Wish [Sequel to Hope]

Chapter 13

Ashlynn fumbled with the hem of her dress for the third time that hour. Her nerves were getting the better of her and she had no way of channeling them into something productive. Her and Edmund had been tasked with delivering the message of combat to Miraz and she was less than pleased. The last thing she wanted to do was face the man who had destroyed her kingdom. 

Edmund glanced over at the blonde beside him, quickly noticing her nerves. He gently laced his hand through her own and pulled it away from the fabric, giving it a small squeeze in assurance. Ashlynn's breath became lodged in her throat. She turned her head to face the boy, her face burning in embarrassment. He gave her a small smile. 

       "It's going to be alright Ash. Nothing's going to happen to you, I promise." He spoke calmly. 

Ashlynn chuckled softly.  "I'm more worried about what's going to happen to him when I see his face." 

Edmund grinned at her response, glad to have the feisty girl with him. She never failed to brighten his day. 

Edmund, Ashlynn, and a few of their soldiers approached Miraz's tent, quickly announcing they come with a declaration. The guards let them pass, but kept their hands close to their weapons. Edmund rolled his eyes and opened the scroll he was carrying.

       "I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel and Emperor of the Lone Islands, 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." He recited carefully. 

Miraz took a moment to ponder Edmund's declaration. "Tell me Prince Edmund..." 

       "King," Edmund cut in. 

       "Pardon me?"  

Ashlynn decided to speak for the first time. "It's Kind Edmund actually. Just "King" though. Peter's the High King. And I'm Queen alongside Susan and Lucy. I know, it's confusing." 

Miraz's eyes raked across Ashlynn's body, sizing her up. "You seem too young to be married." 

Ashlynn scoffed at the "King's" statement. "I earned the throne by my own merit, not by being sold to a man." 

Miraz was surprised by the blonde's outburst. Edmund quietly put his hand on Ashlynn's back, wordlessly telling her to shut her mouth. Ashlynn obeyed, but continued glaring at the Telmarine. 

Miraz turned his attention back to Edmund. "Why would we risk such a proposal when our armies could wipe you out by nightfall?" 

        "Haven't you already underestimated our numbers?" Edmund replied quickly. "I mean, only a week ago, Narnians were extinct."

        "And so you will be again." 

Ashlynn clenched her fists.

        "Then you should have little to fear." Edmund answered before she could. 

        "It is not a question of bravery," Miraz argued. 

Ashlynn took a step forward with a mocking smile. "So you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age." 

Miraz matched her grin. "I didn't say I refused." 

To the left of Miraz, one of his Lords chose to speak up. "You shall have our support, Your Majesty. Whatever your decision." 

       "Sire, our military advantage alone provides the perfect excuse to avoid what might otherwise be," another Lord began. 

        "I'm not avoiding anything!" Miraz exclaimed loudly, causing Ashlynn to jump slightly. 

        "I was merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse." The Lord justified. 

The general near Ashlynn decided to enter the conversation. "His Majesty would never refuse. He relishes the chance to show his people the courage of their new king." 

Miraz already had his mind made up. "You," He pointed a dagger towards Edmund. "You should hope your brother's sword is sharper than his pen." 

Edmund grinned, knowing they had just bought Lucy and Susan precious time. The Narnians made their departure, refusing to drop their guard until they were well away from the massive Telmarine camp. The sun was shining brightly on the group, warming Ashlynn face and highlighting her golden halo of hair. The world didn't seem to realize a bloodshed was about to occur. 

When they returned to the Howe and gave Peter the news, preparations began immediately. As much as Ashlynn wanted to stay with the Kings, she knew she wouldn't be able to watch Peter fight to the death without jumping in to stop it herself. So she remained in the Howe, ensuring the troops were ready should things go south. She would lead the underground charge with Caspian, riding alongside him on a centaur. Despite the number of battles Ashlynn had experienced, her fear never subsided. She was constantly terrified one of the Pevensie's would fall, and now that she wasn't aware of Susan's or Lucy's whereabouts, her anxiety was at an all time high. She was struggling to strap on her armor when Edmund found her. 

        "Ash, you have to try and calm down. The battle hasn't even started." He spoke to her while looping the belt around her waist. 

Ashlynn felt numb when his rough hands encircled her hips, her mouth refusing to open. She kept her eyes straight forward, not daring to look at the brown haired beauty before her. 

         God Edmund Pevensie, what are you doing to me?  She thought. 

She was finally able to form proper words when Edmund finished tying her armor. 

        "I just have a bad feeling about Susan and Lucy." 

Edmund looked at her in sympathy. "They'll be alright. Caspian felt the same as you. He left about five minutes ago to make sure they made it to the woods." 

Ashlynn let out a breath of relief at this. If Caspian was with them, she felt a little better. 

        "Are you clear on the plan?" Edmund asked. 

Ashlynn smiled slightly. "Yes Ed. You've gone over it with me only a few hundred times." 

       "I just don't want anything to go wrong." 

        "Peter's strong. He can do this. Have a little hope." 

Edmund cast his eyes down to the floor. Ashlynn couldn't help herself and quickly wrapped her arms around his frame. He immediately reciprocated, engulfing her. Ashlynn pressed her cheek against his metal breastplate, closing her eyes and enjoying his company. Much like the raid, she didn't know what was going to happen, but she knew she had Edmund. Edmund leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her temple before pulling away. 

       "I should go. Pete will be waiting." He stared at her for a moment longer. "I'll see you on the other side." 

Ashlynn nodded her head, gripping her dagger tightly. She was ready to defend her home to her last breath. 

Word Count: 1348

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