Peter looked in the mirror as he straightened his evening clothes, turning to the side and pulling down at his Narnian sash. He let out a breath as he stood before himself, wondering why he was even there. Shaking his head, he grabbed his decorative sword and left his room, leaving his selfish feelings behind.

This was a day of celebration for you. You were finally being recognized as the leader of your country by other leaders, brightening the male heavy leadership roles with your radiant smile and wise words. You were his first ally he gained when he became High King of Narnia. Soon after, there was talk of a possible bond in marriage, joining Narnia with your resource rich country. But he saw how uneasy you were with the idea and having just taken your own thrown, he quieted the eager talk, quickly earning your friendship in the process.

But he would be lying if he said he didn't want to bring the topic up again now that you are well established in your role. But he never got the chance to really have a moment with you. Despite having kept up correspondence through letter for the past five years, he had only seen you a handful of times in that same time.

So he found it hard to keep his emotions in check as he accepted your invitation to a meeting of leaders in celebration of your kingdom's blossoming harvest and drop in poverty. He was so proud of you, words could not express. If anyone deserved a celebration it was most definitely you. But since arriving four days ago, he has noticed you were always in the company of other men, making it hard to have any kind of conversation with you.

He shook his head, he was just being selfish again. But one thing bothered him more than anything else. One man in particular seemed to like being around you, if not too close. Several times be would catch your eye and he would find a way to step between him and yourself but he knew he couldn't always be there for you. Though he wished to be.

But you were a strong girl. You knew how to handle yourself, especially with such men driven leadership all around you. Taking one last deep fortifying breath, Peter entered the dining area, ready to get this celebration underway and hopefully find time to speak with you.

You, on the other hand, were at your wit's end and tired. You sat at your vanity as your lady-in-waiting did a trained job of doing your hair. You closed your eyes and took the moment to compose yourself for the long night ahead. Being the only Queen among Kings, Governors, and Emperors, you found yourself playing mother, governess, and headmistress all at once. There were few moments where you felt you were truly enjoying yourself and, to your pleasure, it was always when you were anywhere near your Narnian King.

His gold hair, striking blue eyes, and broad shoulders were easy to find in the sea of tall, dark and handsome men vying for your attention. Despite having several women around to even the playing feild, the men got it into their minds that you were looking for a spouse. Perhaps you were, but you have yet to talk to him about anything other than the usual dull party conversations that meant nothing more than a passing breath in the wind.

You opened your eyes as you felt a hand on your shoulder signaling that your hair was finished. You stood and took one last look in the tall mirror. The dress you wore was different than the ones woman usually wore. It was still long and elegant but you wore no constricting corset, you feared you would pass out if you were to wear it tonight. Therefore your figure was true to form and your breast was less voluptuous, giving you a bit more room to breath and hopefully fill your stomach. You nodded to your help and started out your door.

You closed your eyes as you stood outside the doors to the dining room. Muffled voices and music reached your ears. Perhaps you can ask Peter to stay an extra day or so after the others have left. It would be a nice change of twelve men to one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once again you found yourself a part of a large circle of men, all listening intently to what you were saying. At first, you had hoped they listened because what you said was important but you soon came to learn you could say utter nonsense and they would still look on with captured attention. Perhaps, if you were born less favorably in your looks you would find who truly cared about what you had to say.

Again, there Peter was, standing off to the side, looking on. He dared not crowd you as well. But he always made sure to be close in case something were to arise and you were in need of aid. Thankfully you unknowingly wished the same, finding yourself gravitating toward him, always in earshot of the other.

King Peter listened as matters of your kingdom arose, your voice filled with pride at the success you had. But one man's voice interrupted you, causing peter to turn ever so slightly from his own conversation as to see who it was.

King Tavane. He was a man everyone had an unsaid disdain for. You found him charming at first but when you found him yelling at one of your servants you quickly changed your thoughts on him. Now you found yourself under scrutiny and in a way no woman should ever find herself.

"Now, My Lady, do tell. How well do you play?"

You set your drink aside, clasping your hands behind your back as you balled your fist. Dinner was over and you were able to avoid his questions until now. Might as well get them over with. "Play? I fear I know little when it comes to music."

Tavane raised his chin, placing his own drink down. "No instruments have the honor to be under your touch?"

You internally cringed at his wayward analogy. "I fear not. Though my library has had my fair share of long night stays." You hoped he knew you were not lacking in knowledge if only in the arts.

"Do you, perhaps, draw then?"

You shook your head. "Not much of an artist. My sister was blessed with such a talent. Not I."

"So no watercolors, drawing, or paints?" He let out a laugh as if he told the grandest joke. "My, my. Please say you at least know needlework? If not I fear you may do well to learn a thing or two from the kitchens."

The room grew quiet. Your face was undoubtedly red. None of the men around you stood to defend you despite you doing your best. King Tavane happened to be one of the most powerful men in the room, his army having been used to craft the horror stories that now send children to their beds at night. So it was wise for no man to berate him, for fear of finding their land under siege from his large forces.

But Peter cared not. He found he was now standing beside you, having moved closer along with everyone else as King Tavane's voice alone filled the room. Peter took a step forward as one of his hands reached for yours, holding it still as it shook with what he feared was shame.

But King Tavane wasn't finished. He too took a step forward but now seemed to be addressing the men and woman in the room. "It seems I have found the reason you have not been matched my dear," he sneered, "you are not truly accomplished. What a pity. You are one of the more handsome women I have been forced into the company of, but no matter."

You tried again, not wanting to be seen as weak and unable to stand a man running his mouth. "Sire, I am sorry you find me inadequate but I will have you be reminded of where you are and whom's gracious host you are under. I will not stand for you to speak thusly. I am a Queen, your equal, and I hope to receive respect as such." Now you were shaking, but you were proud you were able to get anything out at all. Peter's hand squeezed yours in admiration and strength, helping your heart slow.

But it seemed that made things worse. "It seems you are not the type whom would fit the role of a Queen for a real man. You have had too much of a taste of power and leadership. You need to learn your place. I fear you do not even look well enough to bare children. Shame." The wicked man stood before you as if inspecting your form. You almost wished you had worn the corset.

Everyone stood in shock. Even Peter found himself at a loss of words. How dare this man come into your home and disrespect you. You have more skill and accomplishments in your pinky than he has in his whole army.

Pride filled his features as Tavane saw no objections from you and opened his mouth again"Now that we have that out of the way I do hope you have learned something. You are in over your head my dear. You will never-"

"That is enough!"

You jumped, as did half the people in the room. Peter now stood between you and the awful man. You shrank behind him, not caring that it made you look weak.

"You have gone too far. I believe you are either blind and deaf. Have you not heard the accomplishments her and her people have achieved? She has dropped poverty into single digits, her crops and harvests are full, giving jobs to many, she is alone in her reign and yet has done more than any of us ever did in the same amount of time she has been leading. There are many more to add to that list. She is kind, understanding, merciful and wise. For you to come in here and belittle her to a role she has no place to be compared to I suggest you take your things and leave. I believe you have over welcomed your stay."

Peter's words broke the spell around them, bringing people to action. The other leaders stood information around you and Peter as if to protect you. Your guards took care of the unruly king as he spat out unsavory words and threats. He held Peter's gaze before he was kicked out, pointing at him with a shaking finger.

"War. You are asking for war."

Peter ignored him, turning instead to wrap his arms around you as you shook where you stood. Seeing as how no one was paying attention, he took the opportunity to steal you away, the two of you stepping into a bare storage room, the only light coming from the moon through a small window. He held you to his chest as you took deep steady breaths to calm your racing heart and dry your eyes. The sound of his beating heart helped you ground yourself as his smell filled your mind, helping you focus on the fact he was there holding you. Helping you.

Peter stroked your hair, staying quiet as you collected yourself. He held you for as long as you needed, telling a maid who came in that you were alright and to tell the guests that they are free to go or stay until tomorrow as planned. After a few more moments you pulled away, keeping your hands on his chest as he kept his hand on your side.

"Are you alright?" His voice was quiet but kind, making you smiled as he always did.

"Yes, I am now. Thank you. I-I..."

"Shhh. It is over. I am just sorry it ended like this." He pulled you into another embrace, making small circles on your back.

You let out a sigh, shaking your head against his shoulder. "I'm not sorry. If that's what it took to be alone with you then so be it. And in  your arms no less."

You both let out a small laugh, pulling away to gaze at each other once more. Peter reached up, stroking your cheek, lightly pulling at a hair that fell near your temple. You were breathtaking. And he yearned to keep you near him. An idea popped into his head.

"Come to Narnia with me. I know how much you miss it. When was the last time you were there, five years ago?"

You let out a small unladylike snort. "For far too long." You looked away and swallowed, unsure how to react. You took a breath, looking back at him shyly through your lashes. Had you known what that look did you him y ou would have eminence power over him; he had to refrain from kissing you right then and there. "I would love to come with you. But only if you don't mind staying here for a few more days as I rest and prepare to leave."

Peter smiled wide. He allowed himself a chased kiss on your cheek, holding your hands in his. "I am all yours. But only if you allow me to write to Lucy that you are coming to surprise Susan for her birthday."

You laughed, your smile wide. "Of course. I do not see any other reason to be there."

But the both of you knew what the real reason was thought it was unsaid. The both of you smiled lost in thought, unbeknownst to the other that they were thinking the same, of how nice it would be to be in each other's company at all times.

So not sorry for how long this was. Boo bye