The next morning, they remain undisturbed. Despite still being tired, Luna cannot return to sleep once she opens her eyes. At least Caspian barely stirs as she crawls out of bed to take a look out the window. Grey clouds hang over the hills, obscuring the rising sun. Its light is not yet strong enough to color them orange and pink. The Crown Shield shrugs and pulls her tunic over the crinkled blouse – scrunching up her face at her sore side – as a single knock sounds from the door. After a glance at Caspian to make sure he is not stirring, she quietly opens. Trumpkin smiles and is quick to slip past her inside the room. Luna watches his steps falter upon spotting the king, yet she does not feel caught or embarrassed, simply...curious about their old friend's reaction. The dwarf, however, coughs lightly, eyes glimmering with a relieved smile as he turns to her. No accusation or judgement can be found on his features, nor surprise – which surprises Luna. Then again, their closest friends probably knew of their feelings for one another. They haven't exactly always been subtle, especially not Caspian, not at the beginning. It doesn't matter, but Trumpkin is still here for a reason. She nods towards the still ajar door. They should talk outside to let the king rest.

Luna suppresses a yawn as she follows her friend down the corridor. After a stretch of silence, Trumpkin finally speaks,

» You know of the suitors. « It was no question. After the events of the previous evening, everyone knows of the council's ultimatum. Caspian must choose a bride and marry within the year – that leaves barely five months. The dwarf glances at her to gauge her reaction. Luna feels no worry, not even jealousy. A few months ago she would have been shocked at the mere suggestion, but now... Now, she has seen and endured too much to not stand to her feelings. Plus, being engaged, even only for days she spent conscious, does something to a person's heart and mind. Though, she wishes she still had the ring Caspian slid onto her finger that evening on the Lone Islands. Marriage, however, does still frighten her. Or less the marriage as the wedding and what it entails. If she is to marry Caspian, the King of the Narnian Empire, she will inevitably become its queen. That worries her.

Trumpkin's hand on her arm pulls her from these thoughts. His lips are parted as if to say something, but he simply studies her. She holds his gaze, silently telling him what she expects him to already have figured. The dwarf nods, more to himself, and leads them back down the same corridor they just came from,

» He shall not wake alone. « Then, his playful tone fades to a serious one, imploring even,

» Stay with him, Luna. « Frowning, she glances at the older. Why would he say that? That is what she has always done and what she will continue to do. Maybe she was born for it. Before she can say anything – they nearly reached her chamber – he turns to her again, catching her gaze.

» He saw you in a deathly sleep, weeks long. You must understand he will always seek you, protect you, more than ever after he nearly lost you, « the dwarf's brow furrows,

» We all did. « The Crown Shield bites onto her lower lip. At that last part his voice nearly breaks. It is rare for Trumpkin to show emotions like this, always has been – that is simply the nature of his kind. This doesn't make them uncaring or unfeeling, quite the opposite. They simply show their affection differently. Dwarves, especially the red, are of a cheerful, stout-hearted personality. Apart from appearance, this characteristic divides them the most from the black dwarves. They are sullener, quieter, apparently more in tune with their element – dwarves are the sons and daughters of the earth. Both love hard and are loyal for a lifetime once you gain their affection and trust – which is not easy. Still, they show it rarely by words but by deeds. Without a word, Luna leans down to embrace him.

» Ashes and amber coal, stay with him, « Trumpkin whispers again. She smiles, unable to suppress a tear at the worry of her friend,

» Always. «

*

Over the next days, Caspian finally takes up his full duties as King of Narnia. Despite his ministers, councilors and other high ranked title holders he has mountains of work – papers, mostly, and council meetings. Still, he will neither begin a day nor end it without having seen Luna. This does not go unnoticed. While the castle staff are touched that their king values one of his servants, a soldier no less, so much, the nobles view the development critically. The close bond between the king and his Crown Shield always drew attention yet never concerned the lords. So, in the next meeting the matter of the suitors is brought up once again. Caspian is asked if he acquainted himself with the selected ladies and finds them to his liking. Trumpkin grumbles into his beard at the persistence despite so many far more pressing matters at hand – and sends a prayer of thanks to Aslan that Luna is not present. She is still released from duty to heal – despite her protest; less vigorously regarding that she doesn't have to attend these meetings. To his surprise, however, the king smirks.

» We'd like to remind Your Majesty that the wedding should be announced rather sooner than later, « Lord Adrian scribbles his comment onto the parchment in front of him, the protocol of today's session. As the king's secretary it is his duty to do so.

» I intend to do just that, « amusement flickers in Caspian's eyes and the lords exchange glances.

» Really? « Lord Santian presses his lips into a thin line as the question slips out, then smiles apologetically. Lord Rhoop chuckles over the surprised expressions around the table – earning an elbow nudging into his side from Lord Revilian. Lately, the four lords often participate in these meetings to offer their help and advice wherever needed while getting to know this new Narnia. Caspian appreciates their presence for many reasons, one of them just what they display now – bickering. Hence, a wonderful distraction.

He is quick to adjourn the Council. Before he can leave the chamber, two of the older lords approach, asking him to join a walk down at the beach. Since meeting Timea, the four often find their way to the water. An unlikely friendship. Then again, all five must learn the ways of Narnia and bond over it: The still walking mermaid has never been onto land before – not like this – so all is new and quite unlike what she knows. The sleepers left a home to now find it entirely changed.

Caspian takes a deep breath. The air is less salty than what he got used to over the past year. Still, the smell of the sea lingers and calms him like the rocking of the waves that often lulled him to sleep. Lord Revilian stands beside the king, hands behind his back as he wistfully looks out on the water. Lord Rhoop wanders along the shore a little ahead, barefoot and his trousers rolled up to his knees, thankful for the company but preferring the silence – these meetings tire him more than he likes to admit. Meanwhile, his friend has spoken to Caspian about his son. The boy must be about the same age by now. Of course, he wishes to find him, hoping he is well after Miraz' reign of terror and the following revolution and wars.

Rhoop laughs heartily as he spots two familiar faces ahead, coming towards them. Caspian follows the lord's line of sight. His heart warms as his eyes find Luna's figure, also barefoot and ankle-deep in the water. Elrik skips about by her side, occasionally splashing her. Those two spend a lot of time together, Cas is thankful the sailor accompanies her around. He cannot wish for a more loyal and well-meaning friend for his beloved who looks out for her while he cannot. Still, he remembers the burn of jealousy. It set in a while ago, the flames building, twisting every time he sees them side by side, joking, embracing, whatever. Cas usually is not an impulsive person, never has been, seeking peace over conflict. Yet, if his anger is awoken, it burns bright and – regarding Luna – passionately. He knows this is futile, attempts to smother the flame, knows, else, it will sting in time. Already does. What began as the feeling of a needle pricking his heart turned into a knife embedded in it, twisting from time to time to remind him of its looming presence. And not only because of Elrik. Anyone, anything can awaken it. It is fear lingering behind it all, the utter nightmare the past weeks have imprinted on his heart. Every moment away from her is a moment of loss. Yes, the king knows it is insane...and yet.

Luna stops mid-splash as she spots three figures down the beach. A smile forces its way onto her lips. Elrik, however, takes the chance. His next splash hits her, cool water drenches the Crown Shield's shirt. She gasps in surprise, jumping back.

» Ups, « he definitely does not sound sorry at all as he shrugs sheepishly,

» What was it you always say in training lessons...? « He manages to suppress his grin long enough to plaster a serious look onto his features, tapping his index finger against his lips as if he was thinking hard. Luna glares at her friend, brushing droplets of water from her face. He snaps his fingers, entirely unphased,

» Right! Attention on your opponent, queenie. « Luna raises an eyebrow at the nickname, turning to look out at the sea to hide her frown while her hands fiddle with her wet shirt. Of course, the crew now know of the engagement, must know after everything, yet do not mention nor hint in any way that they know of it. Alas, they are their friends. Queen. No, she is not a queen, not even prepared to be called anything the like. She has been called so only once so far – maybe Reep simply knew then... With a sigh, Luna lets her thoughts wander. Still, being engaged to a king certainly makes this a very possible outcome. Engaged. They have been, but she lost the ring, and after all this...are they still? This turns her mind to what remains unspoken between Cas and her. Something her heart has known for years, something that is now as certain as Cair Paravel throning atop the cliffs behind her.

Soon enough, the two parties meet. Rhoop waves, Revilian greets them with a smile. Elrik pokes Luna's side with his free hand, the other arm rests over her shoulders, as she still fidgets with her shirt,

» Come on, it wasn't that big of a splash. « She sends him a sidelong glance, something in her eyes promises there will be a revanche. He takes a step back, both hands lifted in surrender. Luna sends him a mischievous smile, turning her attention to the others. Caspian's eyes cautiously take in the sailor before wandering to her. Trousers rolled up like Lord Rhoop, the front of her shirt is wet. Droplets of water in her dark hair reflect in the sunlight like glimmering pearls. The pair share a private smile. Lord Revilian watches Caspian step closer to her, gently taking her hand to place a kiss to the back while holding her gaze. The king then turns back to the lords, keeping her hand in his,

» Apologies, my lord, you were speaking of your son. « Despite the encouragement to continue talking, the lord studies the young couple before him. Their exchanges are innocent enough, yet so intimate in meaning. The nonchalance, the almost casual way they communicate with each other, it seems so easy, so...meant to be. He smiles fatherly,

» Ah, there is not much else to tell. My hope is, he found or finds someone so dedicated to him as you and your Crown Shield are to one another. « Luna tilts her head ever so slightly. No doubt, everyone here understands the true meaning of these words. Yet, by using her formal title, anyone overhearing would think of a soldier's duty to their king. Caspian's features are soft as he looks at her again. Lord Rhoop clears his throat,

» Well, young man, why don't you help an elder up that steep path, hm? « He gestures for Elrik to follow him. To everyone's surprise, he does without another remark. Lord Revilian follows, sending the king and the Crown Shield a subtle nod.

*

Night is falling as the two make their way towards the path back to the palace. Time flies when they are together – even when the topics include council meetings. This time, however, Luna laughs at Caspian's recount of the lords' disbelief in his decision to soon announce a wedding. Deep inside, a strange feeling arises. This is them, their wedding, they are talking about – between the lines. The Crown Shield can barely believe it herself. Still, that feeling lingers. Uncertainty maybe? She cannot quite place it. Since her awakening they have not yet talked about their engagement nor of a wedding. Luna expected the thought of the latter would frighten her more, returning the pressure and haste she has felt before to her heart. She smiles slightly, silently thanking Aslan that is not the case. Elrik calling her a new nickname, though... Now, Caspian tells her of his forming plan to find Lord Revilian's son as a surprise for his father's old friend.

» Do you think your network could help? « The king stops at the foot of the cliffs where the path begins to wind upwards.

» I'll see to it, « she steps past him as he gestures for her to go ahead,

» Did Lord Revilian give any pointers? «

Soon her first quick steps slow as her breath shortens. Furrowing her brow in frustration, she pushes herself on. Slower but steady, one step in front of the next. Don't stop or it will only get harder, is what she has learned. As the path takes a turn, Cas' hand on her arm stops her in her tracks. Panting, she stops to look at him. He tilts his head, observing her in the last light of day. He noticed her difficulties, of course he did. She takes a deep breath, blowing air out between her lips.

» It's alright to take a break, « he smiles, squeezing her arm,

» Don't strain yourself. « After a short hesitation he adds,

» With Revilian's son...if it is too much- « Luna's frown stops him. She is tempted to sharply turn and storm up the rest of the way. His concern is sweet, but she cannot help feeling small, weak at the mere insinuation she cannot do something as simple as walk up a hill or do her duty without a break. Her duty, she hesitates at the thought, that will soon change though, won't it?

» It's fine, « she quickly says to escape her own mind and this situation. Twisting her arm from his gentle hold, she turns and continues uphill – with measured steps. She is, after all, not a child throwing a tantrum. Caspian chuckles good-naturedly behind her and is quick to follow.

As they reach the gardens, the king stops her once again. Well, that is the risk of walking with intertwined hands. Luna finds him with his head laid back, looking up into the night sky.

» There's the Lamb! « Excitedly he points out the constellation with his free hand. The warrior can't help but smile as she observes him a moment longer, so much in his element. He has always adored astronomy – especially the nights spent on the highest tower of Miraz' castle with the Professor. Luna fondly remembers the lessons she was allowed to join. After a moment she too looks up, following his outstretched fingers as he connects the stars with invisible lines to what the Narnians call the Lamb constellation – or the Little Lion.

On the journey aboard the Dawn Treader Caspian and Drinian kept not only mapping the seas and islands but also the skies. During their stay on Dragon Island they began searching for constellations and naming them. It feels like forever ago now as she lay between Caspian and Eustace as the six friends watched the dark canopy far above. One Caspian called the Rapier as it is formed of three small but bright stars in a straight line. Then there is the Dawn Treader Lucy – much to Drinian's delight – found in four stars forming a gentle bow, the second is the largest and brightest, with a fifth star just above the bow. Cas, Ed and Lucy loved thinking of these names while Eustace tried to explain that stars are made of gas and fire – as opposed to people as they later discovered with Liliandil and Ramandu. With a wistful sigh Luna leans her head on Caspian's shoulder as he continues to trace the constellations visible tonight. It feels a lifetime ago that, in their excitement, the three royals urged the others to join the search for constellations. Cas then pointed to five stars forming a cross,

» What about the Crown Shield? « Luna frowned at that, but the Just King grinned,

» I see it. Could be a Shield. «

» Or a throwing star, « the warrior teased. Cas bumped his shoulder against hers, pointing to two different stars with no less glee than he did before,

» Looks like a compass to me. « Luna tilted her head, crumpling the blanket between her and the sand.

» Or lovers, the Heart and the Soul, « said Lucy,

» They are so bright! « Ed rolled his eyes good-naturedly, mumbling about romance novels Susan should not have gotten her involved in. They continued until everyone got to name at least one newfound constellation – Cas insisted as he scribbled down quick sketches in his notebook with the name, the namer and date. Luna wanted to find a helmet to the Shield they dubbed earlier but her search was interrupted by Cas leaning closer.

» There, « he whispered by her ear, pointing to four stars forming something remnant of a zigzag line,

» What's this one gonna be? « The Crown Shield hummed, studying the four dots of light before turning her head to the side. She found Caspian watching her with glimmering eyes and her heart swelled.

She chuckles at the memory. Cas showed her the letter from Professor Cornelius – the answer to the king's letter to his old teacher and friend in which he included a map of the stars they discovered on their journey. Apparently, the doctor could tell right away that Luna named the Braid.

*

Luna's feet carry her through the halls of Cair Paravel. She just had breakfast with the king who now needs to tend to his duties, leaving Luna to her thoughts. They discussed the court hearing taking place within the next days – it will be decided what consequences Lord Balren and Lord Riven are going to face. Also, two Shadowswere involved... Luna can't take it anymore. Her heart stings at the thought alone. She needs to do something, needs to investigate this matter herself. Officially, she has not stepped down from any office yet but has not stepped up to her duties either. The healers insist she rest and stay put a bit longer, Cas even threatened to order her to follow their advice. She shakes her head with a quiet huff, the time for rest is over. Has to be over. There's a reason Aslan granted her survival. The Great Lion Himself appointed her the Crown Shield to King Caspian right after his coronation; it's time she returned to what He intended her to do.

Soon enough she reaches the barracks. Galor is the first she encounters – he's in the midst of practicing throwing knifes. Swinging back, he changes his hold on the blade before thrusting it forward. Something in his movements is different than she remembers. Galor belongs to the group of children this division started out with, the Originals as they like to call themselves. He has always been slower to learn but turned out to be among the best later. She recalls quite clearly the many times the two of them trained in addition to the usual lessons. That is why she notes the change in technique right away. As he notices her watching, he freezes, staring at her. She returns his gaze calmly – his behaviour has been strange, quieter, withdrawn. A moment later he quickly ducks his head in greeting and hurries over.

Together they round up the other Originals and retreat to a field just behind the training grounds. Luna takes a careful look around, nodding to herself as she finds no one around. Also, the lack of trees and underbrush will make it near impossible for anyone to eavesdrop. The others exchange glances, knowing full well that a serious conversation is going to come. She proceeds to settle in the grass, only then do her former trainees follow. Orion sits closely to her left, Agenor – the oldest of the Originals – to her right. That leaves Galor and Finjas, with the latter's twin sister out on an assignment.

» It's time, « Luna looks around, » you tell me what has happened here during the past year. « Orion is about to say something but her stern gaze stops him,

» Everything, Orion! « Someone wants to kill the king, among them one of the people closest to her. Glenstorm was injured a while ago. Feryn returned from exile. And– as her eyes wander over Galor, he is drumming his fingers onto his leg. Luna startles, returning her attention to him. She suppresses a growl; he is missing a finger. Orion's hand on her arm stops her before she can ask.

» He doesn't like to talk about it, « whispers the darkhaired. Her brow furrows and a very ominous, cold feeling rises within her. What on earth is going on? Straightening, she levels her gaze at Agenor. He has always been the most practical.

» I am speaking to you as the Crown Shield, and I expect answers. « The young man sighs, nods and begins. As soon as he mentions the female assassin, Orion cuts him off,

» We do not talk about her! « His hands are balled into fists, his jaw and shoulders tense. Anger radiates off of him in waves. Luna regards him for a moment while Agenor tries to shush him. Kirea and Orion have been close since she joined their ranks, bantering back and forth, turning everything into a contest. Of course her betrayal hit him hard. Not only him, though. All of them. Her. Caspian. Luna closes her eyes, swallowing hard.

» Promise me, « the four stop mid argument at her quiet voice. She opens her eyes,

» No, swear to me to never go back on your oath, to be loyal to the king no matter what, and to... « The Crown Shield takes a breath, glancing around them once more,

» To find if anyone else turned. «

*

They all swore it. No hesitation. No doubt. Luna is at least somewhat relieved. She trusts the boys; well, they are growing into men, but to her they will remain her boys. She knows them well, since they insisted to stay with the then newly appointed Crown Shield. Galor still didn't explain anything about his lost finger, only mumbling about new training methods. They tried to decide what to do with Kirea but remained hesitant. Maybe that should make her suspicious, but Luna knows better. Would they not hesitate to condemn their sister in arms it would only suggest they want to save themselves. No, the warrior decides, her Originals are loyal, and together they will find what is going on. For now, all that remains is to tell Caspian that she will take charge of the Shadows again. Under these circumstances she won't accept any other leader for her division. Not yet.

What do you think, doesn't Lord Rhoop make a formidable wingman?