12.2




"As soon as we get a chance, we need to talk," Zoe tells Peter as they walk side by side with their fingers grazing each other's as they do so. Peter looks at her confused but nods his head anyways.

Caspian stops at the edge of the woods, so the Pevensies and Zoe can catch up to see the How. As Lucy, Peter, Zoe, Caspian, Susan, and Edmund lead the way to the How, the centaurs gather on both sides of the entryway and raise their swords which causes Lucy, Peter, Zoe, Caspian, Susan, and Edmund to stop. Lucy, Peter, Susan, and Edmund continue forward with their heads held high in confidence because of their titles.

Caspian notices how Zoe stopped beside him, causing him to look at her confused. Zoe gives him a smile before she motions for him to follow the others since as a prince, he is still technically above her in rank because of the fact that she never married Peter. Caspian slowly trails behind the Pevensies, allowing Zoe time to catch up with him. They walk into the How before Zoe and the Pevensies look around at the Narnians working on weapons.

"It may not be what you are used to, but it is defensible," Caspian says as everyone takes their own way to explore.

"Peter. You may want to see this," Zoe says as she stands at the entrance to the tunnel where she left Susan. "It's us."

Peter looks around at the engravings on the walls. It was the story of their adventure in Narnia. Peter pauses for a moment as he sees a drawing of him holding Zoe on the battlefield which brings back the memories of what it could have been like to lose her. Something he never wants to feel ever again.

"What is this place?" Lucy asks as she and Edmund join them.

"You don't know?" Caspian asks as he looks at them in shock.

Caspian grabs a torch from the wall before they journey deeper into the tunnel. As they enter the room, Caspian lights each side of the room. The fire meets underneath an engraving of Aslan. The room is fully lit and the cracked stone table can be seen. The Pevensies and Zoe all glance at one another in shock. Lucy walks up to the stone table before turning around.

"He must know what he's doing," Lucy says talking about Aslan which makes Zoe lightly smile.

"I think it's up to us now," Peter responds with a shake of his head which causes Zoe to frown.

A faun that was on guard comes into the How to warn everyone that he saw a Telmarine at the edge of the trees. Peter and Caspian decide to have a meeting with everyone in the room with the stone table.



"It's only a matter of time. Miraz's men and war machines are on their way. That means those same men aren't protecting his castle," Peter explains as he attempts to come up with a battle plan.

"What do you propose we do, your Majesty?" Reepicheep asks as he looks to Peter.

"We need to get ready for it," Caspian starts to say at the same time Peter says, "To start planning for..."

Peter sends Caspian a slight glare which causes Caspian to back down. Zoe frowns as she realizes that Peter has the need to have power and control.

"Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us," Peter proposes as he looks around at the Narnians.

"That's crazy. No one has taken that castle," Caspian states with a shake of his head.

"There's always a first time," Peter retorts with a roll of his eyes while he stands beside Zoe in hopes of having her support.

"We'll have the element of surprise," Trumpkin adds while agreeing with Peter.

"But we have the advantage here!" Caspian argues as he motions to where they are standing.

"If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely," Susan explains as she stands next to Caspian which causes Peter to look at his sister with a glare while Caspian looks at her in shock that she sided with him.

"I, for one, feel safer underground," Trufflehunter agrees as he raises his paw.

"Look. I appreciate what you've done here, but this isn't a fortress. It's a tomb," Peter states which has Zoe nodding her head in agreement about the How being a potential tomb, but she does not think storming the castle is the best idea either.

"Yes. And if they're smart, the Telmarines will just wait and starve us out," Edmund agrees as he goes to stand beside Peter, having seen Zoe's nod.

"I think you know where I stand, sire," Reepicheep says as he turns to face Peter with a bow of his head.

"If I get your troops in, can you handle the guards?" Peter asks as he turns to Glenstorm, who looks at Caspian to see if he will argue before answering.

"Or die trying, my liege," Glenstorm answers as he bows his head which causes Zoe to frown.

"That's what I'm worried about," Lucy speaks up which causes everyone to look over at her.

"Sorry?" Peter asks as if Lucy should not have a say in the matter at all.

"You're all acting like there are only two options. Dying here, or dying there," Lucy answers as Zoe nods her head agreeing with her as does Susan.

"She's right," Zoe adds but she is ignored by Peter.

"I'm not sure you've been listening," Peter tells his sister with a shake of his head.

"No, you're not listening," Lucy fires back with a defiant glare. "Or have you forgotten who really defeated the White Witch?"

"I think we have waited for Aslan long enough," Peter responds with a shake of his head, causing Zoe to sigh as he leaves the room.

Zoe puts on her armor as she and Susan prepare for the battle ahead of them before Zoe goes to check on Peter.

"Are you truly okay with this plan?" Zoe asks as she finds Peter staring at himself in a mirror.

"It's the best option we have," Peter responds as if he were trying to convince himself. "Do you believe it is?"

"I honestly do not think either plan is good," Zoe admits as she moves to stand in front of Peter, who frowns at her words. "But, I will follow you anywhere and have your back in any battle we face."

"Thank you," Peter says as he moves some hair out of Zoe's face. Peter places a kiss on Zoe's forehead, causing her to lightly smile. Zoe goes to speak with him about the status of their relationship but Peter is quick to interrupt her. "We should go."

"I believe these belong to you," Caspian says as he walks over to Zoe, who is speaking to the griffin that will be carrying her.

"My daggers," Zoe exclaims as Caspian holds the weapons out to her. "Where did you find these?"

Caspian explains that his professor was the one to find them while Zoe listens to every word with a smile on her face. Peter watches from a distance with a glare directed at Caspian.

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