•King Caspian: A New Dawn•

Chapter Twenty

Days passed without incident at the palace and in time worry over Professor Cornelius's condition lessened. Melioralee held quiet the details of their conversation in the library and stayed as close to the professor as she could. They spent many hours, often with Caspian, speaking of time gone by. The bond they shared became deep with each day that passed.

Before they knew it the week of the Festival of Ancients was upon them. Their every waking hours soon became consumed by planning and preparations for the event. Despite Caspian's continued protests, Professor Cornelius helped wherever he could, and took advantage of every moment to do what he did best: teach.

Many a night would find Caspian and the professor in long talks in the library. Many a night they spent charting the stars and studying the skies. And with each day and night that passed, hope and optimism around the professor's condition grew.

Finally, the festival arrived, and the palace was filled with life. From morning to night, the people celebrated with joy. The magic of the land seemed to consume everything the eye could see and more. For a time, the weight of death and darkness had vanished, replaced by a spirit of happiness and peace.

Melioralee was thriving in the midst of Narnia's celebration of history and culture. She walked the halls with grace each day; welcoming every Narnian who came through the gate. She was getting to know the people, hearing their stories and why Narnia was special to each one. She treasured every moment, for never had her heart experienced and radiated so much joy.

Her radiance did not go unnoticed by anyone, as she became known among the Narnians as "the woman with the shining smile".

Caspian couldn't have been more thrilled by his people's response to her and her growing love for them.

For a moment, life was perfect.

And yet, all good things must eventually come to an end.

The much anticipated, final day of the festival, The Day of Remembrance, came quickly and the buzz and business at the palace increased by a threefold.

Every hall and open room were filled with guests, laughing and socializing the day away.

Melioralee had been up since before the sun, assisting with the preparations for the night's Great Feast. Caspian tried many times to pull her away from the work to visit with the people but she insisted on staying right at Narella's side until the work was done.

"My dear, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done today!" Narella said, throwing her arms around Melioralee and pulling her into a hug.

"I'm so thankful you allowed me to help!" Melioralee replied, returning Narella's embrace. "You are coming to the feast tonight, aren't you?"

"You had better believe it! I wouldn't miss enjoying the rewards of all that hard work!"

"Nor should you! You deserve a night of celebration! In fact, I-"

Melioralee's comment was suddenly interrupted, cut off by the frantic voice of Jasira.

"Melioralee? Has anyone seen her? Where is Melioralee?"

Melioralee rushed into the kitchen and quickly reassured Jasira she was not lost.

"I didn't think I was expected to get ready for another two hours."

"It's not that, Melioralee." Jasira explained breathlessly. "It's the professor...he's had another attack. They've just moved him to his quarters. The king ordered I bring you up...it doesn't look good."

"Tell no one of this." Melioralee ordered Narella, being sure to hug the worried woman before she left.

Melioralee and Jasira nearly flew through the halls and up the stairs to Professor Cornelius's room.