esmeemaria-I just had to pick Peter, he is just...*continous row of heart eyes*

Lucy raced out to the balcony overlooking the east side of Cair  Paravel that bordered the sea. She placed her hand over her brow to shield her eyes as she peered out. A smile pulled across her lips as she spotted the person she was looking for.

Peter was slowly riding off on his horse, it's hooves splashing in the shallow waters that reached up the beach. He was close enough to see the look of concentration on his face that usually accompanied him on evening rides.

"Peter!" She called out.

Peter pulled gently on his reigns and turned, smiling up at his youngest sister. "Yes, Lu?"

She leaned forward over the balcony. "Don't be out for too long. Susan wants to go over the plans for this weekend's gathering again."

Peter exaggerated sagging his shoulders. "Then I take it it would be unwise to runoff with a woodnymph."

Lucy giggled. "Only if you bring her to dinner. Oh, and her etiquette and choice in clothes won't rival Susan's."

Peter chuckled. "Of course. I would be a disgrace to the family without your help. Tell Susan I'll be back in time." He waved before turning back around.

Lucy smiled, waving back before staring after him. She let out a sigh as she leaned and elbow on the rail, resting her chin on her hand. Susan had a suitor, Ed was writing a young empress and Lucy herself fancied a young man a country over. But Peter...ever since he found out he was being used by the last woman he courted, he has kept his heart sealed and his feelings hidden from any woman he met. Lucy felt bad for him and prayed that he would find someone to make him happy again.

Peter scratched at his short beard he was letting grow out as he looked nothing in particular ahead of him. He liked the feel of the horse walking, the smell of the sea and the sound of nature around him. It helped clear his head. And he needed a clear head.

His nightmares were back. The fact that horrible woman still plagued him even after she was sent off to rot with her accomplices made Peter irritable and bitter. Last night he got no more than two hours of sleep and he had dignitaries he had to entertain in a few days. Would not be wise to be cought sleeping in a meeting.

Peter was brought out of his thoughts when his mount whinnied. Peter leaned forward and stroked his neck. The horse shook its head. Save for a few large boulders that sat on the edge of the shoreline, there was nothing to be seen.

"What is it, Casper? You see something?" Knowing all too well that his steed couldn't speak, Peter found it soothing to speak to him. "You let me know if you see it again."

They walked along the shoreline for a little bit more until Casper acted up again. Peter looked around as he pulled on the reigns, coming to a complete stop. Looking around, Peter couldn't see anything but not a moment later he heard something. The sound of someone moaning and coughing.

Peter edged is horse forward slowly as he searched the woods to his right, the sea to his left. As they got closer to the stash of boulders, Casper shook his head more, stepping anxiously. The coughing sounded closer.

Peter slid off the horse, taking the reigns with him as he walked around the rocks. But he dropped them the moment he saw what was making the noise. The moment he saw you splayed on the sand, face down, the water splashing up on you. Peter came over to you, crouching next to you.

"Hello?" He reached over and moved your wet hair from your face. "Can you hear me, are you alright?"

You groaned, your eyes fluttering but not quite opening.

He looked you over, making sure you were free of injury. Thankfully you were clothed and there was no sign of blood. But your coughs didn't sound too good. Gently and slowly, Peter turned you over before lifting you onto his lap. He wasn't sure how long you were laying there but long enough for some of your hair to dry and your arms get a bit burned.

Again, Peter stroked your hair back then stroked your cheek. "Come on, wake up."

You heard a soft, deep voice. You leaned into the soft touch of a hand on your cheek. Your eyes fluttered again, opening for a moment. A handsome man looked down at you, his face pinched in worry.

"Hello there. Are you hurt? Do you know where you are?" He stroked your cheek, giving you a kind smile.

You swallowed or at least tried to, your throat dry and sore. You blinked, struggling to keep your tired eyes open.

"S-safe?"

Peter didn't understand at first and his hesitation scared you so you tried to pull away. Then Peter nodded, being sure to keep you close.

"Oh, yes, of course, you are safe." He placed a hand on his chest. "My name is Peter."

You looked at him, searching his face. But you saw truth in his eyes. You relaxed in his arms since waking up, breathing easy. You looked weakly into his eyes.

"(Y-y/n)."

Peter nodded, giving you a small smile. "Nice to meet you (Y/n). Now don't be frightened, I am going to place you on my horse and take you to my home so you can be cared for."

All you could bring yourself to do was nod, your eyes struggling to stay open. Peter gently picked you up. His heart dropped, you felt so light. After successfully getting the both of you on Casper, Peter pushed him hard to Cair Paravel swiftly. Susan will not like the sudden change in plans but will be glad to help, you looked about her size. But Lucy, on the other hand, will be so ecstatic to see him in the vicinity of a woman let alone riding in with one in his arms.

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Since opening your eyes to the face of a handsome stranger, the rest of your memory was blurred. You remembered hearing voices, feeling Peters soft hands on your cheek, the warmth of a wet rag on your skin and the soft fabric of a real bed. But you didn't fully become aware of your surroundings until a few nights later when you awoke to someone entering your room.

You sat up and called out. "Hello?"

Peter stepped into the light of the lamp beside your bed, his hands clasped behind him. His plain clothes you remembered seeing him in was swapped for something a bit nicer. He gave you a kind smile before taking a stool and sitting beside your bed.

"Sorry if I woke you. How are you feeling."

You relaxed on the bed, the pillows propping you up feeling like clouds. "Much better, thank you." You looked around the room then back to Peter. "Peter, where am I?"

You watched as his eyes glowed with happiness and his back straightened. "You are in Cair Paravel, the home of the four Kings and Queens and capital of Narnia."

Your eyes widened. "I do home I haven't been a burden. How will I ever repay them?" You stared at your hands laying on the soft bedding.

Peter chuckled, reaching over and taking your hand. "I think your recovery will be payment enough."

You stared at his hand grasping yours as realization donned on you. "Forgive me, My Lord High King Peter. I-" But his voice drew your gaze and stopped your words.

"(Y/n), please, you were washed up on a beach. You are lucky I found you when I did." He stroked your hand with his thumb. And call me Peter. You may not remember but we spoke a few times during your recovery. Do you remember much? Or how you became washed up?"

You thought a moment then shook your head. "No. I do not remember speaking to you or how I ended up here. I am sorry."

Peter shook his head. "No need to be sorry. Are you tired at all? Can I get you anything?"

You gave him a shy smile, his kindness and eagerness to help touched your heart. "I fear I am no longer tired but I am a bit peckish."

Peter nodded. "As you should be. You have been in and out of consciousness for three days. My sisters will be eager to meet you but I think it would be best if you took your dinner in here." He stood and pulled a rope, calling for a servant. "Would you mind if I joined you?"

You shook your head, liking the idea of being in his comforting presence. Peter smiled and soon enough the servant came and took their orders. The High King stayed with you, talking and keeping you company making you forget he was a High King at all. Even as the food came and gone, Peter found himself in rapture of your conversation and personality. It did not take long for the two of you to become fast friends.

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Lucy would watch eagerly from afar as his eldest brother and new visitor took evening strolls in one of the gardens. She loved to hear her brother laugh again and see the light be brought back to his eyes. She found that she liked you very much, glad that you were washed up all those weeks ago. But she had a feeling you might not stay.

You grew to like and even love your stay in Cair Paravel but you had remembered where you were from and that you were no more than a servant in a small courthouse a few day's ride beyond the sea. But you dared not tell Peter for fear of him turning you away. You found yourself fond of his smile, the way he glowed with excitement about anything and everything, the way he looked at you, and the way he found small ways to hold your hand or stay close to you. Your heart grew heavy at the thought of going back to a life of servitude, more so being away from him than anything.

Peter found his heart growing light with each passing moment with you and he never wanted that feeling to go away. Surely you remembered where you were from now but he didn't care if you were a farming maid or the princess of his enemy, he wanted you to stay in Narnia. In Cair Paravel. With him. So one evening after so many weeks of long talks and many shared laughs, Peter decided to ask you to stay. With him.

You stood with Peter as the both of you looked out over the bright blue ocean, watching the sun set slowly below the horizon. Neither of you spoke as the bright colors of the sun cast orange, yellow and pink hues onto the clouds. Peter would watch the colors change but he was too busy watching you. Against his better judgement, he stepped up behind you, wrapping an arm around your middle.

Forgetting yourself you leaned back onto him, loving the warmth and feel of his body so close to your own. The two of you stood there in silence for a few more moments before Peter could no longer keep his thoughts to himself. Leaning in, he whispered into your ear as he held you to him, his hand grasping yours.

"Stay here. Please."

Your body filled with giddy warmth but was soon replaced with ice-cold dread. You closed your eyes as you replied.

"I cannot. I am not royalty. I am a servant in a courthouse just a few day's ride from here over the ocean. I had fallen overboard during a storm. I am no importance. That is why no one has come looking for me. "

Peter pulled away but turned you gently to look at him, his hand reaching up to caressed your cheek. "Then all the reason for you to stay. Because if you go you will be missed. I will come looking for you."

Tears pricked at your eyes. You reached up and stroked his trimmed light beard, a sad smile pulling at your lips. Peter leaned into your touch as his hands fell to your waist and his forehead gently rested upon yours.

You sniffed before replying, keeping your hand on his face, not ready to leave him just yet. "I am no worthy to be by your side. You deserve someone who will make you proud."

Peter let out a low chuckle as he leaned in. "I dare say, let me be the judge of that."

His lips captured yours in a heart-stopping kiss. He pulled you to him as your arms snaked up his chest and around his neck. It was quick but held enough meaning and emotion for you to make up your mind.

You pulled away and giggled, nodding as you bit your lip, your eyes still closed. "Yes. I'll stay. If that is what you wish."

Peter opened his eyes and smiled wide, kissing you on the forehead. "With all my heart," he whispered before gathering you in his arms again and kissing you deeply.

Lucy could barely contain her excitement and happiness as she bolted from her hiding spot and running to her other siblings ready to tell them the news and to collect her winnings. Lucy knew you were the right Queen for the High King.