The journey to Galma was for a few days if we went by road and a few hours if we travelled by sea. We didn't have much time to lose and so, we chose to travel by sea. I wasn't sure what effect that was going to have on me but I was mentally prepared. I would be with Caspian and that was all that mattered.

Telling Cassie that we would be back by the next day and leaving her with Nina was hard. She did not leave my leg and Caspian's. She stuck to us like glue. Once that got over, we boarded the ship.

Caspian looked as though he was a little child who had found a shiny new toy. He loved being on the ship. I, on the other hand, was under the deck trying not to let my insides out. Sea travel made me a little sick, which wasn't that surprising.

Caspian was worried for me but I didn't know how to speak. He rubbed his hand on my back to help me. It did help me a lot. "Thank you." I said with my eyes closed. I wasn't used to this form of travel.

"How would it have been if this wasn't your first voyage?"

I knew what he meant and smiled. "I'm sure I'll be fine." I rested my head on my knees.

He was referring to travelling to the End of the World. We had talked and promised each other that after we defeated the White Witch, we would complete his wish of travelling the world in a voyage. It was his dream after all. He had helped fulfill one of mine and it was my turn to help him with his.

We had talked with the Narnian navy and chose the name Dawn Treader for the ship and the journey. The flag for the travel for getting ready thanks to Claire. She took it upon herself to make the sailing a memorable one.

Once we reached Galma, I was more than grateful when I saw a couple of horses waiting for us. I was so happy to sea the land. Get it? Ah, never mind.

We had already told the Duke of our arrival by a letter. He couldn't meet us at the port because of a meeting, but he did greet us in front of his castle. "Welcome." He told us with his arms spread. The castle was gorgeous, by the way!

"Thank you for having us in such a short notice." Caspian expressed.

"It is my pleasure to have you here." The last time I had seen him was during the ball.

"We should start the discussion as soon as possible. Time is running out, I'm afraid."

"As you wish, Your Majesty." The Duke said. "Welcome, Your Majesty." He took my hand and kissed it.

"Your castle is very beautiful." I said.

"Thank you. But I'm sure that it will be a competition to your beauty."

Once we had gotten our rooms - separate ones, of course, we changed into some comfortable clothes and were escorted to the Duke's battle room. Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, Lady Daniels was also present there.

"So it is true." She spoke as we entered.

"It is nice to see you, Lady Daniels." Caspian greeted her and I smiled at her.

"Please sit down, Your Majesties." The Duke told us politely.

Once we were seated, we told him everything that had happened, starting with the most important detail. "The White Witch is back." Caspian said.

I was quiet for most of the conversation because Caspian and the Duke knew each other. I didn't want to intervene, still being an outsider. "How is that possible?" He asked us.

"Some of her followers tricked an innocent into bringing her back." I spoke for the first time.

"They have taken control of Aslan's How. They have a strategic advantage that we once had. We don't have enough men to go into war against her." Caspian confessed.

"And how can I help?" The Duke asked.

"We need some of your men."

"Absolutely not!" Lady Daniels said.

"You don't understand." I said. "If the White Witch-"

"Can we have a talk in private?" Caspian asked Lady Daniels.

"And why should we?" She asked him.

Caspian looked at the Duke and he nodded. "I'll wait outside." He said before walking out of the room.

"Father-" Lady Daniels wanted to protest but one look from the Duke shut her up.

"Caspian." I touched his arm. What was he trying to do>

He looked at me. "Trust me." He said and then turned to the Lady. "I owe you an apology for what happened when you were in my kingdom."

"I don't want your apology, Your Majesty. What happened wasn't any of our faults." She started. "You are not here to apologise. You are here for an army."

"That is true." He said. "But I know that I need to apologise for what happened. And I am sorry." The Lady couldn't meet our eyes. "But I am not sorry for falling in love with someone who could love me for who I am."

I was shocked! He was the first one to say it. "What?" Lady Daniels asked.

"If we had gone forward with our suitorship, both of us would not have been happy." Lady Daniels seemed to understand things then. "If you are going to court someone, it should be for love." He looked at me. Why were we not telling it to each other directly?

"Both of you are in love then."

Caspian took my hand in his. "Yes." I said before he could. If we were going to do it indirectly, so be it.

Lady Daniels nodded. "Can I bring my father in now?"

"Of course." Caspian stood up and I did the same. "We will give you some time to talk." He opened the door and the Duke walked inside as we walked out. We were led to a nearby chamber by the guards where we waited for their decision.

Caspian was calm. It was me who started pacing the room. "Sophie?"

"I know. I'm freaking out and I'm worrying you as well." I said, continuing to pace.

"Sophie." He stood up and put his hands on my shoulders. "Calm down."

I took a deep breath. "Caspian?"

I wanted to tell it to his face right then and there. He knew it as well. But before I could, the guards knocked on the door, breaking the moment. I closed my eyes in exhaustion.

"Yes?" Caspian said and the guard opened the door.

He bowed to us. "Duke Daniels requests your presence in the war room."

We braced ourselves and walked into the war room. The Duke was sitting on his sear and Lady Daniels was seated next to him. She looked at us as we walked in side by side. She looked at me specifically and a smile spread across her face. It was a quick smile and I wasn't sure whether she actually meant it or not.

"Your Majesties." The Duke stood up. "The news that you brought with you to Galma is terrible indeed." I tried breathing but it was hard. The situation was quite tense and I wasn't used to being in a life-or-death situation like this. "We have decided to send the number of men you need with you."

I sighed in relief. "Thank you." Caspian said.

"But." Oh God. "I would appreciate it if you invite us to any further ceremonies."

Oh! "Of course, Duke Daniels." Caspian said. "Narnia will always welcome anyone from Galma."

Lady Daniels looked at me and nodded. "Thank you." I mouthed.

She smiled. "Friends?" She mouthed and it was my turn to smile.