king's temptation | narnia

chapter 6: the ball

I reached the top of the spiral staircase and heard the buzz of talking and live music being played. It's now or never. I took small steps down each of the stairs until I reached my first mark on the landing. Now that I was in the view of everybody, I looked down at the party.

Susan had it decorated beautifully with pink flower garlands and fallen willow tree branches. There were candles that seemed to be floating and hanging lanterns that gave the room a nice golden glow.

Everyone turned to look at me and I spotted the Pevensies sitting in their thrones at the back of the room.

"Every creature, please welcome Queen Katelyn the Victorious as she comes into society!" Mr. Tumnus announced as everybody cheered.

I was entirely blown away by how many people were here! There were all of our subjects, men from Calormen and Lords from Archenland.

I cleared my throat and smiled, walking down the stairs. Mr. Tumnus bowed and took my hand, walking me up to the Pevensies.

As I looked up at them, my eyes locked with Edmund's dark stare. He had a slight smile on his face as he looked at me, and my cheeks developed a rosy blush.

As we arrived in front of my fellow Kings and Queens of Narnia, I let go of Mr. Tumnus's hand and lowly curtsied. My eyes broke away from Edmund's and locked into Peter's. He smirked as he looked me up and down, and stood up.

The High King walked down to me and bowed while I curtsied again.

He took my manicured hand and strode off with me to the dance floor. Everyone was required to watch the first dance, so of course, everyone was watching us.

The band started playing a sweet tune so I put my left hand on his muscular shoulder while he put his right hand on the small of my back and brought my hand up.

He smiled at me as he led me around the room, twirling my body so that my dress followed suit. While we danced I saw the faces of the remaining Pevensies. Susan and Lucy were now standing and clapping along to the music with wide smiles on their faces. Edmund however still sat on his throne, looking quite broody. Huh, I wonder what's up with him.

"I must say, you look even more beautiful than normal tonight, Katelyn," said Peter in a hushed voice. I smiled and slightly laughed.

"I didn't know you noticed me normally," I said in a whisper. We had our eyes locked as our feet moved together perfectly on their own accord. This time, it was Peter who laughed.

"Katelyn, were my advances earlier today not clear? I think you're the most beautiful young lady in Narnia," he said in a serious voice. The music started to come to an end, so we slowed.

"I thought I was too innocent for you?" I said breathlessly as we moved away from each other.

"Yes, that's the problem," said Peter as he bowed to me. I curtsied and slightly smiled as everyone came onto the dance floor.

Peter walked off to find a new dance partner as I turned to the back of the room.

Dancing with Peter only made the kiss we shared earlier more intoxicating, and I yearned for more of that feeling. No! I can't be thinking like this. I am to dance with Edmund now. I tried to erase all thoughts of Peter from my mind as I approached Edmund, who was still sitting on his throne looking contemplative.

"What's wrong with you, Ed?" I said as I walked up to him.

At the sight of Kate, Edmund perked up and stood in front of her, taking in her beauty.

"Nothing you need to worry about," said Edmund. He looked her up and down briefly. "You look absolutely beautiful by the way. That color looks gorgeous with your hair," he said nervously, looking down at his feet. Kate blushed bright pink.