The night that came around after the sun set over the mountains brought an atmosphere of uneasiness in the land of Telmar. Sophie lay awake in bed for a really long time that night. She didn't have the energy to go down to the kitchen and make herself a glass of milk like Nina had once suggested for helping with insomnia. 

So, she did the only thing she could. 

The wardrobe in her room called to her, the cloak giving her dreams of the warmth she needed. The tower that had always given her a sense of safety was where she went but she didn't open it. Instead, her legs took her towards the chambers of the person she shared it with. 

After reaching the door, a sense of doubt washed over her as she brought her fist up to knock. Should she knock or not? They had decided not to meet each other at the tower, having to travel quite early in the morning, and she shouldn't have been the one to disturb his sleep if he was going to be the captain of the ship. She didn't think that she should accompany him on the journey but he thought otherwise. "I cannot leave you here alone once again, not with the White Witch back", he had told her.

Sophie was supposed to be sleeping and knew that he would be too, but while she was thinking of what to do, the door in front of her opened, startling her in the dead of the night. "I'm so sorry," said Caspian as she placed a hand over her heart in the shock. "I had a feeling you were outside."

"I....I apologise for waking you up."

"I wasn't sleeping." It felt like they were back in time to when Sophie first realised that the tower was his spot. Both of them were still unsure of how to stop hiding their feelings for each other even though it was out. "Would you like to come in?"

"Thank you. I was hoping that we could talk." Sophie walked in as he opened the door wide, not knowing how the night was going to go forward. They should have just met up at the tower. "Why weren't you able to sleep?"

The bird in his room fluttered his wings as he saw her enter, excited that Sophie was back. "I was worried," answered Caspian, making her turn around.

"What were you worried about?" She asked, pulling a chair to sit on, the same one from his study.

"I am not sure whether Galma can afford to give us more men to fight. I am worried whether a war will happen. I'm worried of how I'm going to protect our people. I'm worried whether you-"

He stopped in the middle of the sentence, his eyes reading her once again. Even in the subtle darkness, she could feel his expectant gaze on her. 

"Go on," she insisted, but he looked at the floor and smiled. 

"I don't think I should. Not yet, anyway." When were they going to tell each other what they wanted to hear? "It's too soon."

"The timing's not right," she said, completing his sentence for him.

Caspian wanted to tell her the truth. He really did. He wanted to tell her that he would go the ends of the earth if that's what it took to be with her, that he was ready to defy the different worlds so that they could spend time together. 

But both of them knew that the timing wasn't right. Even it was, they weren't sure how to put it into words.

"I'm scared," she confessed. "I really am."

"Oh, Sophie." Caspian sat down in front of her. "As long as I am here, you don't have to be scared of anything."

Sophie brushed the back of her hand on his cheek and kissed him once. "Thank you." 

"Will it be okay to talk about other matters? Just to have a change of mood."

The two of them sat down on his bed and started talking about their favourite things. They knew almost everything about each other but you can never really get to know about someone completely, right? "Between ice-cream and you, I think you might be my favourite."

"Ice-cream? What is that?" 

"How do I put this?" She tapped her chin with one finger unsure of how to explain the greatest invention of man. "It is a cold dessert made of milk."

"We must make it one day. I need to see who my competition is."

Sophie smiled. "It's not a close call anyway."

The next morning, both of them woke up side by side to each other. Nothing happened, of course. They did not know when the time had passed by and when their tiredness took over to make then fall asleep. 

Sophie was the first to wake up and notice that she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. His hair was falling on her face and when she lifted her head to look at him, she found him in peace. It was around five in the morning and they were supposed to be leaving in an hour. She didn't want to get up or wake him up in doing so. He looked so peaceful while sleeping. He looked calm and she was reminded of how much she-

She turned her head sideways to look at Caspian taking a deep breath, waking up. "Hey." She smiled at him.

He looked at her, realising what had happened, and smiled back. "Good morning."

"I'm sorry. I don't know when I fell asleep." She got off the bed and Cassie started circling around her feet. Caspian had taken her in the previous night because with everything going on, they couldn't forget about their dog.

"I don't remember as well."

It was strange then for Sophie as the two of them had never spent an entire night together. Rumours would be quick to spread if people saw her leaving his room in the morning while everyone was waking up. 

Cassie barked at her, announcing that she was hungry. "We should get ready," said Sophie, breaking her train of thought. It shouldn't matter what everyone thought. Caspian and she were together and nobody could change that. 

At least, she wished so.

"We should."

How was it that they could talk for four hours straight but also not know what to talk about at certain times? "I'll get her breakfast," she said as she headed for the door.

"I'll meet you at the port."

Sophie reached her room without anyone seeing her. Her head was hurting but Cassie following her around with her tail wagging to the left and right was keeping her focused. Sophie was dressed quickly and went to the kitchen to have an early breakfast.

"Good morning!" Evelyn wished her. Even if Sophie was the queen, she was her friend in a way and that's what Sophie had wanted. Evelyn, Rumira and Sophie had gotten close to each other but they had never spent enough time together.

It was probably for the best, because if Sophie knew the truth, she would have never allowed herself to trust anyone.

All in good time.

"Your bag has been taken down, Sophie," Nina told her. "All you need to do is get ready. I will make sure to pack you some toast to eat on the journey. Please do eat in time and don't waste my time and effort to make sure that you two get your nutrition."

Alexandre came inside with a crate of tomatoes and stopped when he saw Sophie. He nodded at her, which she returned with one of her own. People were still not used to who she was but she decided to ignore it, glad that Nina and Evelyn were helping her feel normal. 

But if Sophie knew the truth, she wouldn't have been glad.

The journey to Galma was for a few days by road and a few hours travelling by sea. There was no time to waste, which meant travelling via a mode that Sophie had never been through before. She was not sure what effect it would have on her but she was mentally prepared. She was going to be with Caspian, and that's all that mattered.

Telling Cassie that they would be back by the next day and leaving her with Nina was hard because the dog did not leave her leg and Caspian's, sticking to them like glue. Once that got over, the two 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. It was a second home to him because his father was the one who had bought him his first boat. It was made him feel a connection to him

Sophie, on the other hand, was under the deck trying not to let her insides out. Sea travel made her sick, which wasn't that surprising since she had never travelled that way before. Her head was pounding and her heart was racing.

But Caspian did not leave her side. He rubbed his hand on her back to help her. He pressed the pressure points on her wrist that would help calm down her pulse and slow her heart rate. "How would it have been if this wasn't your first voyage?"

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

Caspian was referring to travelling to the End of the World. The two of them had talked and promised each other that after they defeated the White Witch, they would complete his wish of travelling the world in a voyage. It was his dream after all. He had helped fulfill one of hers and it was her turn to help him with his. They had talked with the Navy and chose the name 'Dawn Treader' for the ship they bought together. The flag for the travel was getting ready, thanks to Claire. She took it upon herself to make the sailing a memorable one.

Once they reached Galma, Sophie was more than grateful when she saw a couple of horses waiting for them, only wanting some stable land below her feet. 

She was so happy to sea the land. 

Get it? Ah, never mind.

They had already told the Duke of their arrival by a letter but he couldn't meet them at the port because of a meeting, but he did greet them in front of his castle. "Welcome." He greeted them with open arms.

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

"It is my pleasure to have you here." 

The last time Sophie had seen the Duke was during the ball, but he looked like he was at home now, much more comfortable.

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

"As you wish, Your Majesty," said the Duke. "Welcome, Your Majesty." He took Sophie's hand and kissed it.

"Your castle is very beautiful," she said with a huge smile on her face, castles always fascinating her. There was something very curious about the different towers and the mysterious walls that resonated a ruler's prosperity.

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

Once they had gotten their rooms - separate ones, of course - they changed into some comfortable clothes and were escorted to the Duke's battle room. Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, Lady Mirza was also present there. "So it is true," she spoke as they entered.

"It is nice to see you, Lady Mirza." Caspian greeted her.

"Please sit down, Your Majesties." 

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

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

"Some of her followers tricked an innocent into bringing her back. They have taken control of Aslan's How, which had been the structure that helped us win the last battle, that somehow was against her as well. They have a strategic advantage that we once had. We don't have enough men to go into war against her."

"And how can I help?" 

"We need some of your men."

"Absolutely not!" Lady Mirza spoke, having been silent the entire time like Sophie but only speaking up when her voice could be heard.

"You don't understand," said Sophie. "If the White Witch gets access to her full powers-"

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

"And why should we?" She asked him.

Caspian looked at the Duke and he nodded, understanding that the two of needed to finish what they had between them. "I'll wait outside," he said before walking out of the room.

"Father-" Lady Mirza wanted to protest but one look from the Duke made her quiet.

"Caspian." Sophie touched his arm. What was he trying to do?

He looked at her and nodded one. "Trust me." He 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, her voice completely calm. "You are not here to apologise. You are here for an army."

Oh, Sophie thought. This wasn't a matter of pride or jealousy. It was a matter of dignity.

"That is true. But I know that I need to apologise for what happened. And I am sorry. But I am not sorry for falling in love with someone who could love me for who I am." 

Sophie's eyes widened as she looked at him. He was the first one to say it after all. 

Lady Mirza asked looked at this particular expression on the new queen's face, unsure of how to feel about what she was hearing.

"If we had gone forward with our suitorship, both of us would not have been happy. I could not have given you anything but my time, which we both know. We deserve a chance at happiness in life. If you are going to court someone," he looked at Sophie then. "it should be for love."

Why were they not telling it to each other directly?

"Both of you are in love then."

Caspian took Sophie's hand in his. "Yes," she said before he could. 

If they were going to do it indirectly, so be it.

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

"Of course." Caspian stood up and Sophie did the same. "We will give you some time to talk." 

The guard opened the door and the Duke walked inside as they walked out and were led to a nearby chamber by the guards where they waited for the Duke's decision.

Caspian was calm this time. It was Sophie who started pacing the room. "I know. I'm freaking out and I'm worrying you as well," she said, continuing to pace.

"Sophie," he stood up and placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling it tense as he did. "Calm down."

She took a deep breath. She would have preferred taking an exam with all this tension. "Caspian?" 

She wanted to tell it to his face right then and there. He knew it as well. 

But before she could, the guards knocked on the door, breaking the moment. Sophie closed her eyes in exhaustion. If she received a gold coin for every time she and Caspian were interrupted during an important moment, she would be richer than what she was now.

"Yes?" 

The guard opened the door and bowed to them. "Duke Mirza requests your presence in the war room, Your Majesties."

Caspian and Sophie braced themselves and walked into the war room. The Duke was sitting on his sear and Lady Mirza was seated next to him, who looked at them as they walked in side by side. She looked at Sophie specifically and a smile spread across her face. It was a quick smile and Sophie 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." Sophie tried breathing but it was hard. The situation was quite tense and she wasn't used to being in a life-or-death situation like this. It was all only in theory "We have decided to send the number of men you need with you."

Sophie sighed in relief. "Thank you," said Caspian, keeping himself poised. "Narnia is not going to forget this."

"Thank you," Sophie mouthed to Lady Mirza, who smiled and asked if they could be friends.

Well, it was going to be the start of an unbelievable friendship, one that would be greater than what they thought they could be, one where they would trust each other during a tough period of time.

But I, the narrator, will request you to keep reading to find it out for yourselves.

*****

Cast

Antonio Banderas as the Duke of Galma

It's not fair how Cassie make me feel!

They're so my children :')