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𝑨 𝑪𝑶𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑶𝑭 𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑬𝑵𝑺
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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 with energy as the Narnians prepared everything for the coronation of their Kings and Queens. The white stoned castle hadn't had inhabitants in over a century but the citadel's garden bloomed and burst out in vibrant colours as soon as the dryads gave it a gentle push. The air was filled with the sweet scents of the blooming nature as well as with the salty taste of the Eastern Ocean. There hung an anticipating ambiance in the castle and though it was an exciting day for the Narnians, the Pevensie siblings felt far more nervous.

In the south-east wing of Cair Paravel with a balcony overlooking the sparkling ocean, Rosaleen just held up two pairs of heels for Susan to choose from, but the dark-haired young lady stared with a deep frown at her reflection again.

'I don't know,' Susan said with a sigh, looking at Rosaleen via the mirror before turning around to face her. 'Don't you think the gold and gemstones are a bit much?'

Rosaleen suppressed a chuckle, placing the heels back on the stool with a velvety red cushion by trying to bend her back as little as possible. Her body still hurt from the battle as it had only been two days ago. 'You're going to be a Queen of Narnia. I think you will have to get used to gold and gemstones.'

Susan wore a bordeaux red dress but the hem of the V-shaped top was set with a golden thread, shooting over the fabric in elegant swirls and symbols, while the far end of the skirt was set with champagne coloured diamonds, representing the constellations of the Narnian night sky.

Susan chewed on the inside of her cheek thoughtfully but when she moved her arms up to remove her earrings set with the same coloured diamonds, Rosaleen quickly walked towards her and pulled her hands away.

'Don't,' Rosaleen said. 'It's not too much, it's perfectly balanced, trust me.'

Susan hesitated for another moment but then she gave in. 'Alright.'

'Now, I doubt if anyone will look at your shoes, but try to make a choice between those heels while I'll go and put on my dress. I don't want to be late for the coronation.'

The eldest Pevensie sister smiled a bit guiltily. 'Right. I'm sorry I disturbed you. The jitters got the best of me.'

Rosaleen turned around in the door opening, putting her hands in her side as she raised an eyebrow. 'What did I just say?'

Susan frowned, the confusion clearly written over her face. 'I should choose between those heels?'

'No, not that.' Rosaleen laughed, reaching for the door handle to close the door behind her. 'You're going to be a Queen. Queens don't apologise. It was my pleasure to help.'

Susan beamed and Rosaleen closed the door with a nod before setting course towards her own chambers. Her footsteps echoed against the white walls and her shoes clicked against the marble floor. So far, she could only find her way to the south-east wing and the throne room, and she couldn't wait until she had enough time to map the gigantic castle with its dizzying hallways. Rosaleen thought back about the days she had spent with her brother in her grandfather's mansion; mapping the whole area. It hadn't been too long ago, but it did felt like ages since so much had happened in the meantime. While she was lost in thought, she realized too late there neared another pair of footsteps the corner she was headed to.

With a small yelp, Rosaleen collided with the someone rounding the corner and she would have fallen backwards if he hadn't caught her wrists, quickly pulling her back in balance.

'Peter,' she breathed out and he smiled, still holding her wrists though he had loosened his grip to a gentler one.

'Rose,' he said as he slid his hands farther downwards, taking her hands instead and though Rosaleen sure would have felt flustered by the gesture, she got caught off guard when she let her eyes wander down from his face. Peter was dressed in his coronation attire and since he had led the Narnian army to victory, he also radiated with a confidence that was hard to miss. He wore a cobalt blue blouse that complimented his eyes, making them seem even lighter than usual, and the black leathered tunic he wore over the blouse accentuated his shoulders and waist. There were several oak leaves engraved into the leather, decorating the hem and the sleeveless shoulders of his tunic, while the belt with the golden shackle was more of an adornment than something useful.

'You look very regal,' Rosaleen complimented him when she had finally found her voice again and she quickly looked up at him before she would lose herself in staring at his posture.

'Thank you. You look very, ehm─.' Peter took a small step back, still holding her hands as his gaze wandered over her, and with a blush Rosaleen realised she wasn't wearing much more than her lavender-coloured petticoat and a silk dressing gown since Susan had burst into her chambers before she could have properly dressed.

'I'm not yet finished,' Rosaleen explained with a chuckle. 'Susan was freaking out over her dress choices and she wanted my help.'

Peter hummed but his gaze seemed to be transfixed upon her clothing and Rosaleen pulled one of her hands loose from his grip, snapping her fingers in front of him.

'Eyes up here.'

Peter's cheeks heated a bit but he still smirked as he caught her eyes again. 'I'm sorry. I already thought it was a bold dressing choice, though I wouldn't have complained.'

Rosaleen shoved his shoulder before pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear while biting her lip. Her gaze wandered down from his eyes to his lips and his smirk faded a bit as the thought started to fill his mind as well. However, Rosaleen shook herself out of it, she was already late and she pulled her other hand out of his grip, slightly smiling up at him.

'Anyway, I'm getting further dressed, and you should. . . wait, why were you going this way?'

Peter snapped out of his thoughts as well. 'I was going to get Susan to escort her to the throne room. Edmund's going to get Lucy.'

Rosaleen's heart skipped a beat. 'I'm so late. Did you all secretly plan to delay me?' She sprinted around Peter before he could say anything else and he let out a chuckle while continuing his way as well.

Rosaleen burst through the door and her eyes immediately landed upon her dress hanging at the folding screen near the wardrobe. She quickly threw off her dressing gown and switched it for her formal dress instead.

Just like her dress for the feast at Aslan's camp, the fabric of this dress was a dark purple, though the purple of the top was even a darker hue than the long flowing skirt that gradually changed into a lighter hue towards the end. It had an off-shoulder top decorated with flowers, diamonds and pearls that sparkled every time she moved, and the small belt accentuated her waist. The skirt was made out of several layers and Rosaleen especially liked how the fabric billowed out around her legs if she spun around. Lastly, she switched her flat shoes for high heels and though the straps were decorated with amethysts, her skirt hid most of the details. She grabbed her earrings and necklace with the same gemstones before sprinting out of the door again ─ though she was now a bit slower due to the heels. 

In the door opening, Rosaleen paused for a moment to close the small clasps of the earrings behind her ears and she glanced at the corner where she had bumped against Peter. As if on cue, though, he and Susan rounded the corner, both glowing in anticipation of their coronation. Peter caught sight of Rosaleen and he froze in his steps for a moment until she could even see the big grin appearing on his face from this distance.

'I knew girls could dress as fast as boys,' he said, his voice carrying far through the silent hallway.

Rosaleen put her hands in her side after pulling her wavy hair over the necklace. 'Who said we couldn't?' she asked indignantly.

'Well. . .' Peter began before simply pointing sideways at his sister, and Rosaleen chuckled, but waved them goodbye before they could catch up with her.

'Wait, you can walk with us,' Peter tried but Rosaleen shook her head, walking a few steps backwards.

'I'll see you there,' she answered as she was supposed to be in the throne room sooner than them. She turned back around and speeded her way to the throne room. As she neared the great hall, the hallways started to look more decorated as banners and harnesses popped up around every corner. The massive columns supporting the architecture were adorned with real ivy flowers that spread a sweet scent while the gold paint over the sculpted roses, daffodils and irises at the foot and head of the columns sparkled in the sunlight.

Alexander stood already by the massive oaken doors leading to the throne room and he breathed out in relief when he finally spotted his sister sprinting towards him. He wore a dark green blouse with over it a sleeveless but leather waistcoat that reached till below his knees. The vest hung open, revealing the fine details of his blouse that ran in a silver thread over his chest.

'You're late,' he scolded her and Rosaleen gave him a look while she came to a halt next to him. She ran her hands down over the purple fabric of her top in a habit, until she felt the sewed pearls and diamonds, realizing that the firm and fitting corset of her dress made any wrinkles impossible.

'Let's go inside,' Rosaleen said, dropping her hands to her side and not feeling the need to explain to her brother why she was late.

Alexander pushed open one of the heavy doors and both siblings slipped inside, though they immediately felt all the eyes of the Narnians on them as they did so. With a soft thud, the door behind them fell back into its place and Rosaleen fought the urge to nervously shift under all the staring, but then the hushed conversations between the Narnians continued as soon as they realized she and Alexander weren't their soon to be crowned royals.

Both of them walked all the way towards the four feet high platform onto which four stone thrones stood. The dome-shaped roof of the room was made out of glass and the white marble floor lit up like a sea of stars as the sunlight fell onto it. The four thrones, though, bathed in a warm light with red, orange and yellow hues as behind the platform rose up a massive, arched window made out of stained glass in the same equal colours.

Alexander and Rosaleen took their place next to the beavers and Mr Tumnus who wore a velvety dark green scarf for this special occasion. Both of the beavers carried a cushion with each two crowns and their whiskers almost thrilled in anticipation whereas their dark eyes sparkled.

Rosaleen just observed the different emblems sculpted into the head of the marble thrones when the trumpets started playing and the doors swung open, revealing Aslan and the four Pevensies walking side by side with the lion in the middle. They walked solemnly over the aisle towards the platform with the four thrones while the centaurs ─ who flanked either side of the aisle over its full length ─ raised their banners in a respectful manner as the soon to be crowned Kings and Queens passed them.

The Pevensies' eyes wandered over the crowd and the beautiful throne room for a few moments but as soon as they set their gaze upon the thrones, they couldn't stop looking at it. A righteous feeling filled their hearts while it drove back their nervosity like a shadow would disappear for light; everything fit together perfectly. They were meant to rule Narnia, and the four siblings beamed proudly as they ascended the seven steps towards their thrones. Just before their seats, they simultaneously turned back around to face the crowd and Peter's eyes landed upon Rosaleen ─ who smiled just as widely as he did. Aslan halted in front of the platform and turned as well to address the gathered Narnians.

Mr Tumnus and the beavers stepped onto the aisle as the lion nodded at them, indicating for them to present the crowns, and they ascended the platform.

'To the glistening eastern sea, I give you, Queen Lucy the Valiant,' Aslan started, his deep and calm voice filling all of the area, and Lucy stared in awe as Mr Tumnus took one of the silver crowns. Lucy's crown was shaped into an elegant circlet, decorated with silver laurel flowers and a few golden yarrow flowers, and Lucy curtsied in front of Mr Tumnus as he placed the crown on her auburn hair with only slightly trembling fingers. She rose up again while Aslan continued as well.

'To the great western woods, I give you, King Edmund the Just.'

Mr Tumnus and the beavers walked over towards Edmund and the faun lifted the other silver crown in his hands. Edmund's crown was broader and heavier than Lucy's and silver birch leaves were engraved into the metal. Edmund bowed for Mr Tumnus and rose back to his full length after the crown was safely placed on his head.

'To the radiant southern sun, I give you, Queen Susan the Gentle,' Aslan spoke and Mr Tumnus walked over towards Susan with the first golden crown. Just like Lucy's, Susan's crown was a delicate circlet but decorated with golden daffodils and mountain ash leaves. Susan curtsied and blushed daintily when the crown touched her head, but she rose with confidence nonetheless.

'And to the clear northern sky, I give you High King Peter the Magnificent,' Aslan said, his proud voice bouncing off against the solid walls.

Mr Tumnus took the last crown from the beavers and Peter bowed before the faun. Peter's crown was the largest and heaviest while being decorated with more ornaments than his siblings' crowns. A small sun could be seen, engraved into the metal, and the golden oak and apple leaves stood prominent on the tops. Peter straightened his back again, but before he and his siblings could sit down in their thrones, Aslan's amber coloured eyes fell upon the Summers.

'Alexander and Rosaleen, please step forth,' the lion spoke and the Pevensies looked at them in curiosity, but they were just as perplexed as they were. Rosaleen and Alexander shared a look but then walked over towards the lion and kneeled in front of him before he even asked.

Next to them, out of the crowd, stepped Saffira and Daphne ─ the water nymphs Rosaleen had met in Aslan's camp. Daphne carried a cushion with two very light silver crowns that almost coloured white as the light fell upon it.

'To the boundless oceans and infinite galaxies, I give you Alexander the Honourable and Rosaleen the Truehearted. Arise, Guardians of Narnia,' Aslan said while Saffira crowned the two siblings. Rosaleen's circlet was simple yet refined as the few colourless crystals embedded in the silver glistened like starlight. Alexander's crown was more of a band that fit around his head perfectly and apart from a few engravings of elm leaves, it was scarcely decorated as well.

Rosaleen and Alexander rose back to their feet and walked up the platform as well after Aslan told them to do so. The Kings and Queens sat down in their thrones while the Guardians stood at either side of the platform; the prophecy finally fulfilled.

'Once a King or Queen of Narnia, always a King or Queen. May your wisdom grace us until the stars rain down from the heavens, and may your Guardians light your way in even the darkest of times,' Aslan concluded before the crowd erupted in cheers and the celebrations began.

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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐎𝐍, colouring the sky a deep orange and causing the Eastern Ocean to appear like a moving coating of liquid fire as it reflected the warm colours.

Rosaleen stood on the balcony of the throne room that overlooked the ocean and its shore. The sound of the gentle waves washing ashore and the cawing of the seagulls overruled the joyous music and happy chattering from inside as those sounds moved away with the breeze as well. Aslan had disappeared several hours ago and his paw prints in the sand had long been wiped away by the tide.

'Do you mind if I join you?' Peter asked, appearing next to Rosaleen as she stared down over the beach.

She gave him a sideways smile. 'Of course not,' she answered and he leaned with his under arms on the stone railing, directing his gaze upon the moving waves as well.

'Thanks,' Peter said in relief. 'I needed a breather.'

Rosaleen glanced over her shoulder back at the bustling celebrations inside. 'You don't like the attention?'

He made a half-shrug but in the light of the setting sun she could clearly see a blush appearing on his face. 'I do, but they have an awful lot of faith in me while I have no idea how to rule a country.' His eyes wandered restlessly over the gentle moving ocean but he focussed on Rosaleen when she turned away from overlooking the shore. She leaned with one of her hips against the railing, looking at him and giving him an encouraging smile.

'It will be alright,' she said in a confident manner. 'You're not alone. You have your siblings to help you, and Mr Tumnus and Oreius as your advisors. I've told you before I think you would make a great king and if anything, that belief has only grown since then. Narnia will flourish under your rule, don't think too shortly of yourself.'

Peter pushed himself up from the railing again and turned to face her, slightly looking down as he was a few inches taller than she was, and Rosaleen looked up to meet his gaze. Their hearts began to beat irregularly against their chests and Peter couldn't help but to notice how the light of the setting sun caused her hair to shimmer with a golden glow and her skin to appear bronze. Her green eyes sparkled like dewdrops on grass leaves ─ reminding him of the night in Aslan's camp when they had watched the stars together until the dewdrops had even settled in her hair. He gently placed his hands against either side of her face, softly caressing her cheekbones with his thumbs as his own eyes darted between hers and her lips.

Rosaleen moved her hands, laying them on his chest instead of leaving them hanging useless next to her body, and then they both moved their heads closer towards each other. She heard her blood rushing between her ears, accompanied with the loud beating of her heart until their lips touched. His lips were soft and gentle as he tried figuring out what to do, but as soon as they started to enjoy the sensation that sparked between them, Peter deepened the kiss. One of his hands moved from Rosaleen's cheek towards the back of her neck while the other traveled down towards her waist, pulling her even closer towards him. Rosaleen melted in his arms, moving a bit to sneak her hands around his neck and she almost felt intoxicated as his scent of lime and pine trees seemed to be everywhere.

Both felt like they could do this forever, but then they broke away from the kiss. A wide smile appeared on their faces while their eyes sparkled like the moving ocean far below them ─ and above them, the first star appeared in the darkening sky, shining down on the new beginnings with a glittering light. . .

𝑬𝑵𝑫 𝑶𝑭 𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑻 𝑶𝑵𝑬. . .

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