Caspian awoke to the sound of Maffie and Peter talking in low hushed voices.

"Just leave him. Please don't wake him up." That was Maffie, she sounded tearful and desperate. Caspian tried to stay awake and listen but fell quickly back asleep.

Peter and Maffie were in the large halls, Maffie was on her horse looking down at Peter, who looked sad and broken.

"He'll be devastated over your leaving." Peter replied sadly. Maffie sniffed.

"I know. But he'll want to come with me. Just... just give the challenge to Miraz, I'll be back by nightfall. I hope." She whispered.

"Alright. Go." Peter commanded. Maffie took a shaky breath.

"Make sure you tell him that I love him if I don't make it." She said. Then she rode off.

Peter watched her leave, admiration in his eyes.

"Where's she going?" Edmund emerged from the shadows. Peter sighed.

"She's going to see if she can infiltrate the castle and get information." Peter said in a whisper.

"Why are you-"

"Shhhhh. I don't want to wake Caspian. He'll be so hurt." Peter whispered fiercely.

Edmund nodded slowly.

"That's probably a good choice. But he'll figure it out when he awakes."

"But she'll be far enough out that he won't be able to follow her." Peter explained. Edmund nodded again.

"Alright... Aslan give them both courage." Edmund whispered, he walked off to get ready for the duel.

Peter closed his eyes. Remembering how upset Maffie sounded when she realized how sad Caspian would be.

__________________

Caspian furiously blinked back tears. Peter was sitting across from him with Edmund beside him. Susan and Lucy was helping some of the mothers' with younger children.

"Why did she go? She might not come back." He said stubbornly. Edmund sighed.

"We know. She knew the risk, but she also knows that Aslan will protect her." He said gently, trying to comfort his new friend. Caspian choked back a sob.

"What if she gets captured and they do something worse than just keep her hostage?" Caspian's voice cracked and he rubbed his eyes with the back on his hand.

"We know. Maffie knew that too."