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It's been two years since Jadis and Rabadash tried to take over Narnia by conquering Cair Paravel. Jadis' icy remains are long gone within the earth's soil, but no one knows where the donkey is. We do know, however, both of them will never bother us again.

A cry of a baby travels through the halls of the castle, bouncing off against the walls and everyone who hears it, has an instant smile on their face.

Along with Lucy, Edmund and Peter, I have been waiting in the hallway but as soon the cry reaches us, we jump up from our spot.

The nurse opens the door leading towards Susan's and Caspian's chambers, and we hurry inside.

Susan sits on the bed, her back pressed against the heap of pillows and Caspian sits next to her. Susan is a bit pale but she cradles lovingly a small bundle against her chest. Both her and Caspian's eyes sparkle like stars as they stare at their newborn.

Peter takes my hand as we gather around the bed.

Susan smiles and carefully pushes some towels away so that we can see the baby's face. 'Say hello to Rillian,' she says and Lucy smiles as well while Edmund leans a bit forward to get a better look.

'He's so young' he says. 'He looks like a potato with eyes.'

Susan glares at him as Lucy slaps his upper arm.

'That's my newborn you're talking about,' Susan says and Edmund grins.

'So, his name is Rillian?' Lucy asks happily, and Caspian looks with love at Susan. He wipes some hair out her face before she sinks deeper into the cushions.

'Rillian Peter Edmund, son of Caspian the Tenth and Susan the Gentle. Grandson of the King of Kings. And future king of Narnia,' Caspian says.

'He is named after me?' Peter squeezes my hand as he looks in awe at our nephew.

'Yes, Pete' Susan says, but I can hear that she is still tired of giving birth.

'We wanted to ask you, all of you,' Caspian looks at Susan and then back at us, 'if you would be willing to be his godparents, in case something happens to us.'

For a second I am back on that battlefield, looking at Jadis while I see a dead Susan being carried out of the woods.

'Of course,' I say without hesitation.

Caspian looks relieved at me and steps off the bed to embrace me. 'Thank you!' he whispers happily. Caspian embraces Peter, Edmund and Lucy as well who are ecstatic to be godparents of their nephew.

Then we leave the bedchambers to let Susan rest and Rillian sleep.

Peter is still holding my hand as he leads me to his bedroom.

✦✧✦

Two weeks after his birth, it is time for Rillian's baptism. We haven't seen Aslan since Susan's and Caspian's wedding, but in our hearts we all know the King of Kings is going to bless the young prince.

I stand in front of the large mirror in my room, admiring the dress I am wearing. It was a gift from Lucy and as the sunlight falls on the fabric, a green colour reflects through all of my room. The silver flowers on the top are beautifully crafted, and I feel so much more elegant by just wearing it. The dress also holds a belt on which I can put my healing potions and tincture of medicinal flower petals. My hair is loose for a change and I look one last time at my reflection before I walk out of the door.

Peter, Edmund and Lucy are waiting for me in the hallway while Salvador is already in the throne room. He is an important guest, being the general and best friend of the King.

The Pevensies are talking to each other in hushed tones but as soon as I walk out of the door, the talking stops. The three of them smile at me and Peter blushes even.

'What is happening?' I ask curiously.

'Nothing, love,' Peter says quickly and kisses me.

Edmund and Lucy laugh but I drop the subject as we walk down the stairs.

The trumpets are playing and the guests are talking happily.

The four of us take our place at the front where the baptism is going to be held. Everyone sits down when the trumpets start a new melody. The doors open and Susan, holding a sleeping Rillian, wrapped in a silver cloth walks down the self made aisle.

Caspian has his hand on her back, holding her steady. Susan had lost a lot of blood while giving birth to Rillian and although she isn't recovered fully yet, she is stubborn and insisted on having the baptism today.

The sun shines brightly through the windows, falling in beautiful patterns on the marble floor. Aslan stands in front of the thrones on the elevated platform. He smiles at all of us and the guests.

'My children,' he says. The four of us bow our heads for the mighty lion while Caspian leads Susan towards Aslan.

She holds out her newborn son, who is now awake and looks in awe at the lion. One of his tiny hands slips out the blanket and grabs a handful of hair from the lion. Aslan chuckles and bows forward. His nose brushes over the forehead of the tiny prince and Rillian lets out a laugh.

The whole crowd is in awe and coes at the baby.

I glance at Peter as I feel him staring at me. He blushes again and he puts something back in his pocket.

'What was that?' I whisper.

'Later, El,' he hushes me but he squeezes my hand lovingly. I suppress and chuckle and slightly shake my head before turning my attention back at Aslan.

'May your days be blessed with laughter. May they be blessed with love. I am proud to call you my grandchild,' Aslan states.

✦✧✦

The Narnians know how to celebrate, especially when the Kings and Queens of Old organize it. It is something I have learned in the years the Pevensies came back.

'El,' Peter whispers. I am standing on the balcony, looking over the sea. The sun slowly sinks towards the horizon, disappearing into the ocean, and Susan and Rillian are already gone, resting.

Lucy and Edmund are dancing with the others, but Caspian, Salvador en Peter were talking seconds ago. But now, Peter is here, holding out his hand for me to take it.

'Come,' he says and I look at him... what is he up too?

I take his hand and Peter leads me away from the party, towards the garden that is located in the middle of Cair Paravel. It is specially made for the Kings and Queens and being the girlfriend of the High King does come with perks.

I have always loved this particular garden, and how the sunlight or moonlight falls in ever-changing patterns through the thick foliage. I stand in the fading sunlight with my eyes half-closed to listen to the peaceful ambiance of the garden, but then I hear Peter clearing his throat behind me.

I turn around and gasp for breath as my eyes fall upon his posture. The High King, my love, sits on one knee, holding out a wooden box with a beautiful ring in it.

'Elvira,' he starts, his blue eyes shooting through the garden for a moment but then they hold my own and he relaxes visibly. 'From the first moment I ever met you, ever saw you, I knew that you were and are a very special woman. And I love you. By the mane, I love you so much. And now that my sister has a child, I know I want the same. The same for us. So that is why I want to ask you. . . would you do me the greatest honour of becoming my wife?'

'I am way too sober for this,' I giggle, not believing it to be true, but Peter just smiles.

'I know you, Elvira, and unless I screw this up again, I'm going to marry you.'

'Well then, you better not mess this up.'

'What say you?' Peter stands up, taking my hand in his free one.

I look at the ring. 'I just hope you never reject me,' I say, taking a deep breath as I look up at him.

His eyes shine with happiness. 'You know you're my favourite human in the world right?'

'I better be,' I say before I bow forward and kiss him gently.

'So what say you? I'll wait an eternity for you, Elvira. Just say it.'

'I will, Peter,' I say. 'Yes, I will be your wife. I love you too, so very much.'

Peter takes the ring from the wooden box and slides it around my finger.

'I love you,' he says before he takes me in his arms and kisses me passionately.

Suddenly I hear cheers and whistling. I gently pull away from the kiss and Peter grins sheepishly.

'Peter, how many people did you tell about proposing to me?'

He shrugs as if it is nothing. 'Basically everyone,' he says and silences me with a kiss.

Fool. But I love him for that.

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this was it, everyone! the ending of Courage, Dear Heart! ieatalotofbooks and I hope you have enjoyed reading this adventure! we sure did love writing it!