The warrior takes a deep breath, releasing the pressure and stress of the heated court session in a long huff. As soon as the gong marked the break, Luna strode out of the room and through the halls. Were they home in Cair Paravel, her feet would carry her to the training grounds to unleash her fury on an unsuspecting straw-dummy. Here, she must make do with fresh air. The Crown Shield didn't expect to reach a beautiful garden area. Their hosts spoke of the Water Gardens on the palace grounds, but she didn't think them to be this impressive and well-maintained after the slaver's long reign. Countless rivulets, fountains and pools divide the lush grass and hedges. Paths of gravel - nearly too narrow for two people walking next to each other - invite visitors to stroll through the park. Benches and arbours encourage to linger. Luna does just that - her strides slow with every passing minute and an almost relieved smile lifts the corners of her lips.

» Ah, finally. « The Crown Shield whirls around, fingers gripping the hilt of her sword while her eyes dart over the low hedges, past the tree trunks, over the paths until they settle on a nearby bench. A man leans on a staff, back bent from his years of life. His white hair contrasts with the dark green of the low hanging branches of a gorse tree. Luna forces her muscles to relax,

» Pardon, sir? « He laughs, beckoning her closer,

» I'm no sir. Come, sit with an old man, soldieress. « How does he know she is a soldier? His hazel eyes glimmer in the rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves. As if he read her mind, he laughs again - it is a deep baritone, warm and cosy like a log fire in winter -

» 'Twas quite the hearing, I'd say. You gave those high noses a run for their money. « Luna snorts, taking a seat next to him. She didn't notice the white-haired in the crowd, but it feels good to have someone agreeing with her actions. The man watches her, his head bobbing up and down lightly while he hums to himself.

» If I may ask, « Luna smiles politely,

» What did you mean before? «

» Huh? Oh, that, « the older grins lopsidedly. He hums again. For a few moments he doesn't say anything, and the warrior considers repeating her question. There, the man points to his lips, describing a circle with his index finger,

» Your smile, miss. Looked like three days o' rain, then lighted up like the sunrise. « Understanding what he means, Luna's lips form a small 'o' before said smile returns.

» There ya go. «

They fall into a comfortable silence. The Crown Shield's thoughts stray far from these nobles and their behaviour towards 'lesser folk'. She thinks of the Dawn Treader's first landing on the Lone Islands. Since then, Lord Bern did so well, transforming the nation. However, Luna ponders, Pug is still out there. Caspian said, the council hasn't taken any action - apart from warning the other islands by sending out letters. She shakes her head. Shouldn't they be after that slaver as soon as they get the slightest whiff of his whereabouts? Surely, Reep and she would be off instantly. They often did go on such missions over the past years. Now, these days of fellowship are over. A quiet sigh escapes her lips. Maybe hunting down Pug should be the first thing after determining her replacement as Crown Shield; Reep will be with her in spirit always. Before falling deeper into reminiscence, Luna's thoughts move on to the day of the market. Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace were with them then. The warrior met a fellow sailor, saw the green mist for the first time, and was sold to a one-eyed man. What may have happened to him? She could ask the man next to her.

Her hesitation stretches. Then, Helaine comes into view. Her and the sailor Rhince's young daughter trails after the woman, eyes lowered to the gravel. Here and there she bends down to pick up a pebble. Holding it up into the light, she decides whether to keep it. If so, she pockets the stone and continues. Helaine bows her head respectfully to the man before addressing Luna,

» You didn't like the stuffed courtroom either, hm? « The warrior shrugs, causing the middle-aged woman to laugh,

» Alright, I won't ask. Walk with me instead? « She turns to the man,

» If you leave her to me, Breon? « The white-haired chuckles, waving them off,

» You youngsters go and enjoy this beautiful day. « Wasting no time, Helaine loops her arm through Luna's, pulling her up and along the path. Luna has barley time to say goodbye.

*

» Is he always so... positive? « The warrior stretches in the grass. Helaine lies next to her, basking in the sun. She may count a good ten winters more than Luna, yet she still seems youthful.

» Who? Breon? « Helaine turns her head to the Crown Shield, blowing a few strands of dark hair from her face,

» Always. « The answer is simple but fits well. After a moment's silence, Helaine sits up. She searches for Gael who wanders through the gardens, calling her over. The girl comes running immediately. Puffing her cheeks, she plops down between her mother and her new friend. Luna watches, noticing the change in Rhince's wife. The lightness vanished from her features and posture, only now returning as Gael is in reach.

» Are you alright? « Helaine runs her hands through her daughter's hair, pondering over the question. As she lifts her eyes to meet Luna's gaze, fearful honesty speaks before her lips do.

» Yes, yes. I- « she sighs, releasing Gael as the girl is drawn to a nearby fountain,

» I just doubt we can be as happy here as we were before... « She smiles half-heartedly,

» Maybe it's silly, but I wish we could go somewhere else, start anew. « As she glances at Luna almost shyly, the warrior smiles,

» Narnia maybe? « They look at each other, then laugh heartily. Afterwards Helaine explains why - even though Luna can fathom. Continuing to live on the Lone Islands after everything that has happened with the slave traders is difficult. People got used to live in fear, not knowing if they will see each other again upon leaving the house. This is not a home anymore. Gael, however, needs a real home, a place to belong, to feel at ease. Since Rhince befriended the crew of the Dawn Treader, and their time together on the Star's Island, Helaine sees a possible future in Narnia. Luna thinks of home. She will always have someone to come home to. The people of Owlwood are practically her family. She was raised there from an early age, alongside little satyrs, centaurs, and many more creatures of Narnia. Even though she has no friends in court, Cair Paravel doesn't only house nobles, after all. Furthermore, Luna built Narnia's most elite guild. These men, women, boys, girls, and anyone in between were chosen and trained by her. Most of them were young, orphaned in the Revolution, and yet not ready to yield to sorrow. In a program Caspian called to life after his coronation these children were gathered and given new homes in freshly built orphanages and foster families. Luna travelled through the country to see to it. A few of those kids didn't want to leave her again, the warrior at the king's side. They have grown into a sort of family - maybe a strange one, but still. Altogether, Luna is very thankful for the people in her life, Aslan guided it well. There is no need to feel lonely for her, but she understands. It is barley comparable, yet she feels this strange disconnection when at court. That she has no friends there, isn't entirely true, though. Above all, she has Caspian.

» Well, « says the younger woman,

» We'd be lucky to have you. «

» Thank you, « Helaine smiles brightly.

*

» Luna? « The warrior blinks into the sun, looking over at Helaine. She only shrugs, moving as little as possible as to not wake Gael. The girl fell asleep, curled into her mother's side. Luna sits next to them, playing with the pebbles Gael collected and put out to show the two women. At the call she straightens, turning into the supposed direction of the voice. Caspian stalks through the Water Gardens, Drinian at his side - well, a step behind him due to the narrow paths. As the king faces into her direction, she lifts one arm to wave. He smiles and makes towards her. Luna rises to her feet, brushing grass and dust from her clothing, straightening her sword belt. She breaks away from Helaine with a quiet farewell to meet Caspian halfway.

» There you are, « the king greets her, brushing his hand against hers. Luna nods with a small smile,

» And there you are. Is everything alright? « Cas catches her gaze. His tiredness seems to melt away as he returns her rested smile. After a few moments Drinian discreetly clears his throat. The young couple snaps out of it, and Caspian quickly fills her in. The court has been dismissed; everything is settled. The alliance is signed, Lady Benchheim revoked her statement, her son has been sentenced to help build and renovate buildings in and around Narrowhaven for the next six months. At the mention of the lordling, Luna remembers his mother's accusations. The embarrassment returns. So, she is glad that the captain ushers them out and towards the harbour. He is eager to leave the city - and tomorrow, as it turns out, the Dawn Treader will set sail again.

*

As the loyal ship is anchored at the docks of Bern's Manor once again, Luna isn't quite ready to turn in for the day. The evening is young; the sun will go down in an hour or so. The captain and crew remain on deck to make first preparations to put to sea. Bern and his family went ashore already, making their way to the estate. They need a bit of time among themselves after all this, mostly unpleasant, excitement. Luna lingers on the path up to the manor, unsure what she is waiting for.

Caspian appears next to her after talking to Drinian.

» What are we looking at? « Asks the king, playfully nudging her. Luna turns her head to the side, looking at him from under her lashes,

» Would you care for a walk? « Of course, he does. However, he didn't expect his Crown Shield to pull off her shoes and stockings, striding into the field with long steps. There's no need to ask, she turns, walking backwards with spread-out arms,

» It grounds you. « He has heard that before. She wishes to run, free. To feel the muscles working, the wind on her face, fresh breath in her lungs. There were days he ran with her. He didn't accompany her for too long. So, a smile brightens the young king's features as he follows his Crown Shield with equally long strides, ridding himself of his boots and socks as well. Luna giggles, turning back around and setting off through the high grass. He missed this careless side of her that comes to light so rarely. As he puts his hands in the pockets of his frock, he remembers something. A jolt of energy surges through him, his breath hitches.

Quickly, he catches up to her. Her hair escaped the constraints of the usual braid, flowing in the breeze, along with her tunic. The long dark strands shimmer almost golden against the sun. Caspian is mesmerized, reaching forward to touch her shoulder to get her to slow down. She does as he silently wished, steps not only slowing but entirely halting. Almost reverently, Cas' fingers weave through her hair as soon as he sidles up to her. Luna lets him, a warm feeling spreading through her at his delicate touch. She did not stop due to his pat alone - the couple reached the top of a hill. Only a soft hump divides them from the cliffs on the opposite side of Avra. Caspian just plays with one dark strand as Luna reaches up, lacing her fingers with his before drawing him along gently.

On top of said hump, Cas halts, pulling his beloved back a step and into him. Luna giggles as he snakes his arms around her without letting go of her hand - her arm simply wanders with his to rest before her. With her back pressed to his front, the king rests his chin on her shoulder, letting his eyes wander over the miniscule islands - more rocks than land - peeking through the ocean's surface along the coastline. White foam sprays around the reddish stone when waves break at their feet. The long days of sailing the seas have taught him much. It still astounds him how the oceans can be soft and wild at the same time, forceful yet silken. Almost like the soul of every living being is capable of both. A low chuckle escapes his lips at the philosophical thought. Luna feels it vibrate through his chest. Turning her head, she places a kiss to the side of his face. Both their hearts swell at this intimate moment, for once shared only between the two with no curious and judging eyes near. Neither feels the need to hold back or hide a part of themselves. They rarely felt it over the past years. Not the slightest ghost of Lady Benchheim's accusations bothers or embarrasses them, not here. They simply can be, wholly be, in the presence of the other. Regarding their usual surroundings and social circles, this is special. Warmth spreads, Cas doesn't even want to contain the sudden euphoria cursing through him. Swiftly, he gently nudges Luna and turns her to face him. Then, his lips find hers, revealing his overflowing joy, and his love in this very moment. Luna yelps lightly but gladly matches his eagerness. While he draws her closer, her hands shift to his neck. Heart to heart they stand in a passionate embrace, eyes fluttering closed.

A few moments later they smile at each other. Caspian's right wanders to cup her cheek, caressing the tanned skin. Her hands brush through his shoulder-length hair - he finally got her to cut it as the Dawn Treader made her way back towards Narnia. It is soft to the touch, just a bit tangled by the wind. Cas lift his head slightly, pressing his lips to her brow. He then leans his forehead against hers. Shutting his eyes again, he allows memories to resurface while he takes a few calming breaths. For a second he fears she might hear his drumming heartbeat and the blood rushing through his veins. As he reopens his eyes, he finds Luna's closed. A fond smile pulls at the corners of his mouth. He dares not move to not disturb this peaceful picture - he notes to try and draw it later. Then again, he must - before this moment, this woman slips through his fingers and makes his nightmares come true.

» Luna, « he whispers, gently lifting his head while taking a small step backwards. His hands catch hers from slipping over his chest. Bowing elegantly, he breathes a few kisses on the back of her hands. Almost shyly, he glances up at her while bending one knee. Sliding down, he holds her gaze, watching it shift from relaxed to startled. The deep brown glimmers in the sun, turning to the colour of honey when the light catches in her eyes just right. A surprised, yet nonetheless fond smile graces her lips - though, unable to mask her rising insecurity.

» Cas? « Her voice is quiet - nothing like the stoic general and teacher she can be, yet the same softness dwells in her tone all the same, no matter her role. He swallows, glad for the ensured contact with the ground as his knees weaken. Slipping one hand in his pocket, his mind races to the words he mulled over and over in his head countless times. He didn't plan this as thorough as he would have liked, but it simply feels right. He sends a silent prayer; this moment must be the right one, Aslan help him.

» My dove, « Caspian musters a brave smile - a lot more confident than he truly feels right now -

» My love. « He takes a final deep breath,

» Luna, I truly love you with all my heart... and it screams at me every day to ask you to- to do me the honour of becoming my wife. « The King of Narnia hesitates, brow creasing slightly. Heat rises to his cheeks as he realises the small mistake.

» I- ahm, that should have been the question already, « he stumbles over a few words - where is his rhetoric competence when he really needs it? - before he manages to clear his throat.

» So, what I'm trying to say- to ask, finally, « Caspian smiles, gaze fixed upon the woman he loves, and all of a sudden everything falls into place - his heart slows to pump rhythmically, his flaring nerves calm, his thoughts stop swirling. Producing a small dark blue box from the pocket of his frock, he snaps it open and presents its content,

» Will you marry me? «

Luna tries not to stare in shock, forcing herself to blink a few times while wishing her heart to stop - for a moment, at least - so she may hear the ocean instead of the blood rushing in her ears, to sort her muddled thoughts. Her eyes flicker between her beloved's face and the box in his hand. A silver band sits on dark satin, holding a shimmering pearl between its arches.

» I... « Caspian watches her, an expression of fear now stains his features at her reply, or more so the lack of it. Wouldn't it be her part to be giddy and tear up happily, squealing with joy, jumping into his arms? Well, what a cliché that would be, very out of character for his warrior. Cas would be more surprised about such a reaction than he is about this hesitation.

Luna is happy, of course. Her heart leaps in excitement, sending waves of warmth through her body as well as goosebumps over her skin. For a moment she fears her knees to give in at how wobbly they suddenly feel. She presses the free hand on her stomach, trying to calm the fireworks and butterflies. Wouldn't she press her lips together, she would smile, brightly so. Yet, it all comes with a bitter aftertaste. The two of them just agreed to allow their feelings mere weeks ago, finally, and be together. Marriage is another page altogether, maybe even another book. Sure, it always lingered in the picture; there is no partnership without the official promise, after all. The question is, are they ready for this step? Cas seems to be, while Luna can't help but feel incredibly rushed. She has difficulties to tell if she doubts them; her thoughts spin around this like a storm around its eye. Nevertheless, she needs to form an answer, say something,

» You surprise me, that's all. « It is no glorious response. The feeling of guilt digs creases into her forehead. Her heart and mind scold her immediately, though they both aren't ready to allow her joyfulness to bubble over. Aslan, she loves this man! What should be the problem?

The king observes her for a while, waiting patiently for her to process this. He is indeed aware of the suddenness of his proposal. Maybe he should have waited after all, dropped hints before rushing into this decision, planned it better. Then again, rushed seems not quite the right phrase. He always knew - for a while only deep down as he, too, tried to bury the feelings - that he loves Luna. In their time spent on Ramandu's Island, Lilliandil was a trusted confidant to Caspian. The star supported his idea of proposing to Luna soon. It gives him a new perspective. He, his heart, doesn't feel lost anymore - not as it did before, full of fears of losing the Crown Shield, his home. Of course, he has people and a country to return home to, but Luna is not only one of his most trusted friends, she is also the soul which completes his own.

So, he also knows that, should they ever engage in a relationship, marriage would come sooner than later - has to come by decorum, and expectation. Cas is fine with it. He is sure. Yet, a feeling of guilt nags at him. Is it unfair to force this onto her now, already? Hot and cold shudders charge through his body, excitement and anticipation battling dread and guilt. His gaze returns to her eyes. The deep brown centres him, bringing his swirling thoughts to a halt once again. Hope sprouts in his heart, sending a gentle tingle to loosen the knot in his stomach.

» Isn't that a good thing? « His reply is careful, yet again, Luna hesitates. As her eyes avert from his, Caspian sighs. He understands her conflict, but he knows she loves him.

» Dove, « he forces a gentle smile as he addresses her, waiting for her gaze to turn to him, and away from her galloping thoughts. At least, he guesses her mind is already seven steps ahead. Would only she know this is quite a rush for him as well. He doesn't have any expectations, and that is exactly what he intends to tell her.

» I know this comes sudden after... « the king pauses,

» After all we've been through, and just began with this. Us. « Catching her wavering gaze again, he squeezes her hand,

» But, Luna, I know you are the one for me. All I wish for is a promise. « He lifts the ring out of the box. Luna's eyes flicker to the silver band, matching its glimmer. A smile - not only hesitant and polite, but really joyful - blooms on her lips as she locks her gaze with his. On that note, Caspian continues,

» This ring shall symbolize that I am yours. No matter when we make it official. May it be a year from now or five... «

He smiles such a genuine smile, so Caspian-y gentle, her heart melts. She regards the man kneeling in the grass in front of her. The man she met as a boy, a Telmarine prince. His humble heart and kind, yet passionate nature drew her to him. He has been her friend through countless highs and lows; from simple arguments to the battlefield. They may have had their fair share of quarrels, hurt and heartbreak, but also forgiveness. Now, everything that remains is love, deep and true and loyal. It always has been, but finally it can simply be. With a slight jolt, every thought comes to a halt. The battle of the Crown Shield's heart and mind ceases like storm clouds making way for the first rays of sunlight in easing rain. In this very moment, the protector, and the lover melt, become one. In the end, isn't even a chess queen made to protect her king?

» I'm going to break all rules for you, my king... my heart, « she finally utters. Her eyes confirm every word, shimmering in day's last rays of sunshine. The relieved and loving smile on Caspian's features is reward enough. Gently, he brushes his fingers over hers while she lifts her hand, allowing him to slip the ring on.

» We'll rewrite them. « And with that, Cas springs to his feet, wrapping his strong arms around her.

A/N:

Hey everyone!

I'm very excited to finally present this chapter - two on one day because I couldn't wait ^^ Please let me know what you think, in the comment section or, if you prefer, per private message or message board.

Furthermore, below you'll find a picture of how I imagine Luna's engagement ring.

The Character overview got updated as well.

~ Lola