Chapter 21✨

The day of Caspian's and Raina's coronation had arrived.

It was a busy day at the Telmarine Castle, as Raina and Caspian readied themselves for it. Raina's room was a mess. Gowns, accessories, capes and what not were all scattered around her room. Raina was yet to decide which gown she would wear, and she was to be in the throne room in less than an hour.

'Why don't you try the white one, Your Excellency? It also comes with a cape!' Genevieve proposed. The white gown was certainly beautiful, with gold detailing.

Raina observed the gown. She clutched her head in frustration over not being able to decide.

'Urgh who knew choosing what to wear would cause so much havoc.' She grumbled.

'Raina! Are you ready- Oh my word.' Susan said, as she and Lucy entered Raina's room.

'I can't tell if this is a room in a castle or a seamstress' floor.' Lucy commented.

'Not helping.' Raina groaned.

'Okay, okay, why don't you show us your top two choices?' Susan asked.

Raina nodded and displayed her top choices. The first was a simple dark blue cold shoulder gown. It wasn't the fanciest but it still had an aura of royalty. The second was the white gown with gold detailing and it's own cape. This was definitely fancier, but it wasn't too tacky or 'in your face'. Susan and Lucy mulled it over.

'I love the white, it's so regal and gorgeous it would suit you so well!' Susan commented.

'But the blue is so understated and elegant, it's perfect for you!' Lucy retorted.

'Again, not helping.' Raina glared.

'Raina, you've got less than 20 minutes to get ready. We have to go to the throne room. I hope you'll decide FAST.' Susan said, hurriedly, tugging Lucy out of the room with her.

Raina flopped down on her bed, staring at the ceiling as she let out a loud groan.

'UGHHHH WHY CAN'T I CHOOSE I NEVER HAVE THIS PROBLEM BACK HOME!' She yelled.

Genevieve was digging through the wardrobe, to find something, when her eyes fell upon a large box. She opened it, and gawked.

'Your Excellency? I think we've got a winner.' She said, excitedly.

'Really?! What is it?' Raina jumped and paced over to Genevieve. As her eyes fell upon the gown, she knew it was the one.

'I'm going to change.' Raina said, hurriedly, as she quickly grabbed the gown, and changed into it. When she emerged, Genevieve clapped her hands together, joyfully.

'You look fierce, Your Excellency. Fierce and beautiful.' She said, happily.

'I feel fierce. Thank you.' Raina replied.

'How would you like to do your hair?'

'Surprise me.'

*******

18 minutes of pure chaos later, Raina stood in front of her mirror, taking in her appearance. She almost couldn't recognise herself under all the glamour. The Imperium rested on her neck. A knock came at the door. It was Genevieve.

'Are you ready, Your Excellency?'

Raina sighed.

'As I'll ever be.'

Raina walked out of the room, towards the throne rooms. The double doors were closed, as Aslan and Caspian stood behind them. He wore a red and gold ensemble, the royal colours, so to speak. He turned around, and as soon as his eyes fell upon Raina, they widened and his jaw dropped.

'...wow.' Was all he was able to muster. Aslan turned around as well, and gave Raina a proud smile.

'You look powerful, Raina. The same way you did all those years ago, even more so.' He said, kindly.

'Thank you.' Raina said softly.

She went and stood on Aslan's right, while Caspian stood on his left.

'Shall we?' Aslan asked, looking at both Caspian and Raina.

'We shall.' Raina chuckled slightly.

A set of trumpets were heard, as the doors were pushed open. Raina walked forward with Aslan and Caspian, as all eyes fell upon them. Raina's heart was going at an alarmingly fast rate but as she entered the room, full of people she trusted and fought alongside, she instantly felt at peace, as though this was exactly where she was meant to be.

Everyone was fixated on the two to-be-crowned royals, but even more on Raina. She was the spitting image of beauty and power. Her armour like gown shimmered in the daylight, as the sunlight reflected in her dark brown eyes and brunette hair. Caspian was right, you could be terrified and awestruck by someone at the same time.

They glided through the aisle, as they passed soldiers, advisors, friends alike. Raina smiled at everyone she passed, nodding in respect to those who she fought alongside, receiving them in abundance. As she looked ahead, she found two thrones, with special engravings on them. The one on the left seemed to call out to her, as she noticed an engraving of The Imperium, tendrils of light, and a sword on one of them. It was clear that it was the one she would sit on.

As she got closer to the raised platform, she noted Reepicheep and Glenstorm standing on her right, smiling proudly and nodding to her. She returned the gesture, gratefully.

Finally, next to the thrones, stood the Pevensies, dressed in royal attire as well, but nothing that outshone Caspian or Raina. All four of them had crowns placed atop their heads, as the ancient rulers of Narnia, bearing witness to the new royals. Lucy wore a green and silver gown, matching her silver leaf crown, as she smiled excitedly at Raina. Susan wore a bold red and gold gown, which also matched her silver and gold crown. She gave a smile and an encouraging nod to Raina. Peter was clad in a white silk shirt, and a maroon coat, with black pants and boots. His gold crown sat atop his head, and Raina wondered if his head hurt under the weight of it. Quick as lightning, Raina stuck her tongue out at him, which Peter returned in no time. She chuckled slightly to herself.

Finally, as Raina met Edmund's gaze, her heart skipped a beat. He wore a black silk shirt with its matching coat, with intricate silver detailing, and a ruffle tie. It beautifully matched the silver crown atop his head, and unlike Peter's, it didn't seem to be a crushing weight on his head. As he met Raina's gaze, his eyes became the size of saucers as his mouth fell open. Her dusty blue gown, with an armoured bodice, intricate gold and silver detailing, and its own tulle cape made his heart beat rapidly as butterflies overwhelmed his stomach. Raina was no exception. She gave him a small smile, as he smirked and winked at her. She looked down and blushed furiously, just as she made it to the raised platform, as she and Caspian walked up to their respective thrones, Aslan in the middle of both of them.

Caspian was crowned first.

'To Narnia and Telmar, I give you King Caspian, The Seafarer.' Aslan addressed the room.

Soon, Reepicheep and a few more mice ran up with a velvet pillow, a gold and silver crown with diamonds perched on it. Glenstorm stepped forward, as he picked up the crown, and walked towards Raina, who bowed.

'To the lands and oceans of Narnia, I give you Queen Raina, The Warrior.' Aslan boomed as the crown was placed on Raina's head. As she rose, her necklace began to glow. She looked worriedly at Aslan who smiled at her.

'A celebration of your power, Raina. The Imperium recognises when you are the place you ought to be in.' He said to her, as she looked at the necklace, glowing brightly.

Raina took a deep breath and light covered her palms, the same golden light that she wielded in the battle, except this time it was a lot more calming, full of warmth, inviting. She stretched her arms high, as the light enveloped the room. It was calming, and yet so powerful. As the light died down, Raina's crown seemed to shine even brighter. She looked to Caspian, and his crown was shining brightly too, and so were the Pevensies'. As everyone applauded for the newly crowned royals, Raina said to herself, thinking of the day she started on this wild journey,

'Thank god I didn't sleep in.'

*******

After the coronation, everyone had some time to relax, before the Masquerade Ball that Caspian planned for the evening. Generally, there is a ball post coronation, but it was an innovative idea. Besides, who doesn't love a good Masquerade Ball? The fancy gowns, accessories, and of course, the mystery.

It was past noon as Raina and Susan decided to take some time at the Castle Spa.

'Ahhh I think I just fell asleep for a bit.' Raina said, completely relaxed.

'Don't worry, me too. It's hard not to.' Susan replied.

'Have you decided on what to wear today? I've never been to a masked ball, you don't really have those back in Finchley.' Raina mused, as Susan laughed slightly.

'Agreed. I have a few options in mind, but I'm not too worried considering this will probably be my 6th masked ball.' Susan commented.

'Wait, you've been to 5 masked balls? Where?!' Raina asked, curiously. Susan just shot a knowing look her way.

'Ah yes. I keep forgetting you guys were here for 15 years. I still can't believe none of you got married.' Raina said with a huff, as Susan turned to her, amused.

'Well, we did have suitors. I can't help it if they're not intelligent, they have the brain power of a piece of broccoli.' Susan commented as Raina snorted.

'Well, alright.' Raina replied, still laughing.

'Now, what's going on with you and Edmund?' Susan asked, seemingly out of nowhere catching Raina off guard. It was masterful, to say the least.

'You're good.' Raina said, surprised.

'Oh, I know. Now spill, what's going on with you two?' She asked, smirking.

'Well I mean.. there's not much to say.' Raina said in a small voice. 'Other than the fact that he asked me out and I said yes?'

'Finally. I was wondering when he'd get the guts to finally do it.' Susan said, annoyed. 'Oh what did you two do a few days ago after breakfast? I seem to recall Ed dragging you out somewhere in a hurry.' She smirked.

Raina blushed and sat up.

'I'm going to my room. We have a few hours before the ball, and I'm going for a nap.' Raina said, hurriedly as she ran out of the room, leaving a chuckling Susan behind.

Raina quickly walked back, turning around to make sure Susan wasn't coming to ask more questions. As she ran, she walked straight into someone. She was knocked off her feet, as she closed her eyes, bracing for an impact that never came. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, as she looked up to meet those dark brown eyes that never fail to make her heart race, and her cheeks blush.

'Rushing to see me? I can understand.' Edmund spoke, cockily. Raina whacked his arm as she stood back up.

'Actually, I was rushing to get a nap. Now, if you'll excuse me..' She tried to walk past him.

'Want me to join?' He said, suggestively as Raina's eyes widened and she blushed furiously before whacking his arm again.

'Ow, what was that for?' He said, annoyed as he rubbed his arm.

'For being gross, ugh.' Raina rolled her eyes as she ran to her rooms trying to fight the blush on her cheeks. Once she closed the door, she let out a relieved sigh. This peaceful moment was interrupted by yet another Pevensie. Oh wait, two of them.

'Raina.' Peter spoke.

'We've been waiting for you.' Lucy said, knowingly as Raina groaned.

'How many interrogations have I got left to do?' She asked, annoyed.

'Just one. Did Edmund ask you out or not?' Lucy responded. Raina's eyes widened and she pressed her lips into a thin line as she looked down. She threw a small smile their way as Lucy jumped up.

'I knew it!' She screamed.

'You should probably trademark that, Lu. You use it too often.' Raina sarcastically commented.

'Now, it's nap time for me, so shoo.' Raina urged Peter and Lucy out of her room and shut the door, before flopping face down on her bed, falling asleep immediately on the soft mattress.

*******

The sky was beginning to darken when Raina woke up. She yawned and stared at the ceiling for a few moments. She realised she had been drooling, and quickly wiped it away. She sat up and stretched her limbs.

Someone knocked on her door.

'Come in!' Raina called out, as Susan and Lucy shuffled in.

'Raina! You're up, good. We need to get ready, the ball is in about 2 hours.' Lucy spoke, as Raina nodded.

'Alright, let's go. Have you two decided on what you're wearing?' Raina asked.

'I seem to like red a lot these days, so I've got my red dress. Lu is going with pink.' Susan spoke.

'Urgh I have no idea what I want to wear.' Raina groaned and Lucy laughed.

'Now now, we should get ready.' Susan urged as the three girls made their own rooms to get ready.

Raina observed the racks of beautiful gowns and the array of multicoloured masks for her to wear. As the number of choices began to overwhelm her, Genevieve knocked on the door and entered.

'Your Excellency! Back at it again. Have you decided?' She asked, sweetly.

Raina's eyes landed on a blue and silver gown, with a unique neckline, it looked almost Elvish. It was beautiful, elegant and understated, but still held an aura of regality around it.

'I'm going with this one.' Raina said, gently touching the silk fabric of the gown. Genevieve nodded and smiled. Raina quickly slipped into the gown, which fitted her perfectly. She sat down at her vanity, as Genevieve began to work on her hair.

'How would you like to style it today?' She asked.

'Let's keep it simple.'

*******

'I don't think I'll ever get used to this.' She said, softly, observing herself in her full royal attire, her gown, mask and crown.

'Damnnnn.' Lucy said, as she and Susan shuffled into Raina's room. Raina chuckled.

'And damnnnn to you too, Lu.' She said, laughing.

'You two look GORGEOUS.' Raina squealed.

'You're one to talk, Raina. I wonder how Edmund is going to react..' Susan suggested, smirking.

'Shove off, Su.' Raina grumbled, trying to hide her blush.

'Come on. We should go. Peter and Ed get cranky when we girls take time to get ready.' Lucy spoke.

'Well, I'm sure this'll make up for it.' Susan gestured to Raina, as she glared at her.

'Shut up. Let's go.'

The three queens made their way down the hallway, towards the ballroom. Peter, Edmund and Caspian were already waiting, all decked out in fancy ensembles. Peter wore a black silk shirt with a navy blue coat with gold detailing, with his gold crown, and his gold mask. Caspian wore an olive green shirt with a black coat with gold detailing, matching his gold crown and mask as well. Edmund wore a white silk shirt with a black and silver coat, with a black mask, with silver detailing, matching his crown.

As the girls approached them, all three kings stilled at the sight. Caspian's jaw dropped at the sight of Susan in her bold red and gold gown, as Raina and Lucy exchanged amused glances. Peter smiled at the sight of his sisters and best friend, before sneaking a look at his younger brother, whose eyes were glued to Raina's.

'Nice to see you lot showed up.' Peter commented.

'Shut up.' Raina retorted.

'Ahem. Now that we are all here, we must enter.' Caspian spoke. He and Raina stood in the middle, Susan and Lucy next to her, while Peter and Edmund stood next to Caspian. Trumpets were sounded as the doors swung open, to reveal a ballroom full of people milling around.

'Presenting, King Caspian the Seafarer, Queen Raina the Warrior, King Peter the Magnificent, King Edmund the Just, Queen Susan the Gentle and Queen Lucy the Valiant, Kings and Queens of Narnia.' The announcer boomed in a loud voice, as they were met by applause and followed by bows and curtsies.

'Greetings, everyone!' Caspian addressed the room. 'Thank you so much for coming. We hope you enjoy your night!'

He was met by applause, and the band began to play a tune. Caspian turned to Raina as couples began to take to the dance floor in a waltz.

'It is customary as newly crowned royals that we dance.' He explained.

'I'm a pathetic dancer so if I step on your toes, it's not my fault.' She replied, nonchalantly as she accepted his hand. He led her to the dance floor as Edmund groaned in the corner.

'Ed, you okay over there?' Lucy joked as he glared at her.

'No, he just wants to dance with Raina. Please don't kill Caspian.' Susan chimed in.

'Why, is it because you fancy him?' Lucy retorted. Edmund laughed this time. Susan glared at her.

'I'm going to go mingle.' She said hurriedly and flounced off.

Edmund watched Raina and Caspian dance with gritted teeth. Peter approached him and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

'Ed, please don't tell me you plan on killing him.' He joked as Edmund threw a fake smile his way.

'Not yet.' He responded, as Peter shook his head.

'You do realise she sees Caspian as a brother, right?'

Edmund grumbled.

On the other hand, Raina somehow got the hang of dancing, Caspian led her around the floor.

'Huh, I didn't think I could dance, I keep surprising myself.' She mused.

'Is there anything you can't do?' Caspian asked.

'Hmm, probably wake up on time. I love sleep too much.' She shrugged as Caspian chuckled. He looked at something behind Raina, and laughed to himself.

'What?'

'I'm fairly certain Edmund will kill me if I don't stop now.' He explained, as the song ended and he bowed. Raina curtsied as she made her way towards Edmund, a smirk etched on her face.

'It's alright, you don't have to kill Caspian.' She reassured, as he rolled his eyes.

'Jealousy, jealousy.' Raina huffed. 'It's not a good thing, Eddie.'

Edmund perked up slightly at the nickname.

'Eddie?' He asked. Raina smiled.

Edmund looked out to the dance floor where a slow song began to play. He cheekily grinned at Raina before offering a hand to her.

'May I have this dance?' He asked. Raina blushed slightly, before looking at him.

'Thought you'd never ask.'

He led her to the dance floor, as he placed a hand on her waist, and held her hand with the other. She placed a hand on his shoulder, as they swayed to the music. Raina got an idea.

'You know, I've always loved the stars..' She began, as she snapped her fingers, and the lights in the room went out, replaced by small floating lights, gold in colour, almost like a couple hundred fireflies, that lit up the room. 'Oohs' and 'ahhs' covered the room, as everyone admired the scene change. The golden light fell on Edmund's face, as he turned to her.

'How the hell did you do that?' He asked.

'I seem to be able to do a lot of things these days.' She shrugged.

They swayed to the music, sneaking glances at one another, smiling. Raina noticed Caspian nervously ask Susan to dance, who accepted equally nervous.

'Hey, check out Susan and Caspian.' Raina gestured to where they danced. Edmund gagged.

'Eugh I don't want to see that.' He groaned as Raina laughed.

'Come on, they're cute.' Raina said, smiling at them.

Edmund noted an open door, and looked back at Raina.

'Come with me.' He said, as he led Raina out the door, which led to a beautiful secluded balcony, decked out with flowers and lights.

'Wow.' Raina breathed as she looked around.

'Wow, indeed.' Edmund commented, as he took off his mask. Raina turned around to see he was looking at her. She slowly took off her mask. Her blush was very visible.

'Shut up.' She said in a small voice. Edmund chuckled as he walked closer to her.

'Can't help it. You are beautiful, you know.' Edmund said, softly.

Raina was flustered to say the least. Edmund laughed at her slightly, before leaning down to peck her on the lips. Raina became unbelievably flustered, as she looked away.

'Nothing to say?' He challenged. Raina smirked as she grabbed his collar and pulled him down for a kiss. It completely caught him off guard, but he didn't mind it one bit. He wrapped his arms around her waist, as she ran her fingers through his hair. This kiss was passionate, yet innocent nonetheless. Edmund tilted his head to deepen the kiss. Raina was getting weak in the knees and was ever so grateful to have Edmund's arms around her, else she would be a puddle on the floor. She gently fisted the collar of his shirt, as she struggled to stand straight. They were both running out of breath, as Raina finally pulled away. They were breathing heavily as Edmund placed a hand on her face, and stared in wonder.

'Who would've thought 2 years ago we'd be here?' He said, chuckling. Raina smiled.

'I didn't. But I don't regret it one bit.'

She leaned forward and kissed him again. A chill wind blew by, causing Raina to lean closer to him, as he wrapped his arms around her. He pulled away first, smiling as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

'Will we have to leave? Go back home? After all this.' Raina asked, sadly. Edmund turned solemn as well.

'I don't know. But I promise you, Raina, I'm never leaving again.' He said, sincerely.

'Didn't work out well the last time. Maybe this time it will.'

(A/N hii so that's chapter 21, this is my longest chapter so far. 3600 words wow. i hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, this took me a while to write. thanks lovelies have an amazing day <33)

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