Chapter 16✨

Peter readied himself for the duel. Raina stood by his side, reaching his helmet out to him.

'Thanks.' He said.

'Peter, you know I trust you. But I don't trust him. We're going to war, regardless of how this goes.' Raina said, gravely. Peter looked at her and gave her a nod.

'We are. Raina, like last time, please don't throw yourself in too deep. We dodged a bullet last time, I don't know how lucky we'll be this time.' Peter implored, as Raina looked at him with subtle disbelief.

'Peter, my title is literally the Narnian Protector. If I don't protect our troops and you, I'll be a pretty bad one. And I don't like that.' Raina said, giving him the side-eye. Edmund walked up to them.

'You ready?' He asked Peter, who nodded and turned back to Raina.

'Raina, you and Glenstorm will be the duel Marshalls.' He declared as Raina nodded. 'Come on, we should go.'

Peter was in the middle, as Edmund walked on his right, carrying Peter's sheathed sword, and Raina on his left. As they left the How, they were met by raucous applause and cheers from their troops. Raina felt her blood pumping, her adrenaline kicking in as well. Everything became real all of a sudden, the fact that Peter was about to duel to the death with a man who never keeps his word. Her instincts as a protector warned her to keep a close eye on him. As they approached the cobblestone flooring on the field, where the duel was to take place, Raina leaned over and frantically whispered to Peter and Edmund.

'Guys, I have a really bad feeling that Miraz is going to try something. Peter, I need you to be extra vigilant. He's planning something, I know it.' She whispered, as Peter looked back at Miraz who had an evil look on his face.

'Thanks Raina.' Peter muttered as they reached the ground. Glenstorm stood by, nodding to them as they approached, his sword raised up, as they all faced Miraz and his advisors, standing a few meters away.

As they reached, Raina stood at the edge of the cobblestone flooring, as Peter and Edmund walked forward, the former unsheathing his sword from the latter. As he did so, the Narnians cheered for their King.

Miraz leaned over to General Glozelle to whisper something in his ear.

'If it should appear to be going poorly...' He said, gesturing to the crossbow in Glozelle's hands. He looked down before meeting Miraz's eyes.

'Understood, your majesty.' He replied. Raina heard the exchange as she marched forward.

'You will do nothing of the sort.' She growled at them, as her eyes flashed blue and the crossbow crumbled in Glozelle's hands.

'Ahhh!' Glozelle screamed in fear, as Miraz jumped back.

'A fair fight, anything else, it won't be the crossbow that crumbles.' She said, her voice sending shivers down Miraz's spine, as well as Glozelle's.

'Watch your back.' Miraz said, glaring at her.

'Watch your head.' Raina retorted, as she felt someone grab her arm.

'Raina.' Edmund breathed. 'Just get back, please.' He implored as Raina maintained a stare down with Miraz. She finally caved and walked back to where Peter stood. He gave her a questioning glance.

'He was going to cheat.' Raina shrugged. 'I evened the playing field.'

Peter just shook his head. Edmund walked up to him to fix his armour.

'I have full faith in you, Your Majesty.' Glenstorm spoke encouragingly, as Peter nodded to him.

'You'll be fine, Pete.' Raina reassured as she gave him a quick hug. All eyes turned to Edmund.

'Eh.' He shrugged as Raina whacked his arm.

'Some words of encouragement, Ed?' Raina taunted.

'You can beat him.' He shrugged as Peter rolled his eyes and clapped a hand on Edmund's shoulder.

'Thanks.'

Miraz stood up, and took his helmet from one of his advisors.

'I hope you won't be too disappointed, when I survive.' He grunted as he put it on. He too unsheathed his sword and walked forward. Peter followed, as they began to slowly circle one another.

'There is still time to surrender.' Miraz boomed.

Peter maintained an impassive expression.

'Well, feel free.' He retorted.

'How many more must die for the throne?' Miraz asked.

'Just one.' Peter growled, as he pulled his helmet down, signalling he was ready.

The two of them let out a battle cry, as their swords and shields clashed. It was a fiercely close fight. One moment it appears that Peter had the upper hand, and the next it was Miraz. It was almost like a deathly dance of steel. Both fighters expressed a kind of experience, both feeling as though they have done this a million times. It was almost mesmerising, had the stakes not been so high.

Peter was able to strike a blow on Miraz, forcing him back. Raina smiled slightly at that, her heart going a million miles an hour. Suddenly, Miraz used his shield to knock Peter's helmet off. Raina and Edmund collectively gasped, as both of them reached for each other's hands, clutching them tightly. Peter had to lean backwards to avoid being beheaded, and after doing so he successfully cut Miraz's leg. He screamed in pain, as he inched away, breathing heavily. The two of them continued as Miraz rushed forward and Peter fell. Miraz then stepped on his shield, attached to his arm, resulting in a sickening crack. Peter let out a pained scream, as Raina took a shaky breath, hanging to Edmund's hand for dear life.

Peter managed to roll away and avoid Miraz's attacks, and was able to trip him, and he went sprawling on the floor. Peter used this opportunity to get back on his feet, and as he did, he saw Caspian riding back with Susan. Miraz took note of it as he turned to Peter.

'Does his Highness need a respite?' He asked. Peter groaned in pain slightly.

'Five minutes?'

'Three!'

Edmund quickly walked forward to assist Peter placing a hand on his shoulder and guided him back, to where Raina stood with Susan and Caspian. Despite being in pain, Peter looked alarmed.

'Lucy?' He asked, worriedly.

'She got through, with a little help.' Susan responded, gesturing to Caspian. Peter turned to him.

'Thanks.' He breathed. Caspian shrugged.

'Well, you were busy.'

Raina walked up to him.

'Are you alright?' She asked, concerned.

'Never better.' Peter joked, but soon groaned in pain. Raina shook her head.

'He's going to be fine.' She spoke.

'You better get up there.' Peter gestured to the top of the How where the archers stood. 'Just in case. I don't expect the Telmarines will keep their word.'

'They won't.' Raina said, eyeing the Telmarine army.

Susan walked up to Peter and gave him a quick hug. He let out a pained gasp as she pulled away.

'Sorry.'

'It's alright.'

'Be careful.'

Edmund watched their troops grow anxious, as he quickly turned to the others.

'Keep smiling.' He ordered, so as to not worry their troops that things weren't going the best it could.

Peter raised his sword as Susan ran forward, the Narnians erupting in cheers for the return of their Queen. Raina turned around and eyed Miraz, who was sitting on a chair, his leg wound being tended to by General Glozelle. She made her eyes flash violet so she could pick up on their thoughts. She smiled as she turned to Peter.

'He knows he's screwed, but he's not showing it. It appears that his pain tolerance is remarkably low. Although, that wound is pretty nasty. You definitely got him good.' Raina commented as Peter's eyes widened.

'How do you-' He began, as Raina cut in.

'I can read minds now. Ed knows.' She threw a sweet smile his way, as he got flustered. He didn't say anything.

'Well, I didn't get off great either.' Peter said, as he gasped in pain.

'Hey hey, come on, you're alright. Sit down.' She urged.

'Where should I sit?' Peter asked, annoyed. Raina huffed and quickly used her powers to create a chair made of rock.

'Here. Sit.' She practically pushed him down on it, but gently, nonetheless. Caspian came forward and took the shield off Peter's arm, making a sick noise, who gasped in pain. Caspian, Edmund and Raina collectively cringed, as though all of them felt it.

'I think it's dislocated.' He said, as Edmund and Raina observed it.

'What do you think happens back home, if you die here?' Peter asked, looking at Edmund, who had a worried look on his face. Raina stilled at the question, subconsciously wanting to know the answer.

'You know you've always been there, and I never really- arghhhh.' Peter groaned as Edmund twisted his arm back into place.

'Save it for later.' Edmund replied hurriedly. Raina gave him a pointed look.

'Does it still hurt?' Raina asked, carefully.

'Yes, it does.' Peter said, his voice strained.

'Let me see if I can do something.' She said as she stood next to Peter. She closed her eyes, and her necklace began to glow. Both Caspian and Edmund's eyes widened. She envisioned the good times she shared with Peter, hoping to have more. She felt power well inside her as she gently pressed her palm to Peter's shoulder, allowing energy to flow from her to him. Peter looked up, surprised.

'The pain's less now. How'd you do that?' Peter asked awestruck.

'My secret.' She smirked. 'Come on.' She urged as she helped Peter stand up, Miraz standing up in the process, bandage wrapped around his leg. Edmund handed him his sword, but when offered his helmet, Peter shook his head. He stepped forward, as the Narnians cheered for him. Miraz followed Peter's example, as the two of them walked forward again.

Raina was tenser than she had ever been. She trusted Peter's abilities, but she did not trust Miraz to play fair. She knew in her gut he was planning something. Edmund scooted closer to her and entwined his fingers with hers. She looked startled for a moment, and didn't look at him, but she didn't pull away.

Peter ran forward, as he made the first move, Miraz blocking it. This continued for a few moments, when Peter swung Miraz's sword away and he was only left with his shield. Peter repeatedly swung his sword at the shield, trying to get closer. Miraz used the shield to hit Peter in the face, which he followed up with a backhanded slap. While Peter was reeling, Miraz shoved his shield forward, but Peter caught it, and twisted it around Miraz's back. He yelled in pain, and elbowed Peter. Miraz threw Peter against a broken pillar, and used his sword to kill him. Peter rolled away, and before Miraz could strike again, Peter punched his leg wound, as he let out a loud yell of pain, and sank to his knees. Peter stood above him.

'Respite! Respite..' Miraz groaned.

'Now's not the time for chivalry, Peter!' Edmund urged, as the Narnians yelled for their King to kill Miraz. Peter ultimately stood down, and began to slowly walk back. Raina's eyes flashed violet as she tried to read what Miraz was thinking. Her eyes widened, as he promptly stood up, picking up his sword.

'PETER, LOOK OUT!' Raina yelled, as Peter quickly avoided getting stabbed by Miraz. He had to only depend on his armour, as his sword had fallen a few ways away. As Miraz lunged again, he quickly seized the sword, and stabbed him deep in his side. Miraz let out a shocked groan. He sank to his knees, as Peter stood above him, his sword in a position to swiftly behead him. The two Kings were breathing heavily.

'What's the matter boy? Too cowardly to take a life?' Miraz taunted.

'It's not mine to take.' Peter retorted through gritted teeth. He turned around, and reached the sword out towards Caspian. He walked forward, taking the sword from Peter, pointing it at Miraz. Everyone watched with bated breath.

'Perhaps I was wrong. Maybe you do have the makings of a Telmarine King after all.' Miraz commented, as he looked down. Caspian let out a cry, and stabbed the sword on a patch of grass.

'Not one like you. Keep your life, but I am giving the Narnians back their kingdom.' Caspian spoke, angry tears sparkling in his eyes. He looked to Lord Sopespian and gave a small nod, and it was returned. Caspian walked back as the Narnians cheered for their victory. Raina patted his back, comfortingly. She turned to Miraz, who was being helped up by Lord Sopespian.

'My King.' He spoke, as he steadied Miraz.

'I'll deal with you when this is over.' Miraz growled.

Raina's eyes flashed violet again, as she tried to read Lord Sopespian's thoughts. He smiled.

'It is over.' He replied, Raina was about to say something when Miraz was stabbed in the back by one of Susan's arrows. Miraz let out a pained gasp, as he sank to the floor, dead. Everyone watched this ordeal, as Lord Sopespian yelled.

'Treachery! They shot him! They murdered our King!'

Raina's anger was palpable now. She saw him kill Miraz, and was now blaming the Narnians for it. She quickly looked to Peter, then Caspian. They shared an understanding. She finally looked at Edmund, whose face was a mask of rage and worry. She watched as Lord Sopespian lied and it filled her with rage.

'That son of a bitch.'

(A/N hii y'all i know this chapter is kinda short, but the next chapter is the one you guys have been waiting for. so much is about to happen, and i'm fairly certain you will like it, and if you don't, i'll just dig a grave for myself and catch y'all suckers on the other side heehhee. this chapter was just the part before the full blown out war, and believe me when i say a LOT is about to happen. i've even planned music for it! i'm going to post the next chapter as soon as i can but i want to get it perfect so if it takes time, know that perfection can't be rushed. thank you all so much for the love and have a lovely day <33)

to everyone reading, i humbly ask you to vote on the chapters as it would really help my fanfic.