The princess rode a graceful white horse, and her brothers, gleaming chestnuts.
“Welcome, your highness, to Narnia” He said, kissing her soft hand. Peter noticed her hand was adorned with a ring of pure gold, in the shape of a dolphin, with one sparkling ruby eye. It was a great thing of beauty indeed.
'Thank you, your majesty,” her voice rang out, clear and true, in the great hall, “it is an honor to be here.”
He helped her politely from her horse, but no words were spoken as Susan and Lucy rushed to hug her. They were best friends.
“Now, tell me about that…” Lucy’s eager happy voice trailed off as they made their way to the castle. Peter sighed and smiled as Cor and Corin approached him. They chatted in the courtyard about politics for some time, and Peter’s mind was taken off the lovely Princess for a while.
"What brings you to Narnia, princess?" Inquired Peter at dinner. The princess was absolutely glowing with beauty, her golden eyes rested delicately on Peter as she smiled.
"The ball," she chimed, "I am here to attend the ball, you remember I accepted the invitation?"
"Oh-oh yes of course." Peter stuttered, causing Lucy to let out a small giggle.
"So how do things fare in Archland?"
"They are well," she replied simply, "the peace has been keeping and the government is running well, so there are no worries I suppose. But I don't know all that much about that, you may want to ask my brothers." She nodded to Cor and Corin, who were in deep coversation with Susan.
"And you father?" Peter had been afraid to bring up the subject, as Estella and her father had a very close relationship.
Her eyes clouded with worry. "Father is not well." She whispered, looking down at her lap.
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Peter sincerly, "if there is anything I can do to help, just ask."
She smiled graciously, giving a "thank you" that made Peter feel something. It was a strange feeling he had never felt before, something new and unique that made him want to shy away, and do a jig on the dining table.
"Oh what a beautiful ring!" Exclaimed Susan admiring princess Estella's ring that Peter had noticed earlier.
The princess extended her hand to Susan, with a short laugh. "You like it? It is beautiful, isn't it? My father gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday. I love dolphins." She looked at it fondly.
"It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," gasped Lucy, admiring it as well.
"I treasure it greatly, and rarely take it off. It is the dearest thing I have, I don't know what I'd do if I lost it."
As Estella made her way to her chambers, she smiled in remembrance of the day; ah, Cair Paravel! One of her favorite places to be, to see her best friends... Peter was quite the gentleman! And Edmund had been out on a hunting party, funny he did not join us at supper. The siblings were always so friendly and welcoming. Her eyes clouded with worry as she thought of her father, slowing dying in Archland. The castle lost it's magic, and everything seemed dreary. She sighed wearily. She wished all of it would go away. Cair Paravel was her refuge, the place where her spirits were always lifted. She blushed as a certain thought occured in her head.
I do wish the high king would dance with me.
I do wish the fair princess would dance with me.
Thought Peter as he drifted off to sleep.