Narnia: The Royal Advisor (Side Stories)

Archenland (1.8) Part 1

When my troops and I arrived at the King's palace, we were greeted by a warm welcoming party. I was quickly rushed into the throne room, bowing before King Lune, "Greetings, Your Highness. I am sorry to meet you in these troubled times."

"Nonsense, please stand. You are the Red Lady are you not? I could not have hoped for anyone better to help protect my country from the Calormenes." I rose to my feet as the kind King shook my hand, "You and your men must be quite tired from your journey. Rest assured you and your men will be treated fairly. I shall have my servant, Naida, show you to your quarters and prepare you a bath as well as clothes for tonight's dinner."

I bowed my head again, "Thank you very much again for your hospitality, Your Highness."

"Please, call me King Lune. I shall see you at dinner tonight."

I smiled as I was led away by the servant Naida to a large room with a bath room attached to the side. "I've already drawn you warm bath water, my lady. I shall return with enough time to help you prepare for dinner."

I nodded, "Thank you, Naida." Once she left I hopped in the bath, going over battle strategies as well as peace terms in my head. I got out of the bath once the water got cool and dressed myself in a robe until Naida returned. I noticed the fashion for women's clothing was much sleeker and revealing in Archenland as apposed to the traditional ballgowns in Narnia, but I didn't mind all that much.

The dress I wore was black and white, riddled with sequins, and had no sleeves of any kind leaving my arms and shoulder completely exposed. Without sleeves I had no idea how the dress was supposed to stay up, until realizing that the lace back simply had to be tightened to a near unbreathable state.

Once my hair was done up, I was led to the grand dining room and sat on the King's left. Once all the lords and ladies had arrived, the King stood from his chair to raise his goblet above his head, "A toast to all in attendance tonight and the wonderful food the chefs have prepared. But most of all a toast to out Narnian guests, who have come to help defend our country in case of a Southern attack. To a continued peace with our northern allies. HAIL!"

I raised my goblet, shouting with the rest of the guests, "HAIL!" I took a swig of the sweet Archenland wine and began to eat once food was placed on my plate.

King Lune then turned and asked, "How is my son, Prince Corin? Has he been treated fairly."

I nodded, "Oh yes, he is safe and is rather fascinated by the diversity of Narnian citizens. Although I fear he may have gotten into trouble while with King Edmund and Queen Susan in Calormen. In my opinion he should have stayed with Queen Lucy and I in Cair Paravel instead of in a hostile country."

"Ah yes, the Calormenes are quite a brutish folk. You know their cousins in Telmar are not much better."

I nodded at the King words, "Trust me, my king, I know. A representative from Telmar appeared at King Edmund's past birthday and tried to challenge me in my own home, speaking awfully nasty notions."

The King smirked, "I doubt he lived very long after that."

I shook my head, "The man still lives, although he did have to limp back to his country due to the bruise I left in his shin."

The King and several others who were listening to my story laughed. The man sitting across from me asked, "It is rumored that you are fierce, my lady, but I did not realize you also carried a sense of humor."

I smiled, "And you are?"

The King practically jumped out of his chair, "Of course! Introductions! Lady Emmaline, this man sitting across from you is Lord Torin, my Royal Advisor. You two should have a lot to talk about considering your similar professions."

I nodded at the man, "A pleasure, Lord Torin."

He bowed his head to me, "No, no, my lady. The pleasure is all mine, I had hoped to meet the woman who inspired so many frightening rumors. I am happy to see that you are not a a large, red demoness."

I rolled my eyes, "You can't always believe everything you hear. I may be a good fighter, but I am no different from the average woman."

Lord Torin smirked, "I highly doubt you are average, my lady. You placed second in the tournament of the Lone Islands, did you not? Not many women in Archenland can even say they can fight."

I scoffed, "Well I do admit that I prefer sparring with my men in the training yard rather than sewing or singing."

I glanced up from my food to see a mischievous glint in the Lord's eye, "Perhaps a demonstration of your prowess? A hunt can be organized for the day after tomorrow. What do you think, my King?"

King Lune's eyes widened in excitement, "That sounds like a brilliant idea! Don't you think so, my lady?"

I sighed heavily, "I guess I have no choice, but I must insist we take five of my best men just in case of a surprise attack while we are out on our hunt."

"Of course, my lady, I understand."

I nodded to the King, but glared at Lord Torin. He had just challenged me, and as a powerful woman representing Narnia, I would not back down nor would I lose that challenge.