He gazes into her eyes; they glimmer in the light of the chandeliers. Caspian has never felt so light on his feet, his knees weaken and his heartbeat speeds up. This woman has him in her hands and could steer him like a puppet on a string, with nothing more than a wink of her finger. He fears he will miss a step, or his legs won't carry him for much longer. There she smiles at him, timidly and yet a lot braver than in the past. With a grin he spins her out, already missing her close presence for the next few steps. Her gown swishes around her ankles like a bellflower – she was right, she owns this dress. As she twirls back into his arms, her back presses against his chest – light enough for it to be proper, yet Cas' heart does summersaults. Whoever watches close enough will notice their affection for one another. It doesn't bother the king, but for her sake he keeps a certain distance.

Luna's will is tested. For now, at least, she is determined to keep this blooming relationship between them. She feels the rhythm of his heart drumming against its cage. Turning her head to the side, she glances at her king. His eyes twinkle joyously; it makes her own heart skip, and that determination starts to fade. Before he spins her out once again, she squeezes his hand – then they are facing each other, swaying in gentle circles to the music. Today's events wouldn't suggest such a peaceful moment. How did it – finally – come to this despite everything? Well...

*

A few hours prior, Melian rushes through the corridors of Bern's Manor. She is beyond busy, seeing to the preparations for tonight's soiree. Planning such an event on such short notice may seem impossible, not for Lady Melian, it isn't. But it brings a ton of stress with a legion of servants and maids, musicians and chefs scattering around the estate. Everything must look its best. Fresh flowers in every vase, no corn of dust, no spot of dirt. Lights must be lit in the rooms as well as out in the garden and lining the pathway up from the dock. There is work enough for the whole of the Lone Islands. It is an important event; the nobility and aristocracy of these isles will come together after a day of negotiations about the alliance with the Narnian Empire. So, Melian figures as much, the feast needs to entertain as much as soften the people. Wouldn't be the first time a brilliant feast decided the fate of a country, she thinks by herself. Of course, now of all times the lady of the house is told about a certain gift arriving for Lady Luna. She leaves everything and sets off. Not again, prays she, Aslan, please let it all go smoothly.

Reaching her guest's chambers, Melian knocks and waits to be invited in. The daylight is already fading, alerting her to the nigh arrival of tonight's company. Elena leads her mistress to the sitting area, offering a drink. Melian declines with a nervous smile as her eyes find a shadow moving behind the paravent set to the left side of the room, between the fireplace and the door leading into the bathing chamber.

» Luna, dear, do you need assistance? « Melian wrings her hands, remembering well the embarrassment when she had to dress Queen Lucy and Lady Luna into gifted gowns, traditional garments of the Lone Island. Though, traditional may be a misleading name – they hail from the days when women had little to no rights. During Narnia's Golden Era the most revealing gowns were forgotten, only to be unearthed within the last decades not spent under the Narnian banner. Melian would never allow her daughters to dress like that, she knows men's eyes tend to wander and spur a dangerous desire.

With a hum, Luna steps out from behind the paravent and Melian holds her breath. The warrior's face is set, a mask of stone and yet... triumph? Not at all like the last time she had to dress into such an attire for a feast on these very isles. The older woman would indeed deem her appearance beautiful, but the gown is quite as scandalously revealing as those of last time.

» You don't have to wear this, « the words burst out, regardless of the Lady Benchheim's reputation – Melian usually tries to keep the peace, that woman, however, brings even her usually calm blood to boil.

The fabric of the gown feels silky to the touch. Luna's finger glide over the layers as she carefully takes in her appearance. The gown is of a light pink, purple streaks are woven into the skirt while the hem is of a soft orange. Fitting, thinks Luna, as we travel on the Dawn Treader after all. The top is made of several straps and patches, fabric and open parts form a diamond pattern. And the back – how could it possibly be any different – is mostly uncovered. The ominous feeling, Luna had at their last visit, returns. The memories of the events which took place then don't contribute to ease her mind. She couldn't protect Caspian, Eustace, Reep, Lucy and Edmund, nor herself, from being captured and sold by the slavers. The fight and Pug's escape are merely the tip of the iceberg. Involuntarily, the warrior shudders. Under Melian's watchful gaze, she quickly straightens.

» It surely is unconventional, « she smiles softly,

» I appreciate your concern, Milady, but there's no need to worry about me. « With that, Luna takes the pair of silver flats from Elena and slips out of the room.

*

To say, Caspian's day is eventful, is quite the understatement. As the day before he is occupied with meetings with mainly nobles, aristocrats and dignitaries of the Lone Islands and their neighbouring lands. Lord Bern and Drinian don't leave his side – Luna briefed the latter thoroughly before they went aboard the Dawn Treader this morning – which makes it easier as they both are experienced members of the court. The king's mind, however, keeps wandering to his Crown Shield who was left in Lady Melian's care once again. Caspian misses her presence, but it is better this way – she should have some time for herself instead of being faced with the horrors their first visit of these isles brought, plus he has some errands to run.

» We shall discuss the matter of the crests and the integration into the Empire's coat of arms, « the king turns his attention to the speaking lord. They are all seated around a long oval table; Caspian at the head with Bern and Drinian to his left and right. A few seats are filled with members of his crew, the majority, though, is occupied by people of the Lone Islands. Only a single woman is present, the king notes – Helaine, Rhince's wife. The couple was invited to speak for the citizens. One of the sailors whispers something and they both smile. That commands Caspian's attention. He eyes Elrik who seems quite friendly with Helaine and Rhince – close friends of Luna as well, the four of them have developed a special bond. At that, something stirs in the young king's chest, a flame feeding on every shred of displeasure, fuelling his jealousy. A wave of shame rushes over him, and he rips his gaze away, trying to concentrate on the task at hand: The conditions of the Lone Islands joining the Narnian Empire.

A few hours later the Dawn Treader docks at Bern's estate once again. Cas retires to his chambers to rest, prepare for the feast, and think the forming alliance through. After a bath he sits over the papers on the table in front of him, but his eyes are tired. A light breeze from the open door to the balcony brushes over his face, tempting him to abandon work and go for a walk or swim. But the sooner he gets this done, the better. The soirée tonight should help that the first signing of the alliance may be completed in a day or two. Then, they will set sail again. His heart longs for the Narnian shores, especially if tonight goes well. A smile settles on his lips as he leans back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head.

A knock at the door disturbs this peaceful scene. With a glance at the clock and a sigh, Caspian rises, arranging the papers and objects on the table to a half-organized pile – someone is probably coming to remind him that the evening festivities shall soon commence. As he opens the door, his eyes widen. The rose-purple dress fits her perfectly, but the parts revealing bare skin require strength and virtue to only mind them a glance. Luna's dark hair is let down, on the right side of her head it is braided horizontally from above the ear to the back, curling over her left shoulder. Her painted lips wear a smile as a blush coats her cheeks, she must feel his surprised gaze. Clearing his throat, Caspian's pushes the door open wider,

» Hi. «

» Hi, « Luna returns his greetings, eyes flickering up and down the corridor,

» May I? « He steps aside, gesturing her to enter. The gown swishes over the floor and for a short moment her bare feet are visible underneath the layers of her skirt. A pair of shoes dangles in her hand, Cas notes as she passes, forcing his eyes away from her back. Of course, she looks stunning... but the fabric seems to cover less than it reveals – well, better than last time she had to don such a traditional gown, he recalls.

Luna marches towards the balcony, turning around shortly before reaching the doors leading outside. Cas nearly walks into her as he quickly grabbed his frock coat – in case she is cold or wishes for cover – and followed. Facing each other, they gaze into each other's eyes. Now, it isn't difficult at all to keep his eyes from roaming. His free hand finds hers, pulling it up to his lips for a gentle kiss,

» How have you been today? Everything alright? « Her smile broadens, brushing his cheek,

» All is fine, « she assures him,

» Shall I ask about your day? « Everyone else would probably think her rude. Caspian, however, is grateful for her insight. She knows him well and can mostly tell if he wishes to talk. With a tight-lipped smile he shakes his head,

» I'll fill you in another time. Now, what brings you here? « A small movement of her eyebrow hints at her concern for him. Still, she takes a deep breath and tells him why she sought him out: Luna is about to own this dress, not ready to let something as trivial control her, especially not her fears. He knows full well how self-conscious she is, not about her body per se, yet about her skin, more so her scars - the white and reddish lines and shapes on her skin are plenty, some fleshy. Even now, she unconsciously places a hand over one of them on her upper arm. Cas cannot fully comprehend how women must feel in this still mostly patriarchic society, which is one reason why he rarely tells Luna what to do or how to behave. In this regard, he appreciates her coming to him. Though, he isn't quite sure if she is indeed asking for his permission, nor if he would give it.

» Isn't this, « he clumsily gestures towards the less covered parts of her dress,

» Something only your future par- only for his eyes? « His eyes twinkle with a hint of amusement he is unsure of, yet heat rises from his neck to his cheeks. Averting his gaze, he – again – clears his throat which turns into a cough at her nonchalant reply,

» It is. «

The Crown Shield feels the same awkward heat rise to her cheeks, increasing the blush. In a touch of insecurity, she crosses her arms in front of her. She should have expected Caspian's subtle objection, he is a man of honour after all.

» I- « she turns away, pacing through the room. Should she tell him that she hates this as much as he probably does? But, she won't allow herself to show weaknesses, especially not in a gathering of nobles. Luna is no friend of the court, the posh etiquette required, the arrogance, and the intrigues, yet she must learn to step out of the shadows if this relationship is going to develop. Better start now.

» I'm used to the shadows, Cas, that's what I am supposed to be next to you. « She turns to look at him from the other side of the chamber,

» Apologies if this makes you uncomfortable, but... I need to do this, to learn. « The king returns her gaze, taking a moment to adjust his answer. Clasping his hands behind his back, he straightens.

» I know, dove, « says he in a soft tone,

» Yet... You have never been in the shadows. « Luna stares at him, listening to her heart. She is torn; ponder over the nickname she just received or wonder how she could ever deny loving this man. Then, she simply smiles at him – saving him from trying to form a coherent explanation. Cas breathes a sigh of relief, pulling on his frock while closing the distance between them,

» Well, it will be hard to look anywhere else. « That comment makes her giggle – something, he notes happily, occurs increasingly.

» You should try, « Luna has difficulties to suppress her laughter,

» It's impolite to stare – you must divide your attention equally. « Cas blinks down at her while she slips into her flats, still giggling. This woman... Shaking his head, he offers her his arm.

» That, « he retorts as she accepts,

» Is entirely impossible. « The giggling stops. At her questioning gaze, he now laughs, leaning towards her to press a kiss to the side of her head and whisper,

» Nothing will be equal. «

Aaah, the first nickname! What do you guys think of Cas calling Luna "dove"?