The people gasp or hold their breaths as Sanna reveals the reason why Luna fought Lord Benchheim, literally – something out of the ordinary among nobles. It surprises the Crown Shield; these isles were occupied by slave traders not long ago. Alas. Lord Bern whirls around, arms spread to herd his family close. They whisper among themselves. Meanwhile, Drinian puts a hand on Luna's shoulder, leaning in,

» I hope ya didn't pull yer punches, lassie. « A distinct smile flickers over her features while the captain directs his grim look at the young lord.

» Sir Reepicheep would be proud, « Elrik doesn't even try to hide his grin.

As the new Gouverneur of the Lone Islands turns back around, his eyes are ablaze as he sets them on Lord Benchheim,

» You dare touch my daughter? In my own house?! « His usually calm voice is thunderous. He takes a few steps closer and the young lord shies back into the woman's arms.

» Pathetic, « Luna hears Elrik mumble.

» Is this true? « An older man steps through the crowd. Even though he looks benevolent – corpulent, with gentle dark eyes like a Teddy bear's – his voice is low and cold like ice. Luna watches as his gaze sweeps over her towards her former opponent. Lord Benchheim seems to shrink even more,

» No! Father, she attacked me like a harpy! « The man raises his brows so high; they would melt into his hairline – if it wasn't receding so strongly. Luna feels an arm graze against hers. Lowering her eyes, she sees Caspian has clenched his fists. Discreetly, she brushes the tips of her fingers over the back of his hand. Right now, they cannot do much, except watch the scene unfold.

The young Lord Benchheim points accusingly at the warrior,

» She almost broke my nose AND look at my arm. The churl must be punished! « Caspian is about to step forward but Lord Benchheim Senior booms,

» Watch your tongue, Junior! « Lord Bern nods, slowly regaining hold of his fury,

» You are talking about a lady, the Crown Shield of King Caspian. Our king. « Luna stiffens as the general attention returns to her. The lordling presses his lips together, finally showing a hint of remorse in his eyes. Luna doubts it - maybe he regrets attacking a warrior because he couldn't win, or someone close to the king. A huff draws her gaze to the supposed Lady Benchheim who mumbles under her breath,

» A fine king he is, allowing his mistress such a long leash. « Luna doesn't know if Drinian heard it too, but it is the captain who diffuses the situation. Stepping forward, he offers his crew as assistance to the guard. Lord Bern gives a nod of thanks, brushing a hand over his weary face,

» Yes. Guards, please escort Lord Benchheim Junior to the Gouverneur's Palace. He is to be confined to chambers there. Tomorrow's court hearing will decide further actions. «

Even though Lady Benchheim objects, the young lordling is pulled up and led away. She tries to stop them but Lord Benchheim Senior intercepts, quietly scolding her for making a scene while dragging her off. Two young women about Sanna's age follow the bickering couple.

» Alas, my friends, « Lord Bern musters a polite smile, wringing his hands,

» This gathering still celebrates our alliance with Narnia. Let the rest of the evening be joyous! « The crowd slowly disperses, encouraged by the servants who flurry into the hall with platters of desserts – the chef of this estate is a precious soul – as well as by the jolly tunes the musicians quickly start to elicit their instruments. Luna, however, hesitates. She feels drained, exposed. Leaving is intriguing, a simple solution. Seemingly. Slipping into the growing shadows would be so easy, but can she really? Caspian's hand lingers on her arm again while his other hovers over her bare back. The king's eyes roam around the room carefully, as if he awaits another incident. He does not, of course, and it shouldn't be his part to worry. Luna straightens – even though her posture is close to perfection already – lowering her gaze to the floor. After a deep breath, she turns to him. A small smile awaits her. One of those shyly loving, intimate smiles that are clearly meant for a single person, for her alone. He knows – Luna simply senses he does – that she wishes to slink away; and she knows he wouldn't stop her. On the contrary, he probably shouldn't, but he would go with her. Another thing about that smile of his; it is reassuring. Of what, Luna doesn't need to ponder; her heart decodes it all for her. He will not leave her side again tonight, not for decorum, certainly not for any noble. The Crown Shield's heart swells at this realisation and forces the corners of her lips upwards until they mirror his smile.

Caspian watches Luna shifting her gaze to him, sees emotion pull her thoughts back and forth, knows her well enough to guess her wish. He follows her straightening motion, doing the same. His mind already formulates an apology to Lord Bern. Her decision, however, is different. Her smile tells it all. The king chuckles under his breath. Not taking his eyes from hers as he bows slightly, offering her his hand,

» Would you honour me with a dance, my lady? «

*

The next morning is busy in Bern's Court, the entire household bustles to life before the sun has kissed the world awake. After the latest events, Luna wouldn't have minded a prolonged sleep. Alas, she rises, dresses, and slips outside before her maid arrives. The warrior shall have enough formality today; she dispenses any more of it, of all courtly decorum. Before the procedure goes underway, she is in dire need of clearing her head – what should be more suitable than watching the sun rise over the sea? So, while Elena, the maid, finds the room of her temporary mistress vacant – the dress for the day untouched where she laid it out – Luna is climbing the narrow path down the cliffs to the secluded beach. As her feet touch the sand, the Crown Shield can finally take a relieving breath. It feels good, like an extensive stretch after remaining in the same position for too long. She closes her eyes, holding her face into the first rays of sunlight. Their sparse warmth barley manages to drive away this morning's chill; for it is not only the cool air that lets the warrior shiver. Pulling her tunic tighter nevertheless, she marches towards the water's edge. Would it have been any warmer, she'd slip out of her boots. Now, Luna halts just where the waves cannot reach her toes. Gazing out at the shimmering blue, she releases her mind, allowing it to wander freely.

*

The prior night. And dance they did, careless of the other guests, of their glances and whispers – it was, after all, their first dance as a couple. A memory for them alone. Caspian and Luna had only eyes for one another. That is, with one exception, only mere minutes long. After the third tune faded, Lord Bern beckoned them towards him. He quickly apologised for the interruption. The lord was still aggravated, even though he usually is a quite peaceful soul who seeks compromise. Then again, his daughter was subject to grave misbehaviour, and that he wouldn't tolerate without consequence. Therefore, he needed to speak with the king about the next day's court hearing for young Lord Benchheim – and the signing of the contract which was postponed. The couple understood, of course. Luna, being directly involved and witness alike, could only know the rough order of events at the hearing. As for the rest, she should remain impartial. So, she slipped away to get dessert – the warrior would rarely pass up a sweet treat.

As Luna stood in front of the buffet table, studying various unknown cakes, pudding, and fruit, she felt someone approach from behind. She tensed, though part of her told her not to worry. At one hand, this was a feast – which another part of her deemed dangerous enough. At the other, the figure coming into her peripheral vision was familiar. Pittencream. And that, as that other part of her said, meant trouble. Perfect. Luna sighed, refraining from rolling her eyes as the sailor tried to tower over her. Despite his less than intimidating form, she would never underestimate him – he proved to be quite an instigator.

» I heard a dog took a beatin' t'day, aye? «

Luna sighed, lowering her eyes for a moment. She was done. With today, and with this little, angry man. He is like a snake, slithering from its den whenever its prey seems vulnerable. She was done, and ready to let him know it. So, without moving back from his still too close proximity, she caught his gaze. He shied back by her lack of retreat and the determination in her eyes. She, however, held still – apart from a slight twitch of her left eyelid,

» Bark all you want; the Lion is still king. «

Pittencream gasped, face flushing in anger and embarrassment. He leaned closer again, glaring at the Crown Shield, the woman who continually refuses to be intimidated by him. But as he opened his mouth – Well barked, he would've liked to say – no sound escaped his thin lips. In that very moment, Luna felt a calloused hand – like all who regularly wield a sword –gently rest on her back. Turning her head to the side, she caught sight of Caspian raising an inquisitive eyebrow at Pittencream. The sailor was too slow to hide his glare from the king, scuttling away with half a bow and a hollow apology. Cas noted to ask his Crown Shield about it another time, his mind set on more important matters. Once again, he offered her his hand,

» They're playing a waltz next. « Luna smiled at the twinkle in his eyes.

The king led his partner onto the dance floor. Their bodies found their supposed positions with ease, hands perfectly fitting together. The musicians paused for a moment before allowing a new melody to flood the Great Hall of Bern's Manor. The King of Narnia and his Crown Shield were observed by many eyes, holding various expressions. Neither of the couple cared, though they picked up on the one or other whisper. Most of the guests did not dwell on it, deeming the friendship between a king and a servant foolish, but his business. Their affection for one another was noticed by the few who didn't dismiss the matter too quickly, and who bothered to watch close enough.

Caspian laced their fingers together. Now, there they were in each other's arms again, swaying to an unfamiliar yet beautiful tune. Cas glanced at her hands resting in his, unable to supress a fond smile at the sight. Luna caught her king's gaze. Slowly, they leaned their foreheads against each other. She took a relieving breath that, at least for that moment, freed her of her burdens. A familiar smell tickled her senses, Caspian's cologne. The one he rarely uses. Luna closed her eyes, revelling in it. A memory resurfaced, dancing through her thoughts, mirrored by the smile on her lips. The last time she caught this smell was quite unexpected, accompanied by a fresh sea breeze – ordinary, one might think, but not inside of a ship.

*

The present day. Meanwhile, hosts and guests alike meet in the dining room where the long banquet table is set with a rich breakfast. Though the family and the crew are present; a quiet hangs over them. Last night has made quite the impression, leaving the people with little words. The ball wasn't as successful as Lord Bern and King Caspian had hoped, though it brought light to things that need to be tended to. And despite the incident, the night held moments neither would rewrite. In fact, Caspian struggles to keep a content smile off his features – at least, until his gaze brushes over Lady Sanna, and he remembers what this new day will bring. Conflict, or the aftermath of it. He sighs, twice, as his eyes fall on an empty chair, where a certain warrior should have sat. Maybe she is still asleep; yesterday exhausted her more than he thought – not so much the fight, of course, as the social requirements.

Caspian snaps out of his brooding as two chairs are pushed back quite suddenly. Lord Bern and his wife rise. The king follows their line of sight to the smaller door at the back of the dining room. There, Luna's steps falter while her eyes do a quick take around the table. She lowers her gaze, bows in greeting, and makes for her seat next to Drinian. As her hand comes to rest on the wood to draw it back, Lady Melian nudges her husband. He clears his throat,

» Ah, Lady Luna, « the warrior stops in her tracks, breathing deeply before lifting her eyes. Caspian's brow creases at their hosts' behaviour, confusion and concern build in his stomach like a heavy stone. Are they angered? No, the lady smiles gently, almost motherly, while the lord fidgets with the napkin in his hands. Whatever they are doing, the king finds Luna's distress almost palpable. Of course, he is aware today weighs on his beloved – she isn't fond of the court and all it entails, a fact that usually saddens him. Not this day, though, as the scheduled hearing certainly is an unpleasant affair.

» Please, allow us to ensure you our gratefulness for your feats yesterday, « speaks Lord Bern. Melian nods in emphasis,

» And we apologise for the hearing. It shouldn't be necessary. « The lord grimaces slightly, a silent agreement. His hands, however, are bound by the law; it must happen.

Luna blinks, glancing at Caspian. He sends her a reassuring nod, watching his Crown Shield struggle to mask her surprise and lower her hand – it rose in the habit of saluting.

» Thank you, Milady, Milord, « she turns back to their hosts,

» This- I'm sorry if my actions were... too drastic. « Lord Bern opens his mouth, but a loud clap stops him. Drinian slammed his flat hand on the tabletop. The captain ignores all eyes resting on him, turning towards Luna,

» Too drastic? Lassie... « He shakes his head in disappointment, eyes flickering to Caspian and their hosts,

» With all due respect, ladies and gentlemen, he 'ad it comin'. « For a moment it is entirely silent. The present people stare at the captain, a few uncertain gazes are directed to the head of the table. Then, Melian snorts – a pebble setting of an avalanche of laughter.

*In case you are wondering what Luna means as she is talking to Pittencream. She is referring to Caspian who will remain king, even though "dogs" – as in enemies or opposers like the sailor – will always rise against him. Furthermore, Aslan is the Lion, and the one true king. He will always stand to and for those who call upon Him. Knowing all that, Luna rests assured that Pittencream's threats are empty, and he won't harm Caspian, not under her and Aslan's watch.