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"Isn't it lovely, all alone?

Heart made of glass, my mind of stone

Tear me to pieces, skin to bone

Hello, welcome home."

Lovely

Billie Eilish and Khalid

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Chapter I - Home Is Where Your Heart Is

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Two years. In two years, so much has changed, but so much has stayed the same.

Edmund, Ashton, and Ben had been on their road to redemption for quite some time. Ashton had grown as a person. Falling away from her mother's shadow, rebuilding her own reputation brick by brick But she was never fully satisfied. Ben's health issues were a thing of the past and now the paragon diamond that used to control Ash now is controlled by her, giving Benvolio a tiny bit of her tremendous power to keep him cold and cozy. Edmund had aged well on the travels. Growing into place as King and looking less like a boy every day. Edmund visited the Cair Paravel every now and then, but he always felt out of place at home, knowing his homestay was only temporary he could not be much use. He promised Lucy the next time he came home, he would stay for good. He didn't have any objections to that, seeing that each time he went home his sister had grown more and more herself. All it took was one whisper from a knight to know that his sister was not looking so little to the young boys of the court. That was three months ago.

The topic of home was up in the air, but for some reason, the idea of home had changed much in the last two years.

"You two do know that you have well redeemed yourselves. We have not come across a single unhappy soul in months. All of Narnia is at peace, with the exception of its Just and Prodigy." Ben justifies himself as Ash and Edmund stare down at a map they laid out on a wide stump of a tree, trying to find a place they had not visited if not twice than three times. Visiting any of these towns and cities was unnecessary at this point, Ash just wouldn't admit it.

"My mother took one hundred years away from these people. I can't leave after two." She claimed, not looking up from the map

"You were both manipulated by the White Witch. You have proven worthy of the forgiveness Narnia has shown you. You must forgive yourselves." Benvolio preaches.

Edmund sighed deeply. "He has a point, Ash..."

Soon after leaving the Cair, Edmund found himself feeling guilty for his betrayal of his siblings when he first entered Narnia. His selfish and stubborn thirst to be better than them almost doomed them and the rest of Narnia. And it showed through the journey, leaving behind the selfish impulses and training to be better, to be the biggest defender of Narnia. But as time went on, he knew that his duties as a King were becoming something he couldn't avoid, he had to take his position with his siblings, for the better of Narnia, even if a part of him would always hate himself for his naive self.

Ashton returns the sigh, "Why are you looking to me? You are king, after all, you decide where we venture next."

"You know exactly why, Ash, we agreed to all be in this together didn't we?" A promise that the three of us made early, which essentially bonded Edmund into mine and Ash's deep friendship.

Ash nodded, "I suppose Narnia will not fall apart without us."

"Well then, the Cair will be our next destination, I'll go tell the men," Edmund concluded, standing up and taking a step away from his friends.

"Wait!" Ashton jumps up, standing for a second aimlessly before turning to the lead Centaur, "Maximus, don't you have a little one at home?"

"Yes Milady, a daughter. She will be turning five tomorrow." He answered respectively.

Ashton had tried to get the better part of the nation to stop calling her Milady, claiming that she was no lady, but they insisted.

"Let's make her name day extra special, shall we? As a great ending to a great trip?" She posed the question to the group, receiving multiple nods.

Maximus smiles delightfully, "I'm sure she would very much enjoy that."

"Saddle up men, we are going to Cyprus," I say with a smile looking back at Edmund who agreed.

Everyone settles up themselves or their selected companion, whether that means a horse or in Ash's case, me, the polar bear. We turned towards Cyprus which just happened to be in the opposite direction of the castle. Convenience? Doubtable.

Edmund leans over from his horse to whisper, "You can stall all you want, we have to go home eventually."

"I am not stalling." Ashton denies.

I laugh, hearing our conversation which Ashton handles with a flick to my ear.

I move my ears, playfully, proving she didn't hurt me, "If we are being honest, I think we all know it is not the place she is avoiding, it's a person."

Ash rolled her eyes, "If you two keep acting like you are know-it-all's someone might be fooled into actually believing you."

"Ooh, I'm hurt," Edmund mocks putting his hand over his heart with fake hurt and leaning back a bit. He leans back too much making his crown fall from his head.

Ashton quickly uses the wind to escort the crown over to her and letting it land on her head.

"Haha, very funny, now give it back, at least some people believe that I wear the crown on this expedition."

Ashton laughs, adjusting the crown perfectly on her head, "If they only knew the truth."

"The only way your getting my crown is if you marry me. And sorry, you're not my type."

Ash teases, "But I won't worry about it, I prefer men that are actually older than me."

"By barely a year!" He fights.

Ash sticks her nose up, "Older is older, Little child."

"You are beyond annoying." Edmund huffs, "But you know, there is another crown-"

"Okay, Philip, take him away," Ashton calls out, smacking Edmund's horse on the behind. She bends the air, giving the crown back to him as he rides away.

Ashton and I both laugh.

"Where would you like to go, Ben, after this is all over?" Ashton asks me, wanting my input.

"Well, everyone's going home and we have only ever called two places home. And the first you thankfully melted to the ground"

Ash smiles at the memory. The first day the group left, we had already made it halfway across Narnia, to the White Witch's castle of ice. That happened to put as much distance between them and the Cair as possible. Ash and I did end up finding the contraptions used to maintain the polar body temperature for the polar bears but the magic link was broken due to her mother's death, leading to plan B with the use of the paragon diamond now. After seeing that the palace was clear of resources. Ash felt it was time to really test out this power she gained. The anger that had built up from her fight with Peter filled her veins as she triggered her powers. In minutes, the entire castle cracked, shattering and melting into a lake below. Nothing left of the place she grew up in. And for the first time since Ashton left, she knew for sure that leaving was the right decision.

"So that leads us to the Cair then," Ashton concludes.

"Only if you're up for that," Ben tells her supportively.

She narrows her eyes. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Whatever you say, Ash," Ben settles, but they both knew that Peter was something Ash had avoided even talking about for the past two years. Though she would never admit it, he changed her. When they split, Ash changed again. Her first heartbreak was hidden so well, that she could even convince herself it didn't affect her.

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Susan entered my private meeting room, not saying a word but just simply sitting next to me as I wrote up a letter to Robin Hood, who had returned to his lordship in Loxley, spending time with his family and grooming his son to take over.

I sighed, putting my writing quill down and turning to my sister.

"Yes?" I question.

"Okay, so I was playing with the idea of a courting ball for you. No more kings sending their daughters to a court or writing letters on their behalf. You could meet new women that I hand select as worthy of my brother." She begins her speech with excitement in her voice but talking quickly to give me all the information before I could stop her bad idea in the beginning.

"Susan-" I attempted, hoping she would care about my own opinion for my life.

She hushed me, "Before you say no- I just want what's best for you, Brother, because I care about you."

"And what makes you think a queen is what is best for me?" I fight for what seems like the hundredth time in just this past year. Susan had become relentless in the past few weeks about the topic.

"Because you're not a boy anymore, after your last... 'situationship' there has been no one else. Dare I say that's because you're waiting for the one?" Susan insinuates.

"You always did have a hopeless romantic side, Sue." I tease her, not giving her the satisfaction of confirming or denying anything, "I love Narnia, and she tends to take up all my attention. I don't need a queen while I already have you and Lucy to question my decrees."

"You can't marry a country, Peter." Susan frowns.

"Fine." I sighed, making Susan beam, clapping her hands in excitement, "Under two circumstances, I make no promises to court anyone."

"Completely fair." Susan nods still overjoyed with my compliance before I continued.

"Secondly, this must also be a courting ball for you as well."

"What?!" Susan exclaims, shaking her head. "No, no, no, this is only for you."

"Fair is fair, Susan." I stand my ground.

She stopped, thinking over the decision before groaning, "I better start writing more letters then."

"You already wrote my invitations?" Peter asks not overly surprised his sister took over control before consulting him.

"I sent out the Ravens an hour ago." Susan shamelessly admits.

I shake my head, "How do you plan on running my life and the kingdom at the same time?"

"Don't insult my multitasking talent." Susan fires back, getting up from her chair and heading towards the exit.

"Wait! When do you plan on staging this event?" I question, knowing I will need to clear a night in the next month or so.

"Three days." She simply responds, opening the door.

"Susan!"

"What? I see no need to wait." She claims, exiting a second later, leaving no more time for debate.

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The young centaur slyly pulled on my pants front pocket, hoping to get my attention, "Oh. Milady Ashton, are you going to the ball for King Peter?"

I crouched down next to her, meeting her eye level with a friendly smile, "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean little one."

"You know... The ball thing... My mommy told me it was the King's opportunity to woo a lady of Narnia."

"A courting ball?" Ben asks the little one.

"That's it!" She exclaims, "Are you going?"

"I guess we will see, we haven't been back to the castle since the war," Ben responds nicely.

"Ohh." She nodded before leaning down to me to whisper in my ear, "My father came back from the war, not the stories with too much violence but he did mention the greatness of the prophesied. You were always my favorite." She giggles.

I didn't know what to say as the little centaur bounced away. I stepped away from the party, needing a minute outside.

Edmund followed after her, wanting to help his dear friend with the news, "Ash, I'm sure there's an explanation."

"Yes, a simple one Ed. I left. Your brother owes me nothing. It is his choice. If he wants every spoiled, perfect, primitive, self-centered princess within a hundred miles lining up at his feet. That is his choice and does not concern me." I admit, more negatively than I intended.

"This is not going to end well." Ben comments, openly.

"Should we make a run for it," Edmund suggests.

Ben snickers, "I'm afraid we could run to Aslan's country and still not be at a safe radius."

"Oh hush up, I'm serious. I'm fine." I assure them.

They give each other a suspicious look, making me glare at both of them.

"Let's go finish the celebrations, shall we?" I ushered them back to the little gathering for the child.

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All the days of their travel Edmund had never complained about the length of time it took to get across the country. That was until now, you could see the excitement in his cheeks when he thought about going home to his siblings, without needing to say goodbye again. The days seemed to go by slowly for him, but for me, the hours slipped by faster than I anticipated. Leading us to stand within the eyesight of the castle in just a few days.

Edmund's excitement grew from another source as well, he planned on surprising his siblings in his style, the most dramatic way possible. He used the courting ball being thrown to his advantage, scheduling to greet his family and Narnia all at the same time.

"Will you two accompany me as well, I'm sure everyone has missed you." Edmund smiles, hoping for us to add to his dramatic flare.

I chucked a bit, "I don't think my presence tonight would be wanted. Plus what would Ben do without me all night"

"Oh, don't use me as an excuse for avoiding Peter," Ben comments boldly.

"Benvolio! I am not avoiding anyone." I deny, honestly, though they exchanged looks of disbelief. "Crashing my practical ex-boyfriend's courting ball doesn't seem like the best idea. For anyone. I would only cause chaos.".

Edmund puts his hands up in mock defeat, "Well pardon me, I must change quickly. I'll surprise my siblings with my entrance. It won't be long until a handmaiden spots us and ruins the surprise."

"Good luck." I bid him farewell, "Oh, and don't fall for any ridiculous princess without me as a wingman."

"Must you believe I require your help to get a girl?" Edmund asks rhetorically.

"Yes!" Ben and I shouted at the same time.

Edmund rolls his eyes, "Ugh, you two are ridiculous. But if you change your mind, come find me."

"I have a date with the softest pillow in Narnia, but thanks," Ben says in bliss just thinking about it.

"I'll find something to do with myself, now go." I waved him to go, knowing he was bursting at the seams to execute his plan.

"Okay, okay," Edmund gives in, running to the back doors where he was less likely to be spotted.

Ben and I took a deep breath, assuring ourselves that this is where we belonged. Another place to call home.

As promised, the minute we snuck our way to the cover of our rooms, Ben fell asleep instantly. I thought of sleeping but a bigger part of me still seeks adventure. I found my adventure in the tunnels of the castle, tapping on walls until I felt the hollow sound behind one in my room. My heart jumped a bit with joy.

I lit a ball of fire in my palm with ease, letting the flame idle as light in the dark tunnel. I let the tunnels guide me with the echo of music.

I found herself exiting the walls covered by a long curtain, something that could go unnoticed. The curtain swung back into place as she realizes where she resides. She stood in the hall above the ballroom. It was an open-concept hall that looked out onto the ballroom. It was kept dark to keep the focus within the dancing room so I used the shadows to keep myself out of plain sight. I knew Edmund would fight me if I exposed our coming home before he allowed it, normally I wouldn't mind that challenge but as Edmund grew taller, he also grew bigger and wiser. I like to think that my tutorship of his training helped the most but he knew nearly as much as I did at this point.

My eyes scanned the crowd of people, seeing Susan sipping wine with a few ladies, flashing her smile. I found Lucy too, dancing lively with a group of friends. A little boy ran up to her and she danced with him too. Everyone within ten feet of the girl mirrored her contagious smile. It made me smile as well in all honesty.

The better part of me knew to stop looking down at the floor. My heart should have been fulfilled by the sight of Lucy, but as they say, curiosity killed the cat.

My eyes found Peter, he stood tall, next to his throne. He greeted a girl with a silver tiara on her head. She bowed low, lower than necessary to show the dip in her neckline, only making me roll my eyes. There was a familiar tingle in my veins, causing me to look down at my arms. What is this?

I looked up to see a small ring of fog around the bottom of the girl's dress. I frantically took a deep breath, trying to figure out why now, of all times my powers seem to act up. I gain control over a year ago now. Without any incidences, I'm positive I have this under control, or at least thought I did.

I watched the princess run away, I was just trying to figure out why my powers decided to act up now. I almost didn't catch Peter searching around the room with suspicion, thankfully I ducked behind a pillar before I was spotted, for the sake of keeping Ed's plan intact, of course.

Maybe coming back here wasn't the greatest idea. But at the same time maybe I just needed to adapt to my new chapter of life. I mentally fought with myself, but in the end, I decided Ed shouldn't be the only one allowed to have a grand entrance.

I hurried back the way I came, rushing to my dresser in hopes that there was a dress in there for this formal night. To my surprise, the closet was practically bursting open with dresses of all different types. I grabbed the first dress I saw, laying it out on the bed as I ran to the bathroom. Quickly drawing a bath, I washed myself, relieving my skin and hair of dirt. When I looked in the mirror I swear my hair color had gotten lighter since I last saw it. Riding through the deep woods for two years doesn't really call for beauty salon stops. Every once in a while when we visited a wealthy manor they would host us all for dinner. The maids of the manor would insist on dolling me up with the "works". At the last stop cut my hair shorter than when I left. It looked different, or maybe I just look different, older possibly.

No matter the reason, I put on the dress, wiggling on a stupid corset too. I had not missed these things. I added silver jewelry, really wanting to embrace this grand entrance thing. I really hope Edmund didn't manage without me. Ed is a bit of a drama king, running fashionably late to everything, so I figured I would have time but he could leave at any time now. I clasped some respectable heels on, wobbling when I stood up, naturally. I quickly gained my balance, hastening out of my room. I headed for Ed's room but I crashed into him as he rounded the corner.

"Ed!" I exclaimed, glad to see him cleaned up and actually smelling decent for the first time in a very long time.

"I thought you weren't coming." He commented with disorientation, fixing his crown on his perfectly styled hair.

"Can't a young lady change her mind?" I defend innocently.

Edmund gave me a skeptical look, "What do you have planned Ash?"

"I can't let you have all the fun." I smirk proudly holding out her arm, "Escort me?"

He takes a deep breath before hooking his arm with mine, "You always did have a thing for grand entrances."

As Edmund and I approached the door two doormen open the large double doors that lead into the ballroom. Edmund looks at me for reassurance. I take a deep inhale and nod to the doormen. Ready or not, here I come.

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Welcome back, my friends.

B