The soirée begins in the early evening. Melian sees to it that her family and guests are prepared before she slips to her husband's side to welcome the arriving nobility. Lord Bern and she lead them through the manor, the Great Hall is lit and decorated, musicians already playing soft tunes. Dinner shall be served after a few dances. As most invited guests have been greeted and offered a drink, the lady deems it the appropriate time for the king and his entourage to make their entrance. She nods to a servant stationed by the doors. The older man bows and leaves.

King Caspian and the crew of the Dawn Treader have taken to waiting in the upstairs parlour. The four daughters of Lord Bern and Lady Melian keep them company, well, mainly Luna. The warrior feels jittery, however determined she is to be brave, the gown she dons is far out of her comfort zone. Yet, Sanna and Elrik, who both noticed her nervousness, understand well to distract her. The sisters are dressed elegantly, yet modestly; Valanya dons a lilac gown, Sanna wears yellow, Teona's is of a soft blue, and Noemi is clad in light pink. The sailors clean up nicely as well; properly shaved and wearing more or less fitting suits sets their appearance apart from their usually casual looks.

As the servant arrives, announcing that it is time, Luna's nerves flair once again. Elrik gifts her a lopsided smile, nudging her comradely,

» You'll be fine. Although, our king might be jealous of people paying more attention to ya- « Sanna glares at the sailor,

» You aren't helping, sir. « The sheepish way he lifts his shoulders makes Luna stifle a giggle,

» Thanks, you two. « Inwardly, she scolds herself. She has fought in wars, this is nothing. Then again, what she has seen of courts before, it is not always so different from a battlefield. Only, proper etiquette forbids to simply slay an opponent. This thought brings an amused smile to her lips, and she looks up. Drinian makes his way towards her. Over his shoulders she meets Caspian's gaze.

» Now, lassie, shall we? « The captain offers her his arm in a stiff manner. His features display clear as day that he would prefer to be anywhere else. Yet, the Dawn Treader's lassie needs a proper escort, and what kind of captain would he be if he didn't see to it! Luna's smile turns to him, making him wish himself back on the ship a little less.

*

Caspian swivels his cup, watching circles form in the red wine. He wishes to step outside, catching a breath of fresh air. But, as king, he must give his attention to the people here. It is for Narnia, after all, to build an alliance with these isles. Though, he sometimes doubts the point of a whole empire. It only complicates matters of the crown which were already complicated enough before Narnia had more than one country under its government. He supresses a sigh, scolding himself. Don't be petty, he thinks by himself, you are a king, behave like one! There is truth in that. As king, his every wish is fulfilled with only a wink of his hand. Yet, with the crown comes great responsibility, burdens weighing on his shoulders. Whatever he does, he could always do more. But efforts bear fruit for the people, and in the end, that is what counts.

He lets his gaze stray from the cup in his hands. The hall is crowded with guests, dancing, drinking, conversing. Out of habit he searches for familiar faces. A slight smile graces his lips as he catches himself looking for her. He is not ashamed of it - wouldn't it completely be against decorum, and her wishes; he would declare his love boldly. For now, though, he is content with the relationship they have – thinking of a now possible future together, makes him giddy. There, his eyes find Luna. She is still with dear Drinian who tries to brush Elrik off. The sailor says something that makes her laugh and roll her eyes. She seems so at ease with him, Caspian feels the jealousy rise once again, like a needle pricking his heart. Especially with Luna in such an attire, vulnerable, the king's instinct to look out for her, protect her, increases, and strengthens his decision.

*

The arrival of sailor Rhince redeems Drinian from Elrik's jokes. Not that the captain would mind terribly, though he prefers peace and quiet. Luna leaves his side to greet Rhince who is accompanied by his wife Helaine, and daughter Gale. The girl clings to her father's hand, sending a shy smile to the warrior. Luna recalls well their first meeting under quite dire circumstances.

» How about a dance now? « Elrik shimmies past Drinian next to their lassie. Rhince exchanges a glance with his wife before a grin slips onto his features. He nods, holding his hand out to Luna. She accepts without a second thought – these are dear friends after all, they won't judge her every move. As the pair take their place on the dance floor, Elrik shrugs and offers his hand to little Gale. She blinks up at the young sailor from under her lashes. Helaine waves them off and takes to stand next to the captain who doesn't make a single move. Luna sends the older woman an apologetic glance before she is swept away in steps and twirls.

As the musicians pause before a new song, someone taps on Rhince's shoulder.

» May I? « Rhince eyes the younger sailor. Directing his sceptic gaze to Luna, he asks,

» Hm, I'm not sure, may he? « Elrik huffs in feigned annoyance. Luna laughs, allowing the men to change places. Rhince lifts an imaginary hat in a greeting manner before he sweeps his wife into the next dance. Meanwhile, Elrik puts one hand on Luna's side, pulling her closer.

» I didn't know you could dance, « teases Luna. He squeezes her hand, finding the steps rather effortlessly,

» Should I be offended? Ya think I just know my way 'round jolly tunes, huh? « She snorts at his dramatics. Shaking his head, his signature grin fades to a gentle smile,

» Nah, I'm a man of many talents. «

» I can see that, « says Luna. Her eyes wander through the room as Elrik spins her. In that very moment the bubble around her bursts, making her aware of the many eyes on her and the looks sent her way. The light-heartedness she felt until this point falls away, letting icy dread brush over her. Instantly, her consciousness pulls the familiar walls back up, sharpening her guarding senses. Her partner must have noticed the change. He stops spinning her, drawing her into his arms once again.

» Y'alright there? « The question is a mere whisper. Luna nods, turning her gaze away from the crowd to meet her friends'. Yet, from the corner of her eyes she notices a lilac-clad figure slink outside.

*

A while later, Caspian found a moment to step away and now makes his way through the hall. Avoiding two ladies, he slips past the refreshment table. It is less crowded on this side of the room, a few small tables, chairs, and settees invite the guests to rest. There, he spots Teona and Noemi chatting with Luna. A small smile spreads on his lips and he heads towards them.

Luna sits sideways on a chair, one arm in the hands of the third daughter of the house. She traces the scars.

» What's this one from? « Asks the girl. Luna glances at the white half-circle just below the crook of her right arm.

» No warrior remembers every scar, Teona. « This is not the first scar the girl inquires about, and Luna starts to regret wearing this dress. She forces a smile. Sometimes she doesn't recall how a scar came to be, at some point she stopped counting and remembering them all. Maybe that is for the best, there is enough baggage on the mind of a soldier.

» But- « Teona pouts but is cut off.

» It was a small scythe, « Luna's eyes snap up. Caspian approaches, hands behind his back. He sends her a gentle smile before turning to the girls,

» Sometimes even farmers riot. « And, as it seems, sometimes she doesn't remember but the king does. Little does she know that, to him, even her scars are beautiful, they are a part of her – like a map of stars. Yet, seeing them reminds him of the times he failed her, should have been there for her. He feels he owes her so much as to know them like the back of his hand, remember them even when she forgets. His eyes sweep over the parts of skin the dress doesn't cover. So many past injuries, so many times he couldn't protect her. Luna would argue that it is her duty, and with it come dangers, people getting hurt... A hand tabs his arm and rips him from his thoughts.

Luna tilts her head, watching Noemi reach up to the king's arm. He smiles down at Lord Bern's youngest daughter, the shadow fading from his features.

» Would you mind lending me Lady Luna for a while? « Cas directs his gaze to the warrior, while Teona narrows her eyes,

» For a walk? « The older girl claps her hands, jumping from her chair,

» Oh yes, can we play catch too? « The two youngest daughters must be quite bored at such events, and tired as their usual bedtime nears. The king was not prepared for this reaction, stuttering a few 'ahms'. Luna laughs softly, leaning forward to place a hand on Teona and Noemi's shoulder each.

» How about you meet the other children? « She suggests, continuing before either of them can contract,

» And I promise we'll play catch another time. «

*

Only minutes later Caspian and Luna step out on the patio, both releasing deep breaths. Looking at each other, they laugh and set off for their walk in Lady Melian's garden.

» You're good with them, « comments Cas, pulling her closer by their entwined arms. A warm blush sneaks onto her cheeks. She forces herself to look the other way. Her mind wanders to the many children she has met over the past years. No, she certainly isn't good with all of them, but she somehow feels connected to those young souls who need a helping hand. Thinking of her own childhood, she needed tender-hearted people to help her, now it is her turn to return the favour. And by taking in the Shadow Children, she learnt a thing or two about how to deal with them. Thoughts drifting to Orion, her face falls slightly. She misses him.

» This is no world for children, Cas, « whispers Luna, gesturing at the splendour around them,

» Just as it is no world for me. « Pulling away from him, she steps towards the fountain in the middle of the garden.

Caspian stares at her, feeling the cool air where she just touched him. He wants to ask where this comes from all of a sudden but hesitates. This is one of the first grand feasts she attends in another role but the Crown Shield's, she probably needs to clear her head. Then again, what is going to happen once it is clear? The king still ponders carefully over his next words as Luna straightens her shoulders.

The warrior takes a breath, turning around. This is no time to be sentimental nor for giving up before really trying. She lowers her eyes at the expression on Caspian's face,

» Forgive me... I don't know why I'm so unsteady these days. « His hand on her cheek lets her lift her gaze. She finds him donning a relieved smile. A moment later they find themselves in an embrace. Luna's heart leaps, giddy and frightfully alike – is this the right place for affection like this? Between these sharks? She sighs, shifting her hands to his chest. How, by Aslan's mane, shall it be if they are home, at court? The rules of decorum never changed, after all. His gentle touch pushes the dread away, replacing it with another feeling. As he leans in to capture her lips with his, the world stops. Luna's eyes flutter closed, basking in the warm tingling running through her body. However, her mind refuses to stand still.

» Cas, what if it- « she tries but is cut off by another kiss. Patting his shoulder, she leans back a little,

» What if this was just spur of the moment? We've been close for so long. The worry, the long travel could have just... taken over. « She stumbles over the words, heart and mind, love and duty screaming at each other once again. Caspian simply regards her,

» You think that? « There is no accusation in his tone, which shouldn't surprise her. Yet, it does. Even after all the back and forth, he treats her still with gentleness and patience.

» I- « Luna hesitates. Her heart is louder than her mind, yelling the obvious answer at her. She shakes her head, leaning her forehead onto his shoulder.

At the muffled 'no', Caspian pulls the woman in his arms even closer. His heart jumps in his chest, relieved and hurt alike. Does she still doubt him, them? Or is she simply unsettled by the changes of environment? He suspects, hopes, for the letter.

» Where did this come from? « He finally asks,

» Do you really doubt us or- « The king halts his words as she lifts her head again. He studies the warrior's eyes.

» You are afraid. « The whispered statement makes it feel realer than before, realer than it sounded in both their minds. Luna holds his gaze for a moment longer,

» Yes. « There, with the soft breeze, resolve floods the couple's hearts. All is well, and it will be, if only they trust each other, and Aslan. The key is talking about whatever bothers them, so that is what they do while continuing their walk. It is time the rules changed.