Becoming a Lioness (Book 2)

Chapter 1 To the stars

I sat on the edge of the balcony in the throne room dangling my legs through the thick, smoothed wooden bars. I pulled my dress up to pool in the middle of my thighs, allowing the setting sun to cascade down my legs.

It had been exactly nine months since we decided to stay here, where we belong. Cair Parivel was rebuilt fairly soon after we defeated the Telemarines and Caspian stayed behind at his Castle, ruling the remaining Telemarines.

I let my head fall back against Peters chest and sighed as he kissed my cheek. The wind rustled the branches of a towering tree, causing it to shake, sending white flowers everywhere.

I laughed as Peter gently leaned forward, wrapping an arm tighter around my waist as to not disturb me, and grasped a falling flower. I took it from his offering hand and tucked it behind my ear. "Let's go." He whispered in my ear.

I glanced back wearily. "Go where?"

"To the stars." He rose to his feet and held his hand out me, smiling that smile I couldn't resist. I accepted his hand and gasped as he tugged me behind him quickly.

He placed his finger to his lips as we ran through the palace. I slapped my free hand over my mouth to stifle my giggles. We reached the front door shortly, slowing to a walk and nodding to the three Centaurs who were standing guard.

We walked leisurely until we were sure we could no longer be seen before taking off once more, running all the way down the rocky path to the beach.

I stopped, pulling off my flat shoes and tossing them to the side. Peter was already at the cool water. I dropped my flower head band on his shirt and ran towards him, jumping on his back.

I screeched as he swung me around sharply, holding my legs as he did so. He slipped on a stone and fell, sending us both flailing in the water. I sputtered, sitting up quickly, only to be splashed by Peter.

I grinned and splashed him back. He continued at that game for a while, until finally growing tired. I followed him out of the water and crashed down on the sand. I rolled on my side and laid my head down on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"See that." He whispered, pointing up at the dark sky. "That's Lilliandil."

"Who?" I furrowed my eyebrows and peered up at his face, dragging one finger down his defined jaw line.

"Lilliandil. She's part star, Ramandu's daughter. She guides ocean travelers when they are in need."

I nodded and asked, " Have you ever seen her?"

"Only in pictures. People have said they didn't know true beauty before laying eyes upon her."

I frowned. "Was she prettier than me?"

"I only saw a picture." He laughed and poked my ribs.

I emitted a squeal and attempted to roll away, but he grasped my arms and pulled me back into him. "Well, based on the picture, was she prettier than me? Was the claim the people made true? Had you not seen true beauty until then?"

He smiled. "Yes. It was true, but then I met you."

I grinned and nodded against his warm, bare shoulder. "Good answer." I felt his lips turn up against my head and he wrapped a finger under my chin. Slowly, he tilted my head up and pulled my face to his, smiling all the while.