The day had finally come that Jadis was going to come back to power. Even though Peter now knew more about Vyrina, he was more confused than ever. She seemed to know that she was just being used and yet she didn't care. Peter had a feeling that this woman was going to remain a mystery.

Peter couldn't sleep at all that night. He was forced to stay in Vyrina's room and he wasn't willing to even turn his back to the woman. Vyrina didn't appear to get any sleep either. Something seemed to be bugging her, but Peter couldn't figure out what it was. She was so hard to read.

Peter could almost swear that he saw guilt in her eyes when she looked at him and as fast as it appeared it was gone. There was something deeper going on then what Peter was being told, but he knew that he wouldn't be able to get any more information. Vyrina barely talked to Peter while she was preparing for the ceremony that night. Everyone seemed to be keeping a closer eye on her. Especially the maid, Saline, who was looking from Peter to Vyrina half of the time. Peter had a feeling that there was something else going on other than the ceremony.

A couple of hours passed and everyone began to clear out of the room to set things up. Vyrina stayed behind with Saline, who seemed to just annoy Vyrina with her presence. It was unusual since Vyrina seemed to always be alone with Peter.

“Everything is prepared,” Vyrina stated, simply.

“Am I supposed to be happy about that?” Peter asked.

“You being happy isn't our first priority,” said Saline, grinning.

“I wasn't exactly talking to you,” said Peter, harshly. Saline seemed taken aback, but Vyrina grinned slightly, as if she was trying to hide it.

“You should learn to have more manners to a Queen,” said Saline angry. Peter leaned forward slightly.

“I wasn't talking to the Queen. I was talking to a maid,” said Peter. “And I'm a king, in case you forgot, but nobody seems to want to show me respect. So why should I respect you.”

Saline opened her mouth to reply, but Vyrina held her hand up.

“That's enough,” she said. “This isn't the time for fighting. It's a happy occasion after all.”

Something about the way Vyrina said that made Peter thing she was not truly happy about what she was doing. Which made him wonder why she was doing it.

“I think it is time we headed to the basement to get fully ready for the ceremony,” said Vyrina. “Saline lead the way.”

Saline glared at Vyrina, but obeyed the Queen's order. Vyrina followed glancing back at Peter. Peter followed reluctantly and as soon as Saline was out of the door, he hurried forward, closing it and locking it behind him. Before Vyrina could react he had her up against the wall.

“I want to know what you are doing” he said.

“You already know what I'm doing,” Vyrina replied, trying to break free.

“That's not what I mean,” said Peter, firmly. “You don't actually want to do this. So why are you?”

Vyrina was silent. She seemed to be thinking her answer through carefully.

“I don't have a choice,” said Vyrina refusing to look him in the eye.

“Of course you do,” Peter replied, loosening his grip. “You are the one who set this up, you can stop it.”

“I could stop it,” said Vyrina, looking into Peter's eyes. “But I can't now. I have already lost the chance to stop this. It's out of my hands.”

“What are you talking about?” Peter asked, confused.

“Peter, I'm sorry,” said Vyrina. “No matter what path I choose, it ends in despair for me. I have to do this.”

“Why would it end in despair for you if you didn't bring Jadis back?” Peter asked.

“I just would,” said Vyrina, there was a knock on the door.

“Vyrina, are you alright?” Came a males voice.

“I'm fine,” said Vyrina. “I was just talking with the high king.”

“You know how we feel about you being alone with him,” said the voice.

“I'll be fine,” said Vyrina. “He isn't going anywhere.”

“Why can't you tell me what you're hiding?” Peter asked in a hushed tone.

Vyrina looked away again. He could see a tear make it's way down her cheek. He began to fear that she was being forced to do this, but if she was the queen, why was she unable to stop it?

“Peter. . “ she started.

“Stop beating around the bush and tell me why you think you have to do this,” said Peter.

“Because they're going to kill you if I don't,” Vyrina blurted out.

“What?” Peter asked.

Vyrina took a deep breath. “They are going to kill you if I don't do this.”

“Aren't they going to kill me anyway?” Peter asked. “And why do you care if they kill me?”

Vyrina shifted her weight uncomfortable, still unable to look at Peter. “They promised you would be able to walk away after the ceremony if I make you go through with it, but if you don't they will kill you.”

Peter stared at the young queen. She began to let the tears fall down her cheeks and Peter began to feel sorry for her. But he was still curious about something.

“Why do you care so much?”

“What?” she asked finally looking up.

“You're willing to put Narnia into another war, just to save my life,” said Peter. “Why do you care if I live or die?”

Vyrina looked away again, but stayed silent.

“If I have to die to save Narnia, I will,” Peter stated.

“No,” Vyrina exclaimed. “I can't. . .I . . just can't, okay.”

“Vyrina. .” Peter started.

“We should go,” said Vyrina turning around. Peter grabbed her hand and pulled her to him; she looked at him in shock. But he ignored it, moving closer and gently pressing his lips to hers. She was surprised by his sudden actions, but quickly gave in as the kiss became more passionate. Vyrina moved her hands to his neck as she pulled him closer to her. They became lost in the moment as someone suddenly knocked on the door. Vyrina reluctantly pulled away and looked back to the door.

“Vyrina?” came Saline's voice.

“We're coming,” said Vyrina, looking back to Peter who just nodded.