Caspian happily led Otto through a maze of corridors on the castle ground floor. Because the caste was built one the edge of a jagged stone cliff, there were dozens of stone corridors leading underground, hidden passage ways and trap doors. Otto let Caspian talk the whole way. He was trying to absorb the steady flowing stream of information while also trying to wrap his head around the sheer fantasy castle vibe of this place. Now Otto had visited the ruins of a few castles back in England, but this was truly a castle straight out of a book. Dark stone with gothic style architecture on the battlements and balconies. High misty turrets over looking the forest in the distance.

Otto had seen it from above when flying. But he'd had his eyes mostly closed out of fear that griffen would drop him. Also the castle had been mostly shrouded in mist. In the light of day, Otto was fully able to take in the beauty of Caspian's home. The thought sent a thrilling feeling of excitement and warmth through him. He couldn't contain his smile as he listened to Caspian talk.

Apparently there were two main courtyards. The main courtyard at the front gate and then a smaller one round the side of the building. There was also the guards barracks underground where they kept the weaponry. They were near to the dungeons, which Caspian thankfully stayed clear off. The stables were just shy of the side gate, half above ground, half under it. Several stone paths breached out from the side gate out round the city to the plains to the east of the castle where the guards trained.

The servants quarters, dining rooms and kitchens were all on the ground floor. Although Caspian mentioned that most of the servants lived in the city. The first floor was home to the main council rooms and a few guest rooms. The room Otto was in last night was one of those guest rooms.

"The second floor", Caspian continued as they walked along the battlements. The sun was warm and Otto could smell the scent of oncoming autumn on the air. Down in the main courtyard below, they could hear servants chatting as they completed their work. Otto watched Caspian's face, absorbing the soft sound of his accent. "Contains the royal quarters. In the west wing there's the school rooms, the tutor's quarters and the library where I was taught as a boy", Caspian smiled at the memories. "The east wing is more guest rooms for more important guests such as council members". He gestured with a wave of his arm towards each wing.

"If you stay"- Caspian's voice faltered for a moment. Otto turned to face him and Caspian plastered a quick smile on his face. "If you and the others stay", he continued as if he had never paused. "Then your living quarters would be either in the west wing, or in the main keep with the royal quarters". He smiled brighter, but there was something off about his gaze. Otto ignored the pang at the thought of leaving and grinned back.

"What are you going about the council members?" He asked instead.

Caspian grimaced. "I told them last night that they have all had their titles and positions removed. With my uncle dead, I am automatically the next king. Although the official crowing ceremony is next week. But without support, the rest of the traitorous council have no way of opposing me". Caspian took a deep breath, trying to calm his frustration and anger over the betrayal of his council. Otto reminded himself that these were men who had watched Caspian grow up. It must sting.

"Now you can make a new council of narnians and telmarines", Otto said. Caspian nodded and the two of them fell into step. Caspian began talking about his plans for the future of the city. A grin lit up his face as he began gesturing wildly, as if he was physically creating a plan in the air for Otto to see. He wanted narnian's and humans to coexist. Otto listened eagerly to his plans, blow away by the sheer hope and care Caspian had for his kingdom. As they walked down tower steps back to the main courtyard, Otto felt the back of his hand brush Caspian's. The new king smiled and gently took it, holding it lightly enough that Otto could pull away at any time. Otto pointedly did not look at their clasped hands, ears burning. But he squeezed Caspian's fingers. The other squeezing back.

Caspian's hand was bigger than Otto's. With longer fingers covered in sword and bow calluses. In comparison, Otto's fingers were smother and paler. Less time spent out doors and less time fighting. Otto revelled in this small intimate touch. He thought on his he would never be able to do this in England and mentally marvelled at how much he had changed over the last few weeks. He couldn't imagine himself back at Hendon house, in another one of their silly lessons on the British empire and capitalism.

They crossed the main courtyard and down a small corridor to the second smaller courtyard. Peter, Susan and Aslan were walking opposite them under the eaves. The three of them turned to face Caspian and Otto. For a scary minute, Otto wanted to drop Caspian's hand and act like nothing was happening. But it would be untrue. Peter and Susan's gazes were warm and without judgment. Otto smiled.

"It's almost time for the announcements", Caspian called as they strode over to meet them. "I hope we're not interrupting".

"Not at all", Aslan rumbled, voice as deep and soothing as ever. He shook his golden mane out and looked at them all, eyes proud and gentle.

"Peter", Otto voiced, "could I talk to you for a moment".

Peter blinked in surprise and nodded. "Sure Birch". Otto stepped away from Caspian and Peter swung comfortable arm over his shoulders. The two school friends walked away from the others, towards the raised stone platform a few feet away. Half of the courtyard faced out over the cliff. The stone platform formed a sort of balcony over the drop below. There was a small green area and a old twisted oak tree growing in the centre.

Peter stopped next to the tree, far enough that their conversation was private. Otto looked at his friend and tried to think of what to say. Peter looked different from the short tempered teen from school. He looked mature and regal. "So, when do we leave?" Otto asked. "Now that it's all over and we have won. We have to leave now, don't we".

Peter smiled sadly and sighed. He squeezed Otto's shoulders reassuringly. "Today", he answered. "Aslan will open the gate back today".

Otto blinked, momentarily panicking. That wasn't any time. He wanted more time with Caspian. More time here. Peter must have seen the expression on his face.

"Otto. I'm leaving. Me and my siblings are going back to England. But you can stay here".

"But"- Otto opened his mouth to object.

"No", Peter interrupted. "We have parents and lives back there. I'm sorry I never noticed what was going on with you. I have been such a terrible friend. I never appreciated what you have done for me, getting into fights with me, helping me study and do my homework".

"Peter", Otto grinned. "None of that matters. You're my best friend. There was nothing you could do about my dad anyway".

"There's something I can do", Peter replied, eyes steely. "Would he even notice if you disappeared? Answer me honestly Otto".

Otto opened and closed his mouth, visibly floundering for a minute. He thought about all the nights where he was out late or just didn't return home. How his father never noticed if he skipped meals. Only when he drew attention or his grades plummeted did his father care". I have a reputation to keep Otto! How would it look if my own son was a disgrace!

"No". The word was small. The admittance a weight lifted off of his shoulders. Expectations and needing to keep his father happy finally loosening. They didn't fall away. That would take time. But Otto admitting what he had subconsciously known for years, it made him realise that he shouldn't try and be what his father wanted.

"Then stay". Peter's words sent Otto reeling.

"But what about you? I might not ever see any of you again! How can I stay? I'm not from here!"

"Otto", Peter shook him to shut him up. "Stop over thinking for a second you daft twit. You are a king here. A hero. I have lived here for over twenty years. So don't worry about it. You deserve to be happy. Also, I think Caspian wants you here". Peter shrugged grumpily at where Caspian was standing across the courtyard.

Otto glanced over. Caspian was talking to Aslan and Susan. He was laughing at something. The midday sun glinting on his dark hair as his face creased with amusement. Otto turned back to Peter and winced at his friend's knowing expression.

"You could never be happy in England", Peter said softly. "Your love is not allowed there".

"You don't find me disgusting?" Otto asked.

Peter laughed. "Otto, I lived in a world where animals talked for years. Something as simple as this is not the most surprising thing for me to wrap my head around. It's not disgusting". Overcome, Otto pulled Peter into a hug. Peter patted him on the back a few times and when they parted, both friends were smiling.

"Thank you", Otto tried to convey everything he felt into those two words.

"Remember", Peter grinned. "You'll always be part of the bloody SPH club".

Otto threw his head back and burst out laughing. "As if!" He howled. "You're the freaking club president".

Peter shoved him sideways and Otto staggered, still laughing. The two of them dissolved into a shoving match. Hair was messed up and clothes were rumpled and each tried to trip the other over. Otto was grinning so hard his cheeks hurt. Peter's laugher was echoing around them, interrupted by yelps as Otto tugged on his hair.

"Boys!" Susan's voice mad them both freeze. She was narrowing her eyes at them, a true haughty Queen with her arms crossed. "You're both kings. Act like it", she stated sharply, but there was a smile tugging on her lips and a gleam in her gaze. Otto smiled sheepishly and straightened, Peter grimacing on his right.

Aslan padded over. His large paws soft on the stone. The lion chuckled. "As much fun as you two seem to be having, I believe there is an announcement to make", he prompted.

Unedited