The Phoenix Archer ∞ Peter Pevensie

ii. | E I G H T

✧
N E R I S S A

"Caspian." I call out as I spot him turning down the hallway, "May I have a word with you, please?"

"Of course." He replies, furrowing his brows. "Is something wrong?"

"No, not at all. It's just..." I drift off, "I wanted to talk to you about the plans for the raid."

"It's too dangerous, Nerissa. You of all people should know that."

"I'm aware of the risks, Caspian. Trust me, I do." I sigh, "And if we have any chance of succeeding, we're going to need your help. You know the grounds, Caspian. You can navigate it even better than I can."

Silence took over as Caspian stared at the ground in deep thought.

"Please, Caspian." I plead, "I trust Peter, but this won't work without you."

Caspian stays silent, his eyebrows knitted closely together, and his eyes dark and serious.

"We can get Cornelius out." I continue, "As long as we plan carefully and follow said plan to the tee, we'll be out before we know it. We have to at least try."

He exhales sharply, pressing his thumb and pointer finger on the bridge of his nose.

"You trust him?"

I nod, "I do."

"Fine," He finally gives in, "I'll help. But let me be clear, Nerissa. I'm doing this only because I trust you. Not him."

I shoot Caspian a pleading look. I knew Peter and him didn't get along, but I'm sure they both respected me enough to at least try for my sake.

"I know he's harsh, Caspian. If only you knew him like I do and I wish you will get the chance to." I clap a hand on his shoulder, "Peter and I are having dinner together with his siblings. Join us. We'll discuss the rest of this first thing tomorrow."

Caspian shakes head, "You go ahead."

"But we're celebrating!" I argue, "Come on."

He glances at me, confused, "What are you celebrating?"

I couldn't help the smile that dances across my lips before I held my left hand out for Caspian to see.

The glimmer of the diamond is unmissable, and the weight of the ring on my finger was still something to get used to. The fact that Peter actually properly asked was still surreal.

"No way. You're really marrying him?" Caspian says, but the smile that tugs on the corner of his lips tell me he's only teasing. Still, I couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to his question.

"I am." I say, "I love him, Caspian. More than anything. Please try and get along. I know it takes both of you to make it work. Trust me, I'll speak to Peter, too."

"I don't have a problem with him." He shrugs.

I raise a brow at him that clearly said: really?

"I'm not an idiot, Caspian."

My brother sighs, his face contorting in mild disdain, "He's just a little pushy, isn't he?"