After the End (Narnia)

Chapter XII - A Suggestion Accepted

The Narnians awoke the next morning to the smell of a cooked breakfast wafting from the kitchens. It seemed someone was already awake and cooking up a storm. Jill ventured downstairs, expecting to see Eustace in one of his usual stress-baking situations, but instead found Edmund slaving over a stove that held several simmering pots. Edmund himself was red in the face from the heat, his hands covered in various ingredients, with one eye focused on the pot he was stirring and another on a pot that was close to boiling point. Jill put her hands on her hips as Edmund finally noticed her. "I never considered you a chef. What's all this for?" she asked.

"Well, I have an idea I want to present to the True Narnians today, and I thought a nice breakfast might sweeten the deal a little," Edmund admitted.

"Sounds good," Jill agreed. "What's the idea?"

Edmund winked from his position beside her. "I can't tell you that. It would ruin the surprise!"

Jill shifted her weight with a wicked glint in her eyes. "Well be prepared, Edmund Pevensie. I have use of some valuable information that would ruin your reputation with that future girl forever."

Edmund laughed. "What could you possibly know, Jill Pole? We didn't even know each other properly before our Narnian adventures, and even then, we've never been close enough for me to tell you anything particularly embarrassing."

Jill smirked, moving closer to the laughing boy. "I'll say two words. Reindeer antlers. Yes, I know about that. And thanks to your delightful siblings, I also have pictures."

Edmund shook his head, blushing. "Alright. I want to challenge Peter to a proper duel. That's my idea." Jill jumped up and down, clearly excited by the prospect. She called out a haphazard goodbye and ran up the stairs, presumably to tell the other girls. So much for surprise, thought Edmund. Now, how is one supposed to cook potatoes on a grill?

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Harriet stood in Lucy's room, her head filled with confusion. What on earth did these people wear? And where on earth did they store it? The room seemed to be a maze of hidden panels and drawers, similar to something she had once heard about in the Palace of Versailles. But then again, she didn't want to intrude. This was Lucy's personal room. She sighed, flopping down on the makeshift bed she had been assigned for the night.

A knock sounded on the door. Jill peeked in with a smile, a shawl wrapped around her nightdress, the state of her hair indicating she had run somewhere. "Harriet! I have news, and I think it concerns you." Harriet motioned for Jill to continue, curious. "Edmund's going to challenge Peter to a duel, and he's doing it over a delicious cooked breakfast that he made himself!" Harriet tried to conceal the multitude of thoughts running through her head. She had never known Edmund could cook, and to be frank, she was rather impressed. But there was also the issue of a duel. From what Harriet had read of Edmund, he was an expert swordsman, but the whole idea was extremely risky. She hadn't know Edmund for long at all, but her motherly instincts were kicking in. She shook her head to rid herself of such thoughts. He's a grown man. He'll be okay.

Jill appeared to have noticed Harriet's long train of thought. "Hello? Harriet are you there? You're just thinking of darling Eddie in armour, aren't you?" Jill joked. "Don't you think I haven't noticed that you're attracted to him?" Harriet laughed nervously. She had always liked Edmund as a fictional character, and the real version of him was rather attractive too. But being so obvious? That was a worry.

"Stop overthinking it, lovely," the pet name seemed out of place coming from cheeky Jill. "We'll just take it one thing at a time. You do know how to get dressed, don't you?" Harriet blushed, shaking her head. Jill took her by the hand and pointed out the various hidden drawers holding some of Lucy's old clothes.

The two girls exited the women's wing of the castle dressed perfectly for breakfast. Jill wore a lighter green dress that perfectly complimented her eyes, while Harriet wore a medium blue frock that brought out her freckles. They giggled as they ran down the stairs to a full dining room. They had spent far too long getting dressed, it seemed. Eustace had to hide his amazement. Jill had never been particularly girly, so seeing her wearing a pretty dress in everyday life was uncommon. Edmund, too, had to hide his appreciation of the dress that flattered the 'new girl' so well. Concentrate, Ed, he thought to himself. This is important.

The food arrived as Edmund began to speak, rising up from his chair in clothes a little better than his everyday tunics. "Ahem, can I please have everyone's attention?" His voice boomed as the room instantly turned their eyes to the young King.

"It has come to my attention that we have lacked sporting excitement in the last few months here in True Narnia. It has also occurred to me that a duel between kings would not only allow my brother and I to test our skill set, but also give some entertainment to you all. Peter Pevensie, High King of Narnia, do you accept my challenge?" Edmund held his breath. From the outside, he radiated confidence, but inside, he was afraid his brother wouldn't accept. This would be the perfect opportunity to prove his potential to his brother and to all of Aslan's Country.

Peter grinned, addressing his brother in a loud voice, "I accept!" The room filled with cheers as the True Narnians started to enjoy Edmund's feast. Peter smiled at his brother jovially. This would be fun.

Edmund stayed a small while, then disappeared to the armoury to polish his armour and sharpen his sword. He would fight like a king, and he would win like a king. It was time to prove himself. Now, or never.