~

The recovery process was daunting.

As Adeline spent a couple of days in the infirmary, Morgana explained to her the healing process of the firefly juice. It would work in a matter of minutes on any other creature or human but on a fae it combated with the magic within them, resulting in it taking longer. Adeline only caught every other word as she slipped in and out of consciousness.

Peter, who had stayed with her as she healed, repeated it to her slowly as he held her hand. Adeline had barely any strength remaining so all she could do to comfort the worried boy was to squeeze his hand back.

In the morning, a couple of days after the battle, Adeline woke feeling slightly refreshed. The wound on her abdomen still ached with every movement but being able to look around without getting dizzy was still a start.

She slipped out from underneath the covers to see that someone had changed her out of her armour and cleaned her up, putting her in a simple white dress. Bandages around her stomach restrained her from bending over too much and when she pushed up the baggy sleeves she could see both arms wrapped around in bandages as well.

Her brown hair fell around her in loose waves as she grit her teeth and stood. Her legs almost failed her and she gave a wobble but she managed to catch herself on the edge of the bed. Her feet were bare and they prickled as she took a couple of steps, getting used to the aches.

The infirmary was empty save for the musty smell of blood and stuffy air. Adeline had to get out of here. The moment she stepped outside she was overwhelmed by the noise and sounds. It seemed like the camp was being packed up, tents were being taken down and bags filled.

She was about to take another step into camp before hesitating. She needed a moment to herself, this was all too much. Instead, Adeline swivled and opted for the woods which looked much calmer than the camp.

As she walked farther, taking her time as her hand rested on her abdomen she took in the Narnian air. It had changed. There used to be an air of dread hanging over the country, as if any second something terrible was going to happen but instead the songsof birds and rustling of leaves soothed the land.

Adeline followed the trail of trees to a river bank, the soft grass under her feet turning into mud as she got closer. Finally, a moment to catch her breath. With a grunt she sat on a rock and dipped her toes into the water.

The cool refreshing river calmed her mind as she took a breath, the first breath without consequences in ages. Adeline stretched out her hand and called on her magic. The blue wisps fizzled out at first but after a few moments finally flowed out like smoke, swirling around her and fading away. At least her magic was back to normal.

The sun shone through the trees as Adeline allowed herself to bask. No battle, no witch, no duties, just her. She hadn't done this since the beginning of summer back in England, that now seemed like it had happened a thousand years ago.

For a moment Adeline listened. Not to any person or creature, but to herself. She listened to the pain in her body, the calm, the love. She listened to the birds singing their tunes, to the babbling brook, to the trees calling out her name, Adeline... Adeline... Adeline.

"Adeline!" a voice broke the silence. Adeline's eyes shot open and she realized that the sun had moved above them and time had flown by. She shot up from where she lay with a groan as she forgot her injury.

Peter broke out of the woods behind her. He was in a simple white tunic and brown pants and boots. His hair was awry and his blue eyes wide as he finally spotted her.

"Adeline," he ran up, hoping onto the rock, "What are you doing here? I thought you had been kidnapped, you can't just leave like that?!"

"Shhh," Adeline whispered, there was nothing to worry about anymore, she wanted the peace she so desperately craved. "Sit down Peter," her voice was raspy with unuse.

"We've got to go," he insisted, "They're packing up camp, we're heading to Cair Paravel."

"Sit," she said firmly. Adeline's free hand reached up to clasp his and she gently tugged him down. With a huff he relented and sat beside her, his feet dangling off the rock beside her.

"What's gotten into you?" he finally murmured. His breath close to her ear.

Adeline laughed softly, "We're finally free." she said, "No war, no witch, no running." She tipped her head back, drinking in the sun, "Just us."

Peter's arm wrapped around her shoulder as his chin rested on the top of her head, "Just us," he whispered.

They breathed in the Narnian air, the rhythm of Peter's chest behind her as she moved closer, seeking the warmth. He pulled her close and the two children just sat and listened for a moment.

"We've really got to go back."

"Oh alright."

~

The field was now barren. Where there used to be tents and weapons laying about, there were now backed carts and bags to carry. Each creature took whatever they could carry and they began their trek to Cair Paravel.

Aslan, along with the five children and two generals took the lead. They laughed and shared stories as they journeyed throughout the day. Some fauns and dryads even took out their instruments to play and the air was filled with merry tunes.

Adeline was relieved and traded stories with Willow and the others. As they walked together Adeline made sure she wasn't in earshot of anyone else before whispering a request into Willows ear. The dryad nodded happily and disappeared to complete the task.

A few hours of walking later, however, took its toll on Adeline as her injury ached and her legs grew weary. Quinn offered to carry her however and Adeline couldn't thank the heavens enough for such a loyal friend.

Finally, they arrived at Cair Paravel as the sun began to set. The white castle towered above them on a cliff overlooking the sea. As the camp rode up Adeline could hear the splashing of waves and watched as the wind rippled through the flags on top of the towers. The sun reflected off the marble, giving it a glowing look.

Adeline was born here. This was her home, her parent's home. The realization was finally dawning on her as she rode up the cliffside to the entrance of the courtyard. She had been here before. Seeing the carvings on the doors of a lion and their family crest brought back memories. She could vaguely remember being sat on a horse with a man wearing a crown, laughing as he sped up. She could remember a woman waiting for them at the door with open arms.

The creatures all seemed to go on with their business, each one having their jobs to do in preparations of the coronation. Adeline hopped off Quinn who bowed and headed to the stables. The four children, Morgana, Orieus and Aslan headed inside.

"The castle has been repaired over the past hundred years," Morgana explained. "We kept the original structure and architecture and were able to recover many of the artifacts from kings and queens before." Morgana led them through the entrance gates into a beautiful entrance room with stairs on both sides leading up to what Adeline guessed was the ball room.

Peter beside her, held out his arm and she gratefully took it, leaning on him for support as she gazed in wonder at what used to be, and now is, her home. Their home.

As they were led down a sideways hallway Adeline couldn't help but stare at the portraits lined on the walls. They were of king and queens from centuries ago, most were smiling and surrounded by their children. They reached the end of the hallway and Adeline froze in her tracks.

The last portrait was the newest of them all and yet still old. A bright eyed and dark haired king stood upright and tall in regal clothing. He had crow feet under his eyes, a product of smiling. His mouth was drawn up in a soft smile and his gaze was soft. Sat in front of him was his queen, a long haired poised lady. Her eyes were a deep shade of blue and her dress flowed to the ground. In her arms was a babe, who shared the same eyes and hair as her mother but when Adeline looked closer, she noticed the baby had her fathers smile.

Adeline separated from Peter, dropping his arm as she approached the portrait carefully, as if any sudden movement would bring them to life. She almost wished they would.

"Is that..." her voice broke.

"Your parents." Aslan spoke, "The last king and queen of Narnia."

A small hand grabbed hers as Lucy came up for a closer look, "You look like your mum."

Adeline shook her head slightly, "I look like my dad too." she reached up to touch the painted smile on the babys face before touching her own mouth.

Staring at it for too long brought an unwanted feeling. The depth of her stomach began to curl as she remembered what had happened to them.

"This way," Morgana thankfully interrupted, "I'll lead you to your rooms."

The four children separated from Aslan and Orieus and followed Morgana up some stairs. Adeline couldn't help but glance back and committed this hallway to memory, she had to come back.

~

Night was finally falling. Orange rays fell from the balcony window into Adelines room as she lay on her enormous bed. It was extravagant. Even living in her grandfathers mansion, Adeline wasn't prepared to have such a large room to call her own. It came with a bathroom, looking glass and it's very own wardrobe. She even had a desk set up near a window where there was a seating area. Adeline spent a moment unpacking her journal and kelt before flopping onto her bed and wishing for it to swallow her whole. This had been such a tiring journey and she wished for nothing but blissful sleep. Unfortunatly it wouldn't come yet.

Adeline dragged herself out of bed and to the bathroom where heaved herself onto the sink. Willow, who was now her lady in waiting as Morgana informed her, had left some bandages and ointment for the last of her scars to heal. With a hiss she lifted up her tunic to reveal the bandages around her abdomen and began to undo them.

The sight was bearable. It had healed plenty before this and now the only thing remaining were multiple scars. One of them was very red and Willow had told her that she needed to apply the ointment to avoid further infection.

That was a difficult task and within minutes Adeline nearly threw the jar at the wall in frustration as she struggled to keep her bandages on.

"Adeline?" a knock at the door.

"In here!" Adeline shouted, still struggling to avoid accidentally staining her shirt.

"I- oh." Peter froze at the door of the bathroom as he quickly averted his gaze.

Adeline giggled, "It's alright, I'm decent." She grabbed the lid of the jar and tried to close it.

"Crap," she muttered as it fell to the floor.

"Here let me." Peter closed it for her before grabbing the bandages. His eyes searched hers for permission which she granted with a nod before he began to wrap them around her waist.

Adeline's hands clutched at her shirt as Peter drew closer, with a gentleness he wrapped his arms around her again and again, finally tying off the bandages with a small knot.

"Thanks," she whispered, tugging her shirt down.

"Of course," he smiled. Peter, however, didn't move. For a moment the two just sat there, sharing the small space in between them. Adeline made the first move, leaning down and resting her forehead on his shoulder.

Peter's arms came around her, avoiding her wounds and held her as she took in the sound of his breathing.

"You alright?" he hummed.

"Mhm." Adeline nodded her head, "Just tired."

"Come on." he let go of her and held out a hand, "Off to bed."

Adeline rolled her eyes before taking it and hopping off the counter, "Alright mum."

Peter went ahead of her, jumping on the bed and throwing a pillow at her as she crawled in beside him.

"You're such a kid," she elbowed him.

Peter set down the second pillow he was about to throw as his smile disappeared, "Crazy how us kids are going to be kings and queens tomorrow."

"Yea," Adeline muttered, her eyelids feeling heavier with every passing second. "But that's for tomorrow me to worry about." She turned and buried her face into the pillow, "Today me is going to sleep until then."

The last thing she heard before she drifted off was Peters' soft laugh and his arm slithers across her and pulling her in.

~

The soft fabric of the strip of kelt was wrapped around her finger as Willow brushed through her hair. The dryad was braiding and pleating, pinning and curling and had been going non-stop for an hour. Adeline was growing bored but there was not much she could do as she prepared to be crowned.

That morning, Morgana had burst into her room, startling both her and Peter. After a sharp word about assuming he had gone missing, their work began. She was bathed, cleaned, done up and slipped into the most beautiful gown Adeline had ever owned. It was a corseted dress with a sweetheart neckline with drooping, long puffy sleeves. It was made of a light fabric with multiple layers and the long sapphire blue dress pooled around her chair where she was sitting.

Adeline's fingers twirled the piece of kelt around as her mind wandered. Last night her dreams had been filled with nothingness. That was better than the nightmares but still concerned her. Shouldn't normal people dream?

"Is she almost ready?" Morgana asked as she walked into the room, a long dark blue cape in hand.

"Almost," Willow said, her fingers working quickly and finishing off Adeline's hair.

"Willow." Adeline said sitting up straight, "Do you mind fetching the thing for me." Willow's eyes sparkled with knowing before she disappeared out of the room.

"The thing?" Morgana raised a brow.

Adeline smiled innocently, "Yes the thing."

Morgana said nothing as Adeline stood up and the older woman helped her clip on the long heavy robe with a golden chain.

The silence was comforting, but Adeline couldn't help but fidget with the Kelt fabric in her hands before opening her mouth.

"Could I tell you something?" she asked.

Morgana's hands froze at her shoulders before she responded, "Of course, your majesty."

"No," Adeline turned around, "None of that. You're my mentor and the last of my people. Call me Adeline, please."

Morgana nodded solemnly, "Of course, Adeline."

Adeline took a breath before sitting back down on her chair, "I've been having... nightmares." she watched Morgana's reaction through the mirror, nothing but a raised brow.

"They've been around since I was little and in them, I used to always see visions of what I know now, was Cair Paravel and my parents. They stopped when the Pevensies arrived but they always seem to appear before something happens."

Morgana registered the words, her eyes flitting between Adeline and the ground, "I understand." she said, "It seems your magic is quite reactive then."

Adeline turned in her seat to face the woman, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Morgana's eyes softened for a moment. The general that Adeline's was used to seeing gave away into a fae who had lived multiple lifetimes.

"Your mother had nightmares too." she began, "They started a bit before the attack. She would be awake every night, restless and frantic. The couple of times I caught her she was standing over your bed, stroking your hair and singing to you." Morgana sighed, "I begged her to tell me what was going on but she only told me that no matter what you had to survive."

Adeline's throat closed and tears threatened the corners of her eyes. "My mother knew about the attack."

Morgana nodded, "She also knew that it was too late to gather forces. Narnia had been a peaceful country for several centuries and I hate to say it but we were soft, unprotected. We didn't even have a proper military. We were a perfect target."

Morgana strode to the bed and sat down, it was as if all the energy had been stripped from her, "Your mother knew it was her time. For the last couple of days, it seemed as if she was saying goodbye. We did manage to get the palace guards ready as quickly as possible and set up some defence but those were destroyed in a matter of minutes. The last time I saw her was during the battle. She had you in hand and was escaping through the castle's secret catacombs." Morgana brows furrowed, "She said goodbye to me for the last time. At that moment I knew she was going to be dead."

Adeline swallowed the information. Her head spun with the idea that her mother knew what was going on and accepted death as a friend.

"And my father?" she whispered.

"He knew as well. She told him." Morgana stood and came over to Adeline, placing a hand on her shoulder, "They spent their last days with you."

Adeline wiped away the tear which had escaped. "So the nightmares are warnings."

Morgana nodded slowly, "Of a sort. It's your magic reacting. It's drawn to Narnia which is why it acted out so suddenly. I'm guessing the reason yours was so vivant is that your magic was blocked in the other world so it was using your nightmares to filter itself out."

Adeline turned her palm upwards, allowing her magic to escape from her fingertips, "So I was a boiling pot, ready to spill at any moment. And the leaks were escaping through my dreams."

Morgana said, "Yes, but now that Narnia is finally at peace, and you can control your magic, they should disappear."

Adeline swatted at the stray wisps before turning to Morgana, "I haven't told anyone else except my grandfather about them so please, keep it a secret I don't want anyone to worry."

Morgana nodded solemnly, "I promise."

"Your Majesty," Willow bowed her head. In her arms was the most vibrant purple fabric.

Adeline took it from the girls arms, "Thank you." She held up the fabric, the long purple material shimmered in the sub and moved like the waves.

"After you told me what happened," Adeline addressed Morgana, whose eyes were fixed on the material, "I asked Willow and some other dryads to help me create you a new Kelt." she folded it and held out to Morgana, "I'm not sure how traditional that is but it was the best I could do in short notice."

Morgana didn't waver. Her whole body had gone rigid as she slowly reached out and took the Kelt from the girl's arms.

"You had this made," Morgana's voice was soft, "For me?"

Adeline nodded, "I hoped you could wear it to the coronation today."

Morgana finally looked up, the hint of a shimmer gleamed in her eyes as she bowed deeply, "I am eternally grateful, your Majesty."

Adeline took Morgana by the shoulder and pulled her in, her arms weaving around the older woman's neck, "It is my honour." 

~

The trumpets sounded loud and clear throughout the great hall. 

As Adeline walked through the double doors, her cape dragging behind her and her friends