The breeze tugs on Luna's braid, loosening a few strands. The warrior stands straight, almost stiff, at the railing of the Dawn Treader, one hand gripping the wood. The other rests on the hilt of her sword; the familiar weight at her side oddly calms her. Her nerves flair since the party boarded the ship to set over to Narrowhaven. Not even Timea's splashing shenanigans lighten the warrior's heart. The hearing approaches and Luna dreads it, standing before Lord Bern and Caspian as a witness and – in some nobles' eyes – an offender. As a soldier she is familiar with the procedure, having participated often enough. This time, however, she doesn't how to handle it. Here, she is no general. Caspian must remain in his role as king, the final judge. Their host will arbitrate and suggest a verdict while the rest of court will watch. Members of the council may speak on behalf of the offender, the petitioner, or the people – as in, the nobles or the nation as a whole. They also hold the right of veto – which has been reinstated under Bern's leadership. Luna is sure Aslan will guide her tongue as long as she trusts in Him and sticks to the truth, and only that. Though, she doesn't fully trust herself to remain calm in the face of people like Lady Benchheim and her son. Their entitlement, the false accusations and lies bring her blood to boil.

Luna sighs quietly, feeling a subtle sting at her side. The lordling's kick left a bruise there. As two arms snake around her middle from behind, she flinches. Caspian's low chuckle rumbles in his chest as he feels her relax against him. Then, he draws back an appropriate distance, and steps next to her to the railing. Their eyes meet.

» It'll be fine, « he tries to reassure her, nudging her hand with his. The warrior raises an eyebrow at him, not fully convinced. Caspian senses this is not the right topic for now and decides to try and get her on other thoughts. He turns to gaze out over the strait between the islands. The wind brushes over his skin in a familiar manner; he missed it while back on land. But seeing the open ocean – these waters – reminds him of something he would like to forget. The words escape his lips before his thoughts catch up, telling him it is not the best idea to broach this right now either,

» There's something you should know. « The king keeps his eyes trained straight ahead,

» You asked what was discussed in the meetings. « From the corner of his eye he notices Luna shift, turning her head to face him. She always hides her curiosity well. Caspian doesn't move,

» We have reason to believe Pug has a new ship and crew. Supposedly, he returned to slave trading as if we never raided the market. « Only silence meets him, disturbed by the muttering of the crew and the sloshing of the waves against the Dawn Treader's hull. Caspian dares to glance over at his beloved. She places both hands on the railing, gripping the round wood so tightly her knuckles turn white. He sighs at the agitation on her features. She visibly pulls herself together,

» We should've- « She stops herself, shaking her head. There's no point in dwelling on what should have been; it only matters what actions are going to be taken now. There's no time to lose. That man must be caught and punished for his countless crimes!

» What did the council do so far? « Caspian bites down on his lower lip, averting his gaze in embarrassment and suppressed anger. He feels responsible, even though he wasn't present as Lord Bern's newly instated Council of the Lone Islands discussed this matter.

» They... have been hesitant to set to the seas again. « Luna's brow creases and she whirls around,

» Wha- What in the blazes were they thinkin'? Did they learn nothing?! « A few surprised glances are sent their way, but the warrior couldn't care less right now. Cas shakes his head. Though he understands her anger, shares it to a certain extent; he feels heat rise in him as she solely directs these accusations at him. His tone cools slightly,

» They're afraid, Luna. I suppose they thought, Pug won't dare return here. Although- « Her glare lets him cease speaking,

» Fear is NOT an excuse. What, now they let him raid other islands without lifting a finger? « Her chest heaves heavily. For a moment, she keeps glaring at the king, then blinks. She straightens as she leaned in slightly, turning her head to the side,

» Apologies... none of it is your fault. « The volume of her voice decreased significantly, her tone calmer, almost defeated. Caspian sighs again, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. He wouldn't be so sure about that, but choses to let it go – he certainly doesn't wish her fury unleashed on him any further. He knows his Crown Shield; she holds said office for many reasons – the most prominent, however, is her protectiveness. Yet, it can be an Achilles' heel as well. Pushing it all away, the king musters a smile.

» Don't think I didn't notice you quoting Reep and Eustace, « he scolds her playfully. Luna releases a low laugh,

» Why, they're right. « They are, yet it is a very Reep and Eustace thing to say.

*

About an hour later, Luna follows her king into the Gouverneur's Palace. Lord Bern leads the party since they dismounted the horses his secretary awaited them with at the docks. Said man, Mirjo, seems only unessentially younger than the new leader of the Lone Islands. A fact that doesn't lessen his work, as the lord just tells Caspian. Luna only listens with half an ear. Her thoughts swirl as she gathers every shred of memory and courtly behaviour for the following. In one part of her heart surfaces Reepicheep, oh, how she misses the Tall Mouse. If he was here, he wouldn't have hesitated to challenge Lord Benchheim Junior to a duel of honour. Maybe that's what she should do. Then again, the lordling's fighting was proficient at best – she doesn't want to see him wave about a blade. This thought lightens her mood a bit.

» Everything's going to be fine, I promise, « Cas whispers to his Crown Shield before they part ways. The king and the lord direct their steps towards a podium with a throne and a less adorned chair. These are the places for the judge and the first advisor of a hearing – Caspian and Bern, in this case. Mirjo leads Luna, Drinian and half of the crew to the opposite side of the courtroom. The grandstands left and right are already packed. Besides the designated seats in the front rows for persons involved in the case, only a few spots remain vacant. As soon as the Narnians find their places, the secretary smiles slightly, bows and sweeps over to a small desk next to the podium. Luna and the captain of the Dawn Treader occupy seats in the front row, right next to Lady Melian and her two eldest daughters. From there, they have excellent view of the room. Guards are posted along the windows and flank the doors as well as the podium. A single guard stands between two simple chairs in the middle of the courtroom, a few feet from the podium. In one of these chairs thrones Lord Benchheim Junior, legs crossed elegantly, hands folded on his knees. Drinian grumbles,

» Why does 'e look like he's got no worries at all? « Luna takes a shuddering breath, trying to calm her nerves one last time before the gong by the podium will mark the beginning of the session. Lord Bern just nods at Caspian and rises.

» Don't worry, ye have less reason to than that fellow, « the captain gifts Luna the tiniest smile and straightens his shoulders, turning to the lord who hits the gong.

» He's right, I hope, « Sanna leans over her mother, placing a hand on Luna's. The warrior musters a smile for the younger lady, impressed by her newfound braveness.

First, the procedure is explained, and the case is laid out before the entire court by Lord Bern. Then, the accused has time to defend his actions. The lordling repeats yesterday's statement, dismissing all blame and redirecting it on Luna,

» That ch- woman should be sitting here! « Oh Aslan, she prays silently as her heartrate picks up – both, from anger and nerves – please be with me. Her gaze rests on Caspian who, to the eye of a stranger, observes calmly. Luna, however, notices his right fist clenching and unclenching in slow-motion. She bets the muscles in his jaw tick, but she cannot see his features clearly enough.

» The court heard your statement, Lord Benchheim, « says Lord Bern, slightly pressed,

» Now, we ask our first witness to the stand. « Melian rises alongside Sanna, accompanying the girl. The second daughter of Lord Bern takes her seat stoically. She doesn't cry, doesn't complain. She slowly describes the events of the prior evening, and soon returns to the grandstands.

Now, it is Luna's turn. Melian gives a quick squeeze of her arm as the warrior stands. Just as she learned to do in stressful situations, she breathes in for four seconds, and out for the same amount. Then, she takes the chair next to Lord Benchheim Junior, and the guard.

» Lady Luna, Crown Shield to His Majesty, King Caspian, « Lord Bern addresses her,

» Please recount the events ensuing your leaving of the dining table. « Luna ignores the lordling's burning gaze, directing her eyes to Caspian.

» Your Majesty, Milord, upon entering the Great Hall... « And she tells them about discovering Sanna in a most unexpected predicament, Lord Benchheim's reaction to her request to step back, and the resulting fight.

» This is defamation! « Calls the lordling as Luna speaks of him kicking her on the ground. Caspian lifts an eyebrow, eyes silently asking if she is alright. She gives a curt nod, continuing.

» Stop this at once! « Cries a female voice. Luna stops mid-sentence, it was one of her last, anyways. Lady Benchheim rose form her seat, pointing a finger at the Crown Shield,

» This is pointless nonsense coming from someone like you. « Lord Bern opens his mouth, but she continues, unfazed,

» Being what you are- « Luna turns in her chair, fixating the lady,

» And that is what, in your opinion, my lady? « Lady Benchheim's eyes widen in surprise. She stutters before finding her countenance,

» We all know. There's no need to speak such in front of the high court- « But Luna insists,

» No, please, with permission of King Caspian and Lord Bern... « The men nod slowly, thrown off concept.

» Do elaborate, « the Crown Shield requests, a tinsy bit gleeful. The lady swallows, stepping forward – she also found a seat in the first row –

» You are obviously the king's mistress! « Gasps ripple through the crowd. Luna feels the heat of embarrassment rush to her cheeks, yet she suspected this. She doesn't move, waiting for the older lady to go on. She does, her voice higher than before,

» His Majesty therefore is being lenient on you, and my son falls victim to your schemes! «

» Milady, « Caspian intervenes now, voice lower than usual, but Bern beats him to it,

» I must ask you to stop slandering our king's and Lady Luna's reputation, they liberated us from the slave traders! « The lord is on the edge of his seat, clearly agitated. Lady Benchheim takes another step towards the podium, screeching her next words as her bony index finger moves from Luna to the king,

» You are not our king; you are just another conqueror! « From one moment to the next the room falls eerily quiet, not a single whisper is heard from the crowd. The lady lifts her head as a guard takes her arm,

» At least, with Pug it was clear, who was in charge. «

» Since Queen Swanwhite I the Lone Islands have belonged to Narnia, « Lord Bern's chest heaves as he takes a calming breath,

» Now we shall be allies again. The contract will be signed today, but this is not subject of this hearing. «

Lady Benchheim is escorted back to her seat. From behind her, her husband places a hand on her shoulder – it must be a firm grip as Luna notices her flinch – and tells her to be quiet. During this pause, another lord rises,

» I suggest Lady Sanna to marry Lord Benchheim. Thus, we evade any further scandal as they apparently cannot behave themselves. «

» I beg your pardon?! « Lady Orianna now speaks up,

» Haven't you followed my granddaughter's statement? « The lord waves dismissively,

» Oh, women are made to love and marry, that's their purpose – even if they like to make a fuss of it. « Luna blinks, unsure how to channel her building fury. What is it with these people? They not only disrespect the king, they also do not value women as they should. The Crown Shield will not stand for any of it, consequences be damned. All of this only reminds her of why she dislikes court so much – it is a construction destined for doom. If it were only their own, she wouldn't mind much, but it pulls whole nations down with it. At least, the court here on the Lone Islands displays their disfunction openly – intended or not.

» Sure, that's a purpose, « says Luna with a tight smile, Orianna finishes the sentence,

» And men make it all about business, don't they? « Surprised, the lord turns to the younger,

» What would you know? You're a peasant, a simple soldier, aren't you? Marrying a nobleman is an honour, and this outcome is perfect for Lady Sanna. « Luna's hands tighten around the back of her chair, she barley manages to remain seated,

» No matter her station, every woman must have a choice, not be subject to whatever men decide! «

» Indeed! « A few voices agree, Melian and Sanna among them, while Luna stares the lord down who still seems unimpressed by her outburst,

» As I said, a villein like you has no idea what she's talking about. « Lady Benchheim regards Luna for a moment before shaking her head, remaining quiet. Lady Orianna, however, smirks.

At this point, Caspian is ready to step in. How in the blazes is he supposed to remain impartial with people calling his beloved such names? How dare they speak to her like this! Even though he knows she's had it worse, he wishes nothing more than to have her back. His fists are clenched tightly, he feels the nails digging into his flesh. He always understood the conflict within his Crown Shield – between duty and love – but now he finally feels something similar himself. The powerful urge to protect clashes with his sense of duty. Of course, he wanted to protect her before, stand for her as king – sometimes he did, sometimes he did not. But this... He won't have any of it, not anymore. Consequences be damned. Caspian unclenches his fists, preparing to rise, as he catches Lord Bern's gaze. Their host signals him to remain calm and seated before rising himself.

» There will be order in the courtroom! « Once again it astounds Caspian how the gentle voice can transform to a thundering force. The lord then proceeds to try and sort through this mess. Lady Benchheim is warned, but Caspian refuses to indict her – provided she renounces her previous statement and refrains from openly accusing and insulting people without proof. She has the day to think about it in confined chambers within the palace. The lord who suggested Sanna's marriage is reprimanded for his words. Lord Bern insists on governing his daughter himself and introduces a verdict that bans marrying women without their consent. The court agrees then and there and Mirjo pulls up the necessary documents – they will be signed by all members of the council and receive King Caspian's royal seal. The original case session is continued with Valanya's statement. Then the court is dismissed, for the council to gather everything needed for the signing of the alliance while Bern and Caspian decide the final verdict over Lord Benchheim. Luna, still agitated, slinks away and doesn't plan to return to the courtroom after the break.